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Volume 8 Issue 2
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A picture is worth a thousand words… This phrase originated in America in the early 1900s although, there is some dispute who it should be attributed to and when. It obviously means it is often easier to demonstrate something in a picture than to describe it with words. So we decided to put this to the test. We asked a group of amazing authors to use the image shown below to tell a short story no longer than 1000 words. We think the exercise was a success. What do you think? Each story is unique, compelling and interesting. I guess it just goes to show, that while the picture might be worth a thousand words… those words can change depending on the story teller.
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A Witchy Nuisance Rhonda Hopkins Fiction: https://www.rhondahopkins.com
Monica Monica Greensmith strode down the street, stopping when she came to the Cooper house on her way into town. On breezy cool days like today, she liked the walk. East Texas scents of pine, oak, and other flora permeated the air. As always, she stopped to admire the roses in front of the home. The flowers had large, full blooms of soft yellow with reddish-pink edges. They were gorgeous. She wanted to know the name of them, but the older woman who tended them scared the crap out of her. Rumor had it she was a witch. But that was ridiculous. Witches weren’t real. Still, she never had the courage to ask. Monica adjusted her backpack as she looked around. No one in sight. She just wanted to see what they smelled like. Carefully, she stepped onto the lawn, half expecting to be struck by lightning. When nothing happened and no one confronted her, she tiptoed to the flower bed. Bending down, she caught a light scent sort of like tea. Fabulous. Monica’s fingers itched to pluck one dark green stem. Her gaze wandered across the yard to the wrap around porch and the windows beyond. Nothing moved. Did she really dare take one? Her hand lowered to touch the soft petals.
Grandma Ruby’s signature red garment was a t-shirt today. On it were two neon yellow rosebuds, one covering each small breast. In the same neon yellow were the words, “Like My Buds?”Imusthave been staring too long, because Grandma Ruby widened her stance and put her hands on her hips. “What?” I closed my mouth, shook my head, and casually asked, “Did Mom see your outfit today?” She raised an eyebrow. “Why?” A dare laced that one word. Seriously? It wasn’t worth it. I didn’t have time to deal with her this morning anyway. I needed to brush my teeth and get down to the festival grounds to help Mom set out her products for the tourists. Whispering Pines was known for the monthly festivals, which generated a lot of income for the “locals.Never mind.” I gave her a quick hug. “I have to go help Mom. See you later.” I rushed to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and headed back downstairs. Dad stood in the living room, doing his usual pat down, making sure he had everything. As Chief of Police for our small town, he had a lot he carried on him at all times. Since it was a festival weekend, he’d be working. Of course, he was always on call. “Want a ride downtown, Charley?” He grabbed his keys from the bowl on the hallway table. Normally, I’d walk, but since he was heading that way and I was running late, I nodded. “That’d be great. Thanks.” Before I opened the front door, loud voices came from outside. One definitely belonged to Grandma Ruby. Uh oh.
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Charley I rinsed out my bowl and placed it in the dishwasher before turning to see my great grandmother enter the kitchen. Had I still been eating, I’m certain milk and cereal would have spewed from my lips.
she sat up and pointed a shaky finger at the small cackling woman beside us. My dad and I turned to glare at Grandma Ruby.
A middle aged woman clung to a wide limb. The terrified sounds coming from her didn’t even sound human. “What in the blazes is going on out here?” My dad gawked at the woman. “Mrs. Greensmith?” Her head jerked up at her name, although I’m not even sure how she heard it. I recognized her
Grandma Ruby’s voice rang out. “That vile woman tried to steal one of my roses!”
It was times like these I really wished I’d inherited my family’s magical gene. Not that I didn’t want it at other times as well. I just chose not to think about it. Mostly.
Greensmith lived down the road, a few houses down from us. Her mouth opened and closed several times. Apparently, she found it difficult to speak, as no words made it past her
Finally,lips.
GrandmaMaybe.Probably.
a picture says a 1000 Words
Monicanow.
“What. Did. You. Do?” Dad bellowed, taking a step toward her. I had to give it to her. Grandma Ruby stood her ground, never flinching. But when you’re the most powerful witch around, facing off with a human, she had nothing to fear. I was pretty sure my dad wouldn’t shoot her.
I threw open the door and ran outside, only to see my grandmother in the middle of the yard, staring up at the branches of a large oak tree. Screeching filled the air. Apprehension filling me, my gaze slowly lifted.
Ruby pointed at Mrs. Greensmith, who shrank back, nearly toppling from the tree. My hands shot up as if I could stop her from falling. She managed to right herself, pressing her chest against the branch, and clung to it even more tightly than before.
When my thirteenth birthday came and went with no powers, my mom insisted there was still a chance. Even so, when my sixteenth birthday passed by with no change, I decided not to dwell on it. I’d just have to live without magic.
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As they bickered back and forth, voices rising, I searched the neighborhood. No one appeared to be out yet. But if they kept it up, neighbors were bound to hear them.
“Grandmother!”Myaunttookin
“You. Don’t speak.” He inhaled, held the breath, and then let it out slowly. “Nadine? Please tell me you have an idea.” She nodded. “I can take care of it. Don’t worry about it. She won’t remember any of it.” Mrs. Greensmith’s eyes bugged wide, and she renewed her efforts to move.
“Go on, now. I know Kelly will need some help getting set up. It’s already late.” Aunt Nadine patted Dad’s arm and gave me a hug. Dad and I headed off to the festival grounds, where Mom was going to blow a gasket when she heard about this latest Ruby fiasco
“You did that…” Dad pointed at Mrs. Greensmith, “because of a rose?”
“What are we going to do about this mess?” Dad asked, looking at each of us. “I can ” Grandma Ruby started, but Dad cut her off.
a deep breath and lifted her arms. Mrs. Greensmith slowly floated upwards but clung to the tree, her legs rising into the air. Finally, her hands couldn’t hold on to the limb anymore and she glided to the ground. When her feet touched the grass, she started shrieking again. Aunt Nadine quickly put a stop to that, silencing her with a quick spell. The woman didn’t seem to be able to move her feet, either, even though she obviously tried.
Hanging up, I grabbed my dad’s arm. “Dad. The neighbors.” He stopped and looked around, then scrubbed his face with both hands. “I swear, that woman is going to be the death of me. If I didn’t love your mother so much…” Yeah. Grandma Ruby had that effect on all of us at times. Aunt Nadine gasped for breath as she came barreling around the corner of the house. Taking in the scene, she gaped at Grandma Ruby.
Since Mom wasn’t here to help, I pulled my phone from my back pocket and called Aunt Nadine. She and my cousin Danu lived in a cottage at the back of the property. When she answered, I cut her off. “Emergency. Front Yard.”
The Next Day Monica Greensmith reached the end of her driveway and turned left as she normally did on her way into town. This time, however, a shudder racked her body, and her feet wouldn’t move forward. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms. Trepidation filled her, but she wasn’t sure why. Her gaze took in the neighborhood, but nothing had Lookingchanged.behindher, her mood lightened, and she turned around to walk down the sidewalk in the opposite direction. It was such a lovely, day she thought. She’d just go the long way around. ***
a picture says a 1000 Words
This was just a quick glance into the life of sixteen-year-old Charley and some of her family. As you can see, Grandma Ruby is a force to be reckoned with. (She’s a hoot to write!) If you enjoyed this short story, you can read more with these characters in the Witches of Whispering Pines series. The first book in the series, A Witchy Mistake, is free at all major retailers.
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The author holds all reproduction, reprint, or re sell rights to this book in all forms, including, but not limited to, digital, audio, or print versions.
Cover: Rhonda Hopkins
Copyright Copyright ©2022 by Rhonda Hopkins All rights reserved. This book may not be used, reproduced, transmitted, scanned, distributed, or stored in whole or in part by any means whatsoever, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the author, or as permitted by U.S. copyright law. Your support of this author’s rights is appreciated.
Editor: Sheri Thomas
Ace of Wands:: Something New (a short story in the Tales from the Unmasqued World series) Val Tobin
https://valtobin.com/wp/https://bookgoodies.com/a/B08YH6X5WQ
What’s a fish doing in the middle of Algonquin Forest? Patrick Growley stared at the mermaid, who sat wedged into the fork of a tree. She hugged the trunk, a water bottle clutched in one trembling hand. So far, she’d avoided discovery, mostly because her pursuers stood directly beneath her hiding place. One glance upward, though, and they’d spot her. If she’d at all thought to dress for stealth, she’d failed. Her dark pants were okay, but her peach jacket and her gold-tinged hair, smoothed back into a ponytail, glowed in the sunlight. Even her running shoes were brightly colored. The tree she perched in also lacked the foliage required to cover a bird, never mind a humanoid with a backpack on her shoulders and a shiny silver band on one finger. So far, Patrick, in his wolf form, remained a spectator in this chase. He’d followed the trio the mermaid and the druids who chased her at a safe distance. Now he peered through the nearby bushes, better hidden than the woman in the tree, and waited to see what happened next. If he didn’t need to interfere, he wouldn’t, but the pair likely pursued her because mermaids were a valuable commodity that cost thousands on the black market. Druids used them illegally, but that never stopped druids as slaves or sacrifices, and Patrick’s psychic senses told him that if they caught this woman, the latter would be her fate. Much as he hated to butt into another species’ practices, he refused to stand by and let them capture and kill an innocent. “She’s close I feel it,” one man said.
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a “Ya lost her.” “Me? I’m not the one who jumped at her and scared her off.” Both men fell into an angry silence then, and in that moment of stillness, Patrick heard the woman’s raspy breath. So did the druids, who turned their faces up and spotted her. She screamed as they leaped for her. Before they could grab her, Patrick gave a ground shaking roar and lunged from his hiding spot. He slammed into the nearest one, who thudded into his partner. The trio tumbled into the underbrush. Patrick’s wolf jaws latched onto the closest druid and shook him as though mixing paint. He released the limp body and grabbed the other druid in a similar grip. Giving this guy a good shake as well and then tossing him aside, Patrick left both his victims unconscious on the ground. He returned to the tree where the mermaid still clung, her face sheet white, the bottle she’d clutched now lying among the tree’s moss-covered roots. Patrick shifted to his human form and stepped into her view. “Come down. You’re safe now.” She stared at him, owl eyed. Oh, shit. I’m naked. While that didn’t bother him, the beleaguered mermaid would assume he intended to ravish her. “I won’t hurt you.” He strode to the tree, his gaze fixed on hers. Her attempt to speak produced only a dry croak. He snatched up her bottle and handed it to her. Mermaids needed a lot of water to stay hydrated when on land. She guzzled almost all of it, recapped the bottle, and slipped it into her back“pack.Inever thought I’d find a treed mermaid in these parts.” He nodded at the lapel pin she wore.
“You have me at a disadvantage.” She stared pointedly at his bare shoulder, where an identifying species pin would reside if he were dressed. He chuckled. She’d likely seen only a blur when he’d attacked the druids. “Lycan.” He offered his hand. “Patrick. Growley.”
“Amaya Hali.” She tentatively shook his hand and screeched when he snatched her from the Hetree.set her on her feet and retreated, giving her space.
picture says a 1000 Words
“They’ll live.” When she remained silent, he asked, “What are you doing so far from the Sheocean?”glanced down at her feet, then raised her head to meet his gaze. “I came here to hide from Histraffickers.”browsrose, and he waited for her to elaborate. “They chased me from my home in the Atlantic.” He sighed. “So you came to Algonquin?” And blindly ran into druids. “Many who want to disappear do.” “We keep to ourselves, but worse than druids live here if you don’t know your way around. These traffickers human? “Aren’t most of them?” He growled menacingly, and she backed away, but his venom wasn’t directed at her. “Aye, always humans,” he said, his eyes staring past her. “Will you help me?” He shook his head. “Go to the authorities.” A sob escaped her. “Help me find a place to hide? Please?” He placed a hand on her cheek, and her expression mirrored his own surprise at the gesture of “compassion.It’salonghaul, girl. Dangerous.” His hand cupped the warm, soft skin of her cheek. She gulped air, fear returning to her eyes. “I’ll regret this,” he said. “Mermaids. Why would I get messed up with a mermaid?” He dropped his hand, and a stricken expression crossed her face. He sighed. “Come to my cabin for now; we’ll figure out what to do.” She nodded and exhaled her relief loudly, but when he stepped toward her, she backed farther away. “You have clothes?” He grinned. “At home. I leave them behind when I shift to my wolf form.”
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“What did you do to those men?”
Helen left the office feeling that these recent sessions had helped her. This had been her fifth meeting with Marcus, but with other therapists, she’d never returned after the second appointMarcusment. was different. There were no framed certificates on the walls, and his desk didn’t boast photographs depicting family life. Neither was his office bland. On the wall behind his desk, a set of paintings hung, and it was toward these he’d directed Helen on her first session.
a picture says a 1000 Words
Life Goes On Tom Benson
As the visits continued, each had been friendly and informal.
Marcus had been quiet that first day, noting which painting Helen had chosen. A person studying the woodland felt a need to search, delve beyond, and investigate.
‘Five good sessions,’ Helen murmured. ‘Why do I feel the need to continue?’ She had spent her life striving to meet goals, allowing herself little time to relax or socialise. Helen considered the drive back into town, and looked across the road at the woodland. She returned his smile, and something tugged at his heart. He almost growled again. No way would he allow her to get to him. He’d take her to a halfway house where they helped trafficking victims and be done with her. Then his life could return to solitude and silence. He waved for her to follow and led the land-locked mermaid into the forest. ***
‘If it helps, please feel free to gaze at the pictures behind me during your visits.’
Helen had been focusing on Marcus’ sparkling blue eyes, but she took his suggestion and chose the woodland scene. She relaxed as she answered his questions; her anxiety fading as she stared at the greenery, imagining a stroll along the winding trail.
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One year later, her brother, Graham, was killed while working in some godforsaken place. At Helen’s suggestion, he had gone to Africa as a volunteer and been killed by rebels.
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‘Today will be different. ’Ten minutes later, she was in a world of peace. Here, away from the city, was tranquillity. * Helen had hardly stopped working since graduation. A few days before completing her degree, her parents died in a house fire, and she blamed herself for being absent.
Helen gazed at the tree until she heard footsteps.
‘Marcus, what are you doing here?’
‘You did, but most clients who do, recover their lives.’
‘Seriously?’Heindicated a nearby tree stump. ‘May I join you?’
‘What can you teach me?’ She gazed at an oak tree. Occasionally, a bird would fly out from the foliage and disappear among the other trees. A breeze rippled through the branches, gently turning and twisting leaves. Hungry chicks in nests called out, some with more fervour than their siblings. The parent would return, and peace reigned for a short while. *
Another psychological burden, causing Helen to contemplate suicide. Two therapists had failed to dislodge her sense of guilt.
‘My heart lifted when you crossed the road.’ ‘Oh, because I followed your suggestion?’ She smiled.
‘What makes Marcus different?’ Helen sat on a large boulder. She recalled admitting thoughts of taking her life. Marcus had replied, ‘Before you rejoin the rat race, Helen, walk through woodland and observe a tree. The older the tree, the better. Observe it, study it, and think about what it offers.’
‘I wanted us to talk away from the office environment.’
a picture says a 1000 Words
Dimples appeared on Helen’s reddening cheeks. ‘I’m sorry, it was wrong of me ’ He raised a hand. ‘I didn’t say you were wrong.’ He met her gaze. ‘In our sessions, you’ve talked, and I’ve listened, and I’ve had to concentrate on remaining professional.’
‘Understanding the mind is my bread and butter, Helen. You are one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met, inside and out.’ ‘Thank you, but if I don’t need more sessions, why have you waited until now to tell me?’
‘I know lots about you, but you know nothing about me. Would you join me for dinner one ‘evening?’Surelythat would breach your professional standards?’ ‘You’re absolutely right, but you’re no longer a client. You’ve shrugged off the dark psychological mantle you’ve been wearing.’
‘Please.’‘Haveyou reached any conclusions?’ ‘I’ve been reminded that there is a natural cycle. That tree was destined to survive while other wildlife, like insects, die early. The oak tree acts as a mini world for other life.’
‘Summarise.’Helenlooked into Marcus’s eyes. ‘Life must go on.’ ‘Acceptance, Helen, remember that’s all we need.’ He studied her features. ‘Occasionally, we’re compelled to accept an occurrence, even if we have difficulty adjusting for a time.’
‘Is this your outdoor office, or are we merely enjoying each other’s company?’ ‘That was insightful.’ He smiled. ‘I am enjoying your company, are you enjoying mine?’
‘I don’t understand.’ He smiled. ‘Do you like Chinese food?’ ‘Yes, but what does that have to do with professionalism?’
‘Spending time with you has helped me to do that.’
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‘Have I not always talked in the same way?’
‘I’d be honoured if you’d meet me away from my prying questions.’ ‘Would you answer my prying questions?’ ‘Yes.’ He saw her lips part and raised his hand. ‘If you declined my invitation, I’d be disappointed, but I’d understand. You’re now in a much better place should we never meet again.’ ‘Perhaps I ought to treat you the way you suggested that I treat the tree.’ ‘Go on.’ ‘I’ll accept your invitation, so that I can observe you, study you, and see what you have to ‘offer.’Thank you, Helen.’ She held his gaze. ‘Life goes on.’ ***
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For our first two sessions, you were responsive but wary. In the next two, you became more relaxed. Today, it was as if we were chatting over coffee.’
