Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Suspense is taking it's time coming together. But I'm determined. I won't post new pages because that's giving a way my book. I'm probably overthinking things. Just want my first novel to be a success.

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Keeping this blog active, please follow me on my new Facebook page under my name and another blog at  https://writer4hirewordpress.wordpress.com/


Wednesday, January 25, 2017

The Chase, A Novel: Starting over ...

The Chase, A Novel: Starting over ...

http://www.writer4hirewordpress.wordpress.com

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Starting over ...

Okay, it's been a few years since I last posted. Would you believe my computer crashed. I mean it shut completely down. Therefore I could not write like I prefer; on the computer. Besides, I was not in a position to get another one for over a year. And for that my sincere apologies.

Moving forward. I'm back now! I must say I have learned some interesting things about writing. First lesson learned 'BACK UP YOUR FILES'. If I'm to take this career seriously and become a author, I need to take all precautions. Lessoned learned!

However, I'm glad I didn't get published because truthfully I was not ready. I mean who am I kidding? You know, how we get anxious that we want so badly to get our name out there as a full fledge bonafide, author? All we care about is getting published. While that's great and all, but I would like to have readers too.  I mean who wouldn't?

Well I'm here now and my novel 'The Chase' is still in the making. Remember, I didn't have the computer. But I did write something on paper. The key is to write. Write like there is no tomorrow. Just write, write, write. I figure if I can just write something. It's better than not writing anything if I want to be taken seriously. So I digress.

What I have done is posted a new chapter of my book below for your review. Please feel free to critique, leave your comments below. I'm open to improvement to better myself as a writer. I will do some editing later. I just want to get a feel or opinion of others. Thank you.

Enjoy!

The Chase by R.D. Sharpe



CHAPTER 1

Grayson Williams ~

The weather outside as predicted by the weatherman is suppose to be nice and sunny. But instead it's raining cats and dogs. Grayson smiled to himself at the expression his mother often stated to him and his brother when they were kids; way back when.

Fiddling around in his pants pocket he felt the square box which held a beautiful diamond ring. A marquis diamond cut to be exact. In hopes to propose this weekend to his gorgeous girlfriend of two years. He would like for everything to be perfect for the occasion that also included the weather. Well it's early yet things may change by later this evening he hoped.

On that last thought he prepared to make his exit for the evening shutting down his computer, adjusting and re-arranging papers on this desk.  Aligning his name plate Grayson Williams.  He made one final check of his office before locking up for the weekend. As the Pentagon’s Chief Executive, his duties required him to keep confidential matters under tight security. He left quietly closing the door securely behind.

In the sanctuary of his car he sat for a minute or two gathering himself together. Key in the ignition the Mercedes purred to life. Grayson slowly maneuvered around the employee covered parking lot. Employees in haste scramble to their cars, those in line sat bumper to bumper making it difficult to get out in time before rush hour traffic. It was not a major concern for him at the moment. He and his girlfriend Jana, of the past year and half still have plenty of time to make it up state New York. When he made out of the garage he took the streets driving towards I-395. He pride himself being a very skillful driver compared to women. But a brief glance from the road caused him to miss his turn.

Grayson veered suddenly to the left in time to avoid hitting a female pedestrian jay walking across the street. Brakes locked up from him suddenly slamming so hard he hit his head on the steering wheel. He didn't notice the gash on his forehead oozing with blood.  His concern was for the pedestrian he almost hit.

Grayson got out the car immediately running to the woman’s aid.

“Goodness!, I’m so sorry I didn’t see you! Are you alright?” He inquired genuinely checking her over making sure she was okay.

“I’m fine, no harm done.” Said the soft spoken beauty. Her concern is the men behind her that kept her looking back over her should as though expecting to see them. A bit disheveled, a little shaken from a near miss of his bumper, other than that she look fine.

“Are you sure?” Grayson asked again visibly shaken himself. He released her arm which he didn’t have much choice. She appeared anxious to get away from him. He certainly hadn’t seen the woman; had no idea where she came from though she did look familiar to him.

The woman appeared to be frightened more than anything. Grayson did not want to leave her alone, so he offered to give her a ride. She decline.

“No I really need to get going, thank you.” She said before disappearing between a two parked cars on the side streets. Standing erect at six feet four inches, he watch motionless as she scurried away. His cell vibrated against his hip. Jana’s phone number appeared. To his dismay he got back in his car.

