Excerpts

Dying to Dance By Jamie Cortland

    Dr. Roland Donovan had also been watching her performance from the back of the room. He'd noticed Wyatt but he didn't believe Wyatt had seen him and even if he had, he didn't think he would recognize him with glasses, a mustache, and a red wig on. The problem was, dressed as he was, neither would Diana. As soon as he saw her exit the room, he rose and hurried after her.

     He realized he would need to dispose of his disguise somewhere or he wouldn't be successful in his attempt to join her. He noticed the Men;s room ahead and hurried through the crowds, ducked in and disposed of his wig and fake mustache. Sliding officially his glasses, he put them in his pocket.

    On her way to the cafe, Diana remembered that she had left the dress that she had planned to wear after the competition hanging in her car. She stopped abruptly and headed for the nearest Exit to the parking lot.

    Dr. Donovan, who was following her some distance behind, knowing now that she was on her way to her car. He'd taken care when he arrived to locate her car and park close by...very close by. He'd been lucky to find an empty spot just next to her. He grinned widely. He knew what he was going to do. She was alone, vulnerable, and unaware of his presence.

Propelled through time in the midst of a disaster, Cally Sullivan awakens in the year of 1881 from her semi-unconscious state to the rowdy noise of a cabaret and the heavy smell of smoke as she faces four pair of western style boots from her position underneath a poker table.

Discovering she is in Tombstone, Arizona, she is convinced she is still well into the new millennium witnessing a historical reenactment of the Old West. It is only when two people who have recently betrayed her convince her that she has traveled through time, just as they have, that she realizes her enemies in this time are Johnny Ringo and the Clanton gang, not Sherri and Steven, her ex-fiancee'.

Her only allies are Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp and her former enemies. During their frantic battle for survival, they prove to be Cally's only salvation until Drake Butler, Wyatt's look-alike and Cally's secret love, makes his way through time to search for her.

Lightning zigzagged across the sky while a roar of thunder shook the window she was peering into. The wind molded her auburn hair to her head like a cap. Taking a deep breath, the welcome scent of raindrops falling upon parched land brought a flood of childhood memories of summer Arizona monsoons.

Knowing there would soon be more than just a scattering of raindrops, Cally hurried across the street to Big Nosed Kate's. The old saloon trembled under a bark of thunder. The lights flickered and dimmed as wind tore through the saloon door, scattering paper napkins along with empty plastic cups. Beer bottles tipped over, rolling onto the floor.

"It's gonna be a bad one," the barmaid said. "Hope you plan to stay inside here awhile, Miss. Billy made you a double whiskey sour. Hope that's okay."

Cally nodded. "Thanks. That's just what I wanted. I'll be staying awhile. I'm not going out there," she said as hailstones began a tap dance on the roof. Taking a sip of the whiskey sour, she winced at the far away sound of a train approaching. She drew her brows together. Was it a train? Or was it something else?

She'd heard that sound before, in February of 1998 in Kissimmee, Florida while she and Steven were visiting his uncle. During a violent thunderstorm, a tornado had touched down in close proximity to his home. Mercifully, they had been spared. Others hadn't been so lucky. Many of his uncle's friends had lost everything. Some had lost their lives. To Steven's credit, he had returned not long after to help several of his uncle's friends re-build their homes.

Her heart raced as the sound became louder. The lights blinked and went out. Lightning lit the dim room, eerily displaying the stained glass windows on the wall. Above the door was a stained glass image of Big Nosed Kate, lying nude on her stomach with her revolver trained on the door. With just a little imagination, Cally could see Kate waiting for Doc to walk in the door.

The building shuddered under the buffeting of the wind. No time for dwelling on past history. Moving as quickly as she could, stumbling in the dark, making her way with only flashes of lightning to guide her, she reached a round table and chairs in the southwest corner of the building. Sitting down, she jumped back up and ran her hand over the seat of the wooden chair searching for the uncomfortable object she'd sat on. Someone had left his deck of cards.

