 | "Normal. Murder. Those two words should never go together. " I love a good mystery. Both reading one and writing one. I have so many books in the works, and plans to finish several of them |
this summer. So what do I do? Start a new one! It began with a tweet about an opening lines book contest. My writing has improved over the years, but I wasn't confident in one of my current books having what it takes to win an opening lines contest. So I began another one, not really sure what I'd end up doing with this brand new work in progress.
But it's gotten me! It's sucked me right in. I'm getting to know the characters, their hearts, their motives, and their fears. And their story, which I'm really enjoying. So, I'm going to keep working on it and my other books (especially the one due out in July!!!). I'm not sure if I'll pursue a contract on it or publish it, but was thinking about sharing it with my readers here. So, here are the first several hundred words. Come back often to read the next installments.
Oh! And don't forget to let me know what you think. I'd love to hear your opinion.
Chapter One
Tina held her breath. Her heart pounded so loudly she was certain it could be heard throughout the building. If only she’d left the office on time. Her mother always warned her being a workaholic was detrimental to her health. Even her mother wouldn’t have pictured this, though.
Exhaling slowly, she strained to hear. Were they still out there? She couldn’t tell. The scents of paper and toner filled her nostrils. The pack of card stock she’d grabbed several minutes before felt heavy in her hands. Her life had seemed so simple when she left her desk to restock her printer. The only thing that had been on her mind was printing invitations for her boss’ retirement party.
No sounds filtered through the door, but her shaking legs refused to move towards it. If they were still out there, whomever they were, she’d be placing her life in danger if she left the supply room.
If what she heard had really been a gunshot. First there were yelling voices, then a pop. Maybe it was her overactive imagination. Someone could have knocked something off a desk or bumped into something in the heated discussion. If that were the case, though, there wouldn’t have been any reason for the following silence.
She had no idea how long she’d been standing there. Nor did she know how much longer her trembling legs could hold her up. She backed slowly toward the shelves and slid down to the floor.
Her mind raced. She hadn’t recognized the voices. Whatever they were arguing about hadn’t been clear, either. They were an estate planning firm. People got upset sometimes, but those times were when families were meeting to get their estates and wills in order. Not after hours. Not between employees.
Who could it have been? Mr. Abbott was still there. So was Bob. But he’d looked like he was packing up when she headed towards the supply room. He’d even waved goodbye. The front doors of the building locked automatically at six. Anyone who didn’t work there would’ve had to have been buzzed in.
Tina’s knees ached. Her back ached. Her arms ached. Maybe enough time had passed. Maybe whoever had been out in the office was gone. Her heart sped up at the thought. However, it was completely out of the question to stay curled up on the floor surrounded by office supplies. Stretching out and sleeping on the floor wasn’t an option either.
She set the paper down and pushed herself off the floor. She debated taking the paper with her. It felt like a shield, even if it wouldn’t actually serve as one. No. If she was going to venture out in the office, she wanted to be unencumbered and more able to run. Stretching her tight muscles, she stepped towards the door. An ear pressed against it didn’t glean her any more information. As far as she could tell, no one was still out there.
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But it's gotten me! It's sucked me right in. I'm getting to know the characters, their hearts, their motives, and their fears. And their story, which I'm really enjoying. So, I'm going to keep working on it and my other books (especially the one due out in July!!!). I'm not sure if I'll pursue a contract on it or publish it, but was thinking about sharing it with my readers here. So, here are the first several hundred words. Come back often to read the next installments.
Oh! And don't forget to let me know what you think. I'd love to hear your opinion.
Chapter One
Tina held her breath. Her heart pounded so loudly she was certain it could be heard throughout the building. If only she’d left the office on time. Her mother always warned her being a workaholic was detrimental to her health. Even her mother wouldn’t have pictured this, though.
Exhaling slowly, she strained to hear. Were they still out there? She couldn’t tell. The scents of paper and toner filled her nostrils. The pack of card stock she’d grabbed several minutes before felt heavy in her hands. Her life had seemed so simple when she left her desk to restock her printer. The only thing that had been on her mind was printing invitations for her boss’ retirement party.
No sounds filtered through the door, but her shaking legs refused to move towards it. If they were still out there, whomever they were, she’d be placing her life in danger if she left the supply room.
If what she heard had really been a gunshot. First there were yelling voices, then a pop. Maybe it was her overactive imagination. Someone could have knocked something off a desk or bumped into something in the heated discussion. If that were the case, though, there wouldn’t have been any reason for the following silence.
She had no idea how long she’d been standing there. Nor did she know how much longer her trembling legs could hold her up. She backed slowly toward the shelves and slid down to the floor.
Her mind raced. She hadn’t recognized the voices. Whatever they were arguing about hadn’t been clear, either. They were an estate planning firm. People got upset sometimes, but those times were when families were meeting to get their estates and wills in order. Not after hours. Not between employees.
Who could it have been? Mr. Abbott was still there. So was Bob. But he’d looked like he was packing up when she headed towards the supply room. He’d even waved goodbye. The front doors of the building locked automatically at six. Anyone who didn’t work there would’ve had to have been buzzed in.
Tina’s knees ached. Her back ached. Her arms ached. Maybe enough time had passed. Maybe whoever had been out in the office was gone. Her heart sped up at the thought. However, it was completely out of the question to stay curled up on the floor surrounded by office supplies. Stretching out and sleeping on the floor wasn’t an option either.
She set the paper down and pushed herself off the floor. She debated taking the paper with her. It felt like a shield, even if it wouldn’t actually serve as one. No. If she was going to venture out in the office, she wanted to be unencumbered and more able to run. Stretching her tight muscles, she stepped towards the door. An ear pressed against it didn’t glean her any more information. As far as she could tell, no one was still out there.
Go here to sign up for my newsletter, stay up to date on book releases, and get a free book!
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