Saturday Surprise — throwback to my anti-Valentine’s Day heroine

February 13, 2021

Not sure if all of you know this, but I started my career in 2005 as a mystery author.

I write in that genre under my real name, Lori Armstrong. I created my first bad-ass female character who is still near and dear to my heart…because she was my first everything: first book I got a publishing contract for, first book signing, first major book award nomination (Shamus) first real literary agent…and I had to give her up after 4 books, due to publishing restrictions with the original publisher. I got the rights back to all 4 of those books, and we’ve since republished them and a couple of short stories, so check them out if you haven’t already. They are mystery, not romance, not romantic suspense…that said, there is a thread of romance, but the focus is on the crimes and characters.

Confession time: I MISS Julie and that world. Every time I reread snippets of the work I created starring her, I want to get back inside that girl’s head because it is a very entertaining place to be.

This mini-excerpt is from the short story DEAD FLOWERS, which is still available, if you haven’t read it 🙂

DEAD FLOWERS — Lori Armstrong ~ 2013 ~ Julie Collins Mystery series

I fucking hated Valentine’s Day. 

Hated it. 

With the hatred of a thousand fiery suns kind of hatred. 

“Yes, Julie, I know. You’ve been bitching about it for the last three days. Give it a rest.” 

I glanced across the conference table at my PI partner in crime, Kevin Wells. 

“What?” His handsome face wore a mocking expression. “No, I’m not a mind reader. You’re muttering. But in your case, it’s not really muttering, since I can understand every snarky word.” 

“So you’re a fan of Valentine’s Day? You’re picking out a mushy card, a box of chocolates, a bunch of flowers, and a teddy bear… for who exactly?” 

“No one, and I’m damn happy not to be dropping a bundle on one day without the guarantee I’ll get laid. Beings you’re in lurve and all, I imagine you’re planning to don fetish wear for Martinez for Valentine’s Day.” 

I gave him a droll stare. “Really, Kev? Fetish wear?” 

“I thought all bikers were into latex, leather and chains, and kinky stuff. I expect Martinez is the type of man to demand you put it on and parade around for his pleasure.” 

“Demand? That’d be the first and last time. I’d kick his ass.” 

“Sure. And then you’d kiss it.”

My blood pressure spiked when he made kissing noises. “What the fuck is wrong with you today?” 

Kevin grinned. “I love yanking your chain. Especially the one Martinez used to attach the ball around your ankle. I’m surprised it doesn’t trip you up more often.” 

I threw the stapler at him. 

He ducked, laughed, then hightailed it out to the main room when the doorbell dinged. 

My whole beef with Valentine’s Day, at least this year, was that we, at Wells/ Collins Investigations, had spent the last month working on cases to verify infidelity. Following the suspect-ees, hoping to catch them in trysts. The worst ones? When the cheaters were bold enough to meet their no-tell lover in their own homes. For me, it was enough to tarnish the aspect of everlasting love. It made me loathe a day devoted to celebrating lovers. 

Wasn’t like Martinez and I had discussed V-day. Not even in the hope-you-aren’t-expecting-an-engagement-ring type of joking around. Martinez and I had been living together for almost a year. The blush wasn’t entirely off the rose, but the petals had started to droop, especially since the first of the year. He’d been distant, which I chalked up to Hombres problems, not anything going wrong between us. 

Or had I just gotten complacent?

****

Thanks for indulging my little bit of melancholy today. I hope you all have the Valentine’s–or Galentine’s–Day you wish for tomorrow 💘

XOXO 💋

L~

PS – I did pick a winner for last week’s contest for the necklace — Haly Elmore — and I emailed her directly and completely forgot to post the info for the rest of you! Thanks for all the great comments last week; monthly wrap-up is my favorite post because I get to hear from more of YOU ALL!

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