‘Has it been different here in the woods?’ ‘The moment I joined you, a smile lit up your face. This is like talking to a friend.’ Helen arched a shapely eyebrow. ‘How many of your ex-patients have you invited to dinner?’ ‘I can only give you an estimate.’ ‘Go on.’ She smiled. ‘None.” He grinned. ‘I’ve never had the desire. If it helps you decide, I’m a couple of years older than you, but, like you, I’ve never married. I haven’t been in a relationship for many years because I’ve never met anyone who captured my heart the way you’ve done.’ ‘I’m flattered.’
https://authorsarahstuart.com/https://bookgoodies.com/a/B09YJ4Q1MT
a picture says a 1000 Words
My absolutely best, outrageously expensive leather “jeans”, black to go with my shades... You, of course, will be aware of my status. How else can one take an ostentatious ring on the middle finger of the left hand but unmarried. The pink jacket was a mistake I hadn’t got around to returning to the shop just as well, when I needed to kid the world that I was just out for a stroll to avoid them looking at my feet. Sturdy boots don’t say “walk in the park” in any sense. Metaphorically, as in easy-peasy, or an actual walk in a Country Park the town council “gave” to the people, invited a royal to declare open, and promptly forgot. Karen, you will wear my ring. You will do everything I say. So, I’ve been wearing it for three years. The fool it’s safe to think things like that out of his sight, but I swear he can read my mind doesn’t know his ring is my only rebellion, telling the world I’m an independent woman. I am, in as much as I have a successful career, plenty of money, and a beautiful house set in landscaped garTheydens. my public who read the articles “Karen Carnegie” writes don’t know I share my luxury home with him, or that he examines the satnav on my car every night, and heaven help me if where it shows I’ve been doesn’t add up with the increase in the milage on my Kia Sportage. My mistake yesterday was failing to set the satnav. Who does when they’ve driven to the same shopping mall so often that they know every bend in the road? Karen Carnegie, does usually. I forgot because I had toothache. No, you can’t tell. I got it I Wasn’t Dressed for Climbing a Tree Sarah Stuart
Feature article fixed and the swelling went down. My bruises are hidden under the jacket, which covers a cashmere sweater too warm for a spring day but means nobody could guess. They couldn’t even suspect. I have work colleagues. Not that I see them often, working as a freelance, but I do... did have an appointment with an editor today. I should call him and cancel. but my iPhone is in the special pocket in my rucksack, and I am not losing my grip on this branch. As it is, I’m thirsty and daren’t try to drink from the bottle of water. If I’d had the faintest idea he would follow me, I’d have brought smaller ones and a straw. Heights terrify me... What happened to the charming, sexy, guy I met? First, it was an unsigned Valentine card, and how romantic is that? Karen Carnegie gets lots wives interested in haute couture must leave the glossies around, and every article carries my photo. One I had taken four years ago, with my hair down and no shades. The card with no name had to be from him. Who else would send twelve red roses, one a day for twelve days?
Second? I thought you’d never ask. A Salmanazar of champagne far to big to open and drink a couple of glasses. I was tempted, until I found out it was vintage and worth a small fortune! I bought a temperature controlled wine storage unit. Third? He, Brett Larson, eventually “confessed” to being the crazy guy who adored the carpet I was walking on he took me to dinner at the Savoy and we were being shown to the table he’d booked before he knew if I’d accept! I said so, and the waiter looked at Brett as if he thought he was a lunatic. Do you suppose they charge for reservations whether you turn up or Younot? can guess what happened next. He drove me home in a Rolls Royce Wraith I only realised when it disappeared it was hired. I invited him in for coffee. Well, wouldn’t you?
Coffee with Armagnac, my one indulgence, and, of course, he was over the alcohol limit to drive. Brett wouldn’t put lives at risk! We ended the evening in bed, and he never left, even to collect his clothes. I bought him everything a man could need, and he worshiped me; he said it often in a dozen different ways.
So, why am I up a tree clinging on for dear life and trying not to breath when I hear feet cracking on twigs? Life my life is what I attempted to reclaim. The life I had before every “wrong” move resulted in being beaten, always where it didn’t show. I fetched two of the suitcases I used to
The Summer Hike
Clinging tighter to the branch, I shook with fear; death will come soon. You see, I know the sound of my Kia Sportage. No, it isn’t just any car of the same make. I play the same music constantly Paul Tait’s I Still Believe. Brett has no idea how to change it. The Sportage has no CD player far too dated but the salesman tipped me off. There’s a USB port, and music ripped to a memory key comes out of the speakers. Brett is looking for me, and he’s close. He’ll find me... and the river so conveniently close is deep with a fast current. The perfect grave. ***
Melanie P. Smith
All I wanted was a relaxing walk on a bright summer day. Not too much to ask, right? Wrong. The morning started out perfect. My friend told me about this amazing hike that would take me past three lakes and a gorgeous waterfall. There were plenty of trees to provide shade and she insisted the temperature would be pleasant this time of year. I was hooked.
https://melaniepsmith.com/
a picture says a 1000 Words
use for trips to Paris, Vienna, Fifth Avenue, and a dozen other places Karen Carnegie’s readers loved to read about and told Brett Larson to go. Go? If I’d needed confirmation that he truly is a crazy guy and “sorry”, on his knees sometimes, meant nothing. I got it. I escaped with a black eye, hence the shades, and what feels like broken ribs I know one has snapped; a sharp point has pierced the skin because I hit him over the head with the perfectly chilled Salamander of champagne. I thought I’d killed him and ran. Or rather, I put on a show for the neighbours of setting out for a country walk. I did walk, for miles. I know it was at least six because I can hear the river, but I’m not a murderess.
This morning, I loaded my trusty pack with plenty of water, a few snacks, and even a jacket just in case. I pulled on my favorite tennis shoes, an adorable thin cotton shirt, and comfortable pants. Then, as an afterthought, I slid into a warm sweatshirt and hit the road. Traffic was light and I found the turnoff on the first try amazing for me, but I took it as a sign that today was my lucky day. I had plenty of luck alright bad luck! But I’m getting ahead of myself. Once I locked up the car, I paused to inhale the cool, fresh air. Birds were chirping in the distance and bees were buzzing around the gorgeous wildflowers. The air smelled of dandelions and sweet wild berries mixed with the damp smell of moss and wood. I couldn’t wait to get Istarted.wasmeandering down a dirt trail, enjoying the way the leaves crunched under the soles of my shoes and munching on a banana. Suddenly, I heard what sounded like a bee; but was, in fact, a large family of bee soldiers that were headed into battle, and I was the enemy. I tried to swat them away, but those suckers were fast, and they were determined. My aggressive swatting just brought on the ire of the yellow and black striped beasts with those huge, beady eyes. I ran a few steps, they dive bombed and swarmed around my head as if I were a wild rose in need of pollination. I couldn’t get away, no matter what I tried. I was beginning to think this family was related to those murder hornets I heard about, and they selected me as their next victim. Then it hit me, I was eating a banana. I watched one of those documentary things that said bees are stimulated by pheromones and the scent from a banana is interpreted as a warning there’s danger. There were beekeepers that got attacked after eating a banana for breakfast. Panicked, I tossed that half eaten banana into the woods and ran.
I had just finished wrapping my leg and sliding the kit back in my bag when I felt a sharp sting on my other leg.
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A noise sounded to the left and I jumped, terrified it might be a black bear or a cougar. My foot got caught between two branches and I tumbled to the ground, ankle twisted, and a huge damp spot on my left hip where I struck the damp ground. I managed to free my foot and tried to stand but pain shot up my leg and I knew my ankle was sprained. Fortunately, I was prepared. I settled onto a large log and pulled out my first aid kit and my elastic bandage.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t watching where I was going in my frenzy to get away. When I finally stopped, I found myself off the trail, under a thick forest of trees. It was dark, the sun was almost completely blocked by the large, thick trees and I was lost. I wandered around, stumbling over broken tree limbs and hollowed out trunks, wishing I knew which way to go.
I’m never going hiking again.*** https://books2read.com/Trigger1
Suddenly, a small head popped up and the animal began to growl and spit. I frowned, not sure what I was seeing until the body emerged, and I saw the bright white strip running down its Theback.skunk jumped to the ground and began to stomp. When three more tiny heads popped up out of the log, I understood. I just stumbled onto a family of skunks and momma skunk was worse than a bear she was protecting her babies. When she lifted her tail, I grabbed onto the first branch I saw and scurried up a tree. Now, here I am, holding on for dear life, tired and dirty, a sprained ankle and a dozen ant bites covering my leg. I glance down and see the angry momma skunk marching around the tree, tail raised, just waiting to launch a powerful, smelly bomb from her butt.
a
picture says a 1000 Words
I looked down and realized the stump was covered in about a million little ants the biting kind. And they were now covering my bare leg having themselves a nice little lunch. I jumped to my feet and began stomping and swatting them away. Once the annoying little carnivores were gone, I surveyed my leg, hobbled over to large trunk, and settled down to pull my first aid kit back out. I slathered anti-itch cream over my leg and stood to find my way back the trail. I only got two feet before something flew through the air overhead. I screamed, dropped to the ground, and wrapped my arms over my head. When I wasn’t attacked, I cautiously glanced up and spotted several flying squirrels gliding overhead. There were five of them, that I could see, and they were happily bouncing from one tree to the next with their wings expanded like a paraglider. Relieved, I stood, brushed the leaves and the dirt from my clothes, and frowned at the wet spots on my knees. I took a minute to glance around, decided what I believed to be the right course and started that way. As I approached what I thought was just another hollowed out tree log, surrounded by piles of dead leaves and brush, I saw a large tuft of black fur. I froze, terrified I just wandered into the territory of a black bear. My heart began to race, and I didn’t know what to do.
When I’d arrived home, it was to find Mum on my laptop computer, trying to get into my bank account. It was only because I took the laptop to school sometimes, I had a high level of security on the computer.
’I’ve just told you. He’s in trouble and needs money to pay his medical bills He’s been in an accident.’Isatdown and was about to type in my password, when I suddenly thought about my mum’s money.
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The Earth Beneath My Feet Penny Luker
I ran through the woods at the back of our house, because I was so angry and I didn’t know what to do with myself. Being out in the fresh air was certainly a good idea, and unusually being away from my mum. I had two study periods this afternoon, so I decided to get off early and go home. Mum worked a lot of hours but I knew she’d be home this afternoon and thought it’d be a good opportunity to discuss my college options. She’d always been a great mum, but since Dad had left us for the annoying Mandy, with long red nails, Mum had been lonely. She’d worked hard to keep the bills paid, but I did my bit too. I worked in a library at the holidays, weekends and sometimes after school. Although I didn’t pay any bills, I bought my own clothes and bits and pieces and of course saved most of my earnings to take me through college.
‘Why would I be giving money to Carlton?’ I asked. She turned away from the computer and faced me.
‘Can you just tell me the password, my love. I need money urgently for Carlton. He’s in trouble,’ she said.
‘Why aren’t you lending him money out of your account?’
a picture says a 1000 Words
‘I haven’t any savings at the moment. Carlton’s ex cleaned out their joint account so I sent him a bit to tide him over. He’s good for it and he’s promised to pay me back before Christmas, but he’s in South Africa at the minute and he needs to pay for his medical treatment. There’s been a car crash and he’s broken his leg. I need to send the money now.’
‘Mum, you haven’t even met this guy and you’ve sent him all your savings and now you want to send him mine. Does it occur to you that he’s scamming you? Who asks for money from people they don’t know?’
‘After all I’ve done for you and you won’t lend me your money. I don’t know how you can be so so so … evil,’ she screamed. ‘Get out. Get out now.’
‘Can we sort this out later? You know he’ll pay you back. This is urgent.’ ‘No Mum. We need to discuss this now.’
‘So, has he given you a signed loan agreement for the money he’s already had from you? Do you know that he even exists? Do you know his place of work or his home address? Have you checked they’re real?’ I asked.
I leaned forward and grabbed my laptop and left. I was still wearing my jacket and backpack I used for my schoolwork. When I got outside the house, I packed the laptop into my bag and started to run through the woods. I couldn’t believe that my mum had just called me evil, or that she could be so stupid as to hand over her money to a complete stranger. I couldn’t even think properly. I was so anAfternoyed.about fifteen minutes I was feeling calmer and exhausted. There was a large tree with low boughs at the side of a clearing. I climbed onto it and put my arms round the tree and rested my head. I kicked off my shoes and my feet touched the ground. It almost felt like I was riding a horse. The smells of the fresh earth and the shrubs slowly filtered through to me and I could hear the sound of bird song. I don’t know how long I lay there. Probably half an hour, but I realized I felt calm and happier and I knew what to do.
‘What have I done wrong to bring up such a selfish girl? He loves me. We love each other. He’s even agreed to come and live over her here, so that I can still see you, and you won’t even loan him a few thousand pounds.’
Although I thought that was a good idea, I had two friends at school, who were much better than me on IT knowledge, so I started by sending them the relevant information.
When I left the building society I sat down on a bench and phoned my aunt.
I popped into Aunty Kate’s and she said,’ On some level your mum knows he’s not right. Why else would she lie to me about what she needed money for? While I go and make you a nice cup of tea, why don’t you get your computer out and do some searching.’
I stomped my feet into my shoes and headed for town and the nearest branch of my building society. As I was waiting, I took out my laptop and brought up my mother’s e-mail account, which she’d set up on an internet browser. There were all Carlton Timmer’s e mails. I wasn’t proud to read through his subtle flattery and emotional blackmail used against my mother. When the advisor was ready to see me, I explained the situation.
‘Well, we can certainly put a red flag against your account, but your mother would need to come and speak to us about her account,’ said the young woman. I sighed. It was a big sigh of defeat. There was nothing I could do to protect my mother.
‘I don’t see any reason why you can’t put in a query with ‘Action Fraud about this Carlton Timmer though. What information have you got?’ I copied the long string of emails and sent it to her and she skimmed through it. ‘Well, it certainly has a look of a scam. Let’s get this sent off to the Action Fraud team and see if they’ll investigate. In the meantime, may I make a suggestion?’ ‘Of course,’ I replied.
‘I know you think your mum is dealing with a scammer and I do too, but from her point of view, she’s in a loving relationship. Try not to use words like stranger to her. Instead, calmly ask questions about what she knows about him. Tell your relatives not to lend her money at this stage. You might be able to find information about him on google, but don’t contact him yourself. Remember he may have hacked a perfectly innocent person’s account and harvested all their information. Try to show your mum that you love her and you’re on her side.’
‘Well thank goodness you’ve phoned,’ said Aunty Kate. I thought it a bit strange. She’s already asked for money, but she said it was for you. Luckily, I couldn’t get to the bank until tomorrow. I don’t have an online account. Come for tea and you can phone her to see if she ready for you to go home. If not, stay with me for a bit’
It took several days to prove to Mum that her Carlton Timmer had his picture on a number of Facebook accounts with different names. The advisor from the bank invited her in to talk about her financial affairs and when my mother didn’t send the requested money for his ‘accident’, Carlton suggested she took out a loan, which did make her suspicious. At last she accepted that she, like many before her, had been scammed. When that happened, my father suddenly discovered that he’d underpaid her by five thousand pounds on their divorce settlement. We all knew he hadn’t, of course, but it allowed her some dignity. I could see my mum was pretty depressed, after all she’d been through, so I packed my back pack with a large flask of tea and took her to my tree in the woods. I encouraged her to lay on the low bough of the tree and let her bare feet touch the ground. We spent a lovely sunny afternoon enjoying nature and feeling the earth beneath our feet, and she started the long healing process.
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UNRAVELING ME by Rhonda Hopkins, a young adult romantic suspense.
The closest she gets is when she and her next door neighbor, Liam Caldwell, are thrust together for a school project. As they spend more time together, researching their assignment, Maya realizes she feels more for him than friendship. She also discovers that the information they're uncovering is bringing to light some questions about her life. Questions that, when answered, could unravel her world.
Sixteen year old Maya Sullivan has never really fit in. Especially not at home. With a distant father and a resentful, emotionally abusive mother, she's never experienced what it might be like to be happy and carefree.
Unraveling Me is a clean young adult, coming-of-age, romantic suspense.
Another new town. Another new school. Another chance to fit in.
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By Max Power
Girls, according to my mother were trouble. Dad was a flirt, something I’ve inherited. I’d flirt with a traffic warden if it could get me out of a ticket. But we have one thing in common and that is that our flirtation is harmless. I guess we just like women for company. It wasn’t always thus. Take my first ever girlfriend for example. I was just a tot of a titan and looking back I smile when I remember my smaller self. I was like a wild blonde pony, all hair flowy in the wind, sparkling with delight at every blade of grass that I trampled beneath my feet. I had no direction or care and I ran free before any corruption of my spirit could take hold. My father gave me the spirit to be free and my mother occasionally tugged my reins in, but for the most part I was a tiny, free flowing skinny little stallion, only interested in what the wind carried my way.
My mother kept me on the straight and narrow and me auldfella did his best to set me astray. Mam was always my moral compass. Dad was … well I’m not sure he was but his morals were often a little sketchy despite his best intentions and I don’t think even my mother would have wanted me to follow his direction at times. My da was a bit of a rogue. He was far too clever for the mundanity of his daily work and it showed in the stuff he got up to. I never truly got to know him the way a son should and that makes me a little sad. He died way too early, much like my mother and I think it’s often only later in life that one comes to appreciate one’s parents. He’d have never said “One” so he’s probably turning in his grave.
