tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50728235377322897042024-03-13T06:45:44.651-05:00Harmonious MadnessOf a sort...
Book reviews, updates, and more from Kara ThorpeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-60632057666171483342016-09-20T16:13:00.003-05:002016-09-20T16:13:48.650-05:00Adventures in Ghost Hunting (Haskell Investigations outtake) Chapter 1/3<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-c07407e4-496f-dcb1-b915-87365291c827" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> have the rough draft of <i>Vampires, Bears and Other Bitey Things</i> 90% finished. To help everyone get back in to the Az & Rick groove, here's a short story that takes place after the first book.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Adventures in Ghost Hunting Chapter 1 /3</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Az trailed her fingertips along the wall as she quietly meandered down the hallway towards the staircase. It was dark, but she knew every inch of the hall. She could walk it, and identify doors, with her eyes closed. Or at three in the morning. Same difference.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Halfway between her origin point – Jose’s bedroom - and her destination, she paused to press her palm against the cool wood of a closed door. If she concentrated, she could hear a soft huffle-snore. Two legs in Rick’s bed rather than four. The invitation would still be open. His goodnight kiss had made that clear. It was tempting.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Too tempting.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">With a wistful sigh, she dropped her hand back to her side and continued on her quest for a new book. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Care and Feeding of Siberian Huskies</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> had been interesting, but she doubted that many of the tips would translate well to the care and feeding of a house full of Shifters. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">At the murmur of voices from the room diagonally across from Rick’s, she stopped abruptly. Her eyes narrowed as she tried to determine whether it was moonlight or artificial light seeping from underneath the door. Uriah and Quinn had a strict midnight lights out rule. Exceptions were only made for pack functions, school assignments, and illnesses. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There were no pack functions. All homework assignments had been checked and tucked away in backpacks. The boys had been perfectly healthy during a surprisingly cutthroat post-homework game of Scrabble.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Az crossed the carpeted hallway and carefully turned the knob so that it didn’t squeak. She couldn’t risk knocking first. Knocking would undoubtedly rouse Rick, which would undoubtedly get the boys grounded. And if the boys were grounded, she was grounded, too.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A flashlight clicked off as soon as she opened the door. The edge of a sheet dangled off the top bunk. Four pillows were piled in front of the window. There two were two figures seated on the bottom bunk. Though she didn’t have a Shifter’s senses, Az could practically taste the guilt in the air.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">She stepped inside the room and pulled the door shut. For ten seconds after the door closed with a </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">snick</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, she held her breath. When the growl of a sleep-deprived Alpha didn’t shake the floor under her feet, she relaxed and set her book on the corner of a nearby desk.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“What’s going on?” she whispered as she tiptoed toward the bed. Navigating the teens’ bedroom in the dark wasn’t as easy as walking down the hallway. There were dirty clothes landmines and sporting equipment roadblocks to avoid.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Nothing,” Uriah said, voice equally quiet.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Az squirmed her way between the two teens. She treated each to her harshest Rick-esque glare. She’d practiced in the mirror for three days before trying it out on Rick. He hadn’t even bothered to pretend to be impressed. Jerk. At least Jose had winced. Ike had even handed over his pint of ice cream when she’d tested the glare on him.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“You’re risking missing out on an absolutely gorgeous weekend for </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">nothing</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">?”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The boys leaned in front of her to hold a silent brotherly conversation. Az inspected the glow-in-the-dark galaxy adhered to the ceiling. Orion’s Belt was in the wrong location, and she was pretty sure they were missing a planet. Given their science grades, though, it was hardly a surprise.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Quinn straightened suddenly. He raked a hand through his mop of hair. “The house across the street is haunted.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Haunted?” That wasn’t the answer she’d expected. Az rose. She picked her way to the window and pulled back the thick, thermal curtains. The Gothic Revival house was dark. According to Rick, it had been foreclosed months before her arrival in Houston. With its lancet windows, steeply pitched roof, and decorative trim, it certainly appeared intimidating.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Uriah flopped back against the mattress. “We’re not crazy.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I’m hardly one to toss stones,” Az murmured, squinting as a small speck of light appeared in one of the second-floor windows. “It could be squatters. That last cold front dropped the temperature.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“We’ve seen faces in the windows. And a woman on the balcony,” Quinn said.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“There was a man on the porch the other day. I could see through him,” Uriah added. His enthusiasm paled in comparison to his brother’s, but there was a note of curiosity in his tone. “Last week, I thought I heard a baby crying when I was out raking the yard.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Az watched as the speck of light bobbed in the window before unexpectedly winking out. Something dark moved against the window, but she couldn’t tell if it was the wind moving branches or something spectral. She scanned the house’s other windows for signs of occupancy.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Ghosts exist,” she said, “of course they do. You die and that supposed to be it, but sometimes things go haywire. Wires crossed. It could be a conscious decision or just a fluke. Combination of both. No one knows. The energy transfer relating to death is too massive to be accurately quantified. The la Fay Constant is supposed to be the best estimate, but even that’s come under fire. Energy and magic feel similar, can be used in many of the same applications, but they don’t dissipate in the same way.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“In English, Az?”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“There’s a very good possibility you aren’t hallucinating.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“We’ve been keeping a log.” Quinn flicked on the flashlight. He held up a battered spiral notebook. “Do you want to see it?”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Oh, absolutely.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The three of them huddled on the bunk with the notebook and the flashlight. Uriah hogged most of the mattress with his long legs while Quinn was content to cuddle up against her side. Their notes were detailed. They boys had carefully denoted the weather and traffic patterns at the time of each incident. Rough sketches were included with the notes. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I wish you’d put this much effort into your schoolwork,” she muttered as she flipped to the notes on the latest occurrence. “I will say that it does appear there is something odd going on across the street.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Ghost odd or drug smuggling ring odd?” Uriah asked.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I love your imagination,” Az said, grinning at the teen. “And the answer is: I don’t know.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“But we’re going to find out, right?” Quinn asked.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Az playfully nudged his ribs with her elbow. “Have you ever known anyone in this house to pass up a mystery?”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Before either teen could respond, the scritch of nails on wood cut through the silence. Quinn and Uriah exchanged worried glances. Az hurriedly turned off the flashlight and then motioned for them to lie down. She slid off the bed and crept to the door. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A thousand explanations – okay, lies – raced through her brain. She hadn’t settled on one when she opened the door a crack. She expected an irritated Alpha glare. She got a sleepy ocelot stare. Jose used his head to push her out of the way so she could enter. She quickly scanned the hallway before shutting the door behind his tail.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I was coming back,” Az said. She glanced at the alarm clock beside the bed and winced. It was nearly six in the morning. In thirty minutes, Rick would knock on the door to wake the boys. “Wow. I didn’t realize I’d been gone that long.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As if on cue, Quinn let out a jaw-cracking yawn. Uriah followed seconds later. Az eyed them speculatively. If they went to school, they wouldn’t learn anything. They’d only fall asleep in one class or another and wind up with detention. Why put them through the hassle of detention and punishment from Rick for said detention?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“So sorry you boys came down with the stomach flu,” Az said, shaking her head. “I know you were both looking forward to going to school today, but I’m afraid that you’re going to have to stay home.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Jose padded toward the bed. He sniffed both boys before cocking his head at Az. His ears were perked up and his tail was curled around her left knee. She stared at him imploringly. If Jose didn’t back her story, Rick would know something was wrong. After one, heart-stoppingly long minute Jose blinked.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Thank you.” Az ran her fingers across the tuft of fur between his ears. “Why don’t you go back to bed?”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Jose shook off her hand and, with a liquid grace Az envied, leapt onto the top bunk. The bed creaked as he turned Quinn’s blanket into an acceptable kitty nest. The tips of his ears were the only parts of him visible from the floor.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Az scarcely had time to stash the ghost journal into a nightstand drawer and tuck the boys into bed. She was dragging the wastebasket to the bed when the door flew open. Rick, dressed only in a pair of faded jeans, stood in the doorway. He scrubbed a hand across his face, and his attention was on the activity in the hallway.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Up and at ‘em, boys. If you’re lucky, we can sweet talk Jose into making breakfast. I’m thinking chocolate chip pancakes, bacon and...Az!”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">She bit back a grin. He was downright adorable when startled. “Afraid I’m not on the menu this morning, Ricky.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The tips of his ears burned a bright red. “What are you doing here? I thought you were bunking with the furball.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“You realize that to me you are all furballs, right?”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“What did I say about attempting diversions before my first cup of coffee?”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“That they were only acceptable if they involved actions that I cannot discuss in a room with two ill teenagers.” Az glanced over her shoulder to ensure that the boys were still feigning sleep before herding Rick into the hallway. She closed the door but kept her hand on the knob. It was the only way to keep her hands off the shirtless temptation in front of her.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Ill? They were fine last night.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“No,” she corrected. “They were fine until they started vomiting around three in the morning. Stomach flu, I think. Which is kind of a misnomer, actually. It isn’t actually influenza. It’s gastroenteritis. If they had the actual flu, they’d be feverish, congested, and achy. This is just stomach pain and puking. Lots and lots of puking.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rick was silent for a few seconds. He shook his head as if coming out of a daydream. He’d likely zoned out while she was talking. Az knew he did it often. She didn’t mind. Much. It came in handy at times.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I didn’t hear anything.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“And why would you? You were snoring loud enough to wake the dead.” A slight exaggeration but not out of the realm of possibility. He complained about Jose’s snoring, but he could be just as loud. Especially if he was as tired as she suspected he’d be given the mess at the Astrodome.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rick made a move for the doorknob. Az slid to intercept him. She curled an arm around his bicep. Fought the urge to give it an experimental squeeze.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Please, no. They just fell asleep. And the bathroom is finally clean. Let them rest.” She fluttered her eyelashes and tried to look as exhausted and guileless as possible. It was more difficult than people assumed. She was grateful she’d cleaned their bathroom the previous morning so that the smell of bleach was still fresh.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“They’ll need to stay home from school, then. You’ll call the office?”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Absolutely. I’ll have them text Lenny Parker and ask to him bring by any assignments they missed.” She relaxed against the door. He was buying it. “You’ll have to settle for cold cereal. Jose is snoozing on the top bunk. I woke him when I tried to sneak out.” </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“What were you doing up so late?” Rick asked. “Nightmares again? Why didn’t you come to me?”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The kicked-puppy look on his face made the corners of her eyes sting. She flung her arms around his neck, plastered herself against him, and pressed her lips to his scruffy cheek. Silly Alpha. For all his gruffness and cockiness, he was insecure about the oddest things. She didn’t hide how much she utterly adored him, but he still worried.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“No nightmares. Haven’t needed to sleep.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rick’s fingertips dug into her hips. He turned his head so they were nose-to-nose but made no attempt to extricate himself from the embrace. “That’s three days with no sleep, Princess. Are you sure you’ll be able to handle two sick teens? I have meetings at the ‘dome I can’t cancel.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Jose’ll be here. I’ll catch a quick nap while he’s on vomit bucket duty.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rick buried his nose in the soft skin behind Az’s left ear. His teeth gently scraped across her neck. A shiver zinged down her spine. His smug chuckle rumbled through her chest all the way to her toes. He nibbled his way down to her collarbone.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“You said you weren’t on the menu this morning, Princess. Does that mean I get a rain check?”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Down the hall, a bedroom door opened. Tommy stuck his head out into the hallway. “Hey, boss,” he called, an odd note of uncertainty in his tone.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Yeah?” Rick asked, lips still firmly attached to Az’s skin.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“You two going to be at it much longer? Normally, I wouldn’t try to rush </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">l’amore</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> or anything, but it’s my day to open the shop, and I need to grab a shower.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Heat rushed to Az’s cheeks. She struggled to get free, but Rick’s arms were like iron bands. “Put me down,” she muttered, slamming her toes into his shin. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Keep wiggling like that, sweetheart, and I won’t settle for a rain check.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Put me down,” she repeated through clenched teeth.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rick slowly, punishingly slowly, slid Az down until her feet touched the floor. He rocked back on his heels and hooked his thumbs in his front pockets. Dimples bracketed his satisfied smile. “Try not to miss me too much today, Princess.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Every vomit bucket will remind me of you,” she promised with a beaming grin. Before he could retaliate, she slipped into the bedroom and swiftly closed the door. </span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Questrial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Two pairs of brown eyes peered at her from the depths of the bottom bunk. She waggled her eyebrows and rubbed her hands together. “Who’s ready for a little ghost hunting?”</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-83946316868909472542015-04-10T09:03:00.000-05:002015-04-10T09:03:06.092-05:00First Dates - Adventures of Jose and Az<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">First Dates</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az tapped her chin as she circled the man standing
still as a statue in the middle of her rarely used bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started at the top of his dark head and
catalogued everything down to the polished toes of his black boots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Black jeans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Black t-shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both wrinkle-free
and perfectly fitted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There wasn’t
anything out of place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing
wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it didn’t seem </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">right</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“It’s close to the full moon,” she said, not
bothering to consult the lunar calendar behind her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your eyes are too bright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to cover them.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Any Shifter who lived past puberty could Shift
whenever the whim struck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They weren’t
dependant on the moon’s cycles, but there was something about a full moon that
made a Shifter just a little different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stronger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bigger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shinier eyes and even sharper fangs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I can’t wear sunglasses at night, Astraea,” the
man snapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It won’t affect my night
vision, but I’ll look like an idiot.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Grouchier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Definitely grouchier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Then wear the cap.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reached for the black baseball cap they’d
already wasted twenty minutes arguing over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sharp claws turned it into confetti before her fingertips could touch
the brim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No cap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You know, you could stay here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is easily a one-man operation.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
aren’t going out on your own.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az settled a hand on her hip and fought to control
her own temper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You love him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You won’t rip out his tongue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
won’t string him up in the front yard as a warning to the others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Patience</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I think I can handle a chain restaurant and the
outdoor theater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On family night.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Strong arms crossed over an equally strong
chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stern eyes fixed in an unwavering
stare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are not going out on your
own.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Despite her best efforts to remain the calm one in
the room, muttered curses about overprotective, testosterone-drenched,
irritating Shifters followed her as she stomped to her closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She inhaled the sweet, soothing scent of the
magnolia sachets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fifteen seconds later,
the haze of anger dissipated and she could think clearly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Perhaps we need to rethink our plan.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jose propped a hip against the edge of Az’s bed and
nodded in agreement. “No caps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or
sunglasses.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">This was her second round of dress-up for the
evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t enjoy playing
dresser half as much as she enjoyed being the dressee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was she this irritating when Jose put
together new outfits for her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not,
she was absolutely going to make sure their next closet-date gave him a
migraine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az toyed with the hem of her black turtleneck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go put on normal clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meet me back here in ten minutes.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jose arched an eyebrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Define normal.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Chain restaurant and outdoor theater normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Boring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pants and a shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing flashy.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“So, pretend I’m Ike.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“If that’s what it takes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Az made a shooing motion with her
fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Borrow some that swamp water
Tommy calls aftershave.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jose’s lips thinned, but he didn’t complain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Az waited until she heard the </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">snick</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> of her door closing to yank the turtleneck over
her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shucked her black cargo
pants as she surveyed the contents of her enormous closet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Boring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
needed boring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgettable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No cute, flirty skirts or snug sweaters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No heels or strappy sandals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She paired a pair of tailored black trousers
