I encountered difficulty renaming the pages and adding past and previous to make stopping and starting easier without scrolling through the whole story. In so doing, I deleted pages and found I was 6 pages short. Too frustrated after the dozens of previous attempts I finally came up with an idea of a Preface and […]
Category: Gallery of Deception
Nathan is involved in extracurricular activities he doesn’t wish Emma involved in much less become aware of. To protect her and keep her safe, he must explain his involvement and leave it up to Emma to decide where she stands.
Nathan is a romantic mystery involving…
Emma Banks reporter and journalist for the Gazette assigned to cover local gala events in the community along with fundraisers and other high profile celebrations. Her boss has asked her to look into Nathan Armstrong, a man with whom she has a history. A wealthy renown businessman, Emma is nervous about seeing him after all these years.
A man entered the newspaper office to report an incident he’d previously watched. Due to his alcoholic haze he didn’t at first believe he’d witnessed a murder nor did he feel the police would believe him viewing him as less than credible. As time passes, his conscience gets the better of him and he tells Emma and her Editor what he witnessed. Little did he know he corroborated another witness’s testimony (another no one would listen to).
Nathan is involved in extracurricular activities he doesn’t wish Emma involved in much less become aware of. To protect her and keep her safe, he must explain his involvement and leave it up to Emma to decide where she stands.
They become romantically involved and he assists her in running to ground, the perp responsible for killing an innocent young woman. The deaths don’t stop there.
Before long, Nathan intervenes to protect Emma’s very life. Will they find the perp in time or will Emma forfeit her life in an endeavour to find out who killed a beautiful young woman, another reporter on the case, and is threatening Nathan, her Editor, herself, and her family.
Nathan – Epilogue
Life couldn’t have seemed brighter as Emma looked out over the crowd invited to the wedding. She spotted her editor, Harold who sat beaming alongside his family. Beside them sat Sylvia Westwood’s mother and father who’d been delighted by the invitation. She couldn’t help but notice the wistful smiles on their faces. Sandra Frazer, Mark’s […]
Nathan 166
Nathan and Emma retired after Nathan reassured everyone he looked worse than he felt, which was far from the truth, but it seemed to mollify the others to some extent. “Nathan, ” “I’m going to be fine, Emma. I know I must look a sight, but this isn’t usual for me.” “It breaks my heart […]
Nathan 165
Emma anxiously awaited Nathan’s arrival with nervous anticipation. Jim’s men attempted to prepare her in advance knowing Nathan had received injuries. She didn’t know what to expect or the extent of his injuries. Determined to remain stoic, she calmed herself. Although her parents were appalled when they saw the condition of her bruised wrists along […]
Nathan 164
A swarm of emotion slaked his aching body as he eased back into his seat as Jim drove him to Emma. “Did you get all that, Jim?” “Yes, loud and clear. You have him, Nathan, have him cold, on record, loudly profusely wrapping himself and the others into a net so tight a fleet of […]
Nathan 163
Nathan continued stringing the blowhard along, teasing information out of him, pushing buttons, in turn stroking his ego, silently applauding as Jessop dug himself and his cohorts in deeper and deeper. His desire for Nathan’s approval, pathetic on every level, before long he’d divulged enough information about how his operation worked, how his connections were […]
Nathan 162
“I have a trophy room, did you know that? Of course, you didn’t.” He smirked, avarice greed and spite all equally reflected in his eyes. “I’m trying to decide what of yours I should add. Perhaps a painting. Yes, indeed, but something special, something unique.” He paused dramatically then leaned in, planting his face directly […]
Nathan 161
One man stood with a gun pointed at Nathan while the other patted him down. Finding nothing, they cuffed his hands behind his back and shoved him into the car. Immediately a bag was rammed over his head. The car ride continued for forty-five minutes, best he could tell and finally stopped. The man to […]
Nathan 160
Jessop was beside himself with self-satisfaction and self-aggrandizement. His plans were working like clockwork. Soon, very soon, he’d have Nathan locked up tight. If only he’d thought to work this angle before….ah well, what did it matter, everything was falling into place as it should. He was vibrating with excitement. He felt good. He had […]
Nathan 159
Emma didn’t doubt for an instant Jim found the note she’d strategically left behind, he’d know instantly Jessop was behind her disappearance. She shook the restraints. After a thorough examination, she realized there was no easy escape for her. Those blasted movies always suggested a hair pin or something similar might work. Emma didn’t have […]
