American Dreams — Jack Kunst

In this second instalment of Heathen Hearts by author Jack Kunst, the 1970s Rock Band, "Loud Macleod" have just come off a successful European tour. Mac Macleod, Anja Lindstrom, Gitte Kozak and Deedee Hanlon are looking forward to a little R and R before getting into the studio at Pub Records in Belfast, Northern Ireland. On a short break before the tour wrapped up the band had a visit with Anja's Farmor(Grandma) in the woods of Uppland, Sweden. There she is known as "The White Witch of Lindstrom Wood." Though their stay seemed pleasant enough, The Farmor has been talking to both Gitte and Deedee...as well as sharing some wise words with Mac. While they were finishing up the last leg of the Loud Macleod tour, their manager Peter Kozak has come to an agreement...of sorts with the publishing mogul, Malcolm Forsythe. It seems he is very interested in bringing this successful band across the pond for a "tour" of the United States. Malcolm has already become romantically involved with Gitte Kozak and whisks her away to his mansion in the Hollywood hills. Mac, Anja and Deedee prepare to follow only via Mac's old home in Alberta, Canada where Mac's parents are waiting to see what their son has been up to over the previous two years. Deedee has taken up with Mac's best friend, Alex Wainwright and renews her acquaintance while recording at Prairie Wind Studios in Calgary, Alberta. It starts to look like Mac and Anja may have a chance at being the couple they always hoped to be. While Mac's father, James is welcoming enough, Mac's mother Beth has something eating at her that she will not leave alone. When the showdown comes, Mac takes Anja and Deedee and drives south to California in his new truck, "Big Mac," even though they will be early. If they thought their reception in Calgary was cool, the one they receive from Malcolm Forsythe in Los Angeles turns out to be downright frosty...hostile in fact. From being enthusiastic about the band in Europe, the publishing mogul seems to have a hate on for them. He never hesitates to show his disdain, especially for Mac Macleod How did it ever come to this? All their hopes and dreams of having a successful career in the exciting world of Rock and Roll seems to be turning to ash in their mouths. It soon becomes apparent that they will have to salvage what they can and get out of the U. S. Get back if not to Europe, and Peter Zozak, at least to Canada where Mac still has friends. Little by little, chapter by chapter the secret story of Heathen Hearts is being told. Even if our protagonists are unaware...or barely aware that something not quite right, the Norns of Norse mythology are inevitably leading them to their true destiny. One by one the pieces of the puzzle which is Mac Macleod's traumatized memory are coming together. Are you sharp enough to figure them out?