Showing posts with label Melissa Barker-Simpson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Melissa Barker-Simpson. Show all posts
Sunday, 1 May 2016
Friday, 10 July 2015
The Fallen by Melissa Barker-Simpson Now Available for Pre-Order
The start of another awesome series by one of my favorite authors, Melissa Barker-Simpson. (I can say that even though I haven't read it cause I haven't read anything she's written that I don't like...including genres I don't normally read.)
After the Demonic War, a battle which devastated the mortal realm, hunter cells were established across the globe to serve and protect every living soul. Maddison Wood is part of an alpha cell in the north of England. But Maddison has a new role now; her responsibilities as Watcher. She belongs to a legion of warriors assigned to serve the Fallen; guardian angels afforded the privilege of residing on Earth.
When Maddison is drawn to the city by an event which resonates hundreds of miles away, she is thrown into the path of a newly fallen angel. But Obadiah is no ordinary angel. He is a Prime, and his presence symbolizes a new threat. There is a war coming, and Maddison must form an alliance if she has any hope of winning this first battle. After all, the Fractured are a formidable enemy; a group of lost souls - powerful creatures of darkness who crave to destroy those who belong to the light.
About the Author
Melissa Barker-Simpson has been writing since she was knee-high to a grasshopper. Melissa often looks back on those earlier stories, and apart from laughing at the heavy-handed drama, or cringing at her inexperience, she is reminded that she has always lived in other worlds.
Her first novel was published in 2008, and Melissa loved nothing more than working on a new project. The voices inside her head invariably pull her in different directions, so although she tried to work on one thing at a time, those who know her would tell you it doesn’t always work!
She works a full-time job, which does not involve writing per se, incorporates her love of language. As a British Sign Language Interpreter, Melissa gets to translate information between two languages which is (mostly) fun.
She also has two beautiful daughters who bring her great joy. They keep her grounded, otherwise she would be stuck in the clouds permanently!
Connect with the Author
Now for an excerpt from The Fallen!
Donovan led him through the front, out onto the road and down another side street. They made it a hundred yards before they ran into Maddison, and she had company. Four demons circled her, their grotesque features lit by a beam of light coming from her braid. Obadiah recognised the species, but couldn’t pinpoint a name. His memories were incomplete. Pushing the thought aside he concentrated on Maddison. Her hair had a life of its own; suspended in the air to her left, rotating in what he could only describe as a taunt.
“Stop playing with them, Maddy,” Donovan said. “We need to go.”
She laughed, but didn’t turn, which was a good thing because the demons moved in unison towards their target.
As Obadiah watched the elegant dance in front of him, he tried to search his brain for the missing pieces. They didn’t come. From his room in the tower, Obadiah had watched the world; monitoring progress within the mortal realm. He decided he hadn’t watched Maddison enough.
Her training was evident in the way she anticipated her attackers. Her braid struck the demon closest to her with enough power to lift him off his feet. But Maddison did not rely on her hair alone, she had a blade in each hand, weapons which moved so fast they were but a blur of motion.
It took less than five minutes, when all he could hear was the clashing of metal and the sickening crunch of bone, and four became one.
“Witch!” The curse lost its effect the moment the demon began to whimper like a cornered dog.
“Is that meant to be insulting?” she crooned, and Obadiah shivered against the sound.
He watched as her braid wound itself around the demon’s neck. “You’re going to tell me your secrets.” Maddison laid a hand against his forehead, chanting softly.
After a moment the hair dropped away, and Obadiah realised she had bound the demon with gold.
“Congratulations, scumbag. You just won an all-expenses paid trip to the abyss.” The moment Maddison released him, he disappeared.
Buy the Book
Saturday, 27 June 2015
Magic of Solstice Tour Featuring Melissa Barker-Simpson & Gina Briganti
Welcome to the 27th day of the Magic of Solstice Fantasy Writers' Tour 2015!
Wow! Only three days left to go, but even if you haven't done so, yet, you can still sign up to the Facebook page. There's still a lot going on. Tomorrow we have three hosts: C.B. MacGillavry, Allison D. Reid and Rebecca Jaycox, plus I will be sharing an excerpt from Shadow Stalker: Separate Paths (Episode 10), which incidentally has been released today and is available on Amazon Kindle and Smashwords, and a little tidbit about my fascination with fantasy. Today Melissa Barker-Simpson and Gina Briganti will be sharing an excerpts from Changing Worlds: A Double Book Anthology.
