Paco's Provision

For Mike Massey, his dream of owning and operating a bar and restaurant is supposed to come easy. After purchasing The Boony in Woodbine, Saskatchewan, he seems to be on his way to successfully claiming that dream and more. Paco, a mysterious old man who lives and works in the historic hotel, seems to epitomize the soul of the place. His simple lifestyle and fearless demeanour teaches Mike there is more to life than the financial bottom-line. And Mike discover's there is more to Paco - and his association with the old hotel - then he lets on. Mike's world begins to collapse with Paco's violent death. His dream is becoming a living nightmare. But even after his death, Paco's spirit of survival lives on.

For Mike Massey, his dream of owning and operating a bar and restaurant is supposed to come easy. After purchasing The Boony in Woodbine, Saskatchewan, he seems to be on his way to successfully claiming that dream... and more. Paco, a mysterious old man who lives and works in the historic hotel, seems to epitomize the soul of the place. His simple lifestyle and fearless demeanour teaches Mike there is more to life than the financial bottom-line. Meanwhile, Mike discover's there is more to Paco - and his association with the old hotel - then the old man lets on. Mike's world begins to collapse with Paco's violent death. Then, the implementation of new government regulations cripples The Boony's business. Mike - a man who has previously had business success come easy to him - finds failure unbearable. His dream is becoming a living nightmare. A promising relationship with his first real girlfriend ends, The Boony is on the verge of closure, and he sees no way out but through the bottom of a liquor bottle. But even after his death, Paco's spirit of survival lives on.

Christopher L. Istace is a novelist, freelance journalist and singer/songwriter based in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Canada. His journalistic work has been published in more than a dozen newspapers and magazines on the Canadian Prairies through more than 25 years in the industry. Today, the four-time Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Premier Award winner works on a freelance basis. Besides writing, Christopher writes songs, plays guitar and sings for the country-rock duo, The Old 21. His other interests include sports, kayaking, hiking, hunting, fishing, reading and independent film. Christopher lives with his wife, Coral, and two children.