Sunday, September 17, 2017

A modern erotic version of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility


This scene takes place in the Hollywood Hills at a costume party given by Colin Firth, the actor famous for playing Mr. Darcy in the television adaption of Pride and Prejudice. The sisters had met him earlier when they were at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood for Wicked. I thought it might be fun to let the Dashwood sisters role play and lose their inhibitions at the party, so I hope you'll enjoy:

As the date for the masquerade party approaches, Elinor and Marianne have been busy planning their costumes.  Neither wants the other to know what she will wear until the night of the party.  When that night comes, they can’t wait to see each other’s reactions to their outfits. Mrs. Dashwood and Margaret sit in the living room, eagerly waiting for “the big reveal”.

At last, Marianne comes out of her bedroom. She is dressed like Scarlett O’Hara—hoop skirt and all. She waves her fan and says, “Fiddle-dee-dee.  It’s so hot in here, I’m positively wilting.  Where ever is that sister of mine?”

Their sister Margaret lets out a gleeful scream and says, “Oh, Marianne.  That’s such a perfect costume for you.  You’re just like Scarlett.”

"Am I?"

She is answered by the crack of a whip.  The three of them look at each other in confusion and fear. Margaret sees Elinor and says, “Oh My God!  Elinor is dressed like Cat Woman!”

Elinor says, “Cat Woman, Halle-Berry-style.”  She struts into the room clothed in low-hung black leather pants connected to a bikini top that crisscrosses over her stomach and back.  She also sports black leather boots and gloves that have claws on the fingertips.  A black mask with cat ears completes her ensemble.  She proclaims, “I am Cat Woman.  Hear me roar.”

Marianne and Margaret gush over her outfit, but Mrs. Dashwood has reservations. 

She tells Elinor, “I’ve seen people really lose their inhibitions when they go to costume parties.  I was at one where a woman dressed as a pregnant girl scout spent the whole night sitting on the laps of practically every man in the room.”

Margaret says, “Oh, a pregnant Girl Scout?  That’s a good one!”

Her mother interrupts and tells Elinor, “Seriously, I hope you don’t lose your inhibitions at the party and do something you'll regret later.”

Marianne can’t stop laughing at the way Elinor is dressed.  Once she catches her breath, she tells her “Elinor, I never knew you had a dark side!”

She answers, “Who knows what surprises tonight may hold.”

Margaret tells her, “You really do look hot, Elinor.  You should wear leather more often.”

Everyone laughs, but her mother tells her, “Elinor, you’d better behave yourself tonight and you need to keep an eye on your little sister.”

“I promise, Mamma,” she answers.

Elinor tells Marianne, “Come on, Miss Scarlett.  Let’s go party.”

Their mother shouts, “Elinor!  You’d better take a sweater.  You’re going to freeze in that outfit!”

She looks back at her mother and hisses.

As they are walking out the door, Marianne whispers, “Elinor! I can’t believe you just did that!” Both laugh. “This really is a whole other side of you.  You’re usually so prissy and judgmental.”

“Am I? Is that how you see me?”

“Yes. Sometimes.”

“Well then, I promise I’ll work on that,” she reassures her sister. Once in the car, she puts on a cd by Heart and turns the volume up when the song Barracuda by Heart comes on. Both sisters sing along as Elinor heads for the party.

When they arrive at their destination, Marianne asks, “Will you be using your whip tonight?”

“Maybe.”

“Oh, boy.  This is going to be fun,” Marianne answers, clapping her hands.

Once they arrive at the party, they get out of the car and walk to the door.

Before ringing the doorbell, Elinor asks, “Are you ready to go inside?”

"I think so," she answers, feeling a bit scared of what lies beyond the door.

"Don't worry.  If it gets too freaky, tell me and we'll leave."

With a sense of adventure, Marianne says, "Okay.  Let's do this thang!" 

"I like your spirit.  Let's go see Mr. Darcy."

They get out of the car and hear laughter and loud music.  The sisters walk up the stone steps and knock on the door.  A woman who is completely naked except for an owl mask and a dog collar around her neck answers. She is dragging a leash, like a dog who has run away from its master. Seeing how Elinor is dressed, she flirts with her, saying, “Oh, Cat Woman. You look positively yummy.  You may hold my leash.”