with a baby blue cowl-neck sleeveless shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It wasn’t the most demure shirt in her closet, but the color reminded
her of Rick’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick’s eyes made her
happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was her happy shirt.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">She was stepping into a pair of plain black flats
when Jose slipped back into her bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In pressed brown trousers and an oatmeal-colored Irish fisherman’s ribbed
sweater, he looked more like a man ready for a date and less like a man ready
for a night of surveillance work.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“You’re going to sweat to death in that sweater,”
she predicted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I can regulate my temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You, on the other hand, are going to freeze
to death in that shirt,” Jose countered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dark eyes studied her for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It needs accessories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep it
simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Silver hoops and that bangle you
scammed off that D’sari last month.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I did not </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">scam</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">
it off him,” Az said, crossing to her jewelry box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She fastened on a pair of small silver hoop
earrings; her fingers traced the runes carved into the thick, heavy silver
bangle bracelet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was a poker
game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put it in the pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won the pot.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“You were cheating.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I was not!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“You drained a seer two days before the weekly
poker game.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Not on purpose.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Az frowned at her best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“And you weren’t complaining about that sweet motorcycle I helped you
win during the Bingo game.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Let’s go.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az snorted as she slipped the bracelet over her
wrist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Typical Shifter deflection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When all else fails, change the subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She followed Jose down the stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a Friday night and the house was
practically empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greta and Ike were spending
the weekend in Galveston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the
pack was a local bar unwinding from a long week and the stress of an upcoming
full moon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick had been called in to a
super-top-secret meeting with Greer and Matt Anders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quinn and Oscar were binging on a </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Top Gear</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> marathon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Though the living room was not on the way to the
garage, Az made a slight detour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
passed behind the couch to ruffle Quinn’s hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was shaggier than usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
moon’s influence in action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’d have
to take him to get it cut before Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She wasn’t in the mood for another meeting with Vice Principal Delgado.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Are you set for the night, kiddo?” she asked
during the next commercial break.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Yeah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
pizza’ll be here in a few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got a half
veggie if you’re going to stick around.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Quinn tore his eyes from the television long enough to take in Az’s
outfit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Guess that’s a negative on
sticking around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Az, it’s cold outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should change your shirt.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“That’s what jackets are for.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Az grit her teeth and smiled at the concerned
teen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will not ground the overprotective
Shifter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not his fault his biggest
male role model is a domineering, mollycoddling jerk</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><i>.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i> </i> </span>“I’ll have
my phone if you need me.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Quinn tilted his head and accepted the kiss on his
cheek with far more maturity than most boys his age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have fun ruining my brother’s night.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az snagged the black leather jacket dangling from
Jose’s fingertips and grabbed her purse off the kitchen counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She rarely took the pack’s teasing seriously,
but Quinn’s last words left her with an uneasy feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t want to sabotage Uriah’s first
date with his chemistry study buddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
fact , she’d done everything in her power to smooth the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">She’d met with Carly Wright’s very nice parents to
assure them that Uriah had full control of his coyote and would tear out his
own throat before he hurt an innocent person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She and Jose had spent hours helping Uriah research date plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’d helped Uriah pick out his clothes and
had helped him sweet talk Ike into the use of Ike’s car.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Most importantly, she’d kept knowledge of the date
from Rick. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick hadn’t banned either
teen from dating, but she’d heard horror stories from pack members who’d
brought potential significant others around the Alpha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carly was a sweet, smart, shy girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carly knew how to quietly, slyly combat
Uriah’s mischievousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’d even
managed to raise Uriah’s chemistry grade from a D to a C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carly did not deserve a Rick Haskell
interrogation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">No teenage girl needed to be asked whether or not
she exchanged sexual favors for life-sustaining energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">And Rick seriously needed to get over his succubus
phobia.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“We’re just going to observe,” she said, once they
were tucked in a corner booth at the restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He was so nervous, and it </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">is</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> close to the full moon.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">She felt Jose’s gaze on her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She lifted the heavy, laminated menu but the
letters were just a blur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of the
corner of her eye, she could see Uriah and his pretty redhead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Judging by the bright, happy laughter
spilling from Carly’s mouth, Uriah was at his most charming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good for him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">So was Az trying to ruin his date?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that why she’d insisted on spying on
him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did she not trust him or his
ability to control his animal?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was she
as territorial as the Shifters she lived with?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Did she want to keep her boys all to herself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I can smell the smoke from here,” Jose said,
gently tugging the menu from Az’s hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Why do you look like you’re going to cry?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az blinked rapidly, surprised to find moisture
clinging to her eyelashes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m a
horrible person.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Yes, yes you are.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The sharp, stabbing pain came out of nowhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glanced down expecting to see a fork or
dagger protruding from her chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
forced herself to meet Jose’s bland stare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Oh.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">His wide grin only confused her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re an idiot.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He covered her fists with his palms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You didn’t exactly hear me protest this
little outing, did you?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“No.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“And if you hadn’t sworn Ike and Quinn to secrecy,
everyone in the pack would be here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
few of them wouldn’t even bother trying to stay hidden.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Rick would have installed a camera somewhere and
put a bug on Uriah.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Damn straight he would have.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The tension in Az’s spine gradually faded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t trying to ruin his date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was protecting him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She liked Carly, but teenage boys –
especially ones with occasional flea problems – were fragile creatures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“So why am I a horrible person?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Because, my shining star, you made me promise not
to record our little coyote’s first date.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az let Jose order for her when the waitress sidled
up to their table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was too intent on
watching Uriah and Carly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uriah wasn’t
as shy as his brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In uncertain
situations he either clammed up or resorted to outrageously impish behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was glad that he was displaying neither
attitude.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Twice she had to jerk herself around so that Uriah
couldn’t see her face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every now and
then, his nose would go up as if he was sniffing the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would slowly scan the room, but he never
seemed to spot Az or Jose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az and Jose tried to keep their voices lower than
normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The noise of the restaurant
would do a lot to confuse Uriah’s sharper-than-normal senses, but they weren’t
willing to take any risks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Discovery
would put them in the doghouse with a master prankster.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Plus, Uriah would just tell Rick.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">And then Rick would get pissed that Az hadn’t told
him about Uriah’s date.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">‘<i>Shifters</i></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">,’ Az sighed as she sipped her iced tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jose did his best to distract her with the tale of
his first date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What had started as a
simple night of dancing had turned into a night spent with animal control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon returning, he’d seen a stranger flirt
with his date – and his date flirt back -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and had Shifted in the dark hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As he hadn’t told his date about his </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">condition</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">, the sight of a large, angry ocelot had cleared the club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jose had spent the night locked in a
cage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His father had confined him to the
house for two weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d never spoken
to his date again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Where was your first date, Az?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az dragged her attention from the table across the
restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She frowned for a moment
before waving her hand between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jose paled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He furiously glanced around the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“If you value my life, my heart, don’t ever say that again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">not</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">
a date.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It was Az’s turn to frown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I’m sorry if I’m not up to your
exacting standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suppose I can find
some slimeball to hit on me if that’d make you happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t had any practice, but I’m sure I
can flirt back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all just fluttery
eyelashes and extreme cleavage, isn’t it?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I love you, but you’re not too bright, are
you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jose leaned toward her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you think I’m going to deny tall, dark
and grumpy the opportunity to be your first date.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az felt her cheeks warm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She dropped her gaze to her mostly-empty
plate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rick and I don’t date.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“No, you just spent practically every waking moment
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been three nights since
you crept into my room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ike and Greta
said it’s been a week since you’ve set up camp on their window seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quinn was griping about the lack of late-night
video game marathons.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I have my own room,” she said, wishing a sinkhole
would open up below their booth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had
no idea that her nighttime wanderings were the subject of so much scrutiny.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“The sheets on that bed are the same ones I put on
it before you showed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t
smell like you.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“You know, the smelling thing is kinda irritating.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Says the woman who licked Lucas yesterday.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I apologized for that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Az straightened when she realized that Uriah
was reaching for his wallet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’d
better get our bill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looks like they’re
moving on to the theater.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They stayed well behind the teens on the drive to
the Miller Outdoor Theater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jose made
sure to park his car as far from Uriah’s as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, the zoo’s central parking lot
was large and packed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They chose an aisle spot a hundred yards or so
behind the blanket Uriah spread out on the hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Az had thought it odd that Uriah hadn’t tried
to get tickets for seats, but as she sank onto the blanket next to Jose, she
sort of understood the appeal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The night
air was crisp, and the stars overhead were bright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were in the middle of the city, but it
didn’t quite feel like it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">She stretched out her legs and leaned back on her
elbows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The musical was one she’d wanted
to see, but hadn’t quite worked up the nerve to ask anyone to go with her to watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twenty minutes into the performance, Jose
disappeared for a bathroom run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before
he returned, something heavy slammed into her feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a yelp, she tucked her legs against
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She raised her head, intent on
glaring her attacker into submission, only to freeze at the familiar face
staring down at her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Az?” Uriah whispered, eyes wide with surprise.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az groaned and flopped back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She flung an arm across her face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">so</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">
busted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she pretended that she
couldn’t see him, would he go away?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“What’re you doing here, Az?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uriah dropped to a crouch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He eyed the spot where Carly was waiting for
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you spying on me?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sniffed the blanket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“With Tommy?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">She waved her free hand at the stage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Musical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Watching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alone.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“On the night that I’m with Carly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the same hill.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Go away.” She knew he wouldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was as stubborn as the others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shifters</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t leave her alone too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s a cute girl.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Uriah glanced back down at his date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A happy smile spread across his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, she is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Funny, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Really, really smart.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His smile
faded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Too good to be slumming it with
me.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az grasped the front of Uriah’s polo shirt and
yanked him down so they were nose-to-nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“If I ever hear you say something so utterly stupid again, I will wash
your mouth out with that nasty Lava soap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are a wonderful boy, and she should be lucky that she’s with
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do you think I’m here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to make sure </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">she</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> is good enough for </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">you</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“So you are spying on me.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az released Uriah’s shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She couldn’t tell what the gleam in his eyes
meant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was he going to tattle on
her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use the moon’s influence to rip out
her throat?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Swear to never talk to her
again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He surprised her by flinging his arms around her
neck for a quick, tight hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Minty breath
brushed across her ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Az.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Still uncertain, she patted him on the
shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now go do whatever you were going to do and
get back to your date.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">A few minutes after Uriah left, someone dropped
onto the blanket next to Az.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A box of
gummy bears landed on her lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took you long enough,
though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been discovered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, at least I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re still in the clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thinks you’re Tommy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope he doesn’t tell anyone that.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Me, too.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az stiffened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That wasn’t Jose’s voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
turned her eyes to the large hand only inches from hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fingers were familiar but they didn’t
belong to Jose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She swallowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mustered up a bit of bravado.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello, darling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Didn’t figure you one for song and dance.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“If this is where you are, sweetheart…,” Rick said,
letting the rest of the sentence hang between them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The lump in her throat grew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She waited until he draped an arm across her
shoulders to snuggle against his side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even with her jacket, the air was too cold. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that she was going to tell Jose or Quinn
