Rogues Angels Presents: Catching Meara Prerelease Sale

Catching Meara has been released! Woo hoo! Rouge Phoenix Press is hosting a prerelease sale starting now. But Catching Meara for just $0.99 now through Saturday, March 9th.

PRERELEASE SALE--NOW THROUGH--

SATURDAY MARCH 9TH.

Only at Rogue Phoenix Press

http://www.roguephoenixpress.com

BUY FOR $0.99

Title: Catching Meara

Author: Christine Young

Email: achristay@aol.com

Genre: shapeshifter erotic romance

Excerpt Heat Level: 1

Book Heat Level: 4

Buy at: www.roguephoenixpress.com

Meara Thorton was a feisty, world-class computer hacker—cornered by the FBI and shockingly given the chance to be their newly acquired technical analyst.  Brilliant and intuitive, yet aching with the loss of everyone she has cared about, her restless heart led her to discover a love she fought and a world she didn't know could possibly exist.

Jace McKenna was an enigma, a loner, impossibly handsome, sincere and committed. The Apache shapeshifter blood running through his veins burned hotter than the blistering Sierra Madre sun. Jace knew the moment he caught Meara's scent she was his for eternity.

EXCERPT

Meara had been seconds from revelation, mere seconds. Now quivering with terror, she huddled in the corner of her electrified office while lights flashed and popped all around her, knowing there was no where to run. Monitors flashed and burst, exploding and sending shards of liquid fire into the air. A cop entered the small room, his arms stretched forward, gun in both hands and a flashlight on top of his gun.

Three more cops followed behind. No, they were government agents. The logo printed in white across their chest announced their profession.

Bright lights swept the room in a slow steady arc, searching for her. Finally resting on her face, she shielded her eyes. Smoke from the crucified computers filled the cubicle, making the agents choke. Sweat from fear beaded on her forehead, and her heart lurched to her throat. She closed her hands over her heart as if she could slow the furious beating.

"Hewitt, check this out. There might be more than this one. Barrister go search through the other rooms."

"Right, McKenna."

"My name is Jace McKenna," the man said as he approached cautiously, kicking debris from under foot until he stood above her. "Put your hands in the air."

His voice held so much authority and sounded so calm. For a moment she thought he meant to reassure then she remembered she was his prisoner. Well, she would be as soon as she complied with his demands.

Jace appeared dark, dangerous, handsome and tall, she noted at first. Very tall, which was hard to miss, since she was skinny and short. His eyes were an amber color with a hint of green. He towered over her. Beneath the deceiving bulkiness of his bulletproof vest, she observed next, his shoulders were very broad, and though his hips were lean, his thighs, tightly hugged by his jeans, were muscled and powerful.

His hair was blacker than the midnight sky, nearly indigo with its sheen, his amber eyes were cast into a rugged face that appeared naturally tanned. He was probably somewhere in his late twenties or early thirties. He seemed fierce, alive with a striking tension and a volatile energy that seemed to exude from him.

Shaking, sweat dripping down her face, Meara slowly raised her trembling arms. "D-don't shoot--me, please" She heard the pathetic whimper in her voice as she blinked the stinging sweat from her eyes where it melded with her mascara. Her heart pounded so hard against her chest she was sure it would burst through her ribs.

"Stand up, slowly." He swept the flashlight as well as the gun up and down the length of her body, which had been curled into a tight fetal position.

Rising to her feet, she leaned against the wall behind her, trying to keep her hands up and not fall flat on her face. She wiggled her butt against the wall and inched her way to a standing position. Her life flashed in front of her in a series of leaps and bounds until she saw the faces of her parents.

"Do as he says," they whispered. "Everything will turn out fine. You'll see. We love you." Then, just as they appeared, they vanished.

Their faces faded into the smoke and flashing lights. Her eyes open wide, she gazed at her enemy--her jailor. The man who was here to arrest her. Mind games, or was it mind think that her parents used to play with her, teaching her to communicate through thoughts instead of words. She focused on his brain, sending out feelers, trying to read his thoughts and trying to tell him she was no threat.

