We have with us today Special Agent Bethany Sanchez, our heroine in Deadlock. She’s just finished working a case involving a series of murders that had law enforcement officials scrambling for evidence.
DiAnn: Good morning, Bethany. You’ve been busy, but I’m glad we finally found a time to chat. What was it like switching from the civil rights division to violent crime?
Bethany: Big change. Violent crime means most of what is investigated involves a body.
DiAnn: Special Agent Thatcher Graves had a reputation for always getting a case solved efficiently and effectively. Weren’t you nervous?
Bethany: So nervous I couldn’t sleep the night before. I read and reread cases. Studied Thatcher’s reports and about his personality. Those things helped, but it took working a case together to figure out where I fit in the partnership.
DiAnn: Your past record indicates you follow the rulebook. Any problems with the differences in your approach to an investigation?
Bethany: I’ve come to realize that I need a strong dose of logic and intuition to work a case. In the past, I ignored my gut reactions, but now I listen.
DiAnn: I know this is a sensitive subject, but Thatcher’s court testimony put your brother in jail. How did you handle that situation?
Bethany: I was in the courtroom when it all went down. But I agreed with the decision. Lucas deserved to be behind bars. At least there he didn’t hurt anyone. My family felt differently. They despised Thatcher, and they were furious when he and I became partners. (She smiles.) They’ve changed their mind about him.
DiAnn: What’s a positive that has come out of this partnership?
Bethany: Well . . . I’ve made tremendous progress with teamwork, trust, the psychology of a criminal mind.
DiAnn: Do I detect something else going on here?
Bethany: Thatcher and I are working on more than a professional relationship. It’s slow. We are in the amazing “like” stage.
DiAnn: So are you two going to continue working violent crime as partners?
Bethany: Absolutely. We plan to be unstoppable when it comes to ending violent crime—sort of like Richard Castle & Kate Beckett.
DiAnn: Any parting words for readers?
Bethany: Thanks for reading Deadlock. Thatcher and I appreciate your interest and support- in every area of our professional and personal lives. Gotta run! Meeting Thatcher for coffee and Diet Dr Pepper.
If you were interviewing Bethany, what would you like to know?
DEADLOCK Available NOW! Click above to learn about some of the characters in DEADLOCK