Wow! Only three days left to go, but even if you haven't done so, yet, you can still sign up to the Facebook page. There's still a lot going on. Tomorrow we have three hosts: C.B. MacGillavry, Allison D. Reid and Rebecca Jaycox, plus I will be sharing an excerpt from Shadow Stalker: Separate Paths (Episode 10), which incidentally has been released today and is available on Amazon Kindle and Smashwords, and a little tidbit about my fascination with fantasy. Today Melissa Barker-Simpson and Gina Briganti will be sharing an excerpts from Changing Worlds: A Double Book Anthology.About Melissa
I've been writing since, well...since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. I often look back on those earlier stories, and apart from laughing at the heavy-handed drama, or cringing at my inexperience, I am reminded that I have always lived in other worlds.
My first novel was published in 2008, and I love nothing more than working on a new project. The voices inside my head invariably pull me in different directions, so although I try to work on one thing at a time, those who know me would tell you it doesn't always work!
I have a full-time job which, though does not involve writing per se, incorporates my love of language. As a British Sign Language Interpreter, I get to translate information between two languages which is (mostly) fun.
I have two beautiful daughters who bring me great joy. They also keep me grounded, because otherwise I would have my head in the clouds permanently!
My first novel was published in 2008, and I love nothing more than working on a new project. The voices inside my head invariably pull me in different directions, so although I try to work on one thing at a time, those who know me would tell you it doesn't always work!Connect with the Author
About Gina
Gina Briganti has been writing since she could hold a pencil. It has always been a comfort that to create she needs only three things; the pencil, the paper, and her imagination.
She lives in beautiful Joshua Tree, CA, the setting for her debut paranormal romance series, Natural Gifts.
Connect with the Author
About Changing Worlds: A Double Book Anthology
The Contract (Prequel to the Fractured Series)
By Melissa Barker-Simpson
After the Demonic War, a battle which devastated the mortal realm, humans now stick to the world’s major cities. To even the score, and to protect those cities, hunters joined together to establish cells across the globe. Maddison Wood is part of an alpha cell within the north of England.
Though a skilled fighter and powerful witch, Maddison can be brash, and unpredictable. She has a penchant for trouble, and is usually the first to volunteer in battle. When she accepts an assignment to protect the Hympe King, Tobias Locke, Maddison’s fate becomes bound to his. As the stakes change, and she finds herself trapped inside the bowels of an enemy camp, Maddison must fight for her freedom, her independence, and for a prisoner who has not seen the light of day for almost a century.
Excerpt from The Contract
The noise in the room snapped off like a muted television channel. No, not muted, she thought as she stared around the table – someone had hit the pause button. It meant only one thing. Orion Reece was in the building.
Shit. Can this day get any worse?
She waited for the fireworks which usually accompanied his arrival. Orion enjoyed to flaunt his presence. He was a god of unrivalled power, one who followed no rules but his own. It was something he had in common with the Fractured, the dark souls responsible for the Demonic War. Rumour had it he’d aligned himself with Draco, their leader.
She saw the gleam of his pale blonde hair first, alight with the depth of his power. Either that or he brushed it a hundred times a day. His dramatic pause at the end of the dining table made her want to roll her eyes. It was nothing compared to the levitation trick as he raised himself onto the edge, his boots making no sound against the scarred wood. Her lips actually twitched in an effort to hold back the smile.
Everything about him was designed to draw a woman; the tall, sculptured body, the strong jaw, the sinful mouth. The effects were lethal. As he walked gracefully down the table, the obstacles in his path slid out of the way; plates, glasses, cutlery, they all moved as he did. His gaze swung from left to right, taking in those who had become mere statues.
“You’ve got to admit,” he said in a dark, seductive voice. “That’s pretty impressive.”
It would be more impressive if you weren’t such a dick.
Saunders' Choice (A Natural Gifts Novella)
By Gina Briganti
Saunders finds himself in a plane of existence called the Dreaming, where he encounters Velvet, the most exciting creature he will ever meet. The answer seems obvious, but Saunders’ life has never been easy.
