Old Fool’s Gold

Author(s): Bob Johnston

Location(s): Vietnam

Genre(s): Adventure, Thriller

Era(s): Vietnam War to present day

Stolen gold from the Vietnam War, stolen again and hidden on a boat that is left behind by the US Navy. An old River Rat involved in the first theft runs across the boat 36 years later, tied up at a Vietnamese Navy Base in Saigon. Same boat, same numbers? Wondering if it’s even possible that the boat is really the same and the gold, could even remotely still be hidden aboard? He enlists the aid of the only other person who knows what happened.

A few old ‘Spooks’, two old river boat sailors, a lost orphan, an orphanage full of wonderful children and adults, plain simple country people, corrupt cops and government officials, along with some friends old and new join in some way to move things along. There are modern day cultural lessons and customs mixed in along with a lazy late night ‘float’ down a deserted river in Saigon.

The story crosses and re-crosses Vietnam and spills into Laos for the final outcome. On the way an orphaned love child (his daughter from 1968) and an old orphanage become part of the present, the gold moves into the new century. As it all moves you are introduced to the beauty, the seduction, the mystery and magic of Vietnam present; along with the misery and heartbreak that comes with it. The reader also finds that there is no limit to the good, old gold can do, when in the right hands driven by decent minds and hearts, put it to work.

This is no Mission Impossible roller-coaster ride but, a gentle trip from violent past memories to the joy and sweetness of present day Vietnam. The lush green hilly countryside where peace, love, beauty and friendship abide in the comfort of a very old but warm orphanage filled with joy.

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