Saturday, December 19, 2020

The Tenth Issue

 

                         


                                             Happy Holidays! 

I am definitely part of the majority that cannot wait for this year to end. We’re all very hopeful that 2021 will be dramatically better in so many ways. For the writers among us, quarantines and restrictions on social gatherings have resulted in time to write.  December is a time to reflect on what I’ve accomplished as a writer and what the future holds.

So it’s time for my next newsletter offering, with a glimpse at a work in progress and an interview with one of my favorite characters.  Of course, there’s music to be shared. Let’s roll!

                     

Writing

Earlier this month, one of my students (I teach business courses at the local college) asked where I get ideas from for my stories.  She’s expressed interest before about writing.  I explained that an idea can strike me anywhere, at any time. It could be something I witnessed, a conversation that’s overheard or triggered by a song on the stereo.  Sometimes it’s like Zeus zaps me with a lightning bolt. Or it can be a little voice beside me that whispers “Oh, that would be a sneaky twist!”

My student didn’t seem satisfied with that response. Perhaps she was expecting me to refer to a store or a website. I can see it now.  Story ideas, 3 for $10!  Holiday Sale!  Maybe there are different sites for different genres.  Or there could be a little corner of the Barnes & Noble store where a gnarled old man sits on a stool behind the counter. When you tell him what kind of story you’re interested in, he spits out an idea, like a writing prompt.

The student didn’t seem convinced. Maybe she thinks I’m withholding information, not wanting to divulge trade secrets. But that’s not the case. Most writers will tell you the same thing. It’s a matter of observation, of watching and listening and letting your imagination kick in. A good idea for a story is no different that a good idea for a product or service.

It can come from anywhere.

 

Work in Progress

As the school semester comes to an end, I’m looking forward to some time on the keyboard, working on the next Chene novel.  It’s coming together nicely, but there are still many scenes to carve out.  Some interactions between characters are essential, to help develop the players and to keep the story moving. Understand that this is a Work in Progress, so there’s no guarantee this scene will make the editor’s cut. But I’m always hopeful.

Here’s a little interaction between Chene and FBI agent Banks, who are taking a lunch break in the middle of the joint investigation.

 

We entered and took a table in the back. I prefer to sit facing the door, so I can see trouble if it’s headed my way. Banks settled in across from me and picked up a laminated menu.

“What’s good?”

“Everything. People will line up for corned beef and not just on St. Patrick’s Day. It’s legendary.”

She scanned the menu as the waitress appeared. I got a brief nod of recognition.

“Pastrami on rye, with deli mustard and iced tea,” I ordered.

Banks looked up. “I’ll try the turkey with Swiss cheese and mayo, on white bread and a Diet Coke.”

The waitress did her level best not to burst out laughing. She hustled away to place the order.

“Turkey on white bread with mayonnaise. You sure know how to live on the wild side, Banks.”

She shrugged. “I’m a suburban WASP. Deal with it.”

“Wouldn’t hurt you to expand those culinary horizons a little.”

I pulled the list from Sister Augusta. Near the bottom was the name and contact information for Leon LaChance, a retired science teacher. Banks gave me a quizzical look as I circled the number.

“What happened to doing the interviews in person?”

“LaChance retired and moved away. From what Mary Margaret said, he lives up in the Traverse City area during the summer and Savannah, Georgia in the winter. So, unless you have access to the FBI corporate jet, we’ll talk with him on video.”

Banks nodded. “That jet is way above my paygrade. The video call makes sense.” Her eyes went wide as the waitress returned with the sandwiches on two gigantic platters. “You have got to be shitting me!”

“You can always get a doggy bag.”

I cut my sandwich in quarters and dug in. Banks hesitated, then copied my moves. Her eyes went wide as she took a bite. The cookies and coffee we’d had with Father Dovensky was the closest I’d gotten to breakfast. Food was definitely needed. Banks tried to start a conversation at one point, but it was impossible to understand her around a mouthful of turkey.  I took a slice of the pastrami and set it on her plate.

“Try it. Just take a bite.”

She eyed me suspiciously and daintily wiped the corner of her mouth with the paper napkin.

“It won’t kill you.”

“Is this considered soul food?”

