A. Townsend Marshall

Thread of Decency A. Townsend Marshall

Thread of Decency spans sixty-five years and three generations of the Matheson men who are confronted and assaulted by corrupt business practices and immoral, greedy businessmen practitioners. The Matheson's aren't especially religious, they simply, by their nature, subscribe to ethical values that are passed from one generation to the next through example and respect. John Matheson has recently started a new job and is about to be joined by his wife in a move from Michigan when he dies suddenly in a Phoenix hospital emergency room. The family is devastated and John's young professional son Al is especially affected. He's lost his father, his guidepost and his mentor. Over the following years, Al deals with his business adversities as his father had - resolute, alone and with consequence when holding moral ground. Immoral and unethical business practices, like bacteria, need a media in which to grow. There must be a conducive, often ignored business environment. The Matheson men never sit back and dismiss these realities, even when they aren't directly affected. Each, in his own way, takes the assault of these evils head on -- often to their own material detriment and pain. Their solace lies in realizing they've taken the honorable path and have the respect of their loved ones. Antagonist Ernie Dickerson likewise inherits his values from his father, ones completely opposite from those of the Matheson family. Ernie and Al are unaware of a coincident Phoenix past they both share until the fateful collision of their present day roles in a business setting. Near the end of a tumultuous career Al learns the real circumstances surrounding his father's death. After the many years, will Al, his son Paul and a Phoenix detective be able to piece together the puzzle? Will there indeed be any justice and closure for the Matheson family?