Ray Stone's Blog: A blog for everyone, page 27
October 6, 2014
Twisted Wire creates a lot of interest in first week
It is so nice to receive reviews so soon after the book’s release. It has been a long road to get to this point. Writing in the toughest of genres requires patience, excellent editing and yes, luck. Next year will see the publication of the third Enda Osin mystery book. I seem to have created a character in ‘Fish’ that has every reader falling in love with him. What a great compliment. I thank you for your continued support. The first in the series, Isia’s Secret, will be out on Audio by the end of October so look out for that.
A word about the three people who really helped to create this book:
Mrellan Harahan, my wife and fellow author, who has cut her teeth on this the first full length book she has edited. Like my first editor, Suraya Dewing who worked with me on Isia’s Secret, Mrellan never held back but encouraged, pushed and poked until I got things right.
Irene Kimmel, my marketer of Archetype Marketing, who not only designed beautiful cover and formatted the book but also worked on producing a fabulous web site and loads of advice on advertising.
Jennie Jansen, my proof reader who polished the book and helped produce a manuscript any author would be proud of.
Last and most important of all, my thanks to all my reviewers who continue to support me. I list below some of the reviews received during the first week.
Vibrant Characters and plenty of Cliffhangers
Every new book is better than the one before! This one has all the elements of a great story: vibrant characters, plenty of cliffhangers, and a plot so current it could have been taken from the Sunday London Times.
Once again, we get the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of our favorite jaded, sarcastic and obsessive political reporter, Enda Ocin. Enda has now settled into married life with the beautiful and proper Jessica Du Rosse. A new character named Fish, Enda’s man Friday, has talents that constantly amaze Enda. As usual, the beauty of Ray Stone’s writing is his gift for writing characters so real and unique you could spot them in the crowd at Time Square on New Year’s Eve.
The plot of this story is fairly simple but Stone will capture your attention when Enda is sucked into a conspiracy to commit industrial espionage with a twist. The streets and alleyways of Europe come alive as the setting for this breathless story about a futuristic plane. Before you pick up this book and begin to read make sure you have plenty of snacks and a comfortable chair. It is going to be a long night! [by M. Harahan]
Ray Stone writes devilishly intricate plots
I was excited to receive a copy of Twisted Wire from Ray Stone in advance of its release. I’ve read all of Ray’s books to date and this one is definitely the leading edge of a body of great work.
Ray Stone writes devilishly intricate plots, interwoven with great action, twists and most importantly realistic and enthralling characters. Enda Osin is unforgettable and engrossing as the bulldoggedly curious political journalist who just can’t keep out of trouble – anywhere. If it’s not with the governments he writes about, it’s with his editor Max – or with his equally engaging wife,Jessica. Jessica is everything that Enda isn’t: beautiful, sophisticated, elegant and thoughtful. Together, they take on the world once again and it’s a real page-turner to see what they uncover and if they come out of it unscathed.
I highly recommend this book and this author to anyone who enjoys a good thriller. And I encourage you to read the first Enda novel, Isia’s Secret, as well. In fact, get them both together and binge read your way through Enda’s adventures. You won’t be sorry.
Thanks, Ray, for the chance to read your work. I look forward to the next Enda Osin novel – which I understand will be released in early 2015. [by A.M.Connor]
It’s a terrific read with excellent plot turns
Twisted Wire is another in the Enda Osin series where, as an investigative Journalist Enda receives a mysterious phone message about a parcel and although counselled by his young wife, Jessica, to not ‘start digging something up…’ he follows up on the address in the message because it seems familiar.
Unable to ignore the questions raised by the parcel and the message Enda begins on a trail that uncovers international espionage that takes him to Germany and other parts of Europe. Jessica, who takes on the role of research assistant, travels with him.
These two are very well portrayed. We hear the story from Enda’s point of view but Jessica plays her part right up to the point where Enda is devastated by the prospect of losing her. They work as a team and neither upstages the other.
However, it is an Enda Osin story and he is never too far from the action. The story is told from two points of view – Enda’s and the point of view of the perpetrators representing agencies competing for the advanced aircraft technology.
As a reader who likes to see the characters live on the page I found the character of Fish very appealing. He was believable in every way. He spoke and behaved as I would expect him to and he was an excellent contrast to Jessica and Enda. Loved him! Scruffy, unreliable and unexpectedly turning up at critical times. I hope he’s in the next book.