that they were right. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Jose was just here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s who I thought I was talking to.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was silly to justify herself, but she
couldn’t stop the words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had no say
in who she watched musicals with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or if
she watched them alone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I caught him by the concession stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went home.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Oh.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
toyed with the top of the box of candy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You didn’t have to track me down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There’s no looming apocalypse, and I had my bodyguard with me.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Maybe I just missed you.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warm lips brushed across her cheek before a
finger under her chin directed her face back to the stage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, hush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Watch.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">With her favorite wolf to cuddle up with, and no
need to remain vigilant, it was easy to relax and enjoy the musical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not even Rick’s occasional huff or muttered
curse could detract from the pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It wasn’t until he started a steady stream of soft whispers that she
paid more attention to the man beside her and less to the stage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Put your arm around her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Shoulders only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watch that hand,
pup.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az’s eyebrows shot up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t think he was talking to
himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His arm was already around her,
and he never seemed to care about where his hand landed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither did she.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who’re you talking to?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Uriah. I can smell his nervousness from here.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“And he can hear you?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He arched an eyebrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She rolled her eyes at herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stupid question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shifters</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Rick spent the rest of the musical whispering
advice and reassurances to the teen in front of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Az gave Uriah a thumbs’ up when he escorted
Carly passed their blanket once the performance was over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d already been instructed to drive her
straight home, and she knew that Carly’s father would be waiting on the front
porch for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably with a shotgun.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">With a groan, Rick fell backwards onto the
blanket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His weight dragged Az down
beside him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crowd was thinning, but
there was no rush to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That was
more exhausting than my first date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
did good, though.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her gruff, snarly Alpha was a softie. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d spent over an hour talking an anxious
teen through half of his first date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Such a sweetie.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Quinn has an eye on a girl in his English class.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Rick clamped a hand across Az’s mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t want to think about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not right now.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His hand lifted
when she traced the lines of his palm with her tongue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not as gross as you think it is, Princess.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“It’ll be harder to spy on Quinn, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’ll be looking for us.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“You should let the boy have some privacy,” Rick
said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">She bit back a laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sounded far too practical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let me guess, you’re thinking a few of those
gadgets locked away in your drawer and a conveniently located command center.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Exactly.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">She rolled onto her side, traced the curve of his
jaw with her fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know, Jose has
his first date with Lucas next Thursday.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Oh?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“They’re going to that Samurai exhibition at the
museum of natural science.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“The one I told you I wanted to go to last week?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az fixed her eyes on his chin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Was that the one you were talking
about?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t paying attention to
you.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Low, amused laughter wrapped around them like a
warm breeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you want to ask me out
on a date, sweetheart, just do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
don’t need to use Uriah or Jose as excuses.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">She tried to sit up, but his arm kept her glued to
his side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She settled for jabbing her
knuckles into his ribs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I did not
invite you tonight, and I was </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">not</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> going to
ask you - ,” she paused to take a breath, “you’d… you wouldn’t say no?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“To a pretty girl asking me out?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He held up a hand when Az opened her mouth to respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“However, I’d like to do this the
old-fashioned way.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“You want to be the one to ask me out.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
cupped her cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kiss was short but
filled with promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I won’t, though.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az wasn’t sure if it was the fog of lust or the
roar of blood in her ears that made her misunderstand him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least, she hoped she’d misunderstood
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I’m not going to ask you out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I ask you out, that’ll give you time to
gossip with Jose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He can’t keep his
mouth shut, so everyone’ll know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
my pack, Princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Payback will be
ugly.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">That made sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Still, she would have liked to be asked out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So what are you going to do?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Kidnap you,” Rick said breezily, as if it was
something he’d been contemplating for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pulled her closer then rested his chin on the top of her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, tell me all about this Carly.”</span></div>
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<![endif]-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-58885237050133137302015-03-11T11:15:00.000-05:002015-03-11T11:15:05.576-05:00WOTD: Variorum (short fic)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Word of the Day Prompt</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Date</span></b><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">: March 11, 2015</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Universe</span></b><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">: Haskell Investigations </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Word of the Day</span></b><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">: variorum (adj;1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Containing different versions of the text by
various editors; 2. Containing many notes and commentaries by a number of
scholars or critics)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Timeline:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> post-book one, no major
spoilers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">A small bubble of panic welled in Rick’s throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d let go of Az’s hand for one second –
just long enough to shield his eyes from the fireball – and lost her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood still in a swarm of firemen, police
officers, paramedics, and screaming witches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sharp eyes scanned the crowd for a bobbing blonde ponytail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the smoke from the fire and the acrid
odor of burning herbs, he couldn’t use his enhanced senses to locate her
magnolia scent.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Had she gone into the burning building?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Had she been knocked down by the explosion and trampled?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had one of the witches attacked her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Az got along with the Sisters of Munificence,
but it had been five weeks since their last witch fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were due. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">There was no sign of Az in the crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He should have carried her away from the house when the first spark lit
up the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He should have handcuffed
her to his wrist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He should have locked
her in the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He should have left
her at home with the rest of the pack.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Rick retrieved a roll of antacids from his pocket and popped two
cherry-flavored tablets in his mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The grit stuck to his molars as he chomped on the pills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mild cooling sensation did little for his
churning gut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doc Taylor was on his ass
about his blood pressure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick was going
to send Az to Doc Taylor for a week to prove that medication was unnecessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His blood pressure would return to normal
just as soon as he had a void who didn’t run off whenever a thought popped into
her pretty, reckless head.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He dug into his other pocket for his phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After dialing Az’s number, he jammed one
finger into his ear and held the phone up to the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One ring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Two.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">His ass vibrated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Twice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Anger swiftly replaced the panic. He reached into his back pocket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The neon pink smartphone was still
vibrating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His face, slack with sleep,
filled the screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When had she taken
the picture?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why was he listed under
“Growly”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did she really enjoy running
with Greta and him in the mornings?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d
practically tattooed the rule about phones on her forehead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why had she slipped her phone into his
pocket?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why hadn’t he noticed?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Rick popped another antacid before pocketing both phones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grabbed the shoulder of a passing
uniformed police officer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you seen
Az Stanton?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The cop’s forehead scrunched up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After a moment, it smoothed out and a grin slowly spread across his
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cute little blonde thing,
right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great smile, decent rack,
downright sweet ass?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consults with the
supe squad?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Rick ground the antacid into fine powder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He balled his fists to keep from wrapping his
hands around the cop’s scrawny neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
cop didn’t know it yet, but his career was over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick was going to use every iota of influence
he held to ensure the cop never guarded anything more than a crosswalk.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">A crosswalk in front of a retirement home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Oblivious to how close he was to certain death, the cop chuckled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I haven’t seen her tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wish I had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hear she’s close with witches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Big explosion like this is bound to be upsetting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t mind offering up my shoulder for
her to cry on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could take her mind off
this tragedy, if you know what I mean.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Rick bared sharp, gleaming fangs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fur sprouted along the back of his hands.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The cop went ashen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He finally
focused on Rick’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Went even whiter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tugged at the collar of his shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re the Alpha of the Pack.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Yeah, I am.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Ms. Stanton is a member of your pack.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Yeah, she is.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“</span>Oh, Jesus<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sweat dotted the cop’s
forehead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span>Oh, sweet Jesus<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Play nice, Ricky!” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">At the laughingly-issued command, both men turned away from the
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A slender, pale figure emerged
from the shadow of an ambulance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Az, hem
of her prissy skirt coated with ashes, waggled her finger as she approached.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Rick quickly scanned her for injuries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was a small scrape along her left cheek and red handprints on each
of her forearms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He checked her eyes for
signs of a magical overload.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The blue
gaze locked on to his was sad but clear.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">As soon as she was within reach, he looped an arm around her waist and
dragged her to his side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aware that the frightened
cop was watching, Rick let his lips linger on the warm curve of her cheek
before resting his chin on top of her head.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“</span>Oh, Jesus<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">,” the cop muttered, backpedaling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He stumbled over his own feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m sorry.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He melted into the crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
let him go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d memorized the cop’s
badge number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Retribution could
wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His attention turned to the woman
snuggled up against him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He dragged her
away from the swarm of first responders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The heat from the fire was only fueling his simmering rage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“There are no words for how much trouble you’re in, Astraea.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her fingers dipped
into his back pocket, but she didn’t immediately grab her phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Somehow, I doubt that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You always find the words.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">His growl made the ground beneath their feet rumble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There isn’t enough cute in the world to get
you out of this one, either.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I’d be willing to test that theory.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She flashed a small, seductive smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’ve been reading this book on -.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“You disappeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before we got
out of the damn truck, I told you to stay with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a suggestion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what did you do as soon as I let go?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You disappeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not a warning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just </span>poof<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Rick, I -.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“And then,” he snarled, “you left your phone with me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What have I told you a thousand times about
that damn phone?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Rick’s electronic leash law,” she said, smile slipping away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t have pockets and you made me leave
my purse in the car.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Then maybe you should think of that before you pull another
ridiculously impractical outfit from your closet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick’s angry glare pinned her in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you’re serious about this shit, Az, then
you have to start obeying me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just when it’s convenient for
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probation period is over,
sweetheart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time to prove you’re ready
to be pack.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I am ready!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Prove it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick shook his head
disgustedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sometimes I swear you’re
more trouble than you’re worth.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az stiffened against him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her chin dropped to her
chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick felt the tremble of her
shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His anger cooled
instantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Ah, hell<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d let his fear-driven fury get the better
of him. At times his tongue could be sharper than his claws, and Az pushed his
buttons like no one else.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“You don’t mean that,” Az said softly, hesitantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was more question than statement.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“No, I don’t.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick wrapped both
arms around her to cradle her against his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He buried his face in her soft hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course I don’t mean it, sweetheart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know how I feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you have to stop doing this to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You make me crazy.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I’m sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed to get away
from the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was trying to avoid
the Sisters of Munificence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I warned
them that this would happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I warned
them every chance I got.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to get
away, clear my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I was
good, but then I ran into Matron Laurie.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She sighed again, melted against him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It was ugly.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Rick remembered the marks on her arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Marks he was more than willing to repay on Matron Laurie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She hurt you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s an empath, and she felt your
guilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of her girls died; she took
it out on you.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az swallowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her hands settled
on the small of Rick’s back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her nose
pressed against his sternum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick gently
stroked his hands up and down her spine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were no tears soaking into his shirt, yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His poor, compassionate void took her
responsibilities far too seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
considered every misstep by a witch as a personal failure on her part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The deaths of two witches would haunt her for
weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d have to watch her closely –
