Double Mocha Blues, Chapter 13
Do you think her killer could be someone I know?
A new chapter from Double Mocha Blues is posted every Saturday.
About the Book: Jocelyn “Joss” Miller, a twenty-something barista, works at Sugar Creek Cafe, a hip coffeehouse with deep ties to the local arts and music community. Joss is finally feeling like she’s found her purpose as her recently launched true crime podcast soars in popularity. With her family’s blessings, Joss produces a special tribute to her grandfather.
What seems like a step towards healing instead sets off a firestorm of reactions in the community. There are a few who would rather not be reminded of how Joss’s grandfather had been murdered years ago. When the staunchest protester is found dead, Joss becomes the number one suspect.
The first three chapters are available for FREE! Start at the beginning.
COLD JUSTICE PODCAST Episode 4: The Teacher
Joss: Welcome back to the Cold Justice Podcast. Thank you for joining us for Episode #4. I have a very special guest with me. Esther Gibson was August Manning’s former teacher. Ms. Gibson, thank you for joining me today.
Esther: Thank you for having me, Joss. It’s an honor to share my memories of August with you.
Joss: Ms. Gibson, you had the privilege of teaching August Manning. Can you tell us a little bit about him as a student and what he was like in the classroom?
Esther: August was an exceptional student. He possessed a hunger for knowledge and a genuine curiosity about the world around him. He was diligent, respectful, and always eager to learn. To this day, I still remember that little boy who excelled on every test and had a thirst for learning.
Joss: My grandfather’s love for baseball was well-known. He was in your fifth grade class, which was also the same year he started playing. How did he balance his schoolwork and playing sports?
Esther: August’s passion for baseball was contagious. He would often incorporate the sport into his assignments and projects, finding creative ways to bring his love for the game into the classroom. August’s dedication to baseball and his dreams of becoming the next Jackie Robinson fueled not only his ambitions, but inspired his peers too.
Joss: August’s murder was a devastating loss for the community. How was the community affected?
Esther: The community had great hopes for August. Everyone recognized his incredible talent and believed he had the potential to make a significant impact, both on and off the baseball field. August represented more than just a talented athlete; he was a symbol of hope and progress.
The community saw in him the possibility of breaking barriers and challenging the racial prejudices that plagued society at the time. I would say his loss broke a lot of people’s dreams and hearts, even their spirits. Many people were afraid anyway during those times, and his murder seemed to compound that fear even more.
Joss: Thank you, Ms. Gibson, for sharing your insights and memories of August Manning. Your perspective as his former teacher provides valuable insights into his character and the impact he had on those around him.
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