Friday Freebits with Ginger Simpson #Frifreebits

Evan,

Nice picture! I like your hat. I always wanted to meet a real cowboy. I guess since you’re in Texas, you are one. I’ll attach a picture of me to this message, but your assumption about my beauty may be a little exaggerated. I consider myself a little above average. I clean up good and people always compliment my wardrobe. I can see by our photos that we aren’t exactly a fashion match. Most of my closet is filled with power suits, but if I look hard I may be able to find a pair of jeans somewhere. *smile*

I would really like to get to know you better, and I’ve changed my mind about giving you my number. This old computer of mine might die before I can replace it, so if you still want to chat, give me a call. My number is 960-555-2525.

Cassie

She turned off the computer and stood. She just gave a complete stranger her phone number. Her hand flew to her throat. What was she thinking? Despite her uncharacteristic behavior she felt a smile tug at the corner of her lips. Those shadowed eyes peering out from beneath his cowboy hat intrigued her. What could it hurt?

Cassie bounded up the stairs with newfound energy and changed into her nightgown. Not quite sleepy, she stood at the vanity and brushed her hair. With each stroke she pictured herself with Evan, happy and content after so long. In the mirror, she noticed her blossoming smile had fully bloomed.

She put her brush away and climbed into bed. A glance at the clock as she turned off the light showed it was only nine-thirty, but she was beat. Settling down on her pillow, she pulled the blanket up to her chin and got comfortable. She was just dozing off when the ringing phone pierced the peaceful silence.

Who’s calling at this hour?

Cassie grappled in the darkness for the receiver and answered. “Hello.” Her voice showed her annoyance.

“Is this Cassie?” An unfamiliar voice inquired.

“Yes, who’s this?” The intense thumping of her heart said she already knew. Who else would have such a twang to their voice?

“It‘s Evan. I hope I ain’t calling too late. I know there’s a two-hour difference and I hoped you’d still be up.”

“I just slipped into bed. I wasn’t asleep yet,” she lied in a much softer tone. “I’m glad you called.”

“Do you always go to bed so early?”

“On weeknights, I have to get up before sunrise to catch the train to work.”

“You take the train?”

“It beats the commuter traffic and gives me time to catch up on my paperwork … or just unwind.”

“I ain’t never been on a train. Seen lots of ‘em though.” His boyish chuckle sent a shiver through Cassie.

An awkward pause ensued. What did one discuss with a stranger? She didn’t have a clue.

“I got your email and saw your picture.” He finally spoke, which helped her relax. “I just wanted to tell you how purdy I think you are.”

“Well, thank you. I liked your picture, too, but I wish you hadn’t had your hat on.”

He laughed. “I only take my hat off to go to bed, so…. ”

Uncomfortable, Cassie quickly changed the subject. “So…do you live alone?”

“I did up until recently. I just moved back in with my surrogate mother. She’s not in good health and I look after her.”

“Surrogate?” Curiosity forced her to repeat the word.

“Yeah, my real mom died when I was young, and Marlene took me in and raised me. She’s a wonderful lady and I just love her so much I figured it was the least I could do.”

“I’m impressed. I don’t expect there are too many men out there who would make such a sacrifice.”

“Oh, it’s no sacrifice. Marlene put up with me all these years, I figure I can give her a little of my time. How ’bout you, you live alone?”

“I wish sometimes I did, but no, I don’t. I share a home with my mother. We just moved here not too long ago. We both sold our homes and pooled our money to get a place together. She’s getting along in years and I didn’t like her living alone”

“Sounds like we just found somethin’ we have in common.”

“What about other family?” Cassie asked. “Do you have brothers and sisters?”

“I have a sister and two brothers. See my sis pretty regular but ain’t seen one of my brothers for a spell. We got into it a while back and decided it best to avoid one another.”

“That’s too bad. I have two sisters and a brother and I love them to death. Family is very important to me.”

Check out Betrayed and my other work on my amazon page.

"It Can Wait"

Photo from USA Today

This is the "saying" for the joint advertising program by the major companies in an attempt to make people more mindful of cell phone use behind the wheel.  Has it worked?

Accordidng to an article featured by USA Today earlier this year, hands free devices are just as bad as using an actual phone.  Cognitive distraction is the reason.  Some people can't walk and chew gum let alone engage in a lengthy conversation while navigating America's streets.

