McCartney Green's Blog, page 26

Book Snippets; This one from Dandelions Never Die (Book 1)

The following Thursday night Ricky and the boys arrived again, this time with Bree in tow. Eric allowed Shelley a small break from her rigid discipline. He helped her prepare a delicious meal of baked chicken, brown rice and steamed vegetables. Shelley felt adventurous enough to make homemade biscuits as a special treat for her family, but they turned out flat and hard and, of course, a little overdone. She threw the pan down on the counter.

"Shit. I give up. I just give up."

Eric turned at her use of profanity in front of the kids and knew it wasn't because she'd burned the biscuits. He went to her and tilted her face up to the light.

"You're tired Shelley. Come sit down and don't worry about the biscuits."

She hesitated, but he pulled on her arm and they sat down to eat. Ricky, however, made his way over to the pan and picked up a hard round saucer.

"Hey Look guys, Mom's made us Ninja weapons to use in our battle tomorrow."

Shelley couldn't help but giggle. Eric was also pleased with his son's ability to lighten up any situation. Ricky was always happy, always cheerful and always making those around him smile.

Bree watched Ricky's antics with admiration, her eyes following his every move. He was almost a carbon copy of his father, except Ricky was a bundle of laughs. She'd also seen the serious side of him. She wondered if he was anything like any of the movie characters he'd portrayed. Deadly when provoked. He was responsible enough to take excellent care of Mark and Joey and a true professional when it came to his career. She was in awe of the gorgeous young man. She'd offered herself to him once and he'd turned her down. She wondered if he still took that stance. Intending to find out, she looked forward to spending time with him on the picnic the family had planned for the next day.

And so it was, after the morning workout and chores, everyone helped put together a huge picnic lunch, packed into backpacks. Mark and Joey armed themselves with Shelley's biscuits and the group started off on a hike.

Eric and Shelley walked side by side watching the children wonder along the path in front of them, finding points of interest, throwing rocks and stopping to wrestle with Ricky whenever the inclination struck. Eric felt Shelley's hand slip into his and he lifted her fingers to his lips with a smile.

Exploring a new area of the mountain, they came to a small path that forked off to the right. Mark and Joey ran ahead, around the curve and out of sight while the adults stood and discussed which path they should take. Deciding to head a little further up the mountain, Shelley called Mark and Joey to come back, but they didn't respond.

She could hear them laughing and throwing rocks into the stream. Handing Eric her pack she disappeared around the curve in search of the little Ninjas. A few seconds later a blood curdling scream erupted from Shelley's lungs striking fear in Eric's heart and draining all color from Ricky's face.

It seemed to take them forever to travel the short distance around the bend to find the source of Shelley's trouble. Ricky, Bree, and Eric came to a halt where the path ended and stared in horror.

A rope foot bridge dangled precariously thirty feet above the water. Mark and Joey clung desperately to the wooden slats that had once formed the walking surface of the bridge. The bridge had torn free from one side, apparently when Shelley had stepped out on it.

Shelley dangled from the rope that had previously formed one side of the bridge. Swinging helplessly now below what was left of the bridge, she tried to pull herself up in order to help Mark and Joey who could slide off the boards at any time, but it seemed it was all she could do to hold on.

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Dandelions Never Die - Book 1 of The Dandelions Series
Available in paperback, on Kindle, Nook, IPad and most all e-reading applications

Picture from an article in the China Post
February 19, 2009 9:23 am TWN, By Richard Saunders
,Jiajiuliao Trail: A walk in the woods

Book Snippets; This one from Weeds Grow (Book 4)

Beth stood in the kitchen silently watching Shelley cook as Ricky teased his seven-year-old sister, Jeffy. Dinner was almost ready by the time Eric came through the door, much in the same way Ricky had, scooping up Jeffy and Shelley in great bear hugs.

He offered Beth a polite hello, much warmer than earlier in the day and Beth was able to catch a glimpse of what had attracted Shelley to him. He had to be around fifty but he didn't look like it. He had broad shoulders and a trim waist and what she thought of as hippie hair, pulled back in a tail. Beth decided the dark eyes, handsome face and warm smile, all had been passed on to his son.