- Grand sandcastle on the beach during a summer day
- Grand sandcastle on the beach during a summer day
Excerpt from Saunders' Choice
Velvet visited with her dear friend Riddle for most of the next morning. He showed her the history he had added to his sandcastle walls while she was away on the tour.
One of the designs was a story from a world she hadn’t seen before. She suspected that it was where Riddle, and possibly Debra, came from originally.
The story was about happy, content, creatures practicing the art of creating, sometimes with teachers, and at other times on their own. The final, cleverly painted frame of the story depicted the accomplishment of a luxurious looking natural world, full of wildlife, lush green trees, and crystal blue waters.
“This is a beautiful story.” Velvet planted a kiss on the top of Riddle’s head.
He blushed, as she thought he might. There were times when she held her kisses back, just so she wouldn’t embarrass him. She enjoyed his new art too much to hold back this time.
“Thank you.” Riddle mumbled, and then cleared his throat.
“Can I ask questions about it?” She’d learned long ago to respect Riddle’s privacy and wouldn’t push the point if he was reluctant.
Riddle didn’t hesitate. Apparently he already decided what he was willing to share about the story.
“You may have one
then your questions
will be done.”
He didn’t always speak in rhyme, but the few who were lucky enough to know him knew that when he did, he was imparting a true gift. Few people knew Riddle at all. Even fewer had heard him speak.
One question. Velvet pondered. The perfect question then popped into her head.
“What does this story mean to you?” Velvet settled onto a chair while Riddle looked from her, to the picture, and then back again.
“It means that we all have a greater gift than we realize. We can create infinitely more than we give ourselves credit for.” Riddle settled himself into a chair like Velvet’s, and then smiled at her when he saw that she understood how much he meant what he said.
“Thank you for sharing that with me, Riddle. It means a lot to me that you did.”
Riddle simply smiled. They sat together in companionable silence until Velvet decided to try a few of her new physical comedy jokes on him.
Riddle smiled and clapped, feeling giddy. Seeing Riddle acting so happy was one of the best feelings Velvet could imagine.
Long ago, Velvet had knocked on the sandcastle door with the simple goal of telling the creature who lived there that she thought it was an incredible looking sandcastle.
The door had opened on its own, and Velvet stepped inside without hesitation.
Riddle took a small chance in allowing a new creature into his home, but his intuition was much more developed than Velvet understood at the time.
When she saw him for the first time, and accepted him completely through her reactions, they became friends.
Their friendship was one of the most important in both of their lives.
Buy the Book
Friday, 26 June 2015
Cover Reveal of The Fallen by Melissa Barker-Simpson
This weeks author spotlight is a cover reveal for Melissa Barker-Simpson's soon to be released novel, The Fallen. I'm a big fan of Melissa's work so I'm really excited about this one. Hope you all enjoy the feature and buy the book when it's out. You can also read a novella she's written for this series in a bundle she's released. Info is below! Enjoy!
Melissa Barker-Simpson has been writing since she was knee-high to a grasshopper. Melissa often looks back on those earlier stories, and apart from laughing at the heavy-handed drama, or cringing at her inexperience, she is reminded that she has always lived in other worlds.
Her first novel was published in 2008, and Melissa loved nothing more than working on a new project. The voices inside her head invariably pull her in different directions, so although she tried to work on one thing at a time, those who know her would tell you it doesn’t always work!
She works a full-time job, which does not involve writing per se, incorporates her love of language. As a British Sign Language Interpreter, Melissa gets to translate information between two languages which is (mostly) fun.
She also has two beautiful daughters who bring her great joy. They keep her grounded, otherwise she would be stuck in the clouds permanently!
Connect with Melissa
The Fallen
After the Demonic War, a battle which devastated the mortal realm, hunter cells were established across the globe to serve and protect every living soul. Maddison Wood is part of an alpha cell in the north of England. But Maddison has a new role now; her responsibilities as Watcher. She belongs to a legion of warriors assigned to serve the Fallen; guardian angels afforded the privilege of residing on Earth.
When Maddison is drawn to the city by an event which resonates hundreds of miles away, she is thrown into the path of a newly fallen angel. But Obadiah is no ordinary angel. He is a Prime, and his presence symbolizes a new threat. There is a war coming, and Maddison must form an alliance if she has any hope of winning this first battle. After all, the Fractured are a formidable enemy; a group of lost souls - powerful creatures of darkness who crave to destroy those who belong to the light.
