The Routine

Countless lives and new-found love hang in the balance when a newly appointed security director in Chicago is selected to implement a public safety initiative that unbeknownst to him, has a dubious hidden agenda.

Sometimes, we have no idea of what we truly need until it appears: Against the backdrop of the Windy City, Keith McCallum finds himself enamored with the beautiful, serene breeze that is Alana Taylor, who also eagerly looks forward to the fortunate coincidence of their daily rendezvous in the McGregor building lobby. Even under the cloak of secrecy and cautious hesitation, their mutual admiration does not go unnoticed by their friends and colleagues, many possessing ulterior motives of their own. Learning to balance their new-found affections and time honored ideals prove to be quite challenging. The escalating inner-city violence does little to help the situation, as Keith finds himself on the front line of a proposed solution that could bring about drastic repercussions. As the intimate details of their personal and professional lives begin to intersect, intertwine and ultimately unravel, the couple discovers that everything happens for a reason, even coincidence.

Alpharetta, Georgia based author Robert D. Gordon, also known by the artistic pseudonym "Zaquir", has had a "love affair with words" since his formative years in Baltimore, Maryland. An avid reader, Robert began his literary journey during the infancy of the hip-hop movement. "School work aside, the first stories I've ever written were in rhyme form. Poetry was the next logical step." Shortly after making the transition to poetry, Robert began writing short stories. While his penchant for story telling was more hobby than vocation, his work began garnering the attention, and praise, of readers as well as fellow writers. In 2012, his short story "Fingertips" was selected to be included in Steamy Trails’ poetic anthology "Erotic Tranquility", which served as his first published work - and his initial foray into erotica. Shortly after achieving this milestone, Robert completed his first novel "The Routine: Volume I", which was released in ebook form in May, 2013 and is now available in paperback form. Also known for his inspiring and motivational writing, Robert is currently compiling his highly anticipated devotional, "Know Thyself: Keep Pressing", as well as completing "Vanguard", the 2nd installment of his "The Routine" series.