Background    I am a retired police detective sergeant with twenty-five years experience in criminal investigation. I hold a Masters Degree in Public Administration and a minor in Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations from the University of Southern California. I have traveled and studied extensively in the areas forming the background of The Sign of the Eagle, which brings vivid authenticity to the unique setting. I am a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA) and belong to two writers/critique support groups in the Spokane , Washington, area. My wife and I live in Eastern Washington along with our cats, dogs, and horses.           Jess Steven Outdoor Train Layout Jess at Niles Canyon Railway Apple Picking at Home Lionel the Railroad Cat helping to write a novel Southern Pacific double-headed SD70mac Black Widows at head-end of freight on Steve Hughes' G scale