Times were different back then. It was a simple life with less pollution for the soul to absorb. TV only mattered when you were dragged in off the street to have dinner and it was the streets that were my wilderness, my frontier and the freckled faced fillies that swooped about me were enchanted by my mane. My hair fluctuated through those early days. I went from wild, free flowing blonde wavy locks ala Leif Garrett, to skint, bowl headed short back and sides, ala my auldfella’s eventual impatience with hair beyond the collar line. My brother was older and wilder than I was and his shenanigans allowed me to sneak under the radar from time to time. Hair was always an issue. My dad had a preference for Boland’s barbers and there, a strange man lay in wait to destroy all hope. The barber had three styles that he was competent with, short back…and sides and he had a way of convincing you, that you could have anything you wanted. Turns out you could, as long as it was a short back and sides. He had a gloriously shiny bald dome, interrupted by a splendid comb over, lacquered beyond what could be regarded as decent. He would sit the small boys up on the big leather chairs, boosted to his height by a wooden plank resting across the side arms. I liked it when the chair spun and he pumped on the foot pedal to raise the chair up. Although I hated the Barber shop for what it represented, I gloried in its splendour of red leather and chrome and the strange smells and manliness of the place. When I dodged it long enough, my hair flowed past my shoulders and I was a pony again. I was a skinny little thing, maybe even a little handsome, but ultimately I guess my unfaltering, unimpeded spirit shone through somehow. Girls liked me and I did my best not to show my absolute terror in their presence. Mam made me believe that girls neither broke wind nor indeed did anything impolite or improper and there was a certain shiny quality to them that kept me a little in awe. They never walked or ran, they bounced and flounced and I bounded and strode among them oblivious to my own gentle charms. Acquiring my first girlfriend in such circumstances should have been rather more challenging than it was, but you see back then there were rules to everything. Things happened in a certain way and all you had to do, was what you were told.
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Haven’t read a Max Power book yet? Maybe it’s time to pick one up. Max Power’s books include, Darkly Wood, Darkly Wood II The woman who never wore shoes, Larry Flynn, Bad Blood and Little Big Boy. You can find more details about Max Power’s books here https://maxpowerbooks.wordpress.com
Her name was Rose and her friend Sheila told my friend Michael, that she wanted to go out with me. She asked him, to ask me, if I’d get him to ask her, if her friend would go out with me. Try following that. It was the way it worked back then, we all knew how it worked and somehow, it made perfect sense. Now I didn’t know what made a good girlfriend, nor did I know what it entailed, but I’d never had one before so I told Michael, to tell Sheila, that I wanted her to ask Rose, if she would go out with me. Sheila told Mick that she would and that we were now boyfriend and girlfriend. All the other kids were told and I received a lot of “ Whooo you’ve got a girlfriend” comments sung to me for a few days. That being said, that was pretty much that. We never actually did anything together. We walked up to each other and sort of stared at our own feet, saying more or less nothing and then went about our business. She played ‘beds’ with the other girls and I went back to being a pony. I don’t think we actually spoke after that sounds like some marriages I’ve seen. Still she was my first and I guess that counts for something. Life sure was simpler back then. Girls … My Mother thought me to respect them, my father thought me to make them laugh and somewhere in between, I muddled through from that day to Thinkingthis.back I miss my parents most I guess but there is probably one other person I miss just as much. He’s the little wild pony of a boy, running, skipping, a free flowing creature of the street, a boy without a care in the world, smuggling a cheeky grin into every room with kissy lips at the ready for those that loved him most….
getbook.at/DeadlyEnvy Can DCI Gerald Croft stop a crime wave before the media pick up the story and put him in the chief superintendent’s firing line? An armed raid on a jewellers’ shop –deaths that might have been a suicide pact or murder – a teenage girl Iskidnapped.theremore to come? Deadly Envy
Paige Carter: Season 3 Available Audiobooink Season 1 5 Available in eBook Seasons 1 3 Available in Audiobook Links available in my brochure… https://geni.us/PaigeCarterS3audiohttps://geni.us/SuspenseBrochure
After seven years as a forensic science expert with the FBI, she’s moved to Manti, Utah.
Paige Carter has moved back to town, but not everyone is happy about her return. Her past is complicated and filled with tragedy. Her father was killed on a top secret mission in the middle -east. Her mother was murdered when she was a senior in high school.
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Follow her in her new career as a deputy sheriff where local crimes are solved and secrets are revealed.
Was moving back home the worst mistake she ever made?
Just like adults, children benefit by setting learning goals for the year or even the term. Goals give all of us something positive and definite to work towards and we feel a sense of achievement when we meet our goals.
At the beginning of the school year, parents should sit down with their child and plan some goals for the year. This goal setting process should include identifying the specific areas the child needs to work on and the setting of realistic and achievable goals in order to measure progress in those areas. If your child is struggling with math, for example, there is no point in setting a goal of achieving a distinction in the first term of the new school year. A reasonable goal would be an increase of 5% for each term, which will allow the child to improve his/her understanding of the subject and gradually build on their successes. By setting achievable goals your child will be motivated to work towards them. Unrealistic goals are demotivating and set the child up for failure. It is also better to set goals that are unrelated to specific grades and performance measures as this destresses the goal setting process for your child. Goals that shift your child’s learning objectives and focus from passing tests and exams to a greater understanding of the topic and appreciation of the value of the subject matter result in a better attitude towards learning. In this way, a child that dislikes a particular subject because of anxiety issues can learn to enjoy the learning process involved in tackling the
subject and learning material. A positive attitude makes all the difference to a successful learning Parentsoutcome.need to be sensitive when discussing areas of academic weakness with their child and ensure they do not compare one child in a family unfavourably to another. Children are all different and have their own talents which may differ dramatically. It undermines a child’s self confidence if they feel their performance is being measured against that of a sibling. Comparing children can also make them both feel that their parents love is conditional on good grades and academic performance thereby increasing anxiety and stress even in strong academics.
Robbie has 2 adult novels in the paranormal historical and supernatural fantasy genres published under the name Roberta Eaton Cheadle. She also has short stories in the horror and paranormal genre and poems included in several anthologies. Connect with Robbie… https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/
Thinking about goals setting and keeping children focused and positive brought to mind this song from the movie https://youtu.be/Yop62wQH498Annie:
This morning, I came across an excellent post by Bella from Thoughts ‘n Life blog about goal setting. It offers some good advice which you can read here: https://thoughtsnlifeblog.com/2022/05/09/setting-the-right-priorities/
Goal setting should always focus on the future and not reflect negatively on the past. If the child has had a bad term and failed a subject, the goal should set out positive steps to improve performance and not focus on a bad result that can’t be changed. Ask your child how they can use the learning experience of the difficult test or exam to do better next time.
Goals don’t have to be academic in nature. A child that is exceptionally shy can set goals to try and participate more in class activities and discussions. A child that is not sporty can set a goal to play a non competitive sport for a term. After all, learning is not only about academics, it is also about learning to be a good citizen and contributing positively to society. What do you think? Have you ever set goals with your child? Let me know in the comments.
Robbie Cheadle is a South African children’s author and poet with 9 children’s books and 2 poetry books. She has also published 2 books for older children which incorporate recipes that are relevant to the storylines.
2022 Reader’ Choice Awar Help Choose your Favorite Novel Winners featured in August Issue of the eMagazine Nominations Open Until June 15th The Connections eMagazine Reader's Choice Award is open to all independently published authors and their work. Nominations close June 15th and the Finalists will be selected and posted by June 30th. Visit our Finalist page for this year’s options and be sure to come back and vote after June 30th.
JunebeginsVotingPublic30thVotingEndsJuly19th Winner Announced in August Edition https://melaniepsmith.com/readers-choice/ Categories... • Romance • Horror / Thriller/ Mystery • Sci-Fi / Fantasy / Paranormal / Supernatural • Children's (Picture & Chapter) • Young Adult • Other Fiction
AveelRonesaa
I never fully understood the meaning of the “half” herb as a child and not even as an adult. How can you have a half herb? Even if you break it in half, it’s still an herb.
“There is an herb for every illness, and the half for all unknown.”
Every year on June 24, I remember these words spoken by my grandmother. She understood the power of herbs and used them to heal soul and body, protect the home and family, and bring fertility and prosperity to the household.
In Bulgaria and other Slavic countries like Ukraine, June 24 is a special day filled with magical rites. Healers gather herbs at dawn, because this is the time when they have the most healing abilities.
“On Eniovden (Midsummer’s Day), the stars fly down, infusing herbs and water with magical healing power.”
“Is this a portal to another world? Is this a circle to protect you from black magic and evil spirits?” These were questions in my mind when I looked at the colorful floral wreath on Midsummer’s Day many years ago. It was giant. I mean really giant… Woman, maidens, and girls were passing through the wreath. It felt like they are going to a different dimension. It was magical experience, one which I always wanted to learn more about. The wreath is made every year on Midsummer’s Day. It’s considered sacred and is woven from 77½ herbs. Not any herbs, but ones that are magical and healing. According to folk belief, the herbs in the wreath can cure illnesses, break spells, and drive away dragons (zmeys) and other malicious entities. It’s well known in Slavic folklore that dragons love to capture girls for brides, so the unmarried females need this extra protection as they approach adulthood. Besides walking through the giant wreath, girls also crown their heads with a wreath made from herbs that repel zmeys and keep the beasts from loving the girls. Sounds scary, right? Who wants to be abducted by a dragon and taken to a dark cave?
What is Kickstarter and why are you launching the book there and not on retailer sites?
These are common questions people ask. First, Kickstarter is crowdfunding, but it isn ’t a GoFundMe, where you donate to a cause. Instead, it’s more like pre ordering a product. The Kickstarter site says: “Kickstarter campaigns make ideas into reality. It’s where creators share new visions for creative work with the communities that will come together to fund them.” But why not just do a pre order on a retailer site? The answer is simple. On a retailer site, you get ONLY the book. On Kickstarter, backers get all kinds of fascinating rewards for backing the project and helping the author find the expenses for producing the book. We have some fun stuff and free ebooks to offer for our backers.
aveela/77 1 2 magical healing herbs the secret power of herbs
The bulk of the book focuses on the Midsummer ’s Day herbs all 77 (and a half) of them. It’s an ultimate guide to tap into knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generaMoretion. than 200 eye-catching images illustrate the book, including a full-page botanical image, to help you recognize the herbs, along with the descriptions. But the book contains much more Historicalinformation.facts and traditions will take you back to school days, while medical, culinary, and magical uses will have you heading to the kitchen or garden store. Fun facts, legends, and recipes fill the pages. Or perhaps you’ll just want to forget about everything that’s going on in the world and bury yourself in the book. The book is for anyone who wants to widen their knowledge about herbs. Like our other books, our goal is to deliver content unknown to the Western world. The book will satisfy your curiosity and widen the horizons of your mind. It ’s the perfect gift for everyone. It’ll make a beautiful coffee table book and great addition to any reference library. Here’s your chance to learn how to make basic recipes and discover fun facts, lore, and magical beliefs.
I have been blessed to know talented Bulgarian painter Keazim Issinov. With his permission, we have included in the book five of his one of a kind paintings of Bulgarian healers.
I was curious what herbs made up the 77½ in the wreath, so I researched old Bulgarian books and articles and finally discovered a list. That is how the idea of “77½ Magical Healing Herbs” was born. In this unique book, you’ll also learn about well known healers from Bulgarian history. Baba Vanga is one whom many people these days have heard about. She’s a clairvoyant who’s been called the Nostradamus of Balkans and has predicted many events that have happened in our lifetimes. But she was also an herbal healer. All the healers from the past were not treated kindly or with respect, however. In the tenth century, the Bogomils were burned like the Salem witches. These are only two of the healers mentioned in the book.
Won’t you help us take the book to the production finish line? Follow our project on Kickstarter and get notified immediately when we go live, hopefully early in June. You can find the link here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ronesa
A Muslim Arab Prince with a heavy weight of responsibilities on his shoulders and a Catholic American woman with a dark, haunted past living inside her heart. Unexpectedly thrust together in a deal of betrayal brokered by her brother, the last thing she imagines when she goes to his wedding in a kingdom far away from her home, is to find out that it's her own wedding as well. How will she survive?
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Anything Ronan once found pleasure in has faded away to be replaced with his ever constant battle not to give in to the more savage side of his vampire nature. As a born hunter, Kadence has been sheltered from the world. When the two come together, everything they thought they knew changThees.
Break My Fall by Chloe Walsh
I was homeless, strapped for cash, and running from my past. Now I'm here, in a brand-new state, miles away from home, and sleeping in the room next to his. The room with the revolving door of females. I know he's a bad idea for me. He's cocky, a manwhore, and way too self assured for a sheltered girl with secrets. But when he smiles at me, I lose my freaking mind!
Black Keys By Doug Lamoreux
Alliance is a spin-off of the Vampire Awakenings Series. It can be read without reading Awakenings.
Eternity Bound by Brenda K. Davies The Alliance Book 1
The Broken Series Book 1
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PERMANENTLY
Ifeverywhere.heistouncover the conspiracy he must confront, and embrace, the darkest elements of the galaxy. And throw himself, his career, and everyone he loves into the line of fire.
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The Phoenix Conspiracy Volumn 1 by Richard L. Sanders
My senses are sharp, my body is sleek, my speed is turbo powered. Shifter. I’m a shifter. A creature I didn’t know existed until a few days ago. Garrett, my vampire trainer, has placed me with a team of shifters, teaching me to use my magic to protect, to be all that I was meant to be. This world is dangerous, but I've survived worse.
RogueRebirthShifter Series by Gayle Parness
Calvin, an intelligence operative, is sent to eliminate a dangerous traitor. But as he chases his prey across the stars, he realizes they are both pawns in a shadowy chess game that threatens humankind
Witches Bell The Witness Series by Odette C. Bell
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Pawn by Karen Lynch Jesse James is a normal eighteen year old, even if her parents are the best faerie bounty hunters in New York. Jesse’s only concern is how to pay for college, but that changes the night her parents disappear.
Can this witch survive in a world of magic, possibilities, danger, and love?
Ebony Bell owns a cantankerous magical bookstore with a personality like a battering ram. Her best friend is a detective who drives like a photon shot from the sun. And a tall, dark, handsome, but seriously irritating stranger named Nathan Wall has just walked into her life.
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Angel in Field by Chasity e ijames
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There are four main channels of psychic communication: clairvoyance, clairaudience, claircognizance and clairsentience. Everyone has some level of ability in each of these areas, but much like the physical senses, some psychic senses are stronger than others.
Clairvoyance refers to psychic vision. The word means “clear seeing,” and this is the form of psychic communication most people think of when they think of psychic ability. If you are predominantly clairvoyant, you should watch for visual cues from angels and guides, such as the following:
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Recognizing how information comes through each of these channels enables you to recognize when spirit guides and angels are sending messages. Then you can acknowledge and accept the guidance, and, most importantly, act on it.
Psychic Communication Using Clairvoyance
Author Val Tobin studied general arts at the University of Waterloo, then went to DeVry Toronto to get a diploma in Computer Information Systems. She worked in the computer industry as a software and Web developer for over ten years, during which time she started to get serious about energy work and the paranormal and occult.
• Seeing clouds in the form of angels
Psychic Communication Receive Messages from Guides
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• Seeing small twinkling lights or colors around a person Receiving images in the mind’s eye during meditation Dreams that are particularly vivid or profound
• Hearing your name called or other words in the mind’s ear or out loud
Clairaudience refers to psychic hearing. The word means “clear hearing.” If you are predominantly clairaudient, you should pay attention to audio from spirit guides and angels, as in the circumstances:following
• Experiencing a buzzing or ringing in the ear that has no discernible physical cause; this is guides or angels downloading messages (rule out physical causes, such as a vitamin B12 deficiency, before concluding it is guides)
• Finding white feathers or coins in odd places
• Hearing songs repeatedly or coincidentally
• Hearing angelic music that seems to have no physical source
• Seeing orbs or having orbs appear in photos (physical causes should first be ruled out)
It’s not necessary for the images to be clear and distinct. Sometimes, you will get only an “impression” in your mind’s eye. That still counts.
Psychic Communication Using Clairaudience
• Overhearing conversations that are synchronistic
• Seeing images or viewing scenes as though from a movie, mentally or outside of the mind’s eye
If you are thinking about a song, or have it stuck in your head as an “earworm,” then consider its significance. It might be a message. Clairaudient messages from your guides and angels will always be positive and beneficial to all. They are not harmful or toxic, and clairaudience is not a mental illness.
Claircognizance means “clear knowing,” and people who are claircognizant will know things that they perhaps might think are common sense or common knowledge, but are not. The clues that indicate you may be receiving claircognizant messages from angels and guides include:
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Knowing personal information about someone without that person having shared the information Premonitions regarding outcomes of events or flashes of knowing about random events
• Repetitive information or ideas that help in positive ways With Claircognizance, it can be difficult at first to distinguish whether what just popped into your head is a claircognizant message or your own thought. With practice, you will be able to tell the difference. I find that claircognizant messages have a neutral feel to them. They tend to be presented in the second or third person, present or future tense. They have no emotional charge when they are delivered, though the message can make you feel emotional after you receive it.
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• Smelling cigarette or pipe smoke when no one is smoking (it may remind you of a departed loved one and indicate that person’s spirit presence in the room)
• Knowing a lot of things without knowing how you learned them • Others accuse you of being a know it all Getting sudden insights or ideas without a train of thought that precedes it
• Suddenly knowing the location of a missing object
Clairsentience is “clear feeling.” This refers to what many call hunches or gut instincts. People who are clairsentient can sometimes even feel what others are feeling. Clairsentients are sentositiveenergy and can feel air pressure changes around them that indicate spirit presence. Indications that you are clairsentient include:
• Smelling flowers where there aren’t any around can indicate the presence of departed loved ones, spirit guides, or angels (the smell of roses is associated with angelic beings)
Psychic Communication Using Claircognizance
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Psychic Communication Using Clairsentience
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References Chasity e ijames, Image: Peaceful Prayer Virtue, Doreen PhD Divine prescriptions: Using Your Sixth SenseSpiritual Solutions for You and Your Loved Ones, New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2000. Virtue, Doreen. How to Hear Your Angels, California: Hay House Inc., 2007.