Olga who has a tattooed face, I’m not so sure about. I found myself wondering how someone with such distinctive markings could hide from the Russian agents who were chasing her. So I wondered what the tattoos were like.
Now a bit about the plot without giving too much away. Once again journalist, Enda cannot resist following a lead that has the air of mystery and intrigue about it. He intercepts delivery of a memory stick on which are classified plans for the SX56 hyper supersonic aircraft, the next big thing in international weaponry. The superpowers are after this highly classified information and want to be first to build it. Enda senses a good story and nothing can stop him following his journalistic instincts which lead to a race from Europe to UK involving people at the highest government levels.
Enda and Jessica dodge the bullets and get the plans into the right hands but not without huge risk to themselves. As in ‘Isia’s Secret’ he acts against government advice and runs the gauntlet but emerges to tell his story. The story has pace and is complex plot-wise.
This is a step up from his first novel, ‘Isia’s Secret’ and I look forward to reading the next in the trilogy.
It’s a terrific read with excellent plot turns. [by Suraya Dewing]
Stone’s best novel yet
With Twisted Wire, author Raymond Stone has eclipsed his first novel, Isia’s Secret. His latest mystery thriller takes you at a fast run through international corporate espionage as Britain, Russia, and America compete for contracts worth billions.
Twisted Wire may be about a piece of technology engineered to go wild, but it also apply describes Stone’s intricate plot twists, complex in their crafting and timing.
Jessica Du Rosse returns as Enda Olsin’s rational foundation and conscience. A true partner in this adventure, her support and counseling keep Enda on course and on his toes.
The story is told with a style that makes it entirely plausible and possible, leaving the reader free to enjoy the fast paced character and conflict. Enda also chooses his sidekicks carefully and his choice of Fish is a gem to be remembered and anticipated in future stories.
I’ve enjoyed this story and recommend it highly. [by Enos Russell]
Clive Cussler, Ken Follet or James Patterson – Ray Stone has arrived
Another thriller from that British ex-pat. His use of geography and thrilling plot twists are much better in this the second volume in Enda’s life story. His use of UKism’s makes this read even more enjoyable, even if he can’t spell like us colonials! I’d highly recommend this thriller suspense to anyone that has every read Clive Cussler, Ken Follet or James Patterson novels. His details are hard to break, yet he stills leaves a lot to your imagination. I felt dirty in the plot along with the characters. I for one am waiting anxiously for the next Enda story to unfold!
Ray – thanks for the entertainment, the book was a page turner – even on my Kindle! Deb told me to put it down on many recent nights this week so she could rest! I plan to reread it in the very near future. Best work to date! [by Michael Myers]
I could’nt wait
Super glad to receive ‘Twisted Wire’ for review before it is published. After reading ‘Isia’s Secret’, I couldn’t wait to read another Enda Osin mystery.
Enda, now married to Jessica, gets involved in industrial espionage. After receiving a strange phone call regarding delivery of a package, Enda decides to investigate and uncover a good story for the Herald. In this part of the trilogy Fish who is an ex con joins the team. Enda and Jessica discover that two giant companies are competing to get access to advanced technology in order to develop a hyper-speed aircraft. Everything gets complicated when intelligent agencies become involved and little by little Enda and Jessica enter into a web of political intrigue without knowing who they can trust.
As I expected, ‘Twisted Wire’ is another well-crafted thriller by Raymond Stone. New characters like Fish are described vividly and the plot is so thrilling that you will read it nonstop. Stone keeps the style of his previous book as Enda’s POV mixed with an omniscient POV.
If you haven’t read the first book make sure to do so before ‘Twisted Wire’ comes out. I look forward to reading the last book of the Enda Osin trilogy soon. 5 out of 5 stars [by Azadeh Nafissi]
It Crackles and Explodes with
Wow, what a sequel to the first in this trilogy. When I read Isia’s Secret I loved the scenic tour and the adventure – and the romance that developed between Enda and Jessica. In Twisted Wire I found a much darker story that takes place in London and Berlin. The characters are really 3D and that is what I have come to expect from Stone. Enda is married and Jessica and ‘Fish’ help out when they find the Russians have duped Enda into delivering secret plans for a computerized program that should be helping the Americans fly a hyper-speed craft with military options. The Russians want it as well and so do the EU, and Enda is caught in the middle being chased by the police and a very nasty Russian spy. There is also one twist that really caught me out. What really impressed me was the way Stone portrayed MI6 and the SVR as they really are. No frills, just dirty tricks and cover-ups. There are no winners here; just the truth about modern security services, spy cells, and a race to fly hyper-speed first. [by C. Renton]
Couldn’t Put It Down
Ray Stone has written a fabulous piece of fiction and the second in the Enda Osin trilogy. To date I would say this is his best work.
