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Beauty Of Man and Woman ““ Episode 10

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Written by Mercedes Keyes
Interracial drama series
[Overall] Rated R

To read further ““ http://amberswann.com

Sylvia Payne

Chapter 28


Earlier in the week…


“I want outta here! I want outta here now! Why haven’t you paid for my bail or something?” Ray pressed with flared nostrils, his index finger jabbing the table for emphasis as he consulted with his attorney at the Juneau County Courthouse.

“Because you’re a stupid-ass sex offender; no bail for you, idiot!

“Hey, don’t fuckin’ talk to me like that, you here t’defend me,” Ray reminded him. It had been almost eight weeks since his attack on Sylvia Payne, his court date was coming up in a few days and he was starting to get nervous. Ray hated the thought of having to do time. He’d already done time once for a similar offence, which was the reason he was being held without bail. Every day that drew closer to that court date made him nervous, he had to find a way to get out. As soon as he’d recovered from that beating McPherson laid on him, he’d made his one phone call to Carl Brighton, who had in turn sent him the attorney that sat on the other side of the interview window from him. Ray had used that one phone call to get the message through to Carl loud and clear, that he had better see to it that he got cleared of this, that he didn’t serve any time, because he knew things”¦he wasn’t stupid, so he didn’t appreciate this fancy California lawyer whom he suspected was gay, calling him stupid.

“Listen here, you gay fuck! If I go to trial, there’s some people who’ll be sorry””I swear to god, they’ll be sorry. Get me outta here!”

The attorney sat and stared a moment, uncrossed his legs and stood. Before he departed his last words were, “Oh, you’ll be getting out alright, be assured you will. I can guarantee it.”

“Yeah, well…make it quick!” Olivetti shouted as the lawyer disappeared from sight.

“Let’s go, Olivetti, interview over,” the black guard called from the door.

“I can see that, boogie boy!”

The guard grinned. “That’s why you got yo’ ass kicked. Dumb mothafuckas like you never learn.”

“Yeah, well, kiss my ass!”

“Ain’t no need for me to, m’man…your cellmate gone take care o’that f’ya, or you be kissin’ his.”


* * *


“What!” he shouted. Sylvia’s eyebrows drew in, curious.

“Angela”¦has run away!” Deidre repeated, panicking on the other end of the phone.

“What the hell do you mean””she ran away! When?” He held the phone to his ear, looking Sylvia in the eyes, his eyes instantly transformed to intense worry.

“Sometime today. She left for school as usual, but when Paul returned, he said she was not there waiting for him as usual. I called the school, they said she hadn’t attended school today. I couldn’t believe it, so I went into her room looking to see if there was anything there that would give me a clue of what is going on; there was a note on her pillow. She’d written, I’m outta here! I then got on the phone and called you,” she explained.

Sylvia stood with her hand going to her heart for him.

“So how long has she been gone?”

“Shawn! I don’t know! I just told you, she didn’t go into school. I’m assuming she’s been gone since this morning.”

“What are the police doing?”

“They haven’t arrived here yet.”

“Dammit! I can’t believe this shit!”

“They’re here now…I have to go!”

“Alright, alright…call me as soon as you know something.”

“Call you? You need to get here! Right away! Board the next plane!”

“I may just have to!” Shawn replied, then hung up and looked at Sylvia.

“My daughter’s run away from home.”

“I know…oh, Shawn,” Sylvia returned softly, sympathizing.

“I cannot believe this shit is happening! When I left her, she was happy! Now all of a sudden, she’s a runaway!”

“So”¦what did she say? How long has she been gone?” Sylvia questioned.

“Obviously she left sometime this morning, pretending to go off to school.”

“And she’s just contacting you now? At this time of night? It’s eight o’clock! What time is it in California?” Sylvia brought to his attention.

“Hey! You’re right, it would be six o’clock there! She said she went in her room, looked around and found a note saying ‘I’m outta here!’ and then got on the phone and called me. If she really did this after she got out of school, it would be much earlier in the evening. What the fuck is going on!” he spat angrily, his insides twisting into knots.

“Well, first, calm down”””

“Calm down hell! My daughter’s out on the streets somewhere! In California, of all places! The worst place in the world for a runaway!”

“I know, I know””I’m sorry. You’re going to have to call her back in a few moments and question her more, you need to know more in order to work this out.”

“No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you,” he apologized and pulled her into his arms, hugging her to make repairs as his mind raced.

“Believe me, Shawn, I understand, you don’t have to apologize.”

“I’m going to have to go there. I have no choice. I need you to go with me.”

Sylvia pulled back to look up at him. “Me? Why do you wish me to go?”

He reacted with anger again. “Why the hell do you think? You’re going to be my wife! I need you with me!”

“Don’t shout, Shawn! It’s not that I don’t want to be with you. It’s just that, at a time like this, you don’t need to exacerbate the problem by bringing me in. I don’t think my presence there is going to help,” she tried to reason with him.

Shawn took a moment to blow and try to get a grip on his anger and fear, running his hand over the top of his head, scratching his scalp and turning from her. With his back to her, he leaned against his counter before the sink and said, “I want you with me, Sylvie. I don’t want to go there alone. I’m asking you, please, to go with me.”

“Oh, Shawn””” she groaned, her own fears surfacing.

“Please, Sylvie! At least take the flight with me. We’ll go straight to my condo, you can get comfortable there and I’ll go to the house and talk to Deidre alone, but I need you with me,” he explained while searching her eyes for her to understand. Sylvia stood with a uncomfortable look on her face, hesitating to answer. “Please, Sylvie.”