Nevertheless, she watched the men warily. They were strong. Not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. She could sense it. She could almost feel the power that emanated from them. They could make anyone feel utterly protected or very afraid. But she wasn't afraid. She could barely keep herself from glaring at Ricky. He was so very cocky. So self assured. And he and his father had murdered a man and gotten away with it.

Looking at Ricky she realized it would be easy to forget that. He was a gorgeous, hunky male with a totally hot body. She remembered him in earlier movies. He'd had long hair then. His father still did but now Ricky wore his hair short. It was thick and black and a lock of it fell over onto his forehead. It made her sick to think of how the world seemed to revere him. She would not be seduced by his charisma, however. She was here for justice, and justice would be done.

mccartneygreen.com

Weeds Grow

Book Snippets; This one from Four Days (Book 2)

Irene's tirade on police officers came to an abrupt halt when a new customer breezed through the door. Alice and Rosie turned at once. Alice's mouth dropped open. Rosie smiled broadly. Caroline paled.
He sat at the bar. Being the only waitress until seven-thirty when the next one arrived, Caro had no choice but to wait on him. Frowning, she took out her pad and stood poised, waiting for him to speak.
"Hello, Caroline." He said softly, reverently.
She didn't answer.
"Will you talk to me?"
"So you can insult me again?"
"I'm sorry, Princess. I made a mistake. Can you understand that? I went kind of crazy. The thought of men with their hands all over you, it just made me nuts."
She raised her eyebrows, crossed her arms and tapped her foot.
He sighed. "I was jealous. Please, forgive me."
"You were more than jealous, Toby Smith. You judged me. And you hurt me."
"I know. I know, and it kills me to think that I hurt the one person who means the world to me. I was wrong. I don't know what else to say."
"I hadn't realized you had such a bad temper."
He shrugged. "Me neither. I don't know where it came from. Maybe it's because I've never cared enough about anyone to get that angry."
"Hah, that's a good one," Irene interrupted.
He turned and grinned at her. "I thought it sounded pretty good."
When the giggles from the other side of the diner subsided, Toby turned back to Caroline, who remained stoic.
"Is it hopeless, Caroline? Is there any chance that you can forgive me and let me start again?"
"I might," she said slyly.
"You might?"
"I might think about it."
Toby looked to Rosie and her friends with a smile. He winked. Rosie giggled. Caroline frowned.
"Traitors," Caroline hissed as she passed her friends.

Book Snippet; To Protect the Innocent (Book 7)

While the coffee dripped, Mark found two mugs. He watched as Joey beat a couple of eggs into the mixture. "You makin' pancakes?"

"Yep. Got a problem with that?"

"None whatsoever. So, whaddya think about this thing?"

"Which thing are we talkin' about?"

"I think you know."

"You mean us brothers dating sisters?"

"Dating isn't exactly the word but we can settle for that for the sake of this conversation."

Joey frowned as he tested the skillet to make sure it was hot enough. "No, let's don't settle. Let's call it what it is. I'm in love with Breez, you're in love with Bella. You've known Bella longer than I've known Breez but it is what it is. They're a lot alike. So are we. It's interesting to say the least."

"The very least. I'm amazed at how strongly I feel about Bella and I won't question the strength of your feelings for Breez. So, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"That this is it? That we're gonna settle down and marry the Sheridan sisters?"

Mark nodded as Joey turned golden brown pancakes over in the skillet. "It seems that's where my mind is at."

"I know with me and Bella, we have some hurdles to jump first. Bottom line, I want her. I've never felt this way about anyone. Not ever. Not even about Amelia," Mark said, thinking about his college girlfriend of three years. "I can't even imagine being without Bella. And I want to be a father to Logan."

"Yeah, poor kid, he deserves a break."

Mark poured the coffee, set a mug next to Joey. "I did want to have more kids, though."

"Did?"

"Bella can't have any more children. The prick forced her to get her tubes tied."

"That can be undone."

"Yeah, I'm gonna talk to Jeffy about it."

"She'll know or find out."

"Yeah." Mark poured syrup over his stack, cut in and took a bite, gave himself a moment to savor. "So, has Breez told you yet how she feels about all this?"