Enda Osin, political columnist, once again becomes embroiled in a political scandal, this time of huge proportions. A strange call from a wrong number and Enda is investigating. What he gets into is political intrigue and scandal followed by sabotage and murder. The stakes are high and lives are at risk, especially Enda’s. With assistance from a few dedicated people, some strange, some not so, some out to settle a score, and all of them willing to risk their lives to help Enda get to the truth, they embark on a most dangerous mission.
The characters are wonderful and true to the part they play. I loved them, especially Fish, who enters the story early on and is an integral part. The action scenes are well-written and I had trouble putting the book down, wanting to see what would happen next.
I highly recommend this book and very much look forward to the next Enda adventure from Ray Stone which will be released in early 2015. [by Jennifer Jansen]
October 5, 2014
An engaging thriller
The latest review for Twisted Wire – A.M. Connor
Twisted Wire is an engaging thriller – vivid, lifelike characters and action come aliv
I was excited to receive a copy of Twisted Wire from Ray Stone in advance of its release. I’ve read all of Ray’s books to date and this one is definitely the leading edge of a body of great work.
Ray Stone writes devilishly intricate plots, interwoven with great action, twists and most importantly realistic and enthralling characters. Enda Osin is unforgettable and engrossing as the bulldoggedly curious political journalist who just can’t keep out of trouble – anywhere. If it’s not with the governments he writes about, it’s with his editor Max – or with his equally engaging wife,Jessica. Jessica is everything that Enda isn’t: beautiful, sophisticated, elegant and thoughtful. Together, they take on the world once again and it’s a real page-turner to see what they uncover and if they come out of it unscathed.
I highly recommend this book and this author to anyone who enjoys a good thriller. And I encourage you to read the first Enda novel, Isia’s Secret, as well. In fact, get them both together and binge read your way through Enda’s adventures. You won’t be sorry.
Thanks, Ray, for the chance to read your work. I look forward to the next Enda Osin novel – which I understand will be released in early 2015.
A review for Twisted Wire
Latest review for Twisted Wire
With Twisted Wire, author Raymond Stone has eclipsed his first novel, Isia’s Secret. His latest mystery thriller takes you at a fast run through international corporate espionage as Britain, Russia, and America compete for contracts worth billions.
Twisted Wire may be about a piece of technology engineered to go wild, but it also apply describes Stone’s intricate plot twists, complex in their crafting and timing.
Jessica Du Rosse returns as Enda Olsin’s rational foundation and conscience. A true partner in this adventure, her support and counseling keep Enda on course and on his toes.
The story is told with a style that makes it entirely plausible and possible, leaving the reader free to enjoy the fast paced character and conflict. Enda also chooses his sidekicks carefully and his choice of Fish is a gem to be remembered and anticipated in future stories.
I’ve enjoyed this story and recommend it highly.
October 2, 2014
FREE ISIA’S SECRET AUDIO
David Parkinson has now submitted Isia’s Secret to ACX for publishing into an audio. He has also agreed to record Twisted Wire starting sometime in December after a house move. I am really pleased with the results and will keep you informed.
Reviewers – when you are ready, please post your review of Twisted Wire on Goodreads as well as Amazon. Thank you.
I am going to send an audio version of Isia’s Secret to any reviewer who posts on 4 or more sites for Twisted Wire – Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Ask David etc. I think this is a great way to say thank you. The audio is 8hrs 45mins long.
Why Cyprus – Why anywhere
I have recently celebrated two years of living on Malta and enjoyed the experience, especially making friends with some nice people. I have been a writer for years but 
never took it seriously until in my early forties. After marrying and living in the USA for a number of years I began to think about moving to a new home where the pace of life was slower and the weather was more agreeable. Not only that but somewhere where I could feel more comfortable and inspired to write. I am not a hugely successful writer but none-the-less a writer needs to be surrounded by whatever he or she considers an inspirational environment. The Malta experience has been interesting but the environment has not been what I am looking for.