I almost choked on my iced tea. “It’s made from a beef brisket. Just seasoned and sliced thin. You want soul food, that’s in another part of town.”

Banks speared it with her fork and took a tentative bite. She chewed it thoroughly, then set the rest on her plate. She reached across and snagged the quarter of the sandwich where the sample came from.

“You’re right. A girl does need to expand her culinary horizons.”

 

Interview

In the past, I’ve utilized this space to introduce you to another author. With the holidays on the horizon, it seemed appropriate to change things up a little and since it’s a time for giving, offer up a gift too.  I will give away five e-book copies of “Devious”.  Just tell me your favorite holiday meal.

Today you can learn about Jamie Richmond, the protagonist from three novels “Devious”, “Vanishing Act”, “Fleeing Beauty” and the novella “Stealing Haven”.

                                (Here's a possible image for Jamie)




Tell us a little about yourself.

Jamie:  Well, I’m 31, single, the only child in an Irish American family. My father was a sculptor who was very successful. Unfortunately, he died when I was seven years old. My mother decided that staying with one man made no sense, so she has been married many times since then, which makes me a little skittish about relationships. I’ve always been interested in writing. After studying journalism in college, I worked for newspapers for eight years. I learned a lot about people and writing, which I now utilized for the kind of writing I was born to do. Mysteries!  I have published three novels and I’m working on my next one.

I can be a bit of a smart ass. I’m pretty observant, quick with a laugh. But as a redhead, you know I’ve got a fast temper too!

Who is the greatest love of your life? What drew you to them?

Jamie: Wow, that’s a tough one. There are different types of love. I mean, I really love Bert, my step-father. He was my mother’s third husband from the time I was thirteen until I went to college. He’s always treated me as an adult, has always been there for me. We’re still close. Then there’s Linda, my best friend since we were six years old. I’d do anything for her. Now if you’re talking about romantic love, there’s Malone. He’s charming and self-confident and smart. One look from him and my knees come unhinged. He’s got these incredible blue eyes that pierce my heart. We’re still getting to know each other.  I think what appealed to me is that we met through my work several times before we started to date. By that time, we had developed this low-key friendship. I was extremely nervous on our first date, but that’s normal. (Laughs) He still makes me nervous.

What’s your greatest fear?

Jamie: That I’ll do something to ruin the great thing I have with Malone. When it comes to relationships, I’m always looking over my shoulder at my mother’s crazy antics. I’m afraid that it’s hereditary. But the longer we’re together, the more confident I’m becoming. I think.

What’s your motto in life? 

Jamie:  What the hell.  It’s an old expression from a dear friend. When I wanted to try something different, like writing mysteries, I figured, ‘what the hell’. You can either keep doing the same thing or take some chances with life and see where it goes. I owe a good part of that philosophy to Bert. He has always encouraged me.

How would others describe you?

Jamie: (laughs) Stubborn, determined, self-conscious, shy, (yeah, I know) a smart ass, focused, loyal and creative. I’m stubborn about getting to the truth. I’m self-conscious about my body. I am definitely shy and a little awkward with guys. And everyone agrees that I can be a real smart ass.

What is it about you that is going to draw readers in?

Jamie:  Readers will be able to identify with me. I’m a real woman, not some Hollywood creation that required assembly. While I doubt my body would stop traffic unless I am sprawled across the highway, I’m alright with that. Like many women, I struggle sometimes with my self-confidence. I might read too much into what someone says or does, wondering if there’s more to it than what’s on the surface.  But my heart is strong and true. I want the same things we all do: a few good friends we can count on, a job that I’m happy and successful at, and someone to curl up with at the end of the day and love.

What trait in others do you find most deplorable?

Jamie: Dishonesty. I can’t stand liars. Sadly, I’ve dated a few and when their lies tripped them up, they were out the door.

Now for a weird random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?

Jamie: (laughs) Oh, I’ve got to say red. As a redhead, it only makes sense. Red can be bright and vibrant and glowing. My face turns red when I’m excited or embarrassed. It’s the color of roses, of blazing sunsets, of passion, of love. Yes, I am definitely a red.

