Predators

Leo Painter, CEO of a large energy, mining, and real-estate development firm, and a party of company executives is visiting Botswana, a country rich in extractable resources that Leo-and the U.S. government-would love to access. Sekoa is a male lion who shares a form of HIV/AIDS with many of his bipedal enemies. Weakened by the disease, he loses his place as the alpha male in his pride and now, dying and harassed by a pack of hyenas, seeks only a place to rest in peace. While a maneater stalks the savannah, greed and overarching ambition lead Leo and the lion on a collision course as local police, a plucky female game ranger, and other authorities, hoteliers, and tribesmen vie over the spoils. Dr. Frederick Ramsay taught anatomy at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Ordained an Episcopal priest in 1971, he is now retired from full-time ministry, and lives in Surprise, Arizona, with his wife and partner, Susan. Predators is his new standalone novel. www.frederickramsay.com