Fifty Per Cent Prophet

Dr. Joachim presents himself as a mystic, a figure cloaked in a blue monk’s robe, typing cryptic messages on a rattling electrotyper while ancient symbols line the walls. His reputation as a “prophet” is as much a performance as it is a claim, leaving clients to wonder whether they are dealing with a genuine seer or a skilled manipulator. The atmosphere of his office—dim light, zodiac motifs, and the soft chime of a bell—sets the stage for a tale that blurs science, superstition, and the art of persuasion.

When Cherrie Tart, a former Coney Island star turned client, steps through his door with a nervous smile and an envelope in hand, the uneasy alliance between the two becomes the story’s engine. She brings news of a forgotten flight and a promise of payment, hinting at hidden motives that could pull them into a web of intrigue far beyond simple readings. As Joachim balances his desire to appear all‑knowing with the reality of his own doubts, the novel explores the fragile line between faith, fraud, and the power one can wield over others.