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Investigating Food Used in Novels

This month’s food scene and recipes come from Katherine Hutchison-Hayes’ Suspense/Thriller novel, A Fifth of the Story. 

CIA operative Brock O’Reilly meets with two agents. Using a restaurant as a backdrop, the author gives the reader a sense of the characters and how they interact. (Wait until you see what’s in the North Pole special they order.)

Here is the scene:

Brock winced as he gingerly pushed his swollen, bloody hand into the glove. He got out of his car and limped to the restaurant. Each step became more excruciating than the last. He kept his eyes down and his peripheral vision sharp, watching every person who walked by.

Brock entered the rally point and looked around but couldn’t get a visual on Berkley or Dexter.

While waiting for the hostess to seat the patrons ahead of him,

Brock wondered if he could’ve prevented any of the recent nightmarish events. Like a TV rerun, he continued to replay the deaths of his fellow agents, and an abysmal chasm opened within him. Maybe I’m responsible.

“Any particular table for you today?” the hostess asked.

“I’d like to be seated at table ten if possible.”

“Right this way.”

She led Brock to a dark corner booth separated by a wide glass partition he hadn’t noticed earlier. She handed him a menu before walking back to her station.

Brock picked up the menu and instantly decided he needed caffeine—

lots of it.

“Sir, are you dining by yourself, or are you expecting company?”

his waiter asked.

He looked up. “I’m expecting two friends,” Brock said. “But I’ll take

a triple expresso while I wait.”

No sooner had the waiter hurried off than Berkley walked into the

restaurant. Brock waved him over to the table.

“Good timing,” Berkley said breathlessly and handed Brock a nondescript backpack. “This is for you.”

“Thanks. I think?”

Brock hauled the heavy bag onto the seat next to him. Before long, the front pocket of the bag began vibrating. He opened the pocket, retrieved the vibrating phone, and answered it.

“Yeah?”

“You can hang up. It’s just me making sure you’re connected,”

Berkley said. “Go ahead and check the inside pocket.”

Brock searched the pocket and found a ticket to JFK for the next

day. He was flying under an alias. He nodded to Berkley. “Got it.”

“Also, inside the backpack is a wallet complete with an ID card with

your new name and enough cash to get to New York. Pay your portion

of today’s bill with the cash provided.”

“Wait a second, where’s Santa’s lookalike?”

A high-pitched laugh rang through the restaurant. “I suppose you

mean my partner, Agent Dexter. He’ll be here in a few. The guy’s a

total foodie and stopped to chat it up with people he knows in the

kitchen,” Berkley said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he went ahead and

ordered for us.”

Brock looked up while he was being served his expresso. Santa had

walked from the kitchen and was headed toward their table. “Speaking

of the devil,” Brock said.

“Might I recommend item number eight?” Santa winked and sat

across the table.

Brock checked the menu. “Thanks. I think I’ll go with your recommendation.”

“I’ll get the North Pole special, too,” Berkley said, chuckling.

“Excellent choices.” Santa tapped his menu. “Because I already ordered for us.”

Author Katherine Hutchison-Hayes, who enjoys being a foodie herself, shares this recipe for the North Pole Special that Agent Dexter orders.

                                                      North Pole Special

                         (Maple Bacon Waffles and Sausage-Cheese Stuffed Crepes)

For the recipes go to Investigatin’ Recipes above under Investigator’s blog or Click Here.

More about A Fifth of the Story:

There’s an attack on US soil, and Brock?an agent of the CIA?finds himself in the middle of the mess. He soon discovers that there’s been a breach that threatens not only to destroy the nation’s safety, but very possibly, Brock’s own life.

In the race against the clock, Brock tries to keep his field officer’s wife and children safe and stay alive.

In the midst of the chaos, Brock discovers one of his closest allies is a part of the dangerous intelligence breach responsible for a recent string of crimes by an extremist organization.

It’s up to Brock to either take down the organization or find himself?and those he loves most?at their mercy.

A Fifth of the Story is the suspenseful, action-packed tale of one man's courage and resilience as he works against the clock to save the lives of his two best friends and, ultimately, the freedom he's fought for as a CIA agent during one of the US's history's darkest hours, using the backdrop of espionage, loyalty, betrayal, and the ultimate test of friendship.

About the author:

Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed. D. is a multi-talented individual who has been actively involved in leadership roles for many years. She is an author, speaker, educational consultant, and editor, with a passion for delivering impactful messages that resonate with her audience. Her unique style of storytelling, infused with quick wit and real-life experiences, makes her a sought-after speaker for various events and conferences.

She currently serves as a content editor and writing coach for Iron Stream Media, where she is responsible for ensuring the quality of content produced by the team. Additionally, she works as a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines, where she provides feedback on manuscripts to ensure that the content is culturally sensitive and inclusive.

As a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations, an online magazine for Christian writers, Katherine actively supports and encourages aspiring writers to hone their skills and pursue their passion for writing.

Her work in poetry, art, and writing has earned her numerous awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference.

Connect with her at https://www.drkatherinehayes.com/