Links:



Devious

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017Y9XMHC




Vanishing Act

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0190T15Y6






Fleeing Beauty

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019WPCIBM






Stealing Haven (Part of Once Upon A Summer)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1945910682

 





Music: 

Stevie Wonder has been making music since the 1960s. This award-winning artist (more than twenty Grammys and an Oscar) has sold more than 100 Million records worldwide. Wonder has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.


Here are my top five favorites from Stevie Wonder.

Isn’t She Lovely  https://youtu.be/oE56g61mW44

My Eyes Don’t Cry https://youtu.be/IgH2yswwywI

I Just Called  https://youtu.be/NiRj5m63oig

Boogie On Reggae Woman  https://youtu.be/ylQMhYqSntk

For Once in My Life https://youtu.be/l3qi3E40aWE

  

May your holidays be filled with laughter, love, good health and happiness. If you can’t share them in person, dig out the memories.

 

 

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

The Ninth Issue

 


How can it suddenly be November?  Wasn’t the sun shining yesterday with balmy breezes and warm temperatures.  Actually here in Michigan we hit 70 degrees several times this month, so the idea of cold and snow and ice being just around the corner is a difficult concept to grasp. 

Regardless, it’s time for the next issue of my ramblings about writing, a glimpse at a work in progress and an interview with another talented author.  Of course, there’s music to be shared and this month bring a little change in pace. 

So to quote legendary comedian Jackie Gleason “Away We Go!”



                                                                   Jackie Gleason


Writing

 

Many people know that I don’t work with an outline. It’s too restrictive for me. I haven’t used one since elementary school and even then, I wrote the outline after completing the assignment.  If you listen closely, you’ll hear the good Catholic sisters spinning in their graves at my admission of this education related sin.

The method I use seems bizarre to some people. I begin with just a basic story idea in mind and my main character.  Then I write a scene to get things rolling.  This may not necessarily be at the beginning of the story. It can be anywhere.  I rarely know how the story will end, so it’s not like I write the tale in reverse.  It could be a setting, or a bit of dialogue.  I may overhear a bit of conversation or witness something that triggers an idea that becomes part of a story.

Often the character’s actions and comments will trigger ideas about what happens next or what should have happened before.

As more scenes are written, I’ll start to put them in some kind of order or sequence.  When they add up, then I can go back and see what’s missing and figure out what is needed to tie the story together.  I know this style doesn’t work for everybody. But it works for me. Life isn’t orderly. Why should my writing style be that way?

 

Work In Progress

 

Lately my free time to write has been somewhat limited with other demands on my schedule.  But the ideas keep coming. I’m working on the third novel in the Jefferson Chene series.  I take every opportunity to spend a little time that gang.  In addition to the investigation, I’m inclined to continue developing the relationship with Chene and Simone.

Recently during a chat with Elle Nina Castle, my collaborator on “Don’t Mess With the Gods” Elle (pronounced Ellie, if you’re wondering) commented about Michigan being called “The Mitten” in reference to the shape of the lower peninsula. What followed was a mini-geography lesson and her suggestion that this sounded like something Chene would do with Simone.  Inspiration struck! And just as I described in the section above, there was the idea for a scene with the two of them.  Here’s an excerpt of that.  Bear in mind this is a Work In Progress, so there’s no guarantee it will make it into the final book.


                                                               Elle Nina Castle

 

In this scene Chene and Simone have met for a quick drink. Simone’s eager to talk about something other than the investigation he’s working on at the moment.  

“Do you realize in the time we’ve been dating, there are still so many things about you I don’t know?” she said.

          “I’m an open book.”

          That earned me a burst of laughter from her. “Yes, and I’m Venus de Milo.”

          “Nice to see you, Venus.” It was impossible not to smile with her, no matter how tired I was. “What do you want to know? Keep in mind we both have a very early morning.”

          She thought that over briefly. “How did you ever learn your way around town after being raised in an orphanage?  I’m pretty good with the area, but you seem to know where everything is.”

          I motioned to her. “Raise your left hand.”

She did, giving me a quizzical look.

“Welcome to Michigan. You know the lower peninsula is shaped like this.”

“Of course.”

