The Outlaw Shuffle
-a psychological thriller with a satirical twist-tells the story of an abduction, a chase across the Southwest during the pandemic summer of 2020, and a final showdown in Las Vegas.
Hugh is a dishonored psychologist and lonely widower traveling in an RV who abducts a woman simply for the companionship he believes will ensue. His victim is the fifties-something Josephine or Jo. Her husband, Bray, and a ragtag group of social media followers give chase based on leads gleaned from social media.
The Southwest of 2020 was a place filled with suspicion. Social discord was defined by those with masks and those without, those who displayed the American flag and those who didn't. The pursuers of Josephine navigate all this as they search campgrounds, RV parks, Federal lands, small towns, and truck stops. They encounter angry Trumpers, Second Coming believers, RV nomads, Instagram influencers, and other quirky characters.
During the chase, Hugh and Jo begin to play gin rummy, and in her seclusion from the outside world, the two develop a relationship of sorts. His goal is to eventually compete again in a Las Vegas gin rummy tournament. When he gets a near-fatal case of COVID, Jo agrees to take his place.
The explosive showdown leaves some dead, some bewildered, and some wondering what to do next.