The next moment he was beside her, grasping one of her arms, and in one swift move he had turned her, both hands were behind her back and handcuffed. Her breath stopped for a moment. The movement had been so sudden she was thrown against the wall. Her face flattened on the smooth surface. Yet she was glad for that because the impact brought her back to the reality of this moment. Her mind cleared for a brief second. For courage she inhaled a swift deep breath.

Review:

Title: Catching Meara

Author: Christine Young

Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press

Genre: Parnormal Erotica

Type of Review: Requested (I received an Advanced Review Copy in exchange for an honest review)

Kara's Rating: 4.0 Kicks to the Heart

"I found myself continuously turning the pages to find out what happened and read most of this book in one sitting.

Right from page one Ms. Young does an excellent job building the sexual tension between Jace and Meara, which led to some fantastically hot sex scenes! They were very well written and steamy. There was no flowerly language or cringe-worthy euphamisms. In fact, they were so well done I wished they'd been longer, or that there had been more of them. ;)

The shapeshifter/paranormal aspect of this book was also very well done. The shifting between animal and human form was explained clearly and was believable. I really enjoyed how this part of Jace's personality, the part he was terrified of revealing to Meara, turned out to be what saved both of them in the end. "

Allana Angel Presents: Better Late Than Never

Sunrise

Time to pay the piper! How did you do?

This is the Rogue's Angels weekly check-in. Every Thursday we encourage the Angels and visitors to let us know how their writing is going.

How well are you doing?

Had problems this week? That's ok. Just sit down this coming week and write. Whatever you do, don't let difficulties from the week before get in your way this week.

Every word is one word closer to the finished product.

For me the writing week was a little disappointing. Didn't get nearly as much done as last week but I wrote myself into a corner again and it took a bit of thinking to get out. I now have found a way through the maze. Did edit about half of a book and was able to look through a book about edit proofing your writing. Didn't learn a lot but it reinforced knowledge I already had. Every new author, or untrained by RWA 

should own a copy of this book.

Returning home from a week in Leavenworth WA. Loved the beautiful little town settled in a valley with mountains reaching to the sky.

Had a great week? Keep it up, the momentum is on your side.

The next day snow

Christine Present: St. Patrick's Day Tale

It's March and what do we know about this month? Why, we will be celebratin' St. Patty's Day. And what better way to celebrate than to read about the wee folk in the angel's A St. Patrick's Day Tale.

There are three novellas in this book, Star Crossed, St. Batzy and the Time Machine, and Meadows of Gold. Have fun reading the wonderful fantasy.

Star Crossed

Christine Young

achristay@aol.com

Excerpt Heat Level: 1

Book Heat Level: 2

Buy at: www.roguephoenixpress.com

Ireland in 1817, when tensions are high between Protestants and Catholics and faey people guide the fate of villagers. A lovely Catholic lass stumbles upon the weakly ritual fisticuffing between Irish lads. She falls into the lap of a handsome young Protestant. Family ties, grudges, and two conniving faeries threaten their budding love. But the faeries outsmart themselves when they hijack a time machine that has mysteriously appeared in their forest.

EXCERPT

Casey pushed on the green grass, trying to unwind herself from the man beneath her, but fell again. All right, Casey lass, you're in a heap of trouble right now with no way out. You are seeing the earth whirl and tumble around and you're on top of a brute of a man--a Protestant.

"All right, lads, we'll meet here next Sunday, same place, same time," her brother's voice filtered through the air as if it floated in the fog that surrounded Casey.

Once again she pushed on the damp grass and didn't seem to make headway, her arms feeling as if they'd changed to soggy twine. Don't you abandon me, Patrick O'Connell. You know I have the Devil's own luck. If you leave me here, I'll never forgive you.

"What about Casey?" one of her brother's friend asked. "She looks a little worse for the encounter."

"Do you think we should leave her here--with Kelly?"

"He's a right stand-up guy. Of course you can leave her here. We'll see her home," a Shaunasey said.

"Well, Kelly is a fine bloke. He won't hurt her. In fact with my feisty lil' sister involved, I fear for him--not her," Patrick said laughing. "She'll do as she pleases. She always does. How can I control her when father cannot? She does not need a second father." He shrugged his shoulder and looked behind him at his little sister as he strolled down the hill.

"She's hurt," another friend called after Patrick. "What kind of brother are you?"

"One who is tired of looking after an accident prone little lass. She has to take responsibility for herself sometime, does she not?"

