Get To Know My Characters - Deputy Miles Johnson From Beyond the Bridge

Deputy Miles Johnson is a rugged, mid-40s former Houston sheriff who fled corruption seeking peace in Ashville. Haunted by his son’s suspicious death, he is driven by grief and a relentless pursuit of justice. Determined and resilient, Miles navigates complex social dynamics and shifting alliances in Chesterville, a town where secrets run deep and loyalties are tested. His serious demeanor reflects the heavy burden of his responsibilities and personal loss, as he confronts moral ambiguities and the town’s guarded mysteries. Balancing his role as a protector with his own inner turmoil, Miles emerges as a compelling protagonist whose quest for truth challenges both the town and himself.

Scarlett thinks Miles drinks too much coffee, but he saved her so she'll let it go.

Interview with Deputy Miles Johnson

Q: Deputy Miles, how would you describe your personality?

A: I guess I’m pretty serious and focused most of the time, but I try not to be too stiff about it. Life’s thrown a lot at me, and sometimes I carry that weight a bit too close. I’m not much for small talk—I’d rather have real conversations. When I commit to something, I’m all in, though I’m still figuring out how to be a little more patient with myself.

Q: What drives you day to day?

A: Mostly, it’s just a sense of responsibility. I want to do right by the people around me, even when it’s tough. Sometimes it’s the little things—a quiet moment, a small win—that keep me going.

Q: How do you handle stress and pressure?

A: I try to take things one step at a time and stay grounded. I don’t always show what I’m feeling on the outside, but inside, it can get pretty intense. Coffee helps, and sometimes I just need to step back and breathe.

Q: What’s your approach to trust?

A: Trust isn’t something I give out easily. People in Chesterville have their own ways of hiding what they really feel. I’m careful about who I let in, but when I do, I’m fiercely loyal.

Q: How do you balance your personal struggles with your duties?

A: It’s a constant balancing act. The past is always there, but I try not to let it define me. My job is to protect the town, and sometimes that means putting my own feelings on hold.

Q: What do you want readers to understand about you?

A: That I’m more than just the tough exterior. I’ve been through a lot, but I’m still trying to do right by the people I care about. I’m not perfect, and I’m still learning, but I don’t give up easily.

An Excerpt from Beyond the Bridge, by Martin Singer

A crash echoed in the otherwise silent library. Trisha glanced toward the counter where Luka had been standing. Miles followed her stare. “What was that all about when you came in?”

“Oh, Luka being overdramatic about a cat bed and litter box in back. Ever since she read Steven King’s book Pet Semetary, she’s afraid of cats. Particularly cats coming back from the dead. She wants me to get rid of everything cat related in the back since we don’t have a cat anymore.”

Miles’ eyes widened. “You had a cat here at the library?”

“We did. She’d been here about six months. Wandered in the back door on an unusually warm day. A skinny cat, dehydrated and no identification, so I took her to the vet to get her checked out. After a flea bath, shots and some IV fluids, they handed her back to me. Since I can’t have a cat at my apartment, I set up a place for her here. First, I named her Lucky, as in lucky to be alive. Then it became Library Cat, then Elsie, and finally Scarlett. She always had something to say when you talked to her.”

“Sounds like my cat Storm.”

“You have a cat?” She set a finger at her lip. “Somehow I don’t picture you being a cat person.”

“I’m not. I actually found it outside the library a couple nights back during a downpour.”

Trisha grabbed his arm. “You found a cat two nights ago? Scarlett went missing last week. Can you describe it?”

“It’s gray with stripes.”

“Long hair or short?”

“Long, I guess.”

She tightened her grasp, and her thick nails dug in. “Male or female?”

Miles grimaced. “I have no idea.”

Trisha eased her grip and smiled. “It can be hard to tell. Do you have a picture?”

“No, but I can take a picture with my phone tonight.”

She released her grip and patted the wrinkles on his jacketed arm and bounced to her feet. “I can’t believe you may have found her. Luka won’t be happy she’s back, but the ghost of Scarlett won’t haunt her at night anymore.”

"If you’ve enjoyed exploring the world of Deputy Miles Johnson and the mysteries of Chesterville, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’ve read Beyond the Bridge or any of my other books, your thoughts and feedback mean a lot to me. And if you haven’t picked up a copy yet, I invite you to dive in and discover the twists and turns waiting for you. Your support helps keep the stories alive, and I’m grateful to have you along for the journey.

Thank you for reading, and I hope to connect with you soon!"