Taking her by the wrist, I turned her palm so she could see it in the dim outdoor lights. “Down here, near the heel of your thumb, is roughly where Detroit is.” I slid two fingertips across the surface toward her index finger. Her skin was soft and warm. “This gets you near Dearborn and maybe a little bit towards Westland.”

Her shoulders were swaying a little. Simone gave me her undivided attention.

“A little further this way, it gets closer to Romulus, Belleville and Ann Arbor.” I continued in what would be a western direction, then moved up from the palm to the base of her first two fingers. “Livonia, Plymouth, Northville, Farmington, Novi and Wixom are this way.”

Simone drew a deep breath and moved in front of me. She turned, pressing her back against my chest. Her hips were moving in rhythm with her shoulders. In the background, the jazz music seemed to grow louder.  “Keep going,” she said.

I dragged my fingertips back toward her thumb. “Southfield, Royal Oak, Clawson, Birmingham. Further east you get Mt. Clemens and St. Clair Shores. A little lower, you have the Grosse Pointes.”

Without noticing it earlier, I was matching her movements, a slight sway of the shoulders and hips. She leaned back against me. My left hand still held hers. At some point my right hand found her hip. Movement at the doors of the saloon caught my attention as the waitress started to come check on us. She hesitated, flashed a smile and ducked back inside.

“Chene.” Her voice was little more than a whisper.

“Yes?”

“Either take me home or I’m going to jump you in the parking lot.”

“What about your early morning?”
          “I’ll be fine. The question is, will you be?”

I couldn’t see her face, but knew she was smiling.

“Without a doubt.”

Simone turned around in my arms. “You’d better kiss me now, to keep me interested.”

“No man alive could resist that request.” A long, slow kiss followed. Then she pushed me away, grabbed her purse and headed for the door.  I threw cash on the table, nodded to the waitress and followed.

At her apartment, Simone returned to the comfort of my arms.

“You expect me to believe you know your way around town because of landmarks on your hand?”

I shrugged. “That, along with maps and a GPS.”

 

 

Author’s Interview.

Tammy Mannersly




With the wonders of technology, we’re able to enjoy the works of writers from around the globe, without leaving the comfort of our own home. Which is important in these days of a pandemic.  So it’s time to get to know Tammy Mannersly, an award winning author who has plenty of stories to share.

Where are you from? 

A stunning seaside town just north of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

What’s your ‘someday’ or dream vacation spot and why?

It’s my ultimate dream to go to Bora Bora and stay in a little hut out over the water. Living in Queensland, I’ve been to my fair share of islands, but there is something particularly spectacular about Bora Bora. I also love swimming and am a waterbaby at heart, so anywhere with a beach or pool is my kind of vacation spot.

What’s your favorite thing to do for relaxation?

Going for a walk along the beach with my dog or watching a good movie. 

Any favorite hobbies?

Between work and writing, I don’t always get time for my hobbies, but when I do I love to swim, read, draw and go bushwalking.  

How long have you been writing?

It happened naturally on it’s own when I was in primary school. I used to try to re-write my storybooks at first and then started creating my own characters and storylines. It’s been a driving passion ever since.

Are you able to write full time or do you also have a job/career?

I write part-time and work at a library for most of the week and some weekends.

Is there a particular genre that you write?  Or more than one?  What led you to there?

Growing up, I used to write a lot of fantasy and paranormal romance. It wasn’t until I gave contemporary romance a chance that I finally found my niche. I’d still love to write in other genres though—maybe try fantasy again one day, or even horror.

Do you use friends or family as characters in your work?

I aim not to, although some of my friends and family try to find themselves in the work. However, I have used many of my personal life experiences and those of friends and family as inspiration for my storylines.

What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult?  

I read many genres growing up, but lived for books with romance in the narrative. In my teens and early twenties, I loved anything by Laurell K. Hamilton, Meg Cabot, Anne Rice, J. R. Ward, Patricia Briggs and Sherrilyn Kenyon. Now, I enjoy reading more non-fiction, especially Jon Ronson, Linda S. Godfrey and various autobiographical works. I think all of my favorite authors have had an impact on me in some way and have helped me develop and improve my writing style over time. It’s hard not to be influenced by other authors, especially when you enjoy their writing so much that it stays with you.   

Has anyone in your life influenced you or encouraged you to pursue your interests of writing?

