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Saturday, February 6, 2021

#WeWriWa - The Case of the Fabulous Fiancé: I Don't Have Time

 Welcome to the Weekend Writing Warriors 

Thanks to everyone who stopped by last week. I apologize for not getting to everyone. Many of you know my Hubs has had health problems. Last Monday, he fell and fractured his neck. Being in a brace has made him need more of my attention. I'll try to do better this week.

I'm sharing a snippet from the 2nd Alex O'Hara mystery novel, The Case of the Fabulous Fiancé. Alex is a P.I. in the small Lake Michigan resort town near Grand Rapids. This continues from last week, which ended with, "I need to be sure this man truly loves me—me, not my money.” 

Some changes were made to the original.

Snippet:

Although nobody would ever mistake me for an heiress, I understood her caution.

“I am almost forty years old,” she said. “I want to have children before I’m too old.”

Again, I understood. I’d just passed a landmark birthday—the big Three-Oh. Rather than worry about kids, though, I devoted myself to my business. After a rocky start, I was on a pretty even keel. Plenty of work, not enough time.

But I had plenty of time before having kids.

“Ma’am, if you’d called for an appointment, I could have saved you a trip. I do not have time to devote to your case.”

 

 Now for the rest of the scene:

A crestfallen Maura Finley stared at me, her mouth slightly open. I guess nobody had ever turned her down. While hers might be interesting, I had a bad feeling about this case. A client might want the lowdown on a prospective mate—as I’d discovered before—but they often resented the bearer of bad news. Of course, the client could be grateful if the news was good, like my friend Ellen.

“I will double your usual retainer.”

“It isn’t a matter of money—” Although money never hurt. “—I’m in the middle of a large case that is taking up all of my time.”

“How soon will you finish?” No longer disappointed, she looked calculating.

God save me from rich people who think everyone should drop what they’re doing to attend to them.

“Three weeks, minimum.”

“Good. I will be out of the country for the next four weeks. You may finish your present case then check into Clyde Wilson.”

Well, shit. I mean, shoot. I was trying to break my bad habit of swearing. I had misgivings about this woman. Demanding, she was going to be difficult to work with. She exuded the power that came from old money. Power that expected everyone to do her bidding.

But then I’d had difficult clients before and managed them, I reminded myself. I could probably wrap up the fraud investigation in a couple of weeks. I’d given myself a cushion when I’d told her three.

Were the reservations I had enough to turn her down? No.

I drew the pad closer to me. “Tell me about this man. Clyde Wilson?”

That better not be a smug look on her face.

 

Blurb:

She’s at it again. Alex O’Hara just can’t say no to a new investigation. What do a 45-year-old boyfriend, a deadbeat dad, and a teenage runaway have in common? All new cases. With no receptionist, phone and internet problems, and her own boyfriend in the wind, Alex has no idea how she’ll manage. But the question for the past three months is why did Nick disappear. Is this the end of O’Hara & Palzetti? 



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Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors. Stay safe and have a great week!


13 comments:

  1. Oh no, Diane! I hope your husband is healing well from his recent injury! And be sure to take care of yourself as well!

    It seems that no matter how she tries, Alex will not be able to shrug off this case.

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  2. You've given us enough hints that we'll be on tenterhooks until we find out about this case.

    As for not getting around to everyone last, I'd say a broken neck is a reasonably good excuse.

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  3. I've always adored Alex. Such a wry straight shooter! But I think she's about to get in over her head. So sorry to hear about Bob's problems! If it's not one thing . . . Breathe! Remember to take time out for yourself, too.

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  4. Enjoyed the snippet, and that last line was fantastic. My best wishes for your husbands rapid recovery, and please take time to care for yourself. It can be hard to do, when caring for a loved one.

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  5. I'm sorry about your husband. Everything is much more difficult with the pandemic.
    Alex is committed again! I'm sure it will be an interesting case.

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  6. Sorry to hear about your husband's fall but I'm glad he's doing okay! Enjoyed the snippet and I bet Alex will have many moments to regret her decision to take the case as the book goes forward (and we'll enjoy every one of those events). HUGS! Great snippet.

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  7. Well, dang. Now she's hooked to work for the lady. Fun snippet.
    I'd say give your hubby a hug from all of us, but that might hurt. Here's a virtual {{{hug}}} instead.

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  8. Calculating rich people do have a way of getting what they want. Hope Alex doesn't regret giving in too much.

    Best wishes to your hubby and you. Life just keeps happening, doesn't it?

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  9. I need to make time to read this! I love Alex's attitude. :-)

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  10. So sorry about your husband's fall! I wish him a speedy recovery! Alex is probably going to live to regret her decision, but I see where she'd think it an interesting case. I know I want to read more about it!

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  11. Busy people always find time to do more. Alex seems to fit in that category.

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  12. I have the feeling her gut instinct is correct. But it wouldn't be much of a story to heed it! ;-)
    I hope your husband will be feeling better soon.
    The Big 3-0? Mere children! Anyway, I have a son that age.

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  13. Sorry about your husband's injury. Sending best wishes for his recovery.

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