Character Interview with Ben Marshall from Jens Boele's URBEX PREDATOR

 

We’re thrilled to be talking to Ben Marshall from Jen Boele's Urbex Predator.  It is a pleasure to have him with us today at Pimp That Character!

Thank you for your interview, Ben Marshall.  How old are you and what do you do for a living?

Age is just a number, and I ain't one for keeping track of it. As for what I do for a living, I'm a security man, guarding the old Cold War barracks from trespassers and troublemakers. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it, and I take pride in keeping the place safe and secure.

Can you tell us about one of your most distinguishable features?

One of my most distinguishable features? Well, it'd be my unwavering sense of duty.

Guarding that old Cold War barracks is more than a job—it's a responsibility. I'm committed to keeping it safe, gently persuading Urban Explorers to stay away for their own safety. But when it comes to vandals or thugs, I don't hesitate to chase them off or call the authorities. It's about protecting what matters.

What would I love the most about you?

You'd probably appreciate my reliability. When I say I'm gonna do something, I do it. No ifs, ands, or buts. Whether it's handling a delicate situation or lending a hand to someone in need, you can count on me to come through. Plus, I ain't one for small talk or beating around the bush. I say what needs to be said, plain and simple.

What makes you laugh out loud?

Well, I gotta admit, it takes a lot to get a chuckle out of me. But every now and then, there's something about life's absurdities that tickles my funny bone. Whether it's the irony of a situation or some unexpected twist of fate, I can appreciate a good laugh when it comes my way. But you won't catch me guffawing like some hyena, that's for sure.

What is your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession? That'd be my late wife's locket. It's a simple thing, just a small piece of jewelry, but it holds a world of memories. She passed away a few years back from cancer, and that locket is all I got left to remember her by. It's like carrying a piece of her with me wherever I go. Helps keep her close, you know?

Are you a loner or do you prefer to be surrounded by friends?

I'm more of a solitary type, but that don't mean I ain't friendly. I reckon I prefer my own company, but I ain't opposed to a friendly chat now and then. Most folks 'round here know me, and I reckon they'd say I'm a decent enough fella. But when it comes down to it, I'm more at ease on my own, just me and old Athos here.

What is in your refrigerator right now? 

Well, you won't find much in there besides the essentials. Some cold cuts, a few bottles of water, maybe a cold one. I ain't one for gourmet cooking or fancy ingredients. As long as I've got something to keep me going, I'm good to go.

What is your greatest fear? 

My greatest fear? Well, it's hard to say. I reckon I've faced my fair share of dangers in my line of work, but if I had to pick one, it'd probably be failing to protect those I care about. After what happened with Nela and the ambush by that gang, I can't shake the fear that I might not be able to keep her safe. It's a heavy burden to bear, knowing that danger lurks around every corner, but I'll be damned if I don't do everything in my power to keep her out of harm's way.

If you could change one physical thing about yourself, what would that be?

Well, I ain't much for dwelling on things I can't change, but if I had to pick something, I reckon I'd wish for a few less aches and pains. Years of wear and tear can take their toll, and it ain't always easy moving like I used to. But hey, that's just part of getting older, I suppose. As long as I can still hold my own, I'll keep on trucking, no matter what.

Who is your best friend? 

My best friend? Well, that'd have to be my old Golden Retriever, Athos. He's been by my side through thick and thin, never judging, always loyal. There's something about the quiet companionship of a dog that just can't be beat. He's more than just a pet, he's family.

Do you have children? 

Nope, no children for me. It's just been me and Athos for as long as I can remember. But there's this young woman, Nela, I've taken under my wing, you see. She stumbled into this mess with the Sherwin brothers, and I couldn't just stand by and let her fend for herself. Maybe it's because I never had children of my own, but I feel a sense of responsibility for her, like she's family. So, I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, just like I would for anyone I care about.

What is your favorite weather? 

