Felicia Denise's Blog, page 55
December 17, 2017
December 16, 2017
Martin ‘Marty’ Knight – In The Best Interest of the Child – Character Profile
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After their initial visit to the hospital where Rena has daily physical therapy, she and Olivia meet hospital volunteer, Martin ‘Marty’ Knight as they leave. Marty is concerned about the sadness in Rena’s eyes and tries to cheer her up as he helps her into the car. He is shocked to find out that Rena’s injuries and the death of her mother were caused by the same weather-related, multi-vehicle accident that claimed the life of his best friend, Victor Roddy.
During Marty and Rena’s conversation, Olivia finds herself staring at the man, convinced they have met before. She just cannot remember where. Marty also cast several glances in Olivia’s direction trying to figure out why she looks so familiar. His memory fails him.
As the story unfolds, Marty Knight will not only become a good friend and ‘grandfather’ to Rena, he will play a pivotal role in Olivia Chandler sorting out her past…and navigating her future.
Martin Eugene Knight
Age: 71
Retiree, Veteran, and Hospital Volunteer
DOB: October 31, 1943
Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin
Marital Status: Widower. Wife, Sarah, passed away three years ago after a difficult battle with liver cancer.
Sarah died two weeks after their 50th wedding anniversary.
Has five children and eleven grandchildren.
A veteran of the Vietnam War. Entered the war near its beginning and served four years.
Received a Purple Heart and Medal Honor.
Enjoys building miniatures, fly fishing, and watching westerns.
Carries a keychain with a picture of his wife on one side, and a picture of his dog on the other. His dog passed away two months after his wife, at the age of 16. Sarah named the dog Dwight because she was convinced he looked like Dwight D Eisenhower.
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Amazon US http://bit.ly/BestInt
Amazon UK http://bit.ly/BestIntUK
Amazon CA http://bit.ly/BestIntCA
Amazon AU http://bit.ly/BestIntAU
Goodreads http://bit.ly/BestIntGR
©2016 Felicia Denise, All Rights Reserved
December 15, 2017
Courtney and Marissa Bellamy – In The Best Interest of the Child – Character Profile
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As best friends to Duncan Averest and his late wife, Irene, Courtney and Marissa Bellamy knew they would stand by Duncan. Whatever it took to help him through the loss of his wife and the serious injuries sustained by him and daughter, Rena, the Bellamys would do. And, as Rena’s godparents, of course she would live with them until her father was well enough to take care of her. They took their vows as godparents very seriously. But someone is trying to stop them. Someone is trying to keep them away from Duncan and make sure Rena gets sent into the foster care system.
Court-appointed child advocate attorney Olivia Chandler is the answer to their prayers. They’re moved by her genuineness and promise to “do right by Rena.” There is an immediate bond between the attorney and her young client, and Marissa cannot help but wonder if it has more to do with the flashes of sadness she sees in Olivia’s eyes than with simple job commitment.
The instant interest in Olivia by his cousin, Bruce, hasn’t been lost on Courtney. Abandoned by his ex-wife when their children were mere toddlers, Bruce hasn’t shown little more than a passing, casual interest in any woman since. Olivia will be spending quite a bit of time with the Bellamy family in the near future, and Courtney thinks it’s just enough time to do a bit of matchmaking. And, where you find Courtney…you find Marissa.
Let the games begin!
Courtney Ardan and Marissa Anne (Monroe) Bellamy
Met in Botany 101 during their freshman year of college
Married November 30, 1996
Two sons – Bishop, 18 and Brian, 16
Courtney works in IT/Computer Systems for the local school district, Marissa is head of Library Sciences for Hennepin County Public Libraries
Courtney (Caucasian) and Marissa (African-American) are an Interracial couple who haven’t suffered much of the disdain shown to interracial couples by some of society due to their steadfast commitment to each other and the love and total support of their families.
December 14, 2017
Bruce Bellamy – In The Best Interest of the Child – Character Profile
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A former amateur race car driver, and current owner of a successful chain of auto repair shops, Bruce Bellamy is a cousin to Rena Averest’s current caregivers. He and Olivia meet for the first time when she gives Rena a ride home from physical therapy, and he is there trying to diagnose the problem with his cousin’s car.
Bruce is instantly smitten with the attorney. Her voluptuous body pulls him right in, but it’s the guarded sadness in her eyes that propels him to get to know her. She has a beautiful smile, and he thinks she should use it more often.
The easy going business owner has been alone for nearly two decades, when his ex-wife walked away from him and their four children in search of a more affluent lifestyle. Her callous, mercenary heart caused him to close his off, and he’s not been in a relationship since, nor had any involvement with women worth mentioning, choosing instead to concentrate on raising his children and making his business successful. So when Olivia gets his attention, the entire Bellamy clan takes notice, and proceeds to help him win her over.