"She is that," one commented. "You rescue her night and day."

~ * ~

"You should have blessed her with a wee bit o'Irish coordination," Oran said dryly as he flew to a hovering position near the girl.

"And you should remember what our blessed mother told us, 'if you cannot say anythin' nice, don't say anything at all'." Moya rose above the flower petal, her wings buzzing with her anger toward her brother.

"I didn't say anything that wasn't the truth." Oran whistled out of tune for a moment. "We could kidnap them."

"And that is your solution to everything?" Moya pointed one finger at him and shook it. "Why, Oran, I believe you may fancy the lass for yourself. I will not have it. Go play your tricks on someone else's charge. She is mine to see to safety and long life. And don't be forgettin' the lad is yours to watch over."

"You best stem your anger, Moya. You're wings have turned golden," Oran said with a hearty chuckle.

~ * ~

"Let Kelly handle her," Casey's brother said with a light chuckle. "He lost and so he must deal with the object of that loss and assume the consequences. It's only fair."

"Hey!" Kelly said, "Don't leave me here with your sister. It will be hell to pay. She's a little girl. What will your father say?"

The others laughed. "Just don't take too long to decide what to do with her. Little girl or not, father will come after you with his pistol."

I just turned eighteen years old--little girl--how dare he…

"Bloody hell, Patrick. What are you thinking?" Kelly cried out.

"I'm thinking the Catholics won this fight. What are you thinking?" Patrick turned his back on the pair and whistled a jaunty tune as he strolled down the hill.

"Revenge will be sweet. Next Sunday…" Kelly shook his fist at the departing back of Casey's brother.

From what seemed like a great distance Casey heard the moan emanating from inside her battered and bruised body. She squished her eyes together, wishing her head didn't pound so fiercely, and the ground spin so wildly. "Who are you?" she whispered next to the man's chest while a soft spring breeze whispered against her heated face.

"Who am I?" the man chuckled. "Lass, you are the one who landed atop me. I should be inquiring into who you are? Only I know." His hands rested around her waist and squeezed as if he were testing--perhaps exploring--entirely inappropriate. Yet for some strange reason, Casey didn't mind the supposed to be unwanted attention. "And I don't think your brother should have left you here with the likes of me. I'm afraid I've landed myself in a dangerous predicament. And I'm thinkin' one that will be very hard to explain."

"Shame on you," Casey said. "You take liberties." The words stole her breath and she had to lean on Kelly once more in order to minimize the pounding of her head and the strange feelings emanating from where his hands were.

"I only want to remove you from--my--ah--person. And if I were taking liberties with you, lass, you'd be near swooning with passion."

"Ah, it seems you are a wee bit arrogant," she opened her eyes and gazed into the bluest eyes she'd ever seen. "The color of a summer sky," she whispered to him, still feeling woozy and not quite sure what he'd just told her--but thinking at the moment something besides the fall caused the earth to spin and the sky to tilt with a crazy, wild abandon.

"What is, lass?"

"Your eyes," she said, struggling against him and finally rolling to the side so she lay sprawled on the grass, staring into the sky she'd referred to a moment earlier and watching a white billowy cloud float past. "I'm not a little girl," she told him. "Don't ever call me that again."

"Then you want me to tell lies?" he asked with a lazy half-smile that stole Casey's heart and left her floundering. "I dinna think I can do that."

"It isn't a lie," she said, trying to sound indignant, yet frustrated beyond anything she'd ever felt before.

Joker's Wild - Portland

 

Bryce slowed the motorcycle and searched for a parking spot in front of the bar. He wanted to have a jump start on the crush of riders leaving after registration.

Once inside, he reconnoitered the teeming mass of people milling around the pub. Unable to spot his tiny co-rider, he cued up to the bar and ordered an orange juice and vodka.

“Breakfast?”

He jumped at the voice next to his ear. He jerked his head around to face a pair of twinkling smoky gray eyes.

A smirk stole across his lips. “Of champions. When did you get here?”

She crossed jean clad legs and sipped on a glass full of ice and a dark cola.

“Before you. What does it matter?” Her tongue snaked out and ran lightly over plump pink lips.

Bryce caught his breath. The move had him thinking of a way to forego the run all together.

