Mellie's Books

Now that Old Flame is ready for pre-order, how about a small preview?

This scene takes place in the dining room of the hotel. A man she’s never met comes over and starts to hassle her about an ongoing issue she’s had since her husband’s death.

“I don’t even know you,” she answered. “What do you want?”

“You may not, but you have received several letters from my boss concerning a debt of $10,000. We haven’t received your payment yet.

“You’re with them? I’ve written back and explained everything to your boss. I can’t find what the debt is for, and I don’t have the money to pay it.”

“May I remind you of a trust your late husband set up for you? Or that you can borrow money from this trust?” the man asked.

“I’ve explained about that, also. There is nothing I can do. Go and talk to my attorney. If your claim is legitimate, I’m sure he’ll do what’s right.”

“Mrs. Murphy, it isn’t wise to anger the people I work for. I suggest you find a way to pay us what you owe.”

“Look,” she explained, beginning to panic. “I don’t know who you are, or who your boss is, but I’ve never owed anyone that kind of money in my life. And I can’t imagine Joe did either.”

“Mrs. Murphy,” he began again.

“No! Go away. Go talk to the attorney, but leave me alone.”

Her whole attention had been on the man across the table, but Liz suddenly felt warm, strong hands on her shoulders.

“Listen, friend,” a deep and vaguely familiar voice told the man. “You have the lady’s answer. Anything more from you is harassment. Call it a night.”

“This is a private affair and none of your business. Go away.”

“You turned your private affair into my business when you shouted it across the dining room. You are bullying this poor woman, who I understand recently lost her husband. Say goodnight.”

“Listen, buddy, I don’t know who you think you are, but I can make big trouble for you,” the man threatened.

One of the hands lifted from her shoulder and the man behind her spoke into his com.

“Security? I need to have someone escorted off the property from the third floor dining room. I’ve sent a photo.”

“You can’t do that!” the man across the table shouted.

“I think you’ll find I can,” he answered, as his hand returned to her shoulder. Liz felt so much safer with him here.

Almost immediately, two hotel security guards came down and took the man into custody.

“Anything else, sir?” one of them asked.

“No, thank you. We planned to have dinner.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you.”

As they took the man away, Liz felt drained and slumped down in her chair. The hands left her shoulders and the man came around and knelt in front of her.

“I’m sorry your stay here has been marred…” he began, and then stopped abruptly, looking startled. “Liz? I mean, are you Elizabeth Stockton?”

Looking up into dazzling blue eyes that could belong to nobody else, she asked, “Kort? Is that you?”

“Yes. What are you doing in my neck of the woods?”

For some unknown reason, she sprang out of her chair and threw her arms around him. Tears previously held back began to trickle down her face.

“Hey, it’s all right now. I’ve got you. You’re going to mess up your makeup,” he told her softly.

So, are you ready to come with me to Gambler’s Folly?

Old Flame is scheduled to release on June 1, so pre-order now and get it as soon as it is released.

Have a wonderful weekend!

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

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