Hanging by a Thread - Just a taste of chapter 3.....

Chapter 3
September turned into October and sporting events and Homecoming became the focus of school and the community. Busy doesn’t even cover my life. With cross country and my Homecoming duties, I didn’t even notice that Becky Miles, my nemesis since second grade, was keeping her distance. I can’t help wondering if maybe she’s afraid that Monte will blow her up too if she comes near me.

Whatever, I’m not going to complain. It's a shame that it takes a tragedy for some people to turn their attitude around. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to hang out or be best buddies or anything, but at least she and her minions are currently civil and not pulling their usual garbage.

The Monday morning of Homecoming week finally arrived and I got to school with only a few minutes to spare. Standing on my tippy toes practically inside my locker digging for a sharpened pencil for math, I jumped and let out a guttural yell when someone grabbed the sides of my rib cage and tickled the crap out of me.

Before I could turn around, my attacker was throwing her arms around me and squeezing. By the laugh, I could tell it was my running buddy and best friend, Mandy, especially when she squealed at forty decibels into my ear. “Homecoming, senior year! Whooo Hoooo.”

Ducking from her death grip, I turned and grabbed her hands laughing my head off. “Yeah baby! It’s finally here!” We high fived, belly bumped, jumped and danced around like we were on hot coals.

Amanda, whom I called Mandy, Andresen and I have been stuck to each other like glue since my best friend Dani got cancer and had to move closer to her doctors in Minneapolis in seventh grade. She’s been my savior through more than I can say, and I love her like a sister.

Turning from her, I grabbed what the rest of what I needed out of my locker, slammed it shut and grabbed her hand. Pulling her arm I said, “Come on, woman, let’s get to class.”

We entered first hour math class like a hurricane, and everyone in there stopped what they were doing and looked at us. Mandy being the free-spirited, confident person she is stopped threw her hands up in the air and shouted at the top of her lungs. “Homecoming! Party! Party! Party!” Before she got through the second “party”, several of the kids jumped up and joined her chant. In a matter of seconds, the room was bouncing with loud, energized fist pumping teenagers.

Just then Mr. Madison, our math teacher, came dancing in the door and joined our chant. After several seconds delightful chaos, he whistled and shouted, “Ok people, we’d better get to learnin’.”

As we settled into our seats, the tones sounded indicating there was an announcement about to be made.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the principal’s voice boomed into our room, “We have the results of last Friday’s senior vote for homecoming king and queen nominees.”

Mandy looked at me squeezed her eyes tight and mouthed, “Sweet.”

I rolled my eyes at her, laughed and listened.
From the loud speaker the Principal’s voice continued to fill the silence in our room. “The nominees for homecoming king are James Stensland, Matt Jackson, and Darren Jonas.”

As soon as I heard DJ’s name, I felt my legs go numb and goose bumps popped up on every inch of my body. Without even knowing it, half under my breath I blurted out, “Yes.”

Mandy looked at me and winked and smiled from ear to ear. I turned my attention back to the loud speaker and the Principal continued. “The nominees for Middleton High School homecoming queen are Alexis Blane, Becky Miles, and…..” I looked at Mandy and rolled my eyes when I heard those two names. Mandy stuck her index finger down her throat like she was going to puke. Then the third name came through the speaker, “…and Samantha Nelson.”

Before it even registered that my name was the one just announced, Mandy was on top of me in my seat. As we tumbled to the floor in a pile, the class erupted into a giant dog pile. Smacking the floor, I didn’t even care that I cracked my head into the tile floor. The adrenaline flushing through my veins was numbing my pain sensors.
When everyone finally rolled off me, Mandy and I laid on the floor smiling in disbelief. It was a moment I will never forget until the day God takes me home. After the dead cat in my locker last year, the doll with threatening graffiti hanging from my window, and countless other torments from Becky and her wenches in the past ten years, just being nominated with them was a victory in my mind.
I’m pretty sure I floated on air all week. My mom was so excited she took me to the mall and got me a new formal for coronation. The one we found was a sparkly powder blue and looked like something Cinderella would wear. I felt like a princess in it.

The week felt like it took forever even though we’d had a cross country meet, girls' basketball game, tennis meet, swim meet, and numerous other events. Wednesday night was the happiest night I’d ever had with the exception of the day Mark came home from the hospital. All was right with the world. I was safe, my hair and make-up had turned out awesome for once, and I was one of the top three most honored girls in my school.

As DJ and I along with four other senior classmates sat on the stage watching the juniors perform their class skit, I could see a stir behind the side curtain. When I turned my head to see what the commotion was, I saw Detective Renner talking wildly to our principal. His hands were flying like crazy and he looked angry. When the juniors were done with their skit, the student council president came on stage and announced that it was time for the big event. He asked us all to stand and be recognized.

When my name was called for queen, I could hardly believe it. I was so appreciative just to be nominated, that I never even anticipated how I’d react if I actually won. After the former queen placed the crown on my head and I waited for my king in front of the royal chair. Seconds later, DJ was announced as king and took his place beside me. As the crowd cheered, whistled and clapped, he took my hand in his and said so only I could hear, “It’s about time they all see what I see.” Then he winked at me and turned his attention back to the audience.

