Showing Erotic Resolution by Glenn Smith

Flint Rock, retired airline pilot living in Texas, agrees to investigate an art theft in Chicago. He renews his friendship with a beautiful young woman who knows a great deal about French Impressionism. He and she go to Paris in search of answers and there they encounter a Hong Kong based gang that calls itself the 14K. They follow the leader of 14K to Punta del Este, Uruguay by way of Buenos Aires.

All of Flint's acumen and skills in dramatic problem solving are needed to keep them alive and well. He and she make friends with an FBI agent and with two Chinese spies along the way.

In South America they are confronted with the fact that an information leak exists. It takes a Chinese spy and a Mexican drug czar to unravel the fact that a professor from the United States has taught the Chinese how to steal secret information easily without getting caught.

In a dramatic meeting between the leader of a Mexican cartel and the leader of 14K, things fail to go as the 14K "grand dragon" wants. An exchange of gunfire compels Flint to take a hand in disarming the 14K whose leader, it turns out, is not who he claims to be.

Eighteen ancient Chinese oil paintings are at the center of the action. In the end, they show up in a surprising location. The government of the People's Republic of China demand their return, but that is resisted. The paintings were to have been destroyed by the Red Guard in 1966; however, an audacious woman saved them. Her grandson is killed because of the paintings and the PRC government becomes involved in trying to locate her grandson's killer and the paintings.

The exotic destination of Punta del Este, Uruguay--one of South America's most glamorous playgrounds for the rich--is the site of much of the action.

The story ends with a surprise development that will please readers. Flint Rock is not the only character whom readers will like and admire.

The story is right out of today's headlines. The issues of good and darkness are as old as time. Connection, friendship, and trust are as desirable as ever.

The tension that builds finds resolution. The aftermath of the storm is calm.

The story is one of courage and resilience, persistence and steady resolve.