Nathan 158
Nathan was on board his jet when he received a call from Jim notifying him Emma had been taken. His breath caught in his throat and his heart stopped. Until his body was fused with unstoppable anger, the kind of anger he’d never felt before, even when he’d lost his family so tragically years before. […]
Nathan 157
Before intermission was over Jim was alerted to Emma’s disappearance. Martin hurried to his side and whispered in his ear. Jim was furious. Jesus Christ! How did it happen? When? He continued questioning Martin who hadn’t witnessed her disappearance until he managed to break through the milling crowd to get to Jim. Taking Jemma’s hand […]
Nathan 156
No sooner had she skidded to a stop by the double doors at the far end of the airport than two men appeared, each grabbing an arm and hustling her through them and into a waiting car. Emma took note of their appearance committing each to memory. She couldn’t get a clear look at the […]
Nathan 155
The family decided on an outing and along with Jim headed out for the evening to see James Hunter six, a soul-blues band from Essex, England, touring and recording for more than a decade. It was hinted that Allen Toussant, Sharon Jones or Van Morrison may be in attendance since all three were avid fans. […]
Nathan 154
Jessop rarely drank, but when he did, he drank heavily. He was listening to his own voice, unrecognizable even to himself. He wobbled and staggered around his den talking to the objects surrounding him. “Youuu, yuuuur mine now. Yuuur mine, nooo one can shtake that now…not een youuu Nafan.” He needed to sit. He went […]
Nathan 153
Jim was nowhere to be seen when they re-entered through the side door. Odd! They went in search of their parents and found them working on the puzzle. “Good morning my lovelies, how are you?” “Good. Jenna and I were dancing to some new music she’s put together, it is absolutely exquisite.” “I heard a […]
Nathan 152
They were momentarily stunned into silence at the information. Emma was the first to speak. “I have to admit I’m shocked. I can only imagine Nathan’s reaction, he must feel hurt at heart thinking someone close to him was not trustworthy.” “I’m sure he does, but that’s not his only concern.” “What do you mean, […]
Nathan 151
Everyone was excitedly anticipating their walk in the park, hopping into the limo, their chatter was unending. First on the agenda was the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture followed by the Museum of Pop Culture and lastly the Seattle Art Museum, a little ‘something’ for everyone. Emma smiled at Martin who was “on-point” […]
Nathan 150
Jessop sat back in his chair, calm. Juicy, indeed, this was very juicy. Sitting back watching Nathan and company scurry around like little ants after a piece of delectable fruit. What could be more fascinating and delicious. He laughed aloud. “Well, Nathan, have I at last found your Achilles heal? I truly hope so. […]
Nathan 149
Emma rubbed her eyes when Nathan rose and hurried out of the bedroom. He rarely looked at his phone once they were snuggled in for the night. Something was wrong and an inner battle ensued. Should she go find out what was up, or stay put and await his return? She was admittedly curious but […]
Nathan 148
Almost before the deed was done and Jessop had begun maligning him, Nathan was aware. He had people in low places or at least monitoring low places, and he’d heard the scuttle an hour after it began. Although he was thick-skinned and wasn’t overly concerned, it would be something different for Emma and her family […]
Nathan 147
Now to begin his campaign against Nathan. He secretly met with various captains and planted ideas he desired circulated on different levels hinting at scandal, corruption, involvement in clandestine ventures too numerous to mention, covert operations involving individuals from other countries. “Yes indeed, there were many facets to the man the community knew as Nathan, […]
Nathan 146
Jessop loved beauty. His home was filled with extravagant elegance. The finest crystals, imported rare woods, expensive luxurious fabrics. Only the best would do. As he wandered his palatial home, contemplating his plans, he smiled almost affectionately at his surroundings as he scanned the room. Every item had a special place it belonged. When something […]
Nathan 145
Jessop pondered the current situation. Threats on Nathan’s cohorts hadn’t worked so far. Little nudges to back him off didn’t seem to concern him. Threats of physical violence, car accidents, even sending a team to Bank’s home had not garnered the desired effect. Nathan hadn’t taken them seriously. Perhaps his thinking was faulty and he’d […]
Nathan 144
Jessop wandered his palatial home ranting and raving! Even the vases trembled at his approach. How could this be happening? How was it possible his well-laid plans were in dire straights, near collapse? That hideous man! “Nathan!” he roared to an empty room. “You are responsible for this!” An extravagantly pricey crystal vase crashed to […]