My novel, “Kingdom of Dark Kingdom of Light,” will be avaliable soon at Smashwords in all ebook reader formats. keep watching my blog for updates.

Claws that Crush

Twelve-year-old Burt Safford curled up into a tight ball on the wet grass, closed his indigo eyes and tried to shut out the screams of the dying girl. The harder he tried, the louder they seemed to grow. Each pitiful cry mingled with the clicking of bony claws and a loud slurp, slurp, slurp.

An image of slimy sucking mouths and rasp like tongues filled his mind with terror. He wished the dark swirling fog would hide him from the two beasts devouring Aldana. He wished he was safe at home in his bed. He wished the terrifying wails would end. Yet he knew when the final death rattle came and in time it would, he would be their dessert.

Annie OQuinn, still wrapped in the cocoon of a night full of sweet, delicious love making yawned and stretched in the big bed. She felt fingers of worry brush against her naked back when she realized her Tommy boy was not beside her. Her panic subsided when she saw his nude form standing near the window peering out through a blue lace curtain. She pushed the covers back, eased out of bed and made her way to him on tip toes. Tommy didnt move a muscle as two slender hands covered his grey eyes. He inched backwards until he could feel her rising nipples pressed against his skin. She giggled, Guess who, as the heat from his body and his smell made her nipples grow hard. He rubbed fingers through the rough edges of his beard before answering, Hmn, must be Mrs. OLeary, the goat woman from down the road. A hand moved off of his right eye and a small pounded into his shoulder. Her loud, Are you saying I smell like a goat, caused him to laugh so hard that tears ran down his cheeks. Thats a fine thing to say to your new bride. Tommy turned then and warped his strong arms around her slender body, pressing every inch of the soft skin against him. He whispered, You smell absolutely delicious, detachable and good enough to eat, into her right ear. I love you Annie my darling.He stepped back a little and tilted her chin sky wards. She pretended to pout for a moment before surrendering her soft lips to his hot passionate kisses. Tears began to flow out of sapphire eyes. He murmured, Whats wrong my darling. She sobbed, Everything, this damned war, you having to leave today and the thought I might lose you for good. Before he stepped away from Annie he put a happy look on his face, Nothing to worry about darling, Mrs. OQuinn didnt raise any foolish children. I intended to dig my foxhole down to China and not peek over the edge until the war is over. She blubbered, But you might get something important blown off. I suppose we could manage if it was only an arm or a leg. Loud male laughter bounced around the room and underneath the bottom of the door. Perhaps I should ask my sergeant for two helmets, one for my head and one for all my important parts. Annie felt anger stirring again but when she looked at the grin on his face and saw the love light in his eyes it faded. A bright smile shone through her tears, You know what I mean. He chuckled, All too well my darling Annie. Chin up though, when I get to Paris, Ill buy you a black silk negligee. It will be so shear that I can see through it. She hugged him tight and whispered, Promise you wont go to Paris because I want see us with you. I can picture us now walking along the banks of the Seine and listening to sidewalk troubadours sing love songs to us. She paused for a moment before continuing, Do you know what Id like to do right now. Tommy grinned, Me too but I dont think we have enough time for it. She slugged his right shoulder and laughed, Not that silly, well that to but since we dont have time I would settle for a dance. I wished we had music. The young soldier clapped a hand to his forehead, In all the excitement of the wedding and last night I forgot about the present I bought you. She sniffed, I feel bad now because I didnt have time to get you anything. He looked into her eyes, You gave me the best present in the world when you became my wife. He grinned, It was more thrilling undressing you last night than it ever was unwrapping a Christmas present. Tommy scooped her up in his strong arms and carried her to the bed. He said, One two, three, and then let her go. She squealed in delight as she landed on the mattress and bounced. The young man bent over and pulled out a parcel wrapped in gold paper and tied with a neat red bow. Annie bounced up and down on the bed, What is it, what is it? Two slender hands tore the paper off, two eyes opened wide when she saw the beautiful antique music box. She gave her beloved Tommy a warm, tender smile and pulled his head down for a long, fiery kiss. Two little marble figurines dressed in wedding clothe popped up when the carved lid, inlaid with gold was lifted. A