Joey shook his head. "She isn't sure yet how she feels about all this. She doesn't realize that she loves me yet."

"What are you gonna do to convince her?"

"Nothing. She'll figure it out. She's a smart girl."

Mark smiled. He'd always appreciated his little brother's confidence.

To Protect the Innocent
mccartneygreen.com

Book Snippets; Six Angels (Book 5)

[Angelic nurse, Elizabeth Anderson, has a new boarder, Michael Moreland, who was injured in an accident. She has no idea he is really Special Agent Keegan Tanner, an FBI undercover agent who has been placed in her home so that he can recuperate from the car accident that almost took his life while remaining hidden from the ruthless organization he'd been investigating.]

Lizzy hurried around the kitchen, doing up dishes, taking out some ground beef to thaw, cleaning up a sticky spot on the floor, the whole time thinking about Michael Moreland. Not used to being close to a man other than her husband, she couldn't place the feelings that crept up her spine and had the hairs at the nape of her neck standing on end. He looked at her in that very male, very primitive kind of way, heating her blood and doubling her respiration.

She wasn't stupid. Of course what she was feeling was lust. It was a new thing to her, though. The love that she'd shared with Bradley was sweet and wholesome and heavenly. Now, there was a man in her home who was nothing like Bradley, not in any way, and he was causing feelings she'd never experienced. She wasn't afraid of him. She was excited by him. She was a nurse. She understood a body's need for release. And it had been a very long time since she'd had sex so that would explain her reaction to him, besides the fact that he was extremely good looking.

His dark hair, and darker eyes gave him a dangerous look. But when he smiled, which he hardly ever did, not that she could blame him right now, it showed a boyish character and that one adorable dimple. His body was banded with lean muscle. Who couldn't resist that broad muscular chest and six pack abs? His one thigh was thick and strong. They'd have to work on regaining muscle in the other leg when it became weight bearing.

Pushing her thoughts to what had to be done, she went to check on the children. Rose and Violet were almost dressed but needed help with their shoes. Daisy and Lily were still rummaging through their drawers. There wasn't much to choose from. Just about all their clothes were hand-me-downs. Lizzy knelt down and helped them decide between pink or lime green pants and shirts with flowers or shirts with butterflies. The green pants and butterfly shirts won out. Once they were dressed, teeth cleaned, faces washed and hair brushed, she led them to Mr. Moreland's room.

She knocked softly and pushed the door open. He'd fallen back to sleep, the newspaper spread out across his chest. Quietly, she moved toward the bed and reached for the paper. The moment she touched it his hand snapped out, trapping her wrist in an iron grasp.

She gasped. His eyes opened and bore deep into hers, violence and rage barely contained.

"I, uh, was just moving the newspaper," she tried to explain.

A look of confusion crossed his features, then his eyes widened. He glanced down at his hand holding her wrist and let go immediately. "I'm sorry, I must've dozed off. You startled me."

She swallowed, rubbing her wrist.

"Do me a favor and don't sneak up on me. Ever."

"Okay," she agreed quickly and meekly.

He felt instantly sorry. Damn, he hadn't meant to scare her. He watched her as she straightened her shoulders and put on a brave front.

"I thought you might like to meet the girls," she explained. "But I can come back another time if you prefer."

"No. Please, introduce me to the girls. I'm sorry I snapped at you."

She drew a breath and blew it out. "Okay. Well, this is Rose and this is Violet. They're twins as you can see."

"Hello Rose and Violet," he said softly, noting their blue eyes were large with apprehension.

"How old are you?" he asked, trying to put them at ease.

"We're four," they answered in unison.

He chuckled.

Lizzy immediately looked up at the pleasant sound. Her eyes met his. He actually smiled.

"And who are these two?" he asked, snapping her out of her shock.

"Um, this is Lily and this is Daisy. They're three."

"Well hi there, Lily and Daisy," he said, his eyes twinkling.

Lizzy was captivated by the sight.

"Lily's shy," Daisy said. "She won't talk. But I will. I'm not shy."

Book Snippets; This one from To Protect the Innocent (Boo...

Book Snippets; This one from To Protect the Innocent (Book 7)
(Mark and brother Joey go to see young Eric,[their sister's son] hospitalized after getting into a brawl in a parking lot the night before. JoJo is Mark's son, Eric's cousin and best friend.)