It was while I was writing Isia’s Secret that I started remembering my visit to Cyprus in the seventies. Apart from all the troubles at the time, I did tour the whole island and loved it. I remember driving along the coast road to Paphos. There was hardly any traffic and I pulled off of the road at one point and drove straight onto the beach. There were and still are many deserted areas on Cyprus where the view might be trees or sea or a mountain view; places of scenic beauty and quiet isolation. Compared to the 122 square miles of Malta, Cyprus is 3571 square miles and that’s quite a difference especially if you are looking for a little nook to hide in. On Malta the population is expanding, and add to that the 4 million visitors each year it is hard to find a little nook. If you do it will not be quiet. I will put up with most things including many power cuts during the year but going without water for three days on an island that has no natural water resources is another irritation that has convinced me I need to move.
So next week I am off to Cyprus for three weeks to re-introduce myself and look for that certain Shangri-La where I can walk out of my small bungalow/villa and not hear a cacophony of car and truck horns spoiling my train of thought or a landscape of sandstone buildings without a tree in sight. A Maltese author who moved from here to Cyprus a few years ago posted a photo on FaceBook that showed a deserted road in Sliema in the thirties, a time when tourism was unheard of. ‘If only,’ I wrote. Trees are what I miss most of all and there are many on Cyprus including forests, one of which is set in and around the Troodos mountains. I look forward to being surrounded by them and feeling the isolation they create.
A very good friend of mine left Malta for a three month stay on Cyprus to get her visa sorted out. After living on Cyprus for a month she was convinced she had to move there. She fell in love with the island and the Greek people. The only draw-back is the Cypriots do not speak much English. Now that should be really interesting, and a challenge. Of course there are pros and cons wherever we choose to live but if we look hard enough there is a little spot somewhere with our name on it. We just have to be brave enough to go claim it. I have no idea where I am going to live on Cyprus but I have narrowed the search down to Paphos. I also know I will be moving there in the spring. Nothing will stop me.
Love you all, Ciao ciao.
Ray’s Smash List
D.A. Thompson
Peter Pomperfield and the War for Camp Willalacky – Category: Fiction » Fantasy » General
After uncovering a secret plot to bring the evil witch Norgana back to life, Peter must race to find the final box containing her soul. Posing as Orienteer Scouts, Peter and his friends use Camp Willalacky as a starting point for their journey to Mt. Massive. But when the boys stumble upon an ancient Dwarf mine they discover a long forgotten secret that will put them in the middle of a war.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/456506?ref=raystone
Angela Benson
For All Time
– Category: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
A novel in the Sweet Passion series Newlyweds Joshua and Gloria Martin are a middle-class professional couple, well on their way to achieving the American dream. When Josh loses his job, their plans for the future take a stark detour and their marriage faces its biggest challenge.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/436965?ref=raystone
Justin Blaney
Evan Burl and the Falling – Category: Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Psychological thriller
Discover #1 bestselling novel, Evan Burl and the Falling My father abandoned me when I was an infant. My friends have turned against me. My uncle hates me. The most powerful sapients in the world want me dead. They all have one thing in common. They think I’m turning into a monster. I’m starting to worry they’re right
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/475961?ref=raystone
Daniel Willis
Immortal Revelation – Category: Fiction » Historical » Paranormal
Sebastian is a man of faith. Where he places that faith is a mystery, even to those closest to him. The product of millennia of hiding in plain sight, he is adept at keeping his true feelings to himself. But why should he? Surely, the world is ready to know the truth. Yet, even in this day and age, can people really handle an Immortal Revelation?
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/474010?ref=raystone
Conan D. Power
Because We Are Family! – Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Sci-Fi & fantasy
Some people might experience Déjà vu, which is a feeling that something happening now seems to have experienced in the past. This condition might be caused by time-travel, which someone has travelled into the past and causes the original timeline disappearing.(Because We Are Family) is a story about the theory of time-travel; a story about love.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/467088?ref=raystone
Dr.Kalyan C. Kankanala
Pirates of Bollywood – Category: Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Courtroom
Behind the glamour and glitz of the show business is a dark and dangerous world of piracy. A young lawyer’s quest to promote creative freedom introduces him to this world, putting his life in grave danger. Set in Bombay, the seat of Bollywood, this novel zooms in on the tussle between film producers and pirate mafia. This story paints a picture of Bollywood not too far from reality.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/450538?ref=raystone
September 30, 2014
The Launch
I am happy to say I have two reviews posted already on the first day of launching Twisted Wire.