tanned, trembling hand wound the key of the box. Two happy young people held each other tight and danced as the beautiful strains of the Vienna waltz filled the hotel bedroom. **** Will you be a dear and get the door Bertha, Annie opened the kitchen range door to inspect the pair of apple pies. By now they were a golden brown and filling every inch of the cosy apartment with the fragrance of apples, cinnamon and melted sugar. She folded the white dish cloth in two before lifting one done to perfection pie out of the hot oven. Bertha shouted, Right away, sister dear, and turned the big radio down a notch before racing to the door. Just as the last pie was set to cool Berthas voice come floating to her over the voice of Bing Crosbys crooning. Its for you Annie. Annie shouted, Tell whoever it is to hold their horses and that Ill be there in a minute. The instant her sapphire settled on the two officers standing in her door way she knew why they were here. Her hart that had been so happy a just moment ago dropped into her feet. Her faced turned whiter than a new washed sheet. It felt to her like her life was being drained from her as her eyes filled with tears. The tall soldier with captains bars on his collar was the first to speak, Im sorry to have to tell you but your husband corporal was killed two days ago at Dunkirk. The beach was strafed by a dozen German fighters. Your husband was seriously wounded when he left his shelter to help another soldier. He shielded his sergeant with his body and saved the mans life. I have his Victoria Cross for you and a letter that was found in his pocket. Since there were no military secrets in it we felt it wasnt necessary to censor it. He was a brave man and you should be very proud of him, his country and his fellow soldiers certainly are. The two soldiers turned sharply on their heels and marched away. Annie tried to open the envelope but her hands were shaking too much. Without saying a word she handed it to her sister. Berthas hands were shaking almost as bad as Annies were but she finally managed to remove the blood stained sheet of paper. In a voice that trembled and through her tears she began to read. My darling dearest Annie: Well my beautiful, sexy angel, it looks like this war is going to be a bit longer than anyone expected. These German soldiers are a tough lot and not about to give up without one hell of a fight. Please excuse the language my dear little sister if you happen to be there when Annie gets my letter. Right now Im enjoying a nice vacation on the beach of Dunkirk waiting for a boat to take us to England. Like as not Ill be having tea and crumpets, whatever they are with the King and Queen by the time you get this. Through all of this mess, the guns, the bombs, the blood and the death I have the memory of our two nights together to keep me sane and safe. I can still taste your wine sweet kisses on my lips. I can still feel the soft silk of your beautiful legs wrapped around me. I can still hear your sweet voice moan in passion as we surrendered too wondrous rapture. Sorry my darling but Ive got to go now, some enemy planes are circling over head, looking for some dumb bunny to stick there neck out. Well it isnt going to be me. Im going to climb back into my foxhole to China until these birds go back to their nest. I kept my promise love of my life, I never went to Paris I send all my love, my heart and a million kisses. Forever yours, your Tommy boy. **** The old, rickety rocking chair squeaked back and forth, back and forth. Each forward movement was less than the last one. Each backward movement was less than the last one. At last it came to a stop. The little dancers on top of the old music slowed down as the last strains of the Vienna Waltz faded into cracks of the room. The only movement now was that of a tattered curtain blowing in the wind coming around the edges of the window. The only sound was of heavy raindrops pounding on the glass. If there had been anyone left in that dank, dingy room to see anything they would have noticed that the large picture had changed. The images were no longer those of a woman in a wedding dress and a young soldier in uniform. It was the same two people but now the young woman wore a just below the knee, blue summer dress. Long, golden tresses flowed around her angel face in the soft summer breeze. The young mans brown shirt had the first two top buttons undone. The tail was tucked into the top of a pair of blue jeans. On the left of the happy couple the River Seine gurgled in its bed. Behind them and silhouetted the Eifel Tower stood straight and tall. The young man had his right arm around the blonde haired girl and he held a bottle of wine in his left. She had a loaf of crusty French bread tucked under her left arm. A slender right hand rested on the slight mound of her belly. A belly that was growing closer to fruition with each passing day.