“Okay, okay, okay…I’ll go. Get on the phone now and see what flights there might be heading out. Be prepared that there may not be any.”

“Thank you, sweetheart. I just”¦I just need you to be there with me.”

“Okay. Let me head across the road and start packing, ring me with our flight plans,” Sylvia conceded, heading for the door when the phone rang again. She stopped and turned back as he dashed back across the room and snatched up the phone.

“Hello!” he barked, anxiety making him tense and edgy.

“Daddy?”

“Angela? Where the hell are you? What are you doing?”

“Daddy…” she repeated and started crying on the phone.

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry for yelling. Tell me what’s going on, where are you?”

“I’m-I’m in…Madison”¦Wisconsin,” she admitted timidly.

“Madison! Madison, Wisconsin? How in the he-…world did you get there?”

“I came with my friend’s sister. She goes to a college here. We talked her into bringing me,” she answered from the partially vacant airport lobby.

“How old is she?”

“Nineteen,” she answered. “Will you come and get me?”

“I’m on my way! It’s going to take me almost two hours to get there! Don’t””you””move! Is there a security guard or a clerk somewhere near?”

“Ummm, um”¦ yeah…there’s a security guard here.” She hesitated, needing to look around to spot him before she answered.

“Get his attention, call him over and pass the phone to him…now!”

“Okay…”

He held the phone to his ear, looking at Sylvia, shaking his head in disbelief.

“She’s in Madison?” Sylvia asked incredulously. He nodded yes, hearing her call the security guard to the phone, then her soft voice telling him that her father was on the phone and wanted to speak with him.

“Hello?” a man responded on the other end.

“Yes! My name is Shawn Everett McPherson. That young girl there is my daughter! I need you to take her to your security office, out of harm’s way. She’s run away from my ex-wife in California on a flight there. I’m on my way now to get her, but I live in Camp Daniels, almost two hours away.”

“I see…actually, this is a matter for the police…not me.”

“Bullshit! You’re airport security, aren’t you?”

Sylvia’s eyes grew wide. “Shawn, don’t curse at him,” she whispered.

“Yes, sir, I am but…” the man responded stunned, unsure of what to do, he withheld comment, having children of his own.

“Look, man, I’m sorry. Call the police, if you wish. All I need to know is that my daughter is in safe hands until I can get there, I don’t want her disappearing on me. Please, I’m on my way.”

“I understand, she’ll be here,” he returned.

“Can I get your name, please?” He motioned to Sylvia to get him a pen and paper. Quickly she took off for it and then returned with both in hand, nodding as she used the kitchen table to jot down the man’s name that Shawn called out to her.

“Okay, can you please pass the phone back to my daughter?”

Angela was back on. “Yes, daddy?”

“You let that security officer place you in a safe area. I’m on my way.”

He hung up and rushed about, changing his shirt, putting on fresh socks and calling out to Sylvia as he did so. “Can you start the SUV for me?” he shouted from down the hall. “Shawn, call her mother!” she shouted, heading for the door.

As soon as the vehicle was started, she clicked his automatic garage door opener. Just as she was climbing out, he was already entering the garage. “Just climb across to the other side, sweetie, you don’t have to get out.”

“I’m not going,” she said softly.

“Dammit, Sylvia!”

“I’m not going, Shawn! You two need to be alone. She’s going to be uncomfortable with me present. She’ll never tell you the truth about what’s happening with her if I’m there. Don’t shove me down her throat! Did you call her mother?”

“She can kiss my ass!” he blurted petulantly.

“Shawn, that’s not fair! She called you!”

“I don’t have time for this…I have to go. You call her, tell her what’s going on,” he instructed, climbing in and buckling his seatbelt. Sylvia could tell he was not happy about her not going with him. “I don’t know her number,” she informed him.

“It’s in my phone book, in the living room on the table. I gotta go.” He wouldn’t look at her. Sylvia sighed. “Alright, go. Please be careful, don’t drive like a maniac!” she finished, stepping away from the door so he could close it. He slammed it and looked at her from inside through the window. She didn’t need him to say anything to read his dislike at her not going along. He slowly backed out of the garage, making the backward curve onto the road, shifted into drive and pulled off into the night.

Shaking her head, Sylvia closed the garage door with the switch as she made her exit. Re-entering his house, she unbuttoned her coat and went looking for the phone book, the phone rang. Back in the kitchen, she reluctantly answered, certain of who it might be.

“Hello?”

A crackling line of silence, then following the obvious pause, “Ummm, I was calling a Shawn McPherson?” Deidre returned, with her temples throbbing, catching her breath. “Is this 608-799-0504?”

“Yes”¦it is. Is this Deidre?”

Again a pregnant pause.

“Yes, it is. Who is this?”

“I’m Sylvia, Shawn’s fiancée.”

“His fiancée?”

“Yes…I was about to call you now. Shawn’s on his way to Madison Airport. Angela called from there for him to come and get her.”

“Madison Airport? Wisconsin?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, my god! How did she get there?”

“I’m not certain, I didn’t get all of that. Shawn was too upset and focused on going to get her to tell me. I’m certain it has to do with a friend or something, he’ll call you when he gets back with her.”