“Hey babe” He answered.

“Hi sweetheart, are you stuck in traffic?” She asked.

“Not quite.” He replied rubbing the back of his neck.

“Oh, have you left your office?” Jana inquired futher.

“Yes, but I ran into someone so I’m a little behind schedule.” Not feeling the need to go into details Grayson told her enough to satisfy her curiosity.

“Well I’m running behind schedule myself. I have not left work yet, but I should be home about seven-thirty.” She told him glancing at her watch.

“Okay. The traffic will die down by then. I’ll see you between seven-thirty and eight.”

“I’m looking forward to it. I could really use this break.”

“Yeah me too. I’ll see you in few minutes baby.” He said before ringing off. On the road again his mind focused on his driving. Until he began thinking about Jana.

A vision of beauty he began to recall the first time they met over two years ago at a charity function. It was a first for him, but Jana often attended these yearly galas. As an attorney working for a prestigious law firm in downtown D.C. Jana is not only smart, but talented she favored among her peers; is fondly known as a petite powerhouse.

She holds a law degree from Yale and has won many of her court cases over the nine years since becoming an attorney. Grayson had been introduced to her by one of his co-workers and the two hit it off. Not quite sure of her feelings about dating a black man. He got up the nerve and took a chance inviting her out six months later. The two have been inseparable ever since. Adrenalin pumping through his vain. Not, only is it unexpected, he is looking forward seeing the surprise look on her face. Just thinking about it brought a smile to his lips. Jan had come to mean so much to him.

 He went several blocks when it occurred to him that the women he almost hit may be in trouble.
Maneuvering the Mercedes along he made a U-turn. For some reason she still played on his mind not too mention she seemed oddly familiar to him. He spotted her a block over on the next street climbing into a black Mazda CX-7. He slowed down to watch her for a few minutes making sure she was okay. She still had not started her car engine. He wandered if she was having mechanical problems.

From his vantage point she appear to be crying. Shifting the Mercedes in gear, Grayson move to go in her direction, but two men beat him to her. They came from the other side. He couldn’t make out what they were saying to her. But he could see something shiny like a gun in the hand of one the men. The woman slowly exit from the vehicle escorted by the two men to their car. Not giving it a second thought Grayson hit the gas pedal speeding towards the men. Horn blaring, lights flashing  both men jumped. Scaring the be-jeebus out them; one of the men drop his gun. The other let go of the woman to grab his gun from its holster hidden under the breast pocket of his jacket.

But not before Grayson yelled out to the woman “Get in!.”

She quickly got in … he sped off before she could close the door good. To lose the men in the chase hoping they weren’t being followed. Grayson took side roads and back streets where he ended up on Constitution Avenue. Checking the review mirror every few second.

At one point Grayson glanced her way. “Do you know those men?” He finally asked.

“No, I don’t. Thank you for what you’ve done.”

“No problem, I make it my business to rescue pretty women. It’s all in a days work.” He joked in an effort to lighten the mood.

Trembling uncontrollably now hot tears streamed down her face. Without a word he leaned over to reached into the glove compartment. Removing a small box of Kleenex tissues, Grayson gently placed the box on her lap.

“Okay, I think it’s time you tell me what’s going on … by the way do we know each other?” He asked unexpectedly. A feeling of dejavu came over him; he had the distinct feeling he knew her or the very least have met her somewhere before.

“We met several years ago. I thought you look familiar to me too. I’m sorry about all this. I’m MiKayla Thompson. I don’t know those men, but I saw them earlier.”

They were still riding along.  Grayson had not a clue as to where to they was going. The men were not following them. But that didn’t mean it was safe to go back to her car.

Saturday, May 31, 2014

What Can I Say ...

I am trying to get notice through my writing. I figure if I write something on my blog as often as possible. Someone will read it and comment. Eventually.

It's good practice to write because the more I do it the more good at I will become. I'm excited about getting this book published.  That will be an accomplishment in itself. I have another novel in works too. The Wedding Dress, this is about ...

Ah on second thought I think I'll wait on that story until this is published or at least forward to the publisher. Doesn't make sense to rush out there with too many things at one time. Right now I just need feedback from  The Chase. This lets me know how I'm doing, if changes need to be made. I welcome a nice critique I mean say it like you mean it, only be nice about it.

