Paul Woodward

There Is Something You Should Know... Paul Woodward

Celebrated athlete, Jim Bonz, marries radiant, regal, and affluent Jewell Pepper, about whom he fantasized through adolescence. Four years later she is dead, and Jim's life begins. After the funeral, Jewell's father, appreciating Jim for his role in his daughter's life, gives him a cash gift that frees him from any concern with making a living. From there we follow Bonz from city to city, moving into higher education, high school basketball coaching, and, after some failed relationships with women, even the priesthood. Coaching at West Catholic in St. Louis, Jim meets Ricky Wilson, a super-talented African-American youngster with major college potential. More important, he meets Ricky's mother, Jade Wilson, a stunning single mother to whom Jim is intensely attracted. The story crackles with tension as Jim's celibacy vows and religious upbringing collide with his budding relationship with Jade. As he maneuvers his way through this thicket of strain, Jim comes upon a scandal in the parish in which he serves. No longer able to manage either his personal conflict or his knowledge of the scandal, Jim reaches a breaking point. Action has to be taken.