Tuesday Tales - Flowers

I'd like to thank all my readers who have stopped by to read about Billy and Alexandra's journey.


Billy never left the hospital. He spent the evening in the small waiting room down the hall from Alexandra’s room. Leaving the hospital wasn’t an option. God forbid anything happened to Alexandra, he wanted to make certain he was only seconds away.

All night long he couldn’t get Ralphie out of his mind. He knew the kind of man he was and what he was capable of. And when he found out that he ratted him out to the police…forget about it. Ralphie would make sure he paid for opening his mouth. But, if it meant protecting Alexandra, so be it.

A hand touched his shoulder causing him to quickly stand. He turned and faced an elderly woman with a nametag, which read, Volunteer.

“Mr. Davidson, why don’t you go down to the cafeteria and get yourself a cup of coffee and something to eat.”

“I want to be close, just in case.”

“You will be. Go ahead, get yourself something before the next shift comes in. They won’t let you bring anything in here.”

“I don’t know…”

“Everything will be okay.”

Billy hesitated, not sure if he should trust her. But there was something in her eyes that put him at ease. And besides, he would only be gone for ten minutes tops. It wouldn’t take him that long to get a cup of coffee and a bagel.

“Thank you. Can I get you anything?”

“No thank you Mr. Davidson.”

Billy took the stairs instead of the elevator and continued to keep track of the time. He ordered the extra large coffee and a bagel with cream cheese. The last thing he felt like doing was eating, but his body screamed for a caffeine fix and fuel.

It took him a little over ten minutes to get his breakfast. If the lady in front of him didn’t have such a big coffee order, he would have been done is less than five. The elevator doors opened, and Billy got off. He walked down to the little waiting room at the end of the hall and sat in the same seat that he was in all night. From where he sat, he was able to see straight down to Alexandra’s room, the perfect seat.

Just as Billy took his first bite of bagel, he spotted something different from down the hall. He had this view perfected to the point he knew when the nurse went into her room to replace the intravenous bag. Something had caught his eye.

Standing, he placed his coffee and bagel down on the table, and slowly walked down the hall, being careful not to be seen by anyone at the nurses station across from Alexandra’s room. Billy looked over his shoulder at the empty nurse station and walked into Alexandra’s room. His suspicions were correct.

On her nightstand, tall navy blue vase sat, with a huge bouquet of different colored assorted flowers. Billy shook his head and rubbed his eyes. “Where the hell did this come from?” he asked, the woman volunteer who just told him everything would be okay.

“What?” Mr. Davidson.

“The flowers,” Billy said, walking into the room and lifting the vase.

The silver haired lady volunteer stood in the doorway of Alexandra’s room just shaking her head. “I don’t know, Mr. Davidson. I left the nursing station for only a few minutes to go to the room over there,” she pointed to the room two doors down from Alexandra, “I didn’t hear anyone.”

Billy put the vase down and held his head between his hands. Glancing over his shoulder he saw the volunteer standing behind the desk and then looked back to Alexandra. He walked over to the bed, pulled up the chair and sat down right next to her bed. That was it. He wasn’t going anyway. Someone was playing games and he wasn’t going anywhere until he found the underlying cause of it.

Then, a white piece of paper caught his eye on the shiny white floor. He bent down and picked up the mini envelope. He pulled the card out. The words: Somebody’s watching you, were typed in red and taped onto the card. Before he could react, Alexandra called his name.

For more delicious Tuesday Tales CLICK HERE.



My debut novel "Roses" is now available through: store.secretcravingspublishing.com and Amazon.com and Barnesandnobles.com

After the untimely death of her husband in the line of duty, Nikki Petrino still grieving three years later, goes on retreat to Mexico to finish her novel, where she meets musician Drake Dente a 90’s rock icon working on lyrics for his comeback CD.

After meeting at dinner, Drake and Nikki can’t keep their eyes off each other. Sparks fly and they instantly became an item. Upon returning to New York for Nikki’s high school reunion, she learns shocking events from her best friends.

After a misunderstanding, Nikki is missing and Drake is desperate to track her down.

Tuesday Tales - Car

The police car pulled away from the front entrance of the emergency room. Billy took a deep breath, grateful that he wasn’t taken out of the hospital in handcuffs. Telling the police the whole story was imperative. No way he was going to risk anything happening to Alexandra.

Billy knew Ralphie was behind the drive by shooting. Alexandra took the bullet meant for him. Protecting Alexandra had to be his top priority. The thought of anything happening to her because of his own stupidity would destroy him. He was willing to deal with the consequences.

