Character Coffee Chat with Chief Stan Douglas

Readers immerse themselves in books they enjoy, especially when they can relate to the characters as if they are real people. Friends you can turn to, family you spend special moments with and even those characters you love to hate. Character Coffee Chats offer a little extra time with some of the characters readers have enjoyed meeting or getting to know in the Jorja Matthew mystery series. For those who haven’t yet read the series, be warned some coffee chats might offer spoilers.

For those who have kept up with the series since the beginning, here’s your chance to spend extra time with each character, gain insight about recent events in the novels and learn more details about their backstory. Now, grab a cup of coffee or other hot drink of your choice and let’s get started!

Today’s coffee chat will be with Chief Stan Douglas from the Jorja Matthews mystery series.

We’ll begin with Chief Douglas telling us a little about himself and how he knows Jorja…

Hello…well, how I know Jorja is a little difficult to explain but the short version is that I’m her great uncle. I didn’t know I was her uncle until recently, but I did know Jorja when she was in high school here so I’ve known her for quite some time.

Are you married?

I was. But my wife, Norma, passed quite some time ago. It’s been…thirty years, but it still feels like yesterday. She was involved in a car accident and didn’t survive.

That’s terrible, so sorry for your loss. Did you have any children? Did you ever remarry?

No, Norma and I never did have our own children. And I never did find anyone like Norma who I’d like to marry, although there is one lady friend I have now who has made my days better. Don’t ask for details though. I’d rather than get into that part of my life.

Do you have any other family?

I had a nephew…well, I still have a nephew, but we only just got reacquainted. We had a falling out after my wife’s death after which he left town and returned only recently. And I also have Jorja and her brother who are my great niece and nephew. That revelation was a surprise to me because I learned they were family only a little over a year ago. Not to mention, there’s young Nicholas who would be my great-great nephew.

It must be nice to have family nearby, especially if you haven’t had any around for a long time.

I guess you could say that. But I’m an old dog, set in my ways. My nephew left after I blamed him for my wife’s death, and some might say I’m a stubborn old man because it took a bit before I could let go of the past. And don’t imagine a Rockwell scene when it came to my learning about Jorja and her brother. I’ve been alone for a long time and suddenly having family wanting to spend time with me was something I had to wrap this old brain around.

You’re the chief in town and have a few officers working for you who we’ve already interviewed. Do you enjoy your job as chief in a small town?

Sure do. I was a patrol officer back when Jorja was in high school, when I only knew her as the daughter of Rick and Helen Matthews. Norma and I thought we could live happily here, maybe have a family even. But that didn’t work out, obviously. Still, I stayed here because I like this town and I’ve been the chief for over ten years. The officers I have working for me are all top notch, in my book, and we do our best to keep the community safe.

I thought I heard a rumor that you might be retiring soon, is that true?

I thought about it and it’s possible, but right now I think this town still needs me. And if I’m honest, I still need the town. Besides, if I retire what am I going to do? Sit home and watch Mash reruns? My job is the reason I get out of bed in the mornings and at my age, I need all the help I can get to roll these aching joints off the mattress every day.

How do you feel about Jorja working as a P.I. while running her bookstore here in town?

Jorja and I have a difference of opinion when it comes to just how much she should get involved with some of the cases she decides to take on. She’s also had her fair share of altercations with people who have caused her harm. Even if I weren’t her great uncle, I’d be afraid and worried about her. It’s my job to look out for this community, and she’s been in the middle of more than a few incidents. Some could have been avoided, but once she gets her mind set on solving a mystery, I’ve come to realize there’s almost no stopping her. So I have to keep my eye on her and if possible, nip it in the bud if I think she’s heading into dangerous territory.

Do you think she gets her stubborn streak from you?

Ha, that’s a good one. But yes, I’ll admit it’s possible.

What do you think about the fact that some of the crimes in town have been solved because of Jorja and the “dangerous territory” you want her to stay away from?

I understand her need to work on a case she’s been hired on, but I don’t understand the need for a civilian to risk life and limb to solve a case. She is resourceful, I’ll give her that. I just want her to be more careful.

There was a case last year when you were assaulted, wasn’t there? And Jorja helped discover the true identity of your attacker and took part in their capture, but wasn’t that something you agreed to let her help with even though you say you don’t like her getting involved?

Well…yes, I’ll admit we hatched up a plan to catch a criminal. But that’s the thing—we talked about it, set up a plan together and with others who agreed to help. It all worked out. We caught the criminal and she was kept safe because we made it a team effort. I just want her to remember she can always count on me or the boys to help her.

It sounds like you all make a great team. Do Jorja and your officers always get along so well?

I’d rather stay out of the personal life of my officers, but I will admit Jorja and Fritz have a difference of opinion sometimes, like she and I do, about putting herself at risk when she’s working cases. Otherwise, I believe Jorja and all my officers get along pretty well.

What about your newest officer, Alice Knight? Do you think she and Jorja will work as well together?

I don’t see why not. Jorja may not have agreed with how Officer Knight investigated a recent case, considering who she was focusing her sights on for the crime, but it all worked out in the end. I’m sure Jorja and Officer Knight will be able to have a productive professional relationship and who knows? Maybe they’ll even become friends.

Guess we’ll have to wait and see about that. Do you have any issues if Jorja has a relationship with one of your officers?

Jorja can date who she wants. If it happens to be one of my officers, I have my concerns, but I expect that any relationship will not cause issues with that officer’s work, or his work ethic. I’m very clear on that and all parties concerned know what I expect from them.

Sounds like you run a tight ship.

You bet I do. I communicate what I expect and if anyone falls short of that, I let them know.

Communication is definitely important, and there’s likely no doubt the people who work for you and everyone in the community appreciates all that you do.

Well, I sure hope so. I do what I can to be the best at what I do.

That’s certainly all anyone can ask of you. Well, we’ve hit the end of the allotted time for our coffee chat, so we’ll have to end the conversation with Chief Douglas here. I hope you enjoyed this Character Coffee Chat and that you’ll check back next month for the next chat with another character from the Jorja Matthew mystery series!