I must say I am my own worse critic. I keep revising and revising adding taking away, fine tuning it. I am doing self-publishing so you that takes money. In the meantime I keep polishing my story.

Here is another excerpt of The Chase.


The chief, a tall stern white man approached the reporter with a look of
apprehension and dismay bracing himself for the onslaught of questions to come.
 

“Chief Chambers. Are you able tell us exactly what happened?” The reporter asks.
 

“A bomb exploited sometime this morning we don’t have a whole lot to go on at
this time it‘s too early to tell.
 

“I see. Chief, can you tell us if anyone else was in the house?”
 

“So far no other bodies have been found at this time other than the deceased.”
 

“There have been reports that it’s Grant Williams, are you able to confirmed that
for us Chief?”
 

“At this time we are not exactly sure if it’s Mr. Williams. Until a medical
examiner performs an autopsy we won’t know for sure. As of right now we have not
release such report.” .
 

“Thanks Chief for taking the time to share that update with us ... As you have just
heard yourself it is not certain who the deceased is; we now turn our attention to police Lt. Chris Busby...sir, you just heard the Chief say it was a bomb planted in Mr. Williams
home. Can you tell us, if there are any leads or suspects yet?” The reporter asked
extending the microphone to the officer for a response.
 

“Not at this time, we will be conducting a thorough investigation as to the cause
and see why someone would commit such a heinous crime. We’re asking for the public
assistance if anyone know anything about this, please come forward. Your identity will
be protected. We can use any help in solving this case.”
 

“Have Mr. Williams family been notified yet?” The reporter asked.
 

“That I'm not sure about, if they haven't, I'm sure they will be once we can
identify the deceased as Mr. Williams.”
 

“Thanks Lt. Busby, our hearts and prayers go out to Mr. Williams family and
Love- ones.”
 

The reporter ended her segment turning the news back over to the studio for additional news coverage.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

New Beginnings ...

 Hello,

This is my very first blog. I am writing a new novel titled the Chase. I figure I should write a blog to get exposure and feedback in regards to this new venture of mine. It's also a way of introducing myself to the world of writing.

The Chase is about two brothers who happened to be identical twins. Grant and Grayson Williams. The story starts in Grayson's hometown of Washington D.C. where he meets MiKayla. She is running from a murder scene she witness in an alley.  Grayson the gentleman that he is offers his assistance unbeknownst to him just how much danger there really is. Both are now being pursued.
Grayson is dating Jana a powerful attorney who is awaiting his arrival for dinner, but he never shows.

Across several states Grant resides in Dallas, Texas where he is the president of Williams Enterprise, Inc. Both men are powerful and strong in their own right. Grayson enlist his brother help to put an end to the chase. Below is an excerpt. Keep in mind I've never written before, this story is still in its development stages.


I can’t believe this is happening … Jana frown mumbling to herself.
“Ms. Simmons, you say something?” Michelle, her secretary waited patiently in the doorway of her boss’s office.
“Oh, excuse me just thinking out loud.” She said smoothing lines on her forehead.
“You had me worried for a moment. I’ll be back with that cup of coffee for you.”
“Thanks, Oh’ Michelle, would you get the Ramsey’s case file for me?  Thank you.”
“Sure, no problem.” She said as she made her exit from the room.
It’s Monday morning around the office and brunch time 10:15am already. To Jana her day is not off to a good start. Grayson had not called her since last Friday. It’s not like him to be a no-show and not call. Even though she knew it was not deliberate non-the-less, it still annoyed her somewhat. What happen Saturday? Jana didn’t know. She tried reaching him by his cell phone several times over the weekend to no avail. Not even a call back. That’s the odd thing about it. She thought.
Michelle appeared with a coffee mug in one hand, the case file in the other.
“Jana, Mr. Brinkley, your 10:30 appointment is waiting for you. And don’t forget the one o’clock partners meeting in conference room A.”  She reminded her.
“Oh, that’s right. I totally forgot. Thanks for reminding me.” Jana said accepting the coffee and file from her.
Jana Simmons, a high powered criminal defense attorney for Bartle's, Bonds and Davidson law firm; is the third female, in the law firm’s history to make it up the ranks. Her case loads consist of corporate people in high places and heinous crime lords. She surpasses her predecessors going up for partnership earlier in three years than the customary law firm requirements. Very much in demand. She stays busy; therefore when she makes plans as in the case with her and Grayson she expects those plans to be carried through. Meanwhile she pushed Grayson to the back of her mind to focus on business currently at hand.
She stood up to brush out the wrinkles from her skirt, then went to greet her appointment for this morning.
“Michelle she buzzed. Please send Mr. Brinkley in please.”
“Will do.” She could hear Michelle telling him to go in.
Jana extended her hand in greeting to the seventy-something year old looking man ushering him into her office.
“Please have a seat sir, may I have Michelle get you a cup of coffee or tea?”
“Yes please coffee would be nice, preferably black.” replied the man with the crusty old voice
“Sure.”  Jana turned to Michelle who was already on her way to fetch the requested coffee.
“Michelle will you get another cup of black coffee please”

