Private Cities

Imagine a system in which a private company offers you protection of life, liberty, and property as a "government service provider". This service includes internal and external security, a legal and regulatory framework, and independent dispute resolution. You pay a contractually fixed fee for these services per year. The government service provider, as the operator of the community, cannot unilaterally change this "citizens' contract" with you later on.

Stellen Sie sich vor, ein privates Unternehmen bietet Ihnen als „Staatsdienstleister“ Schutz von Leben, Freiheit und Eigentum in einem abgegrenzten Gebiet. Titus Gebel skizziert dieses Szenario in seinem Buch „Freie Privatstädte. Mehr Wettbewerb im wichtigsten Markt der Welt“ bis ins kleinste Detail.

The shot is impossible. In the middle of a blizzard, down a busy New York avenue, into a moving car. The agent in charge knows of only one man with the skills to work out where the bullet came from. Lucas Page, former child prodigy and physics professor, sees crime from a different angle - his ability to read a scene is uncanny. Page quit the FBI after it nearly cost him his life. He swore to stay away, but this victim is his former partner, and he can't resist the call to help.

Homeless, mistreated, and tired of making up the difference for her alcoholic mother, a 15-year-old girl from the foothills of North Carolina leaves home with no destination in mind - she just wants to get away from the crushing burden of abuse and unwanted responsibility. Thanks to the kindness of a stranger, she finds herself in Nashville, Tennessee, with a place to live and a job at a local café. She develops a sense of belonging at the café, and her coworkers and customers become her family.

Laurie Montgomery is the owner of the Mystic Journey Gift Shop, a Wiccan, Pagan, and occult supply store. She also runs a local death café in the back of her shop. Now, the members of her group are dropping one by one. Is she to blame? Where does she turn? Who does she turn to? Ride along with Cole and friends in this action-packed tale of lies and betrayal.