[if I may borrow a Law & Order meme . . . ]

In 1987, Thomas Wolfe published a novel called “Bonfire of the Vanities” which, while amusing and well-written, nobody really thought was a reflection of reality. I mean, in what kind of a world would a whole media frenzy and mob mentality form around the wrongful allegations of a racially-inspired crime?

And then, literally months later, Tawana Brawley appeared on the scene, with her sensational allegations about being gang raped by six white men, her slick, preacher spokesperson (Al Sharpton), and a media frenzy.

Um . . . . Mr. Wolfe, reality calling on line 4.

All along, I knew I might have to defend elements of “Enemies Unseen” against charges that it just wasn’t realistic. In what kind of a world would false allegations of racism lead to mobs and deprive a person of their livelihood?

Ask Darren Willson.

In what kind of a world would a professional journalist just make stuff up in pursuit of a story?

Ask Brian Williams.

What kind of a persecution complex does it take to think that anybody in the culture would target you because of your Christian faith?

Ask Memories Pizza.

I didn’t know, when I started writing this story, that it would ever be anything other than a worst-case scenario, dramatized to make a point. I had no idea that it would turn out to be so . . . mundane.

But if you like your stories with a twist of reality, I guess this one’s for you. And, by the way, if you’ve finished my little story, send me some feedback! The website needs some new content, and I don’t feel like formatting the next book yet.