LATEST POSTS
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The Price of Resolve
While the promise of spring brought hope and life, there was no joy for Samuel, oblivious to its quiet arrival. For weeks now, the sound of hammers pounding had shattered the stillness of the frosty mornings. Their ominous rhythm filled his mind with a solemn resignation. As a warning to all, officials had ordered the scaffolding to be built prominently in the prison yard, where the largest number of prisoners could see it. Day by day its progress loomed, grim and undeniable. Time was running out. Continue reading
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Ashes of the Uprising
Within minutes, the dust had settled. Smoke drifted in lazy spirals above the deck, and the sharp tang of blood and gunpowder hung in the air. Captain Drew stood motionless, staring down at the lifeless body sprawled at his feet—a clean shot through the head. He let out a slow breath, his jaw tightening. “So much for that.” He muttered, almost to himself. “Throw this body overboard. And any others. I don’t want to know details… the less we know, the better.” Continue reading
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All Smoke and Mirrors
A Lucy-Anne Parker Mystery … Mike began his walk down the sidewalk again before turning to look back at the homeless woman. There was something about her he just couldn’t put his finger on. Something odd. He shook his head. As though sensing his gaze, the woman looked up and began hobbling away, awkwardly pushing her cart ahead of her. Mike watched for a second longer and then headed off down the street. He had a few more blocks to cover this morning and wanted to be done in a good time for lunch. His whistle echoed softly behind him, floating on the… Continue reading
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Wheels of Justice
Elizabeth Lount drew a shaky breath, willing her heart to stop pounding. She dried her sweaty palms on the bodice of her dress. Her Sunday best. His life depended on her and that weight pressed heavy. What if this didn’t work? What if her attempt to free Samuel failed? Her confidence faltered. Steps leading up to the Governor House loomed before her. Behind those foreboding doors sat one who had the power. One who could, with just a word, reverse the sentence of death. One who could restore hope and equity. The punishment far exceeded the crime… if protesting government… Continue reading
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Liberty or Death
“I’m to be banished, aren’t I?” Lount questioned in a raspy, dull voice. His worst fears affirmed. “It’s worse than that I’m afraid.” Baldwin hesitated again before looking Samuel directly in the eyes. “The Chief Justice would like to make an example of your case in the way of capital punishment.” Samuel blinked rapidly. What was the man saying? “The judge has applied the death penalty.” Continue reading
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A Master of Disguise
A Lucy-Anne Parker Mystery … Charlie shook his head a little to focus on the face before him. Slowly the two images before his eyes merged into a beautiful female face full of concern and sympathy. Red lips that perfectly matched her hair colour flashed a smile to show a row of perfect teeth. She leaned over to pick his conductor’s hat from the corner by the door, after taking a quick walk through the baggage car. “My name is Lucy-Anne Parker.” She tilted her head. “Well, Private Eye Parker.” She pulled out a crisp new business card from her coat pocket and… Continue reading
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Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
…”I’ll not stand by quietly watching the future of this land go to ruin. I haven’t been here long enough to forget the type of freedom they see south of the river. For starters, the freedom to bear arms is written right in their constitution. Return power to the everyday citizen, I say, give them a voice. If believing that makes me a troublemaker… bring it on. Time to get back to the basics of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” William nodded and aggressively devoured a piece of bread. “We need to break ties with these despots, need… Continue reading
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The Escape
Samuel hesitated at the storefront, trying to see through the frosted windowpane. He glanced down at the folded piece of paper clenched in his frozen fingers. He couldn’t bear to leave the country without some word, some ray of hope, some reassurance of his love. He needed her to know that no matter how desperate the situation looked, his heart remained steadfast, his love for her firm. For that, Samuel was willing to risk everything. Continue reading
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Battle of Montgomery’s Tavern
The tavern’s heavy wooden door burst open, ushering in cold air and raucous laughter, followed by a band of rebels with William Mackenzie at the center. “Did you see that woman’s face?!” William guffawed and patted his belly, his eyes open wide in mock imitation. “I don’t think her eyes could have been any larger! Who knew the mail coach would be such an easy target, and we certainly meant business. There was no doubt about that. That, good fellows, is the response our unit of elite forces evokes.” He nodded confidently. “The very thought of our presences incites a… Continue reading
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The Gathering
A deep weariness clung to his bones, but Samuel Lount pushed on. It would soon be night and his band of ninety men were eager to push on. “Not much longer, men. We’ll have a warm meal waiting for us at the Tavern.” He adjusted his hat. “I hope,” he muttered under his breath. The entire operation smacked of disorganization. When Samuel had gotten word from Rolph that there was a warrant issued for Mackenzie’s arrest, he’d wasted no time calling the men who had pledged their allegiance to the cause of freedom. They came willingly, a motley crew, armed… Continue reading