“Well, you’re not going to be there when they get back, are you? I mean, you’re the reason all of this is happening!” Deidre blasted her right away, shaken to the core to actually hear a confirmation of her fears. She couldn’t help but take her frustrations out on Sylvia because she was stuck with no ready solution to her predicament. Her mind was in a whirl to hear that Shawn was actually engaged, with her heart pounding and her ears ringing, she couldn’t help herself.

“Excuse me…may I suggest your focus be on your daughter, not on Shawn!”

“I beg your pardon! My focus is on my daughter, who ran away because she’s afraid of losing her father! Afraid that you may come between them!”

“Well, she’s here now, and I can assure you, I have no intention of coming between father and daughter.”

“It’s a bit too late for that, you already have! You can thank your lucky stars my daughter is there safe! That nothing’s happened to her!”

“Honey, I don’t do lucky stars – but you be my guest! Another thing, you best get off this phone and calm yourself down, because you’ re talkin’ stupid! Whether anything”””

{{ Click }}

“Ach”¦you bitch!” Sylvia shook her head and hung up the phone. “See, mess is startin’ already! Already! Drama, drama, drama! I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! I need my freakin’ head examined. What in the heck have I done?” She took several deep breaths to calm herself, leaning against his counter. Turning her head, she glanced down at the ring on he finger. “Dammit, I can’t ever get my ass into little shit…I always gotta go squeezin’ it into big shit! White man, ex-wives, and step-children!” She buttoned her coat back up, snatched her purse off the counter and headed for the door, making sure to lock it on the way out.


Chapter 29

“What are you doing? Where are you going?” Georgiana asked her daughter as she stood on the grand staircase, watching her bring down a suitcase and overnight bag.

“I’m going to Wisconsin!” Deidre answered.

“Wisconsin? What about your daughter?” Georgiana asked.

“She’s in Wisconsin!” Deidre called back as she rounded the bottom of the stairs. Georgiana turned and followed, asking, “How in the…how did she get there? You mean with Shawn?”

“Yes! I just called him back after the police left. It appears that she somehow got a friend or someone to help her. She boarded a flight and is now at the Madison Airport. Shawn’s on his way to get her. I’m on my way there now to bring her back home,” she informed her mother just as her father stepped out of the study, hearing the tail end of their discussion.

“Why don’t you just leave her there with him?” he suggested, very serious.

Deidre set her two bags down and looked at her father as if he’d suddenly grown two horns. “Are you out of your mind? She’s my daughter, I’m going to get her!”

“She doesn’t wish to live here, she’s made that clear, so leave her to her father.”

“I””will””not!”

“Oscar, you’ve lost all sense and reasoning!” Georgiana blasted, then turned to her daughter. “Ignore him, sweetheart. Give me a moment and I will grab a quick bag and go with you.”

“I don’t need you to go with me.” Deidre stopped her at the stairs.

Oscar stood steaming and staring at his wife. She was so transparent to him, he knew the real reason she wanted to go. She was itching to find out exactly where McPherson was.

“Well, you’re certainly not going there alone, I insist! I won’t have that snake taking advantage of you,” Georgiana insisted, ignoring her husband’s heated glare. She didn’t care what he suspected. Her stomach tingled in anticipation of seeing Shawn again, she’d missed him on his visit to pick up Angela, and again when he’d dropped her off. This was infinitely better. If she knew where he was, thankfully out of California, it would increase her odds of bargaining with him.

“Shawn has never taken advantage of me, Mother!” Deidre called from the bottom of the stairs looking up, waiting for her mother to stop long enough to listen. “Mother!” she shouted and received no answer. Snatching herself around, she cut loose on her father.

“I’ve had it up to here with you! I’ve had it up to here with her! Why can’t you both just stay the hell out my life?”

“Ohhh, I don’t know”¦maybe it has something to do with the fact that you’re screwing it up so badly, we’re trying to help you salvage something,” he answered sarcastically, having little time for her dramatics. He was too busy burning up from the inside out. Right then, his decision became final…he would kill Georgiana, somehow”¦someway”¦he would end his humiliation, and then he’d figure out a way of getting the business from his daughter. Once he had full possession of it, she could very well bugger the hell off and do whatever the hell she wanted with McPherson””he would have what he wanted.

“Father, you know what…I mean this with absolute sincerity”¦go t’hell!” She ran up the stairs to find her mother.

“You little bitch! Probably not mine anyway,” he mumbled heatedly, turning away from the stairs to re-enter his office. “One thing at a time, ole boy, one thing at a time,” he went on, circling his desk to get on the phone.


“Mother…there’s no need for you to go with me,” Deidre began, entering her mother’s room to stop her from packing.

“You think you’re going to get a flight out of here fast enough? You know better, dear. Trust me, this is the fastest way for you to get there to see about Angela. You do wish to collect your daughter, don’t you?”

Deidre sighed, sat on her mother’s bed defeated, nodding she said, “I suppose so. I haven’t even called an airline.”

“There you go. See, you’re so riled up and upset, you’re not thinking clearly. Don’t worry about it, go and give the police a call and let them know that she’s been found. As soon as I’m done packing, I’ll have our private plane waiting. Well, don’t just sit there, get moving.”


* * *


Shawn sprinted out of the parking ramp of the airport, hit an icy spot, slipped, slid and caught himself as he stopped suddenly gaining traction on the clear pavement again, continuing his sprint without thought. His life was turning erratic once again. He couldn’t make sense of it. No matter how hard he worked to make his life simple, peaceful, normal, things seemed to always come up and wreck the calm world he was in the midst of constructing. He was still sulking from Sylvia not coming with him, making him wonder if she really did love him after all. He called himself a thousand different kinds of fool for going this far with her, especially considering the many women who would walk over hot coals for him. “Not you Sylvia Payne!” he grunted, breathing hard, entering through the electric doors, heading for the ticket counter.

