Anyone who
knows me understands that I’m a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to technology.
Yes, I use a laptop computer. And a few years ago, I broke down and got a
smartphone, with the idea being that it would be helpful at book events when I
could utilize a device and accept credit cards.
As a music junkie, I’ve often got Pandora or another streaming service
engaged. I’ve gotten accustomed to
video calls from family and friends.
But
recently, with the onslaught of the pandemic in late March, I had to start
using video conferences to teach the remainder of the winter semester. I’ve
never been one that likes being in front of a camera, but it was necessary to
get the job done. As the virus continues
to be a problem, it’s had a huge impact on social gatherings. So I, like so many
others have been utilizing video conference calls! Ye Gods! An old friend once told me “You have the
perfect face for radio.” I couldn’t
argue with that. In fact, I readily agreed.
Within the
last month, I’ve participated in a group promotional effort for the release of “Magic
& Mischief” anthology, did a podcast interview and was part of a three
panel video discussion of authors for the local public library. You might think
I’m enjoying this time in front of the camera.
Yeah, well,
you’d be wrong.
But when the opportunity presents itself to promote my work
as an author, I’m going to take it. Rest
assured, no casting director from Hollywood is going to be tracking me down.
Here are the
links for the recent interviews to introduce the anthology.
Radio
Interview
Zoom Group interview short
Long version
During the
bit with the library, we were asked to read an excerpt from one of our
stories. So I selected an excerpt from “Your
Turn to Die” book two in the Jefferson Chene series.
In this scene, Detective
Jefferson Chene is interviewing Valerie Mann. She is the office manager for
Kyle Morrissey, who was brutally murdered during a war game of paintball.
“It’s a bad idea to lie to a cop, Valerie. Sooner
or later, the truth comes back to bite you in the ass."
Her body jolted as if I’d slapped her. “There
may be something in Kyle’s contact list. He didn’t keep business cards. When
someone gave him one, he’d put the details on his computer.”
“And you have access to that file?”
“Yes. It’s on the network.”
“Let’s take a look.”
I could have had the Cyber Unit scan the files
but there was a chance she’d give me more than just a name and a number.
Valerie turned to the computer and pulled the chair closer to the desk as I
came around beside her.
“Why did you lie to me?”
She shifted her head just enough to look me in
the eye. “I don’t like you.”
“It’s not a popularity contest. I’m trying to
figure out who killed your boss.”
“You’re abrasive.”
I shrugged. “If I have to be.”
“Your mother must be so proud.” Her voice was
dripping with sarcasm.
“I wouldn’t know. I never met her.”
Valerie opened her mouth to say something, but
no words came out. Her cheeks and throat flushed scarlet. She swallowed once
and turned her attention to the computer. I watched as she scrolled through a
list of files and brought up a folder labeled ‘contacts’.
“So there must be some other reason you lied,
other than not liking me.”
“I just don’t see how any of this could help
you find his killer.”
I pointed at the computer monitor. Slowly she
ran through the list of names. Valerie stopped occasionally to jot down the
details for several people listed as attorneys. It was tempting to see if there
were any recent emails between them and Morrissey. I was about to ask but
figured the Cyber Unit would be able to tell me. We finished with the list.
Valerie switched off the computer.
“Want to tell me about the lie?”
She let out a ragged breath. “You’re
impossible.”
I rested a hip on the desk. She remained in the
big chair. Self-consciously she crossed her legs, then tugged the hem of her
skirt down toward her knee. It didn’t cover much. “I’m in no hurry.”
“I thought you were trying to catch a killer.”
“I am. But my boss gets pissed if I do a sloppy
job and miss something.”
Valerie folded her hands in her lap. “I have
nothing more to say. Unless you have questions related to Mr. Morrissey’s
business dealings, I’m going to ask you to leave. We have a number of things to
finish up before tomorrow’s services.”
I decided not to push it. She was obviously
holding something back. Whether it was pertinent to the case was anyone’s
guess. Tucking the papers into my pocket, I pushed away from the desk. Valerie
stayed in the chair.
“Good-bye, Sergeant.”
“I’ll see you around, Ms. Mann.”
It obviously wasn’t the response she was hoping
for.
Buy Links
Music this
week comes from Carlos Santana with one of his best.
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