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Dangerous Confessions, Serena Manchester, Book 3

Summer 2020 – The case from last month is still far from over for private investigator Serena “Rena” Manchester. Not just because she found herself in yet another life threatening situation, but because the fall-out still has not been dealt with by the authorities. Determined to see justice to the end, Rena steps up her investigation along with her new young attractive associate.

During a surveillance job, Rena runs into a very unpleasant woman from her past life as a reporter. A few hours later, when the woman falls to her death from a beach condo balcony, Rena finds herself switching directions with her investigation. The more she digs into her past news story, the more she starts to see parallels to her current case. Unfortunately, Rena is receiving more resistance from law enforcement and someone else is not happy about her digging around either.

Minister Trey Evans, wants to support her career, but Rena’s attraction to danger is pushing their struggling relationship to the limit. While she’s striving to pursue justice, Rena may have to endure another devastating blow to her personal life.

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Read an Excerpt

From Chapter 1…

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Friday, January 3, 9:43 pm

I was past ready for something to go down. Anything.

My phone chirped for the third time. I didn’t even bother to look at it this time. I knew it was Trey. We’d argued before I left town this morning. My long-time friend and current love interest claimed he supported me. But it was becoming obvious to me that my choice of profession as a private investigator got under his skin. He was a minister with a very prominent standing in our community. My cases often brought eyebrow raising, deep sighing and extended lectures on how I endangered my life.

I have always had this driving force to expose the truth. Unfortunately, revealing someone else’s ugliness can backfire. I’d managed to find myself in life-threatening situations more times than I liked to admit. Still I knew without a doubt God’s purpose for me was to do exactly what I was doing. Somebody had to be an advocate for victims of injustices. Thanks to my newly formed relationship with God, these days I sought justice with a lot more scruples than I had as a reporter in my past life.

I sighed deeply and lifted the glass of soda water to my lips. I’d been sitting at the bar for about forty minutes now. Earlier this week, I had conversations with the bartender and the waitress currently on the clock. Both told me what I needed to know.  

So, I continued to wait. In my earpiece, I heard the tired voice of my young associate Amir Wright. “Do you think this is the right night?”

I smiled. Amir was young, but definitely had skills. I wouldn’t have ever considered tonight’s stakeout without him as backup. Something that Trey didn’t like either. I turned away from a trio of young women who’d appeared at the bar. They were dressed for a night out on the town, all adorning black dresses and stilettos. I pulled out my phone, pretending to talk. I spoke softly. “I’m wondering the same. I haven’t seen any of the subjects yet.”

Amir countered, “Didn’t both the bartender and the waitress mention first Fridays of the month? Maybe they meet up later than we suspected.”

The group of women’s chatter was too much in my ear, so I walked away from the bar, headed towards the lobby. “It’s almost ten o’clock. You think you can make it another hour?”

“Hey, I’m all in with you.”

On our first case together only a few months ago, Amir had been shot, on Black Friday, of all days. While he was back in the swing of things, I knew sitting around in a hotel room with the surveillance equipment was probably not good for his body. Then again, the man owned a cybersecurity company. He was in his element, and I knew he wouldn’t have it any other way.

I scolded softly, “You really shouldn’t being doing this. Let’s wrap this up so you can get some rest. Plus, you know this old lady can’t hang too long.”

Amir chuckled, “Past your bedtime, huh?”

“Not really. I’m definitely disappointed though.” Especially after I did my homework and prepared for this night for weeks, even through the holidays. It didn’t help that I was feeling slightly guilty about my argument with Trey. I really needed to return to my room and call him back. Never let the sun go down on your anger. That was something we both agreed to do.

The hotel was buzzing with activity, people arriving bedraggled from traveling or heading out for the local nightlife. I looked up to see a woman dressed in a fuchsia pants suit walking in my direction. Our eyes connected and I immediately had the sense I’d seen her before. She was tall, thin like a super model, except this woman wasn’t a young thing. Her bobbed hair was almost a white blond. She’d loosened her orange scarf so that it hung down, exposing a scrawny neck.

When she looked at me, recognition reflected in her eyes.

I heard an audible gasp from her and was surprised to see her stop in the middle of the lobby. Curious about who she was and how she knew me, I paused mid-stride and faced her.

When the woman spoke, her Southern drawl came out deep and throaty. “Serena Manchester?”

I raised an eyebrow, because it was when she spoke that the cobwebs in my mind started to glide away. I knew this woman a long time ago, back during my crime reporting days in Charlotte. She was a major part of one my most popular stories.