Having spent her adult life avoiding romantic entanglements, Olivia knows she’s walking a tight rope by allowing Bruce to get too close. Rena’s case has brought Olivia’s childhood back to the forefront of her mind, making her believe she has nothing to offer Bruce.
He seems to think otherwise.
Bruce Ambrose Bellamy
Age: 42
DOB: June 28, 1972
Place of Birth: Duluth, Minnesota
Divorced
Has four (adult) children
Owns a chain of successful auto repair shops
Loves ‘I Love Lucy’ and ‘Married with Children’ reruns
Has a BA and MA in Business earned while attending night, and online classes
Hates golfs and considers it pointless
Loves football and is a diehard Minnesota Vikings Fan
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Amazon US http://bit.ly/BestInt
Amazon UK http://bit.ly/BestIntUK
Amazon CA http://bit.ly/BestIntCA
Amazon AU http://bit.ly/BestIntAU
Goodreads http://bit.ly/BestIntGR
December 13, 2017
Wordless Wednesday
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Image from Pixabay
“Such an emotional experience…”
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Free, a Novella
Amazon US http://bit.ly/LindenLane
Amazon UK http://bit.ly/LindenLaneUK
Amazon CA http://bit.ly/LindenLaneCA
Amazon AU http://bit.ly/LindenLaneAU
Goodreads http://bit.ly/FreeANovella
December 12, 2017
December 11, 2017
“…waltz in off the street.” #Excerpt
The diminutive nurse seated before Olivia appeared to enjoy taking rudeness to new heights.
“This is the Critical Care Unit. We simply cannot have anyone off the street waltz in here and upset our patients. Mr. Averest is a very sick man and needs his rest.”
Olivia let the obvious insult pass, but was tiring of this chick’s attitude.
“I’ve told you who I am, showed you my identification, and told you why I’m here. If you cannot allow me in to see Mr. Averest, perhaps you can tell me who his physician of record is? I’ll speak with him or her and get written permission to see Mr. Averest. Will that satisfy you?”
The nurse smirked.
“I thought you said you’re a lawyer? Then you should know it’s against the law for me to give you patient information and – “
Olivia cut her off.
“It’s against the law for you give me medical information, and I haven’t asked you for any.”
“Well, it doesn’t matter anyway because Mr. Averest’s attorney left express instructions for staff not to speak with anyone about his condition or let anyone see him.” The irritating woman stood, adjusted her smock and walked to the other end of the counter.
Olivia frowned.
“His attorney?”
“Did I stutter?”
Rage gripped Olivia. She’d had enough of this self-important little twit.
“Did this attorney have Mr. Averest’s power of attorney, or legal documents appointing him as guardian?”
The nurse’s face fell.
“I don’t know, but- “
“So, you’re telling me you allowed someone to just waltz in here off the street and tell you what to do without knowing if they even had the legal right to?”
The nurse’s face went from pink to a deep shade of red.
“I-I…he said…” she reached for the phone. “I’ve had enough of you! I’m calling security!”
Olivia crossed her arms on the counter and smiled.
“Please do. And while I wait for them, let me tell what’s going to happen next.”
The woman stopped dialing and glared at Olivia.
“After I’m escorted from the building, I’m heading back to Spring Falls… and the judge who assigned me to this case. I will tell him how uncooperative you were, and how you refused to allow me to see Duncan Averest or even tell me who his physician is, making it impossible for me to do the job he appointed me to do. I’ll also tell him how you caused me public embarrassment by having me removed from the building. I know this judge. He hates people getting in his way. So, guess what? He’ll get on the phone and talk with this hospital’s administrators and warn them to get their legal department ready because I’ll be returning with a pile of injunctions and contempt of court citations. And one of them will have your name on it,” she glanced at the woman’s employee badge for the first time, “Katrina.”
Olivia grabbed her laptop bag and purse and headed for the elevators. “I’ll wait over here for security.”
“He’s in 3502.”
Olivia fought to keep the smile off her face. She turned and looked at the woman, then glanced down the hallway of patients’ rooms. Returning her gaze to the woman who had given her such a bad time, Olivia almost felt guilty for the fear she saw in her eyes. Almost. Without another word, she went in search of room 3502.
Attempting to shake off her encounter with Nurse Know-it-all, Olivia stopped abruptly when she entered 3502. Her anger returned with a vengeance when she realized she’d been deliberately given the wrong room number.
She was going to bury this hospital in contempt of court citations!
©Felicia Denise 2016
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“In the Best Interest of the Child”
Amazon US http://bit.ly/BestInt
Amazon UK http://bit.ly/BestIntUK
Amazon CA http://bit.ly/BestIntCA
Amazon AU http://bit.ly/BestIntAU
Goodreads http://bit.ly/BestIntGR
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December 10, 2017
Not a Date #WritingChallenge
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52-Week Writing Challenge: Week 49
This is another excerpt of my WIP, Sacrificial Daughter, currently at 69K. Ana is having dinner with a sheriff’s deputy and former “schoolmate.”
