Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57502 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 288(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57502 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 288(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Conrad had heard what Jane said regarding the loan officer. Good. “Let’s go see Ashley and find out what info she’s got on Hannah. Then I’ll speak with Jacob tomorrow at Maggie’s book club party.” She’d also do a little online sleuthing to dig into Donnie Eggerson’s past. No one was that creepy without a reason.
The boys groaned, which Jane took as enthusiastic approval. Maybe the buck stopped with the Thackers, maybe not. But if they had started this game to punish her for testifying against Jessica Thacker, well, they’d just have to deal when Jane ended it.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Don’t be afraid to share the thoughts of everyone who enters the page, even the dog.
Y’all Write Now–Advice for New Writers
by Tabby Paynes-Murksand
While Beau tracked Lucy, Jane and Conrad hopped in his SUV and headed for Aurelian Hills Media.
Don’t ask his opinion of your writing. Don’t ask his opinion of your writing.
“Did you have a chance to read my chapter?” she blurted out.
A long pause ensued. Until… “I did, and your punctuation is outstanding. The talking tree is a surprisingly fantastic character.”
That was it? All he had to say? “You hated it,” she groaned.
He flipped his blinker and sighed. “Jane, there’s three things I’ve learned in this life. Never let your mom mess with your hair when she’s mad at your dad, never respond when a woman asks if she looks bad, and never do anything but encourage the woman you love when she’s excited.”
Jane slumped against the seat. “So you think I’m a hack.”
He answered her with an even heavier sigh as he pulled into a space and parked. “You aren’t a hack, and I didn’t hate it. I very much enjoyed the peek inside your brain.”
She rotated to face him. “Then give me something constructive. Don’t hold back. I’m writing a pre-bestseller, and I need all the advice I can get. Plus, your opinion is important to me.”
He pursed his lips but nodded. “Very well. One tip. Your detective heroine gets the forensics report too early.”
“Are you sure? Because I read on the internet that–”
“I’m sure.” He unbuckled his seatbelt.
“Fine. I’ll fix it. Are you impressed with my maturity?”
He snorted. “Very. That’s why I’ll give you a second tip. Instead of combining all five Aurelian Hills murders in the opening scene, consider spacing them out and going through them one by one. That way, you’re not throwing so many names and histories at readers.”
Not a bad tip. If she started with Dr. Marcus Hotchkins, the first body she’d found, she would have more room to describe the ghost berserker. Yes! Inspiration struck, and she could hardly wait to write again. “Thank you, Conrad.” She leaned over to kiss his lips.
“You’re welcome.” He was grinning as he exited and jogged around the car to open her door. Offering his hand, he asked, “Shall we?”
“We shall.”
They hustled from the parking lot and entered the building, sweeping through the lobby. Shocker, Ashley waited for them at the reception desk. A first. The reporter tapped one blood-red stiletto against the tile floor, impatient. She tucked a tendril of curly hair behind her ear and waved at Jane. Noticing Conrad’s presence, she pursed her lips. But she also motioned them over, letting them bypass security without checking in.
Ashley led them down a hallway and into her office. A wall of monitors dominated the small room, all displaying various threads on the Headliner. As usual, she’d covered up her white board with a sheet secured by binder clips, and oh, Jane longed for a peek. She and Conrad claimed seats on one side of the desk, and Ashley sank into the chair on the other.
All business, the reporter linked her hands, rested her weight on her elbows and leaned forward. “I’m not revealing a single piece of information until you issue a statement about discovering Ms. Thorton.”
“That’s funny, because I’m not giving a statement until you offer proof of your own innocence.” Two could play this game.
Hmm. Did Ashley enjoy playing other games?
“That is proof I require as well.” Conrad, being Conrad, adopted his cold detective face. He withdrew a notebook and pen from his jacket pocket and flipped to a specific page. “You were seen visiting the tearoom the morning of the murder.”
She was? Jane had clocked Ashley’s presence in the crowd but hadn’t known she’d visited Hannah earlier that same day. Um, why hadn’t the good sheriff told her of this development sooner?
Conrad’s focus on Ashley remained steady. She peered back at him, unwavering.
Not knowing what else to do, Jane joined the staring contest. The three of them continued their silent showdown. Only the hum of the computer fan filled the small space.
“Fine!” Ashley burst out. “You convinced me. I’ll talk first.” She stood and moved to the white board, lifting the covering to reveal candid photos of Hannah, Mason and Abigail. “I’ve been working on a story I’ve titled Gold Rush Murders. It’s about the men and women of Aurelian Hills who recently met violent ends because of the deadly combination of greed and a relationship gone bad. Dr. Hotchkins. Anna Irons. Anthony Miller. Even Josh Gunn and his love affair with his job.”