Feeling the energy from crystals or from objects you touch or hold
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Val Tobin writes speculative fiction and searches the world over for the perfect butter tart. Her home is in Newmarket, Ontario, where she enjoys writing, reading, and talking about writing and reading.Discover more about Val on her
The sense of someone next to you, which may include feeling like someone has touched you
Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute advice from your physician or health care professional. Before beginning any health or diet program, consult your physician.
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Clairsentience can make the hair stand up on the back of your neck when there is a presence around you. When it’s your guides or angels around, it’ll feel like a loving, comforting presence. In my experience, the nauseated feeling usually appears if I’ve entered a room where someone has passed from an illness. Experience will tell you if this is the case for you. It can be difficult to interpret some of the signs that one gets, so it is perfectly okay to ask the angels or guides for clarification. Each mode of communication has its own unique challenges that are overcome with practice and experience. Regardless which of the four channels of communication is the strongest for you, you should always be aware of the other forms. People receive messages through every type of psychic sense; much would be missed if only one sense became the sole focus. After all, you wouldn’t limit yourself to only one of your physical senses.
Feeling dizzy or nauseated without any physical cause, or feeling pressure changes or temperature changes
Burrowe d
Maressa Mortimer
Maressa Mortimer is Dutch but lives in the beautiful Cotswolds, England with her husband and four (adopted) children. Maressa is a homeschool mum as well as a pastor’s wife, so her writing has to be done in the evening when peace and quiet descend on the house once more. She loves writing Christian fiction, as it’s a great way to explore faith in daily life. All of Maressa’s books are available from her website, www.vicarioushome.com, Amazon or local Thebookshops.beautiful island of Ximiu has a plan for a more sustainable future. But not everyone is on board. Jasira, daughter of the governing matriarch, is determined to uncover the dark forces threatening her home. With the help of her friends she embarks on a desperate bid to save her island community. When the price is higher than she had bargained for, will Jasira still find faith and beauty in the world around her?
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The Shadow at My Side
If you enjoyed this article, you can find similar works on Rebecca Bryn’s website... https://rebeccabrynblog.wordpress.com
Zoe McKay
I was born with a mouth I can't control… I'd always planned on taking over my father's ranch. I just didn't plan on it being this soon. When he becomes ill, I have no choice but to go all in with the help from Luke, my always reliable best friend; Wyatt, the new foreman who wants nothing to do with me and what he calls my smart mouth; and Jeremy, the flirtatious ranch hand. Three men. All so very different. And each has my heart stampeding in his own way.When two legged vultures wearing business suits begin circling trying to take over the ranch, I'll do whatever it takes to make sure my father's legacy remains intact. Even if it means, I have to give up my own dreams.
Country Dreams is the first book in a new adult contemporary western reverse harem series where Abby won't have to choose between her love interests. This is a slow burn polyamorous series. Because Why Choose?
COUNTRY DREAMS by Zoe McKay, a new adult contemporary western reverse harem. https://books2read.com/CountryDreams
Her worst nightmare thrusts her into a future she never could have imagined. While trying to escape her abusive foster home, 17 year-old Aria Bennett ends up in the hospital where she is visited by an uncle she didn't know existed. Eager to meet the rest of her family, she moves with him to a small town in the Texas Hill Country where not everything is as it seems. After glimpses of weird sightings, she's almost convinced she has brain damage from the accident. And, the six undeniably gorgeous guys that immediately include her in their group seem to know more about her than she does.
Just when she's getting comfortable with her new environment, she becomes the target of someone's hatred. Will Aria be able to survive the threats and reach her promised potential?
The Promised is a young/new adult contemporary fantasy reverse harem where Aria doesn't have to choose between her love interests. This is a slowburn polyamorous series. Because why choose?
THE PROMISED by Zoe McKay, a young adult paranormal/fantasy reverse
https://books2read.com/ThePromisedharem.
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Chapter One
The creature, a grendel, turned its pug nosed face to the sky and sniffed the warm September air. Rachel remained motionless and alert, the beast’s large, grey head framed in her rifle sight. One twitch and she’d blow its face off, but she could wait for a moment or two anyway. Where the hell is Hound Dog? No sooner had the thought breezed in and out of her mind than her earpiece blipped and Dog’s voice rasped in her ear “Got two of ’em fifteen degrees from the alpha position. Firing in three … two …” Rachel’s rifle blasted, and the grendel ’s head burst like a rotting cantaloupe. The body dropped to the forest floor.
The Hunted: A Horror and Suspense Novel by Val Tobin
“Got ’im,” she said into her mic. She’d heard the double blast nearby and waited for Hound Dog to report his kills. “Two down, Frostbite. That’s the nest.” Rachel no longer cringed at the Frostbite nickname; rather, she embraced it. If they wanted to paint her as a cold bitch, she’d be more than happy to freeze the chuckleheads out. At least they left her alone now, and she’d never have to contend with the frat boy antics other freshly minted protectors put up with. Her teammates had learned on their first week together two years ago not to mess with Rachel Needham. She smiled, recalling Hound Dog’s screams when he woke to find his pelvic region covered in fire ants. That little etiquette lesson came as retribution for sneaking into her room during the night on her first day as a full fledged protector and dumping spiders in her bed. Initiation, the guys had called it, implying all newbies must endure it. Well, she had initiation rituals of her own. She promised them she wouldn’t haze them if they left her alone. So far, they all behaved like good boys. At least, ever since the fire ants …
Code Master, tall and skinny and looking exactly like the nerd he was, squatted next to the corpse. He removed his glasses and wiped sweat and black curls from his forehead. “Yup, it’s dead.” “You haven’t even touched it,” Foot-Long said. “Don’t have to. No head, no life.” Code Master smirked and puckered his lips. “Or ya wanna give him mouth to mouth?”
The force hadn’t been too bad, and had life remained as it had been before the grendels
The snap of twigs and rustle of underbrush from the direction of the trees where Rachel ’s dead grendel lay brought her out of her musings. Silence no longer a necessity, her other two teammates clomped over to the body.
“Like I give your mama every night?” Rachel, having had enough of their juvenile banter, stepped from her makeshift blind in the shrubbery. “Can the chatter, boys. Let’s get this fucker back to HQ. ”
The curses rolled off her tongue smoothly now, and Rachel no longer winced, even inwardly, every time she swore. She hated it, but it made her one of the guys all in the name of career advancement and breaking through a glass ceiling that, in all honesty, wasn’t as thick in the protector game as it was in the regular military or had been on the police force.
appeared on the scene twelve years ago, she’d have continued through the ranks. Before she’d turned thirteen years old and the grendels ate her mother, she’d aspired to be a detective. After her mother’s death, revenge drove her. From the moment the protectors were created, she hunted and killed monsters, and she was among the best. She consoled herself over her lost career with the reminder that detectives couldn’t kill their homicidal prey. Protectors won awards and recognition for doing so. Rachel snagged newcomer of the year her first year in, something her teammates might or might not have resented. She suspected Code Master and Foot Long for the subs he ate, not for the length of his dong, so she’d been told didn’t mind. Hound Dog, on the other hand, had probably added it to his list of grudges against her. Fine with me. If he ever needed another lesson in manners, she’d provide one. Rachel scanned the surrounding area, peering into the trees and brush.
“Where’s Dog?” She sometimes wished her rivalry with Hound Dog were friendlier. A coworker who helped and supported her efforts while giving her a decent rival to beat would have benefited them both. To their detriment, he undermined her at every turn. However, while Hound Dog behaved like an ass after hours, he was an excellent protector. It wasn ’t like him to take so long to appear in their designated after kill meeting place. “With his kills.” Code Master’s reply came too smoothly and automatically.
“You saw him or you’re guessing?” His grey-blue eyes, always piercing, met hers, but only for a moment. He flushed and looked away. “Sorry, boss, I’m assuming.”
“Want I should search for him?” Foot Long dropped a plastic bag next to the grendel’s “body.Nice try, grunt, but you’re not getting out of corpse detail. You two bag the body. I’ll find Dog.” Rachel checked her phone to locate Hound Dog on the tracking app and melted into the trees, heading south west. When she spotted him propped against a tree smoking a joint, her first instinct was to tear a strip off his hide. When she registered his shaking hands and sheet white face, she hoisted her rifle to ready and crept up beside him. She spoke in a whisper. “What’s the word, Dog?” “A body, boss.” “Yeah. Two bodies. Why aren’t they bagged?” “No.” He shook his head. “In the nest.”
The grendels’ nest. Grendels nested in groups of three or four, not always as families. Scientists specializing in grendel research, such as her younger brother, Jeff, reported that the creatures formed seemingly random groups. They nested together for safety and security, the way hunter -gatherers and cave dwellers had once done, Rachel supposed, but she’d never heard of grendels dragging a body back to their nests. It must be bad if Hound Dog, a veteran hunter, became apoplectic at the sight of it. She tilted her head, indicating the joint. “You’re on duty, Protector.”
“I’ll always be a cop. That’s why I’m team leader and you’re not.” She couldn’t help needling him. Hound Dog ’s obvious resentment always brought out the nasty in her. He ’d wanted the team leader job, but he didn’t have the policing experience she did. It ticked one more box on his grudge list. He waved toward what she assumed was the nest, and after reminding him he had two grendel bodies to bag, she slipped through the trees.
Since when do these creatures leave food unsampled? Never, to Rachel ’s knowledge, yet here lay a body without a mark on it sitting at grendel nest ground zero. Drag marks indicated it had been in the nest, but they ’d yanked it out and dumped it
“Why?” The colour had returned to his cheeks, and his voice sounded stronger. Good. In a moment, he’d be back to his cocky self.
Relieved he had it together enough to keep his lunch down, she said, “Want me to bag it?” Hound Dog shook his head again. “My job. Gimme a minute.” His voice broke as he said, “A girl, boss. Just a girl.” “Christ, Dog. This will rain hot coals from hell on us.” She crouched next to him and touched his shoulder. “Point me to the nest. I need to secure the scene and take evidence before we bag her. Finish here and then join me.”
“You’re assuming the creatures killed her. They probably did, but never assume.”
“Sorry.” He took a final drag and ground it out in the dirt. “It ” He breathed deep, gulping air as if he couldn’t get enough. “Okay. You puke?” It would matter, so she had to ask. He shook his head. “Came close.”
“You just want to play cop.” Irritation laced his voice.
The girl was petite but older than Rachel had expected. The corpse lay beside the nest rather than in it precision wasn’t one of Dog’s skills and oddly, she appeared unmolested.
nearby. Why? This bugged her more than if she’d found the girl mangled inside the nest. The girl should be in pieces and should never have been in the nest at all. The throat and thighs, usually one of the first areas on the body these things chowed down on, remained “intact.What happened?” she murmured. “What the hell happened?” Uneasy, she studied the area first. The only footprints in evidence, aside from the grendels ’, were hers and Hound Dog’s. All seemed quiet, but as her ears attuned to her surroundings, she picked up bird chatter in the trees. Behind her, plastic crackled, leaves rustled, and twigs snapped as Hound Dog bagged the two bodies. Most groups nested well away from each other, so she didn’t expect to encounter other monsters, but she never let her guard down anyway. The grendels wouldn’t have read the manuals they could do whatever the hell they wanted. She didn’t trust them to remain Rachelconsistent.accessed the camera function on her cell phone and took pictures of the body, the nest, and the surrounding area. When she had enough photos of the scene, she pulled on a pair of latex gloves and squatted next to the body. Rigor mortis had set in but hadn’t completed, which meant the girl had been dead less than thirty six hours. Rachel saw no obvious marks no bullet wounds, stab marks, blood, or marks on the throat. After checking the eyes for petechial hemorrhages, she ruled out asphyxiation. The skin held a greenish tinge, a normal occurrence after death. She rose. They’d have to comb the area for any evidence to show this was a body dump, cart the body back to the base, and then pass it along to the police. All protectors were trained in forensics to spare those not trained to hunt grendels from the risks of poking around in grendel territory. After gathering evidence and taking photos, they’d need to get this body and that of the grendels out of the forest, but they had a Humvee for that, parked about a kilometre back. No roads, not even crappy dirt roads, led to their current location. The team had hiked in from where they’d left the vehicle. She got to work.
Val Tobin writes speculative fiction and searches the world over for the perfect butter tart. Her home is in Newmarket, Ontario, where she enjoys writing, reading, and talking about writing and reading.
Val Tobin
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The most heinous act of treachery in Scottish history and piracy on the high seas bind the lives of strangers, Tom and Andrew, inextricably together.
Andrew, a Scot, hopes to build a better life for his family in New Caledonia, a Scottish trading post on the Darien Isthmus.
Driven to revenge, because of England’s stranglehold on the trade routes, the merchants of Scotland bring England and Scotland to the brink of war.
Tom and Andrew are on opposing sides when they are thrust together by a chance meeting. Will one of them have to die before England and Scotland can unite in peace?
An action-packed adventure with courtroom drama, suspense, a love interest, and a surprise ending.
Tom is a young Englishman trying to prove himself worthy of the girl he loves.
Welcome back for segment 2 of the “Ask the Authors 2022” blog series, with an introduction to Bobby Nash, who shares how to manage the many tasks which being an author entails, to the Ask the Authors 2022 Writing Reference Anthology, and a Q & A on Pre-Writing Rituals. Meet Bobby Nash Bobby Nash is not a man of action, a detective, or a hero, but he loves writing about characters who are all of those things and more. Bobby is an award winning author of novels, comic books, short stories, screenplays, and more. He is a member of the International Association of Media Tie in Writers and International Thriller Writers. On occasion, he acts, appearing in movies and TV shows, usually standing behind or beside your favorite actor. From time to time, he puts pen to paper and doodles. For more information on Bobby Nash and his work, please visit him at www.bobbynash.com, www.ben books.com, and across social media.
Ask the Authors 2022 Book & Blog Series: Pre Writing Rituals
Paul Kane: All kinds really. I’ve dabbled in a lot of genres and written in a lot of formats, from comics and audio scripting to TV and film. I started out doing journalism, so non fiction, and had a couple of books out in that vein: The Hellraiser Films and Their Legacy is probably the most well known. Then I returned to writing short stories, because I was always writing those growing up; especially for English classes where the teachers would get exasperated at the length of some of them. I started sending these off to small presses and was lucky enough to get some printed, which then led to a collection. At the same time I’d been trying to write a novel, The Gemini Factor. I’d had a stab at a few before, so technically this was about my third or fourth novel, but the first I wrote with any serious intention of getting it published which it was eventually, and there was even an anniversary edition which came out in 2020 through Gestalt Media. That was a horror serial killer thriller, by the way and indeed most of the stuff I was doing back then was horror, and I carried on in that vein for a little while. Then around 2007, I pitched a book to Abaddon/Rebellion for their post apocalyptic Afterblight series, which was a reworking of Robin Hood. They accepted that and it was my first mass market novel, so I’d shifted into SF at that point and wrote three novels altogether gathered together in the sellout Hooded Man plus a novella for them. I also wrote my first YA novel, The Rainbow Man, as PB Kane. At the same time I was writing short films like The Opportunity and The Weeping Woman, and then some audios I adapted The Hellbound Heart into a full cast audio drama for Bafflegab as well as working on and running conventions. More recently I’ve moved into writing straight thrillers for HQ/HarperCollins under the name PL Kane and the first of those, Her Last Secret, Her Husband’s Grave and The Family Lie, have all done very well. In amongst all that, I’ve written a couple of short plays too, one of which One for the Road was performed at FantasyCon 2015. As for research, it very much depends on the kind of story you’re telling.
Robbie Cheadle: My YA and adult books are all historical and most have a paranormal element. I do a lot of research for each book, plotting the historical events on a timeline and then overlying the events of my plot. A Ghost and His Gold had over thirty historical sources and my current work in progress, The Soldier and the Radium Girl, will end up have at least the same number of sources, possibly even more.
Chris Barili: I write in just about every genre, and I wouldn’t say one genre requires more research than the others. Rather, I’d say one series of stories requires it: Hell’s Marshal. Because it is set in the old west, I do extensive research to make sure it is accurate, or at least believable in light of the story itself.
Mario Acevedo: I write commercial fiction—novels and short stories of supernatural fantasy, horror, and hard boiled crime. My research is to make the story and setting sound as credible as possible.
I also read a lot of books in the timeframe I am writing about, especially classic books that were written during the period. This helps me gain insight into the everyday lives of people living at the time and experiencing the historical events I’m writing about.
Bobby Nash: I write in whatever genre the publisher wants. So far, I haven ’t done a lot of fantasy, nor have I attempted romance or erotica. Most of my work has a thriller element to it. I also write a lot of action and crime fiction. Research varies from project to project.
Crime research is very different to SF, as you can probably imagine.
Please tell us what genre(s) you write in and what type of research is required for your stories?
Nancy Oswald: I write mostly Colorado set historical history for young readers. It’s not always in the same order, but I typically start by reading history of the area, but not always. I like to visit the sites and glean as much as I can about the area. For me, museums and history centers are a huge wealth of material.
Bobby Nash: I enjoy meeting and talking to people who do the jobs. I’ve talked with FBI agents, police, doctors, etc. about their respective jobs to get a feel for what they do. That adds a personal touch to the characters I have in those roles. On line research is an invaluable tool to have at your fingertips. I also like to travel and visit locations where I can set stories and scenes.
Kevin Killiany: I love a library finding and searching through physical books but these days the internet enables one to access more information quickly. Whenever possible, I visit locations used in my stories.