“Yes ma’am.” 
“So Mr. Brinkley how can I help you sir?”

Putting on appearance of being cool and calm however, he was anything but calm. His hands were unsteady a little shaky at best. When Michelle came back with his cup of coffee he shook so bad it spilled over. Gently, she remove the cup from his hands to place it on the desk.

“I’m sorry” he mumble.

“Not a problem, I’ll get that later you go ahead talk to Ms. Simmons.” Michelle said before leaving closing the door behind her.

“You must promise anything I say to you will not leave this office Ms. Simmons.” Said Mr. Brinkley returning his attention to business at hand.


“Well, I can’t promise anything if you’re not my client. Now on the hand if you’re hiring me I can promise what we discuss will remain confidential. If I take you on as a client that is; right now you’re not a client ... She finished.

Well this made him even more nervous small beads of sweat began to form on his forehead; which Jana observed.

“Mr. Brinkley are you okay sir? There’s no reason to be nervous.” Jana told him.

“You don’t understand. I think I need an attorney.”

“Okay, why do you think you need an attorney?” Jana asked skeptically

“Because I’ve been hired to kill the president of the United States.” He said blandly.

“Okay Mr. Brinkley. I don’t have time for this” Jana said angrily standing she came around her desk to escort Mr. Brinkley out.

“This is serious you cannot come in here saying something like that. You could be arrested on the spot.” She continued

Mr. Brinkley stood too; he didn’t say anything more instead he came towards Jana thrusting a note in her hand. Silently he put his finger to his lips an indication to Jana not to speak. The note read: It’s not the president who will be killed. It’s your boyfriend Grayson Williams.

Not deterred but rather upset Jana raised her voice at the man.

“Is this some kind of sick joke of yours?”
Outraged would not have been the word to describe the anger that emanated.
Jana became livid. She reached her office door swiftly yanking it open for Mr. Brinkley to exit.



If looks could kill Mr. Brinkley would be dead. She had turned a shade of red that could set off rockets at an Independence Day Parade.

Mr. Brinkley simply stared at her before speaking very softly …
“Please, calm down Ms. Simmons” He asked
“No! I want you out of my office right now.” Michelle she called out but she was not at her desk.
“Ms. Simmons, I will ask you one more time to calm down and sit down.” He said sternly.

 Sudden nervous timid Mr. Brinkley became authoritative and in control. Again with a finger at his lips he silenced her. He turned and went back into the room taking the seat he vacated.

Jana reluctantly; closed the door she glanced down at the crumpled note in her hand and look back at Mr. Brinkley whom seemed to be patiently waiting. Without another word Jana removed her jacket to hang it on the coat rack then stomped back to her seat behind her desk. 

“Fine, what is this about?
“It’s about your gentleman friend Grayson Williams and his lady friend.”  He said.
“What lady friend and what about Grayson?” Jana knew to be evasive she would
not willing voluntary any information especially since she had none to give anyway.

"Have you heard from him?”


“Why, who wants to know?” She challenged

“Look, I’m losing my patience with you.” Mr. Brinkley shouted.


“And I lost mine with you ten minutes ago, you don’t scare me. I want answers and I want them now … you pathetic little prick.” She mumbled under her breath.




Jana became more than fed up with this game Mr. Brinkley was playing. He didn’t know who he was messing with …he picked the wrong woman to toy with today; of all days she was PMSing too. Not to mention she had not heard from Grayson since the last time they talked two days ago. But she wasn’t about to tell that to him.