make sure she didn’t fall into a funk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was going to be on nightmare duty, too.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“It’s not your fault, Princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Sisters of Munificence are notorious for resisting change. You could
have talked until you were blue in the face and it wouldn’t have done a lick of
good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laurie’s a third-gen Matron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She should have known better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not your fault.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Damn straight it’s not.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Az
pushed back just far enough to scowl up at Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
told that obstinate hag that she was playing with fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Literal fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She didn’t listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is on
her.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Rick floundered for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She </span>didn’t<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> feel guilty?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
angry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the witches?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Huh?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I told them to stop being so damn tight-fisted and buy unadulterated
copies of their spellbooks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Variorums
are cheaper, but something gets lost with all those commentaries and
unnecessary edits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a disaster
waiting to happen.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Rick shook his head and tried not to laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Az took her books seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She couldn’t understand that not everyone
shared her passion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially not
cost-cutting witches.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“So what happened to your arms?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Matron Laurie started screaming about sabotage or an attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It pissed me off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We </span>just<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> got tensions down to a reasonable level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last thing we need is someone from
another coven to hear her running her mouth and firing things up again.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“A fair point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That doesn’t
explain what happened to your arms.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Az lifted her chin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Matron
Laurie wouldn’t shut up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked
politely.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Rick reached for another antacid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Evasiveness meant that he wasn’t going to like what she had to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Did. You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Punched that old biddy in the collagen-enhanced mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took three of her witches to keep me from
breaking her hook of a nose.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Rick knew he should discourage her occasional bursts of violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was usually the even-tempered, diplomatic
half of their team, but every now and then she gave into the anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He needed to teach her his breathing and
meditation techniques.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The witches she
had to deal with on a weekly basis were enough to try the patience of a saint.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He </span>should<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> discourage violence, but he was a Shifter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Violence was as much as part of him as
breathing or eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Az wasn’t a
Shifter, but she was pack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And her
violence made him proud.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He dropped a kiss on the top of her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s my girl.”</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-24090208469527830722015-01-06T09:04:00.000-06:002015-01-06T09:04:35.293-06:00Free Book! <b>Happy Tuesday!</b><i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>Witches, Voids, and Other Sanity Suckers </i>is currently free at Amazon. You can find it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RDLLSF0" target="_blank">here</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZ0Qjq22ZAk/VKL2L-EJMfI/AAAAAAAABA4/SPEnRf_RtwM/s1600/Witches%2C%2BVoids%2C%2Band%2BOther%2BSanity%2BSuckers2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RDLLSF0" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RDLLSF0</a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-84249096212108243322015-01-01T16:02:00.001-06:002015-01-01T16:02:34.210-06:00Warm Wishes For 2015<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CyCpwMbZDJ0/VKXD-hGA2qI/AAAAAAAABBM/NWPs1Zprzaw/s1600/20150101_155410-754211.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CyCpwMbZDJ0/VKXD-hGA2qI/AAAAAAAABBM/NWPs1Zprzaw/s320/20150101_155410-754211.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6099496749146102434" /></a></p><p dir="ltr">Wishing you a warm, restful 2015.</p> <p dir="ltr">Now, if you will excuse me, I need to steal my blanket back.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-31666541870147433062014-12-30T13:05:00.000-06:002014-12-30T13:05:05.198-06:00Books Old and NewDid you know that it's been <b>five</b> years since I finished <i>Daughter of Deception</i>? I hadn't realized it, either. I was reorganizing my writing archive and happened to glance at the date code on my <i>DoD</i> file. I had so much fun writing Duke and Vi. Their relationship remains one of my favorites.<br />
<br />
Speaking of favorite relationships, The romance between Rick and Az in my new book <i>Witches, Voids, and Other Sanity Suckers</i> isn't as blatant as the Dukes', but I enjoyed every second of their snark and how they formed a partnership. Writing from a male point of view was a challenge, and I do want to thank everyone who helped out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZ0Qjq22ZAk/VKL2L-EJMfI/AAAAAAAABA0/aMJHu_4BJvU/s1600/Witches%2C%2BVoids%2C%2Band%2BOther%2BSanity%2BSuckers2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Witches-Voids-Other-Sanity-Suckers-ebook/dp/B00RDLLSF0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1419966020&sr=8-5&keywords=Kara+Thorpe" target="_blank">Witches, Voids, and Other Sanity Suckers</a></div>
<br />
<br />
The title is fun. The book is fun. It's <i>supposed</i> to be fun. I tried not to take much seriously.<br />
Especially not the title.<br />
<br />
Look for:<br />
<i>Vampires, Bears, and Other Bitey Things</i><br />
<i>Cars, Weddings, and Other Fun Things to Crash</i><br />
<i>Fairies, Wives, and Other Justifications for Homicide</i><br />
<i> </i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-24002948224072906502014-10-04T22:47:00.000-05:002014-10-04T22:47:22.508-05:00Hearts of Glass and Fire and other thingsI am an idiot.<br />
<br />
Those of you who don't know me may think that's a harsh statement. Those of you who do know me may think that it's not harsh enough. Either way, it's true.<br />
<br />
I'm busy. I like a little stress, so normally I don't mind being busy. During the fall I have: work, a full class schedule (business law isn't as scary as I thought it would be but statistics is killing me), normal family/house stuff, and college football. Guess which one of those takes priority (here's a hint... touchdown!). <br />
<br />
I usually try to plan my writing schedule and releases (mostly the editing time) around that schedule. Meaning that things generally get done before football starts. I dropped the ball this time. My big project <i>Hearts of Glass and Fire</i>, which is a departure from the other novels I've published, isn't done yet. I tentatively have it scheduled for release in January of 2015. <br />
<br />
But then I remembered that my lease is up in November, and that I really, really hate my hour-and-a-half daily commute. Thanksgiving will be spent moving and <i>not</i> wrapping up all my story's loose ends.<br />
<br />
So, to keep <i>Hearts of Glass and Fire</i> alive in your minds, I will be posting snippets and thoughts on it. As always, feedback is welcomed with open arms. Here is a snippet from the first chapter.<br />
<br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chapter One</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Phone
calls from the Harris County District Attorney are rarely a good thing. The
probability that I'm going to like what Matt Anders has to say diminishes
exponentially on Friday nights. When the conversation starts with the words
"favor" and "friend", I know my night is destined for hell.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Whatever
you want will have to wait until tomorrow." I'm running ten minutes behind
schedule, thanks to the moron who caused the three-car pileup on the Katy
Freeway. Kassiopa Taylor is a stickler about punctuality. If I'm two seconds
late for our date, I'll miss out on what I'm told is the hottest use of tassels
on the planet. Nothing Matt could promise could make up for missing Kassie's
tassels.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"The
Mage of New Orleans is in town, Rick."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Intriguing,
but this isn't New Orleans and I'm not a member of the Mages' Council. The
Council tends to bar its fancy doors when hairy creatures with sharp fangs and
short tempers come skulking around. Not that I'm bitter. I have no use for a
bunch of pansy-ass magic users who hide behind incantations and wands when
things get rough.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Sorry,
Matt. Call me in the morning."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"He
has a job for you."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Five
times my normal rate." My rate alone is exorbitant because, yes, I am just
that good. I don't, for one second, believe that Matt'll go for it. It's a
quick way to get him off the phone so I can get going. The last man Kassiopa
sent packing leapt off his ninth-story balcony.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Deal."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well,
hell. Ms. Taylor is a walking cure for erectile dysfunction, but there are
plenty of hot redheads in the city. At five times my normal rate, even a
two-hour case will make up for the lackluster month I've had. It'll get the mortgage
company off my ass, and I can see about replenishing the pack's anorexic slush
fund.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Your
office. Twenty minutes." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
hang up on Matt and consider calling Kassiopa. Nah. Text is the way to go. She
is a dream to look at, but her voice is worse than a drunken Warsah attempting
a mating call. Guess I won't need those earplugs after all.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matt
paces the sidewalk outside the Criminal Justice Center like hellhounds are
nipping at his heels. The relief that washes over his face when he spots me
sends apprehension trickling down my spine. I should have gone for eight times
my rate or instituted the “Oh Shit” retainer clause.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Parking
garage," he says, hand extended but not touching me. Smart man. Touching
is a no-no. "This meeting never happened."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of
course not. Because nothing ever goes wrong when there are clandestine meetings
involved. "What's going on?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"The
Mage needs a bodyguard for his daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He said that this was something only a Shifter could handle.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Okay,
no. I stop in the middle of the sidewalk. A uniformed cop gives me a dirty
look. I glare right back. Keep moving, bud. Plenty of concrete to go around.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
don't do bodyguard work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's been rule <i>numero
uno</i> since I got my PI license. I'd rather carry a silver tea tray and
blister the fuck out of my hands than play babysitter for a sniveling, little
rich kid. I don't have the patience for it, and I'm far too pretty for prison.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Ten
thousand a day plus expenses," Matt says.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Damn.
The Mage's little brat must be a hellion. "What's the catch?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"No
one can know she's here." Matt rakes a hand through his girly hair.
"I didn't even know he <i>had</i> a daughter until this afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s worked hard to keep her out of the
spotlight."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Handcuffs,
even enchanted ones, are relatively cheap. So are ball gags. For two hundred
bucks, I could keep the brat locked up in one of the pack's safe houses and
catch up on my reality TV. I can't cave that easy, though. If you give Matt a
bit of slack, he'll tie a noose.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I
want to meet her first."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matt
flashes that oil-slick smile that got him elected three times in a row.
"Sure. She's in the parking garage."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Is
this a recommendation you expect a cut on?”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“No.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matt shrugs suit-clad shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He already had your name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve worked with him a time or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He called once he was already in Houston and
asked me to set up this meeting. He requested you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he’d consider it a favor from both of
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the kind of man you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">want</i> to owe you a favor”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ve
met the Mage once, but I’ve never worked with him or for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure if having a reputation that
stretches all the way to New Orleans is a good thing or a bad thing. At least I
won’t have to kick Matt’s ass for setting me up for a babysitting gig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Despite
the prestige of his position as Mage of New Orleans, Leo Vardan isn't much over
fifty. His brat has to be a kid. Teenager at the oldest. Probably got caught with
drugs or got involved with something way her brainless head and has to stay out
of sight until Daddy can smooth things over. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's likely spoiled as the milk in my fridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A fairy princess locked up in an ivory
tower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rapunzel with an attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wonderful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Giddy
laughter echoes through the dark parking garage. The madness threaded through
the tone raises my hackles. I instinctively move closer to Matt to protect the
weaker animal. "Someone get loose or something?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We’re
almost there." Matt's nervous now. Rat bastard. He knows more than he’s
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once this is over, I'll point out
how painful it is to keep things from me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Astraea!"
Leo Vardan's voice cracks like thunder. "Remain still."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">More
laughter. The lights around us flicker. Two bulbs burst. I don't have a chance
to react to the pounding of feet on the concrete before a warm, squishy freight
train slams into me. I hit the ground flat on my back. There's a cackling
anchor on my chest and absolutely no air in my lungs. Spots dance in front of
my eyes. It's too early for fireworks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Small,
hot hands slap my cheeks. At the first scrape of fingernails, I snatch up two
thin wrists in one hand. The bones are fragile and creak with the slightest
squeeze. The cackling stops.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Sorry."
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
voice is feminine but too old for a teenager. Older than twenty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Younger than thirty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slight southern drawl under the
laughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn't sound sorry,
either. Something just out of touch with reality lingers in her tone. <i>Hell</i>.
Just what I needed. Why do I always get the batshit ones?</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-63096457873083728492014-09-16T12:32:00.000-05:002014-09-16T12:32:03.457-05:00Letters of Smoke Preview --> Chapter One<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<i>Letters of Smoke </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
Chapter One<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The walls were red with blood. It
was all she tasted when she swallowed, all she saw when she forced her eyelids
open. The heavy, metallic scent of blood overpowered everything else in the
room.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Riona's world was comprised of blood
and pain. </span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Footsteps echoed like gunshots on
the parquet floor. Riona tensed. Footsteps meant more pain, more blood. A
whimper fell from chapped, blood-caked lips. Pathetic. She was pathetic. It had
only taken five hours with a madman to reduce a nine year veteran of the CMPD
to a whimpering, wounded animal.</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"<i>Detective O'Dell," a
nasal, masculine voice sing-songed. The footsteps grew closer. "I have a
surprise for you."</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Edwin Galicia, dark eyes glinting
with malicious humor, stalked into the living room of his former home. There
was a hunting knife, blade stained with her blood, in his right hand. His left
arm was wrapped around the neck of a tall, fit man with fair hair and pale,
sightless eyes.</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her heart leapt to her throat. Her
stomach twisted; the air in her lungs froze. Of course. Of course he'd get
tired of playing with her and move on to the hostage. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"<i>Thought this was between
you and me, Eddie."</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"<i>You know how to end this,
Detective."</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She did. Her department issued Sig
was within reach. She could grab it and put a bullet smack in the middle of
Galicia's forehead. Of course, moving the gun would set off a trap that would
drive two barbed, needle-sharp iron spikes right onto her abdomen. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Suicide-by-cop had always been
Galicia's ultimate goal. Taking the cop with him was just a neat, little bonus. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"<i>I heard that losing one of
your senses enhances all the others. Think that means he'll squeal
sooner?" Galicia squeezed the hostage's neck. "Think the little
psychic will know what I'm going to do before I do it?"</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"<i>He talks to dead people,
moron. He's not precognitive."</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"<i>Hey!" Galicia's smirk
slipped. "Just for that, I think we'll skip the warm up and move right on
to the real fun."</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Riona exhaled and ignored the sharp
pang of pain in her chest. Broken ribs were always a bitch. She extended her
arm. Her fingers brushed the grip of her gun. She mentally calculated distance
and trajectory, tried not to think about the pain. 'Here we go.'</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Riona O'Dell jerked upright. The
echoes of her screams hung in the air. She pressed icy, shaky fingers against
her abdomen. Through the thin t-shirt she could feel the raised, puckered scar
tissue. Sweat dripped off the end of her nose and splashed onto her shirt. <i>Just
a dream</i>.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She drew her knees to her chest. Her
heart was thundering. Tears stung her eyes. She wanted to lick her lips, but
her mouth had gone dry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shadows danced across her bedroom
walls. The view of the Charlotte skyline was worth the extra sixty bucks a
month, but sometimes those lights and her imagination worked against her.
"Get it together, chickadee," she murmured.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Riona let the sounds of cars and
sirens and downtown Charlotte seep into her consciousness. She wasn't in an old
mansion on the outskirts of the city. She was safe in her bed. She wasn't
strapped to a Chippendale table. She was home. She was safe and sound.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well, at least she was safe.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The sound of an old-school telephone
jangle sent her leaping off the bed. She stared at her vibrating cell phone as
if it was a coiled-up rattler. The phone rang again. She snatched it up and
slid her finger across the bottom of the screen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Grandmama Cat, it's three
o'clock in the morning."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"It's my hearing that's going,
honey, not my eyesight." Traces of Ireland lingered in Catriona O'Dell's
voice. "Besides, it's not as if you were sleeping."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I could have been."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"But you weren't,"
Grandmama Cat said, proving that she had contributed to the stubbornness that
flowed in Riona's blood.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Riona heard the clank of the kettle
being set on a stove burner. The craving for a cup of her grandmother's
chamomile-and-lavender tea hit her like a punch to the gut. She turned on every
light in the apartment as she made her way to the kitchen. Shadows and
nightmares were no match for fluorescent bulbs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I'm fine, Grandmama,"
Riona insisted as she filled and then switched on the electric kettle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"That's not the way I hear
it." The sharp whistle of a ready kettle cut through the connection.
"You were hollering so loud it woke that nice man across the hall."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Riona scowled at the empty kitchen.
Her mother had named her eldest daughter Catriona, an O'Dell family name, in
hopes that Riona would also possess her grandmother's <i>special</i> skills.
Unfortunately, the only special genes Riona inherited were the ones that
prompted her to join the police academy two days after her Clemson graduation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Tell Grandpapa Sean that I
don't care for snitches."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"He's worried about you,
honey."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"He's an old fusspot with
nothing better to do but spend the afterlife tattling on me." Riona
grabbed a coffee mug from the dish drainer and set it beside the stove. She
fished one of her grandmother's homemade tea bags out of the jar on the
counter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Catriona Presley O'Dell!"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Snitches get the sage."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Ungrateful child. I don't know
what's happened to you."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Grandmama," Riona sighed,
pouring hot water over the tea bag. Guilt nipped at her. "I'm sorry.