Chris Barili: I do almost all my research online. Just don’t have time or resources to go visit far away places. That said, I did do some of that during two recent road trips.
Robbie Cheadle: I do all my research on line and I like to use diaries, letters, and journals from the time, if possible. Project Gutenberg is a wonderful resource for historical research.
Kevin Killiany: Young adult, because the stories are more direct and revelatory of character. “Hard” science fiction (which means the fictional science is compatible with and based on real world science) and historical. Both require serious research, because accuracy is essential to the authenticity of the story.
Mario Acevedo: While the Internet is the most used because it is right in my computer, I continue to surprise myself with what treasures you find in newspaper microfiche, libraries, and visiting a place.
How do you prefer to conduct your research: Live? Online? First hand accounts?
Nancy Oswald: See above, but add first hand accounts if they’re available. I usually save online for while I’m drafting, because inevitably I’ll need a piece of information that I couldn’t anticipate.
Paul Kane: I mainly do my research through a mixture of online searches, books and documentaries. For example for Her Husband’s Grave I did a lot of digging into psychology and serial killers, because my main character Dr Robyn Adams helps the police with their serial cases. For The Family Lie, I watched documentaries about cults and stuff like Jonestown, which led to some sleepless nights I can tell you. The cult of personality and all that. You get first hand accounts in documentaries about subjects like that, so I haven’t needed to go to the horse’s mouth yet. Apart from in one instance, where I had a weapons expert called Trev Preston who’d help me with some of the details in the Hooded Man series. I’d ask him bizarre things like, is possible to take down an Apache Helicopter with a bolas and he’d say yes or no. The answer’s yes, by the way, and that scene is in Broken Arrow.
Chris Barili: Town or county historians. As them the time and they will build you a clock.
Paul Kane: I think you’re always looking for accuracy, because it goes back to that thing of believability again. You need to be as accurate as you can with facts, just so the reader believes in what you ’re doing. That said, it’s hard to research some of the things I write about, like monster cats coming back as ghosts and attacking people, but you just have to do your best. That’s where the imagination element comes into it. I recently wrote a story for a charity anthology that takes place in the universe of my novella The Rot, and I had to do tons of research into black mold to get that right even just for short story. It’s that important.
Robbie Cheadle: I like my stories to be as historically accurate as possible, so I actively look for accuracy and correlate the information I find with as many other sources as possible.
Nancy Oswald: I like the online dictionary of etymology. Quick and accurate.
Bobby Nash: Google is readily at my fingertips. Interviewing people is also a good source of information gathering and adds a personal touch.
What are your best research sources?
What do you look for in a source: Aim? Accuracy? Authority? Correlation?
Nancy Oswald: I usually check more than one source if I’m in doubt. For historical fiction I like to be accurate, but love, love, love historic photos for setting.
Paul Kane: I rarely need to brainstorm, because Ideas come to me all the time and I jot them down. This means I’ve got tons of notebooks to draw on if I ever go blank… And I do plans, outlines and chapter breakdowns for novels. I might not stick religiously to them, but I find it helps me focus and keep on the straight and narrow, to keep going whenever I lose where I might be in the story. Like a kind of roadmap. You wouldn’t set off for a destination without having one of those – or a Satnav, or your phone – so why set off on a journey of many hours of hard work and 80 or 90 thousand words without an idea of where you ’re heading?
Chris Barili: Yes. And more. Any tool I can get my hands on to make my writing better.
Some people wing it, I know, but I suspect they’re just planning it all out in their heads or their subconscious.
Robbie Cheadle: I research each section before I start writing a new chapter. As mentioned previously, I have my ending plotted prior to commencing writing and that is the direction I write towards.
What pre-writing exercises do you employ: Outlining? Free writing? Brainstorming?
Nancy Oswald: Refer to answer about plotting or pantsing. Oh, it’s blank. None of the above. I think while I write most of the time, but I have used a time line to plot on when I’m trying to track a fiction story line and compare it to the actual historical events.
Bobby Nash: I rarely have time for pre writing. Deadlines do not always allow for that. I spend my writing time writing. When I’m at the beginning of a project and creating characters, I will do free writing and just start jotting down notes as I get to know the characters. Sometimes, plot/story ideas will happen in this stage too.
Jeff Bowles: I sort of try to do both at the same time, I suppose. I’ve always had this theory that solid, salable fiction can be fun and artistic, too. Crazy, I know, but that ’s just how I feel! Anyway, I’ve sort of developed a unique style, and there’s certain subjects I seem to write about again and again, as it is with most authors, I think. When I try to write like other people, the results are mixed, so I learned a long time ago to try to hit the personal enjoyment metric and then sort out what I think is salable or not. It ’s a fine line, one that’s almost always difficult to walk, but it’s almost always worth it in the end.
Do you try to write to market or write what you love?
Nancy Oswald: I realized a long time ago I cannot write to a market. For one, living in rural Colorado, I can’t keep up with anything that resembles up to date or edgy. The last time I remember trying keep up with cool was when I was a teen (living in Denver) and I practiced doing “The Jerk” in front of a mirror.
Robbie Cheadle: I write what I enjoy and for my own pleasure. I would like others to enjoy my stories, but that is secondary to my primary aim of personal enjoyment. As a result, I have decided to continue to publish with smaller publishers rather than to try to get representation with a larger publishing house.
Kevin Killiany: Obviously when writing tie in fiction for a TV show or role playing game, I have to write for the market. BUT I’m writing for that market because I love the game or show you have to campaign constantly to get your foot in the door, and that requires a good deal of passion. With my own, original fiction, I write solely for me. If you guys like it, that ’s fantastic.
Paul Kane: The quick answer is both. I’ve written stories just for the love it them, usually they’re new ones for collections like ‘The Butterfly Man’, that was a story for a collection from PS of the same name. But I’ve also written for specific markets, like the Hooded Man stuff, or where an editor gives you a theme for an anthology. I wrote ‘The Shadow of Death’ for an anthology called Expiration Date, for instance, ‘Shells’ for an anthology called Terror Tales of the Seaside, and ‘Presence’ for Hauntings. So at that point you’re totally writing for a specific market or theme.
Chris Barili: Again, yes. I write to market within the boundaries of what I know and love. I won ’t shoe horn my writing into genres or labels, and while I write what I am passionate about, I don ’t limit myself to things I know or share with the reader. Bobby Nash: Write what you love. Writing to market can drive you crazy and often leave you unfulfilled. I speak from personal experience here.
Find More from Kaye Lynne Booth on her website: Website: https://writingtoberead.com/fiction/ Kaye Lynne Booth
Kaye Lynne Booth lives, works, and plays in the mountains of Colorado. With a dual emphasis M.F.A. in Creative Writing, writing is more than a passion. It’s a way of life. She’s a multi-genre author, who finds inspiration from the nature around her, and her love of the old west, and other odd and quirky things which might surprise you. That wraps up “Ask the Authors 2022” blog series for this week. Be sure to drop by next Saturday for an |introduction to multi genre author, Roberta Eaton Cheadle, and a Q & A on plot/storyline. (Okay, many of you already know Robbie, some of you quite well. Drop by anyway for the Q & A.)
https://books2read.com/u/3LnK8eSignupfortheKayeLynneBooth& author Kaye Lynne Booth. Kaye Lynne Booth https://mailchi.mp/64aa2261e702/klbsubscribing.
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It started small. A still-living severed head on a mop handle, a crime spree where the criminals died immediately after the crime. Soon, Lead Slinger Ace Colton finds himself in the crosshairs and all his slick skills with a gun might not be enough to survive. In a city filled with magical drugs and a budding supernatural war, Ace and Tabitha, a vamp with her own mysterious agenda, play a game of cat and mouse with someone who can not only kill, but bring the dead back to life. As the body count rises, Ace realizes it’s more than just a magic fueled killing spree. Someone has a plan and time is running out to stop it.
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Eric Lahti Betterthan Dead
The Complete Series by Claire Raye
Going through an apocalyptic event doesn't mean the end of the world. My dad is a modern day Noah, you know building an ark, trying to save folks and getting my brother, and I ready for the impending end of days whatever that means.
by Thomas K. Carpenter
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A spellbinding fantasy box set about power, dark magic, and the bonds of ureliafamily.Silverthorne is determined to attend the world’s only magical university but life at the Hundred Halls is even more deadly than the trials to be accepted.
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Darkest Before Dawn A Guardian’s Diary by Amelia Hutchins https://bit.ly/3lx6W7X
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This complete series includes all three full length books in the deliciously addictive Rockport Beach erotic suspense series, featuring sexy alpha heroes and explosive, page turning chemistry! https://bit.ly/3wweAWt
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The ongoing adventures of the recruits and officers of the Galactic Coalition Academy. A massive, continuing meta series consisting of separate mini series that follow new characters as they forge their own paths through the tribulations, wars, and intrigue of the Milky Way. https://bit.ly/3LCmqSS
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“What are you doing here?” Camille whispered back. “You’re going to get my brother killed. They’ll make it look like he was attacked by insurgents, but it’ll be them. Don’t do anything that will endanger my brother.”
Continue Reading Pg. 85 ©
“Too late,” Zeus mumbled. “What does that mean?” Camille demanded. “The team should be here any day,” Zeus informed her. “We’re going to rescue you, then we’ll figure out a way to get word to Vato. Once you're safe, he can work things on his Camilleend.” remained silent for several long minutes. She was worried now. Her older brother had always looked out for her. He had always protected her, and she knew this entire situation had to be hard on him. Harder for him than it was for her. But she would not be the reason Vato was killed in action. What could she do? Refuse to go? That would make everything worse and Zeus, or one of the others, might be killed in the process. “Every one of you should have stayed out of this.” Zeus grinned. “You’re going to have to take that up with your brother. Because Vato’s the one that enlisted our
Smith
Cultivated Defacement This is a continuing storyline. A new episode is published in each issue of the eMagazine Box sets can be purchased at any eBook store Melanie P.
“Camille,” Zeus whispered through the small hole he’d created in the concrete wall. “It’s Zeus, do you remember me?”
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 84
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WRITERS’ LIVES
Barbara Fagan Speake
I do lots of presentations to community and professional groups on ‘Writing Crime Fiction’ and always finish by addressing the question of why I write. My answer? I write because I have to and I would continue to do so even if my books never saw the light of day. I believe that teaching someone to read and to write is the greatest gift we can give them. I can’t imagine my life without reading or writing. I grew up in a crowded home in Connecticut with two parents and five brothers and sisters, only eight years separating the oldest sibling from the youngest. From an early age, I was surrounded by books, my dad an avid reader. I still picture him relaxing with a book and his Camel cigarettes. Not that he had much time to relax as for years he worked two forty hour a week jobs to earn enough to send each of us to university. We were the first generation in the family to get university degrees and I will always be grateful to my late parents for their encouragement and inspiration. In the early 1970s, while on a six week study tour, looking at the British National Health Service, I had the great good fortune to meet an Englishman on my first night in England. It was love at first sight. After finishing graduate school, we got married the following year and I settled in England where, apart from some eighteen months in New Zealand, I have lived ever since. We have two grown up children, one of whom lives in the US and the other in the UK. My writing began with non fiction, all those university and graduate school essays, a PhD and a Master’s thesis, and books for parents of individuals with intellectual disabilities during my first career as a research psychologist. When I then trained as a clinical psychologist and later became an NHS manager, my writing revolved around clinical reports, court reports, training manuals, business plans and Board reports until I retired in 2011. But I always wondered if I had a fiction book in me. I wrote my debut novel, Secrets Only Sleep in 2005 and happily became an indie author. I was determined from the outset to retain my intellectual property rights and to write when and how I wanted. In 2011, I published Primed by the Past, the first in what is now an eight book series featuring Detective Annie Macpherson, a Scot who is working in Connecticut alongside a group of detectives in a fictional town called Westford. I liked the juxtapositioning of a British character with her American counterparts but it means that I have to have both a British and an American editor. My books are more psychological suspense than murder mysteries,
moral dilemma regarding the crimes depicted. I write in my own study surrounded by reference books and Macpherson memorabilia from the Clan Macpherson museum and a specially commissioned teapot with the names of the books published at that point. All my books go through extensive editing, several drafts, and scrutiny from beta readers. I had the good fortune a few years back of meeting a forensic specialist who also now reads the books in draft form. I am also lucky that my husband Terry is a graphic designer by profession and a professional photographer so he does all the preparation work and cover designs for my paperbacks which I have printed and distribute myself, while the e books are available on Amazon.
CONNECT WITH AUTHOR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barbara Fagan Speake Writer 1017508311601634/ Goodreads: show/7371517.Barbara_Fagan_Speakehttps://www.goodreads.com/author/ Amazon: https://bookgoodies.com/a/ B074BQC1YY
I guess like many Indie authors I find that the hardest part is getting known. I am lucky to have built up a firm following over the years but marketing is definitely something I need to focus on more. I keep telling myself to get my head around developing my website, my earlier one running well until my son moved away! I will one of these days. Until lockdown, most of my promotion was through word of mouth, regular presentations to community groups (some of whom are now starting to resort to Zoom presentations), attendance at crime writing festivals and involvement in two writing groups, one of which I facilitate. I know I have to do more! One of benefits in being an indie author is meeting so many other indie authors who have similar struggles but are so immensely talented. I have spent many hours in the company of their characters and their stories and they have enhanced my love of reading. I know we are all motivated in our books to tell the best stories we can. Detective Annie Macpherson certainly has more stories to tell and who knows, one of these days I may be inspired to create a new series but only after Annie has finished with me …
Lisa Shambrook
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Loren has always loved the fabled stone necklace her mother keeps hidden in her jewellery box. Steeped in lore and legend, it is said that it must be guarded from all who seek it. Unable to resist the lure of the beautiful stone, Loren accidentally invokes its magical properties, catapulting them to another realm. Soon everything is wrong. The Welsh valleys are flooded, the moon is fractured, and dragons— who should only live in storybooks fill the skies.
As Loren and her two siblings are drawn into a future that is barely recognisable, they team up with Orca, a cowardly lechrad, who helps them travel the enchanted land and protect the stone. They’ll need to fight evil and right their wrongs if they ever hope to return home again—and the stone’s peculiar magic might be their only chance.
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Yohancé Salimu
“Build up what impresses you and forget what everyone else thinks.”
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“He did?” Camille asked in surprise. That changed everything. “Tell me the plan.”
“I used to have more,” Camille told him. “Until a few days ago. I assume that was your ““doing.”Probably.”Now,Iguess they think I’m helpless,” Camille was insulted by that. “I’m not by the way. But you have three and I have one.”
Cultivated Defacement 85
“My plan didn’t work so well,” Zeus admitted. “I was hoping they would house us together. That way, when the cavalry arrived, I could protect you while they cleared the way for our escape. With you over there and me over here that is going to be difficult. I have three guards at all times. Do you know what the schedule is over there?”
“That’s good,” Zeus began to plan. “Cover the hole so they can’t see it. I’ll contact you when I’ve worked something out.” “You? But, you’re also a prisoner,” Camille argued. “How are you going to rescue me?”
“I’m a prisoner by choice,” Zeus informed her. “And I think I might be able to make this work. Did I tap into your cell or just one near you?”
“No, it’s mine,” Camille answered. “I can see the hole. I’ll move the bed, so it’s hidden, but they never come inside anymore. They just open the door and hand me the food. Sometimes, they will shackle me and take me outside after dark; but mostly, they just leave me “alone.”Weknew they took you outside,” Zeus admitted. “Thor saw you one night, but he couldn’t get to you. There were too many guards.” “Thor’s here, too?” “He is,” Zeus affirmed. “He’s still on the outside and he was supposed to call in the rest of the team. They were in Utah, so it may have taken a few days to get here and formulate a plan; but we need to be prepared. They could show up any time. When they do, we’ll need to move quickly.”
Paige jerked awake at the sound of the phone. “Hello.”
“Did I wake you?” Dax asked, knowing he did. “No,” Paige fibbed. “Liar,” Dax smiled. “I just wanted to let you know we’re putting the plan in motion today. By late afternoon, Zee and Camille will be rescued, safe, and secure. Depending on their condition, we may start home; or, we might need to layover for a day. I’ll give you a call tonight if we’re staying.”
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Camille fretted. “Vato’s going to be in danger the second I’m out of their grasp. You have to find a way to get word to him in Iraq. He can’t die because of me.” “We’ll warn him, somehow,” Zeus promised. “Now, pretend I’m not here. They can’t know we’re talking... or planning. It will spoil everything if we’re discovered.” Camille moved the bed to cover up the hole. When the guard peeked through her window, she was standing on the far end trying to look out the small window.
“What are you doing?” the guard demanded. “I just wanted to see the sunlight before dark,” Camille climbed back down. “Even when you take me outside, it’s after the sun sets. I haven’t seen daylight for weeks.”
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 86
“Don’t you try anything funny,” he ordered before moving back to the chair he’d been lounging in. He hated guarding prisoners. He’d rather be outside, walking the perimeter. He glanced back at the closed door; he could understand her need to see the outdoors. And, the sun would be setting within the hour. If he was going stir crazy working an eight hour shift down here, she must be bonkers by now. He could allow her that simple pleasure. What harm could it do? He snatched up his magazine and once again began to daydream about building the perfect hotrod. Two more hours and he’d be off duty. He couldn’t wait to hit the club; Sandra was supposed to be there tonight. There was nothing like spending time with Sandra.*****
87“Be careful,” Paige requested. “I know you’ve got it covered but just be careful. Reynolds is unpredictable.”
Paige had just pulled out of her driveway, third cup of coffee doctored and secure in a travel mug – she needed the energy - when Margie called for her over the radio.