I’d never considered writing as a career pathway until my grade 7 teacher suggested I apply for entry into a Brisbane-based writers camp. From there I met and participated in workshops with published Queensland writers and learned that there were more opportunities than I’d realized. I received similar encouragement from my English teachers in high school and went on to study creative writing at university. My parents have also grown to be especially supportive of my passion and I love sharing my achievements with them. 

What is your favorite aspect of writing? Your least favorite? 

I love coming up with ideas for new stories and characters, and roughly planning the trajectory of the love story. It’s always so exciting to create something new, knowing that anything is possible. My least favorite aspect of writing a book would probably be those moments of self-doubt that hit you along the way. Sometimes you doubt yourself, other times it’s the storyline, but every time it takes a lot of determination and positivity to fight your way through and continue until the work is complete. 

What aspect of writing would you most like to improve on?  

There are too many things to mention just one, but I believe that my technique and style get gradually better with each book. 

Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing?  

I must have the TV on, usually with a familiar movie or TV show running. I can’t work in silence or with music. I find silence can become unnerving and music always sways and changes the emotional aspects of my dialogue and character interaction. I must also be able to sit cross-legged or be able to stretch my legs out or else I get uncomfortable. 

Is there a common theme or item that appears in each of your work?

Water and swimming pools occur a lot throughout my work because of my absolute obsession with the two. I also like to write about my favorite places in Australia and the special local spots I frequently visit. 

What have you learned the most from being in the writing business? 

Quite a lot over the years, really. Here are a few tips: Perseverence is key. Don’t give up on your passion. Writing is extremely subjective. Rejection isn’t the end of the line. Just believe in yourself and stick to your goals. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Everyone experiences their own journey in this industry.

Tell us about your latest work: 



I actually wrote this book, “Finding His Zen”, during our isolation period of the pandemic. I had set myself a goal to complete a novella by a particular deadline and didn’t want the changing circumstances in the world around me to affect that. Considering everything else happening at the time, I found the book relatively easy to write and ended up being very pleased with what I’d created. “Finding His Zen” is a short sweet romance about valuing simple things and listening to your heart.

Blurb:

Swimming superstar, Sebastian DuMont, agrees to headline the reopening of the Poseidon’s Shore Health Club at a discounted fee, grateful for an excuse to visit his beloved hometown. However, he hadn’t expected to be tempted by the lovely Zenia, owner and operator of the fitness facility.

All of Zenia Andino’s dreams come true with swimming superstar, Sebastian DuMont, attending her gymnasium’s reopening. She’d idolized him as a teenager with his poster pinned to her bedroom wall, but meeting the hunky celebrity in person gives her heartbeat an excited new rhythm.

Before they can test the waters, Seb’s agent interferes and Zen’s fame-hungry sister alludes to an affair with the Olympian. Will Seb keep up the lie for continued fame and fortune? Or is it finally time to follow his heart and feed the special spark he felt with Zen before the opportunity extinguishes forever?


How did you decide on your story plot?   

Actually, the story was inspired by something that occurred to someone in my family. They work in the fitness industry and were having a celebrity help promote the re-opening of a local, seaside health and fitness center. There was no magical love story in real life as both parties were in relationships and from different generations, but it got me thinking about the possibilities.

Describe how this method works best for you. Outline or ‘seat of the pants’?  

I always do a little of both. I need a basic outline to know where I’m heading. I basically try to have the big points roughly mapped out, but how I reach them is usually “seat of the pants”. I also have a tendency to let my characters drive the story, so sometimes those big plot points change depending on my characters wants and needs.   

Do you have a favorite scene you’ve written? What makes it special? 

There’s a scene in Finding His Zen where Sebastian and Zenia go for a walk on the beach with Zen’s golden retriever. It’s something so simple and yet, so pleasurable and relaxing—just being outside, enjoying the sun, sand and water, and seeing the grin of delight on the dog’s face. I absolutely love it and it’s one of my favorite things to do in my personal life! 

Here’s an excerpt from the story.

“So, do you think there might be love in the air?” Sara, the reporter from the Courier Mail enquired again.