“Excuse me, can you call security for me? I think the one on duty is named Phil Johnson?”

“Yes, that’s his name,” the young clerk answered, then picked up her phone, hitting four numbers with the receiver to her ear. Shawn crossed his arms on the counter and laid his head there looking toward the floor, his nerves shaky as he blew out to get control of himself.

“What’s your name, Sir?”

“Shawn Everett McPherson, I’m here to collect my daughter.”

“Yes…” she answered him, nodding that she understood and passed his identity over the phone. Hanging up, she informed him, “He’ll be right out with her.”

“Thank you,” he gasped. Standing, he turned and walked towards the water fountain across the lobby, bending to get a drink of water, on the fourth swallow, he heard her. “Daddy!” Turning back, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand as she ran into his arms from the far end of the lobby, the location of the security office. Breathing a sigh of relief, he watched the guard approach him with a smile of empathy. He was a man a bit older than Shawn, thin grey hair, slightly portly, white and his same height.

With his daughter’s arms wrapped around his waist, his left arm over her, he held his right hand out, “May I please apologize to you for my brisk manner over the phone? My guts have been turned inside and out over th’lass, I swear.” Shawn’s overwhelming sense of relief made his eyes water, shaking the other man’s hand.

“Hey, I understand. I have four myself, all girls! I know what you’re going through,” the other man assured him, squeezing and shaking his hand in turn. “That one’s sure a beauty, you got good reason to worry.”

“Yeah, don’t I know it. Hey, I owe you a drink or something.”

“Naaaw, don’t drink…but if ever one of mine is out like this one, and you’re there, return the favor.”

“You got it,” Shawn promised and turned with his daughter, grabbing her large night sack from her.

“Daddy…”

“Wait until we get in the car,” he stopped her, still holding onto her as they made their way to the exit, stepping out into a cross wind that took their breath away. That was when he realized she only wore a little jacket for California, nothing suitable for the cold winter winds of Wisconsin. He stopped, took off his jacket, and dropped it over her shoulders. Her long hair flew up and across him as he turned back and led her to the ramp car park. They made it to his SUV, with him opening the door for her. She jumped in grabbing her seat belt right away. Shawn slammed the door, got in on the driver’s side and threw her bag in the back seat. As soon as he buckled his own seat belt and started his vehicle, a haunting song came on the radio, Forbidden Colours by David Sylvian. The tune made him bend over his steering wheel a moment to get a grip on his rioting emotions.

“Daddy…” Angela tried again, her eyes moist.

Shawn reached over and switched the radio low. “Why did you do this?” he asked, not looking at her.

“I wanna be with you. Please”¦can I be with you?”

He sat back, wiping his hand over his face, pinching his eyes, they were tired and burning.

“Why didn’t you call me first?”

“I was so angry with mom, I just wanted to go. If I had called you, you would have tried to talk me out of coming.”

“I told you you could come this summer, did I not?” He finally looked at her.

“I don’t want to be with you just in the summer, I want us to be together all the time! So does mom! She wants it too, but”””

“Angela, don’t start! I told you”””

“Daddy, please…please give her another chance! She’s willing to give you another chance! She still loves you! She told me she did!”

“What are you talking about?”

“Mom…she wants to be with you again! She wants us to be a family again, she told me! She was looking for property to try and move here to Wisconsin so we could finally be together, but then, granddad said something to her, he made her change her mind. I was so angry with her, and him! So, I just”¦I just left!” she blurted it all out, and then sank sideways in her seat facing her father in the dark running vehicle.

Shawn was quiet a few minutes, letting it all sink in. He was quiet so long, Angela thought he refused to believe her. He snatched the stick into reverse and backed out, righted himself and pulled out of the parking ramp, his mind in a whirl. Angela chewed on her lip, trying to patiently wait for him to say something. It was a quiet ride through Madison as he made his way towards the interstate. When he finally came around to saying something, it was not what she expected. “Did your mother put you up to this? Is this some kind of game she’s playing?”

“Nooo””no, it was me! I did it!”

“So how did you get a flight here?”

“Remember my friend Zayna?”

“Yes.”

“Well, her sister goes to Madison University. She was home from school and I went there all upset. I told Zayna I was running away from home. She talked me out of it, said I should just come to you. She went to her sister, told her if she didn’t let me come with her, I would run away and get killed or something. Anyway, she agreed…”

“You want me to believe, that on short notice, she just got you a ticket and a seat here?”

“Yeah…there were a few cancellations.”

Shawn blew out, exasperated.

“Yeah, well, she better hope we don’t meet, she just leaves you at the airport! Angela”¦don’t you ever, ever, do this again. I mean it! Not ever again!”

“I told her I’d be alright, she was there when you answered the phone. I told her she could go.”

“Yeah…well, still, you cannot be doing this!”

“Then let me stay with you and I won’t.”

“I’m not going to be negotiating with you, Angela!”

“Daddy, don’t you see? If you and mom would just get back together, all our problems would be solved. What about that?”

“It’s not going to happen.”

“Why not? Mom wants it, I want it, why can’t you want it, too!”

“It’s too late, Angela.”

“No, it’s not!”