The audio of ISIA’S SECRET, narrated by David Parkinson of ACX will be available shortly.
Trojan Towers can now be downloaded from Smashwords for FREE.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/341881
September 26, 2014
Ray’s Smash List
Innerone
Adult
How deep would you go to reclaim yourself?
A bitter and melancholy woman decides to take a journey to find her abused inner child. She thinks she knows what it takes. She thinks she knows what she needs to do. She goes on the journey she expects. After all, it’s her meditation, her body and her mind. Isn’t it?
Available formats: epub mobi pdf rtf lrf pdb txt html
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/471399?ref=raystone
The Music of The Stars
By Kay Hemlock Brown Science fiction » General
Musician and teacher Helen Nordstrom is resuscitated from being in cryogenic sleep on board the Galactic Voyager. Helen quickly charms the shipboard population, but is aghast that there is absolutely no tradition of music performance on board. She changes all that. Then it is discovered that there is a planet dead ahead on their trajectory, which drives the Ship crazy with excitement.
Available formats: epub mobi pdf rtf lrf pdb txt html
First 20% Sample: epub mobi (Kindle) lrf more Online Reader
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/467804?ref=raystone
Pyramidion, Book 3 of The Windflowers Trilogy
Series: The Windflowers Trilogy , Book 3
By Wendy Scott
The thrilling conclusion – The Windflowers Trilogy.
The Trillican fleet is poised for invasion, but after fleeing Wasset, Kalli’s band is decimated. Sakhir is missing and the tribal hunters have deserted them.
Fugitive feminators, thieves, a displaced queen, Pharaoh’s disposed heir and two banished pygmies. How do the goddesses expect her to bring down a kingdom?
Contains some mature themes.
Available formats: epub mobi pdf rtf lrf pdb txt html
First 20% Sample: epub mobi (Kindle) lrf more Online Reader
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/478343?ref=raystone
Burning Oranges
By Austen Szott
“It was just one of the smaller shipments, Boss,” he said from behind me, sniffling, con
gested, and yet alert, ruffled, intent. “It was only some of the oranges.”
“No,” I said, “It was all of them.” Thriller/Suspense
“What do you mean crashed?” I said, not because I was surprised at the crash itself but at how soon the news of it came back, and then with how soon it had happened to begin, these first days of the distribution.
“Where?” I said.
They told me just down the main road, not far, out of distance for us to catch up quick and the police were already helping them back.
There was a break and the shipment was spilled.
I turned away from them at the gate, grabbed my head and pulled it in towards my throat and screamed a scream I never had or ever would again. I stood up and opened my throat to the sun, lifted my chin, let my eyes tighten, breathed clear air through a clear nose, into a clear head.
“It was just one of the smaller shipments, Boss,” he said from behind me, sniffling, congested, and yet alert, ruffled, intent. “It was only some of the oranges.”
“No,” I said, “It was all of them.”
Available formats: epub mobi pdf rtf lrf pdb txt html
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/385388?ref=raystone
Shift
By Madison Dunn Young Adult
I’m not sure why it happens, but when I focus just right, I can slow time. Things around me become lighter somehow, and I almost feel the tiny particles of energy spinning inside of them. The thing is, having the ability to transform the world around you isn’t all it’s cracked up to be — especially when you are running from the Valencia without any deodorant.
Shift is a story about what it feels like to transform your perception of the world, and what happens to reality when you do. This story explores alternative states of consciousness and questions what is considered possible. Recommended for anyone still interested in changing the world,
Shift is an adventure that leaves us wondering just how far the power of our own awareness extends.
Available formats: epub mobi pdf rtf lrf pdb txt html
First 20% Sample: epub mobi (Kindle) lrf more Online Reader
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/270120?ref=raystone
Thoughts of Success: The Ultimate Success Manifesto
By Luke Heights Self Help 
This manifesto is the foundation for learning more about being successful in life. Learn how to take any challenge and turn it into a success. My overall goal is to help others to realize their dreams and reach their goals by teaching them what I have learned and implemented in my life. Through this, I hope to motivate and inspire others to take action towards a happier and more successful life. Less
What you will learn in this book is comprised of the following three topics. One, everything comes from thought. Two, I will teach you how to turn everything you do into a success then turn success into what I have coined as an “action oriented repeatable success habit. And three, how to take your dreams and turn them into action oriented goals.