“Uh, uh, not really. Are you ready to get going?”

Lisé nodded and snatched a helmet from the top of the bar. Heavy riding boots covered her dainty feet and she slipped a leather business card holder in her back pocket.

“Lead the way.”

Bryce wove his way through the crowded room toward the front door.

“We’ve got to stop and register. It’ll only take a minute and I can get my first card for the hand.”

She gave a quick shrug of her shoulders. “Okay.” She watched as he paid his fee and made a selection from the pile on the registration table. Slowly, he withdrew the card and turned it over.

“A Joker!” The registrar gave Bryce a thumbs-up and noted the playing card’s designation on his slip.

“What’s so good about a joker?” Lisé looked up at Bryce.

He felt his heart skip a beat. Why is this little woman having such an effect on me?

“Because in this particular poker run, the joker is wild. Therefore it becomes any card I need to win.”

“Cool. Are we ready to leave now?”

“You bet. Follow me.”

“Wait. I’d better visit the little girl’s room before we leave. Don’t want to be stuck trying to find a bush in the middle of nowhere.”

“I’ll meet you out front.”

Anna aka Lisé moved toward the women’s room past Eddie sitting at a table with several other bikers. Inside the small powder room, she checked for an empty stall. Finding the one nearest the door available, she slipped inside.

From a pocket on the inside of her vest, Anna pulled a plastic bag filled with clear caulking fluid. She and Eddie had decided this was the simplest way to carry the fluid and get rid of the excess without attracting attention. She dipped each of her fingers in the liquid and waved them in the air to dry. Once the fluid was no longer tacky to the touch, Anna sealed the top of the baggie and exited the stall. She stepped to the sink and turned on the faucet. Shielding her hands from prying eyes, she mimicked the motions of washing. A quick wave of her hand and the paper towel dispenser spewed out enough material to wrap up the remainder of the caulking fluid and toss it into the trash can without drawing attention to herself. She passed a hand over her hair. A quick swipe of faintly tinted lip gloss and she left the room.

She hesitated as she passed Eddy flashing what appeared to all others as a peace sign.

His acknowledgement was barely perceptible to those around him but the slight grin on his face let Anna know he understood.

Squinting from the morning sun streaming through tall pines, Lisé pulled her sunglasses from her vest and donned them. Bryce was leading her to a large blue bike replete with faring and windshield.

“Wow, a Road Glide Ultra. I’ve never seen one in Cool Blue Pearl. Wait a minute… I thought you said you had an Electra Glide?”

Bryce whipped around and stared at Lisé, his mouth hanging open.

“Uh, I did. I just bought this last weekend. I thought you didn’t have a clue about motorcycles and riding.”

“I didn’t. I took a trip to the local motorcycle dealer and did some research. I found everyone very helpful.”

Bryce chuckled. I’ll bet.

Lisé reached in her vest and pulled out an intricately etched silver flask. Unscrewing the lid, she placed the top to her lips and took a slug of the contents. Quickly, she recapped the container and slipped it back in her vest.

“What not sharing?” Bryce’s eyes twinkled.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d like Schnapps or not.”

“Peppermint?”

Lisé nodded.

“Love it.”

Once again she slid her hand in her vest pocket and produced a smooth, plain silver flask. Handing the container to Bryce, she invited. “Why don’t you go ahead and keep it until our next stop. If you like peppermint Schnapps, you’ll love this. It has a wonderful kick that sneaks up on you after about thirty minutes. If you’re sensitive to alcohol, go lightly.”

She watched his shoulders stiffen. He’d taken her statement as a challenge.

Opening the flask, he took a large gulp of the liquid inside. A smile blossomed on his lips.

“That is good. Can’t say I’ve ever tasted anything like it. Is this local?”

Lisé struggled to keep from smirking. “Not completely. There is a little bit of local ingredients in it but mostly the liquor is from Bulgaria.”

Bryce raised an eyebrow. “Bulgaria?”

“Yes. I have extended family there.”

The ring tone of a familiar country song pierced the air. Lisé looked annoyed.

“Now what?” She flipped open her phone. “Yes? This had better be life and death.”

Bryce had pocketed the flask and mounted the motorcycle. He watched his passenger pace alongside the bike. He couldn’t help but overhear the conversation.

