These episodes are slices of Raegene Dorryen (Rage) Doyle’s life as a character in Joe Shumock’s thriller novels. Please remember that these segments are fictional as are the novels in Joe’s Letter Series. You may have already met Rage in the novels. If not, this will be your introduction to the man who wears the fedora, shades and long black leather coat.

The material presented here also informs you regarding the years before this mysterious individual shows up as Webster’s friend and mentor in A Letter to Die For. Rage, in many cases, tends to be a shadow figure, but there are times when he must go it alone in order to accomplish his goals or to help those who call upon him.

Without further delay now, let me reintroduce you to Raegene Dorryen Doyle – Rage to those who know him well.

In 1966, the Central Intelligence Agency’s class of recruits included Raegene Dorryen Doyle. Slim, at 5’11”, 170 pounds, and clean shaven at this juncture of his life. His hair is dark brown and the eyes are, well … blue, but not just blue. They are a dark blue, some would call them cobalt blue. They are penetrating, too, especially in later years if you are subject to his questions.

Fresh out of Harvard University’s School of Law, Doyle’s exemplary academic record included a Master of Science degree in criminal justice attained before reaching Harvard. The soft southern accent he retained from boyhood would continue to be an interesting part of his persona, both public and private.

Arriving at the intelligence agency the same year as the new director, Richard McGarrah Helms, the new recruit continued to prove himself as he had with earlier academic endeavors. Doyle enjoyed learning and was an eager student. Whether it be intellectual or otherwise, he almost always led at whatever task was presented.

Body requirements came as easily as classroom studies. The muscular young man caught the eye of physical instructors as he moved quickly from one difficult challenge to the next, mastering each of them in turn. Show him an exercise once and Doyle could usually do anything to perfection. He appeared specially to enjoy those actions involving the disabling of an enemy. Cautioned numerous times to be carful, it was as though the young recruit wanted to know every possible way to permanently incapacitate an adversary.

Finally, and with significant relief of his fellow class-men, Doyle and the others completed their initial training, both general and specific. The next step involved assignment to the field. Much discussion centered on the hopes and wishes of the fresh-faced young men who expected to make a career in the CIA. When asked his choice, Doyle mentioned Russia – specifically Moscow, but said also that he hoped for a location and situation that would challenge him.

Raegene Dorryen Doyle’s name on the list and his orders assigned him to the U. S. Embassy in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Though Moscow had been his first choice, no dissent was voiced on his part. There were better opportunities further east, Rage had reasoned, but Moscow was not his assignment – Prague was.

There was no argument or changing it at this point in his career.

Watch for more on Raegene Dorryen Doyle in upcoming Episodes.