Murphy’s Family Restaurant topped Corwin’s annual food listing of favorite places to eat.
It wasn’t gourmet fare, secret recipes, or old family recipes which brought the crowds in, but the folksy, down-to-earth atmosphere found there 6 am to 9 pm seven days a week.
Third generation owner, Joe Murphy, welcomed every patron who walked through the door, and if he wasn’t available, his wife, Silvia, did.
Joe, Silvia, and the wait staff would have rolling conversations and included patrons. Topics were light, easy and fun. It wasn’t unusual for calls to come in inquiring not about the daily special, but what was the current topic of the day.
Analeigh Sellers pulled into Murphy’s parking lot at five minutes to six. Exiting her rental, she grinned when she saw Walt Gaskins leaning against a signpost near the entrance.
“How many demerits did you get for being late before you arrived early to everything?”
Ana laughed aloud.
“Believe it or not, I’ve never received a demerit for anything… and I’ve never been late.”
Walt threw his hands up in the air.
“Oh, my god, you’re a drill sergeant’s dream come true. Poster girl for the military.”
They both laughed as Walt opened the door for Ana and they headed for the wait stand.
“I said I never received demerits, but I was far from a DS’s dream recruit.”
Before Ana could continue, a loud bellow came from the other side of the restaurant.
“Walt. Hey. It’s always good to see you in the place.”
Without an ounce of shame, the large man gave Ana an appraising once over and nodded in approval.
“Walt, my man, your taste has improved a thousand percent. Introduce me to your beautiful friend.”
Walt and Ana’s smirks matched.
“You don’t recognize her?”
“Like I could forget these eyes. I never for-” Resting a hand on his waist, the confused man raised the other to scratch his head. Tilting his head, he stared at Ana again. His eyes widened in recognition.
“Analeigh?”
She looked from him to Walt and back.
“We’ve met?”
Walt explained.
“Analeigh, this is Joe Murphy, Jr. His family lived just outside the city limits and he didn’t go to our high school, but he spent a lot of time in town… working here and hanging out with the guys.”
“So, we never met.”
It was a statement, not a question.
“No, but I saw you around. I always thought you were so pretty. You left a big impression on me. I always hoped I’d see you whenever I came to town.”
“Thank you, Joe.”
“Dude, can we get a booth or are you going to keep drooling over my date?”
Joe, Jr. roared with laughter and gestured for the couple to follow him.
Ana wasn’t feeling the calm that showed on her face. Anxiety buzzed in her head while she tried to ignore Walt’s remark.
Date? He called her his date. Walt was over-the-top hot and gorgeous, but she only had room for one man in her head and her heart. She hoped Walt was simply using a figure of speech.
“How’s this?”
“Perfect, Joe. Thanks, man.”
“No problem. Wait staff will be right over. Enjoy.”
He looked at Ana again and walked away with a smile on his face.
Ana settled into the booth and admired the view from the large tempered window.
Acorn Fields, the city’s biggest park, stretched out for miles behind Murphy’s. Despite the evening hour, the vibrant colors of spring were still visible under the setting sun.
“Okay, remember I told you it’s meatloaf day, and it is amazing.”
“I had it a time or two when I came here with Rosie. Can’t remember if I liked it or not.”
Walt clutched his chest, feigning shock.
“That’s blasphemy. Everyone loves Murphy’s meatloaf. And order the mashed potatoes. They’re made fresh… no instant tater flakes here.”
Ana pushed her menu aside and folded her arms in front of her the table.
“Okay, but if I don’t like it, I’ll forever question your judgment.”
He mimicked her action with his arms.
“That’s fair.”
Walt’s smiled dimmed.
“How does it feel to be back, Analeigh?”
“Not as bad as I thought it would, but still a little unsettling. But I think it’s because Rosie’s gone.”
“You guys were close, huh?”
Ana shrugged a shoulder. “She made it bearable. I don’t know where I’d be today If I didn’t have Rosie in my life.”
Walt fidgeted in his seat.
“Analeigh… about when we were kids-”
“Thank you, Walt, but we need not rehash that. It won’t change the past.”
“I need you to understand. I never believed all those things I heard about you. Most kids didn’t. But it wasn’t just mean girls like Macy and Judy fueling the fire with rumors. Some of us had parents just as bad.”
“Walt, it wasn’t a fun time in my life, but it-”
“I’m sorry, Analeigh. I wanted to be your friend, but-”
The occasional glances cast her way from other customers since they entered were now outright stares. Swallowing her anxiety again, Ana touched Walt’s arm.
“It’s okay… honest. I’m fine. Let’s talk about something else.”
Walt ducked his head with a bashful grin.
“Thank you for being so gracious, Analeigh.”
Gracious? Was she being ‘gracious?’
Ana flashed a benign smile at Walt and ducked her head. She was glad Walt didn’t know this non-date was instead a trial-by-fire for her before the eyes of Corwin.
©Felicia Denise 2017
