Death and the wobbly Frame - part the third and last

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.” Inspector Hargreaves had left his rank at the door; at home he was Alex and proud to be so. He began to take off his clothes and place them neatly on the bedroom chair.

“I was awake already. Been listening to the thunder. Have you eaten?” Vince laid down his crossword – he always tackled The Sunday Telegraph’s Enigmatic Variations and this week’s was a stinker – on the bedside table.

“I grabbed a sandwich and coffee at the services. And they were edible. Just.” Alex started the climb into his pyjamas. “Anyway I’d have thought you’d have known that – surely you have me bugged all over?”

Vince produced an appropriately sheepish grin. “Ah. It was just as well, considering, wasn’t it? I mean, that equipment trial couldn’t have come at a better time. If they’d delayed it two weeks…” He shrugged, trying hard not to show his distress at the probable end of that line of logic.

“I know.” Alex came over and ruffled his partner’s hair. “I didn’t think you were having me followed; you’ve never been jealous and I’ve never given you cause.”

“Well that’s stating the bleeding obvious.” Vince pulled Alex to him and gave him a particularly juicy kiss. “Home again. Always the best bit of the case is when the villain’s banged up and you’re back in our bed once more, with your best pyjamas on.”

“Actually it gets even better than that.” Hargreaves landed a few spectacular kisses on his lover’s lips. “They’ve given me three days off; no phone, no chance of a call in unless there’s a terrorist alert or something equally earth shattering. Bliss…” He indulged in another kiss, out of sheer elation at the thought of all that relaxation to come.

“That’s the jam on the scone. What say I try to get a flyer from work tomorrow and we mosey on down to the coast, find a little hotel…” Vince was stopped short by the frown on Alex’s face.

“Would you mind awfully if we didn’t do anywhere more exotic than Stopathome? I've been up and down that bloody M3 all this last month and I really think I’d like nothing more than a few days in SW10 and going no further than the pub and the Indian takeaway.”

“That’d suit me, too. There’s rugby on the telly at the weekend – Heineken Cup - and you can’t always guarantee these hotels have got Sky. Or comfy beds,” he added with a sly little grin. “I suppose you’re too tired tonight for…?”

“For what?” Alex tried to assume an innocent air but it fooled no-one.

“If you have to ask the question you won’t understand the answer.” Vince picked up his book again, only to have it flipped out of his hand.

“Pillock. I’ve got you to thank for being here at all, you and your clever little bug and I think I need to show that appreciation well and truly.”

“Because I’m a clever little bugger?” Vince grinned and started to take off his nightshirt.

Guest author - Joanne Myers (with a special giveaway)

Lovely to have you here again, Joanne.

Thank you for having me back, Charlie. I will be awarding two lucky people who comment, each a paperback or PDF of their choice. The choices are, Murder Most Foul, Wicked Intentions, Twisted Love, The Crime of the Century, Flagitious, Loves, Myths, and Monsters, or Poems About Life, Love, and Everything in Between.

NEVER GIVE UP

For as long as I can remember, I have had an artistic flare-whether that be for writing, painting, sewing or drawing. I recall as a child how much I enjoyed drawing. The writing came later. My seventh grade English teacher was Mrs. Henderson-a young mother and wife. She gave us a writing assignment and after gifting me with an A+ told me I should consider writing as a career. She meant as a journalist. I did not take her advise and become a journalist (one of my many misgivings). My mind went toward other things as many young girls dream of-a husband, home, and family of my own. I put my love for writing and painting on hold for years. I unfortunately married a man who like my mother never encouraged me to be artistic. It was not until my children were grown and I no longer had a husband, that I went back to my first love-art. I got a late start, but always encouraged my children and others to partake of artistic endeavors. I now have six books under contract with two publishing houses. So my words to you all, is that no matter what road you choose, never forget your passion, and always keep it close to heart. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from enjoying your natural talents. You might need to put art on a temporary hold, but never ever give up.

Blurbs for “Flagitious”, a four crime/mystery anthology

“Too Solve His Mother’s Murder”

After his Air Force career was interrupted by his mother’s untimely murder, Steven Moore returned home. Met with a cold reception of lies, secrets, and threats, he is determined too find Wanda’s killer, even at the cost of his own life. Was Wanda a victim of the legendary Hatchet Man? Was this loving and devoted mother killed because of her shady past, or for her inheritance? Between finding the truth and falling in love, Steven stops at nothing, to solve his mother’s murder.

“The Other Couple’s Child”

Charlotte had it all. A loving and devoted husband. Supportive family and friends, and a house full of beautiful children. Everything was perfect for this Super Mom, until a medical procedure turns her life upside down, and spirals into a child abduction case. Time is running out. Will police arrive in time to save Charlotte and the other couple’s child?

“3381 Market Street”

Katherine Sims, a young widow working for a brokerage firm in a small southeastern town, is tired of the excuses concerning Charlie’s absence. She knows something terrible must have happened to her favorite nephew with the sad blue-eyes. After exposing the killer, Katherine’s life is turned upside down and she finds herself fighting for her life. Filled with maniacal suspects, a Satanic Cult, and danger around each corner, this story depicts one woman’s courage to avenge a child’s murder, while finding unexpected love.

“The Tarot Card Murders”

New Detective, and ex-naval man, twenty-six-year-old Nick Difozzio, returns to his small county determined to abolish crime. Not until death knocked on his door, did he know the face of evil. Will the decorated veteran destroy the Lycanthropes, or will he succumb to their murderous desires and become one of them? He took an oath to protect, honor, and uphold the law, but can he defy the lust, riches, and power offered, or are the ‘dark forces’ stronger than his will?