“Go ahead, Margie.”
“Don’t worry,” Dax tried to sooth. “We’ve got this. Now, go downstairs, make a pot of coffee, and fix yourself something for breakfast. I woke you early enough that you have time to eat before heading out.” Paige grumbled as she climbed from the bed, but she complied. “Call me as soon as you can, okay?”
Cultivated Defacement
“I promise,” Dax glanced at the noise behind him and spotted Hawk motioning him back inside. “I love you.” It was getting easier for him to tell her, now that he’d taken that first “step.Ilove you, too,” Paige swallowed hard. She also missed him and wondered if she’d ever be able to get a good night’s sleep without Dax curled up next to her. It seemed to be the only way she was sure the man was okay. “Go plan your Op,” she ordered. “I can tell you’re anxious to go. Just tell Hawk and the rest of the merry band of brothers, I’m going to hold them personally responsible if anything happens to you today.”
“Yeah,” Dax grinned. “I won’t be relaying that message any time soon. I’ll be fine, we all will. Go arrest someone, it’ll make you feel better.”
“See ya,” she replied before clicking off. She was going to worry. And, she was going to be grumpy at work now. So much for her game face. She was stressed and when she was stressed, she was impatient and intolerant. Jericho didn’t like it when she was intolerant. Well, he was just going to have to deal with it. If he complained, she’d tell him to take it up with Dax when he got home. She smiled, visualizing the response she would get from that demand. Maybe she’d keep it to herself.*****
“I’m not staying outside,” Jeeves argued as he studied the large building. “It’s too far away. I need to be inside. I can find a place to take cover and wait. We all go in, then the four of your split off; and I’ll wait somewhere in the center.”
“That wasn’t the plan,” Hawk argued. “He’s right,” Dax decided. “We all go in that door there,” he pointed to the side of the building. “That’s where you said they took Zee, right?”
“This isn’t going to be easy,” Dax lowered the binoculars and focused on his men. “It’s a large building and we only have five men. Wooly, you stick with me. Thor, you’re with Hawk. Jeeves, you hang back like we discussed. I want you in position to get to either team if there’s an emergency.”
“Copy,” Paige sighed, knowing this was the last call she should be taking in her current, stressed out, state. Dealing with Darren Cook and his alien vandals was going to take every ounce of patience she possessed. At the moment, she gauged her tolerance level to be about negative five. *****
“Vandalism,” Margie said cryptically. “Tagging or something else?” Paige asked, reaching for the mug and taking a long sip of the hot liquid. “Something else,” Margie replied. “He uh... well, Darren Cook is insisting his wheat field was vandalized by aliens.” Paige spit out her coffee. “Can you repeat that?” She asked as she tried to wipe the sticky mess from the steering wheel. “No,” Margie refused. “He’s waiting for you up by the house. Said he’ll escort you back to the scene of the crime.”
“Can you respond out to the Cook farm?”
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 88
“Ten-four,” Paige made a U-turn and headed that way. “What do you have?”
Cultivated Defacement
“We stick to the plan,” Dax ordered. “Hawk, you approach the duo first. We’ll hang back and cover you. Once we see how they handle things, we move in. I want silence and stealth every step of the way. We move as a unit down the stairs and into the basement. We know that’s where they have to be, based on the floor plan it’s the only place that makes sense. I just hope they only have the two because we are not prepared for additional prisoners.”
Thor nodded. There were currently two men guarding the door. “When he approached, there were only two men just like now. But, as soon as Zeus stepped through the gate, the men called for backup. We need to be prepared for reinforcements.”
Dax grinned, there was no telling what Zee had been doing since he was escorted inside. Sitting idly by while he waited to be rescued was the only thing off the table. “Hawk, you're up.” Dax directed the instant they reached the front gate. He moved to the right and got into position. The other men took up their pre arranged posts as well. They all waited to see how the guards would handle an intruder. “Stop,” one of the guards yelled. “Don’t come any closer. State your business.”
89“Yeah,”
“Who would they have?” Thor asked. “We’ll deal with whatever we find,” Wooly interjected. “We have a secret weapon on the inside. Zeus may have already set things up to make our job easier.”
“What is this place?” Hawk asked, taking another step forward. The two men didn’t seem to notice. “It’s private property,” the second guard took a few steps forward. “You need to leave Hawkimmediately.”waiteduntil the second guard took another step toward him. His movements were smooth and lethal. He shifted, bringing his elbow up to connect with the man’s temple. The guard went down immediately. He was out cold, sprawled in a large heap on the gravel driveway before the second guard realized there was trouble. Hawk maneuvered behind the remaining obstacle, wrapped his large arm around his neck and pressed firmly against his windpipe. The man passed out in a matter of seconds. He carefully lowered the dead weight to the ground and propped him against the outer wall, securing his wrist to a metal pipe with a zip tie. He turned to motion to the men, but they had already secured the first guard and were in position behind him.
Inside the door was another door to the left and a short hallway to the right. After approximately fifty feet, it made a sharp ninety-degree turn to the left. Dax and Wooly waited until Hawk and Thor disappeared around the corner before they opened the door and moved forward. Just inside, they encountered a guard. The man was obviously taken by surprise and wasn’t prepared for trouble. Wooly disarmed him quickly and Dax slid open the door on the first cell, motioning for Wooly to escort their prisoner inside. Once the guy was locked up tight, his keys safely inside Wooly’s pocket, they continued forward. They paused when they came to another corner. Dax pulled a small mirror from his pocket and used it to survey the area. He spotted a guard about half way down the center aisle and another man sitting on a chair at the far end. Through the mirror, he watched as Thor moved forward to deal with the guard at the end. Dax darted forward and reached the center guard just before he could activate his walkie and call for help. By the time Dax and Thor had the guards incapacitated, Wooly had the door open and was handing a large pack to Zeus. “I think you forgot something,” Wooly said, holding out the duffle that contained all of Zeus’ tools.
The team moved silently into the warehouse. The instant Dax reached the bottom of the stairs, he realized their carefully laid out plan was a bust. Reynolds had made some major alterations to the original floor plan. And, apparently, he had managed to complete all of them off the books. There was no record of the modifications anywhere. “Now what?” Wooly asked. “We stick together,” Dax decided. “Jeeves, move in with us. You’re no good to us out Hawkhere.” moved in behind Dax and the five men made their way silently down the long corridor. At the end of the hallway stood a metal door. Dax reached out, expecting to find it locked. It wasn’t. Once again, he realized he was dealing with amateurs. “Pick up the plan once we’re inside. I’ll go left, Hawk and Thor go right. Jeeves...”
“The instant we step inside, we turn right,” Dax ordered. “The stairwell should be no more than thirty feet on the left. You know what to do when we get to the bottom. Jeeves, you’re on your own. Find a safe place and stay quiet.”
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 90
“I’m on my own,” Jeeves answered. “Got it.”
“You too,” Zeus ordered the men. “Anyone got a light?” Dax pulled a small metal lighter from another pocket on his vest and handed it to Zee. “Today would be nice. What kind of explosives expert travels without a lighter?” “The kind that left in a hurry,” Zeus was grinning as he flipped the lid on the expensive lighter and flicked the roller with his thumb. He pressed the small flame to the fuse and dove for cover. For a small device, the thing packed a punch. Cement flew in all directions as a large hole appeared in the wall. Jeeves was at the door to the cell in seconds. “Anyone hurt?” “Naw,” Dax brushed the dust off his pants. “We’re all good. Camille, we’ve gotta move.”
91Zeus
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“The guard’s coming,” she warned.
“The group moved quickly back the way they had come. They expected trouble on the way out, but all they encountered were two additional guards that had heard the explosion and decided to investigate. They were dealt with by Hawk and Dax while the others
Zeus finished attaching a short fuse to the concoction he’d just hastily thrown together. “Stand back,” he called through the hole. “Move to the far corner, Camille.” “Okay,” Camille moved away from the hole and put her hands over her face.
smiled and dropped the large bag on his bed. He slid open the side pocket and pulled out several items. “Tell Camille we’re coming.”
Hawk moved forward and positioned his body to the right of the large hole. The instant the guard stepped into the opening, Hawk had him around the neck and incapacitated. “Let’s move,” he called out as he lowered the man to the floor.
A tiny woman appeared in the opening. Thor moved forward and lifted her over the debris that was now scattered in chunks all around them.
“What? How?” Thor glanced around. “Through that hole,” he pointed to the area where he’d carved a hole in the block. “Camille,” Thor called out. “Stand back, we’re coming to get you.”
“I don’t know,” Dax frowned. “But I’m changing the plan. We head home.” “You think Reynolds sent men to the motel?” Hawk considered. “Might have,” Dax confirmed. “I’m not taking any chances. We just rescued Camille, I’m not risking her safety any more than necessary. We cleaned out the room before we left this morning. There’s nothing we need there. She’ll be safer in Utah until we can get Porter to stash her in a safe house somewhere. Grab that map,” he ordered Hawk. “Find me an obscure route that Reynolds would never dream we would take.”
“We have to call Vato,” Camille demanded. “He’s going to be in danger, we have to warn “him.”First,” Hawk opened the map. “We have to avoid an ambush.”
“What tipped them off?” Zeus wondered. “I assume they were headed for the warehouse.”
“Yeah, baby, it’s me and I’m fine,” he grinned, relieved to hear her voice. He could hear the worry and concern; and, for the first time, realized she cared as much as he did. “We’re all fine. We can talk later. Right now, I need those mad hacker skills of yours. See what you can find as far as video, maybe Reynolds has a security system, or scan traffic cams, anything you can get us. We think his men may be setting up blockades. We’re heading out now, on our way back home to you, but we need to find a safe route out of here.” Carmen dropped into her executive chair and started searching for anything that would give her a visual on the area. Zeus could hear the click, click, click of the keys as Carmen’s fingers flew over the keyboard.
“Okay,” Carmen finally said. “Reynolds has security, and it’s tied to another office building in Flagstaff. Looks like five minutes ago seven large SUV’s funneled out of the parking garage in a hurry.”
Once they were inside the car and driving away, Jeeves asked the question they all had on their minds. “Why was it so easy?”
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 92 continued forward. Once outside, the group flanked Camille as they silently made their way into the trees. The entire operation took less than ten minutes.
“Carmen,” Zeus was using Thor’s phone to call his girl. “Zeus?” Carmen answered. “Is that really you?”
Zeus handed the phone to Hawk, who relayed their route and told Carmen to notify Porter they were on their way home. He also told her to let the General know Reynolds had men looking for them on 89 and probably I-15 as well.
Cultivated Defacement
“That’s them,” Zeus decided. “Avoid eighty-nine.” “Hawk,” Dax barked. “I need a road.”
Carmen was scrolling through cameras, trying to find the convoy. “Got ‘em,” she exclaimed. “Four SUVs are headed north up eighty-nine and they’re really booking it.”
“Tell Carmen the route we’re taking in case we run into trouble and need Porter to send in reinforcements,” Dax decided. “We’ll switch off when I get tired and drive straight through. I’m guessing we’ll hit Manti sometime tomorrow.”
93“They were,” Carmen continued to tap on the keyboard. “Okay, here’s another angle. Looks like they saw Hawk take out those two guards at the door. And, I can see all of you enter the building.” “They were headed our way, so what happened?” Zeus wondered. “I’ve got a traffic cam,” Carmen advised. “Let me sync this up with the warehouse footage. Okay, yeah. Looks like they split off at the same time you exited the building. When you disappear into the trees, they changed course. I’m watching another traffic camera, but they never come through this intersection.” “Any idea where they went?” Zeus asked.
“Take forty to Winslow,” Hawk decided. “Then, we’re going to head north on Highway 87 until we intersect 160 and continue north into Utah. Just after Hanksville, we’ll intersect I70 and head west to the Emery cut off. From there we’ll head north into Castle Dale and cut over the hump into Manti.”
“We can’t take fifteen, either,” Zeus told Hawk. “I’m guessing they’re working their way north until they find a remote area they can set up and wait. They couldn’t get to us at the warehouse so they’re planning an ambush.”
“I’ve lost the other three, but it looks like they may have split off and headed up I-15,” Carmen advised.
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 94 *****
Paige was standing in the middle of a wheat field when her phone rang. She glanced at the display and saw it was Dax. “Did it go okay?” she said in greeting. “Too well,” Dax admitted. “We didn’t have any trouble at all. Carmen can’t get us anything off the satellite for several hours. But Reynolds men have the main highways covered. We think they’re waiting for us somewhere along the way. We’re taking back roads, which will take longer, but we should be home sometime tomorrow.”
“Can you call Porter,” he began. “Ask him to find a way to contact Vato in Iraq. He needs to know we rescued his sister and he could be in trouble. Apparently, Reynolds has men watching him over there and Camille thinks they’ll orchestrate an accident of some kind to take him out permanently.”
“That’s good,” Paige spotted something on the ground and crouched to get a better look. “You sound busy,” Dax observed. “Naw,” Paige smiled. “Just chasing aliens.” “What? Never mind. I won’t keep you.”
“Zeus,” Camille pressed. “You promised we would warn Vato.” “Paige,” Dax added. “Yeah,” she straightened and continued to walk the elaborate design that had been pressed into the field overnight.
“I’ll call Nathan,” Paige assured him. “He has ways. Tell her not to worry.” “See you soon,” he ended the call and relayed the information to the group. Then he settled in for a long drive home.
“And Zeus is okay?” “Yeah,” Dax smiled. “He’s fine and so is Camille. He’s already talked to Carmen so that should put her mind at ease. Hawk asked our favorite tech guru to contact Porter. He’s working on better satellite from the high-tech stuff they have at the Pentagon. We need to know if those guys continue on to Manti or turn back when they realize they lost us.”
“How about we just agree to disagree? You operate under the assumption aliens created this mess and I’ll look for a more human answer,” Paige was tired of this nonsense and wished, more than anything, Gage was the one to get the call this morning. She glanced up at the sound of a vehicle and was relieved to see her boss pulling up next to the field. He could deal with the unreasonable homeowner while she searched for actual clues to explain the anomaly. “Darren,” Jericho said in greeting. “Paige.”
“Your deputy is being difficult,” Darren said immediately. “How can you deny the obvious, I “say?”Andthat would be?” Jericho grinned when he saw Paige rolling her eyes. “Aliens,” Darren said, exasperated. “Clear as day. What else?” “I think maybe we should rule out human involvement first,” Jericho suggested. “Then we can look at possible terrestrial activity.” “That’s what she said,” Darren actually pouted. “You think I’ll get in the papers? You think I’ll be famous?”
“How’d they get in there, then?” Darren Cook demanded. “A vehicle would have left tracks. They had to drop down from the sky and land right there in my field.”
“The Enquirer loves this stuff,” Paige mumbled. She shrugged at the look of censure she was getting from her boss. “I need to make a call,” she changed the subject. “Dax called. Everything went well but I need to give Nathan some information.”
“And you think their spaceship was shaped like that? With the large spiraling circle in the middle and three circles on the outside?”
95 *****
“Sure,” Cook insisted. “The middle part is where they travel — you know, the main section of the pod and the three circles would be the landing gear.”
“I understand why you think it was aliens,” Paige said for the third time. “But it wasn’t. I’ll prove it, but you have to give me space to investigate.”
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“I’ll handle things here,” Jericho understood just how much that news meant to Paige. She could use a minute to unwind. Clearly, Darren Cook was grating on her last nerve.
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 96
Paige moved up the hill, away from Cook and her boss. She needed privacy for this call. She settled onto a rock and dialed her favorite general. “I already spoke to Carmen,” Porter advised. “I’m working on it, Paige. I’ll make sure the boys get back unharmed.” “Camille, Vato’s sister, is worried about her brother,” Paige answered. “Dax was hoping you could find a way to get word to him in Iraq. Let him know Camille is safe and he might be in “danger.”Theythink Reynolds will take him out,” Nathan realized. “They were holding his sister for leverage. Now that’s been thwarted, Reynolds’ men will no longer be able to control Vato. He’ll become a liability.” “Exactly,” Paige was glad he understood so quickly. “I’ll handle it,” Nathan assured her. “I have a contact in Baghdad. He’ll know who to trust out there. Don’t worry about Vato, he’ll get the message. So, does that mean Dax trusts his team member again?” “He doesn’t know what to think,” Paige said softly. “I know he wants to, but after that call...”
“Aliens? Never mind, you can tell me tonight when I call.”
Paige disconnected and turned to head back to the field when something caught her attention. She made her way to the other side of the hill and crouched down to study the
“He’s being cautious,” Nathan finished for her. “I don’t blame him. You don’t always know who your friends are. I’ve learned that lesson well over the past few months.”
“I’m sorry Reynolds turned out to be dirty,” Paige understood just how much Nathan Porter was struggling with the betrayal. He chose his friends wisely and didn’t trust easily. Reynolds actions would impact him for a very long time. “We have to accept things as they are,” Nathan tried to shake off the disappointment. “Anyway, I’ll get word to Vato and I’ll make sure the others have cover. Anything else?” “Nope,” Paige stood. “That pretty much covers it. Now, I have to go investigate some aliens. I’ll talk to you later.”
Cultivated Defacement 97ground.
It was late in the evening when Paige finally stepped into the office and headed for her desk. She spotted the green rubber alien prominently displayed in front of her keyboard and smiled. “Looks like Havi’s back.” She turned when she heard him laughing. “Cute.”
“Nope,” Paige settled into her chair. “But I will.”
“What’d you find?”
“I’ll be there in a minute,” Jericho decided. “Minus Cook. He’s headed back to the house to call the Messenger. He’s hoping if the local paper takes notice, the big national syndicates will catch on.”