Elinor looks at her sister hoping for encouragement, but Marianne shrugs her shoulders as if to say, “The ball’s in your court, sis.”

She takes the proffered leash and leads "owl lady" inside. They wander out to the pool where a band is playing songs from the 80s. Some people have shed their masks and clothes and are skinny-dipping.  In the hot tub, a naked woman sits on top of a man with her breasts in his face while he plays with them.

Both girls are shocked by the nudity; yet can’t look away.  They’re glad when the band takes a break and they can talk to each other. 

Marianne says, “This party is really wild.  Mamma would be so mad at us for coming here!” 

"I know," Elinor answers.  Both are relieved when they see the British actor, Colin Firth, approach. 




He walks over to Elinor and says, "Wow! What a brilliant costume.  You look fantastic!"

Elinor blushes and, feeling self-conscious, asks, "Do you think I went too far?  Do I look ridiculous dressed as Cat Woman?"

He clears his throat and answers, "That the furthest thing from the truth."

"What do you mean?"


"You make a perfect Cat Woman." He slowly checks out her body from head to toe, and then repeats, "Wow!"


Feeling slightly self-conscious, she points to Marianne and asks, "What do you think of her costume?"


He notices her for the first time and tells her, "You make a cute Scarlett."


She fans herself and answers, "Why...thank you kindly, Sir." Looking at his ruffled shirt and wet hair, she tells him, "I like your ruffled shirt.  After a few beats, she asks, "Why is your hair all wet?"


"Johny Depp threw me in the pool."


She answers, "Oh my God!  Is he here, too?  I have a huge crush on him! She looks around and then asks, "Do you know where he is?" 


"I lost track."


"Oh...I think I'll go see where he is!" she tells him and hurries off.


 *******

Would you like to read more?  Here are the links for Amazon and Apple:

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Sense-Sexuality-Erotic-Austen-Variation-ebook/dp/B01HVIO7QG

Apple
http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sense-and-sexuality-an-erotic-austen-variation/id1131190280?mt=11




Sunday, June 25, 2017

Amazon Select

Well, I finally broke down and added this book to Kindle Select, after saying I'd never go exclusively with Amazon. So, we'll see how it goes. Now, this erotic mystery is available free if you're enrolled in Kindle Unlimited. Otherwise, it's available for $1.99 at Amazon.



Here's the description of this sexy erotic mystery:

Alpha Male, Detective Jay Harrison, is at the top of his game. He is devastatingly handsome, rich, charming and commanding. His life is turned upside down when a beautiful, alluring, and treacherous young wife calls 911 reporting that someone has shot and killed her husband. When the detective arrives at the scene and sees the way the victim is tied to a chair, he has a hunch that the man had been engaging in rope play before his sexual partner shot him in the back of the head. The reason he suspects it is because he too has participated in such sexual practices. He finds himself attracted to the young wife against his will. Will she take him down with her? Find out in "Taken", a sexy erotic mystery that is meant for adults who are open to reading about the BDSM lifestyle and like reading murder mysteries.

Here's an excerpt:




Monday, June 19, 2017

Spotlight on Male Erotic Writer Zak Hardacre



It is my pleasure to spotlight one of my favorite male erotic writer Zak Hardacre, a Brit, former soldier, and current IT slave.   He first caught my attention when I heard him reading an excerpt from his "Male Escort" series.  I've really enjoyed Zak's book trailers.  He uses the least amount of words to convey each book's essence--which is what all writers should do for their book trailers.  Check out the link below to sample his excerpts and trailers.  


I asked Zak to tell us a little about himself and here's what he wrote.

I began writing around mid-2014. This was a semi-autobiographical military Trilogy, under a different name.

