Today, as a celebration for Yolanda Renée's new release, Memories of Murder, I sit down and get all cosy with the charismatic sleuth, Detective Quaid, and leave with a bit of a crush...
An Interview with Hawk
Emma, the housekeeper, ushered me into the great room and wow, what an understatement, more like a magnificent room. A huge stone fireplace warmed the space, and the huge windows provided amazing views of the valley to Anchorage. The furnishings were obviously antiques, but the room was comfortable and the amount of art was breathtaking.
Emma poured me a cup of coffee, and offered me a plate of cookies. I waved them off because Detective Quaid joined us. He shook my hand, and sat down opposite me in a wingback chair near the fire.
Quaid: I'm sorry, but I only have a few minutes, please proceed.
He did not settle back but sat up straight, his hands on his knees. I sensed he was sizing me up. He looked so serious, not tense, but rushed, almost worried. I considered the bad press he'd had recently and understood his reluctance to talk.
Charmaine: Thank you for agreeing to see me, I understand you're a wealthy man, why did you choose to be a detective?
He seemed surprised by the question.
Quaid: Money has nothing to do with it. I owe society my best skills, we all do. I believe that a job any job, well done, is a service to the spirit.
Then he shrugged.
Quaid: I find the work challenging, and rewarding.
Charmaine: I understand the Raven is an important symbol of the Tlingit tribe and that you're from the Eagle Clan, but your nickname is Hawk. How did that happen?
He almost smiled.
Quaid: A nickname by coworkers, it holds no bearing on the spirit or my place in Tlingit Culture.
Charmaine: Can you share a secret with us that wasn't revealed in the book?
Quaid: I have no secrets. Secrets are destructive in the wrong hands.
A fluster of activity interrupts our session, as Sarah arrives and is immediately at Steven's side.
Sarah: "I'm sorry, John was running late, forgive me. His arm went around her waist. He pulled her close and kissed her tenderly. He whispered something in her ear.
She smiled, and kissed his cheek.
He grinned. How handsome he was when he smiled. Not that he wasn't before, but wow, to have a man look at me like that, swooning would come back into vogue.
She finally acknowledged me.
Sarah: I don't mean to interrupt.
I stepped forward to shake her hand, but those two only had eyes for the other.
Charmaine: It's lovely to meet you. Why don't you join us?
Sarah: Oh, no. I'm really running behind, please excuse me. I am sorry for the interruption.
Steven walked her to the staircase, and watched as she ascended. I saw a changed man when he sat down. More relaxed, he couldn't wipe the smile from his face. I understood his earlier distraction.
Charmaine: What do you notice about a person first?
Quaid: Eyes, smile, ear lobes.
I knew he was thinking of Sarah.
Charmaine: What do people notice first about you?
Quaid: Most likely my race, but I hope the badge.
I disagreed, the first thing I noticed was his ice blue eyes, his long dark hair, and muscular build, but I kept my observance to myself.
Charmaine: What's the most important thing in your life? What do you value most?
Quaid: Sarah.
Charmaine: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Quaid: Family.
Charmaine: What is your biggest fear? Who have you shared this with? Who would you never tell this to? Why?
Quaid: Losing Sarah.
His smile disappeared.
Charmaine: I understand you're engaged. Will it be a formal wedding? He grinned again, and looked upstairs to where Sarah had disappeared.
Quaid: We haven't decided."
Charmaine: Well, congratulations. Can I ask a more serious question?
He nodded.
Charmaine: What is the one strong memory that has stuck with you since childhood? Why is it so powerful and lasting?"
His smile disappeared. He stood and walked to the windows. I followed; he turned to look at me.
Quaid: I was fourteen when I found my uncle. He'd been murdered. It's an unsolved case, and very personal.
Charmaine: I'm sorry for your loss. Are you working the case?
Quaid: Always.
Charmaine: Which living person do you most despise? I was told Scott Chase is a rival.
Steven's entire body tensed. His jaw clenched. He looked at his watch, then me.
Quaid: I'm sorry, it's late. We have a dinner engagement. Thank you for your patience.
He shook my hand and then took the stairs two at a time. He disappeared behind the same door Sarah had.
I was speechless.
Emma hurried over. She looked at me and shook her head.
Charmaine: What? What did I do, what did I say?
She pretended to zip her lips closed. She wasn't talking.
Charmaine: Off the record. Do you know what I had to do to get this interview, how far I've travelled? Tell me, what just happened?
Emma: Off the record?
I nod.
Emma: You mentioned Chase.
I was stunned.
Charmaine: He's jealous of an ex-boyfriend?
Emma nodded.
Charmaine: I see. How does Sarah feel about that?
Emma once again sealed her lips. The interview was officially over, and she walked me to the door.
Detective Steven Quaid, is a talented sleuth, but so in love with Sarah that even the mention of Chase's name rises his ire.
What do you think, is jealously a good thing, or a troublesome thing? What traits would you or have you overlooked for love?
***** *** *****
Memories of Murder
Yolanda Renèe
Decades ago, the seeds were planted …
Today, dark, fathomless eyes rake the image before him. One final task and the transformation is complete. Steady fingers screw intricately carved horns on each side of a stiff brow, and a gargoyle suitable for Notre Dame scowls from the smokey mirror in satisfaction.
A jagged smile rips through his smooth, hairless face, and inked, reptilian scales caress his naked body.
A laugh of hideous resonance emanates from his gut as the demons of hell welcome Lucifer into their fold.
In a dungeon-like chamber, his Lilith awaits. The kidnapped daughter of a nun, groomed to fit the final piece in the complex puzzle for world domination. Will Lucifer marry his bride, on the summer solstice?
Only two things stand in his way ...
His greed ...
And ...
Detective Steven Quaid.
***** *** *****
&
available at
***** *** *****
Yolanda Renée:
An adventurous spirit took Yolanda Renée to Alaska where she hiked the Brooks Range, traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and learned to sleep under the midnight sun.
She claims her vivid imagination as a blessing, a habit, a hobby, a calling and sometimes a curse.
Renée now resides in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, two sons, and Boston terrier, Patches.
You can find Renée here:
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