So, I finally managed to organize my writing exercises and come up with a book idea I can actually manage.  One that I can both keep focused and expand outward if I need to.  I've got the story essentially worked out for what would be the test book to see if it's better as a one-shot or worth expanding upon.  As such, I've got a teaser:

http://www.fileupyours.com/view/248613/SCteaser.doc

You're using Kindle and this is your preview before the buy prompt.  Or you're browsing B+N, and an attendant tells you to put it down or buy it when you reach the end of chapter five (darn attentdants, no free lunch!).  You haven't heard about it from friends, you know nothing about the world or characters, it's just another book that caught your eye to test for your collection. You have to make the decision: buy the book for $8 - $10 by the unknown author on the 'new' shelf, or shrug and leave it.  So what I'm looking for here is: do you find it interesting?  Why or why not?  Constructive criticism?  Anything that'll make it better is welcome, anything about WHY it is or isn't good is even more welcome.