A wide, ecstatic grin was like a gash across Lexy’s face. She gazed up into his eyes, searched them for a second before once again acknowledging the assembly. “When it comes to Seb and me, anything is possible.”

At that, the bottom fell out of Seb’s stomach and he felt as like he was riding the steep, rushing decent of a rollercoaster dip.

The audience erupted at Lexy’s answer, newly galvanized and interested in the possibility of a sexy affair to report on and obsess over. The insinuation of a relationship made Seb feel sick, nausea roiling in his gut. He wanted to correct the mistake, but couldn’t see a way out without embarrassing both of them.

Seb felt a pat on his shoulder as the raucous roar of the gathering continued, the audience’s arms waving, camera’s flashing and he heard Mayor Jones commend him.

“Congratulations,” the older man said, his tone genuinely joyous, oblivious to the reality.

With his heart racing, palms sweating, his gut churning on the verge of sickness, Seb cast a look at the one person in the world whose opinion really mattered to him in that instant. He caught Zenia’s eye, saw her solemn smile and…seeing that look, her fallen spirt, had pain stabbing into his heart, breaking it a little.

What the hell had he done? What the hell had he agreed to? And what could he do to show Zenia that his true interest lay with her and not her sister?

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CY8NY6M

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/finding-his-zen

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1137341973

Itunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1523544097

You can find out more information about Tammy and her work on her website: www.tammymannersly.com or by visiting:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tammymannersly 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16935790.Tammy_Mannersly 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tammymannersly/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TammyMannersly

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tammy-mannersly

 

                                                    Music

Variety is essential to life and that applies to music as well. This month’s featured artist is Jesse Cook.




This award winning Canadian musician mixes a blend of jazz, new world and flamenco with a touch of gypsy to his popular tunes.

In addition to writing his own songs, Cook also films, directs and edits his own music videos.

Here’s my top five favorites. I hope you enjoy them. 

Double Dutch.  https://youtu.be/hOjctd1mNME

Mario Takes a Walk. https://youtu.be/c_X0KET2gh0

Hembra: https://youtu.be/i9srZFMhCZU

Once: https://youtu.be/Rw65ol7VeEA

Shake: https://youtu.be/AmF69DqUyOs

 

 

Sunday, November 1, 2020

Tribute: Sir Sean Connery

 

The news hit hard yesterday.



Sir Sean Connery, passed away at age 90.

This actor was the epitome of cool. He commanded every role he played and knew exactly how to make the audience stand up and take notice. In my eyes, he always was and always will be “Bond. James Bond.”  I don’t care who else attempts to fill those shoes. They’re just shadows, following in his footsteps.

Connery won recognition and awards for his hard work. He captured my imagination with his portrayal of many roles, beyond Bond.  After all, he was Henry Jones, Sr.  in “Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade”, John Mason in “The Rock”,  Captain Ramius in “The Hunt for the Red October”,  Jimmy Malone in “The Untouchables”,  Robert MacDougal in “Entrapment” and many more.

Ironically I watched a clip from “The Rock” on Friday, still smiling at his power in that role, just hours before learning of his death.

Rest in peace, Sir Sean Connery.  Your talent will continue to entertain and enthrall generations to come.

I tried to capture some of his traits for a character in “Fleeing Beauty”.  In this scene, Jamie is trying to get a lead on a stolen piece of the art collection from her late father’s studio. That leads her and Linda to a meeting. Here’s an excerpt from the story.




We arrived at the Townsend Hotel five minutes early. Something told me that Harrison Mundy was not the type of man who would like to be kept waiting. The receptionist directed us to the Rugby Grille. As we approached, I could see the place was about a third full. Maybe it was too early in the evening for society’s elite to have dinner.  There was also a bar at the other end of the hotel that seemed to be doing a brisk business.  At the hostess stand, an attractive young woman wearing way too much makeup and perfume gave us a vague smile.

“Are one of you Miss Jamie Richmond?” she asked in a breathy voice, as if she’d just run up two flights of stairs wearing stiletto heels.

“That’s me. We’re supposed to be meeting someone.”

She nodded twice. I noticed that her hair didn’t move when she did that. “Your party has already arrived. Right this way.”

We followed her across the room to a private corner table. I noticed there was no one else within twenty feet of it. A distinguished looking man with a full head of silver hair was already seated. As we drew closer he rose smoothly and extended his hand.