You're right, it isn't a good night. Tell Grandpapa I'm sorry, too."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She carried her tea to the living
room and sank into the cushions of the square-legged, eggplant-colored sofa.
They discussed her younger sister Sadie's upcoming wedding and her baby sister
Annie's pregnancy until the sun competed with the artificial light. Sadie's
wedding, due in part to their mother's influence, was all set to be the event
of the season in their hometown of Greenville, South Carolina. Annie's baby
girl, due between Sadie's wedding and Thanksgiving, was already the apple of
her Grandpa Colin's eye. Riona was Sadie's maid of honor, but fortunately Annie
had hit up their brother Brendan and his wife Lizzy for godparent duty.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The telltale thump of a newspaper
hitting her front door roused her from a floral arrangement-induced daze.
"I liked the picture of the bouquet with the dahlias, but I'll feel Sadie
out about the orchids," she promised, padding to the front door to
retrieve her daily edition of the <i>Charlotte Observer</i>. "Try and get
some rest now, Grandmama."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I will, honey. You be nice to
Nate. Don't take your rough night out on that sweet man."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Riona hung up without responding. It
was insulting, really. She never took her moods out on Nate. At least not
intentionally. She downed three mugs of coffee while she read the newspaper
from front to back. It was a habit she'd picked up during a public policy class
in college. Staying up on current events had come in handy when she was a cop.
Ever since she'd started NC Investigations and Cleansings with Nathaniel
Guterman, she spent more time with the real estate section and less time with
the local news.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Current events weren't much use for
someone who dealt with the specters of the past.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paper folded up in the recycling
bin, Riona poured the rest of the coffee from the pot in a purple-and-orange
travel mug. They were starting a new investigation, so her day would likely be
spent in the library, the Mecklenburg Historical Association, or the CMPD
archives. <i>Really</i> good investigations meant she'd have the chance to
visit all three.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She dressed for the warm early
September weather in jeans and a sleeveless button-front blue blouse. There was
a black cardigan folded in her messenger bag in case hot-blooded Rita Collier
at the MHA had her hand on the thermostat. She pulled her shoulder-length
walnut brown hair into a low ponytail before slipping on socks and blue
sneakers.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her apartment came with a one-car
garage bay. The day after she'd turned in her badge, she'd traded her car for a
seven-speed commuter bicycle in orange and purple. Groceries were carried in
the saddle-style basket on the rear of the bike. The hard, locked handlebar case
was the perfect place to store her gun.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Riona took the long way from her
apartment to Nate's 1930s Dilworth estate. His ancestral home doubled as their
office. The fresh morning air and the familiar buzz of the city helped clear
her mind. The chocolate hazelnut tart she'd wolfed down in the parking lot of
her favorite bakery hadn't hurt, either.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She parked her bike in the garage
bay Nate had cleaned out for her and slipped through the side gate to the
spacious, perfectly manicured back yard. Her morning habit was to binge on
caffeine and read the newspaper. Nate's was to listen to the morning news while
sitting by the pool.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tiger, Nate's German Shepherd, left
his master's side to greet her at the gate. She kept a package of homemade
treats in a pocket of her bag just for the well-trained dog. They were
healthier than the high-priced, brand-name crap Nate insisted on feeding the
poor thing. Tiger gleefully munched a treat while she made her way to the
wrought iron table set up by the pool.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Good morning, Nate."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nate turned away from his laptop to
face her. He sniffed once, frowned. "You had another nightmare last
night."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The smile slid off Riona's face. She
dropped a white paper bag on the table beside Nate's right hand and flung
herself in the chair next to him. Her lips twisted in a scowl. "Did
Grandpapa come squealing to you, too?"</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I have not seen your
grandfather since last week." Nate dipped a long-fingered hand into the
bag and extracted a warm, fragrant raspberry croissant. "You're twenty
minutes late, which means you needed the extra time to center yourself. Which
means you rode past Sweet Lorraine's. You can't resist a chocolate tart, so you
stopped. You know my weakness for their croissants, so you picked one up for
me. You're not the only one who can follow clues, Detective."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"A delicious, hand-delivered
breakfast automatically means that I had a nightmare."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Exactly."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I think I liked it better when
I believed Grandpapa Sean had told you."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nate wiped crumbs of croissant off
his fingers with a paper napkin. He reached out to pat her hand; his aim was
off by a few inches. Despite her irritation, she slid her fingers under his.
Pale green, sightless eyes stared at a point slightly over her left shoulder.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"There's no shame in having
nightmares, Riona. Considering what you went through, I think it would be
abnormal if you did not have nightmares."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She took a long sip of cooling
coffee to clear the lump in her throat. For months, she and Nate had honored
their silent agreement to not discuss the tragic event that had drawn them
closer. She'd always assumed that he would be the first to break, but there was
something inside her cracking.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Do you?"</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There was a long pause. An apology,
something to call back her question, hovered on the tip of her tongue. Nate
answered before she could speak.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Yes."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The brusqueness of his response made
it clear he wasn't open to a follow-up question. Riona nodded. She could
respect his need for privacy. She had her share of secrets.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Are you walking the house this
morning?" she asked.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Tonight. Allen has a class
this morning. Since he's actually attending his classes this semester, I do not
want to give him any excuse to skip."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Allen Harris was Nate's
twenty-one-year-old distant cousin and personal assistant. After years of pressure
from Nate, his only living relative, Allen had started attending UNC Charlotte
to finish his business degree. Allen lived with Nate for most of the week, but
spent several nights with his girlfriend Erica.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I can do the assist."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"What about your research?"</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"The house is from the '60s. I
don't foresee having to spend much time in the archives unless there's
something wrong with the property. This should be an easy one."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"That is the same thing I said
about the Mercer house."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Riona shuddered. They'd both been
fooled by the cheery white picket fence and well-maintained early
twentieth-century house. There had been so many spirits in the house, so much
malevolence, that Nate had called her grandmother in for assistance. Riona had
filled an entire spiral notebook with information on deaths, violent acts, and
tragedies.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Point." She leaned her
chair back and propped her feet on the edge of the table. "Besides, I want
to get another read on the realtor. We've never dealt with her agency before,
and she didn't seem happy that the prospective buyers hired us."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Home Purchase Full Disclosure
Act, better known as the Amityville Act, required home sellers to disclose to
prospective buyers any known paranormal activity. It also allowed home buyers
the opportunity to investigate a house by having a medium or ghost hunting
group go through the house. Ghost hunting teams gathered evidence of activity
to provide to owners but often didn't research the house's history or offer any
other forms of proof.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NC Investigations and Cleansings
utilized their individual talents. Nate, a card-carrying psychic medium,
conversed with any spirits in a home. Riona hunted through the house's history
to see if there was any truth to the ghosts' claims. Spirits often lied about
their true reasons for hanging about that they couldn't be evicted. A time or
two, Riona's investigative work had led to the closing of a cold case.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Riona played fetch with Tiger while
Nate changed clothes. Normally a conservative, classy dresser, Nate's spirit
walks often took him into dirty attics, dusty basements, and closets so he
opted for jeans and casual shirts on walk days.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She grinned when he emerged from the
house in jeans and a Duke Blue Devils polo shirt. "Wish I'd known it was
alma mater day. Now I feel out of place."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He frowned at her. "You put the
Clemson vest on my dog, didn't you?"</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She glanced down at the purple vest
on the dog's dark fur. Tiger nudged her knee with his head. She instinctively
reached down to rub behind his warm ears. "Maybe. But I grabbed the Duke
leash."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"He's going to have an identity
crisis."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"He's a dog."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"That doesn't preclude him from
having a mental breakdown during game day because he's confused about which
team to root for."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Sure it does." Riona used
her set of keys to unlock Nate's luxury SUV. She opened the back hatch so Tiger
could hop in and settle on his plaid rug. "A: Duke isn't on Clemson's
football schedule this year. B: I don't care about basketball."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I do."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I don't, so I'm not going to
care who you teach him to root for during basketball season. And C: He's a <i>dog</i>."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Loaded down with every possible
amenity, Nate's car was fun to drive. She and Allen often fought over who got
to play chauffer. She kept the radio on the instrumental jazz station Nate
liked to listen to when he was prepping for a walk.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The house in Sardis Forest was only
half an hour from their office. The lots were heavily wooded. As Nate was known
to ramble through backyards, she was grateful the kit in the back was stocked
with bug spray.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nancy Walker, an over-tanned,
bottle-blonde on the backside of forty, was waiting for them in the driveway.
Riona parked the SUV next to Nancy's shiny red convertible. The realtor's smile
was a fake as the boobs threatening to spill over the top of her silk camisole.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"You're lucky the Taylors
signed the waiver regarding the dog," she snapped as Riona led Tiger
around the car to Nate.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nate's fingers lingered on Riona's
when she handed him the leash. The touch was brief but comforting. "We
have worked with the Taylors before, Ms. Walker. They understand Tiger's
necessity."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"<i>None</i> of this is a
necessity." The thin heels of Nancy's patent leather pumps wobbled with
every angry step. Keys jangled as she unlocked the door. "Our usual
company has already given the house a clean bill of health."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Behind Nancy's back, Riona poked out
her tongue. Most realtors took advantage of a loophole in the Amityville Act.
They hired cheap, amateur ghost hunting groups to "investigate" their
listings. It gave buyers warm-fuzzies but was essentially worthless.
Investigators weren't required to guarantee their work, though Nate and Riona
did, and evidence could be faked or suppressed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Greg Taylor is
highly-sensitive child," Nate said, "the Taylors just want to make
sure there is nothing in the house that could disturb him."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Like your perfume," Riona
muttered as she followed Nate into the wide, bright foyer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nate tapped her foot with his cane.
"Be nice," was his whispered admonishment. It was a phrase Riona
often heard from her partner.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Though Nancy initially insisted on
staying throughout Nate's walk, he sweet-talked her in to taking an early lunch
and returning when Riona called. There was a reason Nate was the one who dealt
with clients and realtors. It was the same reason Riona had left her gun locked
in Nate's glove box.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She videotaped Nate's walk. Often
the tapes were used during their final presentation to the client. Most spirits
couldn't resist performing for the camera or responding to Nate's presence. He
was unusually silent as they explored the first three rooms of the house. When
they reached the living room, a massive room with large windows and a gorgeous
view of the woods, he raked a hand through his honey-blond hair.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Well, damn."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Riona's eyebrows shot up. She could
count on one hand the number of times she'd heard Nate swear. The hair on the
back of her neck started to rise.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"What's up?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Can you smell that?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Nope. That gardenia crap Ms.