During this time, I took to social media to promote myself and my books. Whilst on Twitter, I came across another author Dakota Storm who also writes under a different name. After mutual consent, and a bit of arm twisting on her part, we decided to collaborate on a book titled "Explosive Chemistry"

I enjoyed the experience so much I decided to continue on my own. I then released two more books on my own. The first titled "Undercover Liaisons", the other "The Principals Daughter". Both of these have military themes running through them as they are based on my experiences in the military and Private Security Industry

I wrote a trilogy of books based on the life and experiences of a male escort. They follow a young Irishman, the innocence of his first chance meeting with an older lady. She opens his eyes into the world of BDSM. After gaining a taste for it, he tries to discover more about the lifestyle while travelling abroad. The final book focuses on him acting as a male escort in a professional capacity. The main character experiences both sides of the BDSM lifestyle as a dom and a submissive. It was a challenge as I write as both male and female POV in the first person.
I recently released my first erotica novel, which is a dark psychological tale.

Myself as a person.

 I am a fun loving guy, and a bit of a joker. My philosophy is never take yourself too seriously, and live life to the full. I am a naturally shy person, not one that likes the spotlight. This may have something to do with my time in the military.  This is not the impression I give out most people say, but it is none the less true. It has been remarked that I am like an Energizer Bunny of cum shots. I thought that was rather sweet, but feckin hilarious!!!

When I have free time, I love to be surrounded by family, friends, great food, or engrossed in a good book. My erotic imagination comes from experiences and thoughts I have while either working or playing.  I love the great outdoors and am a keen sportsman having competed in Triathlon for a number of years.
I like to set myself challenges and goals, be in writing or in my private life. This is probably down to my competitive nature. I do a personal physical challenge every year, one of my life time ambitions is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, and to cycle across “Death Valley” in the USA.

Zak's latest release is entitled  "Alters" and he's been getting some great reviews.


Book Description:

Oliver Tobias is a young man with a troubled past. An under achieving Public Relations executive, all he wants to do is succeed and to fit in. Living his life by obsessions and compulsions the only way to deal with the world today. 
Brianna Smart is his Personal Assistant and rock, guiding him through his day to day life. Possessing that empathetic and maternal instinct most women exude. Yet there is something else that she longs for. Finding a man with the strength to make her feel safe, secure and even loved. It may seem like an impossible dream and has almost given up on the idea.
Enter the charismatic, handsome and successful Ashton Granger. A powerful character with a hint of danger about him. The fact that he is one of the country’s top businessmen an added bonus.  A chance meeting with a friend in a night club, ignites a passion and lust in her never before felt.
Three lives entwine, as each of them strive to reach their individual goals. Can Oliver turn things around, becoming accepted and successful in equal measure? Has Brianna found what she is looking for in Ashton, is he the one she has been searching for?
The story will take you through a psychological, dark journey exploring those facets in life we at times wish were kept hidden. Once you open Pandora’s Box is it possible to contain all the evils of the world. As in this ancient artifact only ‘Hope’ will remain.




The Principals Daughter



I received a free copy of this erotic romance and wrote this review:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. From the first page, with its reference to Brideshead Revisited, which is one of my all-time favorite books and TV series, to its last page I was swept up in the action and scenery of where this erotic romance takes place. The sex scenes are very hot and the plot was great too. I love the main character's conflict over being attracted to someone whom he knows he shouldn't go near because it could risk his career, but he does it anyway. What will be the repercussions of his decision to be sexually involved with his boss's daughter and wife? You'll have to read this and find out for yourself. I highly recommend this story.



Saturday, June 17, 2017

Writing Erotica


Decisions, decisions




Do you find it difficult to choose titles for your books?  I do.  A good title and book cover can make all the difference in the world.  I wrote an erotic romance a few months ago and it is not selling well.  The people who did review it had this to say about it:

"Author Maggie May has woven a compelling tale about a virgin, a paid escort, and a vampire who was once a slave. This novella is a fast paced short read that will keep the reader's interest through out sexual frustration, new experiences, possible love, drama and suspense .... it has it all! 

I would definitely recommend this for any 18+ lover of romance with alternate twists."

That was one of my favorite all-time reviews.  Why isn't this book selling?  It may be because the competition is fierce and I should be happy that someone chose to buy it and review it, but I'm wondering what I can do to catch my potential readers' attention.