“Yes, it is!” he corrected adamantly, pulling up to a red light.

She sat hurt, angry, and desperate. Before he knew what she was about, she unbuckled her seatbelt and bolted from the SUV, darting out into the street, running pell-mell in whatever direction was clear.

“Fuck! Angelaaa!” he shouted, and was forced to cut his wheel to the right, blowing his horn because he had to cross a lane in front of other vehicles to get over with his car door wide open, scratching other vehicles as he went. Speeding and breaking, he pulled onto the street she ran down, slamming his door, rushed to the other side doing the same, clicking it locked with his key remote switching on his alarm at the same time he sprinted off down the street shouting her name, trying to catch her, leaving behind car horns blowing and angry people shouting at him.



Chapter 30

Stress, tension, fear, and anxiety coursed through Sylvia’s system as she paced back and forth, waiting for a phone call from Shawn as to whether he’d made it to Madison or not? Did he have Angela or not? Was she safe, secured with him or not? Waiting…waiting…waiting. Her guts tied up in knots. Adding to that worry was the fact that in every room of her house she walked into, there was a calendar hanging on the wall, and for the last two days, she had avoided looking at them. That night, right then, they seemed to come alive and mock her. As if they were connected to a spring loaded behind them, they seemed to eject themselves away from the wall at her if she dare walk by them and not look.

“Look!” they kept calling out to her. “Look at me…check…check…check.”

“No! I won’t…I won’t.” With her arms crossed over her breasts, Sylvia suddenly turned and glared at the radio. Phil Collins’ In the air tonight had the nerve to come on at that moment. Her clock chimed, it was midnight.

“Where are you? Call me!” she cried out. “Something’s wrong. Something is wrong! I should have gone with him! Why didn’t I go with him? Damn you Sylvia! You should have gone with that man, and you know it.” She sat down and grabbed her hair, frustrated. She sat up as a thought came to her. Coming to her feet, she went and grabbed her coat, putting it on and snatched her keys.

Using the key Shawn gave her, she entered his home and went straight to the table by the sofa and picked up his phonebook and went back out, heading back across the road to her house. Once inside, she ripped her coat off and went to her sofa, sitting down she flipped through it to the M’s. There was a list of McPherson’s.


Bart & Gert McPherson (mom & dad)

Derrick & Meribel McPherson (brother sibling 1 & wife)

Jake McPherson & Doris (brother sibling 2)

Kathy Ann [McPherson] & Dwight Dearborn (sister sibling 1 & hubby)

Shanna [McPherson] & John Sykes (sister sibling 2 & hubby)


Sylvia sat staring at the names, wondering who to call. “Do I call your mom and dad? They’ll be worried”¦what if there’s nothing to worry about? No”¦I won’t call them, maybe I should call one of your brothers? Derrick or Jake, Jake or Derrick? Or maybe I should call a sister? Damn you Shawn McPherson, you are wrecking my peaceful life!” She sat worrying over who to call, wishing the phone would ring. Then realized if she called one of them, she’d be tying up the line at the very moment he might be trying to call her.

“Oh, hell no…this ain’t right – this is not right! I am not suppose to be going through this. I knew your ass was trouble the first moment I looked at you. I knew it! Dammit!” She looked at the clock, it was 12:15am.

She turned to look out of her window at his house, the living room and kitchen lit up as the house and her waited for him to return. “Come on Shawn, pull up. Pull into the driveway, please…pull in,” she pleaded, and all of sudden, she burst into tears. Shocked at herself, she covered her mouth trying to stifle her crying, but a sob burst through until she was crying full-blown with her chest burning. She rose from the sofa and went to her room, throwing herself across her bed where her shoulders shook while she cried. She could feel it in her gut, something was wrong. She laid thinking about the time it would take him to get there, going into the airport, getting his daughter, and driving back. He should be there now. She wiped her eyes, went into her bathroom to blow her nose. Then she dared it, she looked at the calendar. She walked over to it, stared at the date that meant the most to her. Fifteen days ago, Shawn had taken her three times, no condom. “No condom…oh Shawn. You goddamn, pushy, controlling white man, I’m freaking late…I am soooo late! Oh please…come on. Please, my friend, come down, please!” She was ten days late now. Then she thought about it as she wiped her nose. “You’re being ridiculous, what’s ten days? You’ve been ten days late before a few times,” she spoke out loud, trying to bring herself up out of her slump of depression, then after deeper thought, slipped in more. “But I wasn’t having sex then when I was late!” she wailed, turning away, wiping at her nose distracted, the back of her hand clearing the tears streaming from her eyes.

“What am I going to do? I’m thirty-eight years old…please, don’t let me be…please, don’t let me be.” She couldn’t even bring herself to say the word. By not saying it, that would make it not so, so she would dismiss it from her mind and just let nature take its course. She was overreacting. She would just not think about it and one day, she would wake to flooded sheets and a stained bed or underwear. Walking to the big picture window, she stood staring across the street. She turned looking at the clock. It was 12:40 in the morning.

“Okay… you should be here now, pull up Shawn.”

The phone rang, she rushed to it. “Hello!”

“Sylvia…”

“Shawn, oh, Shawn! I’ve been waiting for you to drive up or call, where are you?”

He was quiet, then finally he spoke, “I need you to come and get me, I’m in jail.”

“What? In jail!”

“Yeah…will you come and get me?”

Sylvia couldn’t believe what she was hearing, “I’m on my way!”

