Friday, January 28, 2011

A little Romance for everyone. Valentines day is just around the corner.. Buy Street Justice Charlie's Angel for your sweetheart..

Scene from chapter 18

The sound of the front door closing brought her out of her thoughts. She turned to see Angel walking to his makeshift bed. He laid his phone on the table and started taking off his shirt. She realized he had no idea she was there.

He stopped, took off his belt and sat down. She turned her back and looked out the window. She figured he’d lie down and go to sleep but a few seconds later, she felt his hand on her shoulder.

“Are you trying to become a peeping tom?” His tone was low and playful.

“No, I am not.” She didn’t want to turn and meet his gaze, so she spoke, not thinking how it would sound. “I’m just enjoying the view.”

“That’s what all peeping toms say,” Angel whispered and Charlie had to laugh.

“I didn’t mean that view, I meant this view,” she gestured out the window.

“Then why won’t you turn and look at me?” His tone mocked her and she could feel how close he was.

“I was thinking about speaking, but then you started . . . I never meant to . . .

“I know what you mean. I’m fully dressed. You can turn around.”

Slowly she did as he said, not sure how far he would take his teasing games. Thankfully, all his clothes were on, but his shirt was unbuttoned. In the moonlight, she could see the beginning of a tattoo on his left shoulder.

It had her attention and she started to reach up and push his shirt back, but stopped. She realized she was beginning to feel way to comfortable with this young man. She caught herself and pointed, “How long have you had the tattoo?”

“Close to five years. I wasn’t thinking clearly. I’d just bought my first Harley, and let’s just say . . . I did a little too much celebrating.”

“So you don’t get a new tattoo every time you get a new bike?”

“No. One tattoo’s enough.”

“What about the bike? Did it fair as well as the tattoo?”

Angel raised a brow. “I guess. It’s got some scratches, but I still have it, and it runs good.”

“What kind of tattoo is it? A bike?” Charlie could see the amusement in his eyes as he moved into the moonlight and pulled the corner of his shirt back to reveal a sword.

Charlie stepped closer, bit her bottom lip, and then spoke, “Wow! I bet that hurt.”

“It did. That’s the reason I only have one.” Angel turned loose of his shirt and smiled. “You can stay and watch the view as long as you like, but I need to get some sleep.”

Charlie didn’t want the moment to end, and when she spoke Angel turned, looking at her. “I’ve seen many things since I’ve came to this town. Some good some bad, but there’s a few things I just can’t forget.”

Angel raised a brow, he would know she was flirting with him but she didn’t care. She smiled and spoke, reaching out with both hands to tug lightly on his open shirt. “Some things in this city are just so incredible, you want to save the memory so you can look at in your mind, over and over again. I have a few favorites locked away,” she closed her eyes for a second and smiled, then opened them and looked at him.

“Well?” he mused.

“Picture perfect.” Charlie turned loose of the shirt and considered kissing Angel, then decided she was going to wait him out. “Good night, Angel.”

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Daily Sample Chapter

I hope you enjoy these posts. Thanks and enjoy the read. In this chapter we meet Rico, he's a local crime Lord and he's having lunch with his Uncle.

Chapter 9 Rico

Charlie’s shift started at eight, and the day was dragging by. She was thinking about the five hundred dollars the young man left that morning. All money should come so easy. Charlie took off her apron and went to clock out.

“Where are you going?” Jim’s tone was grouchy and that was unlike him.

“To take my lunch.”

“No. Not yet. I want you to wait on table five.”

“I’m tired and hungry. Can’t one of the other girls do it?”

“No! Go on over and take their order.”

“Do you mind telling me why?”

Jim’s brow furrowed as he glanced across the room. He sighed and his tone sounded angry though he kept his voice low. “Because you’re the best looking waitress I’ve got and that man could ruin me if he wanted to. Now go over there, and if you value your job, you’ll make his visit unforgettable.”

Charlie didn’t know what to think. She’d never seen Jim so edgy and it made her nervous. She liked being on her own and she needed this job, so she did as he told her.

She picked up two menus and walked over to a couple of well-dressed men. They both were nice looking, but there was just something about them that didn’t seem right. The younger of the two men checked her out as she approached and the older man watched in irritation.

“Can I get you something . . . to drink?” Charlie added after the young man gave her a look.

“Good thing you clarified that beautiful I was considering what my first request would be.” Charlie didn’t know what to say. She moved her attention to the older man and he shook his head as he spoke.

“Ignore my nephew; he’s spoiled and disrespectful. Bring us two iced teas and we’ll look over the menu.”