The Fallen is the first of the Fractured Series written by Melissa Barker-Simpson. She has travelled down many roads as an author over these last few years; genres include fantasy, science-fiction, and crime - all with an element of romance. Melissa currently has four ongoing series, with the Fractured being the most current. This is her journey into a world she has been dying to share for years.
Just a short few weeks ago Melissa released the prequel to her Fractured Series in a double book anthology with Gina Briganti, entitled Changing Worlds. The prequel, a novella she named The Contract, began a tale which will continue on July 30th. This cover reveal is the first step on the road to promoting The Fallen. Stay tuned for her pre-order announcement, which will follow next week.
novella she named The Contract, began a tale which will continue on July 30th. This cover reveal is the first step on the road to promoting The Fallen. Stay tuned for her pre-order announcement, which will follow next week.
The countdown to release day begins now! Make sure you don’t miss out by signing up for Melissa Barker-Simpson’s Newsletter. All subscribers will receive a special discount for being part of her mailing list.
In the meantime, check out her novella in Changing Worlds. You can buy it now on Amazon Kindle, Smashwords and other online retailers. It's also available in paperback!
Friday, 20 March 2015
The Winchester Brother's Blog Tour - Nat Hobson
Nat Hobson is a pseudonym of Melissa Barker-Simpson. Publishing under Nat, she concentrates on her passion for writing love stories, focusing on contemporary romance. Although there is an element of romance in all her novels, this is usually interwoven in tales of crime, fantasy or science fiction. By writing as Nat, this allows her to write everyday stories of love, and friendship for a specific audience.
Connect with the Author
(this site is reserved for work under my own name. It is also where I do most of my blogging, so pop on over and visit!)
(this is a writing prompt based site, aimed at readers and writers. If you enjoy taking part in writing contests/prompts, follow the link and join us there.)
(As the name suggest, this site is for all things literary related and includes; interviews, reviews, author spotlights, articles, and information on new releases.)
About the Books
Addy's Choice (Book 1)
Sometimes the hardest thing about lowering our defenses is the fear of how far we might fall.
That fear had been Adrienne Baxter’s driving force most of her life. It was far easier to hide behind her radio personality, feeding from her audience, than to risk exposure.
She had James, her brother by choice if not by blood. It was enough – most of the time.
As the co-host of the early morning breakfast show at Music 101, Adrienne is the confident, sassy presenter with the silver tongue and fast-talking wit.
When she meets Sebastian Davies, the station owner’s son, her carefully applied facade begins to slip. He presents a new kind of danger, because this time she could lose her heart.
Heart of Fire (Book 2)
Tyler Davies was eighteen when he met the fiery beast he would later battle on a regular basis. Seduced by the beauty of her flaming touch, he had looked right into the heart of the fire and known she had claimed him.
It was the second time he’d seen his future. The first was the day he met Lilly-May Saunders, a girl who burned so bright he was blind to anyone else. If it hadn’t been for her friendship with his brother, a relationship he didn’t truly understand, he would have confessed his feelings. But when his friend dies in the line of duty, and Tyler discovers the truth behind the accident, everything changes. Those he loves are in danger, and the one who owns his heart is at the top of the list.
Buy the Books!
*FREE Smashwords Version of Addy's Choice, this weekend only with code: TM47S!
Addy's Choice (Book1) Smashwords Version
Heart of Fire (Book 2) Smashwords Version
Addy's Choice (Book1) Smashwords Version
Heart of Fire (Book 2) Smashwords Version
Addy's Choice (Book 1) Amazon Kindle and Print Versions
Heart of Fire (Book 2) Amazon Kindle and Print Versions
The story behind the name
I’ve been writing stories my whole life. I didn’t have a choice, considering all the characters residing in my head! There is always an element of romance in my work, though I am drawn to other genres too, and enjoy to combine two elements when I take my readers on a journey.
A few years ago I wrote Addy’s Choice with the specific goal of writing a love story. I enjoyed the process, liked the characters I created, and knew before I reached the end, I wanted to spend more time with the Davies brothers.