End of episode 10

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For ebook this link
Otherwise, see you in two weeks
Bomaw ““ Episode 10


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SAUCEPANS AND THE SINGLE GIRL                                                                        Sign up for our Email Newsletter                SAUCEPANS AND THE SINGLE GIRL  JINX MORGAN AND JUDY PERRY  ISBN:0-446-69692-7  May 10, 2006  Time Warner Books  1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020  Hardback $13.95 U.S./$18.95 Canada  256 Pages  Home & Family/Cookbooks & Cookery  Rating: 5 Cups  Tired of sitting around waiting for that certain someone to appear at your doorstep or for that one meal to lace comfort all the way to the soul? Look no further, whether dining by candlelight or outside under a lovely oak tree on a picnic, these recipes capture any heart while making memories to last a lifetime.  The recipes inside Saucepans and The Single Girl sound so scrumptious they had my taste buds swimming for the flavor of one succulent bite. Ideas so amazing and loaded with entertaining useful tips for any woman beginning an independent life, it had me mesmerized. A man could use some of these great dishes too.  This updated edition with new observations, charming illustrations and a look back at how things were forty years ago is refreshing, humorous, engaging and a remembrance into times past. Financial issues never change and this sweet book shows how to stretch in so many ways on any budget. The recipes show how to toss together something quickly, to help locate that one person to spend life with and share tons of happiness together always, not to mention a reflection back into time with precious memories that touch the heart and soul.  Saucepans and The Single Girl is one gift that should go to anyone just starting out or starting over. Jinx Morgan and Judy Perry dem...

SAUCEPANS AND THE SINGLE GIRL                                                                       Sign up for our Email Newsletter               SAUCEPANS AND THE SINGLE GIRL JINX MORGAN AND JUDY PERRY ISBN:0-446-69692-7 May 10, 2006 Time Warner Books 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 Hardback $13.95 U.S./$18.95 Canada 256 Pages Home & Family/Cookbooks & Cookery Rating: 5 Cups Tired of sitting around waiting for that certain someone to appear at your doorstep or for that one meal to lace comfort all the way to the soul? Look no further, whether dining by candlelight or outside under a lovely oak tree on a picnic, these recipes capture any heart while making memories to last a lifetime. The recipes inside Saucepans and The Single Girl sound so scrumptious they had my taste buds swimming for the flavor of one succulent bite. Ideas so amazing and loaded with entertaining useful tips for any woman beginning an independent life, it had me mesmerized. A man could use some of these great dishes too. This updated edition with new observations, charming illustrations and a look back at how things were forty years ago is refreshing, humorous, engaging and a remembrance into times past. Financial issues never change and this sweet book shows how to stretch in so many ways on any budget. The recipes show how to toss together something quickly, to help locate that one person to spend life with and share tons of happiness together always, not to mention a reflection back into time with precious memories that touch the heart and soul. Saucepans and The Single Girl is one gift that should go to anyone just starting out or starting over. Jinx Morgan and Judy Perry dem... ...

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Eros Element by Cecilia Dominic August 25, 2015

Aether Psychics: Book 1

After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure and predictability. Just the thought of stepping outside his strict routine raises his anxiety.

Adding to his discomfort is Iris McTavish, who appears at his school’s faculty meeting in place of her world-famous archeologist father. Worse, the two of them are to pose as Grand Tourists while they search for an element that will help harness the power of aether.

Iris jumps at the opportunity to prove her worth as a scholar—and avoid an unwanted marriage proposal—while hiding the truth of her father’s whereabouts. If her secret gets out, the house of McTavish will fall into ruin.

Quite unexpectedly, Edward and Iris discover a growing attraction as their journey takes them to Paris and Rome, where betrayal, blackmail and outright theft threaten to destroy what could be a revolutionary discovery—and break their hearts.

Warning: Allergen alert! This book was produced in a facility that handles copious amounts of wine, tea and baked goods. May contain one or more of the following: a spirited heroine, a quirky hero, clever banter, interesting facts both made-up and historical, and lots of secrets. It is, however, gluten free.
Amazon  | Barnes & Noble https://bit.ly/3Mt0bBL August 25, 2015 Aether Psychics: Book 1 After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure...

Eros Element by Cecilia Dominic August 25, 2015

Aether Psychics: Book 1

After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure and predictability. Just the thought of stepping outside his strict routine raises his anxiety.

Adding to his discomfort is Iris McTavish, who appears at his school’s faculty meeting in place of her world-famous archeologist father. Worse, the two of them are to pose as Grand Tourists while they search for an element that will help harness the power of aether.

Iris jumps at the opportunity to prove her worth as a scholar—and avoid an unwanted marriage proposal—while hiding the truth of her father’s whereabouts. If her secret gets out, the house of McTavish will fall into ruin.

Quite unexpectedly, Edward and Iris discover a growing attraction as their journey takes them to Paris and Rome, where betrayal, blackmail and outright theft threaten to destroy what could be a revolutionary discovery—and break their hearts.

Warning: Allergen alert! This book was produced in a facility that handles copious amounts of wine, tea and baked goods. May contain one or more of the following: a spirited heroine, a quirky hero, clever banter, interesting facts both made-up and historical, and lots of secrets. It is, however, gluten free.
Amazon  | Barnes & Noble https://bit.ly/3Mt0bBL August 25, 2015 Aether Psychics: Book 1 After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure...
...