“Yes sir.” Charlie headed into the kitchen and, to her surprise, she found Jim watching. “Who is that?”

Her boss stood there for a moment and turned about the time she was ready to head back with two glasses of tea. “It’s Rico DeLusa. Whatever you do, don’t make him angry.”

“Rico? The . . . Rico,” her voice lowered, “the pimp?”

“Don’t you dare let him hear you say that!" Jim glanced toward the two men. “The man owns this part of town. His dad was in charge, but he’s in jail now. Rico took over, but he isn’t from the old school. He has his own way of running things. He’s not top man by any means, but he’s on his way up. Now, go and be polite.”

Charlie took the tea over, trying to be calm. What if she spilled something on Rico, or said the wrong thing. He watched her in a way that made her tense.

Rico smiled as she came back to the table, “May I say, I think your talents are being wasted here. Why don’t you think about coming to work for me?”

“Don’t bother the young lady, Rico. Can’t you see you’re making her nervous?”

“This is my Uncle Alfredo,” Rico gestured across the table. “Is he right? Do I make you nervous?”

“A little.”

“There’s no need for that.” Rico took Charlie’s hand and kissed it. “I’m trying to help you move up in stature. I can put you to work in a place where you’ll wear the best clothes and never want for anything.”

“Rico. Leave the girl alone.”

“You don’t order me around. You’re only my uncle! Don’t forget that.” Rico let go of Charlie’s hand and glared at the man across the table.

“Since Jerry’s in jail it’s my duty to be here for you.”

“I’m old enough to take care of myself.” Rico turned his attention back to Charlie. “Be a doll and bring me some lemon for my tea.” Charlie nodded and walked away from the table.

*****

Rico’s uncle shook his head in disgust. “Don’t you know how to treat anyone with respect?”

“Sure I do. I’m good to all my women.”

“You’re a glorified pimp.”

“I’m not a pimp. I help women better themselves. I see to it they go to the doctor, and I treat them well. If it wasn’t for me, many of them would be on the streets, going hungry or freezing.”

Alfredo looked at Rico. He wanted to lean across the table and give his nephew a good shake. Rico hadn’t been taught right from wrong, and Jerry spoiled him way too much, but he should know better than to assume his dad’s role. Why couldn’t he see it would only lead him to jail? Jerry saw the light, but only after prison brought him to his knees. “Please don’t follow in my brother’s footsteps.”

“I won’t. I’m not going to jail.”

“That’s not what I meant, and yes, sooner or later, you will be behind bars. I only wish you could see how low you’re stooping in treating women in this manner.”

“I’ll say it one more time. I’m good to these girls. They live well. I don’t beat them. They can quit any time they want. Keep your opinions to yourself, old man. You’re not going to change me, so why don’t you go home and pray or something."

“I pray for you every day.”

“Good! Maybe that’s why I’m so prosperous.”

“God doesn’t approve of what you’re doing, and He sure isn’t going to bless anything you put dirty hands into.”

“I’m getting along fine the way I am. Go home! I’ve got some business to attend to.”

Alfredo rose from the table the moment the waitress returned. He put his hand on the young woman’s shoulder and looked her in the eye. He only hoped his few words would sink into her mind.

“Don’t let my nephew talk you into working for him. You have a good job; keep it. Stay away from Rico; he’ll lead you down the wrong path.” The man looked at his nephew and then turned and went out the door.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Daily Sample Chapter 6

This is only part of Chapter 6 I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 6

Good Samaritan

Charlie couldn’t talk Allie into going to the church festival, so she went alone. When she arrived and heard they were going to be short-handed, she jumped at the opportunity to help. The puppet show started at six and ended at eight, so they could have everything wrapped up before it got too late. Halloween night on the back streets of Chicago could get scary.

It was nine forty-five when Charlie, Nyssa, Joe, Tracy and Donna finished cleaning up and locked the church doors. They walked to the parking lot and stood talking.

“We sure appreciate all your hard work.” Pastor Tracy once again shook Charlie’s hand, and then turned to his wife and smiled, “I guess we should go pick up the kids.” Donna nodded and the two walked off leaving Nyssa, Joe and Charlie to say their goodnights.

“We need to get our kids, too. I'm sure glad Nyssa's folks volunteered to take them home so we could help clean up.” Joe moved to his cruiser and motioned to his wife. “I’ll follow you home. No speeding! I’d hate to pull you over and give you a ticket.” Joe started to leave but turned as his wife spoke.