Starting with the title:  "The Killing Moon".  Hmmm...Maybe I made a bad decision when I came up with it.  Just because I love the song of the same title by an 80s group called Echo and the Bunnyman doesn't mean it's going to work for a story.

Here's the original cover:


The cover is very pretty and eerie, but doesn't look like an erotica book, does it? My main character does lose her virginity when a vampire visits her on a night with a blood moon, but maybe my readers want a picture of a hot vampire.


Here's the current cover.

I published a free excerpt of this book and it received over a hundred downloads; but when I charged 99 cents for it, away went the downloads.

The story ends with the four main characters going to a masquerade party where there is a red room.  All four of them are in the play room at the same time. Maybe the title should have something to do with masks.  Possible new title: "Who is the Man in the Mask?"

I'm glad that it's so easy to make changes in my books when dealing with Amazon, Google Play, and Smashwords.  I don't think a traditional publisher would be so patient with me. 

If you want to take a look at it (or purchase it?) here's the
Amazon Link: 

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Male Erotica Writers - J. Strickland

Let's hear it for the boys, ladies.  Who doesn't love reading about sex and romance
from a male point of view?

Every Wednesday, I'll be focusing on a male erotica writer
whose works I've read and enjoyed.


Today, I'm concentrating on J. Strickland

I never dreamed that I'd be reading, let alone writing, indie erotica when I was 59 years old and first became acquainted with the works of this writer.  I belonged (and still belong) to a Facebook Group called "A Smashwords Book for Everyone" and look at its posts from time to time. I was struck by the tenderness of his stories.  They were very sexually explicit, but there was no trace of BDSM trappings that are so prevalent these days.  Some readers may call his sex "vanilla", but I like the taste of vanilla.  He put the romance back into erotic romance and that's why he caught my eye.  He allowed 30% free sampling on some of his titles, and I read almost all of them. Finally, guilt caught up with me and I broke down and purchased one of his books.



This was the one I chose because it takes place in Paris (a city I love) and had an intriguing mystery at the heart of it.  Here's the book blurb he wrote:

The arrival of a Christmas card brings back memories of a summer spent in Europe years ago during college. While there, the narrator met another American college student, a woman who he had a brief love affair with. They shared only a week together, but created memories to last a lifetime.

Here's the review I wrote:

"This is a very sexy and sweet erotic romance and I loved the way it ended."

On a personal note, J. Strickland wrote my favorite all-time review from a reader.  It was for my romance story, "High School Reunion: You Can Go Home Again" which I later made more sexually explicit and changed the title to "High School Reunion". Here's what he wrote:

"2nd Chance at Romance:
Everybody probably had at least one crush in high school. Most people might have wondered at least at some point about what ever happened to that person. What would happen if you got one more chance to get together. How would it change your life?

That’s what this story is all about. It’s a very believable depiction of wanting to see that person again, and getting to meet up. There is some unfinished business in Danielle’s past, and the reader gets to experience tying up those loose ends.

I enjoyed reading High School Reunion. It’s that second chance you might have dreamed about. It’s about giving romance the chance that should have happened a long time ago. It’s about going out on a limb to try to get what you want, now that you have experience being an adult. Give this one a read if you've ever wondered, "What if?"

High School Reunion
by Maggie May 


Sunday, June 11, 2017

Tall, Dom, and Dirty


One of the great things about the internet is that it connects people from all over the world.  I went to an online erotic book party yesterday and we had people from Australia, South Africa, New York, Colorado, Canada and California.  We crossed time zones and came up with a time that was the most convenient for all of us.  Since I've just come out with an erotic mystery called Taken, I invited four of my favorite authors to come and join me.  Each of us had one hour to talk about our books, have contests, and give prizes. 

I'm a member of a Facebook group called Tall, Dom and Dirty that is a party venue for erotica writers--hence their provocative name.  We writers can choose a hosted party, where the people on the site will do the signage for author introductions and farewells (for a price) or an unhosted one where the writer takes care of the intros and farewells.  Even though I choose an unhosted party, the administrator/facilitator stayed on line with me for over five hours and helped move along the party.  I can't say enough about how helpful and fun these people are.

Since my new book, Taken, is an erotic mystery, I choose to have a mystery theme.  Here are some of the banners and other signage we used.