"Hey, Kiddo," Mark said when Eric opened his eyes.

Eric blinked. "Hey, Uncle Mark, Hey JoJo."

"How ya feelin'?"

"A little dizzy." He closed his eyes again. "They said it would pass." His eyes searched the room. "Where's Mom and Dad?"

"You were sleeping pretty good so they stepped out to grab a bite to eat."

"So, did my Dad tell you he's pissed at me or anything like that?" Eric asked.

Mark smiled at him. "Well, not in so many words. I'm sure he's waiting for you to get better before he lowers the boom."

"It was my fault," Eric said. "I mean, I sort of wanted to show off, you know, big tough guy, watch me kick this guy's ass."

"You did show him, for a second, anyway," JoJo said.

"Don't encourage him," Mark said. "Look, we're all feeling a little guilty. I should've stuck a little closer to you guys, JoJo thinks he should've seen it coming, you shouldn't have run your mouth. Even your mom and dad think they should've done a better job of teaching you the consequences of your actions. We'll all learn, we'll make adjustments and we'll let it go."

Eric nodded. "Earlier this morning when the doctor came in, he said I might be able to go home by Wednesday."

"That would be great," JoJo said.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?"

Eric smiled as his other uncle came through the door. "Hey, Uncle Joey."

"Hey, bud. What the hell have you gone and done, huh?"

"I'm sure you've heard the story."

"Yeah, I have," Joey said. He reached out, ruffled JoJo's hair in greeting, then offered his hand to his brother. "Mark, you doin' okay?"

"I guess, considering."

Joey smiled up at his big brother. "Feeling guilty?"

"You know me too well."

Grinning in agreement, Joey turned back to his nephew, leaned over the bed, ran his hand gently over the young man's forehead. "You gave us all a scare."

"Yes sir, I'm sorry."

"Save the apologies for your mom. For me, you just get healthy."

"Got it. Thanks, Uncle Joey."

"Sorry I wasn't here for ya, last night."

"It's okay."

"Jason said you were on assignment last night," Mark asked.

"Yeah, actually, while I'm here I'd like to talk to you about it."

"Really? That's a new one. Usually, I can't pry the information out of you."

"Yeah, well, I have a feeling you're gonna be part of all this. It's about Bella Landow."

Mark came to attention. "She's okay?"

"For now, yeah. Step outside and we'll talk. Besides, these guys probably have lies they want to get straight."

"Funny, Uncle Joey," JoJo said.

Are You Pretty?

I'm all about love. I guess that's why I write about it. Love relationships. Love between men and women, yes, but my books also address many other types of love. Just a few of them are: the love of a son shown for his father by striving to be like him, the love of children for their mother, shown in the way they speak to her and try to protect her, the love for children by the offering of a parent's very life for them, the love between real friends, shown by loyalty, and even love of the earth, shown by stopping to appreciate it's awesomeness.

I think, because I equate love with beauty, the women in my stories are always beautiful in their own way. Some more than others, still, I see them as beautiful. Of course, I see most everyone as beautiful, and I think that's because beauty really is NOT skin deep. A friend of mine wrote a beautiful poem about this very thing. He didn't title it, so I think I will call it....... Luculenus, which is Latin for Beautiful. (Latin just makes everything feel so..... beautiful.) Here's the poem... enjoy.

Luculenus
by Michael Ezell

Who cares how pretty you are?
There are millions of pretty people in the world.
Are you beautiful? That is the question.
It doesn't matter how radiant your face is on a good day.
Do the faces of children glow in the light of your acceptance
when you enter a room?
Do your eyes smile when you laugh?
Your skin is soft you say... Wonderful!
How pliant is your heart my love?
Is it malleable enough to wrap around your
lover's frame when it has been chilled by
the winters of life?
Are you able to answer love's call
when it beckons?
Can you receive it when it desires to run through you like a
west wind through an etched valley?
Open your heart my Love.
Shed all fear of pain like a soiled garment
and let love cleanse you
Ask it to penetrate you from every side.
Let it in.
There will be tears,
but only to cleanse you.
There will be pain,
but only to strengthen you.
There will even be loss,
but it will be for your ultimate gain.
If you allow love to guide you through the crucible of life
you will know no death
for you will be beautiful
and all beauty is eternal.