“Look, I left specific instructions not to call me unless it was a dire emergency. Isn’t there anyone else to do the work? I haven’t had a full weekend off in ages.”

The tiny figure stopped and began to tap a toe on the pavement.

“Fine. But I’ll be charging double time and a half and expect a week of vacation as well.” She turned to Bryce and heaved a big sigh.

“I’m really sorry. There’s an emergency at the hospital that demands my attention. Apparently no one else can handle the problem. I’m going to have to take a rain check on our ride today.”

Bryce pulled the flask from his vest and handed to Lisé.

She waved him off. “Keep and enjoy it.” She winked. “Just an excuse to get together again.” Moving to the sidewalk, she turned. “I really am sorry. I was looking forward to riding.”

She walked around the building.

Bryce watched the figure disappear down the side of the pub. “Well, might as well get this ride started.” He unscrewed the lid of the flask and threw back a slug of Schnapps. Pushing the starter, the engine roared to life. Bryce kicked the bike into first gear and sped down the road to the next stop on the poker run.

~ * ~

Anna peeked around the corner when the roar of the motorcycle had subsided. She watched the back of the doctor disappear down the road.

“Goodbye, Dr. Bryce Miller. May you feel the pain you caused my love’s brother and his family,” Anna spotted Eddie in the same chair. She caught his attention and motioned for him to meet her outside.

“What’s up, love?”

“The ball is rolling. I saw him take a healthy slug of the Schnapps. I’m going to the car and get my things and change. I’ll meet you in twenty minutes out front.”

“Don’t be too long we’ll lose him.”

Anna snapped her head up and glared. “I’m the one who’s been taking the chances here. I’m not about to let the opportunity to see justice meted out slip through my fingers. I’ll be back.”

Stomping out the door, she marched to her car and popped open the trunk. Inside was a small valise, which she snatched. Carrying the bag to the women’s room, Anna washed the caulking from her fingers and quickly changed her clothing opting for light colored leathers and white jeans. She pulled out a small container and placed it on the counter. The crowd of run participants had thinned considerably and the restroom was currently empty of occupants save Anna. She opened the container and carefully, with a practiced hand, placed light blue colored contacts in her eyes. Two shots of eye drops to soothe the transition and Anna had one task remaining. She twisted her long black hair into a tight rope and wrapped it around her head, pinning the mass down tightly. On top of the dark mass, she slipped on a pixie cut wig in platinum blonde. The comb moved easily through the expensive hairpiece and with few ministrations, Anna looked into the mirror. A blonde with striking light blue eyes peered back at her.

“This just might work.” Picking up the valise, she exited the women’s room making a quick trip to deposit the bag and lock her vehicle.

Eddie was sitting on the bike soaking up the sun’s rays when Anna placed a hand on his thigh.

“Hey. I’m married.” He jumped and took the hand from his leg. Looking into pale blue eyes, he realized the face in front of him looked familiar… somewhat.

“An… Anna?”

She giggled. “Like the new me?”

“Uhm, there was nothing wrong with the old you. What’s with the getup?”

“Eddie, think. How are we supposed to keep track of the doctor if he recognized me? I thought you understood when I explained it to you.”

His chagrined look told Anna he’d been agreeing with her to avoid an argument.

“Well,” she slung her leg over the bike behind Eddy. “Let’s get going. We don’t want to lose him, do we?”

“What about your car?”

“I told Lana at work I was going on an extended vacation and asked if she’d take care of it for me.”

Eddie tilted his head. “Oh?”

“Yeah. She’s admired it since the day I bought it. I gave her the extra set of keys and wrote a permission slip for her to keep in the glove box. When we get settled I’ll call her and we can work out a deal for a quick sale.”

“It’s your money.”

“Yes it is. Now let’s go.”

Eddie tightened his helmet and brought the bike roaring to life. Toeing the cycle into gear, they screamed onto the street. The next stop was only fifteen miles away putting them that much closer to their destination.

Joker's Wild - Poker Run - Antelope Valley

Justice. Is there two kinds of justice... one for the well to do and one for the rest of us? What do you do when justice fails we common men? Is revenge ever an option?