Once Jericho arrived, Paige showed him what she had found. The two of them documented the area where the vehicle had been parked, thoroughly. Once that was finished, they searched the surrounding area and discovered a small trail where the grass and wheat had been wallowed down by what looked like foot traffic. Paige couldn’t find wheel marks but there was a clear path leading to the field where the design began. She figured whoever did this, started and ended in the same spot. Then, they packed up and followed their original trail back to the vehicle and drove away. She hadn’t determined the method they used to make the design yet, but she was confident she would – eventually. The thing was too large to have been made by one man stomping the wheat into the ground. He, or they, had to have some kind of device. Probably something they drug behind them that pressed the stocks into the ground as they went.
A vehicle was parked here recently. She pulled out her phone and dialed Jericho.
“I thought so,” Havilland settled into his chair. “Just my luck, aliens visit Manti, and I’m scheduled to work the late shift.” “Maybe they’ll come back,” Paige suggested. “Be sure to keep a camera on you at all times, just in case.” “You figure out whodunit?”
“Ask Darren if he ever parks his truck on the other side of this hill,” Paige answered. “He says no,” Jericho said a moment later. “Then I think I found your aliens and they don’t use a spaceship for transpo.”
Nathan was about to respond when the door opened and Mike Harris, the Secretary of Defense, stepped inside. “Take a break,” Harris ordered the shocked employee that was now standing at attention. The man rushed out the door, obviously happy to have an escape.
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 98 *****
““Nathan.”Mike,”Nathan said casually as he studied the data the satellite was now collecting, hoping he got the coordinates right. “Mind telling me what this is about?”
Nathan smiled at his old friend. “It’s official business, Michael.” “Official committee business,” Mike asked for clarification. He knew Porter well. The man wouldn’t lie, but he would deceive.
“That’s right,” Nathan punched in a few more buttons and waited for the new images to come into view. “And we both know I have the knowledge, the credentials and the authority to utilize this system when our nation’s security is at stake.”
“You’re sure this is okay?” the analyst questioned as Nathan maneuvered the satellite into “position.Whydon’t you head out and grab yourself a cup of coffee,” Nathan suggested. “You know I can’t leave you in here alone, sir,” the man declined.
“Are you sure you want to know?” Porter answered without taking his eyes off the screen. He was now sifting through highly classified images Homeland Security had captured through various means along the route from Flagstaff to Utah. He found what he was looking for almost immediately. Several vehicles had left Flagstaff and were now headed toward Utah on both I-15 and US-89. Dax had been smart to find another way home. “This is a secure room and you are manipulating expensive satellite systems and accessing private data for what I can only assume are personal reasons,” Harris challenged. “I need an explanation, one that justifies all of this,” he waved his hand around the room. “Otherwise, I’ll be forced to report you to the ethics committee and we both know they’ll jerk your credentials. Not even your vast number of contacts will save you, this time.”
“I should know.” “Lock the door,” Nathan considered. Someone in the chain had called in the big guns. Maybe it was time to read Harris in. The satellite was in position and he just learned all he was going to from the sparse video available in the database. He could take a quick break. “I’ll tell you a story. One that you will need to keep to yourself. I’m talking the highest level here, Mike. You can’t even share it with the Undersecretary.”
Cultivated Defacement we also know Homeland Security would need to be notified of such an event,” Mike once again said in challenge.
99“And,
“Jeff has been appraised,” Nathan smiled. “That surprised you? Waylon’s a good man. I trust him completely. And, like you said, Homeland should know about any threat inside our borders.” “If you are using my equipment and utilizing my men in the Middle East,” Mike countered.
“They were,” Nathan said soberly. “We have a cluster on our hands, Mike. I’m trying my best to contain it.” “And you’re using Hamilton and his team as your boots on the ground?”
“You’re right,” Mike said softly. “Nobody can know about this. How the hell did the information on our drones get into the hands of our enemy? We discovered the flaw, but that was supposed to stay hidden until they were replaced.”
“It seemed like a good solution,” Nathan shrugged. “They were going to rescue Dax no matter what I said, and they have the skills to handle whatever mission might arise in the
“In a word,” Porter sighed. “Reynolds.” “Right,” Harris considered. “He would have received all the data because he was working on a replacement. And the drones that were aboard that ship? Were they the new design? The one he was pimping to the Pentagon?”
“Tell me,” Harris said flatly. “Then we’ll discuss who is authorized to have the Intel.” Nathan decided that would have to do. Once Mike knew there was an operative in his ranks, he’d understand the need to keep it under wraps. Reynolds was well connected in Washington. He was also good friends with Undersecretary Bratton. He settled in and started at the beginning. When he finished, Harris was frowning.
“She’s that good?”
“Better.”“Thenconsider it done,” Mike stood. “Now, I have some work to do but I want to be kept in the loop on this. Until now, you’ve been handling everything on your own. That stops today. I’m not the enemy, Nate. I can watch your back in ways nobody else can. Meet me back here tomorrow at fifteen hundred and we’ll decide where to go from there.”
“Do me a favor and put those things back where you found them,” Mike pointed at the satellite equipment. “I have a better solution. One that won’t cost a fortune and won’t mess up any covert Ops we have underway that might be counting on that imagery.”
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 100 “future.”Andthis Vato,” Mike frowned. “What is his real name, anyway? Can we trust him?”
“And Hamilton? Is his team currently in danger?” Mike asked. “Some,” Nathan admitted. “I’m just keeping an eye out, for now. Reynolds has men positioned on the two main highways, most likely they are hoping to intercept the cargo and return it to the warehouse. Hamilton and his men would be expendable at this point. If the convoy continues into Manti that might pose a new threat.”
“And that is? The other plan, I mean?” Nathan turned back to the equipment and began readjusting knobs.
“If you can give my tech access,” Nathan offered, “Carmen can find it without anyone knowing she was even in there.”
“It should be easy enough for me to find out who altered the orders,” Mike considered. “I’ll have to look that up myself and, that alone, will come off as suspicious.”
“Thanks, Mike,” Nathan stood. He could trust Mike Harris. They went back a way, and the man was the only person alive that could get away with calling him Nate.
“That remains to be seen,” Porter said honestly. “But I felt it was important to warn him. And, he needed to know his sister is safe. Whatever he’s been doing out there, it was under duress. And someone under your command orchestrated that as well.”
“I think it’s time we ran a few exercises,” Mike smiled. “See how well our Blackhawks can maneuver over a populated area.”
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“I’ll see what I can do,” Mike was laughing as he left the room. Reynolds was messing with the wrong man. He should know better. General Nathan Porter was not an individual you could cross and walk away unscathed. Reynolds was going to learn that lesson firsthand, the hard way. And, Mike was going to enjoy watching from the cheap seats. As far as he was concerned, Cole Reynolds was a traitor to his country; and he needed to be brought down hard. He was more than happy to provide any assistance his old friend needed to make that happen. *****
“You need to make Hamilton and his team back off,” a strange, clearly distorted voice warned. “Tell them to mind their own business or their interference is going to cost all of you. You don’t want to test me. Back off or die.”
“I can hear your worry from here,” Paige scolded. “First of all, he said to warn Dax. I can’t
Paige had searched the internet for hours. She’d read dozens of articles on crop circles and even skimmed through a few details on wheat fields. Nothing jumped out at her and she was no closer to figuring out the mystery than she’d been that afternoon. She was stumped, and it annoyed her. Then, just before she left the office, Jericho informed her the Sanpete Messenger had picked up the story. Darren Cook convinced some reporter they were dealing with aliens. She wanted to know if Manti was the new Area 51. Top that off with the fact Dax still wasn’t home and she was in a foul mood when she stepped through her front door. The annoyance was bumped up a notch when her phone began to ring. She picked it up just before it switched over to voicemail.
Nathan was torn. He was feeling a strange combination of satisfaction and terror. Obviously, Mike’s Blackhawk training did the trick. But, in return, Reynolds was now threatening Paige, and Dax wasn’t around to keep an eye on her.
“Idiot,” Paige said before she slammed down the phone and dialed Porter. He needed to know there was a new threat.
101“Can I recommend low-elevation flying? That just might scare Reynolds men enough to back off,” Porter grinned. “The team is taking a different route home, but I’d like to shove a few birds up that arrogant pricks behind right about now. Reynolds needs a wake-up call. In fact, do you have any Apache gunships in need of training?”
And, it was a threat. I’d feel better if you didn’t stay home alone tonight.”
“They threatened me?” Carmen frowned. “No,” Paige said slowly. “They threatened all of us. Said something bad was going to happen if the guys didn’t back off. Since they won’t, I need you where I can protect you.”
“The feeling is mutual,” Nathan warned. “And I don’t like knowing you’re out there by yourself tonight. The unit is on their way, but it could be hours before they arrive. Can you do me a favor and have Carmen stay with you? She’s probably more vulnerable than anyone right now.”
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 102 do that until he gets home. Once he does, you can give my neighbor strict orders to protect me, again. We both know you’re going to, so let’s not pretend otherwise. And, I’m going to get Carmen over here to trace that call. She might not be able to do anything on my end, but she can hack the phone company’s records and see where the thing originated. Once we know that, we’ll deal with it. Reynolds is just upset because we stole his insurance policy. Whatever he had planned over in Iraq just got derailed and he’s feeling desperate. You did warn Vato, right?” “He knows,” Porter sighed. “My contact confirmed the message was delivered an hour ago. Call me as soon as the team arrives. I have a man waiting in the wings. He’s going to head down there and pick up Camille. At least, she’ll be safe until this is all over.”
“I’ll call her as soon as we hang up,” Paige promised. “I need her to take a look at the phone, anyway.”
“Goodnight, princess,” Nathan responded. “Stay safe and I love you, kid.” Paige was still smiling at the simple endearment when Carmen answered her call. “Are they back?” “No,” Paige answered. “Not yet. But I need you to pack an overnight bag and head to my call,” Paige was choosing her words carefully. “I need you to see if you can trace it.
““house.”Why?”Igota
“Nathan,” Paige said softly. “Be careful. The best way to make me pay, would be to harm you. And taking you out would solve a lot of their problems.”
“A ‘stop looking into my business or die’ kind of phone call,” Paige said in response. “Someone threatened you?” Dax moved across the room and settled onto the bed next to her. “Do you know who?”
“And, you decided to sleep with a gun under your pillow.”
Cultivated Defacement who will protect you?”
“I’m sure,” Paige sat up and gave him a gentle kiss. She was so happy to have him home, but she didn’t want to overdo it. “He, well they, the voice was distorted. They said, tell Hamilton to back off. Tell him to mind his own business or all of you will pay; or, something close to that. Then he said back off or die.” Dax was fuming. They solved one problem, and another popped up. “Did it scare you?
Paige woke to a man standing in her doorway. She grabbed her gun and pointed it in the general direction of the intruder.
“Paige,”
“I had a phone call,” Paige told him. “What kind of call?”
Dax said unconcerned. “It’s me. Put that away before you shoot someone. Why are you so jumpy tonight?”
103“And
“I’m a cop,” Paige said, offended. “I’ll protect myself. I’ll be waiting.” She disconnected the call, unwilling to argue with her friend over this. Once Zeus was home, Carmen could stay with him. Until then, she was staying with Paige and that was non-negotiable. *****
“I called Nathan,” Paige told him. “And, Carmen is working on it.” “Are you sure it has to do with Reynolds and not a case you’re working?”
Worry you?” “No, Dax,” Paige said irritated now. “It pissed me off. I called Nathan to let him know, then I made Carmen stay with me.”
“That’s not it,” Paige brushed that aside. “It’s being pulled out of bed for nonsense that irritates me. You should have seen Darren Cook. There was no reasoning with that man. He is convinced aliens are responsible and he wouldn’t even consider a more logical explanation. Jericho said Darren lit a fire under a reporter and she’s printing some nonsense about aliens, Area 51, and a Manti invasion.”
“Not always,” Dax knew she didn’t do that when he was here. “Sorry I had to leave you again. Nothing is going to happen. Not to you, not to Carmen, not to anyone. These guys are worried, that tells me we’re hitting them where it hurts. But, threatening me and my team, through you... now, they’ve gone too far.”
“I have no idea,” Paige said in frustration. “But, if my phone wakes me up again... I’m pulling that sucker out of the wall.”
“You’re the one that left me hanging,” Dax accused. Paige cuddled up against him and relayed the details of her case.
Dax was laughing by the time Paige finished. He loved this time together, loved hearing her tell him about her day. Loved her. “So, what’s next?” he pushed his own emotions aside, not knowing what to do with them or where they would lead. He was satisfied to wait, to coast along for a while, rather than push and risk making a mistake.
“That too,” Dax stood and started to undress. He slipped into bed beside her and pulled her against him. “I missed this.” He kissed the top of her head and finally relaxed. He was beat from driving thirteen hours, the long way, but he also missed their conversations.
“That should be interesting,” Dax decided. “But where are you going to go from here?” “To sleep?” Paige evaded.
“Maybe you could tell me about the aliens.” Paige moaned. “Not you, too.”
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 104
“I always do that,” she said defensively.
“I’d say they went too far when they kidnapped and tortured you,” Paige said flatly. “And when they shot you, but semantics, right?”
“Sorry,” Dax kissed her forehead. “I guess I should have let you sleep.”
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“Okay,” Paige yawned and within seconds she was fast asleep. Dax didn’t go down as easily. He was fuming inside. Threatening Paige had just sealed Reynold’s fate. If Nathan didn’t take him down good and hard, Dax would. Reynolds could come after him, threaten him, but threatening the woman he loved — that was so far over the line, you could no longer see the line. Reynolds was going to pay dearly for his arrogance; and he wouldn’t even see it coming.*****
“Have some coffee before you come out,” Havilland ordered. “You’re pretty unreasonable before you have your morning brew.” He disconnected before she could respond. *****
“Oh,” Paige slipped into jeans and a tee. If she had to report early, she was going to be comfortable. “Then you decided you don’t want me to respond out there and take a look.”
105“Ican see you’re tired,” Dax pulled her closer. “Let’s sleep on it and we can discuss it further in the morning.”
“Grumpy much?” Havilland said cheerfully. “Don’t hang up. The aliens are at it again. Another crop was hit last night. Different design, but I want you to take a look and see if the method is the same.”
“Right,” Paige climbed out of bed. “Because otherwise, we have a rival terrestrial visitor competing for the blue-ribbon award by making crop circles.” “You know,” Havilland grinned. “I hadn’t thought of that. Let me run it by the owner and see what he thinks.”
“What do you want?”
The following morning, Paige was once again awakened by the ringing of her phone. “I need to shut that thing off before I settle in at night,” she mumbled before snatching up the receiver. “Hello.” “Hope I didn’t wake you,” Havilland greeted. “I know sleeping beauty needs her rest.”
“I don’t know,” Paige took a moment to turn slowly in a circle and survey the entire field. “There’s something different about it. I’d almost say this one was made by an entirely different person. The circles are different. More pronounced. Yesterday, the circles were sloppy, I guess you could say. These are perfectly round, and I bet if you measured them, each one would be exactly the same distance apart.” “So, what does that mean?” Havilland was frowning. “Rival aliens after all?”
Jericho stepped through the front door, paused to retrieve messages from Margie, then turned to address his deputies. “You two, in my office.”
Once again, Paige found herself walking through a large wheat field first thing in the morning. Good thing she didn’t have allergies. “Same method,” she confirmed. “Different design. And, hum...” “What?” Havilland asked.
“The aliens came back to say hello,” Paige laughed as she made her way to the edge of the field to start snapping pictures. ***** “So, what we have here... is a failure to communicate,” Havilland grinned as he dropped into his chair. “I mean, on the aliens’ part. If they’re going to send a message to us earthlings, the least they could do is make sure we understand what they’re saying.”
“No,” Paige started to walk again. “Did you find where they parked the truck?” “Yeah,” Havilland pointed toward a ridgeline. “Up there, just like you said.”
Paige was doing her best to ignore her colleague at the moment. She was searching the internet for answers and so far, she hadn’t found any. There were various ways the crops had been tagged with strange art, but none of them seemed to be at play in Manti.
Paige nodded and moved to check the area for herself. Even this was the same, but different somehow. The entire thing was strange, and she found herself more perplexed than she wanted to be. “Let’s just document it and then we can compare this scene to the information I gathered yesterday. Looks like you got your wish, Havi.” “What’s that?”
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 106
“Oh,” Jericho grinned. “She did. But, what do you know? Have you ever been abducted? Probed? Returned to this planet to walk among the earthlings collecting data for space “beings?”No,”Paige said slowly. “But while we’re on the topic, maybe you can explain that whole anal probing thing to me. I mean, you’re an alien and you travel millions of miles to check out your neighbors; and, the first thing you want to know is what’s up their…” “Enough,” Jericho stopped her. “That is something I refuse to think about, not now... not ever. Just solve this thing before we have another incident. Otherwise, I’m shutting off my phone and going fishing. You can send someone to get me when ET is behind bars or heading home.”
“Kill-joy,” Havilland mumbled. “That’s right,” Jericho smiled. “But then you didn’t have a forty-eight-minute conversation with Ellie over at the Messenger this afternoon. Darren Cook has her riled up and she’s caught wind of the new situation over at the Kelly farm. She’s not going to back off any time soon. Prepare yourself, the article is going to be absurd. She’s calling Manti the next Area 51. And, we’re part of the conspiracy. Seems we decided to house those creatures and conduct experiments. Where… is beyond me; but there you go.” “We are not dealing with aliens,” Paige grumbled. “And she can quote me on that.”
