Saturday's Excerpt – Partners: The Other Woman

 Johanna’s complexion paled when she saw the woman. She looked anxiously at her mother.

Gracelyn sat stony faced as she met Johanna’s eyes. "Johanna, I’m sure you two have a lot to talk about."

"You two know each other?" Frankie’s eyes clouded as she wondered what the connection was between Johanna and the blonde. Johanna looked deeply distressed and her eyes flashed angrily as she made her way over to where Frankie still stood in the doorway. She slipped her arm through Frankie’s.

Johanna cleared her throat. "Frankie, this is Gretchen Wyler. We knew each other years ago in California."

"Now, Jo, we were much more than just friends," Gretchen cooed as her eyes swept appreciatively over Johanna then settled on Frankie. "We’ve already met. I thought you were Jo’s secretary," she said, annoyed. "You didn’t tell me differently."

"I had no reason to," Frankie replied smugly. "Now what are you doing at my home this time of night?"

"I’m here to talk to Jo. This matter doesn’t concern you." She turned her attention back to Johanna. " I want to hire you, Jo. I ran into your mother a few weeks ago and she told me you’re a private investigator now."

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Simon and Schuster

Saturday's Excerpt – Partners: The Wrong Corpse

 The women watched as the Porsche’s driver side door opened and Cassandra stepped out. She quietly closed the door behind her, then pushed the remote to lock the car. Johanna snapped a few discreet pictures. Cassandra’s blonde hair glistened in the motel’s overhead lights. She wore a tight, short, red dress, which showed off her curvy well-endowed body. Her spike heels made clicking sounds on the pavement as she headed toward the far end of the motel then turned the corner.

"She looks more like a hooker than the heiress to the Reynolds’ fortune, and the wife of a wealthy financial advisor," Frankie observed as she pulled out of the parking space and drove in the opposite direction to the back of the motel. Cassandra wasn’t in sight.

"I wonder where she went," Johanna said. "It couldn’t have been too far." She squinted as she read the sign. "These rooms in the back are equipped with kitchenettes, an extra room, and are available for long-term lease."

"Sounds almost like a small studio apartment." Frankie parked the car and turned off the ignition. "McHenry said she’s typically gone for hours at a time."

"He also said besides visiting a ‘friend’, she tells him she’s going to Riley’s Gym for a workout," Johanna interjected.

Frankie lifted an eyebrow. "Well, I’ll bet she’s getting a workout all right." She took a pen flashlight and shined it on her notes. "We should talk to the manager of Riley’s Gym to see if she does indeed go there. They’d have a record if she has a membership."

"She could just be telling McHenry that."

"Why? I mean if she wanted out of her marriage, why not get a divorce? She’s rich. And face it; he’s old enough to be her father. He’s not very good looking either." She made a face. "Maybe she’s getting a little from some hot stud to fortify herself before climbing into bed with him every night."

Johanna was thoughtful for a minute. "Could be. Maybe she doesn’t want the publicity and cost of a messy divorce. So she has a fling with no strings attached."

A door two spaces from where they were parked opened. Cassandra slipped outside. Frankie and Johanna scrunched down in their seats. Johanna angled the camera and snapped a picture before

Cassandra turned and disappeared around the building. 

"She parks out front when it would make more sense for her to park back here where no one can see her car. Face it, a Porsche is going to stand out in a place like this."

"If she’s hiding her whereabouts she’s not doing a very good job of it," Johanna said.

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Simon and Schuster

Saturday's Excerpt – The Three Of Us

 Deborah’s eyes traveled to Lily. Lily, dressed in casual kaki slacks and a red turtleneck, had set the last suitcase on the driveway and then slowly closed the trunk of the car. As Deborah watched Lily pick up the suitcases and begin to walk toward Caroline, Deborah got her first full view of her. It can’t be! she thought. As Lily moved closer, Deborah’s eyes met the woman’s eyes. Lily showed no emotion or recognition. Deborah froze, and then visibly trembled. 

"Are you all right, Mom?" Caroline asked, worriedly taking Deborah’s arm and steadying her. "You’re trembling." She stared curiously at her. "You’re so pale. What’s wrong? Have you been ill? Are you keeping some health problem from me, Mom?" 

"No…no, I’m fine, Caroline." she said quickly as she struggled to regain her composure. She smiled. "I’m just so excited to see you. All of your sudden news has overwhelmed me. That’s all."

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Saturday's Excerpt – Heart's Desire

 Emma made up the bed and then slipped between the sheets anticipating the night of passion Vanessa promised. She gazed at the fire in the fireplace. The soft glowing light from the flames provided the perfect ambiance. It also took the chill off the cabin, but soon Vanessa’s naked flesh next to hers would give her all the warmth she desired. Emma had remembered to bring a bottle of wine and two wine glasses. She had them set out on a small table next to the bed. She smiled as she thought about the romantic night that awaited them. As soon as Vanessa was finished showering, their night would begin. 

The bathroom door opened and Vanessa stepped out. She smiled seductively at Emma. Emma’s breath caught in her throat. No matter how many times she saw Vanessa naked, her tantalizing beauty always captivated her. Vanessa’s long blonde hair fell forward over her shoulders covering part of her well-rounded breasts. Emma grew hotter as Vanessa moved seductively toward the bed.

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Saturday's Excerpt – Breaking Free

 Even though they’d spent only a short time together, it had been comfortable. Izzy was easy to talk to and her presence was relaxing. She seemed eager to settle into Beacher and Katelyn would help her make that transition a pleasant one if Izzy wanted her to. 

Stop it! She commanded her mind as it began imagining all sorts of scenarios. She bit her bottom lip. Just because Izzy was new in town and obviously unattached gave Katelyn no reason to assume the woman was a lesbian just because Katelyn’s mind tried to will her to be so. Izzy had given her no reason to assume she was gay. She hadn’t mentioned anyone coming to Beacher with her and had seemed eager to accept Katelyn’s invitation. Of course, there could be many reasons why she’d come alone. Perhaps a companion would be joining her later.

 Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Saturday's Excerpt – Behind Closed Doors

 A loud knock on her door caused her heart to leap into her throat. She peered cautiously through the peephole and recognized Karl’s ruddy face. He had someone with him, but she couldn’t make out any details. Maybe it was a trap. Had someone tailed Karl and found out that he could lead them to her? She didn’t want to open the door. Maybe he had a gun to his back. She glanced over her shoulder. She had no way of escaping. Was this going to be how it all ended? She briefly closed her eyes, saying a silent prayer and then flung the door open. 

Karl stepped aside, ushering the stranger inside, then quickly shut and bolted the door. He removed his trench coat and hung it on the hook next to Kera’s jacket. He was dressed as usual in a suit. The gray shade seemed to match the gray sky. His broad shoulders filled out the suit jacket. His pleasant round face looked fatigued.

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Saturday's Excerpt – The Prize

 Micki knew that it was no secret to Marti or Tina her efforts to woo the elusive Starlyn. If she’d given them a reason for snubbing Micki, they never told her what it was. She was friendly, popular and a loyal friend to those she cared about, but unfortunately that part of Micki, Starlyn refused to see. Starlyn just didn’t appear interested in any facet of Micki’s life and preferred avoiding her. Liz had hinted on one occasion that Starlyn had once referred to Micki as a player and when Liz had tried to defend her, Starlyn had sweetly smiled and said she wasn’t interested in dating anyone who played around.

Amazon