“You must be Miss Richmond.”

“Please, just call me Jamie,” I said, lightly taking his hand.

“Thank you, Jamie.” He turned smoothly to Linda. “May I presume that you are Miss Davis?”

She took a step back in surprise before taking his hand. “I prefer Linda.”

He flashed a charming smile at both of us. “I would be pleased if you will call me Harry. Let us sit down.”

I noticed the place setting that was to the right of his chair was disturbed. Linda took the seat on his left and I took the one opposite him. Before we were settled, an exotic looking beauty with silky black hair came over from the bar and took the empty seat.

“This is Jocelyn.”

She smiled and nodded. A waiter appeared with a tray of food.

“I took the liberty of ordering a few simple dishes to go with our conversation.” He glanced up at the waiter. “What did you bring us, Phillip?”

The waiter gave a quick nod. “We have chilled prawns, foie gras and duck tacos. These are specialties of the house. I’m sure you’ll enjoy them.”

“Perhaps a drink would be in order?” Mundy said.

I ordered tonic water and lime. Linda asked for a glass of chardonnay.

“How did you know who I would bring along?”

Mundy flashed a smile at me that was almost blinding in its brightness. “I prefer to know as much as I can about the people I am meeting. Even though I am retired, I like to keep my senses sharp.”

“So you’ve retired from a life of crime?” I asked.

“Really, Jamie, you know I am not a criminal. I was never convicted or even accused of an illegal act. I have many interests that have been cultivated over the years. Is there a particular area of my expertise that appeals to you?”

I took a moment to study him while phrasing my response. He was very handsome, with the dazzling smile, smooth complexion, and thick silver hair. He was fit and trim, perhaps a little taller than me, which would put him about five-foot eight-inches tall.  I had no doubt the suit he was wearing was tailor made for his frame. He spoke with an educated tone. His nails were manicured.  Jocelyn motioned to Linda at the food before us. She sampled the foie gras.

“I would like to know about art thefts, particularly the best way to do it. Did you always have a buyer in mind?”

He chuckled dryly. “Jamie, what makes you think I know anything about thievery?”

“Perhaps in your studies of the subject, you learned how thieves work.”

“That is a very good answer,” he said. “May I presume your interest stems from the recent discovery of your father’s work?”

“He really did do his research,” Linda said quietly.

“You may,” I replied somewhat sullenly. It dawned on me that I was mimicking his precise way of speaking. This wasn’t like me at all. And it was obvious that Mundy was in complete control of the conversation and the situation. Disgusted with myself, I speared a prawn with my fork and focused on sawing it into bite sized pieces.

“Miss Davis is quite correct. Before I accepted your inquiry, I researched your background. It is somewhat unsettling to discover how much information can be so readily available on the Internet.”

While nibbling a chunk of prawn, which was incredibly good, I saw Jocelyn carefully put a sample of each appetizer on a plate and hand it to Mundy. He smiled his thanks, gently squeezed her hand, and set the plate squarely before him. Before tasting anything, he sipped from a highball glass filled with a clear liquid and ice. I caught a whiff of juniper.

“How’s the gin?” I asked.

“Smooth as always.” He tasted a duck taco and lightly patted his mouth with the linen napkin. “Shall we dispense with the formalities and the subterfuge?”

“What the hell. I’d appreciate that.”

“Then tell me what it is you are really interested in?”

“If you were going to steal some of Peter’s artwork, how would you do it?”

Mundy leaned back in his chair. He took another sip and carefully set the glass down beside his plate. He glanced at Jocelyn. She held his gaze and gave a tiny nod of her head.

“Suppose I give you a hypothetical example of the theft of some artwork. Would that be helpful to your situation?”

“That’s exactly what we want to know,” Linda said. “If you were going to do it, how would you manage it?”

Mundy began to weave a tale that sounded like something out of Hollywood. After being trained by his father and grandfather on the basics, he utilized technology to beat the latest security systems. Mundy turned his attentions to insurance companies and collectors, using his skills to recover stolen pieces of priceless art and jewelry and return them to their rightful owners. It was his claim that such work was in high demand and that the commissions on the recoveries paid him well. There was still a great deal of risk involved, since many of the people he’d retrieved pieces from were less than honorable.

