Meet Lew Sinclair

When not on the road, Lew lives on what you might call a small farm outside of Austin, Texas. It’s far enough outside of town that he can call it a farm, but it’s still possible for him to drive into the city if he wants to without getting saddle sore.

Lew’s a bit of a romantic which causes him to trust people a little too much. Then again, that’s one of the reasons the people who love him, do.

He’d wear a white Stetson whenever possible––if people would stop sitting on them. He always removes his hat in the presence of females.

Meet Slim Pontchartrain

Slim is the band’s keyboard player.

He was born in Iowa and has lived in several locations around the U.S., settling most recently in New Orleans.

He dresses well and has been known to visit a tailor on occasion.

Slim is fond of wearing a straw boater, which is the kind of hat sometimes worn by barbershop quartets and 1920s era students in Cambridge, England. The hat is also called a skimmer. Joe Lefors, the dogged pursuer of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, also wore one. Slim looks natural and handsome in his.

Slim appreciates good food. His nickname no longer applies, but I wouldn’t worry too much about his waistline if I were you. Of course, if you want to worry, go ahead; but it won’t get you anywhere.

Slim was not born with the last name of Pontchartrain. Of course not! There is no Lake Pontchartrain in Iowa.

Meet Finbar “Mitch” Mitchell

None of the Cowboys––not even Slim––knows much about Ireland, so they never did ask Mitch what part of that country he’s from. And he’s never offered to tell them.

We do know Mitch loves his gran and misses her very much. Where is she? Is she still alive? In Witness Protection? We don’t know.

Mitch is the Cowboys’ drummer. He can also play the uillean pipes, bodhrán, tin whistle, piano, and concertina. He has a fine singing voice and maybe someday Lew will let him sing lead on a song or two.

Mitch is most likely my favorite character. (Don’t tell the others.) I didn’t know that at the beginning of this caper. Mitch will play an even bigger role in the next book.

Mitch’s favorite animal is a tiger.

Meet Gary Schroeder

Gary plays bass in the Cowboys. He refused to offer up anymore information. That’s so Gary.

Meet Charla

Charla’s not in the band, but I like her a lot, so she gets a slot here.

Charla likes everything colorful: nail polish, lipstick, satin, language, people . . .

She’s got a big heart and is generous almost to a fault. She’d give you the olive out of her martini if you needed it. That situation doesn’t come up too often though, so you’ll just have to take my word for it.