Characters

IRVING GOLDSTEIN

“I'm used to it. Most people in the Northwoods don't know any better. Anything unique terrifies them. Perhaps that's what makes me a competent investigator. I agitate people and bring out their ugliness, and what's locked away gets revealed.”

Recruited and manipulated by the Mossad in childhood, Irving is exiled to the frozen north of Wisconsin after a fatal error in judgment. As the county’s investigative officer, Irving peels away the layers of a heinous crime, exposing corruption and depravity. Flawed, angry, and filled with a need for vengeance, Irving is on a mission to protect the weak and punish the wicked.

KATELYN HURST

Thirty seconds later, without knocking, Katelyn Hurst entered with her perky smile, short skirt, and provocative gait. “Irving, how pleasant to see you. I have those financials on Dennis Buffalo you requested.” She didn't appear to have any winter malaise either, looking like the proverbial girl next door.

Her classic aristocratic beauty has been weaponized, and Katelyn’s sexuality becomes a powerful tool, hiding the aberrance underneath. Controlling and self-absorbed, Katelyn is the county’s assistant district attorney, working under her father. Irving tries to evade her pestilence despite his attraction to her.

EDDIE LEFONTAINE

“Tread lightly on the casino. A lot of people depend on it for their livelihood.”

Serving as the police chief of the Belle Mot Indian Reservation, Eddie doesn't have much to say, but his understanding of what is essential nurtures and helps stabilize Irving.

OLIVER HURST

"Irving has requested the use of our conference room as his County Investigator's office. I thought it a grand idea and offered to run interference between him and the Sheriff if it came to fruition. I'm sure you would welcome him to our team.”

An Ivy League graduate, District Attorney Oliver Hurst retired from a lucrative firm to become the county’s D.A. Aristocratic and stately, the D.A. and his daughter, Katelyn, are blemished royalty.

MOISHE RIFKIN

"In a minute.” Moishe sighed, a krekhtz in Yiddish. “Irving, Irving, you’re still not avoiding female entrapment. We discussed that when you were fifteen, if I’m not mistaken. Your susceptibility almost forced us to block your admission to the Mossad.”

Irving's handler, Moishe, is an Orthodox Jew who believes the Jewish people have a divine right to control Gaza and the West Bank. In his view, violence and subterfuge in the name of Israel are sanctified. He uses Irving to protect Israel, no matter what the cost.

HANNAH GRAVIANO

Hannah put her arms around his waist and yanked him as close as the puffer coats would allow. “Let’s go back to your shithole apartment and be deviant. The shabbiness brings out the nasty.”

The daughter of a Mafia Don, Hannah is poised to become the head of the business. Manipulative and brilliant, she becomes Irving’s protagonist, using Irving’s vulnerability against him. Oddly seductive despite her grunge, Hannah bludgeons away at Irving’s resolve and sense of self.

SHERIFF PROSSER

Nimbly spinning to face Irving, the Sheriff bent down to stick his face almost nose to nose. “It's another dead Indian, sounding callous to you, but around these parts, a dead Indian is like a dead Palestinian to your Mossad colleagues, collateral damage making life easier, and no one gives a shit.”

Irving’s myopic boss, the Sheriff’s bombastic impact belies a “dumb like a fox” effect. His alcoholic tirades remind Irving that his need for justice is not universal.

“MO” MAURINE BYRNE

“I’m lonely, Goldstein. My work is boring. The same petty cases every day. There’s nothing to do up here but drink. I can’t believe I'm saying this, but I miss my family, let alone Chicago. It's not you. I'm a mess.” She drank from an empty glass, slamming it down on the bar. Noelle isn't queer. I'm a sad, drunk, and pitiful dyke. Don't take anything I do or say personally.”

An attorney hired by Katelyn, she is Irving's best friend. Mo, a former shot put champion, is an isolated lesbian who drinks too much. Her self-worth was torn apart while working for Katelyn, and Mo’s abrasive effect helps keep Irving intact, serving as his critical ear.

SAM COHEN

The council will not be happy.” Sam sighed. After I inform them, they will expect repercussions. The Vegas leadership void is worrisome, and overt violence must be avoided. Disruption is not smart for business. Oy Vey. It isn’t your fault, but everything around you is fucking complicated. Let me call you back before you make any plans, boychik. Remember, this is all about money to everyone else but you. You’re the only dreamer.”

Irving’s financial advisor and fixer, Sam, was introduced to Irving by the Mossad, and his nefarious methods have earned Irving millions. Clandestine and obscure, Sam is indispensable to Irving.

MARTINA NOVAKOVA

“With you, I feel safe to be close and tell you what I need, even though I was very angry. You are my friend and maybe my friend forever. That’s a kind of love. Isn’t it?” Irving tried to speak, but she closed his lips with her fingers. “I may love you, but that doesn’t mean I’m in love with you.”

Wise beyond her years, underneath Martina’s porn star exterior lies a caring, poetic soul. She teaches Irving the power of acceptance. Tender and loving, Martina’s friendship moves Irving in ways he’s never known.