“So hypothetically, how would you get away with it? I mean, surely the people you stole from would be suspicious when the artwork or jewelry that was supposedly safe in their possession suddenly disappeared,” I said.

Linda had been engrossed in his tale and was anxious to join in. “In some situations, it would be weeks after a recovery before the person would realize the item was gone, if it was jewelry locked away in a vault or a painting stored at a summer house. But that couldn’t have been the case every time,” she said.

Mundy took his time studying each of us before turning to Jocelyn. “Your perceptions were extremely accurate. Not only are they both beautiful, but highly intelligent as well.”

She flashed him a delighted smile. “It would be in your best interest not to underestimate them, especially Miss Richmond. I understand she can be quite…determined.”

Mundy gave me a gentle nod.  “I must admit a certain degree of pleasure in meeting you. I have read some recent accounts of your escapades as they were described in the media. The actual police reports were very enlightening as well.”

“How did you get copies of police reports?” I asked.

Mundy smiled and lifted his palms lightly from where they rested on the table. Maybe it was his version of a shoulder shrug.  “My network of resources is quite extensive.”

“So if you were hypothetically going to steal some of Peter’s artwork, how would you go about it?”

“There are many ways to execute a perfect crime. But each one takes a great deal of careful planning and preparation. Contingencies must be calculated as well.” Mundy paused to sample the foie gras. He gave a single nod of approval.  “Tell me about the building.”

Linda and I took turns describing the structure. I was surprised how much detail she was able to give, knowing she’d only been there today. But Linda is extremely observant. I described the minimal security system. Before I could tell him what had been stolen, Mundy raised a hand.

“Pardon me, Jamie, but I do not want to know what is missing. You are asking me to postulate a hypothetical robbery. I will need some time to consider various options. I must ask your indulgence.”

Puzzled, I glanced across the table at Jocelyn. She smiled and rose smoothly from her chair. I realized Mundy was now on his feet as well.

“You’re leaving?”

Harrison Mundy dropped his linen napkin on the table. I noticed his glass was empty and the appetizers were gone. He shot his cuffs.

“Our meeting was for one hour. That time has passed. Jocelyn and I have another commitment.” He turned slightly toward Linda and lifted her hand. Smoothly he bent forward and grazed his lips across her knuckles. “It has been a delightful pleasure to meet you both.”

Linda’s cheeks flared red. “Thank you,” she stammered.

Mundy turned to me. I was standing now, trying to figure out how to prolong the conversation.  His eyes were twinkling as he looked at me.

“Your reputation is well deserved, Jamie. I must admit to be intrigued by your—situation.  When the time is right, I will be in touch.”  With that he gently, but firmly, took my hand and did the knuckle grazing kiss.  I felt a flush run through me. Who was this guy?

Dumbfounded, I stood there, watching Jocelyn and Mundy leave the bar. Automatically she linked her arm through his. Linda appeared beside me.

“What just happened?” Linda asked.

“It beats the hell out of me.”

Phillip appeared and began to briskly clear the table. For a moment I thought Mundy had stuck me with the bill, but the waiter only smiled and shook his head.

“That was taken care of before you arrived.”

Linda stared at me. “Who was that guy?”

“He certainly wasn’t what I expected.”

We headed for the door. There was no sign of Harrison Mundy or the exotic Jocelyn. We exited the hotel lobby and stood for a moment on the sidewalk, waiting for the valet to bring up my car.

“I don’t know about you, Jamie, but I’m starving. Those tasty little treats inside just woke up my appetite.”

“You expect me to feed you now?”

She fluffed back her curls and struck a pose. “I am all dolled up and we are in downtown Birmingham. The very least you could do is take me to dinner.”

 “I think there’s a hot dog place nearby.”

“You’re not getting off that easy.”

I shook my head as we got into the car. “You’re such a pricey broad.”

“You’d better believe it.”


 Buy Links

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019WPCIBM

https://books.apple.com/us/book/fleeing-beauty/id1071015365

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/fleeing-beauty 


Music this week comes from John Hiatt

https://youtu.be/7aYxMuLb3h8