the end

I do appoligize for not posting for the last few days but our cat Sasha died on Saturday and it is still difficult to deal with

Ann grinned at her sister, Slow down moppet. Give me time to answer one question before asking another one. Sorry Annie, but there was only joy in the teens voice and delight dancing in her eyes. Annies grin grew bigger, Its all right Moppet. A simple yes is the answer to all of them. My Tommy is gorgeous, a living doll and so dreamy. Its funny dear but I never knew what you meant by dreamy before. Hes got lovely red hair and. Her mothers strident voice interrupted her description, None of us are interested in this common soldier that youve throne your life away over. Ann Foster ignore her mothers words, Hes got a powdering of freckles all of his beautiful body. He even has red hair, well I never knew men had hair there at all. Of course I never thought about that before. Its curly and softer than any silk could ever bee. If Irish women are as good in bed as Irish men are, no wonder daddy has one for a mistress. Your father doesnt have a mistress. Why hes a Foster and Fosters dont do that sort of thing. Alexander stubbed out his three quarter smoked cigar in a marble ash tray, My word Annie, where did you ever get such a silly notion. A Mistress, my word, my word indeed. Annie smiled through beginning tears, You dont have to pretend with me daddy, Ive know about Mrs., about Fiona Fitzgerald since I was twelve. Foster eased himself off of the couch and started pacing back and forth, mumbling as he went. My word, my word, since you were twelve, he stopped in his tracks and turned to face his daughter. Just how did you learn about my mild indiscretion? Daddy darling all the heating vents are connected together. I get to hear every conversation in this house. I first started to listen so I would know where you hid my Christmas gifts. I was so angry at first daddy. I even thought I hated you for the longest time but now I understand why. Arent the Irish people the most loving and glorious people in the world. I just cant wait to be close to his naked body again. Its so delicious making love with him Abigail Foster roared, her face was as red as a beet, I wont have that kind of smutty talk in my house. Now take it and get out of here. Your allowance will be cut off and you wont inherit one penny of my money. Bertie wandered over to the couch and poured a large tumbler full of brandy. He sat down and swallowed half of it in one gulp. Annie smiled sweetly at her mother, Ill be gone as soon as I pack my suitcase and i dont care about your filthy money. You can choke on every last red cent of it. Mrs Foster glared into her daughters teary eyes, Youll not take one thing form the my house except the clothes on your back Ann returned the star with one just as cold, It was daddies money that bout my clothes, so Ill take what I want and send for the rest. She turned her worried gaze to her father, I can have them, cant I daddy. Of course my darling, Bertha will help you pack. Thank you daddy, will you please come to my wedding and give me away. Fosters no sooner got his mouth open to answer than his wife roared, No one is going to your wedding, you filthy strumpet. Its all you your fault Alexander, if you hadnt been rutting with your Irish washer women for all these years, none of this would have happened. Alexander Foster looked his wife straight in the eye, Perhaps Abigail, if you had a warm bone in your body I wouldnt have had to go to Fiona for love and comfort. He turned to look at his two daughters and winked. Of course Ill come to your wedding and give you a way. I cant wait to meet your Tommy boy. When he added, He sounds so dreamy, both girls broke in to a fit of giggles. You wont mind if I make a quick stop along the way. Two girlish voices chimed, What for daddy? Foster smiled, You dont think Id let my oldest daughter get married without a room full of flowers, do you? Now run along and get ready, Ill go and pull the sedan around to the front door.

The teenager pursed her lips up into a pout and frowned, Im sorry Mr. Jones for being rude. Jones stopped his frantic pacing for a minute, Apology accepted dear little girl. He rubbed his weak hand through the wispy stubble on his pallid face, Say little one, did Annie happen to call and say where she is? Bertha mumbled, No, and turned away so here mother wouldnt see the lie in her green eyes. She wasnt quite quick enough. Bertha, the voice was cold and as hard as tempered steel. Tell us where your sister is right now, or youll need a cushion to sit on for a week. Alexander Foster added his two cents but in a far gentler tone, Be a good girl and tell us where Annie is please. Mother and b, he stopped and winked at his youngest daughter. Your mother and Robert are worried sick. A quick gamin grin flashed across her pretty face, She called me last night and said shed be staying with a good friend. She said she would be home late this morning and not to worry, Abigail Foster glared at her youngest daughter and yelled, What friend? Bertha took two steps closer to the half open hallway door, A friend, thats all she told me. The lie lay heavy on her face and her big eyes. Mrs Foster pushed her bulky frame off of the couch and marched towards her daughter. She put a bit of warmth into her voice this time. Please Bertha, tell me the truth. The girl backed up until she was in the doorway, She said she met an Irish boy at the dance and that they were going to the jazz club. She heaved a big sigh, took too deep breaths and got ready to bolt out of the room. She said she was going to spend the night with him and that they were going to get married to day. Abigail froze in her tracks and her always red face turned pale as the blood drained from it. Bertie squeaked, My word you certainly are good at making up fairy tales. You should be a writer when you grow up. Alexander Foster added an even louder, My word, an Irishman. Mother it does seem that our Annie has finally kicked the traces over. I always knew the girl had spunk but I didnt know she had this much. He gave his youngest daughter a big wink, Did she say what he looked like. He must be a handsome bugger for our Annie to fall for him. By this time Mrs. Foster had regain all of her composure, Dont encourage the child in her lies father. Now Bertha, I want the truth this time or I will warm your bottom. Bertie, I mean Robert go and fetch the big wooden spoon from the kitchen. The teenager started to sniff, Honest mummy, cross my heart and hope to die but thats what Annie told me. She turned around when she heard a noise behind her. Heres Annie now. You can ask her yourself. She stepped into the parlour to make way for her sister to enter. Im sorry I told your secret Annie but mummy made me. Abigail Foster shouted, Is it true, did you spend the night with an Irish tramp. Yes I did mother dear and hes not a tramp. Hes the most glorious, the most handsome man I have ever know. Mrs. Foster lowered her voice and put all of the anger and all of the frustration she felt in to her words. Get out of my house you two bit street walking strumpet. I wont have here for another minute. I wont have the dirt from potato fields dragged all over my clean rooms. What were you thinking you whore. Youve gone and ruined everything with Bertie. What are we going to tell his nice parents? When Annie replied there was no anger, no regret in her voice, I only came back to get a few of my things for our honey. Though if my Tommy boy has his way all Id really need is my birthday suite. By this time Bertha was dancing up and down. A big smile was plastered on her face, Is your Tommy boy handsome Annie? Do you think hell like me? Can I come to your wedding? Can I be your flower girl, please, please?