Jana had people in high places too she was not backing down. At least not until she got some answers.




“Ms. Simmons or should I call you Jana” ask Mr. Brinkley


“Ms. Simmons will do. We’re not friends” Jana fired back.


He took a deep breath to calm himself from jumping across the desk at her.

Mr. Brinkley didn’t look so little anymore. All of sudden he look like a giant of man who spoke more confidently as man with a mission.




“Okay, Ms. Simmons your friend Grayson Williams. Where is he?”


“I don’t know. I have not heard from him.”




Mr. Brinkley nodded his head as to say okay. It’s been 48hours now and still no word from Grayson. Inwardly, Jana felt annoyed and hurt that he hadn’t called her. Not wanting to think negatively she kept telling herself something must have happened. Otherwise he would have called she rationalized.




Drew Brinkley stared at her more closely waiting for an explanation. When none was forth-coming he made one for her.




“I believe he’s in trouble and have not called you so as not to involve you.” He spoke softly.


“Well if you knew this why questioned me? Why come here at all? You mention he had a lady friend but you haven’t told me anything. So I’ll ask you again. What is exactly going on?”


“Alright Ms. Simmons here it is in a nutshell there’s a hit out on Grayson Williams.” He told her without a blink.




This small bit of information didn’t deter Jana at all. She still didn’t believe him; but must admit the news was disturbing just the same. Wanting to maintain her decorum she calmly ask.


“And how do you know this?”


“Because I have been hired to kill him?”




Jana gasped in horror nervously she ran a hand through her hair an unconscious movement she does under stress. Now that he had her full attention she lost the attitude. He went on further to explain.




“I’m the bodyguard of a prominent senator that we shall keep nameless” He added quickly before she could form her lips to ask who.




Jana took a deep breath not sure what to say to this. She got up to pour herself a cup of coffee. With steady hands she took a sip before returning her attention back to the man sitting a few feet away from her.




“I’m not sure what to make of all this Mr. Brinkley. However, when you came in here you said you needed an attorney? Was that true or where you just saying that to get my attention?”


“No, that’s true. Someone is trying to kill me now and I think it’s because Mr. Williams and Ms. Thompson are still alive.” He said soberly.


“Who is this Ms. Thompson person?” Jana ask standing near the glass picture window of her high-rise office looking out at the mid-day traffic.


“That’s the woman Mr. Williams is with right now.” He said stiffly. Her body language spoke volumes. But he played it safe.




Jana gave him a contemptuous look before taking her seat once again. She had long ago removed her jacket after spending her morning with him; formality went out the window some time ago.




“What do you know about them?” She wanted to know.


“First, I need to know if you would take my case. I can’t take a chance revealing pertinent information that could get us both kill.”


Drew was hoping she would say yes. At least someone would know what’s going on in the event of his untimely death.




“Yes, I’ll take your case.” Jana conceded


“There is a hit out on both of them. The woman, Ms. Thompson witnessed a murder Friday
evening as she leaving work. I don’t know how much she saw or heard. But as she was running to get away from these men, Mr. Williams nearly hit with his car. I’m not sure how much she told him. But they are now on the run.”

“Oh my god. I can’t believe it. Oh my… so how do I know you’re not looking for them yourself, after all you were sent to kill them? How do I know I could trust anything you say?” Jana openly expressed her thoughts. She didn’t know how much to believe.

“You don’t know…you’ll have to trust me just as I have to trust you.”
With that Drew Brinkley stood his time here had come to an end. He had other matters to attend too.
“You’ll receive a package later today by special delivery for you to sign only.” He said before walking out closing the door quietly behind him.

Jana stood gathering her purse and jacket off the coat rack. She told Michelle on her way out that she would be gone the rest of the day. Instructing her take messages and cancelled all her meetings the rest of the day.


“But what about the partner’s meeting?”
“Oh I forgot” she said stopping midstride. “Let them know something came up. I’ll explain when I return tomorrow.”  She left in a hurry.

Drew Brinkley rode the elevator to the basement alone. By the time it stop the fake mustache, beard and suit he wore during his meeting with Jana had been removed; emerging from the elevator  is the infamous Sam Malone.