My book's detective and femme fatale were 
inspired by classic film noir stars.


Vintage Cover of a Nancy Drew Mystery
One of the Author Intros we used.

Here is a link that will take you to the Tall, Dom and Dirty site:
Tall Dom and Dirty Facebook Group
Become a member and go to the fun parties they host.
It's a great way to win books and other prizes.

Here's the Amazon link for my erotic mystery "Taken"


Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Spotlight on Wicked Pen writer- JC Winchester

Let's hear it for the boys, ladies.  Who doesn't love reading about sex and romance from a male point of view?  
JC Winchester is a fellow member of the Wicked Pens. He has been writing erotica since 2003 and discovered a choose-your-own adventure erotic story site, Chyoo. He enjoyed the challenge of adding onto other’s stories, blending his own voice in with theirs. But before too long he was called to serve his country and put down the pen. Nearly a decade later an old friend challenged him to join a Survivor themed writing contest on Literotica. It sparked his muse and before he knew it the stories were rapidly flowing, helping him to place 4th that year. Since then he has slowed down his pace to focus on combining his love of the outdoors and for writing.




He came to my attention when he submitted a story to a writing contest.  It is called Cop Next Door.  Before I read it, I assumed that the cop was a male; so it was a very pleasant surprise to read that the cop is female and she's pregnant.  He'd been admiring her from afar since he met her, but she was married.  Now, she is separated.  I love the tenderness and sensitivity of the story and I highly recommend it.

J C WINCHESTER’S SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/JCWinchesterAuthor

Twitter
https://twitter.com/JagFarlane

Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/JC-Winchester/e/B00R1H6XFQ

Blog
https://jcwinchester.wordpress.com/

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Shout Out to Male Erotica Writers - Paco Jones

Let's hear it for the boys, ladies.  Who doesn't love reading about sex and romance
from a male point of view?

Every Wednesday, I'll be focusing on a male erotica writer
whose works I've read and enjoyed.

Since this is Memorial Day week, I thought I would concentrate on the stories of a Vietnam War veteran.  Paco Jones has written an absorbing tale about his life in the service during a very controversial war.  It took some time before America finally recognized the sacrifices of these brave young men who fought in Viet Nam and let's give a shout-out to them all.  Paco also writes erotica.



Book Description:

This is my story.
I wrote it as historical fiction in order to take some artistic license to make it more readable. Some of Vietnam was not readable and you can be sure there is much that wasn't written here. I just couldn't do it.
If I've done my job well, you won't be able to tell what is fiction and what is not. Be assured the fiction is minimal.
I arrived in Danang and the airbase went immediately to a red alert due to rocket attack. Welcome to Vietnam.
Riding YFU boats in the Literage division, delivering cargo up and down the coast of northern South Vietnam and accepting TDY assignments to a Special Operations group that didn't exist. The missions we did never happened.
Ride along on both sets of missions, some mundane and some not so much.
Clearly, I express the frustration being a veteran of a war that nobody wanted. We did our duty. Whether you agreed or not, you blamed the warrior for the war, and that was WRONG!
It wasn't only those of us who served directly in Vietnam, the disrespect was meted out to anyone that wore a uniform in that era. A whole generation of military personnel who could not express it's pride in serving our country.
Vietnam divided the country in the 60's and 70's, and it still divides it today.
Those from the 60's and 70's would just as soon forget it ever happened; those of us who served there will never forget.
We left Vietnam, but Vietnam did not leave us.
This is but one of the millions of stories that could be told and it has taken me 40+ years to write it.
Though I live through it every day, thankfully, Vietnam is a distant memory.


Things to Come 
by Paco Jones




This is a tale of the time between High School graduation and entering into Uncle Sam's Little Boys Canoe Club nine months later and the four young women who made that time incredibly memorable.


The Navy was a much better choice than being drafted ... or was it?

The four young women are real though bear no resemblance to the characters as described here.

During the last part of my Senior Year in High School, I'd applied to a new department store that was opening during the summer. I needed a real job of some sort, so when they called to interview and hired me to work in the stockroom the same day, I was pretty stoked.

