Author Interview with Orion Gregory, author of SERVES YOU RIGHT

 

1.     What was it like to read this thriller/mystery through the eyes of Detective Sydney Livingstone?

All of us has been the newcomer to a business or social setting at some time in our lives. We all understand how it feels difficult initially to fit in. Sydney was a competent and confident tennis player in her previous occupation, but the police academy brought a level of uncertainty. I could feel the stress she experienced as a first-year cop, especially when dealing with hardened detectives in a male-dominated occupation. But I think Sydney’s refusal to give up when facing seemingly insurmountable odds resonates with me. If I could have one trait of hers, that would be it.

 

2. Several characters in this novel – namely Fosterno, Griffith, and Cefalo – were outspoken, doing little to hide their true feelings. How do you feel about people in your life who display these types of characteristics?

I used to be like those people as a kid, and I found out it didn’t help me win any popularity contests. But as I grew into my teens years, I may have overcompensated in the other direction. I truly respect people who speak their minds and admire them to an extent. But I think there’s a middle ground somewhere in there, although I’ve never seemed to pinpoint exactly where that is. But I guess I’d rather have someone tell me something to my face than speak about me behind my back. Overall, I’d say I somewhat admire blatently upfront people, although I’m not sure I could ever be one of them.

 

3. Fosterno did everything in his power to protect someone who he viewed as a friend, even refusing to disclose the culprit on the audiotape (which was played after his death). How far would you go to protect a friend, even if your situation wasn’t as dire as Fosterno’s?

Very few people in this world will ever take a bullet for a friend, figuratively speaking. I would say I’ve only had a couple of friends in my life who would do so for me. I’d like to think I’m one of those people who would go down with the ship for another friend. Friendship to me means everything. I have recently lost some extremely close friends and that’s made me value those relationships even more. My mother always used to tell me to accept my friends with their faults. I still hold onto those words.

 

4. Syd often disclosed proprietary information to the individuals she felt she could truly trust. Do you feel she was valid in doing so, or did she demonstrate a degree of carelessness and risk?

Honestly, I think both apply in those situations. So far, many readers have admired Syd for her integrity, honesty, and her unwillingness to give up. But on the other side, she is a flawed person who often has to learn things the hard way. In the area of law enforcement, one big mistake can cost you your life. But I think Syd emerges from this novel as a person who will apply everything she’s learned to future adventures.

 

5.How do you feel about Syd and Enzo’s engagement? What do you foresee in the future for them?

I love both Syd and Enzo, and I certainly hope they are right for each other. They seemed to have patched things up about as well as a couple can, but Enzo’s deep concern about Syd’s safety as an officer still lingers. We already talked about compartmentalizing problems at work, I’m not sure if Enzo has the ability to do so. But I definitely think the love and respect are there, making the foundation for a solid relationship.