Brown sticky air weighed heavily on the riding pair. As quickly as he could, Joey maneuvered the motorcycle to I-5 North heading out of the congestion of downtown Los Angeles. Using the California law of splitting lanes, he bypassed the traffic sitting still and quickly exited to Hwy 14 heading north to Palmdale/Lancaster. He drove wildly not slowing his pace until after he passed the Acton exits. Only then did he roll back on the throttle.

The sooner I’m out of LA the better.

His shoulders relaxed and he leaned into Kandi. She slid her hands around his waist and squeezed. The hot wind blew into his face but the feeling of freedom overrode any discomfort. Driving a familiar path, he left the freeway on the second Palmdale exit and headed north. The dry dusty landscape soon gave way to rolling hills bearing a bit of green from the spring rains. The two-lane road undulated around the edge of the lake. Sitting on the San Andreas Fault, it was one of a series of sag ponds created by the teutonic plates. Cool air from the water drifted to the edges of the road caressing the hot, dusty riders.

Soon the hillsides were dotted with homes and the signs of civilization became evident. Joey slowed to the posted speed limit.

Kandi felt the muscles in his body loosen up. This ride and Dottie’s Hideaway always refreshed them. Today was going to be no exception. She figured talking him into staying at least one night wouldn’t be a problem.

Outside the rocky front of Dotties, lining the length of the building was every conceivable combination of motorcycle. There were hardcore Harleys of all descriptions to Japanese speed bikes. This was a destination for many riders, Joey and Kandi included.

Joey waited for a spot near the door, sliding his bike into the opening. Kandi opted to dismount before he backed the bike in; removing her helmet once she was on solid ground. She watched him leg out the kickstand and dismount before she attempted to settle her helmet on the sissy bar.

The Hideaway was bustling with activity.

“Damn lot of people here today,” Joey grumbled.

Kandi ran her finger through her hair trying her best to eliminate as much ‘helmet hair’ look as she could.

“Could be because it’s spring vacation. Not everybody works seven days a week, Joey.”

“Might help the economy if they did.” He turned to her and lowered his voice. “Most of these so-called bikers are RUBs, anyway.”

She tossed a scowl his direction he ignored. “There’s nothing wrong with Rich Urban Bikers. Their money is just as green.”

He humphed.

Kandi pulled in and slowly released a deep breath. She knew the signs—Joey was determined to be miserable. Nothing she could try would jar him from his mood. Today’s final hearing about his brother’s death had been difficult to sit through. Everything Joey was today he owed to his brother Alex.

When Alex had followed his dream of becoming a stunt man to Hollywood, Joey had been his biggest proponent. After becoming Corey Rigby’s stunt double, Alex’s career had soared. He’d contacted Joey to move to California with him. Floating a bit aimlessly in the Northwest, Joey jumped at the chance. He brought his sheet metal and tube bending skills with him and soon was working in the aerospace industry in the Antelope Valley. On the side, he helped Alex create safety aids for his stunts in the movies. The partnership had saved Alex’s life on more than one occasion.

When the Highway Patrol officer showed up at Joey’s work that fateful day eighteen months ago, he suspected Alex was hurt. The officer told Joey the worst news possible; Alex was dead. Not in a movie stunt but from an apparent auto accident after a day’s shoot. At first, the accident was written off as just that—an accident, but Joey was livid at the slap on the wrist the authorities gave Corey. Having his brother so close to the movie star, he knew the man had a bad drinking problem and had escaped justice several times. He decided to sue for wrongful death.

The trial today was the final phase of a year’s long attempt to get justice for his brother, and Joey wasn’t pleased with the results.

Kandi knew in the bottom of her heart she needed to help Joey find a solution. She trailed behind him as he meandered into the restaurant and lounge. The cacophony of voices set the nerves on her skin to tingling. She turned around to speak to him and stared into space. He’d disappeared in the breadth of a second.

“Kandi!”

She jerked her head in the direction of his voice. He’d secured two seats by the window. She wound her way through the tables and sat in the chair. The interior was deceptive. Large windows allowed the bright day to light the room but drew in warmth. High overhead fans were twirling rapidly but barely moving the body heat put out by the filled tables of customers.

“I ordered a gin tonic and sweet tea for you. Hope that’s okay.”

She graced him with a smile.

“Of course. I’m going to visit the facilities. I’ll be back.”