Contemporary romance is a genre which caters to a specific audience, and so I decided to publish the novel under a pseudonym. I created Nat Hobson by borrowing my grandfather’s name – Nathaniel Hobson. He was the kind of man who believed in family, in grand declarations of love and who enjoyed nothing more that regaling us with stories of his own love affair. It feels good to share every day stories under his name, and as the Winchester Brothers could be deemed a family saga, this seems fitting too. So, for my readers who want a taste of the contemporary, hopefully, Nat Hobson will fit the bill!
Saturday, 22 November 2014
Release Tour – The Fifth Watcher by Melissa Barker-Simpson
The Fifth Watcher by Melissa Barker-Simpson is a book I’ve been waiting for. Granted, I got to beta read an early copy, but I’m still so excited to read the final version and see how it all came together. It’s a great story and I think you’ll all enjoy it a lot. Today I’ve got some info about Mel and her new book, and she has also written a guest post that I will share with you. I’ll also be writing a review for The Fifth Watcher that will be posted on the DKC site this weekend and also on my blog later this week.
Also don’t forget to check out the rest of The Fifth Watcher Blitz event page on Facebook!
A Bit About Melissa
Melissa Barker-Simpson fills her days with language and words so she doesn’t get lost among the clouds. She is an interpreter by day, and a pen-wielding conjurer by night. Of course the only thing she conjures belong between the pages of a book, but it doesn’t make them any less compelling.
Her most important job, as far as she sees it, is being a mother to two impish teenagers. They keep her feet firmly on the ground, are a huge source of joy (despite the rampant emotions) and allow her to live out her fantasy of being a musketeer!
She spends her time living between different communities, one of them being the (mostly) online writing community and giving back the magic that has touched her life.
Melissa runs a series of blogs, has a thing for collaboration, and enjoys to support others as often as possible.
Connect With Melissa
A Bit About The Fifth Watcher
At the moment of Audrey Montgomery’s birth a new world came into existence. It is a barren place, a catalyst for the darkness spreading through the multidimensional system. The shift in power makes Audrey an invaluable pawn in a war between those who want to protect her and those who will go to extraordinary lengths to eliminate her.
As a result, she has spent her life on the run, unaware of her true origins. When her father dies and leaves her with a shocking legacy, her life is irrevocably changed. If she has any hope of surviving, Audrey must embrace her new reality and trust a man who is as dark and uncertain as the future itself.
Lieutenant Keith Delany, an Interdimensional Officer of the Law (IDOL), is tasked with bringing her in. It is an assignment his entire team is invested in, having spent years searching for her. As a senior member of the squad, Keith is charged with protecting her, with showing her the truth about her past, and with preparing her for an unknown future. As an IDOL he is responsible for every life, for every traveller who navigates the system. But his connection to Audrey is unprecedented, and he soon discovers she alone holds the power to prevent the continuum’s collapse.
Buy the Book
Some Words From Melissa Barker-Simpson
Though I’m not a planner, I try to find balance in my work and have developed some useful techniques over the past two years. As I write a number of different series, I obviously have a system which allows me to keep track of the characters and their respective backgrounds. I like to know everything about them, so each gets a chart I can refer to and reflect on, if we’re having ‘communication problems!’
The Fifth Watcher needed a chart all of its own! Not only are there a number of worlds, but each one is unique, as are the travellers who belong to each world. For the first time I created a visual representation, which looks a little like a quadruple helix, so I could track the worlds and the journey itself.
I tried plotting the story and had a loose plan when I went into NaNoWriMo last year, but the characters had other ideas and the plan went out of the window!
The best thing about being part of a community of writers is that I learn something new every day. I’m friends with both plotters and pantsers, and it has enabled me to adapt and grow. I’m truly grateful for the support my friends offer me – I’m a better writer because of it.
Saturday, 15 November 2014
Cover Reveal of The Fifth Watcher by Melissa Barker-Simpson
Although I’ve been helping with blog tours, I’ve been wanting to start doing something more regularly to help fellow indie authors. So after seeing it being done on a few other blogs I decided on doing Author Spotlights. I’ll probably start by doing it monthly, but eventually I’d like it to be a weekly thing.