I reckon I prefer the calm of a cool autumn day. Not too hot, not too cold. Just enough of a chill in the air to keep things crisp, but not so much that it freezes you to the bone. Plus, there's something about the changing leaves and the smell of the air that brings back memories of simpler times. Yeah, give me a clear sky and a gentle breeze, and I'm a happy man.

Do you like to cook?  If so, what is your favorite thing to cook? 

Cooking ain't exactly my forte, but I can whip up a mean batch of scrambled eggs when the occasion calls for it. Simple, quick, and gets the job done. Plus, it don't require much in the way of fancy ingredients or fancy cooking skills. Sometimes, that's all you need to start the day off right.

If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do today?

If I knew my time was up, I reckon I'd tie up any loose ends I got hanging around. Make sure everything's in order, so to speak. Maybe have a sit-down with Nela, make sure she knows where things stand and that she's safe. After what happened with the Sherwin brothers, I can't help but feel a bit more cautious, knowing that danger can come knocking when you least expect it. But I won't let fear paralyze me. I'd spend some quiet time with Athos, reflecting on the life I've lived and the choices I've made. And maybe, just maybe, I'd find some peace in knowing that I've done my best to protect the ones I care about, even if it came at a cost.

Book Description:

A relic from the Cold War, the old barracks beckon photographers, influencers, and adventurers, shrouded in secrets and peril. Nela and Tess dare the eerie ruins for their photography thesis, while Zander, Yelka, Vivien, and Damon embark on a simultaneous shoot. Amid the abandoned shadows, Yelka’s group runs into Steven and his ruthless gang, initially outsmarting them. Yet, Nela and Tess fall victim to a nightfall ambush, escaping but torn apart. As adrenaline courses through the gang, they stalk Yelka and her friends, unleashing a relentless manhunt. Vivien becomes their captive, setting off a chain reaction. Tess encounters Damon and Yelka, while Nela, guided by Ben, the barracks’ security manager, races to find Tess. Yelka strives to rescue Vivien, trapped in an abandoned outdoor pool. On his lone pursuit, Zander witnesses the gang’s brutality, delving into a darker realm within himself, spurred by the horrifying thrill of Steven’s actions. The scene propels Yelka, Damon, and Tess into a frenzy, unleashing chaos to liberate Vivien. Nela and Ben, attempting to overpower the gang, witness Yelka and Vivien’s escape as the gang closes in. With the arrival of Steven’s older brother, Henry, the stakes are set; the old military hospital transforms into a battleground. No one is to leave alive, and a matter of life and death ensues. In the ruthless clash, Nela and Yelka emerge as the lone defenders, while Zander pursues a mission for his own catharsis. In Henry’s basement, dubbed his Hades, the teams converge for a pulse-pounding final duel, where survival is the ultimate prize. 

You can pick up your copy at Amazon. 

About the Author

Jens Boele, a veteran media designer in the entertainment industry, brings over two decades of cinematic expertise to his writing. Born in Germany in 1975, Jens embarked on his writing odyssey in his youth, culminating in the publication of his debut book, “Sunshine,” in

2015. This was followed by “Hurensohn,” and his latest spine-tingling creation, “Urbex Predator.” Jens is a genre-bending author, specializing in horror and crime thrillers. His narratives often blur genre lines, weaving intricate tales that plunge readers into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Jens’s storytelling brilliance lies in his fascination with the criminal mind; his villains are always profoundly human, offering readers a chilling examination of the psychological aspects of the criminally insane. Jens sets himself apart by seamlessly integrating classic horror with the gritty authenticity of the present day. This innovative fusion imbues his narratives with a dynamic quality, seamlessly blending archaic thrills with contemporary intrigue, resulting in an immersive reading experience that resonates with both vintage enthusiasts and present-day readers alike. Jens Boele’s latest endeavor takes his work across borders, as “Urbex Predator” becomes his first book to be translated into English. A globetrotter with deep connections to the United States, Jens’s passion for exploration and his international perspective, nurtured by family and friends in the US, shine through in his writing, offering readers a captivating blend of horror and cultural diversity. Visit Jens’ website at https://jensboele.com/.