The principal came on the stage congratulated us, announced the events taking place the rest of the week, and then dropped a bomb. “Ladies and gentlemen, the bonfire for tonight has been postponed until a later date. A situation has risen that needs my immediate attention. Here is Detective Renner from the local FBI field office to explain.”

The crowd went silent. You could have heard a bunny fart in the giant gymnasium. Detective Renner walked aggressively onto the stage and took the microphone from Principal Cabrillo. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m sorry for the interruption in your celebration, but a dangerous situation has presented itself. Monte LaReaux escaped from police custody during his transport to a permanent holding facility earlier today, and we believe he may be in the area.”

Terror rushed through my veins at the announcement. Instantly my legs went numb and I couldn’t control the loud gasp that escaped my lungs. Without hesitation DJ reached his arm around my waist and pulled me into him just before my legs gave out. Hearing the rustle of my dress, Detective Renner turned toward us and said, “DJ, there is a vehicle out the west side door with her family inside. Get her in there now!”

I was too scared to speak or cry. I just followed numbly as DJ pulled me off the stage. In the background Detective Renner was giving descriptive details to the townspeople about Monte and what to do if they spotted him. In a whirlwind of commotion, I felt DJ sweep my limp body up into his arms. As he ran down the stage stairs toward the gym door, the all-to-familiar silvery cave began to encase my vision and take me to the dark world beyond. Just as I was passing into the abyss I heard DJ’s deep voice, “Don’t worry Sami, I’ve got you. You’ll be safe.”

From somewhere in the dark I heard my name faintly being repeated, “Sami.” A long pause. “Sami,” the voice came again as my eyes blinked. Finally, the third time, I realized it was my dad saying my name gently as he stroked my hair. I opened my eyes, realizing I was safely lying on the couch of a beautiful motor home with my head in the lap of my father. As my eyes came into focus, I could see a tall, dark haired nondescript man in an FBI windbreaker pacing up and down the hallway from front to the back talking quietly but intensely on his cell phone.

Expanding my vision to the other three male figures in my life I could really depend on, my mind flashed back to why DJ had scooped me up in the first place. My eyes burned and tears began to gently cascade down my cheeks. I slowly sat up and nestled tightly into the crook of my dad’s shoulder. Comfortingly he said, “Don’t worry honey, they’ll catch him soon.”

Through my tears, I turned my head up toward my dad and spoke, “Just when things were finally perfect.”
He squeezed me again and whispered gently, “It can only get better. This too shall pass.” I tucked my head deeper into his armpit and cried silently as if we were the only ones in the room.

Hanging up the phone, Detective Renner started up a serious conversation with DJ that only the two of them could hear. All I could see from my position on the couch was DJ’s head shaking up and down, and the occasional movement of his lips that looked like he was saying “yes, sir.” When their conversation was over, DJ turned to exit the motor home.

“Hey D, Aren’t you going with us?” I asked anxiously.

Turning and speaking over his shoulder, he replied, “You’re in good hands, Mouse. I’ve just been giving a very important task here. I’ve got your back, my little friend.” Then he smiled and stepped out the door.

As my friend disappeared around the corner of the motorhome, I buried my head back into the safety of my father’s strong shoulder. When I was able to speak, I asked Detective Renner what DJ’s job was. I saw the look that passed between he and my father, and I didn’t like it at all.

“You didn’t give him something dangerous, did you?” I asked frantically.
The detective sat down beside me and began speaking quietly. “Samantha, DJ knows exactly what Monte looks like. I simply told him to get some friends together and set up a plan for groups of two to drive around the area for the next seventy-two hours. Also, I gave him my direct number and how to handle the situation should he or one of his buddies spot Monte.”

“Ok.” I said relieved. “That’s ok.”

“It is going to be ok, Sam. We have a very substantial crew looking for the fugitive. You will be safe with us.” His deep voice was strong and reassuring.
Just then Detective Renner’s phone rang. Wanting privacy, he stood and quietly answered it. Watching him pace made me nervous, and not knowing what he was saying began to drive me nuts.

I took a deep to calm myself then looked into my father’s eyes, “Dad, do you think he’s coming for me?” His silence spoke louder than any words he could have possibly uttered.

As the motorhome began to pull away from the curb, I inhaled deeply once again and pushed myself away from the strength of my father’s arms. As I began slowly walking toward the back of the bus, something caught my eye outside the window and the hairs on the back of my neck automatically reared straight up. The shadow figure froze my legs as I intently starred at the bushes passing outside the window. Fear shut off all contact between my mouth, my brain, and my eyes causing my words to freeze throat as those sinister familiar horrifying blue eyes of my abuser locked onto mine.

Losing Grip sequel almost finished!

Currently, Hanging by a Thread has over 180 pages and 27 chapters. I'm hoping to have it completed by the end of the year. Hold tight, Sami and Monte are definitely on a wild ride!!!!!

Hanging by a Thread

To date, I have completed 19 chapters of the sequel to Losing Grip. Stay tuned for more twists and turns.

Official Release Date - January 31, 2012

Hi fans,

Losing Grip will official be available in stores on January 31, 2012! I couldn't be more excited!

P.S. Work on the sequel is coming right along. Sami is having quite the adventure.

Order online - NOW!!!!!!!!!

http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61346-877-7

Losing Grip

Book are available online, at major bookstores, and at any bookstore upon request.

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Losing Grip