“You better not give me a ticket, Joe Morganson. I’ll give you a trick instead of a treat.” Nyssa laughed and winked at Charlie as she unlocked the minivan. She and Charlie got in, buckled up and were on their way.

It was a short ride from the church to Allie’s apartment, so Charlie and Nyssa were in no hurry to part ways. They were talking about next week’s service, and when Joe flashed his lights, Nyssa laughed. “Well, I better get moving. Joe’s tired, and I don’t want to push my luck. He’s not usually willing to help me do anything at church, so I was thankful he came.”

“Well, he picked a good night to go. You guys did a great job tonight. I loved the play.”

“Thanks. I hope you can come again. If you need a ride, call. The church owns a bus, and the number’s on the pamphlet the ushers passed out.”

“That’s good to know. Taking cabs can get expensive.” Charlie glanced into the mirror. “I better let you go. Thanks again for the ride.” Charlie opened the door and climbed out of the van.

“Anytime,” Nyssa added as Charlie closed the door.

Charlie walked up the stairs and was stepping into the building as Joe and Nyssa left. She turned when she heard a rustling sound. She glanced down the stairs and saw something white in the bushes.

She leaned over the rail peeking down into the dark shrubs. There, with its head stuck in a bag, was a snow-white cat. “Hey there. What are you eating?”

Charlie pulled out a flashlight, shining it in the direction of the cat and couldn’t help but notice the orange pumpkin smiling back at her. She hurried down the steps and walked around to the shrubs. She knelt down, reached in, and pulled the bag off kitty’s head, confirming it came from the church.

She took the sandwiches out, stuffed the bag into her pocket and laid the scraps on the ground for the kitten. The cat purred as she stroked its soft fur. Charlie quickly remembered she was on the streets of Chicago, and not in the suburbs of Ohio, so she glanced over her shoulder.

She was about to stand when once again she heard a rustling sound. Thinking it might be another cat; she moved the beam of light from side to side. When she saw a man’s hand, she fell backwards and screamed. For a moment she sat there, inches away from the fallen man.

It came to her as she began to move; this man was at church tonight. The bag had been inches from his hand. “Hey! Are you okay?” She moved to get on her knees as she began to pray. It was tempting to run inside the building and call the police.

As she was thinking about leaving, the story of The Good Samaritan came to her mind. She couldn’t just leave him there alone. “Sir. Wake up.”

After a moment she could see the man’s hand start to move. “Are you okay, do you need an ambulance?” She watched as he tried to rise to his knees. She hurried to her feet and helped him to stand.

In the process, she dropped her flashlight. She left it lying in the bushes and helped the man out of the shrubs.

“If you can walk, I’ll help you into the building, then we can call the police.” She still couldn’t see his face, but by his build and clothes she could tell he wasn’t an elderly person.

“I need to get some of this mud off. I don’t need the police now. I was mugged, I’ll be fine.”

Charlie looked up and down the street, Could the muggers still be around? She looked at the man. As he moved toward the light she could see him better.

His face was bleeding and caked in mud. “You don’t look okay to me.”

“I will be. I need to wash up and be on my way.”

The idea of taking a stranger into the apartment was intimidating but she couldn’t leave him alone. He was bleeding and he’d be a good target for another mugging. She wondered for a moment if The Good Samaritan wanted to run and hide instead of help.

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Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Daily Sample Chapter 5 Angel

This is today's Daily Sample. Us Indie Girls try to cook something up every day that will wet your reading appetite. This is my introduction for Angel. He's my handsome undercover cop, who I'm sure you'll fall in love with rather quickly. This is from the Series Street Justice Charlie's Angel. Enjoy Chapter Five as we first meet the handsome trouble making undercover cop . . . Angel Morganson. Charlie's Angel is also available in paperback or check out my website to read more free chapters. Also on Smashwords.


Chapter 5

Angel

Sirens flashed and Angel cringed as the rookie pressed his face against the back of the cruiser. The cop holding him laughed and pressed down as he took out his cuffs.

“You’re not getting away from me, punk.” The rookie sounded a little too sure of himself. Angel wanted to pull his badge and tell the kid, ‘hands off,’ but he couldn’t. Some of Rico’s guys were sitting right behind him.

He might get away from this rookie, but the kid looked trigger-happy and Angel didn’t want to take a chance on getting shot. He grimaced as the kid once again pressed his face against the car as he tried to cuff him.

“You pretty boys are all the same! You think you can get away with anything. Well, let me tell you. You won’t get away with anything on my watch!”

