Who is murdering the Eastern States Football League officials in Vanmer, Pennsylvania? And why is the killer using Vanmer Vipers’ helmets as murder weapons? Johnny Knight, photojournalist for the Independent, takes on one of the most dangerous jobs and responsibilities he has ever attempted. As he begins to unravel clues about the Helmet Killer murders, he uncovers a gambling ring involving numerous Viper players and a real estate mogul with a town full of secrets. And what about the missing money from the first victim, a whopping nine hundred thousand dollars? Is a Viper footballer paying off his steep gambling debts by murdering well-to-do officials? Along the way, Johnny falls in love with two very attractive and different men -- the sexy owner of McMuscles Gym, Matthew McDestin, and the jockish running back for the Vanmer Vipers, Beckley Roarke. Both have a piece of Johnny's heart, and both really don't want to share Johnny. So what's a detective to do when he's seeing two hotties at the same time? Can Johnny piece together the puzzle of murder and bring the Helmet Killer to justice, putting Vanmer at peace again?

Double Coverage

“You’re going against the Vipers? You always bet on the dog player?” he asked, referring to the underdog.


I nodded. “Is that a bad idea?” I knew that it wasn’t but wanted to hear what he had to say.


“It’s your money, pal. You do what you want. I’d bet on the Vipers if I were you.” He only said that because he probably knew that the Vipers were going to lose and then he’d end up with my cash.


“Exactly. I’ll give you a check for one-thousand-one-hundred later today. I’ll drop it off at your condo.”


He shook his head and said, “No check. I only take cash. And don’t ever visit my condo. We’ll meet at Talon Park at the Chuck Chutney statue. You can give me the money at four o’clock this afternoon.”


I agreed, pleased with my decision, believing that maybe betting and bad bookies had something to do with Tad Dossner’s murder.


Chapter 14