The above fact is proven by the 245,348 crashes caused by drivers using cell phones.  In 2011, 350 fatal crashes were involved, but that number continues to increase as more and more people acquire the devices.  According to statistics, 90% of adults now have cell phones, but we don't have the intelligence to stop and think before we use them.

Based on these statistics, don't you wonder why law enforcement hasn't passed a law prohibiting cell phones while behind the wheel?  Could it be that AT&T, Sprint and Verizon have money enough to pad the pockets of those who might pass such a referendum?

Are you part of the problem.  Is what you need to discuss more important than your life or that or another?

The entire article can be found at USA

Today and I advise you to read it:  www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2014/03/28/cellphones-use-1-in-4-car-crashes/7018505/

A Page Straight from Ginger Simpson #APageStraightFrom

Cynthia Freitas moved from the midwest to San Francisco, seeking some excitement in her life.  She didn't realize her salary would only support her living in a rundown tenement building, nor did she expect the newspaper to reveal a serial killer preying on victims...and they're all petite blondes...just like her. 

Lucky for her, she lives next door to a handsome police officer, but Cynthia is in for yet another shocking jolt.  This one really changes her life! She must solve the case before her new love interest becomes the next victim.

Culture Shock

by

Ginger Simpson

He sat alone in his dim apartment and thought about what he'd done. The tattered draperies blocked out society and created the perfect ambiance for his dark mood. His curtains were never open; instead he kept the floor lamp in the corner turned down low.

In his mind, he tightened the electrical cord over and over, choking the last breath from each of his victims. Momentarily, he warmed at the thought. In a flash of sanity he supposed he should feel bad—but he didn't. His lips curled in the feral smile he'd seen so often in the mirror, and a feeling of power swept over him. For now, his hunger for death was sated.

His memory replayed the crimes. His victims all had it coming—every one of them.

They shouldn't have fought. He only wanted to show them love, but they wouldn't let him. He scowled. Filthy women—playing with a man's emotions and eventually destroying his ego and breaking his heart--and for what? He snorted. To move on and do the same to someone else?

His fist tightened, reveling in his quest to end man's suffering. Each of his victims had begged for mercy, but he had none to spare.

The red tip of his cigarette glowed brighter as he inhaled. Safe in his comfort zone, he relaxed. No one would ever suspect him.

He passed potential victims every day—coming and going as he pleased. Whether they lived or died all depended on how he felt at the moment. He emptied his lungs, filling the air with acrid smoke.

Meeting women had always been problematic. He either wasn't tall enough, rich enough or didn't have the good looks they preferred. But, things seemed right when he had first met her. She acted unlike the others, or so he'd thought. Memories caused his calloused fingers to ache, wanting to splay through her soft, blonde hair as he had when they'd made love in the past. His lips still hungered for her kisses. She'd been very convincing—accepting him, welcoming his attentions, and sharing his bed. But, her actions had all been a farce.

The ancient wood beneath the chair's upholstered arm splintered beneath the pounding of his fist.

Some days, he put the memories behind him, forcing the hurt and anger from his mind and trying to live a normal life. He didn't really want to hurt anyone, but there were days; dark haunting days when her mocking laughter taunted him, and visions of her cold, blue eyes burned a hole in his heart. Her downfall had been hurting him.

If he couldn't have her, no man would. He started to rise, but his simmering anger boiled. His fingernails painfully embedded themselves in his palms and he dropped back into the seat.

Didn't she know he had feelings? Wasn't his heart supposed to ache when she told him she had no further need of him? She had discarded him like yesterday's garbage. Her words still resounded in his head. "I don't want to be with you anymore, and I certainly don't want to bear your children. You turn my stomach."

A loud whoosh of air rumbled past his lips. He'd willingly planned to devote his life to her, and she dashed his dreams. How could she vow to love him 'til death parted them, and then change her mind?

Death parted them all right. He saw to that.

He curved his mouth into a smile when he remembered how she had pleaded for another chance and vowed to love him again. But it had been far too late for that. She'd already proven she was a liar and a cheat. He made sure she never hurt anyone again.