“I can see that.” Angel's tone won him another slam into the car. After the kid got the cuffs on, he pushed Angel down to sit on the sidewalk. Now and then a cop would come along, pick one of them up, push them into a car and head to the station.

Angel sat for fifteen minutes before someone came along, grabbed him from the back, and pushed him to a cruiser. “Watch your head,” the cop warned as he forced Angel into the car. Angel glared out the window at the kid that cuffed him. Some day he’d get the chance to properly introduce himself.

The man behind the wheel of the cruiser took off a blond wig and a pair of glasses, tossing them aside. He put the car into drive and pulled out.

“It took you long enough,” Angel glared at Joe, a man who seemed more like a good friend than a brother.

“Hey! I got here as fast as I could. You should have called sooner.”

“I took a chance calling you when I did.”

“Well, just be glad you didn’t get a free ride downtown to booking. You’re lucky I was close by, passing out candy with Nyssa.”

“You call this lucky,” Angel leaned forward showing Joe a cut on the side of his face.

“You’ll live. I don’t think it’ll affect your looks any. Don’t be a cry baby.”

“Hey, who went to hold your hand at the dentist last month?”

“I was getting two teeth pulled. That’s a lot more serious then a small cut on your face.”

“Speaking of bad teeth, you got any candy?” Angel looked over the seat.

“Nope. I got a couple of sandwiches you can have. I can get more when I go back to help clean up. Where do you want me to drop you off?”

“It doesn’t matter. I can walk to my apartment from here. This is Rico’s part of town you know. I’m hoping this will win me some brownie points with his boys.

“So you think you might get to meet Rico soon?”

“I’m still working with some of his punks. It’s really hard to break into the inner workings of this group. But I don't think it should take much longer. I showed them tonight I’m willing to fight the cops. I told the guys I needed the work. I’m hoping they’ll contact me soon.”

“The chief said to keep the apartment for another month. I got some money for you, too.”

Joe pulled the car to the corner and Angel bent around so Joe could take the cuffs off. Once his hands were free he reached for a small bag and laughed at the smiling pumpkin on the front.

“Did you take the kids out trick or treating?” Angel began rummaging through the bag.

“Nyssa took them to church for some apple-bobbing and pin the smile on the pumpkin. We didn’t take them out; there was plenty of candy at the party.”

“You went too?”

“Yeah, Nyssa put her foot down. She wanted me to see the kids in the play. They did a good job. I’m glad I went.” Joe turned in the seat and handed Angel another bag. “Here’s a few other things.”

“A new phone already?” Angel took a couple of bites of one of the sandwiches.

“Yeah, this one comes with a tracking device.”

“I’m not sure I like the amount of faith they have in me.”

“You’re new. No one here knows you but me.”

“I know. I like to complain. Here’s the old phone.”

Joe took the phone and tossed it into the glove box. “I’ll drive you around the street and then you can jump out.”

“Works for me. I’ll try not to get arrested this time.”

“Do that, and keep your nose clean. I’ve got a wife, unlike some people. I don’t need to be babysitting you every time I turn around.” With this comment, Joe checked the mirrors and slowed the car. Angel opened the door, and in the shadows of the side street, he slipped out to make his way back to his apartment.

It was half past ten when Angel walked across Maple and Lincoln. A streetlight flickered, but he paid it no mind. He was taking out his phone to learn the features when someone jumped out, holding a knife. Angel looked at the punk and, speaking in a weary tone said, “It’s been a long day. Is this really necessary?”

“Trick or treat,” the kid sneered and Angel could see another knife blade in the moonlight.

“Will this night ever end?” He slipped his phone back into his pocket . . .or tried to. As he moved his hand he felt the hit. He almost passed out. He closed his eyes and fell to his knees. The phone flipped out of his hand and went scooting across the ground to the kid with the knife.

As Angel scrambled to his feet, the leader of the gang put his knife away and bent over to pick up the phone. Angel knew he was out-numbered; there were at least three of them, not counting the punk on the stairs.

He threw a few punches and put up a good fight, but after a few minutes, it was over. He felt them looking through his pockets, and barely knew when one of them pulled out his ID. He was out cold when the youngest kid ripped away the gun that was strapped to his ankle.

The tallest kid opened a small bag, but when he found two sandwiches, he tossed it over his shoulder.

“Someone’s coming.” The kid by the stairs yelled. “Throw him in the bushes and run.”

Welcome to my blog

Welcome to my blog. Mom just got home from getting 5 new stichtes. Here I am going to bed at 6 a.m. Not a good thing. I hope to soon get som...