I have to admit that I'm deadly shy and don't meet the opposite sex all that easily though once we've talked and bantered, I'm good to go. Doing that initial touch base is something that doesn't come natural to me, but this was a fun job and gave me the opportunity to meet some really cute girls.

I've always kind of envied those guys that can walk into a bar, spot a cute girl, walk over and strike up a conversation, then be able to take them home and screw the shit out of them. It's just never been my forte.

Wendy was the catalyst for this story, but I can't tell her story without Diane, Brenda, and Tina. It turned out to be every guys fantasy, only better.

In the end, one of the girls and me turned out to be soul mates of a sort and though all still partook of the activities, she and I were inseparable until it was time to go to boot camp. Then, life for me, went to hell in a hand basket

As I was to find out, many of the girls I worked around were very hot to trot. Yeah, yeah, I know, they always say don't shit where you eat, but I was going to be gone in six months anyway.

The United States Navy and Vietnam were calling my name.



Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Wicked Male Writers -- Matt Converse

Let's hear it for the boys, ladies.  Who doesn't love reading about sex and romance
from a male point of view?

Every Wednesday, I'll be focusing on a male erotica writer
whose works I've read and enjoyed.

This week, it's my pleasure to present these two books by Matt Converse. They are the real life stories of a gay young man who moved to San Francisco and found a job working as a male stripper.  His favorite songs to dance to were by Lady Gaga.


 Strip Shot 
by Matt Converse

We've all seen strippers up on stage. Did you ever wonder how they got there? The answer might surprise you.
Michael is a scrawny kid from Ohio who moves to San Francisco with his boyfriend Kenny. He loves everything about the city, except the guy he's with. When things turn ugly, how will he escape and how will he survive on his own, completely alone in the big city?
Along the way, he meets an eccentric cast of characters in his own personal Oz. An unlikely and not so yellow brick road with unexpected twists and turns lead him to the stage, but what will he find when he gets there? Will he have what it takes to make it as a stripper? Sometimes, you only get one shot.

My Review of Strip Shot:

I really enjoyed this true, story coming-of-age story about how a scrawny kid who was bullied and called a sissy in school leaves behind his home in Ohio and moves to San Francisco where he feels at home in the gay community and eventually becomes a popular stripper who dances to songs by Lady Gaga. After finishing the book, I watched a music video of her song "Applause", Matt's song of choice in his early career, and imagined what he might look like dancing to it. I'm sure he put on a fun show.



Behind the Velvet Curtain 
by Matt Converse
Buy Linkhttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TBPESD0 

People have an idea of what being a stripper is like, and they would probably be wrong. What goes on in his head might surprise you. Matt Jaxx is a sexy stripper who develops a fast following, but one of them turns scary stalker. Along the way he way he meets Justin and it's lust at first sight, both doing things they'd only fantasized about. Right when he seems to have it all, his stalker reappears, revealing his twisted agenda. Sex sells, what it attracts can be deadly.


Social media contacts:




Tuesday, May 23, 2017

New BDSM Erotic Mystery


Here is an excerpt from my erotic mystery about a homicide detective who falls for his prime suspect. Will this femme fatale take him down with her?:

He left the house and walked along a stone path lined with rose bushes on either side. He saw a woman sitting at a table with her back to him. The first thing he noticed were her shapely calves. One of her legs crossed over the other, and he saw the red-lacquered sole of a Christian Louboutin designer shoe, his footwear of choice for his submissives. Trying not to startle her, he stepped front of the table, facing her.

"Ms. Forshey...”

She jumped upon seeing him, uncrossed her legs and sat up straight.  "Who are you?”

“I’m Detective Jay Harrison. I’m in charge of this case.” He showed her his badge.

“I see,” she answered, wiping her eyes, wet from crying. Her beauty took his breath away. She bore a striking resemblance to Lauren Bacall when she starred in “To Have and Have Not.” Her shoulder-length blonde hair was softly curled and parted on the side. Her eyes were a perfect mixture of blue and green and her eyebrows were perfectly arched, looking as if she could see right through anyone who talked to her. She wore a checkered jacket and a tight white blouse that barely reined in her large breasts. 