Book snippets; This one from Weeds Grow (Book 4 of the se...

Book snippets; This one from Weeds Grow (Book 4 of the series)

He put his arms around her.

"I have an idea. How about we get all dressed up tonight and I'll take you to a nice restaurant and we'll have a glorious dinner and then maybe a tour of the new art exhibit."

When she frowned, he quickly added. "Or maybe a show. I think there was a new play opening this week."

She sighed. "I don't know Ricky. I'm not sure that I want to hear all the gossip if we go out together. I mean, just going to that restaurant to meet Jillian the other day was hard enough."

He let go of her, stepped back. "Well, we can't be prisoners in our own home, can we?"

"Maybe not. But I'm not sure if I'm willing to face it."

Ricky's eyes narrowed. There was something about her tone that put him on edge. He spoke slowly. "You mean now– or ever?"

She crossed her arms over her breasts. "I'm not sure what I mean."

His heart dropped. He turned, ran a hand through his hair. "Bree, do you feel something for me?"

"Yes."

He turned back. "What?"

She was silent.

"Okay, maybe if I take the first step it won't be so hard for you. Let me tell you how I feel. I'm in love with you, Bree. I have been for a long time. During the eight years we've been apart, I doubted myself. Thought maybe I just didn't know what love is, ya know? But I believe I do now. And I love you. I love your strength. Your sweetness. Your bitchiness. Everything about you. I can't think of anyone else I would want to spend my life with, to wake up to every morning, to give me children."

He stopped when she groaned.

"Okay, maybe I'm moving too fast. But you must feel something for me."

"I do. I'm just not sure what to call it."

His eyes closed briefly to hide the pain. "Let's see," he said slowly. "Maybe it would help to break it down. Like, name one thing. Just one thing you like."

She shrugged. "You're really good in bed."

Obviously disappointed, he hung his head. "I guess prowess as a lover would be a great accomplishment, but I was hoping for something deeper."

"I admire and respect you."

"Great. Just great." He turned and walked away. He didn't want her to see how her words hurt him.

"I dunno, Ricky, I guess I think you're a really nice guy."

His temper flared. He whirled. The statement had been made as if that was a bad thing. "That's it, isn't it? I'm nice. You've always had an aversion to nice guys. Men for you have to be mean and dangerous, don't they Bree? They have to give you that edge. I would've thought you'd learned your lesson when Mr. Nick James worked you over, but I guess that's the way you like it."

She slapped him. The resounding whack seemed to expand and travel out to sea. His mouth pressed into a straight line. He drew several breaths before he spoke. "I suppose I deserved that," he said softly. "I'm going for a run." He climbed the railing and jumped to his side then turned toward her once more. "And I'm going to try very hard from now on to not be nice."

Bree stood frozen. She couldn't believe she'd slapped him. He'd made her so damn mad. She drew a breath. And she was so mad because he hit the sore spot. Why didn't she tell him how she really feels about him? Why is she so afraid of telling him that she cares for him? Maybe even loves him. And that she's also thought about having his children. Why? Why does he scare her so much?

Book Snippets:

This one from Expendable - Book 6 of The Dandelions Series.
Marion Daley - wife to Senator Talmond Daley
Mackenzie Daley - Marion's child from her first marriage, adopted by the Senator.
Marissa - Daughter of Marion and Talmond, half-sister to Mackenzie.

"Mom?" Marissa said softly as she entered the den.

Marion Daley looked up at her youngest daughter. She'd been sitting in the designer chair Talmond had presented her with on their second wedding anniversary. He'd always provided the best for them and Marion had always believed marrying him had been the best thing for her and her little girl. But sitting here in the chair, her feet tucked up under her, she'd been reconsidering.

One time, when Mackenzie had been nine, Marion remembered, and all curled up in this very chair, she'd been working on a homework assignment, making a diagram of the human body, when she'd been called into dinner. Being obedient for once, she'd quickly stood, placed the papers and markers on the seat and joined her mother and step-father for the evening meal. When they'd re-entered the room after dinner, Talmond found the marker Mackenzie had been using had rolled off the stack of papers. Apparently, she hadn't bothered to cap the red marker and it had bled into the upholstery.