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Archipelago Books - New Website News 

https://mailchi.mp/archipelagobooks/introducing-our-new-website?e=243fa7f13c
 https://bit.ly/3z3OcaB https://mailchi.mp/archipelagobooks/introducing-our-new-website?e=243fa7f13c

Archipelago Books - New Website News

https://mailchi.mp/archipelagobooks/introducing-our-new-website?e=243fa7f13c
https://bit.ly/3z3OcaB https://mailchi.mp/archipelagobooks/introducing-our-new-website?e=243fa7f13c
...

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Interview with Shiela Stewart 
Welcome, today we are talking with Shiela Stewart! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let's delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m a sucker for animals. If I could take in every stray I would. I hate to see animals being abused, neglected and starved. If I see a cat or dog wandering around my neighbors, I’ll put food out for it. Going to the zoo breaks my heart. They should be set free.

I also love playing pranks and scaring people. I’m not mean about it though.

How long have you been writing?

Since my teen years. At that time, I used to write everything on paper. Some of my stories back then were 70,00 to 126,000 words. My hands were very sore. LOL

What have you found most challenging about it?

Promoting. I can sit and create a story from looking at a cracker, but promoting it is hell.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

A lot of the time it’s a release. If I’m stressed about stuff I’ll sit and put it to words in my books. It’s also fun. I add a lot of humor to my stories mainly because I tend to write dark stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

Definity in the mood. I try not writing when I’m in a sad or bad mood. I don’t have a routine. Whenever I get the chance to sit and write is do it.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

Honestly, when I fist starting writing it was for fun, a hobby. But when my first book was published I thought it would be a job.

What inspires you?

Everything. As I said before about seeing a cracker is true. I can look at a sunset and build a story around it.

Let's move on and give readers some insight into your personal life. What are your pet peeves?

Right now. People wearing sock...

Interview with Shiela Stewart
Welcome, today we are talking with Shiela Stewart! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m a sucker for animals. If I could take in every stray I would. I hate to see animals being abused, neglected and starved. If I see a cat or dog wandering around my neighbors, I’ll put food out for it. Going to the zoo breaks my heart. They should be set free.

I also love playing pranks and scaring people. I’m not mean about it though.

How long have you been writing?

Since my teen years. At that time, I used to write everything on paper. Some of my stories back then were 70,00 to 126,000 words. My hands were very sore. LOL

What have you found most challenging about it?

Promoting. I can sit and create a story from looking at a cracker, but promoting it is hell.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

A lot of the time it’s a release. If I’m stressed about stuff I’ll sit and put it to words in my books. It’s also fun. I add a lot of humor to my stories mainly because I tend to write dark stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

Definity in the mood. I try not writing when I’m in a sad or bad mood. I don’t have a routine. Whenever I get the chance to sit and write is do it.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

Honestly, when I fist starting writing it was for fun, a hobby. But when my first book was published I thought it would be a job.

What inspires you?

Everything. As I said before about seeing a cracker is true. I can look at a sunset and build a story around it.

Let`s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life. What are your pet peeves?

Right now. People wearing sock...
...

2 0
Interview with Joan Havelage 
Welcome, today we are talking with Joan Havelange! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m an avid golfer, not a good golfer, but an avid one. I go out in the morning every weekday.But I take weekends off and let the real golfers golf.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote a children’s story when my children were young. But I never tried to have it publish. Then in my 20s or maybe my 30s, I tried to write a romance. Again, I never tried to get it published. But by then, I decided I’d rather kill them than kiss them. So, I turned to mysteries. And in 2019, my first mystery, ‘Wayward Shot,’ was published.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Writing a murder mystery is not a problem for me. That comes easy. My biggest challenge in writing was my second book, ‘Death and Denial.’ I took my protagonist to Egypt. A country I had visited. I wanted to show my readers the sights and the feel of that country without making it a travel log. The mystery is foremost. I had the same challenge with ‘The Suspects. I took my protagonist on a bus tour through Northern Europe. I have had excellent reviews from my readers, so I have accomplished my goal of entertaining with the mysteries and showcasing the scenic and historic sights.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing a story for me is like reading a good book. I know that sounds a bit odd. But I write what I would like to read. It’s fun but maybe I do get a bit emotional. I almost killed a protagonist in ‘Moving is Murder.’ Spoiler alert. In the end, I just couldn’t.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

In the summer it is hard for me to write. I live in Canada;...

Interview with Joan Havelage
Welcome, today we are talking with Joan Havelange! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m an avid golfer, not a good golfer, but an avid one. I go out in the morning every weekday.But I take weekends off and let the real golfers golf.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote a children’s story when my children were young. But I never tried to have it publish. Then in my 20s or maybe my 30s, I tried to write a romance. Again, I never tried to get it published. But by then, I decided I’d rather kill them than kiss them. So, I turned to mysteries. And in 2019, my first mystery, ‘Wayward Shot,’ was published.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Writing a murder mystery is not a problem for me. That comes easy. My biggest challenge in writing was my second book, ‘Death and Denial.’ I took my protagonist to Egypt. A country I had visited. I wanted to show my readers the sights and the feel of that country without making it a travel log. The mystery is foremost. I had the same challenge with ‘The Suspects. I took my protagonist on a bus tour through Northern Europe. I have had excellent reviews from my readers, so I have accomplished my goal of entertaining with the mysteries and showcasing the scenic and historic sights.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing a story for me is like reading a good book. I know that sounds a bit odd. But I write what I would like to read. It’s fun but maybe I do get a bit emotional. I almost killed a protagonist in ‘Moving is Murder.’ Spoiler alert. In the end, I just couldn’t.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

In the summer it is hard for me to write. I live in Canada;...
...