Walker bathes in has completely screwed up my nose. Makes me wish I had a cough
drop."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Someone's tried to do
something. There are spirits here, but I can't reach them. They're at the edge
of my senses."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Riona adjusted her grip on the
recorder. She glanced around the room, but there were no obvious signs of
magic. Proper cleansings could only be done by those "fey-touched",
as her grandmother called it. That didn't stop every wannabe with access to
herbs and crystals from trying a DIY job. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Botched cleansing?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"No. It feels more like a
suppression." Nate ventured closer to the windows. He ran a finger along
the glass, traced a series of symbols. For a second they glowed a bright
yellow. He leaned closer and sniffed the glass. "Definitely a
suppression."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Can you break it?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Possibly." He moved away
from the window. His square jaw was set in concentration. A furrow appeared
between his closed eyes. "It may take some time."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I've got all the time in the
world," Riona said. She paused, tapped her lip. "But the library
closes at seven."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He held up a hand to indicate a need
for silence. She dropped to a squat and reached for Tiger. The Shepherd padded
to her side. His long tongue hung out of his gaping mouth as she ran her
fingers along his spine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Without warning, he sat back on his
haunches, threw his head back, and howled. Riona fell backwards into an inelegant
sprawl on the hardwood floor. The camera slid from her hands and disappeared
underneath a mission-style sofa.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Okay," Nate said, voice
raspy. Both hands were wrapped around the cane so tightly his knuckles were
white. "I can sense them. Not too clearly, but they're there."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"That's good, isn't it?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nate shook his head. "Ree, one
of them is a newbie."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-5262148106635755582014-04-17T14:09:00.000-05:002014-04-17T14:09:00.164-05:00UpdatesWhat have I been working on lately? Where have I been? Both are very good questions.<br />
<br />
I have been working on a few projects - including something with werewolves and a project that involves ghosts, cops, and a law called the Amityville Act.<br />
<br />
I have been reading a tremendous amount. I tend to not read as much when I'm writing, so between projects I gorge on anything I can get my hands on.<br />
<br />
Things I'm currently reading:<br />
<br />
<em>Who Says It's a Man's World</em> by Emily Bennington --> I love it. Love it. Once classes are over, I plan on following her exercises. <br />
<br />
Courtney Milan's <em>The Heiress Effect</em> --> I plan on starting this book tonight (because I have tomorrow off). I have a feeling that it will be one of those books that makes the hours disappear, and I'll be a zombie (but a happy one) come the morning.<br />
<br />
<em>The Winter Sea</em> by Susanna Kearsley. I picked up a few of hers when they were on sale at Amazon. I am finding this one hard to get into. My mom, however, loved it and read it in a couple of days. After I finish <em>The Heiress Effect</em>, I hope to try again with this one.<br />
<br />
Two weekends ago, I read twelve Harlequin Presents. That's a lot of billionaires, secret royals, and ingénues. Not to mention the surprise!pregnancies. <br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-63649348917079591072013-08-15T07:29:00.000-05:002013-08-15T07:29:02.150-05:00Sometimes It Is Rocket Science - new release<em>Sometimes It Is Rocket Science</em> is now available at Amazon.<br />
It will be free until Sunday 08/18/13.<br />
<br />
<br />
More comfortable in the lab than in the boardroom, engineering genius Georgiana Collier has been floundering in her role as CEO of her late father's company. Raising her teenaged brother isn't easy, either - ever since a fatal car accident he spends his days in a depressed fog and nightmares hamper any attempt at sleep. When her mentor Dan Norwood has a heart attack and members of her board start to conspire against her, she fears a nervous breakdown is on the horizon. <br />
<br />
<br />
Called back to Houston after his father's heart attack, playboy computer whiz Robert Norwood knows he's going to have his hands full relocating the company's main office and keeping his father from having another attack. He doesn't expect an automated house with his dead mother's voice or the rush of desire he feels when faced with childhood friend Georgiana Collier. His plans to win Georgiana's cautious heart are threatened by his reputation as a ladykiller and a murderous business rival.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P6I49m4848A/UgzJd8X5wqI/AAAAAAAAAZI/ixvXg-xQcok/s1600/image%5B2%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P6I49m4848A/UgzJd8X5wqI/AAAAAAAAAZI/ixvXg-xQcok/s320/image%5B2%5D.png" width="242" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-13566208649269748522013-08-07T15:35:00.000-05:002013-08-07T15:35:01.185-05:00Sometimes It Is Rocket ScienceWhy is it that whenever I rearrange my priority shedule, and then announce it to everyone, that I change my mind?<br />
<br />
Remember when I said <em>Rocket Science </em>was on the backburner? Yeah, seems I was wrong about that one. The story is due for publication by the end of August 2013, pending final edits and a cover makeover. I do have a few advanced copies available for those who wish one.<br />
<br />
For those of you new to <em>Rocket Science</em>, here's a blurb:<br />
<br />
<br />
More comfortable in the lab than in the boardroom, genius engineer Georgiana Collier has been floundering in her role as CEO of her late father's company. Raising her teenaged brother isn't easy, either. Ever since a fatal car accident he spends his days in a depressed fog and nightmares hamper any attempt at sleep. When her mentor Dan Norwood has a heart attack and members of her board start to conspire against her, she fears a nervous breakdown is on the horizon. <br /><br />Called back to Houston after his father's heart attack, playboy computer whiz Robert Norwood knows he's going to have his hands full relocating the company's main office and keeping his father from having another attack. He doesn't expect an automated house with his dead mother's voice or the rush of desire he feels when faced with childhood friend Georgiana Collier. His plans to win Georgiana's cautious heart are threatened by his reputation as a ladykiller and a murderous business rival.<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-1321914327185784542013-07-17T21:38:00.000-05:002013-07-18T21:30:16.091-05:00New ProjectI adore my job. I really, really do. I love going back to school. I enjoy transcribing World War II tapes. You know what I miss? Free time. Writing time.<br />
<br />
<i>Sometimes It Is Rocket Science</i> and <i>The Art of War & Werewolves </i>are still on my project board, but I've decided to move ahead with a new, untitled project.<br />
<br />
Here's a teaser:<br />
<br />
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<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The
walls were red with blood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was all
she tasted when she swallowed, all she saw when she forced her eyelids
open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The heavy, metallic scent of
blood overpowered everything else in the room.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Riona’s world was comprised of blood and
pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Footsteps
echoed like gunshots on the parquet floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Riona tensed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Footsteps meant
more pain, more blood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A whimper fell
from chapped, blood-caked lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pathetic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was pathetic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had only taken five hours with a madman
to reduce a nine year veteran of the CMPD to a whimpering, wounded animal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Detective
O’Dell,” a nasal, masculine voice sing-songed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The footsteps grew closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
have a surprise for you.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Edwin
Galicia, dark eyes glinting with malicious humor, stalked into the living room
of his former home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a hunting
knife, blade stained with her blood, in his right hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His left arm was wrapped around the neck of
a tall, fit man with fair hair and pale, sightless eyes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Her
heart leapt to her throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her stomach
twisted; the air in her lungs froze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course he’d get tired of
playing with her and move on to the hostage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thought
this was between you and me, Eddie.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“You
know how to end this, Detective.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">She
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her department issued Sig was
within reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could grab it and put
a bullet smack in the middle of Galicia’s forehead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, moving the gun would set off a trap that would drop
two thin, needle-sharp iron spikes right onto her abdomen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Suicide-by-cop
had always been Galicia’s ultimate goal. Taking down a cop was just a bonus. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“I heard
that losing one of your senses enhances all the others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think that means he’ll squeal sooner?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Galicia squeezed the hostage’s neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Think the little psychic will know what I’m
going to do before I do it?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“He
talks to dead people, moron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s not
precognitive.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hey!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Galicia’s smirk slipped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just for that, I think we’ll skip the warm
up and move right on to the real fun.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Riona
exhaled and ignored the sharp pang of pain in her chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Broken ribs were always a bitch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She extended her arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her fingers brushed the grip of her
gun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She mentally calculated distance
and trajectory, tried not to think about the pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Here we go.’</span></div>
</blockquote>
<br /></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
<i>Hope y'all are having a fantastic summer</i> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-69260521220393011992013-02-15T11:23:00.002-06:002013-02-15T11:23:17.292-06:00Sweet Ride - NormalcyWhile I work on <i>Sometimes It is Rocket Science</i> and <i>The Art of War and Werewolves</i>, I've been decompressing and coming down from my Ashwood-haze with a series of shorts. The title is <i>Sweet Ride</i> and the tagline, in a nutshell, is "A series of shorts on life, love, and the pursuit of aliens."<br />
<br />
Be prepared for a whole lotta silliness.<br />
<br />
The backdoor exploded open. Splintered wood littered the kitchen floor. Heart pounding so hard it hurt her chest, sixteen-year-old Sarah Johansen reached for the small stun gun concealed in the cutlery drawer. Sweat dotted her forehead. Her arm trembled.<br />
<br />
"Towels! Lots of them!" a female voice barked out. A slender, medium-height figure covered in blue goo appeared on the threshold.<br />
<br />
Sarah's shoulders sagged in relief. Tears gathered in the corners of her brown eyes as she said a mental thank you to whichever deity protected teenage girls who were home alone. She caught a whiff of sour milk before dashing off to the laundry room. By the time she returned, the figure had moved into the kitchen and was dripping goo onto the bamboo floor. She tossed two towels on the floor and threw a stained, pink towel at the figure.<br />
<br />
"Why didn't you hose off outside first?" she asked, using a fourth towel to wipe at the goo covering the figure's back. The goo was thick and sticky. It smelled worse up close.<br />
<br />
"Uh, because it's cold?" A swipe of the pink towel across the figure's face revealed the smooth cheeks, slightly crooked nose, and slate blue eyes of Sarah's aunt and guardian Astra Johansen.<br />
<br />
"Don't get this stuff in your nose or mouth. It's hell on the mucus membranes."<br />
<br />
Sarah dropped the towel she'd been using and took a large, hasty step backwards. Her soft-soled sneakers had no traction on the slick floor. Her feet flew out from under her; she landed flat on her back, head inches from a barstool. Cold blue goo soaked into the seat of her jeans and stained her hands.<br />
<br />
"This isn't going to turn me into a Smurf or anything is it?"<br />
<br />
"Nope. No Smurfette for you." Astra paused, eyes going soft and unfocused. "Well, probably not. Nothing that won't fade away by Monday, at least."<br />
<br />
"Except I have a date tomorrow night." Sarah crawled across the floor to the round table in the breakfast nook and used the edge of the table to haul herself to her feet. "You did this on purpose, didn't you? You don't like Matt Barker."<br />
<br />
Astra wrapped a towel around her head before crouching down to unlace her goo-coated running shoes. "Oh, I like Mr. Barker just fine. He's a polite boy and a hell of a field goal kicker. I do wish he'd pay more attention to his grades, but other than that he's a surprisingly <i>normal</i> teenage boy."<br />
<br />
"Ah. Normal." Bitterness dripped from Sarah's words. "I forgot what a crime being <i>normal</i> was."<br />
<br />
"It's not just him, kiddo. It's his parents. The lawyer and the doctor. Who both have time to make it to every PTA meeting and participate in the booster club and bake sales. They look so perfect it makes my teeth itch."<br />
<br />
"Matt says they never fight. So what if his family is normal?"<br />
<br />
"Anyone who tells you their family is normal is lying or an alien. Even then they're probably lying."<br />
<br />
"Not everyone has a closet full of skeletons, Aunt Az."<br />
<br />
Astra eyed her niece for a long moment. She let out a reluctant sigh and slung an arm across Sarah's shoulder. "You're right, kiddo. I'm sorry. I'll go easy on your Mr. Barker."<br />
<br />
"But you'd still like it if I brought him by for a quick scan, wouldn't you?"<br />
<br />
"Better safe than a Pfrashan's midnight snack."<br />
<br />
"Can you do it without drawing blood this time? It always makes the rest of the date awkward."<br />
<br />
Astra released Sarah. On her toes, Astra hurried back to the door and snagged a strap on the goo spattered backpack just inside the doorway. She plopped the pack on the granite countertop. Glass rattled and something beeped.<br />
<br />
Sarah carefully made her way across the kitchen, glanced at the chicken sauteing in the pan, and leaned against the counter with her arms crossed. "Dinner's going to be ready in ten minutes. If you blow the kitchen up, you're ordering the pizza."<br />
<br />
Astra scowled at her niece. She unzipped the center compartment of the pack. She stuck her hand into the dark recesses of the pack. When she was elbow-deep in the pack, she let out a soft, triumphant laugh. "Got it!"<br />
<br />
"I want pepperoni and mushroom. And breadsticks."<br />
<br />
Astra held up her find. What looked like an old Polaroid camera dangled from a weathered black leather strap. She cradled it in her hands, stroked the grimy lens with blue fingers.<br />
<br />
"So you're going to take his picture and see whether or not he shows up on film? I thought you were afraid he was an alien, not a vampire." Sarah knew better than to touch the device. Alien tech always looked benign but usually did nasty things like burn your fingers or make you hallucinate for two days.<br />
<br />
"Nope." Astra popped the 'p', grinned. "This is a Virah scanner. I found it in one of the Institute's closets. Terrible xenophobes, the Virahs. Their security forces use these scanners on anyone who passes through their ports. It'll tell you a person's planet of birth, their year of birth in relative time, which solar system their parents are from, the last five planets they've visited, and which immunizations they've had."<br />
<br />
"Scan me."<br />
<br />
Astra stilled. Her eyes went dark and cold. She blinked and that horrible stillness was gone. The plastic smile that stretched across her face sent a shiver down Sarah's spine. "No can do, kiddo. Don't know how much charge is left in the power cell."<br />
<br />
"Okay." Sarah could feel the goo solidifying on her skin. It was cold and hard as concrete. "I'm going to wash my hands and change clothes. Can you watch dinner until I get back?"<br />
<br />
"Of course."<br />
<br />
Sarah hesitated. Take down squads of rampaging, or just hungry, aliens? Her aunt could do that with one arm tied behind her back. Cook a meal that was nutritious <i>and</i> tasty? Not even with Julia Child standing over her shoulder. "Are you sure?"<br />
<br />
"Positive, kiddo. Go wash up before you have to wear gloves to tomorrow's date."<br />
<br />
Sarah washed her hands three times with the scrubby antibacterial soap Astra brought home from the Powell Institute, the shadowy quasi-government agency tasked with protecting the US from aliens, and in some cases protecting the aliens from US citizens. To her relief, the blue washed away and she was left with pink, steamy skin. She tossed her jeans in the hamper and pulled on a pair of soft black sweatpants.<br />
<br />
By the time she returned to the kitchen, Astra had taken the chicken out of the pan and zapped a bag of frozen vegetables in the microwave. The individual cups of brown rice Sarah had nuked earlier were already on the table. The back door had been closed but there was a gap between the jamb and the door.<br />
<br />
"Your turn," Sarah said, sliding the meat thermometer into the nearest chicken breast. She ignored the gold cylinder sticking out of the other breast. Alien tech was good for self defense or verifying that one's potential boyfriend was as human as he looked. It wasn't necessarily good for testing the readiness of poultry.<br />
<br />
Astra pressed her lips to the top of Sarah's head. "Back in a flash." She disappeared down the hallway.<br />
<br />
