Tony Charelle is the protagonist who appears in all three novels. He is my last character for a back story.
In England in the mid-1600’s, a young girl, the mistress of a wealthy man, died in childbirth. The midwife took the baby boy home thereby enlarging her brood of orphaned children. As the child grew, the other boys introduced him into the culture of street life. Highly intelligent, cunning and quick-witted, he developed a complete lack of compassion for the welfare of others.
When he was ten years old, he attempted to pick the pocket of a wealthy-looking gentleman. He felt the sharp rap of a cane across his knuckles. The “gentleman” was an emissary from Satan who had been observing the boy for several years. He offered the boy opportunities and a life he could only dream about. He named him Tony Charelle. Being merely a child and not understanding the enormity of what he was being offered, he casually exchanged his soul for immortality. He received the tutelage necessary to pursue his dreams of wealth and privilege. When his education was complete, he became another emissary. Charelle developed no emotional ties to humans. They were objects to be used to achieve his goals. Compassion, integrity and principles were human failings to be exploited.
Charelle was a terrifying creature in human form. Physically he was an attractive and charming man. He used his physical appearance and practiced mannerisms to lure people into believing in the possibility of achieving their dreams. In the end, people truly understood the price of reality.
As he travelled through the centuries, he often led a double life organizing and participating in criminal enterprises while offering sympathy and protection to wealthy citizens. He was a man for all seasons. Eventually, he became wealthy and prosperous and was well-respected by the political and financial elite.
While on assignment in Canada, Charelle passed through the settlement of Newcombe. The people were not friendly or welcoming, simply civil. He observed a strong bond and sense of community among the people. Something indefinable in Newcombe bothered Charelle. He returned to England and lived extravagantly enjoying the comforts and luxuries obtained through his efforts not only decades but centuries earlier. Now rich and bored he decided to return to Canada. His new assignment was a citizen of Newcombe. He was not successful. Failure was not tolerated.
Charelle was given another assignment which would have world-wide consequences. He returned to Newcombe. It would be his last hurrah.