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107“Now you’ve done it,” Havilland accused. “It’s my first day on the job and I’m already being called into the principal’s office.” “It’s hardly your first day,” Paige shook her head. “And, I wouldn’t call Jer the principal. Might touch a nerve.” “What do we have?” Jericho asked the instant the duo settled into his visitor chairs. “And I don’t want to hear one word out of either of you about aliens.”
“Seriously,” Paige sighed. “I’m working on it. I know it’s manmade. I know where they parked, the route they traveled, and we know the results. Other than that, I’ve got nothing. They’re being careful, but they’re also sloppy. If they wanted the community to really believe the symbols were made by terrestrial beings, they never should have parked their vehicle so close to the field.”
“Maybe, they didn’t care,” Havi suggested. “Maybe, the point wasn’t to fool the locals.
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 108
Maybe, they have some other motive that we just haven’t figured out, yet.”
“It’s a waste of time,” Jericho insisted. “Go home. You’ll be working with Reed tonight. Keep an eye on the kid, will ya? He’s coming along quickly, but he’s still green.” “Will do,” Havilland drove home, exhausted. It had been a long night and he was completely stumped. He was still thinking about vandalized crops when he drifted off to sleep. *****
Unless you can locate someone that has it in for both Darren Cook and Martin Kelly, there has to be another explanation.”
“Maybe, it was the owner of the field and he wanted the publicity,” Paige suggested. “Darren Cook was pretty quick to involve the media.” “Darren is an idiot, but he’s not the culprit,” Jericho disagreed. “That man is star struck, as in the outer space kind. He wants it to be aliens, but he doesn’t have the nerve or the imagination to pull this off himself.”
“Then who?” Paige focused on her boss. “You’ve lived here longer than either of us. Who would do this and why?” “Figure that out,” Jericho decided. “And you’ll crack the case. Let me think on it, but offhand I’d rule out the adults. None of the other farmers would destroy another man’s field that way. And, the only reason I can think of to wipe out a man’s livelihood is revenge.
“I’m going to head back out to Cook’s field,” Paige decided. “Maybe, there’s something out there I missed. “Not likely,” Jericho turned to Duncan Havilland. “Go home, this can wait. Those fields aren’t going anywhere.”
“Maybe, I should head back to Kelly’s place and take another look around.”
Paige was reviewing evidence when Gage Clayton stepped up to her desk. He dropped the afternoon edition of the local paper on top of the file in front of her.
“Like?” Paige asked as she turned to her computer and punched in the site. Both photos, the same ones used by the newspaper popped onto the screen. Beneath each photo was a score sheet. Visitors were supposed to rate composition, creativity, originality and overall appearance. “Interesting,” Paige sat back in her chair. She considered for several seconds then picked up the phone and dialed the paper. It took three transfers and several attempts at stalling, but she finally got the information she needed. The journalist hadn’t taken the photos, she’d been provided the images anonymously.
““Why?”Because I have a job for my personal consultant,” Paige smiled. “What did you find?” “Gage can fill you in,” Paige shut down her equipment and started for the door. “I’ll let you know if we get anything. Thanks, Gage. You may have just broke the case... well, two cases. Havi will owe you one if this pans out.”
109Paige glanced at the headline... ‘Are there aliens living in Manti?’ There were two large pictures of the crop circles plastered side by side taking up the rest of the page. She shoved it aside immediately. “Get that off my desk.” Gage laughed. “You need to see page five,” he insisted. “Let me guess,” Paige straightened and focused on her colleague. “Local law enforcement is impeding the public’s right to know. They’re hiding something. Deputy Carter says there are no aliens.” “Didn’t see that,” Gage picked up the paper and turned to the page in question. “But that would have been better than this crap.” He dropped the paper back on her desk and pointed to a website at the bottom of the page, just beneath Ellie’s article. Paige almost disregarded the listing but paused. “Did you look it up?” “Yeah,” Gage nodded. “And you should, too. Someone has set up a voting pool. The public is supposed to vote for the best artwork based on very specific criteria.”
Cultivated Defacement
Paige glanced up when Jericho stepped out of his office. “Hey, boss. Mind if I work from home for the last hour?”
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 110
“Which would mean,” Carmen shut out of one program and opened another, “he succeed“ed.”What’s taking so long?” Paige complained. “I’ve spoiled you,” Carmen decided. “They tried to cover their tracks. Set up the website with a phony email and it’s one of those free sites so they didn’t have to provide a credit card or personal details.” “Then, you can’t track it?” Paige asked, disappointed. “After all this time,” Carmen sat back and glared at her friend. “You still insist on insulting “me.”You found them?” Paige said, starting to get excited now.
“I like that idea,” Gage grinned and settled in to take care of his own paperwork. “Paige,” Carmen protested. “I can’t be your personal hacker.” “Do I need to call Nathan?” “Fine,” Carmen dropped into her chair. “But if I get into trouble over this...” “You won’t,” Paige assured her. “It’s official business.” “Right,” Carmen started tapping on keys and Paige was lost immediately. “But I don’t work for Sanpete County, do I?” “Maybe it’s Reynolds, trying to distract us,” Paige grinned. “You better take a look, see if you can track the information of the person that owns that site.”
“I’m not familiar with that family. Does it give you a name?” “Nope,” Carmen sighed. “Give a girl the world and she demands the universe. I guess you’re going to have to drive out there and see who lives there the old-fashioned way. You know, the way the really good detectives do it in the movies.”
“I found the property where the IP address is located.” Carmen pointed to the screen. About halfway down was a Manti address.
Seriously, I’m dealing with crop artists. What do you think they’re going to do? Slap me with a paintbrush?”
Cultivated Defacement
Now, Dax grinned. “If you switched those jeans out for a little leather mini-skirt and ditched the tee for...”
“I don’t think they used a paintbrush to destroy those fields,” Dax settled back into the chair. “And with that kind of cavalier attitude, I have no idea why I get so worried.”
“Havi is meeting me up the road from the target,” Paige assured him. “And, I think I like this. You know, having the roles turned around on you. I very clearly recall sitting in that same chair, worrying about you and not knowing what you were walking into. It might do you good to experience a little of what you put me through.”
“And I don’t have to drive, I have my own secret database. I’ll just run tax records and see who the RO is.” *****
111“The movie detectives don’t have Carmen the Magnificent,” Paige jumped to her feet.
“I think I should come with you,” Dax said as he watched Paige slip on her sturdy black boots and buckle her duty belt.
Paige glanced up. She studied Dax for several seconds before realizing he was serious. “I guess you forgot the whole... I stay home and fight crime while you save the world bit?”
“I experience it every day, Paige,” Dax scowled. “You risk your life every time you walk out that door and climb into that patrol car. I only risk my life on rare occasions. Maybe, you worrying about me now and again will do you some good.” “Okay,” Paige relented. “Point taken. I’ll be careful, I’ll have Havi, and if I know Jericho, he’s going to show up and take point. I won’t be alone, and the guys will have my back.
Paige grinned. “It’s a talent. Don’t wait up, I could be late.” She moved to the chair, leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. “You know, you wouldn’t want me any other way.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Dax smiled, stood and wrapped his arms around her. “I just don’t like you sneaking around, alone, after dark looking for bad guys. Will you at least take Duncan with you?”
Havilland climbed over the seat to make room for his boss. He made it just as Jericho was pulling open the passenger’s door.
“Because,” Paige said softly, “my standard is much lower than the District Attorney’s.”
“And, apparently so is his,” he pointed to the back of the vehicle. Jericho had just arrived. They watched as their boss switched off his headlights and maneuvered into position using the bright light of the nearly full moon.
“Based on what?” Paige asked. “They could just say they thought the designs were cool and they wanted the town to get involved and pick their favorite. Even with the website, the evidence is weak.”
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 112
“Can’t Carmen just send you the data, anonymous like?” Havi asked. He had moved from his vehicle and was now settled into Paige’s passenger seat. “Then, we could use that link to get a warrant to search the entire property.”
Paige didn’t know if he finished that sentence, she simply walked out the door, down the stairs and into the crisp, clear black night. It was time to get to work. She needed to find something that would link that house to her crime. She couldn’t use the data Carmen retrieved, not in court. She didn’t have a warrant to access it. Their only hope was finding something tonight, at the residence or on the truck, that would give her probable cause. Her gut was telling her if she could just get inside that house, she’d find the device they used to trample down the wheat. Maybe in the garage or the truck... it was there, she was sure of it. ***** Paige and Havilland were parked several yards up the road from their target. So far, they weren’t seeing anything that would help. Jericho had called. He was on his way to their location. Once he arrived, they’d decide how to proceed. The deputies had pulled their marked cars into a small ravine off the side of the road so the vehicles wouldn’t be visible from the roadway. The precaution was probably unnecessary, but they didn’t want someone leaving the house to spot the units and get tipped off.
“Then why are you and the boss out here in the middle of night, working the graveyard shift, to hold surveillance on a house?”
“Where do you think they’re going?” Paige asked when two men in their early twenties exited the house and made their way to the large pickup parked next to the house.
Several minutes later, Paige had caught up to the car in question. She held back, not wanting them to know they were being followed. They would see her headlights, there was nothing she could do about that, but they wouldn’t be able to make out the markings or the light bar on top. She had to give Jericho credit; he was right. The men were pulling off the highway onto the long dirt drive that led to Connor Mackay’s wheat field.
“If memory serves me correctly,” he unsnapped the seatbelt and leaned forward to get a better look. “Yeah, over there. Make sure you miss that small tractor and the watering trough, but you should be able to park the car next to the barn. This time of night, it will be well hidden to anyone not specifically looking. And from the sound of those two, they’re
“If they stay true to form,” Havilland said from the back, “they should stop up there on the hill.”“Where do you think we should set up?” Paige asked Jericho.
113“Get
“Hold back,” Jericho ordered. “Can you drive without the lights or do you want me to take Paigeover?”glanced up at the bright moon, shrugged, and shut off the headlights. It took a minute for her eyes to adjust; but she was actually surprised at how clear the roadway was with the bright orb lighting the way.
“Slow down,” Jericho said softly. “If these are the culprits, there’s only one place they could be headed. Even if we lose them, we’ll get there in time to catch them in the act.” Paige hesitated, then slowed the vehicle to a reasonable speed as she finally located the spot she was looking for. The gully leveled out, making it easy to climb back onto the roadway. Once her tires hit the pavement, she was off. Jericho might know where the guys were headed, but what if he was wrong? She couldn’t lose them; this was her only shot and she wasn’t going to blow it.
Paige just smiled as she continued to make her way up the gully. The vehicle was sliding and bouncing as she gripped the wheel harder and tried to maintain control. Havilland swore when his head hit the top of the roof.
Cultivated Defacement in,” Havilland said in greeting. “I think they’re on the move.” Jericho jumped inside and pulled the door shut, barely missing the side of the embankment. Paige was already on the move. “Now I remember why I usually drive.”
“I’m with him,” Havilland jumped over the seat and followed his boss.
“I know it bombed,” the other guy started to laugh hysterically. “Now’s your chance to redeem yourself. And this time, try to get the circles straight. I bet that’s why it’s not getting as many votes. Your circles looked like a blind man made them. Take the backpack and I’ll wait here. Same as before, if someone comes... you take off on foot and I’ll meet you up the road when the coast is clear. They’ll follow me, so you should get away clean.”
“No,” Havilland answered instantly. “They were driving too carefully. They’re just being stupid kids and they think they’re alone. We’re far enough away from the house, nobody would hear them.” Paige rolled her window down to see if they could catch what the men were saying. “I told you,” the first guy said. “My design rocks.” “I think you’re cheating,” the second guy said. “There is no way your photo is getting twice the votes of mine. My design was harder, it was the bomb and you know it.”
“I plan to stop the vandal,” Jericho said over his shoulder. “Maybe you should plan to stop the truck,” Havilland suggested. “Don’t you have spike strips in the back?”
Paige sighed, climbed into the back seat of her vehicle and began searching for the tire spikes she always carried. It took far longer than it should have; and she was beginning to wonder if Havilland had moved them on purpose when she finally spotted the bag. She snatched it up and headed toward the hill. Once she reached the edge of the field, she paused for a minute to try to locate the best route. She had to make sure she couldn’t be
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 114 not looking.” “Are they drunk?”
“At least, they have a plan,” Paige whispered. “I want to see the device they used to make the designs. It has to be something homemade.”
“I want to stop him before he destroys another man’s field,” Jericho said as he pushed open the door and climbed outside.
“Suck up,” Paige grumbled as she gave in and exited the car. “But don’t you two think we should have a plan?”
She glanced back, trying to locate Havi and Jer. It took her several seconds before she spotted them approaching the field from the other side. They’d be in the open for a few minutes, but then they should be able to make their way through the corn and wait for the vandal to approach. If they timed it right, they could surprise him the instant he started to work. That didn’t give her much time. She’d have to hurry, but she thought she had just enough time to get the strips in place before anything went down in the field.
Cultivated Defacement
115seen by the guy in the truck, but that meant avoiding the side windows and the rearview. If the guy spotted her, he’d bolt.
“Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office,” Jericho called. “Get your hands where I can see them.”
As she turned to check on her colleagues, she realized they were in place and waiting for her. She gave them the thumbs up and wondered if they could see it. The moon seemed even brighter now than before and she hoped they got the signal. She was confident they did when seconds later, Jericho emerged from the corn, flashlight blazing.
She decided her best option was to move just inside the tall corn field that butted up against the wheat field. She could easily make her way across the field and exit on the far side where it butted up against the hill. Then, all she had to do was crawl up the side of the hill and slide the spike strips under the tires.
Instead of complying, the guy fled. He was quick and wily. Paige watched as he gained momentum and flew across the wheat field like it was a racetrack. Havilland was right behind him, he mirrored every turn and every dodge, then both of them disappeared into the large stocks of corn. Paige started to stand, then realized the vehicle above her had punched the gas, flattened three tires, and started to slide. The driver over corrected and
Paige dropped to her knees right before she reached the edge of the corn. The ground was still warm from baking in the summer sun all day. She slowly, quietly made her way up the hill pausing just before she reached the top to pull out the first spike system. She held her breath as she pulled her body onto the dirt road and slid the claws underneath the back tire. She shoved back, out of sight and prepared the second unit for deployment. This time, she crawled behind the truck and placed the strip under the back, driver’s side tire. She could hear the driver shifting around and waited for what seemed like a lifetime before she crawled slowly back to her hiding place just over the hill. She slid the last strip in front of the front tire on the passenger’s side and shoved it in as tight as she could, making sure it was securely in place before backing down the hill a few feet. She couldn’t get to the driver’s side, so three would have to be enough.
Paige Carter Season —Episode 5 116 completely lost control. She jumped out of the way, just as the truck began to roll down the hill. The driver was lucky it was a small hill. Unfortunately, the truck was a total loss.
“Michael Angelo,” the guy said.
“Not too bad,” Jericho gave it a shake. “Pretty clever and it fits perfectly in this backpack. Makes it portable and... normal.”
“Cute,” Havilland said without humor. “Add false info to the police. Now, Einstein. You’re real name.”
“Over there,” Jericho pointed to the flat, open area near the barn. Apparently, the second suspect hadn’t spotted the small tractor in time. He ran smack-dab into it and split his leg open on the edge of the bucket. Havilland had the kid cuffed and he was now trying to doctor the wound.
“That will work,” Havilland stood. “You’ll live, get up,” he ordered the man sprawled on the ground. The instant he was on his feet, Havilland moved him over next to the barn and helped him sit against the front wall. “What’s your name?”
“Where’s Havi?”
Paige rushed to the upturned vehicle and yanked the driver through the window before he could regain his wits after the tumble he just took. Within seconds, she had the cuffs on her suspect and was walking him toward Jericho.
“Nice catch,” Jericho nodded in approval. He was carrying a large backpack and a strange device the men used to make their designs. It had a large handle, Paige assumed that was to pull the thing across the field. The handle was attached to what looked like a large iron weight. The concoction was on a hinge so it could fold in half and fit in the bag. “That looks heavy.”
“I don’t think we thought this one through,” Jericho observed as they gathered around Havilland and his injured prisoner. “What do you mean?” Paige glanced around, wondering what Jericho was referring to. “Five people, one car.” “Oh,” Paige frowned. “Well, these two are injured. How about I call medical and Havi can ride to the clinic with the prisoners while I take you back to get your truck?”
Cultivated Defacement Hughes,” the guy pouted. “And that’s police brutality. I got the blood to prove it.” Havilland grinned. “If you can’t see, that has nothing to do with the police. I saw the tractor fine and you colliding with a fixed object while fleeing is not police brutality. But, hey... go ahead, lodge a complaint.” He motioned to Jericho. “He’s my boss.” “Well,” Rick considered. “He must have a boss.” “Yeah,” Jericho told him. “The community.” “You wrecked my truck,” the second guy focused on Paige. She ushered him over to the barn and settled him in next to his friend. “You got a name?” “Sure,” he smirked. “Everyone’s got a name.” “Doesn’t matter to me, smart guy. I can book you as John Doe or I can use your name. The jail can sort it out for all I care. And, I suggest you bring that attitude to court with you. The judge, he really likes punk kids that are too cocky for their own good.” She glanced up when she spotted the headlights coming their way. “Ride’s here.” ***** It was two in the morning when Paige finally slid into bed. Dax shifted and draped an arm over her waist. She thought he was sleeping until he pulled her close and pressed a gentle kiss on the side of her neck.
https://melaniepsmith.com/crime blog/
117“Rick
“I told you not to wait up,” Paige whispered. “I was never that good at taking orders,” he whispered back. Paige smiled, thinking that was probably true. “Catch any aliens?” Dax asked. “Yep,” Paige yawned. “Two of ‘em.” “Hum,” Dax said, half asleep. They both dozed off, exhausted but content.