Sarah used the towels to wipe up as much goo from the floor as possible. The steam mop took care of the goo that remained. She dumped the towels in the washing machine but didn't turn it on. There was no telling what the goo was. Astra would have to determine which laundry soap they used: the regular detergent or the Institute detergent.<br />
<br />
She set Astra's backpack on the built-in desk near the oven. There was something beeping inside, but Sarah knew better than to go looking for the source of the sound. There were dangerous objects in Astra's impossibly deep pack. Items so dangerous Astra refused to leave them in the Institute archives.<br />
<br />
The rice was starting to go cold when Astra returned. She was dressed in a clean pair of jeans and a University of Alabama sweatshirt, but her skin held a faint blue tinge and her damp, normally blonde, hair was a startling shade of indigo.<br />
<br />
"Either you have a bomb with the longest timer in the world in your bag or your comm unit is going off," Sarah said before Astra could sit at the table.<br />
<br />
"I have not brought home a bomb in over two years. I think it's time to let it go, Sare."<br />
<br />
Sarah arched a dark eyebrow, flipped the end of her chestnut ponytail over her shoulder. "'Better safe than missing fingers,'" she parroted.<br />
<br />
"You know, that copycat thing was cute when you were five. Now, not so much." Astra dug into her pack and emerged with a silver sphere. It was dented and showed signs of having been burned. Astra held up the device, which put out nearly imperceptible telepathic waves, to her temple. She frowned, slipped the device into her pocket.<br />
<br />
"Do you have to go back out?" It would be disappointing, but not unusual. Though her aunt tried to conform to something of a regular schedule, Sarah often ate dinner alone.<br />
<br />
"Nope. Just a reminder about Monday's meeting." Astra collapsed in her usual chair, gestured at the chair across from hers. "Let's eat before it gets even colder."<br />
<br />
In between bites, they traded stories of English assignments and alien sightings. While having to analyze <i>Lord of the Flies</i> wasn't quite on the same scale as negotiating with notoriously long-winded and pompous Losas, Sarah appreciated Astra's attempt to commiserate. She spread out her trigonometry homework while Astra loaded the dishes in the dishwasher.<br />
<br />
"It's an alien conspiracy to take over the planet by turning our brains to mush, isn't it?"<br />
<br />
"Reality TV? I thought we already had this discussion."<br />
<br />
"No, trig." Sarah glared at her textbook, hoping to set it ablaze with the force of her hatred. "All these sines and cosines and tangents. It's confusing."<br />
<br />
"Wait 'til you get to spherical trig, kiddo. I thought I was going to have to tattoo the haversine formula on my arm."<br />
<br />
"Not helping, Aunt Az."<br />
<br />
"Sorry."<br />
<br />
The last dish in the washer, Astra nudged the door closed with her foot and rinsed her hands at the sink. She studied Sarah the way Sarah imagined the geeks at the Institute studied bits of space detritus. Just as Sarah braced herself to ask what was wrong, Astra strode forward and sank onto the chair beside Sarah. Astra placed a hand on Sarah's arm, the blue of her fingers lost in dark fabric of Sarah's sweater.<br />
<br />
"What we were talking about earlier - the normalcy your Mr. Barker has- is that something you… want?"<br />
<br />
A flippant remark was on the tip of Sarah's tongue, but the seriousness etched on Astra's face forced her to swallow it back. She considered the question. For a time she'd envied the friends who had two parents with <i>normal</i> jobs who didn't race out in the middle of dinners or award ceremonies. She'd resented not being able to have sleepovers in case her guardian came home covered in alien goo or with more injuries than she could explain away. Her friends thought her aunt was a cool spy and that was for the best. The truth was too strange for anyone on the outside to truly understand.<br />
<br />
She no longer minded finding random pieces of alien tech in the living room or the garage or the freezer. She knew how to use the stun gun and how to call for help. She knew that her aunt wanted her to join the Institute and she was, more or less, okay with that. She'd accepted that the aliens and weird tech and secrecy and the explosions every other Tuesday <i>were</i> normal.<br />
<br />
It meant a lot, though, that her aunt was willing to change her life, the life she'd had long before Sarah was even conceived, for her. She let her mechanical pencil fall to the table and launched herself into Astra's arms.<br />
<br />
"No, strange as this life is, I think it's just about perfect."<br />
<br />
Warm lips pressed against Sarah's temple. Her aunt's voice was high and bright. "I think so, too."<br />
<br />
Sarah's eyes fell on the broken door. It would be the third they had to replace in a month. "Next time you go running after a stray pack of Evirs, could you just knock or call ahead? Mr. Haversham at the hardware store is starting to get suspicious."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-75120146327535922452012-12-14T14:20:00.000-06:002012-12-19T07:40:51.496-06:00Christmas FluffThis is post-<em>Daughter of Deception</em> and pre-<em>The Chaos Child </em>& <em>Mistress of Malice and Mercy</em><br />
<br />
Tobias Duke stood on the
side porch, just outside the kitchen, mouth agape and eyes comically wide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he’d left to deliver a dinner package to
the team on Christmas Eve rotation, his wife had been firmly ensconced on the
couch watching a ‘50s holiday cartoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were a few decorations around the living room, and a massive,
needle-dropping tree wedged in beside the fireplace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d expected to come home to a similar
sight. At some point in the two hours he’d been gone, his wife had been
body-snatched by a twisted Goth Christmas elf, the pages of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">North Pole Living</i> had exploded all over
his house, and someone had taken to torturing dogs on the radio.<br />
<br />
“You’re letting all the
cold air in,” the Viola-shaped Christmas Demon snapped, brandishing the floppy,
gingerbread man end of a spatula.<br />
<br />
Despite the lighted,
black-and-purple Santa hat, red-and-green striped tights, and holiday sweater,
it was his wife’s voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duke shuffled
into the house, but kept on his leather jacket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With his crappy luck, Christmas Demons exploded into showers of tinsel
or something. <br />
<br />
Finn, a set of reindeer
antlers bobbing on his head, ambled through the kitchen and flopped onto the
red-and-green bed under the built-in desk. Bells jingled when Finn rested his
head on his paws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the first time in
his life, Duke felt a pang of sympathy for Viola’s mutt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
The Christmas Demon
twirled away from the stove and beamed up at Duke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyes were twinkling and she smelled like
nutmeg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a shame she was a
wife-stealing demon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duke enjoyed the
way Viola’s whole face lit up when she was happy and nutmeg was a comforting
scent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was going to regret making the
Christmas Demon regret invading his house.<br />
<br />
“Did Johnny and Juan
enjoy the tamales?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you give them the
pumpkin bread?” The Christmas Demon asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You forgot the salsa, but by the time I found it in the fridge, I figured
you were over halfway there.”<br />
<br />
Duke blinked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He closed his mouth, opened it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He licked his lips before closing his mouth
again.<br />
<br />
“Tobias?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Christmas Demon extended an arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holiday-themed charms dangled from a silver
chain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A small, warm hand tipped with
red-and-white nails pressed against his forehead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you all right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did something happen to you?”<br />
<br />
“To me?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wrapped his fingers around the Christmas
Demon’s wrist and tugged it away from his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“What happened here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like
someone killed Christmas Cheer, resurrected it, and set the zombie loose in the
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then they shoved the spirit
of Baldor the Demented Elf inside you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And then they attacked the Christmas station so that every song comes
out sounding like it’s being sung by screaming cats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thought</i>
we were having a nice, quiet holiday.”<br />
<br />
The Christmas Demon -
Viola - deflated instantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tugged
her wrist out of Duke’s grasp and shoved her hands in the pockets of her green
shorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hat slipped down on her forehead
obscuring her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry. “<br />
<br />
“Vi,” Duke sighed, reaching
for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She scurried backwards,
shoulders hunched in and pigtails drooping. <br />
<br />
“Run down to the store to
pick up another half-gallon of milk, and I’ll take care of it.”<br />
<br />
He started to say
something, but the screaming on the radio was just too much. He snatched the
stereo’s remote off the counter and shut the music off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sudden silence was a balm to his ringing
ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
“Milk,” she repeated,
eyes fixed on the Christmas tree mat on the floor. <br />
<br />
“Viola.”<br />
<br />
“Whole milk, please.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need it for the fudge.”<br />
<br />
“Viola!”<br />
<br />
Her shoulders quivered
and her eyes squeezed shut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tamped
down his irritation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was cold, confused,
and, thanks to the mouthwatering aromas filling the kitchen, starving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was that mulled cider he smelled?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And gingerbread?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what was that she’d said about fudge?<br />
<br />
“Please.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She swallowed, lifted her head a
fraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just go get the milk,
Tobias.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll clean up this and talk to
Granny.”<br />
<br />
“Granny?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did his grandmother have to do with the
Christmas Horror Invasion?<br />
<br />
“She called while you
were out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Asked if we wanted to have
dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I invited her over here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran up to the attic and got my boxes and I
guess I went a little overboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just
thought that since the holiday is all about family….”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shrugged, hung her head again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It doesn’t matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should have asked you or told her no.”<br />
<br />
“Vi, it’s fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t mind spending Christmas with
Granny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was keeping it low-key for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t care much for Christmas, so I
wasn’t going to force it down your throat.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That had been his reasoning, but the words sounded wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What was he missing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There had
been another reason he’d wanted to spend Christmas alone with his new wife.<br />
<br />
She perched on the edge
of a stool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere along the way, the
stool had acquired a big, red felt bow. “It’s my favorite holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least it was until, well, you know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Livy tried but we never really celebrated it
much because Mom was in the institution and Dad was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kinda hard to celebrate when almost half your
family is gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just thought that now…
I don’t know… it would be nice to try again.”<br />
<br />
He was an idiot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The biggest idiot on the planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
had he forgotten teasing her about her Christmas obsession?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d even helped her hang lights outside her
bedroom window one year, and another year he and Sebastian had cut down a small
pine tree for her to put in her room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She’d carried candy canes in her pockets and had been one of the first
to memorize his “Twelve Days of Tracking Christmas” song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then her father had gone missing, four days
before Christmas, and that had been the end of Santa’s gothiest elf.<br />
<br />
“What did you do last
Christmas, Vi?”<br />
<br />
“Nothing.”<br />
<br />
He arched an
eyebrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His wife was a bundle of
perpetual energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She never did <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nothing</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Come on, Vi.”<br />
<br />
“I bought myself a
Christmas present or three from the liquor store across the street from the
hotel and spent Christmas Eve watching <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It’s
a Wonderful Life</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t remember
anything else until Boxing Day.”<br />
<br />
He looped his arms around
her waist and rested his chin on the top of her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You could have told me you wanted to go all
out for Christmas, sugar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One word, and
this place would have made Macy’s jealous.”<br />
<br />
“I didn’t know I wanted
it until Granny called.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were talking
about tamales and queso and eggnog, and it just hit me.”<br />
<br />
Duke leaned back, lifted
her chin, and pressed his lips to hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She tasted like candy canes and sugar cookies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyelids fluttered against his cheeks and
she sighed happily against his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
pulled back and flicked the fuzzy ball on her hat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
“The Duke Family
Christmas Extravaganza is on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hold on to
your stockings, sugar.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grabbed the
remote, hesitated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe without the Manic
Mutts murdering ‘White Christmas’.”<br />
<br />
“Deal.”<br />
<br />
By the time Granny
arrived, there was a gingerbread army lined up on the counter, mulled cider
steaming in the crockpot, and a tower of fudge cubes on the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bing Crosby’s crooning was the perfect
complement to the laughter and teasing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once the tamales were gone and the eggnog had been liberally laced with
rum, Duke led the procession to the living room.<br />
<br />
Skulls-and-crossbones,
bats, and Goth Gabby ornaments were interspersed between the silver balls and
tiny cowboy boots on the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granny had
made Viola a stocking to match the one she’d made for Duke nearly three decades
earlier, though hers looked like it had been purchased at the Halloween store.<br />
<br />
He was distracted by
Finn’s attempt to get a gold bow off his tail and missed the bright red gift
bag Viola grabbed from under the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It wasn’t until he heard Granny’s bark of laughter and Viola’s squeal
that he turned back around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Viola’s face
was as red as the bag and she was elbow-deep in the present.<br />
<br />
“Oh, sweet mercy.”<br />
<br />
Oh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">had</i> been another reason
he’d wanted to spend Christmas Eve alone with his wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something about the tree and the fireplace
and the lights down low…<br />
<br />
“Vi, sugar…”<br />
<br />
“Seriously, Tobias?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tassels?”<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Vi’s Fudge Recipe</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2/3 cup
cocoa <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3 cups
sugar <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/4
teaspoon salt <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1-1/2
cups whole milk <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/4 cup
butter <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1
teaspoon vanilla extract <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Grease an 8” dish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Combine
cocoa, sugar & salt in a large, heavy saucepan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stir in whole milk and bring to a rolling
boil - STIR CONSTANTLY!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boil, without
stirring, until you reach soft ball stage (234°F <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or if small bit turns into a soft ball in cold
water) Don’t stir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take off the heat.</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 28.35pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Add butter and vanilla to
mixture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DON’T STIR!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let it cool to until the pan is almost cool <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to the touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Beat until it gets thick and matte.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Spread in pan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let it harden and
