Divine Interest is a story of Max Topik a well-meaning bank clerk who has supernaturally transformed into a plainclothes superhero after meeting a spirit, Andrew. Through a series of madcap events, he can foil a plot to close an orphanage and save his bank, in an adventure with comedy and romance. 

Max is chosen to represent the Sullivan Bank of Baltimore, at a Banking Ethics Conference in Las Vegas. While in Vegas he rescues an older man Noah from a near-fatal car accident. Noah was a once-wealthy businessman who lost his fortune. He was given an energy stone by a supernatural spirit Andrew which transformed his life. Noah passes the stone on to Max thanking him and advises him to visit the desert and place the stone beneath a statue of Andrew. 

Max befriends a small dog he names Moto, and together they head into the desert, arriving at the statue of Andrew. Moto digs a hole under the statute where Max places the stone. They both wait. At first, nothing happens. Frustrated Max kicks sand at the statue and hears a disembodied voice, “Patience Max we just met” Max backs away from the voice, and the glowing stone is catapulted at him. He catches it and asks “Well what’s next?” A voice rumbles “Don’t ask questions go back to the hotel and wait” Max follows Andrews’s advice and returns to the hotel. Max arrives back at the hotel and wanders into the gambling casino influenced by the experience in the desert he wins big at craps. He then encounters a stunning Russian woman Jasmin.  Jasmin’s Russian boyfriend and two Russian thugs confront Max. Threatened he calls out to Andrew. Andrew speaks to Max “Tell them who I am” Max describes Andrew as The Messenger. The Russian Gangsters are transformed and part friends with Max. 

Max returns to the Sullivan Bank a changed man. A series of supernatural events begin to unfold. Max is promoted to Loan Officer.  He gets loans for customers who would never be approved. Max’s newfound supernatural power and growing confidence ascend over the bank and everyone he meets.  While Max has been at the Sullivan Bank he takes a liking to Rachel Clark the Assistant Bank Manager. Rachel has always encouraged Max and the two to become closer.

While Max continues to transform there is trouble in the bank. The cold and cunning Jeffery Grandice the bank Chairman who owns 49% of the bank interest, Bernard Malenkov a greedy hedge fund manager, and with help of corrupt bank trustees plot to take over the bank. He plans to close the Sullivan Orphanage located on the property behind the bank, steal the deed to the property, and intern build condos. Grandice covers up the fraud, assisted by his cohort Bernard Malenkov. Mr. Robinson the Bank President informs Rachel Clark of Grandice’s evil plan. Rachel confides in Max to join forces and stop Grande. 

The climax of the story begins with Grandice and Malenkov attending the bank Halloween party disguised and dressed in drag in the hopes of stealing the deed to the orphanage. The story continues with: Max’s energy glowing – Max fighting the bad guys while appearing and disappearing - A chase scene on a Lamborghini and motorcycle – A homeless Moses look-alike parting the street and Survivalists capturing Grandice and Malenkov.  Grandice and Malenkov are pursued by police and a bear in a wild in a comical chase through the woods, ending their threat to the Orphanage and the Bank takeover. Our story ends with the orphanage and the bank saved. Max is celebrated at a special event in his honor presented by the bank and the city. At the celebration Max passes the energized stone given to him by Noah to a young girl seated behind him and Max, Rachel and Moto have found new a friendship together.

© 2019 Koontz, Bany and Barbier Reg. # PAU003569398 ( acalu1@hotmail.com -201-233-4700)