Field of Danger, 4

Filed in: Excerpts

This week, we talk about hats. In Field of Danger, one of the main clues is a dark red hat with a very distinctive mark on it. I specifically chose dark red as the color because those hats are everywhere in Middle Tennessee. Not only is it a major color for a number of college teams, it also shows up on a number of corporate hats.

But April also mentions “Big Orange,” which is a reference to the University of Tennessee sports teams. UT is a major cultural element in Tennessee, and when the faithful gather in Neyland Stadium for a football game in the fall, the STADIUM becomes the fifth largest “city” in Tennessee. It’s one of the largest stadiums in the nation . . . and still far too small to hold everyone who wants tickets.

Football in Tennessee isn’t so much a game as an event. They even write books about it.

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He put his face directly in front of hers, his black eyes focused solely on hers. He cupped her face with one hand so that she couldn’t turn away. “We already suspect the killer is local. Someone we know. I don’t want you to ignore any insight you may have, any memory. But you can’t let them throw you either. Memories can’t hurt you, and I’m going to make sure the present doesn’t either. I’ll protect you.”

The soothing warmth of his palm had its intended effect, and April took a deep breath, willing her spirit to stay calm. “OK. I don’t really mean to wig out every time I remember something. And I know that every guy in town may have a red hat in his closet.”

He nodded. “At least two ball teams, two corporations . . . and anyone who’s a fan of the University of Alabama.”

“I thought this was mostly University of Tennessee country. Big Orange.”

Daniel sat back and rested one arm on the table. “Mostly. I’m sure quite a few make the trek to Neyland Stadium every fall Saturday, but there are a lot of Tide folks around. The point being . . .”

“. . . lots of red hats.”

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