then cut into squares.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-52048861880155117342012-12-07T14:01:00.000-06:002012-12-07T14:03:06.654-06:00No tree up at home, but my desk has holiday spirit!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gj0xVkiLa38/UMJLe4ktdUI/AAAAAAAAAVE/ltKTptjiCNk/s1600/photo-786655.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gj0xVkiLa38/UMJLe4ktdUI/AAAAAAAAAVE/ltKTptjiCNk/s320/photo-786655.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5819296662470620482" /></a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-47614534967727583372012-11-19T16:03:00.001-06:002012-11-19T16:04:47.715-06:00GiveawayI have to be honest. For a few weeks I feared that I was never going to get <em>Mistress of Malice and Mercy</em> finished. I started a new job in June (this was after quitting my job of nearly 11 years in March and working a "transition" job for a few months), and I started taking a few classes in September. Add to that the volunteer World War II transcriptions I do for my grandfather and a museum here in Texas plus the other side projects I talk myself in to and I was feeling pretty overwhelmed. <br />
<br />
I couldn't give up on it, though. I love Duke and Viola so much, and they have been a part of my life for almost five years now. I knew how the story (and the series) were supposed to end, but I couldn't take that final step to get there. <br />
<br />
I am so happy that it is out there for all of you to enjoy that I can't stop grinning. Fortunately, my coworkers know what a dork I am. <em>Daughter of Deception</em> and <em>The Chaos Child</em> went through minor revamps to match the format of <em>MMM, </em>as well.<br />
<br />
To celebrate, I am giving away 5 copies of the entire series (PDF only) and 10 copies of <em>Mistress of Malice and Mercy</em> (PDF only). I will randomly draw a name from commenters who can answer this question: What is Viola's middle name (the answer can be found in the backstories on the blog, especially the one from December 1983. Hint: think Greek).<br />
<br />
Contest Ends 11/30/12.<br />
<br />
If you don't want to comment, you can always email me at <a href="mailto:ashwoodtrilogy@gmail.com">ashwoodtrilogy@gmail.com</a><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-88861869105311535282012-11-18T20:07:00.001-06:002012-11-18T20:07:29.383-06:00Mistress of Malice and Mercy<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MxOpSGHZRA/UKmUFZPjPqI/AAAAAAAAAUw/bgw_Cai_5qI/s1600/Copy+of+Book+Cover+for+Kara+.jpg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MxOpSGHZRA/UKmUFZPjPqI/AAAAAAAAAUw/bgw_Cai_5qI/s320/Copy+of+Book+Cover+for+Kara+.jpg.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It is a year overdue, but it is up at Amazon and I am working on BN & Smashwords. If you are having a hard time with it and want it in PDF, just shoot me an email.<br />
<br />
Thank all of you for sticking with me throughout all of this. Y'all are truly amazing.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-43766330749817488052012-11-07T13:16:00.000-06:002012-11-07T13:18:50.041-06:00Cover<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-Lx07gekXU/UJq0G5QQqiI/AAAAAAAAAUg/dMN5StLnbuQ/s1600/photo-730041.PNG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-Lx07gekXU/UJq0G5QQqiI/AAAAAAAAAUg/dMN5StLnbuQ/s320/photo-730041.PNG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5808152699988912674" /></a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-21854021912275209812012-11-01T16:58:00.001-05:002012-11-01T16:58:39.440-05:00A view from the end<em>Mistress of Malice and Mercy</em> is done.<br />
<br />
Yes, you read that right. It's done. All I'm waiting on is the cover art (Viola will be on the cover of this one... I'm so excited and nervous I can hardly stand it) and a few final edits.<br />
<br />
To celebrate with y'all (since I can't pour you each a glass of the wonderful Texas red wine I'll have tonight), I'm posting a snippet from the last chapter.<br />
<br />
But first... I struggled with how I wanted to end this story because it is the end of the series. I worried about making it dramatic and final, but when the time came to actually write the chapter, it was so much easier than I feared. It comes back to how it started: a guy, a girl, and a pack of demons. <br />
<br />
- - - <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
“Who do we have to kill?” Duke murmured in her ear.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
“A pack of Nverns,” Viola said, reading the messages on her
screen.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
The duvet lifted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cold air wafted over her back and chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Duke’s head loomed over hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“How in the hell did a pack of Nverns get your phone number?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<o:p> </o:p>“I think the better question would be how they managed to
use the phone,” she countered, wriggling her fingers at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They have crab claws, remember?”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
Duke flopped down beside her, shoving her head to the edge
of the pillow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who do we know brave enough to
interrupt our vacation?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He scrubbed a
hand over his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The vacation we
made very, very clear that we earned.”</div>
<o:p> </o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
“Tom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He says
there’s a pack of Nverns nearby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Trackers in the area aren’t equipped to deal with them.”</div>
<o:p> </o:p><br />
Duke scowled at the ceiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How does Tom know where we are?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought we made him promise not to try to
locate us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You even had that ridiculous
pinky-swearing ceremony.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
Viola wriggled guiltily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She and Duke had agreed to limit their access to technology, but she was
so behind on her emails that the thought of falling even further into the hole
made her skin crawl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’d taken
advantage of every moment alone and scrolled through her inbox, reading
important emails and deleting spam messages.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
“There may or may not be a website devoted to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chaos Child sightings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may or may not have been started by that
nice Grakken couple we helped in El Paso.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tom may or may not have emailed me the link four days ago.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
“I may or may not kick your ass,” Duke growled, rolling
over to pin her arms to the mattress.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
“Pack of Nverns,” she reminded, though she was tempted to
let him try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ran her toes along the
back of his calf, chuckled when his pupils dilated and a growl rumbled in his
chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I brought my new pants.”</div>
<o:p> </o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
“And the vest?”</div>
<o:p> </o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
“Yup.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reached
up to trace the curve of his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In
the unlikely event you manage to kill more Nverns than I do, I’ll show you what
it looks like without the t-shirt underneath.”</div>
<o:p> </o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
“You’re on.”</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
Before she could blink, he was off the bed and headed for
the small closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her Giivva hide pants
landed on the bed followed a second later by the matching vest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The soles of her heavy black boots thunked
against the wooden floor when Duke set them beside the bed.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-20737300094853392362012-10-18T21:21:00.000-05:002012-10-18T21:22:05.736-05:00Cathedral & Jackson Square during ghost tour<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWCtpOUN89g/UIC5TmcbVxI/AAAAAAAAAUM/-oBqXkTd6jQ/s1600/photo-725737.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWCtpOUN89g/UIC5TmcbVxI/AAAAAAAAAUM/-oBqXkTd6jQ/s320/photo-725737.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5800840066441631506" /></a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-56964312243515550702012-10-18T15:31:00.000-05:002012-10-18T15:37:46.358-05:00New Orleans trip<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ajfy7_36oeo/UIBomsSvFUI/AAAAAAAAAT4/Wl2noNDg7YQ/s1600/photo-766358.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ajfy7_36oeo/UIBomsSvFUI/AAAAAAAAAT4/Wl2noNDg7YQ/s320/photo-766358.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5800751333987259714" /></a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-87078568004976446082012-10-17T10:28:00.000-05:002012-10-17T10:28:32.540-05:00MMM & Vacation
<br />
Here's a <em>Mistress of Malice and Mercy</em> snippet before I go on vacation. I'm spending one day in New Orleans before I head up to my brother's wedding. Expect to be bombarded with pictures. Apologies in advance. :)<br />
<br />
I am going on a ghost tour in New Orleans and am staying in a haunted hotel. I plan on touring several cemeteries. Unlike Viola, I have no desire to spend time with ghosts, so I expect to get almsot no sleep while I'm there. If you happen to see a hotel room with all the lights on at three in the morning, that'll be me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>MMM - </em>Chapter Thirty-Nine<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
“You’re not half wrong.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She hooked her ankle around his calf and wriggled until she was
plastered against his side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I could
stay here, like this, forever.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
“We’re in a cemetery.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
Soft laughter floated on the breeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“J’rain and Temek don’t mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ve peacefully moved on.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
“I wasn’t worried about them.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
Her fingers skipped across his waist until they reached
his belt buckle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She traced the
engraving for a moment before deliberately slipping southward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know, back when I was in high school I
had this recurring fantasy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d sneak
out of the house and you’d follow me and we’d argue and then you’d…”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
He snatched her hand up and tucked it against his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We are not making out in the cemetery,
Viola.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
“You’re no fun.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
He kissed her fingertips, moved his lips to the pulse
fluttering at her wrist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll make it
up to you.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
“You’d better.”</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-1217794123859621402012-10-08T16:42:00.000-05:002012-10-08T16:42:18.682-05:00MMM
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
She half-heartedly kicked his ankle. “I don’t need you to
protect me all the time, Tobias.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“Oh please,” he huffed, “you’ve been a trouble magnet since
the day you were born. Sebastian and I spent most of the ‘90s rescuing you from
one scrape or another. At times I swore you went <i>looking</i> for danger.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Her warm breath tickled his neck when she laughed. She
hooked her fingers through his belt loops and blocked out Sebastian’s gagging.
“Can you blame me? I had my very own Prince Charming, complete with white horse
and faithful sidekick. Besides, you know you enjoyed playing the hero.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“I did.” He nipped her bottom lip, savored the way she
melted against him. “Protecting you is second nature; don’t ask me to stop now,
sugar. I don’t think I can.”</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-28422451799013652512012-10-04T11:40:00.000-05:002012-10-04T11:40:02.276-05:00Viola and Sebastian in Mistress of Malice and MercyWhile the relationship between Duke and Viola is undoubtedly one of the most important in the series, the one between Viola and Sebastian is important. The first incarnation of this series actually focused more on the Ashwood siblings and Duke was a secondary character (you see how well that turned out - sometimes I think he's more of a drama queen than Sebastian). When their father disappeared and their mother lost her grip on sanity, the Ashwood siblings broke. They didn't break in the same way, which is something I wanted to explore and I don't think I got a chance to do. Ah well, who is going to complain about an excuse to write another Ashwood book?<br />
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I am probably in the minority, but I adore the relationship between Sebastian and Viola. Of the siblings, they are the most alike, though there are some marked differences. Amy's death split them, but there were cracks that started long before Elrachaim killed her. Viola wanted to break with her siblings before that showdown. Sebastian wanted to stop searching for their father and settle down to start a life with Amy. They were drifting apart and poor Olivia was stuck trying to hold them together.<br />
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In <em>The Chaos Child, </em>Sebastian and Viola try to work out some of their issues but things aren't easy because of his Dreamless Sleep addiction and the matter of trying to rescue Olivia. In the end, she tells him that she knows he'll never trust her again and that they won't have the relationship they once had. He surprises her by sticking around, and I think he'll surprise you in <em>Mistress of Malice and Mercy</em>. <br />
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I also adore their teasing - it's not quite the same as her banter with Duke because there is an edge to it, but there is always affection. This is one of their scenes together in MMM:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Tears stung Viola’s eyes.<span> </span>The lump in her throat hurt and she wanted to bawl like a baby.<span> </span>She flung her arms around Voltnor’s neck and dragged him down into a bear hug.<span> </span>“I love you guys so damn much.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">“Whoa there, little sister,” Sebastian teased.<span> </span>“Let’s not say things like that with Duke around.<span> </span>I’m not sure who I’d pick in that fight.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">She spun around and threw herself at Sebastian.<span> </span>He stumbled back a few steps but quickly regained his balance.<span> </span>Her arms and legs were like vices around his neck and knees.<span> </span>“I love you, too.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">“Hormones?” Sebastian asked an amused Voltnor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Viola reared back to glare at her brother only to freeze when she caught a glimpse of his black eye and busted lip.<span> </span>His left cheek was puffy.<span> </span>Still clinging to him, she arched an eyebrow and drummed her fingers on his shoulderblades.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">“What in the hell happened to you?<span> </span>Sweet mercy, Seabass-the-stupid-ass, who did you piss off this time?<span> </span>I have warned you about getting snippy with the Yvaltas in the cabin across from yours.<span> </span>How many times do I have to tell you that you cannot, I mean can<i>not</i>, tease them about their horns.<span> </span>Did you just stand there and let whoever it was kick your ass or did you at least try to defend yourself?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Over her head, Sebastian rolled his eyes at Voltnor.<span> </span>“Hormones.”</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072823537732289704.post-37157032762287129032012-09-24T15:25:00.001-05:002012-09-24T15:25:44.583-05:00Viola in The Chaos ChildMy notes for my books aren't always in outline form. Often I write short snippets of what a character is thinking or feeling at a certain point (which is where many of the back & side stories come from).<br />
This is Viola in <em>The Chaos Child</em> when Duke is impaled:<br />
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Viola's life, for the most part, has been spent in flux. Growing up in the Network is never easy, but she's flexible. The motto <i>Semper Gumby</i> serves her well. She clings to a few constants - not many, but enough to get her through endless road trips, abandonment, and rebuilding her life. Her constants are this: her father loves her, Aunt Hattie always has her back, and Tobias Duke exists. She doesn't rely on his friendship or wish for his love (except when she does, of course). It's enough to know he's out in the world somewhere.<br />
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A month before her twenty-fifth birthday, she loses a constant. Aunt Hattie's decades of betrayal are revealed. She repays that betrayal with torture and release. Vengeance does little for the ache in her heart. Another constant is shaken. Her father isn't a victim but a cold, calculating monster. He loves her but hurts her, and she tries to separate Demon from Daddy. It's hard, though, when the devil wears a beloved face. She's been Daddy's Girl all her life. It's a hard title to lose.<br />
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The third constant evolves. Not only is Duke in the world, he's in her life. In her head. In her bed. He becomes her rock, her safe harbor, every cliché she can think of, her heart and soul. While her world crumbles around her feet, she wraps her arms around him and holds on for dear life (sanity). Throughout Sebastian's detox, anxiety over her father ( the Daddy-Demon), fearing for Finn's life, and guilt over Granny's injuries, her remaining constant runs through her mind like the chorus of the annoyingly catchy pop songs Olivia used to love (and there's more guilt added to the load). <i>At least I have Duke. At least I have Duke. AtleastIhaveDuke. AtleastIhaveDuke.</i><br />
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Until one bright afternooon, she doesn't. An ambush. Folists (sweet mercy, haven't they done enough damage to the Duke family). A traitor in peril. That damned Duke honor. Before she can blink, he's on the ground with blood pooling around him and static in their link. The third constant wobbles. Flickers.<br />
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Viola's fists clench. Her heart stills. The breath catches in her throat. Fireworks burst behind her eyes, and heat sears her skin. Power bursts from its prison. Without that last constant, her world dissolves into flames. Chaos.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02479551629256018568noreply@blogger.com0