Sliding his hands into his back pockets he rocked on the heels of his boots. He knew he was playing with fire when he gave the police Ralphie name. There was no telling what he would do in retaliation. He had paid his debt to Ralphie ten times over. He would be damned if he left him ruin his life with Alexandra.

Billy took a deep breath before pivoting on his boots and walked into the revolving door back into the hospital. He made his way through to Alexandra’s room. All he heard was the sound of the monitors beeping. Sitting in the chair next to her bed, he rested his hand over hers. Within a few minutes, Alexandria opened her eyes.

Leaning closer to her, he ran his finger along her check. “I’m here baby, and I’m not leaving your side until we are both on our way back home.”

A slight smile merged on Alexandra’s lips. “I knew you were here,” she slowly whispered. “ I waited for you to come.”

“I had to answer a few questions to the police. But I don’t want to talk about that. I wanted to make sure that you are okay, for myself.”

“I’m fine now that you’re here with me.”

Billy felt her hand covers his, and lightly squeeze it. “I will never leave your side. I will make sure we will continue on with our plans.”

“I want that. We are so close to getting our café up and running.” Alexandra took a deep breath. “Promise me you’ll wait for me to finish.”

“Sh.” Billy covered her lips with his fingers. “You don’t have to worry about anything. The doctor said you should be home in a couple of days. And you know what, I am going to be sitting right here,” he pointed at his chair, “waiting to bring you home.”

“Very romantic, Mr. Davidson.”

Billy turned around to see an elderly, short chubby nurse, nametag reading Mrs. Reed, standing there with a little white nurse hat on her head and her arms crossed starting at him.

“Thank you…”

“Before you go any further, let me remind you that visiting hours will be over in,” tapping on her watch, “ten minutes. So start saying your goodbyes.”

“I’m not leaving. The doctor said I could stay with Alexandra.”

“Isn’t that sweet? Typical doctor,” she snickered. “They will say anything to get away from the patient’s family and get out to the golf course on such a beautiful day.”

“I don’t…”

“I don’t anything. This is my floor and my patient. Mr. Davidson, Ms. Scaronni will be fine. I’ll be back. Don’t let me find you here.”

Confidently, she walked out of the room, without looking back. Shaking his head, Billy turned back to face Alexandra.

“Don’t worry, I won’t leave you. I don’t care what she says.”

“It’s okay. I need my rest. When she comes back she’ll be bringing me my pain medication.”

“But I don’t want to leave you.”

“I know you don’t, but I need my rest. I love you Billy.”

“Love you too.”

Billy stood, and kissed her forehead. “I’ll be back tomorrow morning.”

“I can’t wait.” She blew him a kiss, before closing her eyes.

For more delicious Tuesday Tales click HERE.






My debut novel Roses was released Wednesday, April 18th. It's available at: store.secretcravingspublishing.comWill be available soon at Amazon and Barnes and Nobles.

Roses Book trailer

Tuesday Tales - Airport

Alexandra went into surgery and Billy was escorted into the waiting area where the two officers were sitting, having a cup of coffee waiting for him. With everything going on, he had totally forgot about the interrogation squad waiting for him. Now he had all of thirty seconds to decide if it were the right thing to tell them about Ralphie and his past. This wasn’t part of the plan.

As soon as the officer saw him walk in, they were on their feet. “Can you guys just give me a few minutes? I’d like to get a cup of coffee.”

“No problem,” Gallo said. “It’s funny that you would ask for one, and I bought an extra one just a few minutes ago,” he said handing him a paper cup.

Billy took it from him, and mumbled, “Thank you,” before slouching into the worn out beige leather seat.

“We understand your situation, but we need to ask you a few questions about what happened outside your café earlier.”

“I understand. I’ll tell you whatever you need, to catch the bastard who hurt my sweet Alexandra.” Billy took a sip of coffee, his eyes fixed on Gallo.

Gallo took out his pad and sat across from him, sitting on the edge of the chair. “Do you know of any reason why anyone would want to harm Alexandra?” he asked.

Billy bit his top lip and closed his eyes for a moment. All he could see was Alexandra falling to the floor. He had to tell the truth, even if it meant him getting into trouble. His father was right when he warned him that his past would eventually catch up to him, stating all good things come to an end.