My friend Melissa Barker-Simpson, author of the Morgan and Fairchild Series, has written her first fantasy novella called, The Fifth Watcher. She’s agreed to being the guinea pig for my first Author Spotlight with her cover reveal for her newest book, being released at the end of the month. I’ve had the privilege of reading an early version of the book and I have to say I’m really excited to read it again once it’s been released.
I’ve got a blurb and excerpt of The Fifth Watcher to share with you, as well as a first view of the book cover, of course.
Blurb
At the moment of Audrey Montgomery’s birth a new world came into existence. It is a barren place, a catalyst for the darkness spreading through the multidimensional system. The shift in power makes Audrey an invaluable pawn in a war between those who want to protect her and those who will go to extraordinary lengths to eliminate her.
As a result, she has spent her life on the run, unaware of her true origins. When her father dies and leaves her with a shocking legacy, her life is irrevocably changed. If she has any hope of surviving, Audrey must embrace her new reality and trust a man who is as dark and uncertain as the future itself.
Lieutenant Keith Delany, an Interdimensional Officer of the Law (IDOL), is tasked with bringing her in. It is an assignment his entire team are invested in, having spent years searching for her. As a senior member of the squad, Keith is charged with protecting her, with showing her the truth about her past, and with preparing her for an unknown future. As an IDOL he is responsible for every life, for every traveller who navigates the system. But his connection to Audrey is unprecedented, and he soon discovers she alone holds the power to prevent the continuum’s collapse.
Excerpt
I shook my head to clear the hum in my ears. The sounds were duller now, my vision blurry. I was looking through some kind of membrane and it was closing in on me. It pulled me further and further inside until I wanted to scream for it to end.
My father hadn’t prepared me for this. If I could see the enemy I could fight, but I had no way of defending myself against this.
Heat travelled along my skin, but it didn’t burn. There was no pain. I held onto that as everything faded and I was engulfed by a shocking blast of light. It was everywhere. Even when I closed my eyes it pierced right through me.
I couldn’t deny the strange pull; a demand in my blood that told me to let go. I had little choice but to obey.
In the next moment a wave of nausea caught me unaware and I clenched my teeth to control it. The light receded, little by little, and my skin felt clammy now, rather than hot.
The silence was deafening and though I was afraid, I opened my eyes, holding my breath until the spinning stopped. The world settled around me slowly, sharpening as I exhaled the air caught in my lungs.
I was no longer at home. I was out in the open, somewhere strangely familiar.
Buy the Book
Saturday, 6 September 2014
Release Tour Part 3 - Interrupted Part 2 by Melissa Barker-Simpson
We’ve reached the final part of my leg of the Hands of Evil blog tour. Just in case you’ve missed them, check out part 1 and learn more about Melissa and her new novel, and part 2 to read an excerpt. Also if you haven’t yet, don’t forget to read Interrupted Part 1.
Interrupted Part 2
Charlie was on his way home after a long, exhausting day, when he got the call from JJ. He knew it couldn’t be good. He’d spent hours with Peter Green, sifting through his past to find an explanation for the gruesome gift someone had left on his property. They already had several leads and, thanks to Bobby’s contacts, they had a name.
“We have a situation,” JJ said before he’d uttered a word.
Charlie sighed and pulled his Vauxhall to the side of the road. “Hello to you too.”
“Peter’s not answering his phone and he never misses poker night,” JJ said, sounding tense. “I’m on my way over, and wanted to give you a heads up.”
“Maybe he got lucky. How do you know he’s not blowing you off?” Even as he said it Charlie knew the answer. After what had happened that morning, Peter would keep his friends close. “Okay, fine. I’m on my way.”
He pulled onto the road again with a sigh. It didn’t look like he’d be getting home anytime soon.
JJ was waiting for him when he pulled up to the gates of Peter Green’s property.
“Thanks for coming, Charlie,” he said. “You might want to leave your car and follow on foot.”
“You’ve had eyes on Peter I take it,” Charlie said, glancing at the scope in his hand.
“Yes and unless you’re right about the lucky part, he’s in trouble.” He shrugged at Charlie’s narrow-eyed stare. “He’s tied to the bed, and looks pretty out of it.”
“Shit,” Charlie muttered, pulling the phone from his pocket. “Any more surprises?”
“He’s not alone.”
“Yvonne Kennedy?” Charlie asked, dialing Bobby’s number.
“What makes you think I know who it is?” JJ said, a picture of innocence.