Some of the things you will learn include:
Creating your world through mind control
Success state of mind
Action oriented repeatable success habits
Failure is no longer an option
Making a plan on paper
What it takes to score a goal
You must use the “ACT” in act-ion
This manifesto is the foundation for learning more about being successful in life. Learn how to take any challenge and turn it into a success.
My overall goal is to help others to realize their dreams and reach their goals by teaching them what I have learned and implemented in my life. Through this, I hope to motivate and inspire others to take action towards a happier and more successful life.
Available formats: epub mobi pdf rtf lrf pdb txt html
First 23% Sample: epub mobi (Kindle) lrf more Online Reader
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/167302?ref=raystone
Angelique Jurd
Submitted by Angelique Jurd on Wednesday 3 September 2014
This month’s winning short story – Sneakers by Angelique Jurd.
SNEAKERS
By Angelique Jurd © 2014
Those sneakers. Those god awful sneakers. How I hated them. I was always tripping over them and damn if they didn’t stink. Every time I threatened to throw them out, you’d swat my ass and give me that lopsided grin of yours, knowing I’d do no such thing. As long as you grinned at me that way, you were safe.
And so were they.
I can’t find them. I’ve been hunting all day; been through every cupboard, closet, and carton in this place. I’ve found scraps of you here and there; little snippets of you tucked away in corners and boxes but no sneakers. I don’t even know why I want them, except that maybe if I can find them, you won’t be gone. You’ll still be here. Our little stretch of forever will still be happening.
They’re not even a matching pair. I never did understand that.
“How can you wear mismatching shoes?” I asked. You looked down at your feet and studied the offending footwear for a moment. The skin between your eyes folded itself into a crease – it usually appeared when you were trying to figure out a particularly difficult piece of music – and the tip of your tongue flickered out the corner of your mouth. It was as though you had just noticed the difference in them yourself and were intrigued by it. As though I hadn’t asked you that question a dozen times or more already. You were so intent on them, I looked at them too; wondering as I did so if was wrong and in fact today you were wearing matching ones. But no – both high top, one bright red, the other a darker, more sinister shade that seemed, now that I think about it, to herald things to come. A ripple shuddered through the left one – the bright one. You were wriggling your toes. I sighed and looked back up. You were watching me, your eyes glittering with amusement. The crease was gone and you were grinning at me.
“I don’t see why you’re so uptight about them,” you said at last. “They’re both red. You’re the only person who notices anyway.”
Tossing your keys in the air and whistling that Adele song that drove me nuts – the one about setting the rain on fire – you walked out the door. I was left alone with my irritated frown and my protest already dead in my thoughts. I slammed the door shut behind me and joined you in the car, determined to win this battle but you had moved on to other things and weren’t interested in fighting. The truth was, you just didn’t care about things like that.
And I realise now, I cared too much.
I know you don’t have them, because the last time I saw you, I glanced at your feet, at the polished leather lace ups you were wearing and thought how good they looked. The suit you wore looked good too. Heavy grey linen and a starched white shirt. It seemed so out of place on you – and yet so perfect. That’s when I got really angry. You were finally wearing some decent clothes and a decent pair of matching shoes. Not once, in all our time together, had you ever worn anything but battered boots and those fucking scruffy sneakers.
Later sitting at the bar of the pub, I realised that wasn’t quite true.
We met at the beach. My friend Jaye and your sister Karen – oh good god, could that be any more of a cliché? My friend, your sister – if it was a movie, I’d be throwing popcorn at the screen and you’d be telling me to chill, baby. Well you would if you were here. I remember making my way across the sand toward the group, and wondering why in the name of all that is holy anyone would want to hold a birthday party at the beach in the middle of summer. The sand was so hot it was like walking on razor blades – the heat sliced through the soles of my feet, unused to being out of my usual six inch pumps. In a moment of wild abandon – or what passes for such a thing in my world – I had stuffed my flip flops in my bag with my towel, the Tupperware of potato salad, and the bottle of Sauvignon. I didn’t need to look, to know they were at the bottom and that if I stopped to find them I was going to look like a complete idiot. So I tried to skate my way across the sand until I was able to take refuge on the island that was Jaye’s towel. Jaye flung her arms around me and began the introductions, oblivious to my discomfort; I was already wondering how long I had to stay to not be considered rude. You were barefoot too, your jeans rolled up to mid-calf, and the heat didn’t seem to bother you one bit. Above the jeans a thin cream tee-shirt, damp with sweat and sea water, stretched across your chest. Anybody else would have been impressed by the muscles it didn’t hide at all. Not me. I was distracted by something else altogether. When Jaye introduced you I didn’t even catch your name because I was too busy frowning at the huge orange stain splattered across your chest. You said something but I didn’t hear it either and before I could stop myself I spoke.
