Check: A Novella

by Steve Williams

A fresh atmosphere and taut prose make this novella an enjoyable read. - Kirkus Chef Carlo Zaratti is on the cusp of greatness. He and his wife Mali own Z, a breakout restaurant getting rave reviews from patrons and critics. They are also expecting their first child. Their lives take a dark turn when Mali is diagnosed with a terminal illness. As his world begins to crumble, Carlo is distraught until their obstetrician offers a glimmer of hope: there is one patient who has survived the disease, thanks to an expensive regimen of treatment. With the restaurant still in debt, Carlo must find a way to raise almost five million dollars. A wealthy and unscrupulous patron of the restaurant refers Carlo to a mystery man - a 'fixer' who can solve almost any problem. But the mystery man has an agenda of his own, and Carlo is thrown into a pressure cooker of emotional intensity.

Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2012

About the author

Steve Williams is a 25-year veteran of the advertising industry. He has created award-winning ads and commercials that have been recognized in Cannes, New York, Toronto and Los Angeles. He left his job as Chief Creative Officer at a national ad agency to concentrate on writing. He has been a marketing columnist and freelance writer, and is now based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada (an hourʼs drive from the Rocky Mountains).