Interviews with fictional characters are a bit odd, I admit it, but they’re also fun. Like an escape. A way to connect with ‘someone’ new, someone I, as an author, believe I can mold into the perfect hero or heroine. A strong character, however, has their own mind, as it were. Their own personality and, if they’re fleshed out enough, their own wants and needs…which, I have found, can be contrary to mine.

During an interview, telling characters what I expect is easy. Getting them to tell ME what they yearn for is a whole different story. The last hero I interviewed was Blake, from my debut romantic suspense novel, SURRENDER AT CANYON ROAD. This time I’ll battle wits with the hero from my soon-to-be-released romantic suspense, DUPLICITY.

The Character Interview – Jax

JAXTON CARTER, or JAX as he prefers to be called, is a bodyguard to the rich and infamous. A bodyguard who values honesty above all else. You’re a client with a record? Or one who has yet to get caught? Either way, it’s fine. Just lay it all out for him. Hold nothing back. He needs to know without question or risk of unwelcomed surprise, what he has to defend you from. And what could take you out.

We arranged to meet outside Prospect Park in Brooklyn. He’s sitting behind the wheel of a rather intimidating GMC Yukon. It’s black and spotless, and I can see him clearly through the windshield as he watches me approach. If not for the way his eyes follow me, I’d say he wasn’t real but a breathtakingly lifelike mannequin whose creator seriously loved her creation.

I refuse to show any trepidation at the size of his vehicle or the steadiness of his gaze. No. I’m here with questions and he’s here to answer. A groan escapes me as I near the passenger’s side door and see the handle. I swear I’ll need a step ladder to reach it. A quick glance to see if those observant eyes are still on me shows an empty driver’s seat, as though this fictional man really doesn’t exist. And then I feel his heat behind me and smell the seductive hint of something warm and spicy. I shake my head, oddly taken by Jax’s stealth.

He’s not wearing sunglasses and yet he’s not squinting either. In fact, except for the tiny crinkles by his eyes, he looks like he’s never squinted in his 30-ish years of life.

I take it you’re here for me.

His voice is a soothing bassy tone, not chest deep but definitely backed by a healthy dose of testosterone.

How about we sit over there in the shade.

He didn’t ask me, he told me. Then he led the way to a bench, clearly knowing I’d follow. I suppose my own squint-lines were a dead giveaway.

He sits slightly off center on the bench, not flush against the armrest and not smack in the middle. The position feels inviting. I sit beside him but not too close because, well, he’s as intimidating as compelling.

 

Tell me something about yourself.

The odd silence that stretches between us as he looks on curiously is longer than the bench.

Like what?

 

Anything. Why not lifeguard instead of bodyguard?

Personal Protection. Because I’m good at it.

I’m about to ask what makes him good at it but it seems he anticipated the question.

I can read people. Mostly. There’s always a few that surprise you—and they can surprise you big time. But when someone’s up to no good and you can stop them before they pounce, well, it’s a good feeling.

I think ‘superman complex’ just as a small cocky grin forms on his face. Unnerved, I look at my notepad as though I need reminders for my own questions. I know the first one is a doozy and there’s no way to toe into it so I just go.

 

What is your greatest fear?   

There’s nothing great about fear.

He shifts to sit facing forward instead of angled toward me, an arm resting along the back of the bench. It’s a comfortable position though he looks anything but. I start to ask a follow-up question, certain he thinks he’s gotten away with his non-answer to the first, but he surprises me by saying more, unprompted.

It’s a distraction. Now, fear turned into caution…that’s good. As for me, I’m cautious about what people don’t say and I’m aware that the truth often isn’t. I guess you could say I’m overly cautious about believing that kind of truth.

 

Have you told anyone about that fear?  

A breath of a laugh gushes from him as if the question is two hands tickling his ribs, then he shakes his head, and all humor vanishes.

I just said it’s not fear, and I tell all my agents to proceed with caution. Every one of them. 

 

Tell me about one person who has made a positive difference in your life.

I’m already telling you about him.

He looks at me for the longest moment and I feel like I’m back in school with a teacher staring me down, waiting for the answer to a question I should know but don’t because my mind had wandered while the subject was discussed.

As understanding dawns on me, a little smile lights his eyes, and then that same quick cocky grin forms. I’m struck by how much more approachable he seems with that grin despite its pomposity.

When you realize even your own truths were lies and how much time you wasted trying to convince yourself otherwise, then you also realize yours is the only word you can trust going forward. Life is much less murky that way.

Wow. I’m thrown by the depth of his response and, though I’d like to dig into it bit by bit, I know it’s a juicy one I need to slowly savor lest I make a fool of myself in front of this very confidant man. I nod like I got it then tap my notebook with my pen before proceeding.

Where do you go when you need time to yourself?

Depends on the time of year. Skiing, surfing, saddle time on the old Harley. I’m easy.

 

 

Do you have a secret? If so, why do you feel the need to keep it secret?

Secrets are as bad as lies so no, I don’t have any, but I know what you’re digging for and you should have asked it straight out. It’s no secret. Everyone knows and it nearly cost me my sanity.

He takes a pair of sunglasses from his shirt pocket and slips them on. I glance up at the shade trees covering us.

I killed a man.

Abruptly, he stands, faces me, and I have to look up…and up.

We done here? I have work to do. 

Since I have one more question, I offer to walk with him back to his monster vehicle but he’s already headed that way. To keep up with his quick steady stride, I bop along beside him like a teacup yorkie. The question is tough to get out at that pace but it’s a two-parter, and I want the answer before we reach his Yukon. I blurt it out on one breath and the words bounce around us as though I’m on a motorized pogo stick.

 

What one action from your past are you most ashamed of? What one action from your past are you most proud of?

I let myself believe a lie and it got a man killed.

It takes a few jostled steps for his words to settle in. But he said them so matter-of-factly. My step falters a bit as I fully digest his meaning. He maintains his stride and barely glances my way as I catch up to him again.

By the time we reach the Yukon, I’ve broken a sweat. He looks cool as can be. He faces me, his forearm draped on the hood near the driver’s door. I wait, needing to hear what he’s most proud of. Wondering if what he’s most ashamed of affected him in a way I can’t see.  

He glances up at the sun. I’m already squinting so I don’t. And then he shrugs and it’s an unexpectedly sad little gesture.

I guess what I’m most proud of is knowing I’ll never let that happen again.

He gives me a single nod and, strangely, I instinctively nod back. The motor hums with a quiet power, much like the man back behind the wheel. I step aside to let the massive vehicle pass and watch until it disappears into the sunlight, as silent and enigmatic as its driver.

I’ve loved getting to know Jax. While I think he’s still holding back, I have a feeling the next character I interview will have an easier time connecting with the deepest most vulnerable part of him. I hope you’ll join me when I interview DUPLICITY’s heroine, CASSANDRA HALL, who, according to what Jax says he was told, is “The extraordinary nurse with the big heart who patients trust with secrets they’ll tell no one else.”

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Coming November 17, 2026