There were consequences for his actions fifteen years ago. He got away with doing things that others, if caught would have spent years in prison for. But now, he had no other choice. He had to protect Alexandra, no matter what the cost.

“No one wants to harm Alexandra. The gun shot was intended for me.”

Gallo’s eyebrows shot open. “Interesting. And why do you say that?”

Billy leaned forward in his chair and covered his face with his hands to hide his tears. His past was ruining his future. He had to tell the whole story. If not, there might be another incident and he wasn’t going to risk anything happening to Alexandra.

“Okay.” Billy removed his hands from his face. “This was because of something I did fifteen years ago.” Standing up, he walked over to the window and watched the cars flying up and down Hylan Boulevard. “I was young.” He turned around and sat back down across from Gallo and his partner. “I was just starting out and needed money. Problem is I borrowed from a friend of the family.”

“I don’t get it.” Gallo turned to his partner. “O’Brien to do get it?”

“Not at all.”

“Listen, this is hard on me. But the bottom line is I don’t want anything to happen to Alexandra again because of my past mistakes.”

Gallo tapped on his pad with his pen. “Continue.”

“I borrowed money and paid it back. But when I did borrow the money, I got caught up in doing deliveries in and out of Brooklyn.”

“What kind of deliveries?”

“At the time I didn’t know I was delivering drugs, but when I found out, I continued to deliver until I paid him back all the money I borrowed.”

“So you illegally borrowed money. And while you paid it back you were a runner for the mob. Is that correct so far?” Gallo asked.

“Yes.”

“So why would he be taking random shots at you if you were all squared away?”

“Because he was looking for a cut of the café. He ….”

“He? Who is he?” Gallo asked.

Billy sighed. “Ralphie Liotta.”

Gallo looked at O’Brien and then back to Billy. “Was it Ralphie Liotta who shot Alexandra?”

“I don’t know. It was dark out and the car windows were tinted. I didn’t see anyone. Just heard the gun shot.”

The door of the emergency room opened and an older man dressed in light blue scrubs stood at the door. “Billy Davidson.”

Billy leaped out of his chair. “Yes.”

“I’m Doctor Hackman,” he extended his hand. “If you follow me, I’ll take you to see Alexandra.”

Billy turned to look at Gallo and O’Brien who nodded their head. Following behind, the doctor stopped outside of Alexandra’s room.

“Alexandra will be fine. I removed the bullet from her forearm and I expect a full recovery after extensive physical therapy.”

“But she’ll be okay right?” he asked.

“I can assure you she’ll be tossing pizza’s up in the air in no time.”

“Thank you doctor.”

“I’ll be in to check on Alexandra in the morning. I have to run to the airport to pick up my daughter and grandson.” Touching his shoulder he said, “Don’t worry, she’ll be all right.”

Billy opened the door. Alexandra lay there hooked up to multiple monitors with tubes all over the place. He walked to the side of her bed, leaned over and kissed the top of her head before sitting in the old metal chair with a tear in the seat next to her bed. All night he waited for her to wake up, but feel asleep while waiting.


CLICK HERE for more Tuesday Tales in multiple genres from a group of talented authors.

COMING APRIL 18th 2012

Easter Blog Hop

I'd like to thank everyone who stopped by my blog and were a part of the Easter Blog Hop. I hand picked the winners the old fashion way.



The three winners are:

Catherine Lee (Necklace)
Kat and Linda Henderson (My poetry book)

Congratulations ladies!

Easter Blog Hop

Welcome to my Easter Blog Hop. This year I've been blessed with many things. I have two books coming out this year: Roses and The Boardwalk, and I have family and friends who have supported me all along the way. Sometimes we all lose sight of the important things in life. But every time I see this stuffed Bunny, I think back to all those years ago when I drove all around Staten Island looking for two of them, one for my son Michael, and the other for my daughter Nicole.

I'm giving away a PDF copy of my book of poems, Reflections, a paperback copy of Masquerade of Love, the first edition of Reflections and also the beautiful beaded half moon necklace. All you need to is leave a comment to be eligible to win.



Keep an eye out for my debut novel Roses which will be release mid-April by Secret Cravings Publishing.



This is a blog hop, so don't forget to check out the other stops on the hops.

http://thebloghopspot.com/event-page/

There are plenty of books and prizes out there waiting to be claimed.

Happy Easter!
Karen
xoxoxo

Tuesday Tales - Chest

You could hear the ambulance and police sirens in the distance. This wasn’t part of the plan. There was blood all over the place. It splattered all over the front door and all over both Alexandra and Billy. The ambulance pulled up first, with the two police cars following directly behind blocking the street.