He cleared his throat and tried to stop thinking about how sexy she was and then sat down at the table with her. “I know this is a difficult time and I’ll try not to inconvenience you too much.” 

“Thank you,” she softly answered, and held an embroidered handkerchief up to her nose.

“I just have a few questions. I understand that you were gone on a business trip, came home from the airport, and found him dead.”

“That’ right.”

“What airline did you take?”

“Delta.”

“What city did you visit?”

“Atlanta.”

“And what kind of business?”

“I’m a buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue. There was a convention I attended.”

“I see. Is there anyone who can vouch for your whereabouts over the last 24 hours?”

 “I was on a plane. Everyone could vouch for me if they remembered what I look like.”

“Oh, I think they’d definitely remember your face.”

“Excuse me?” 

 “Well, because you are very beautiful.”

She blushed deeply and he could see that she liked to be complemented. That may come in handy later, he told himself. “How did you get back to your house?”

“I drove home. I left my car at the airport’s parking garage. Why all the questions?”

“We always ask the person who found the body these questions. Often, the victim knew the killer.”


“You’re making me nervous,” she said and reached for a pack of cigarettes on the table. She put one in her mouth and he picked up a silver lighter lying next to it and lit her cigarette. She rested her fingertips on his hand and then slowly and sensually blew out a cloud of smoke. She looked over at him and smiled.

He looked at the lighter more closely and read, “JRF. Are these your initials?”

“Yes.” 

“What’s your middle name?”

 “Roberta.” 

“Very personalized. I like when things are engraved. It’s classy.”

“If you say so,” she answered. 

“Okay, Ms. Forshey—

“Call me Jessica,” she flirted. 

“Ms. Forshey,” he insisted, “What was the first thing you saw when you came home?”

 “The front door was open. I thought that maybe my husband had forgotten to close it. He’s been quite forgetful lately. He had early onset dementia.”

“Oh, sorry to hear that.”

“Tragic,” she said, flicking the ash off her cigarette into an oyster shell ashtray on the table.

“What did you see next?”

“The door to the safe was open.”

“Was it empty?”

“Yes. Someone took my jewelry and two gold bars.” 

“Did your safe have a painting in front of it?”

“Yes. A landscape by Cezanne. I’m surprised the burglar didn’t take it. It’s worth a fortune.” 

“I’ll have to take a look. Cezanne is one of my favorite artists.”

“Mine, too,” she answered and smiled.

“When did you notice that your husband was in the room?”

“Shortly after that.”

“Do you have any idea who might have wanted to kill him?” 

“No. Everyone liked him. He didn’t have any enemies.”

“Oh, okay.” He was quiet for a few beats and then asked, “Do you or your husband own a gun?”

“My husband keeps one in a bedroom drawer.”

“Is it still there?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t looked.” 

"Which bedroom was yours?”

“His was upstairs to the left.”

He thought, hmmm…they don’t sleep together. Why not? Is there trouble in paradise? “I’ll take a look before I leave.”

“Am I under arrest, Detective?”

“Should you be?” 

 “Do you always answer a question with a question?” Sounding defensive she answered, “I wasn’t even in town. Ask my employer if you need confirmation.”

“I will. One more thing. Have you ever been on a sailboat?”

She laughed and said, “No. What a funny question. Why do you ask?”

 “The ropes that bound him. Whoever did it knew some very intricate rope patterns.”

“You think I tied him up?”

“I’m just trying to gather as much information as I can. Nothing personal.” 

 She arched one of her well-defined eyebrows and tilted her head to the side, trying to figure out what made him tick. 

 He stood up and said, “No. You’re not under arrest, Ms. Forshey. Just let me know if you plan to leave town.” He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out one of his cards. She stood up and he noticed how well she looks in a knee-length pencil skirt. She was tall for a woman—probably five foot ten. He shook her hand and told her, “I’m going to look for the gun.”
###

Would you like to read what happened next? Taken is available for $1.99 at Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Google Play, Smashwords and Kobo. 

https://www.amazon.com/Taken-Maggie-May-ebook/dp/B06ZY57Q34