At ten years old, Jimmy McSwain was excited and persistent, a trait that was inherited. He would finally become a police man. He’s going to Midtown South, one of the many precincts of the NYPD. He and his father, Officer Joseph McSwain, would also take time to enjoy a doughnut. Of course, Jimmy never understood the correlation between doughnuts and policemen. But he did understand it was a secret and a bond between him and his father, who he worshipped.

Jimmy already knew some things about the station and he read the words printed on the police cars: courtesy, professional and respect. Jimmy met his father’s partner, Officer John Tolliver, who presented Jimmy with a blue cap to wear and made him a police cadet. He also met Deputy Inspector, Reggie McElroy, who was interested in reading Jimmy’s report, after it was graded by his teacher. After all, this was a school assignment. For Jimmy it was another time to remember, Joseph McSwain.

Now twenty-three, Jimmy always had a place to go and get away from the city and Hell’s Kitchen. His mom, Maggie and sisters Mallory and Meaghan, have come to Peach Lake and the cottage of Grandma Hester Byrne. The Byrne’s had come to America from Ireland early in the twentieth century. Hester is a first generation Irish-American and the heart of the Byrne-McSwain clan. Maggie was much like her mother Hester, strong, strict and loving. As his mother and sisters head back to the city, Jimmy was invited to stay for a few extra days. As Jimmy is sitting on the dock basking in the sun, Hester calls him inside. Just what was his Grandmother up to? Apparently they have company for lunch. She introduces Jimmy to an older couple: Franklin and Carolyn Hardy.

Jimmy and Franklin find some time to talk. He questions Jimmy about being a private investigator and Jimmy explains it’s “on-the-job-training” for Finley Sullivan Investigation in the Bronx. Franklin explains that he hasn’t got much time left. He needs to find his son, Pierce Emerson Hardy, who they haven’t seen or heard from in forty years. He goes on to explain at the age of eighteen, Pierce had found out some information that caused his life to change.

For Jimmy the case seemed liked a big undertaking but it also effects him personally. He lets Franklin know he can’t accept the case until he discusses it with his boss, PI Finley Sullivan. When Jimmy calls Sullivan, he tells Jimmy to come to his home as this is a holiday declared by his wife. Then they would go over the details of the case. When Jimmy arrives at the home in Pelham, of course, the Sullivan’s have company. Beatrice introduces Jimmy to the Garvey’s and their nephew Aidan, who are visiting. It’s been a while for Jimmy but his gaydar kicks in with meeting, bad boy, Aidan.

Sullivan gives Jimmy warning and the go-ahead for the Franklin Hardy case. Jimmy will find himself in need of a quiet place and Uncle Paddy’s bar will do. His life will also find an awakening with Aidan. It’s never a dull moment as Jimmy finds himself running through the streets of NY as he’s late for the Calloway Theatre and Maggie McSwain doesn’t like tardiness. But most of all, Jimmy will find himself immersed in the Hardy case that will touch his heart and memory.

Adam Carpenter brings “Heart Beat” another “Jimmy McSwain’s Early Files”, case file #0002, to the page. The case of Pierce Emerson Hardy will effect Jimmy and a long time memory that has never had closure. The case is sad, twisted, suspenseful and the fear of not knowing how someone may turn out. It will bring the disturbing case of “The Lucky Sixth”. Once more the meaning of family is very important throughout the story. The story projects just how busy Jimmy’s life is and all the responsibilities that will be a big part of his life.

“Heart Beat” also gives a perspective of Grandma Hester and how much she means to the Byrne-McSwain clan. How much she is respected. Finally, Uncle Paddy get’s some recognition and his support of Jimmy. What will become of Jimmy and his new friend Aidan? What of Officer Larry Dean, there’s something very wrong there. With each of the “Early Years” novellas, there are more characters that take the stage.

I highly recommend “Heart Beat” the second novella in “Jimmy McSwain’s Early Files”. I still, very much recommend the “Jimmy McSwain Files” and now the “Early Files”. Excellent novella, Adam Carpenter!