“That tee shirt is beyond saving,” I said. Even at the time I knew how I sounded and in that moment considered braving the molten sand to just retreat to the safety of my ordered, neat, world free of orange stains.
Then you grinned at me and I was the one beyond saving.
Max is stretched out on the sofa. For the first hour of this madness, he followed me around, sticking his nose in the cartons and snuffling through your clothes, tail wagging each time he thought he’d found you. Then when the scent failed to turn into you, his tail would droop and he’d whine at me; only to begin again in the next box. Eventually he got tired of not finding you – or maybe of my madness, who knows? – plodded to the sofa and closed me out by going to sleep.
I think if you had asked me I would have said I didn’t want a dog. They’re messy. They leave hair and paw prints and poop everywhere. They drool. And they can’t eat without sending food across the entire kitchen. That’s probably why you didn’t ask me. You just came home with a squirming little thing that seemed to be all paws and ears and tail and slurpy tongue. And helpless. I couldn’t bear how helpless it seemed.
And now he’s here with me – both of us longing for you to return.
“I enrolled us in training classes on Tuesday nights,” you said. Max was padding in circles, on the mat and snuffling up bits of pale blue fluff, intent on capturing something only he knew about. I listened to you with one eye on the track-and-retrieve scene playing out on the expensive shag pile I had bought the month before. “It will be fun. And he’ll be a good guard dog.”At that moment your cell phone gave its high pitched scream and our future protector fired a jet of bright yellow urine into the centre of the rug. With a yell, you grabbed him and swung him out over the lino. You told me he was just a puppy; that you’d get the rug shampooed. The stain would come out. Everything would be just fine.
You were wrong.
Half an hour ago, it occurred to me they were tied around the neck of your guitar.
“Why are your sneakers tied to your guitar?” I asked, the first time I saw them like that. We were moving in to the apartment we’d just got together – the one before this one, before Max – and were imprisoned by cartons filled with our previous lives. You lifted a finger – wait – and scrabbled around in a box. After a moment you emerged waving a magazine that you were already flipping through as you straightened.
“See?” You pointed to a photo of a young Bruce Springsteen in a leather jacket and holding a guitar. A pair of sneakers hung nonchalantly from the neck.
“If it works for The Boss,” you said, “it works for me.”
I rolled my eyes. Springsteen was too raw, too sweaty, too… sexy, for my taste but you loved him. Laughing, you unknotted the sneakers and let them slither into the open carton then pulled the guitar on to your lap and began to tease a melody from the strings. The music wound around me and I couldn’t take my eyes from your hands. From your fingers moving across the strings, sometimes gentle, sometimes rough – caressing the notes from it. Finally you looked up at me, your eyes dark and still; humming you reached for me. As always, I lost myself first in your music making and then in your love making.
You, you were always there to find me.
Even so, seeing them, tied by the laces and just resting against the strings, made me uncomfortable. For all my conservatism and my need for order, I understood that music let you make sense of the world, the way neat columns of figures did mine. Seeing your grubby shoes tied to your tool of trade just seemed like a mistake. As if I had been taken by the urge to dispense with balance sheets and tell my clients they could figure out their worth themselves.
I don’t know how or why it came about but somehow, that’s where they usually ended up when you thought I was running out of patience and it was prudent to not wear them for a few days. And I just knew that’s where they would be. Laces tied in a bow so neat it was absurd even to my mind. But no, the guitar was just leaning against the wall. Lost in its own loneliness. Looking at it, it occurred to me you would have liked to have taken it with you but of course it’s too late now.
I’m scared that if I don’t find them, I’ll never find you again. That if they’re lost, you too will be lost to me forever. That when I close my eyes, I will see only darkness instead of your smile or your hand reaching for mine. That the void between us will stretch on and on with no end and I’ll never hear the music again.
I have to find them.