By now, there were dozens of people in the area making it hard for the police to put up the yellow crime scene tape. It took one officer to pull out a bullhorn asking everyone to step back, before they were able to secure the area. The EMT workers ran off the truck with a big black bag, which was bulging at the seams. The younger of the two men, knelt down in front of Billy.

“Not me,” Billy said, tears in his eyes. “It’s Alexandra,” he said, cradling her in his arms, her head leaning against his chest.

“I’m Gary, and I’m going to have to ask you to let us take care of her. You need to get up and let my partner Tommy, place her on the gurney.”

“Baby, I’m here with you.” Billy kissed the top of her head. “I am so sorry this has happened to you.”

Billy watched Gary clean her forearm. He really wasn’t sure where she was hit. Everything happened so fast. One minute they were walking out of the café, and seconds later a car pulled up stopping at the curb. Before he could even react, or protect Alexandra, the window dropped and the shot was fired. He would never forget the sound or the shrill from Alexandra right after she got shot.

“One, two, three,” Gary said lifting Alexandra along with Tommy. “We need to get her to the hospital ASAP.”

“I’m coming. Just give me a second the lock the door.” Oh might God, this is my fault, he kept saying over and over again in his head. He should have known better than to think Ralphie would just go away. Once again, as he tried to turn his life around, Ralphie returned obsessed that he still owed him for bailing him out fifteen years ago.

As he stepped onto the ambulance, a hand touched his shoulder. He turned around to face two police officers.

“We have a few questions to ask.”

“I’m on my way to the hospital. I’ll be more than happy to speak to you there.” Billy got onto the ambulance, and Tommy closed the door.

As the ambulance sped off, with the sirens wailing, Billy knew he had less than five minutes to figure out what he was going to tell the cops. He couldn’t be sure that Ralphie sent his boys out after him after he refused to give him a cut of their business. The truth would make things worse. A random shooting, maybe they would believe that.

Taking hold of Alexandra’s hand, he kissed the top of her head. “Oh baby, you have to come through this. I am not going to lose you, not now. I need you more than you need me and that’s no lie.” Billy wiped his wet eyes and running nose on his sleeve. Everything was happening in slow motion. “Please don’t leave me.”

The ambulance came to a complete halt and within seconds the backdoors opened and Alexandra wheeled off. Billy kept up with them until they got to the emergency room.

“You have to stay here,” Gary said. “Don’t worry, she’s in good hands. A doctor will be out to talk to you shortly.”

“But…”

The doors shut. Billy tried to open them, but they were electrically locked. He started to tap on the door, when an officer stood behind him.

“I’m Lieutenant Gallo. I need to ask you a couple of questions,” he said resting his hand on his belt.

Billy held up his hand. “I’ll answer all your questions, but first I need to made sure Alexandra is okay,” he said, this time banging on the door.

The door, opened and a nurse approached Billy. “Alexandra is being examined by the doctor. As soon as I find out anything, I’ll let you know so you can come in to see her,” the elderly nurse said, touching his shoulder.

“Thank you.” Billy pointed to the wall opposite the door. “I’ll be right there waiting.”

The doors closed and Lieutenant Gallo stood by his side. “I think this will be a good opportunity to answer a few questions before the nurse returns.”

“Can’t this wait for later?” Billy asked looking over Gallo’s shoulder into the tiny glass window.

“No it can’t.” Pulling his pad out, he flipped it open and clicked his pen against his leather holster. “Full name.”

“Billy Davidson.”

“You’re relationship to the victim?”

It should have been fiancée. I should have asked her to marry her weeks ago. Was it necessary to wait for the opening of the café to ask the love of his life to marry him?

“Girlfriend.”

“Victims full name.”

“Alexandra Scaronni.”

Gallo wrote down the information before asking his next questions. “What were the two of you doing at that dormant establishment?

“We both purchased the property and are working on the inside.”

“I see,” Gallo said scribbling more notes into his pad. “Do you know anyone who would want to hurt Alexandra?”

“No…”

The emergency room doors opened and the same nurse stood at the doors. “Mr. Davidson, you can come in and see Alexandra before she goes into surgery.”

“Surgery?” Billy asked his eyes bulging open.

“The doctor will explain everything.”

Billy followed her down the long corridor and into the room where Alexandra lay hooked up to multiple monitors.

“Oh baby, what have I done?”

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