When Bobby answered on the fourth ring he turned without answering JJ, and brought his partner up to speed.
He had absolutely no doubt JJ had worked through the problem and arrived at the same conclusions. He’d been the one to find the female footprints at the scene, caught the breach in the property fence, and though he hadn’t gone anywhere near the crime scene, he was as thorough as they came.
Not that Charlie was complaining. If it hadn’t been for Bobby’s contacts they would have been a step behind, especially given the politics involved. Thankfully since neither the victim nor their suspect currently served, they didn’t need to involve the Ministry of Defence.
He’d spent most of the day delving into Peter’s background. He already knew about the tours in Afghanistan and that he’d left the service because he no longer trusted all the men he served with. It was the worst kind of betrayal, discovering those who had your back were as dangerous as those you were fighting against.
Stuart Warburton, the murder victim, had killed two civilians during Peter’s final tour. A woman and an eight year old child. None of the team would come forward and, for Peter, it had been the last straw.
Yvonne Kennedy had served as a medic with the team and had been medically discharged three years earlier. She’d had a psychotic break, and had been treated for post-traumatic stress disorder. It hadn’t taken Bobby long to discover that the problems began right after the event which triggered Peter’s departure from the military.
“Okay,” he said to JJ, shoving his phone into his pocket. “Let’s go take a look.”
The moment the shutters came down in JJ’s expression, alarm bells started ringing. “That’s all we can do at this point,” he said, understanding it wouldn’t sit well on his friend’s shoulders.
“I can’t promise to stand by and do nothing if Pete’s life is in danger. You can’t ask me to do that, Charlie.”
Charlie hesitated for only a second. “Let’s assess the situation and take it from there.”
On a brief nod, JJ turned and stepped towards the copse of trees.
The moment they reached the designated vantage point, Charlie could see it didn’t look good for Peter. Yvonne was waving her gun around and becoming more agitated by the second. Clearly, in his drug induced state, Peter had failed to see the signs, or he didn’t care.
JJ disappeared before Charlie had the chance to cool his jets. He saw him weaving in and out of the tree line and cursed the air blue.
Since he didn’t have a choice, he followed JJ and prayed his team weren’t far behind. When he spotted a pistol in JJ’s hand he almost groaned. ‘Once a commando,’ he murmured to himself, grateful JJ had a permit to wave the thing around.
He pushed forward, easing through the door JJ had left afar. His eyes darted along the hallway, squinting against the dull light. Peter’s room was up the stairs towards the back of the house. Charlie glanced up and thought he saw movement. He waited a beat or two and then climbed swiftly, eyes open and alert.
At the top of the stairs he crept along the hall. He could hear voices now and for a moment he listened to the ramblings of a woman on the edge. It was clear Yvonne had some kind of obsession with Peter, Charlie could hear it in her voice. She saw herself as the punisher, though he wasn’t entirely sure where Peter fit into her fantasy. He didn’t have long to ponder on it because all hell broke loose.
He moved at the first thud, calling out his name and rank as he rushed towards Peter’s bedroom.
JJ walked out a moment before he reached it, dragging a slightly subdued Yvonne Kennedy and practically threw her at him. “Peter…” he said and disappeared back into the room.
JJ walked out a moment before he reached it, dragging a slightly subdued Yvonne Kennedy and practically threw her at him. “Peter…” he said and disappeared back into the room.
Since his suspect was still in one piece and, by the sounds below him, Bobby had arrived, he saved his breath and led Yvonne back towards the stairs.
Well I hoped you enjoyed this leg of the blog tour! I’m so excited to have been a part of it, and I wish Melissa all the best with her new novel. I’m looking forward to reading it myself! 
Tomorrow is the last day of the tour. Kathryn Jenkins will be sharing another of Melissa’s short stories, Choked, at Dragon Knight Chronicles Reader’s Corner. And then Melissa will be announcing the winner of her contest on her blog.
Tomorrow is the last day of the tour. Kathryn Jenkins will be sharing another of Melissa’s short stories, Choked, at Dragon Knight Chronicles Reader’s Corner. And then Melissa will be announcing the winner of her contest on her blog.
Don’t forget to purchase your copy of Hands of Evil on Amazon, and check out Melissa’s other novels:
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