I inquired, “Deena? Deena Huffman?”

Deena’s smile wasn’t warm and inviting, more like the kind you gave your worst enemy. Her gesture was meant to be polite, but she was not happy to see me. “You remember me?”

I nodded, “How could I not? You moved out the spotlight after the trial. Have you been here in Myrtle Beach all this time?”

Her eyes shifted behind me. “I’ve been a lot of places, but I do have a beach home here that belonged to my … husband.”

“Your deceased husband.” The one who she in fact was accused of killing.

Her eyes flashed as if she read my mind. “I was acquitted you know.”

I couldn’t wipe the smirk off my face. “I’m well aware. I sat in the courtroom everyday covering the trial.”

Her lips thinned. “You were also the one to break the story for the police.”

“I’d been following your husband for over a year. Brent Huffman was quite the character. If I remember, money laundering was his thing along with a heroin addiction.”

Deena’s eyes were cold. “I don’t miss him. He wasn’t a good husband.” Her eyes shifted behind me again as though she was watching for someone. “He wasn’t a good man at all. I’m sorry he died the way he did.”

I narrowed my eyes, “Which you still claim to know nothing about?”

Her eyes flickered on my face. “I didn’t kill him. But I have my suspicions.”

Interesting. “Did you ever share them with the police?”

“No.” She shook her head and dropped her voice, “I’m not crazy. I love my life.”

I frowned at this unexpected revelation. Deena was scared of her husband’s true killer. But she stood trial for his murder. Why?

Deena openly eyed something or someone behind me, her eyes had widened. Her nervousness rubbed off on me.

Why was she really here? This impromptu meeting didn’t seem like a coincidence. I turned my head slightly to observe three suited men walk into the lobby. They each had a young beautiful woman on their arms.

Too young. In fact, these were the same women who were sitting at the bar a few minutes ago. Were they escorts of some sort?

My skin prickled as thoughts of my last case loomed. A young woman had been murdered. As I studied her life, I’d found some unsavory elements that lead me here tonight. I was pretty sure the men that arrived were in the center of my investigation.

And Deena seemed to recognize them. Her stance was still as she clutched her large designer purse in front of her.

Before I could ask her anything, Deena spoke, her words rushed. “It was good to see you again. I have to go.” She took off behind the men, all heading towards the elevators.

I held my phone up to my ear, “Amir, you still there?”

“Yeah, what was all that about? You ran into someone you knew?”

“I did, but we can talk about her later.” I took in a sharp intake of breath as I scoped out the men in suits. “Right now, all of the men are here. I’m going to follow.”

Amir responded, his stressed tone reminding me of Trey’s earnest pleas earlier. “Rena, be careful.”

“Don’t worry, Amir. I got this.”

If Deena Huffman was associated with these men, I knew we were in for a night of revelations. Her fear should have made me pause. Instead, I headed towards the elevators too, praying that Trey’s worst fears about my job would not come to light.

 

A Simmering Dilemma, Eugeena Patterson Mysteries, Book 4

April 2020

Eugeena and Amos are married, but the happy couple may see their new life fall apart when Amos’ daughter moves in next door. Briana Jones is cooking up mayhem when she hooks up with old friends. 

When Amos receives a call in the middle of the night, he jumps into action to help his daughter whose quickly becoming a suspect in a murder. Eugeena doesn’t want to rock the boat between Amos and his daughter, but she can tell Briana is keeping secrets. 

How is Eugeena going to help find the real murderer and keep her new marriage together?

When Love Finds Me (Victory Gospel Short 3)

June 30, 2020

Tangerine “Tangie” Nelson, part owner of the Crown of Beauty salon, is busier than ever doing what she loves to do. Her other full-time job involves being a single mom to three sons. After her youngest son is approved to attend a local charter school, Tangie is pleased with the results in her son’s progress. She’s sure his new school counselor, Nathan Chambers, has a lot to do with his growth. Tangie is also finding it hard to resist her growing attraction to Mr. Chambers.

Victory Gospel Shorts are sweet Christian romance short stories from 8,000 to 15,000 words, or 32-60 book pages. Meet a different member from the Victory Gospel Church family. Don’t be surprised if you see a character from the Victory Gospel Series or the Reed Family Series in a story.

NOTE: This short story reintroduces characters from the book, When Rain Falls, Victory Gospel Series, Book 1.