2 0
Interview with Rachelle Paige Campbell 
Welcome, today we are talking with Rachelle Paige Campbell! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let's delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Rachelle Paige Campbell that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

How long have you been writing?

I started publishing in 2015 and can’t believe it’s been nine years already. Truly, the time just flies.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Pursuing anything creative means making yourself vulnerable. You’re sharing a piece of yourself with the world.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is all of those things and more. The start of a project is fun. Editing is cathartic, to take a rough draft and polish it to perfection. Hearing from readers is emotional. I process so much of my own life through writing (not that anything is autobiographical), it helps me make sense of the world.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

I love a schedule but as a mom I have to be flexible. My ideal schedule, aka during the school year, is writing from 8:30-10am, exercising, writing/marketing/editing from 12pm-2:30pm on weekdays. I try to take weekends off, and I try to stick to working only during these hours so I have a balance between work and life.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

I started writing as a hobby, but once I started publishing I began to think of my work as a job.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere. From funny things my kids say, articles in newspapers, hobbies I pursue, the list goes on and on.

Let's move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

 What are your pet peeves?

When someone talks AT me. I call myself an extroverted introvert. I am outgoing and a people person. But I ...

Interview with Rachelle Paige Campbell
Welcome, today we are talking with Rachelle Paige Campbell! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Rachelle Paige Campbell that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

How long have you been writing?

I started publishing in 2015 and can’t believe it’s been nine years already. Truly, the time just flies.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Pursuing anything creative means making yourself vulnerable. You’re sharing a piece of yourself with the world.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is all of those things and more. The start of a project is fun. Editing is cathartic, to take a rough draft and polish it to perfection. Hearing from readers is emotional. I process so much of my own life through writing (not that anything is autobiographical), it helps me make sense of the world.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

I love a schedule but as a mom I have to be flexible. My ideal schedule, aka during the school year, is writing from 8:30-10am, exercising, writing/marketing/editing from 12pm-2:30pm on weekdays. I try to take weekends off, and I try to stick to working only during these hours so I have a balance between work and life.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

I started writing as a hobby, but once I started publishing I began to think of my work as a job.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere. From funny things my kids say, articles in newspapers, hobbies I pursue, the list goes on and on.

Let`s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

 What are your pet peeves?

When someone talks AT me. I call myself an extroverted introvert. I am outgoing and a people person. But I ...
...

4 1
Interview with Bobbie Grover 
Welcome, today we are talking with Bobbi Groover! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let's delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Bobbi Groover that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

The biggest surprise might be that my first published novel was a coming-of-age story. It received many 5-star reviews and was used in several school districts. The most fun was being asked to be ‘visiting author’ and introduce the students to the joy and excitement of writing. They wanted me to write a sequel but my writing journey took an unexpected tangent. You see, I’m the quintessential insomniac, so I read a lot of romance paperbacks from the library to fill the long nights. As I finished each one I told my husband, “I could have written this.”  Finally he retorted, “Prove it. Sit down and write one.”  My husband’s dare was the impetus I needed to take the plunge. I have three published romances, all of which earned 5-star reviews and several first place and runner-up awards. 

 How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing as long as I can remember.  I have a vivid memory of sitting in an empty stall of the stable on my Grandmother’s estate as a precocious five-year-old. I traced the outline of a horseshoe in the dust of the floor and imagined it was my pony in that stall.  I stood and pretended to nuzzle the equine.  On the wall I spied the empty water bucket and glanced inside.  A ferocious giant spider (remember, I was only five) seemed to glare at me amidst the silk of the web.  I went back to the house and drew pictures that told the story of the unlikely friendship between the equine and arachnid, although I believe I used ‘pony’ and ‘spider.’ My mother once told me my story was quite detailed and imaginative. From then on I was off and running, filling drawers with stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you discipl...

Interview with Bobbie Grover
Welcome, today we are talking with Bobbi Groover! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Bobbi Groover that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

The biggest surprise might be that my first published novel was a coming-of-age story. It received many 5-star reviews and was used in several school districts. The most fun was being asked to be ‘visiting author’ and introduce the students to the joy and excitement of writing. They wanted me to write a sequel but my writing journey took an unexpected tangent. You see, I’m the quintessential insomniac, so I read a lot of romance paperbacks from the library to fill the long nights. As I finished each one I told my husband, “I could have written this.”  Finally he retorted, “Prove it. Sit down and write one.”  My husband’s dare was the impetus I needed to take the plunge. I have three published romances, all of which earned 5-star reviews and several first place and runner-up awards. 

 How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing as long as I can remember.  I have a vivid memory of sitting in an empty stall of the stable on my Grandmother’s estate as a precocious five-year-old. I traced the outline of a horseshoe in the dust of the floor and imagined it was my pony in that stall.  I stood and pretended to nuzzle the equine.  On the wall I spied the empty water bucket and glanced inside.  A ferocious giant spider (remember, I was only five) seemed to glare at me amidst the silk of the web.  I went back to the house and drew pictures that told the story of the unlikely friendship between the equine and arachnid, although I believe I used ‘pony’ and ‘spider.’ My mother once told me my story was quite detailed and imaginative. From then on I was off and running, filling drawers with stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you discipl...
...

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Halloween Pet Costume Event

Halloween Pet Costume Event ...

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