He'd calmly called her to him. Pointed to the chair. Her daughter's mouth had dropped open. Marion had watched him take her hand and lead her upstairs. Marion hadn't intervened. Mickey needed to learn responsibility. But she'd turned and glanced at her mom as he'd taken her from the room. Marion could still see her face now, clear as day. There had been fear in her eyes, but something more. An accusation of betrayal.

Now that her daughter was missing, all those little things kept surfacing, one after another, a constant montage of memories that made up her daughter's life. Sitting here, Marion realized most of them were bad memories whenever Talmond had been involved. Had she betrayed her eldest daughter? Had she traded her daughter's happiness for a comfortable life?

That FBI agent, Special Agent Dodge, and her husband didn't know she'd overheard them speaking last night in his study. She wasn't allowed in the room. No one was allowed in there unless he'd invited them and the only one Marion had ever known him to invite, was Marissa. Last night though, Marion had stood just outside the door in the hallway. Talmond had demanded to know why there hadn't been a ransom note. He'd asked the agent to explain to him what the kidnappers could be thinking. The answer is what had sent Marion into a tailspin.

Agent Dodge had said it was possible the kidnappers had no idea who they took. That it may have been a quick snatch for no other reason than to do her harm. Then her husband had asked what Mackenzie's chances are of survival. And the agent had said, realistically, it'd been over a week since the abduction and no ransom note, no contact, more than likely, she's already dead.

She'd heard no response from Talmond. If he'd made one, her head was too full of sounds and images to hear it. Up until that moment, she'd truly believed they would get Mackenzie back. The truth was a bitter pill. Her first born child was probably dead, probably raped and tortured and killed by some mad man who could care less that she was smart and beautiful and loving and brilliant.

"Mom!"

Marion shook her head. "Oh, I'm sorry, Marissa. Did you say something?"

"Mom, you're scaring me. Are you okay?"

McCartney Green

Book Snippets;

This one from June Flower - 8th and Final Book of The Dandelions Series"Okay, hand me that wrench," Ricky said to his son.
Seventeen-year-old Eric Kino reached for the wrench while still holding the heavy wooden beam in place. Scooping it up, he handed it to his father.
Ricky quickly tightened the bolts. They were about half-way finished with the Saturday project, which was to build a new swing set and play gym in the backyard of the Kino family homestead.
The old one had long been torn apart by three rough-housing boys. The only thing left of it had been one of the swings which Taylor used even to this day when she was being melancholy, as young teen girls had a tendency to be. Shelley insisted it was time for a new one. Sophia would be three in May and the new babies were fifteen-months old and needing something fun and safe to play on when they were at Grandma's house. And so, the elaborate play set was today's project.
Currently, Joey was at Ameritech handling some logistics. Mark, JoJo and Logan were hard at work putting together one of the slides that would attach to the end of the swing set. Shelley had placed herself in charge of the landscaping that surrounded the new equipment. Eric lugged large green plants back and forth as Shelley tried to figure out the perfect spot to place them.
Ricky gave the last bolt a final twist and nodded at his son. "Go ahead and hang the swings and double check the ones with the safety straps for the babies."
"Gotcha," young Eric said.
Ricky smiled as Bree approached. The world revered her. Men fantasized about her. He was one of them. He thanked his lucky stars every day that he'd pushed past her meager defenses and awakened her to the love they shared.
"What are you grinning about?" she asked as she kissed him lightly on the mouth.
"Can't help but smile when I see you," he admitted, snaking his arm around her waist and pulling her in close. "Have I told you lately how much I love you?"
"Not in the past four hours."
He gazed into her eyes. "I'm more in love with you now than I was eighteen years ago on the day you drugged Jeff and tried to make a deal with the bad guys."
She laughed. "Will you ever let me forget that?"
"No and you know why? Because your toughness has always been a turn on for me." He let his hand slip down to the back of her hip and press softly.
"Geez, you guys, will you get a room?" young Eric complained.
Mark, JoJo and Logan snickered as they maneuvered the slide into place.