When Love Finds Me: A Short Story

February 2020

Tangerine “Tangie” Nelson, part owner of the Crown of Beauty salon, is busier than ever doing what she loves to do. Her other full-time job involves being a single mom to three sons. After her youngest son is approved to attend a local charter school, Tangie is pleased with the results in her son’s progress. She’s sure his new teacher has a lot to do with his growth. Tangie is also finding it hard to resist her growing attraction to her son’s teacher.

Victory Gospel Shorts are sweet Christian romance short stories from 8,000 to 10,000 words, or 32-40 book pages. Meet a different member from the Victory Gospel Church family. Don’t be surprised if you see a character from the Victory Gospel Series or the Reed Family Series in a story.

NOTE: This short story reintroduces characters from the book, When Rain Falls, Victory Gospel Series, Book 1.

A Blended Family Christmas (Eugeena Patterson Family Short 2)

December 17, 2019

Eugeena Patterson is marrying her neighbor and companion, Amos Jones. Her family and friends are happy to finally see the couple walk down the aisle. But there’s something missing.

Since his wife’s death, Amos has been estranged from his two daughters. Eugeena encourages Amos to reach out to his daughters by inviting them to spend Christmas with him.

Will Amos’ family accept the invitation and will they accept the pending nuptials?

Take a sneak peek at Chapter 1 from A Simmering Dilemma, Eugeena Patterson Mysteries, Book 4.

A Blended Family Christmas: A Short Story (Eugeena Patterson Short 2)

December 17, 2019

Eugeena Patterson is marrying her neighbor and companion, Amos Jones. Her family and friends are happy to finally see the couple walk down the aisle. But there’s something missing.

Since his wife’s death, Amos has been estranged from his two daughters. Eugeena encourages Amos to reach out to his daughters by inviting them to spend Christmas with him.

Will Amos’ family accept the invitation and will they accept the pending nuptials?

Take a sneak peek at Chapter 1 from A Simmering Dilemma, Eugeena Patterson Mysteries, Book 4.

Southern Delights: A Short Story Audiobook

Narrator: Karla Young

Audible.com Amazon.com

Nia Michaels is an author who’s currently experiencing writer’s block. Determined to send her next novel by the deadline, she struggles for inspiration. Her own love life certainly doesn’t reflect the sweet Romance stories she’s grown accustomed to reading and writing. When a man walks inside Southern Delights Cafe, catching Nia’s eye, she’s delighted to find the perfect male character for her novel. She sure wouldn’t mind getting to know him for herself too. Victory Gospel Shorts are sweet Christian romance short stories from 8,000 to 10,000 words, or 32-40 book pages. Meet a different member from the Victory Gospel Church family. Don’t be surprised if you see a character from the Victory Gospel Series or the Reed Family Series in a story.

Victory Gospel Shorts

Victory Gospel Shorts are sweet Christian romance short stories from 8,000 to 10,000 words, or 32-40 book pages.

The Replacement Date: A Short Story Audiobook

Narrator: Joy Johnson

Five years after a rocky divorce, Donna Madison is out on her first date. But when she is stood up by her date, she’s not too upset because a surprise “replacement” date saves the night. The man who shows up at her table is a childhood friend she hadn’t seen in fifteen years. Maxwell Anderson is no ordinary blast from the past, and Donna can’t help but wonder if the unexpected meeting has divine purposes.

Victory Gospel Shorts are sweet Christian romance short stories from 8,000 to 10,000 words, or 32-40 book pages. Meet a different member from the Victory Gospel Church family. Don’t be surprised if you see a character from the Victory Gospel Series or the Reed Family Series in a story.

About the Narrator

Joy Johnson is an audiobook narrator, with a versatile range, and a special interest in family-friendly books. At her core, she enjoys bringing words to life. She approaches each book with special attention and care— amplifying the words from the pages. As Joy works on a project, she likes to envision each word as painting a picture that is gradually being etched into the reader’s heart. If you are interested in having Joy Johnson as a Narrator or would like to contact Joy for a demo, she can be reached at JoySpeaksLife@gmail.com. For audio samples, visit her online at ACX.

A Simmering Dilemma, Eugeena Patterson Mysteries, Book 4

January 2020

Eugeena and Amos are married, but the happy couple may see their new life fall apart when Amos’ daughter moves in next door. Sherri Jones is cooking up mayhem when she hooks up with old friends. 

When Amos receives a call in the middle of the night, he jumps into action to help his daughter whose quickly becoming a suspect in a murder. Eugeena doesn’t want to rock the boat between Amos and his daughter, but she can tell Sherri is keeping secrets. 

How is Eugeena going to help find the real murderer and keep her new marriage together?