You weren’t supposed to go away; that wasn’t part of the plan. It wasn’t in the script or the score or the chapters or the director’s notes. It was supposed to be happy ever after. It was supposed to be Sinatra at sunset and champagne and confetti. Guitar playing and love making and rose bush planting. We were meant to make midnight dashes to the maternity ward, soothe teething cries, and kiss grazed knees. I was going to be the sensible one who read fine print and cooked chicken properly and made sure the insurance was paid. You were going to jump in puddles and cook hamburgers on the beach in autumn and make patterns in the stars.
All while wearing those stupid sneakers.
There was no warning. Just some stupid asshole who drank too much. And blood. Little rivers of it on the fading paint of the pedestrian crossing; the same somber red as your right sneaker. It leaked away from you, carrying you with it. Leaving me to fold our dreams away in boxes, layering them with tissue paper that was spattered with tears, and pretend I had never unpacked them.
It isn’t fair.
You once wore them to a wedding. The sneakers. You came out of the bathroom and for a moment I couldn’t catch my breath. Your hair was slicked back and your eyes mirrored the inky fabric of the tux you were wearing. Then I looked down and there they were. I was mortified.
“Oh come on babe,” you said and snatched at my waist but I pulled out of reach. “She’s wearing electric pink and he’s got dreadlocks. I’m going to look fine.”
“It’s a wedding,” I snapped. Fury crashed through me; could we not, just once do something normal? My taffeta dress was just the right length and clung in just the right places and gave just the right hint of cleavage. My nose-bleed-inducing heels were the exact same shade of peach. And you, you, were wearing a tux that made you look like an extra from a Hollywood movie and those damned red, mismatching sneakers. It didn’t matter that you were right, that they were more appropriate. I just hated them all the more. And, I’m ashamed to say, I even hated you a little bit in that moment. I wish it wasn’t true, but it is.
Everything always seemed so easy for you. Nothing was ever a problem. All you had to do was smile and everything would be okay again. I loved that. But now, I think it hate it too. Because now you’re gone and I can’t make everything alright. Nothing will be easy again. And I want it to be. I think I had an idea that if I could just find them I’d find that thing that you had and then I’d have it and everything would okay. Max and I could stop wandering around looking for your ghost. Stupid dog. Stupid me.
But you’re gone.
And I can’t find your fucking sneakers.
Read more stories and articles posted on the Writer’s Pad.
September 18, 2014
Ray’s Smash List
When fashion designer Maddie Springer is invited to help style contestants in the Hawaiian Paradise Beauty Pageant, trouble follows her to paradise…and one of the beauty queens winds up dead. Between a cagey pageant director, an anti-fashion protester, and a host of competitive beauty queens, Maddie has plenty of suspects! This is one beauty pageant that’s about to turn ugly.
Deadly in High Heels
Gemma Halliday
Murder/Mystery/Women sleuths
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/449723?ref=raystone
Love Transcends – A collection of short stories.
Oren Hammerquist
Romance/Paranormal
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/440791?ref=raystone
PI Lexi Graves is on the case with the seventh book of this thrilling and hilarious mystery series.
Camilla Chafer
Kissing in Action (Lexi Graves Mysteries, 7)
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/464999?ref=raystone
Max Henry thought he’d left the dusty flats of Ballan behind, but when the past slams into his present, suddenly there is no escaping – even if he wanted to.
Max
C.J.Duggan
Romance/Contemporary
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/462448?ref=raystone
Creating a simply luxurious life is a life focused on quality over quantity, and as a modern woman curates her authentic path, she discovers a fulfilling life that is tailored to her passions and talents. Discover specific tips on building the pillars of a simply luxurious life – purpose, money, signature style, relationships, health, and travel – as you curate a refined life on an everyday income
Shannon Ables
Choosing The Simply Luxurious Life: A Modern Woman’s Guide
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/462675?ref=raystone
When Cruz Drakov returns to haunted Sage Springs, Mo., to shoot his paranormal TV show, Lexi Alamont’s called in to sweeten up the crew with her baked goods. Cruz is a self-assured witch, a realist, and not afraid to play the field. Lexi’s optimistic, genuine, and looking for the one who will make her heart whole. Sometimes love is hiding in places you’d least expect. Just ask Lexi and Cruz.
Cinnamon and Sunshine
Hollie Westring
Romance/Paranormal
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/439649?ref=raystone
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