Her last gasping breath numbed his pain for a little while, but now doing away with her wasn't enough! The others who looked like her, reminded him of her, called out to him. They were the same; never giving him the time of day unless they wanted or needed something. Users, all of them. He was making sure to get rid of as many as possible.

With the help of the media, people would soon recognize his calling card as the mark of someone doing the world a huge favor. It might take time, but folks would know him as the hero he was.

The already dim room went totally dark for a moment as the lamp across the way flickered, died then came back to light. Unfazed, he pondered what had just happened. Another electrical surge. Living in such an old building, he'd grown rather used to them.

Today is the last day Culture Shock will be free.  Get your copy while you can. http://amzn.com/B00D6W5U72

Now Available from Rita Karnopp

Whispers of the Native Soul Book 3

Devastated by her boyfriend’s murder, Summer Timber Wolf, Niipo Ómahkapi'si, goes back to Browning, Montana to take care of her Blackfeet grandmother. That choice finds her living in the ways of the old ones in a tipi on the shores of St. Mary’s River in the shadow of the Chief Mountains. Her Nah’ah tells her to listen to the whispering spirits of her ancestors. They are her shield, her past, her present and her future. Summer, however, is not so easily convinced. 

It doesn’t take long before Summer realizes they’re not alone. Has her boyfriend’s killer found them? To protect her grandmother, Summer trusts their scout and protector, Cameron Running Crane. Soon she doubts her decision and wonders if he’s the kind of killer we instinctively fear the most; a loved one. 

The truth will be revealed in time . . . what she doesn’t know is who will survive.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q3UHVEY

Friday Freebits with Ginger Simpson #Frifreebits

Let's come back to Betrayed and see how Cassie is faring with her online connection.

Cassie walked by the computer for the third time since coming home. She and her mother had already eaten dinner and Mom had retired to her own part of the house. Carson, Cassie’s co-worker who rented the spare bedroom, was out of town. Why in the world was she trying to be so nonchalant? It wasn’t like she was picking up a real, live person in a bar for heavens sake. She was only putting off checking email in her own home, and totally alone.

Curiosity got the best of her. She sat, turned on the tower, and waited. She chewed her bottom lip out of nervous habit. A tennis match of ‘what ifs’ bounced through her mind. What if he didn’t answer? What is he wasn’t serious, what if…? Good grief, she sounded like a love-starved schoolgirl.

Finally, the logon option appeared. She clicked into her inbox and scanned the messages. Amidst the annoying spam she saw his email, and fingers trembling, opened it.

Hi,

It’s me again. Sorry I was a little quick in asking for a phone number. I’ve always been anxious when a beautiful woman is involved and I’m assuming you are beautiful! I’m still waiting for a picture. I’ve attached one of me here rather than posting it on my profile. If you think you can stand getting to know an ugly critter like me, write back and tell me more about yourself.

You asked about my business. I own a landscaping design company on the Texas/Oklahoma border. I’m no millionaire but I make a good living. I’m just looking for the right woman to share my life. I, like you, have been married once. I have two darling daughters but no strings attached. The ex and I parted on good terms and she doesn’t need my help. She comes from a wealthy family. Lucky me! Feel free to ask me anything you’d like to know. My life is an open book.

Hope to hear from you soon,

Evan

She clicked on the attachment. A picture crept down from the top of the screen. “Damn! Hurry up machine!”

Finally, Evan was fully revealed. He was slim, very slim. Dressed in tight-fitting jeans, and a sleeveless shirt, he had well-defined muscles. His face, half-hidden under a cowboy hat, appeared to be as tan as his arms, but she couldn’t see those blue eyes after which he had named himself. A long, drooping mustache hid most of his mouth, but the masculine appeal of the visible frown lines and macho image held her captive.

She leaned in for a closer look. Darn! He didn’t look very big; they probably weighed about the same. In her opinion there was nothing worse than sitting next to a man and noticing her leg was bigger than his. Men who were large boned and athletic-looking were the ones she found most attractive, and Evan certainly was not that, but there was something about him that held her interest. Besides, she hadn’t had much luck finding her preferential man. She massaged her chin in thought. Maybe her standards were unrealistic. After all, she had passed middle-age.

Like what you've read?  http://www.amazon.com/author/gingersimpson

Hope ya'll come back next Friday for another installment.