He nodded absently and resumed watching the street traffic.

Kandi navigated the tight tables and rushing waitresses to visit the women’s restroom located outside in a separate building. As she stood waiting for one of the stalls to empty, her eyes were caught by a colorful flyer on the bathroom door.

Presented by Wyvern Riders MC

Brother Can you Spare a Ride?

From Mojave to Lake Hughes

To East Lancaster and back

Ride to stop hunger in the AV

Kandi glanced around and quietly took the poster down. She examined the paper and realized the nagging at the back of her head was because the picture of the dragon in flight was identical to a couple pins she’d seen earlier today. The lawyer and judge wore silver tie tacks that resembled the dragon at the top of the flyer. Stuffing the announcement in her purse she realized this could be the key for revenge Joey needed. Already her mind was racing and a plan was forming. She’d talk him into staying the night, as planned, and present her thoughts to him after a night of drinking and frolicking.

She exited the stall and nodded at the next person waiting in line.

Alex’s death would be avenged—with flair.

 

Do Overs

 DO OVERS

Something everyone alive has wished could happen. Well, I'm one of the lucky ones[mmm, Lover Boy]. This weekend I have the opportunity to redeem myself in my own eyes.

Now comes the long story part... sort of... I'm of the Easy Rider generation. We saw ourselves as footloose and fancy free. Right. That lasted until baby number one showed up on the scene. My very first motorcycle ride was on the back of a "chopper". I learned later the owner of said chopper was an active member of the Hell's Angels. I was sufficiently terrified and put any ideas of being a motorcycle mama on the back burner - the one in the frozen part of hell.

Life progressed at the usual pace and when I met my current husband, I discovered he was a HUGE motorcycle fan; specifically Harley Davidson's. During the first ten years of our marriage, we worked and struggled as most Americans do on a daily basis. We had lots of friends who rode Harleys but the time (and money) just wasn't available for us to indulge.

Then... the door opened and opportunity knocked. We answered. I was working two jobs to save enough money for my husband to purchase his motorcycle; he had given up buying one to buy me a Corvette. It was only fair. In July 2006, we brought home our 1993 Heritage Softtail and the love affair began all over for me. It took some hesitant attempts at first, but in a matter of months, I was riding the backseat of the bike as if I'd been born on a motorcycle.

The story progresses to us moving back to be near the children and grandchildren in the Northwest.  When we lived in the California desert, we rode in 100+ temperatures as well as below freezing temperatures. (Nothing quite like a toy run with three layers of clothing on to keep from losing something to frostbite.)

We were beginning to notice my husband having some issues with his hands and feet. A doctor's visit gave us the bad news--three kinds of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis and gout; incurable and debilitating. We'd traded the Softtail for an Electra Glide:a big cruiser bike with the capability of traveling to California and back without any problems and comfortably. Well, I'd become fond of riding the motorcycle and, with the encroaching pain and swelling my husband was experiencing in his hands, feet and hips, I wasn't ready to give up riding. So, I reasoned, the most logical step was to take a riding course and get my endorsement.

Now, I've never been the driver of a motorcycle, and I have to admit I'm a bit of a sissy la-la when it comes to learning new things. But this was important. I took the class and passed the written test--but flunked the riding portion miserably. Basically they told me, I shouldn't even get near the front end of a motorcycle.

First I got upset and stomped my feet saying I would NEVER EVER ride again. Then I put on my big girl chaps and purchased a small motorcycle so I could learn. I wasn't going to let this defeat me and  be one of those ladies who waits for someone to offer them a 'pity' ride, oh no. I took tiny baby steps, learning to ride around a parking lot for several months.

Finally, after an accident where me and my bike were attacked by gravel on the road in which I broke an arm, blacked an eye, suffered minimal road rash and black-and-blued my legs from the knees down, I learned to drive my motorcycle. I rode my bike to work and back, round trip of 32 miles. And one day, I quit going over the route in my head. My reactions took over, and I fell in love with being in control of the motorcycle instead of it controlling me.

Now the Do Over. This weekend I'm taking the riding course again. I hope my time on the bike will come through for me, and I'll pass both parts of the test. If you hear whooping and hollering on Sunday around 3:00 pm PST, you'll know I did it. Wish me luck!