"Into the corner. Get under the tables, take shelter," the bartender hollered."It's gonna' break up."

She hadn't needed Billy to tell her. With the last roar of the train, she dove under the table, her denim tote bag slung over her shoulder and the deck of cards in her hands.

Thunder blasted. The saloon rocked. Lightning crackled. Cally's heart pounded in her ears. Her throat was dry. Lightning flashed again, on and off, like strobe lights. Glancing at what she held, she saw scribbling on the pack, "Wyatt's Deck."

Her breath quickened. Wyatt Earp's deck? He'd been an excellent poker player, one of the finest in the old West without being a cardsharp, cheating, or using tricks. He'd played poker right here, in this saloon. As she slid the deck open, a deafening roar descended upon Big Nosed Kates. The room filled with a heavy mist and began to swirl.

Grasping the deck of cards and her tote bag tightly, her heart raced as she began to twirl. She shrieked as a heavy object smashed into the side of her jaw. Nauseous, she fell into a vortex of crimson and black, shot with silver white light.

Excerpt taken from:

Chapter 1, Apache Springs by Weslynn McCallister

1957

Annie awoke to the sound of a babbling mountain brook and birds

happily singing. A brisk chill was in the air. She shivered and pulled

the patchwork quilt over her and tucked it around Cort’s shoulder.

As she put her arm around him, she snuggled closer.

They’d been married two days; well, almost married. Perhaps, the

Mexican wedding wasn’t legal in the United States, but it was valid

in her heart and soul. Later, she hoped they’d have a real wedding in the

church with their family and friends in attendance.

She pressed her body against him, tucking her legs into his, spoon

fashion.

“Annie, Annie, have you ever been so happy?” He whispered, turning

to embrace her.

“No, never,” she murmured. Kissing him lightly in the hollow of his

neck, a warm glow flowed through her. She’d ever felt happy or loved

until now.

“Let’s stay in bed all day.”

Annie giggled happily., “And do what?” she asked in an innocent voice.

“I can think of some very pleasurable things.”

“I can see that,” she replied as he turned and began to slide his warm

hand over her bare back.

Annie shivered with desire as his lips traced a sensuous path from the

hollow of her neck to the rosy tips of her breasts.

“Damn,” Cort cursed softly as the telephone jingled in their ears.

“Don’t answer,” she said, running her long slim fingers through his sandy

hair. “It’s probably Marilyn. We’ll call her later.”

“I think I’d better get it.” He pulled the blanket around his shoulders and

reached for the phone.”

“I’ll make coffee,” she said, sliding out of bed and padding out to the kitchen. While she made the coffee, she sipped a small glass of orange

juice and poured one for Cort. Setting them on a tray, she wondered who the phone call was from.

Padding back to the bedroom, she carried the tray laden with a light breakfast of two steaming cups of coffee, warm sweet rolls, and orange juice. When she saw Cort, a flood of uneasiness rushed through her. The tray shook in her hands. Coffee spilled, dribbling onto the floor into a puddle. She set the tray down on the dresser and wiped it up.

Cort sat on the edge of the bed, clad in his jeans and a blue and white

plaid flannel shirt. The worried expression he wore confirmed her fears.

He pulled on his black leather western style boots and glanced up at her.

Concern filled his sea blue eyes. “We have to leave.”

“Why?” she asked, her stomach knotting.

“Barbara was injured pretty badly. She was brought into the hospital

unconscious, by neighbors. They heard screams and investigated. She’d

suffered a terrible beating.”

“Sweet Jesus,” Annie said.

“She’s all right now. She was released from the hospital last night. Your

grandmother has been looking for you.”

“Does she know where I am?” She asked, her brows knitting together.

Cort nodded. “Marilyn’s mother told her you were in the mountains staying in Gene’s cabin. She’s furious you left town.”

“Barbara knows his wife. She’s in bridge club with her. It would be a cinch for her to find the cabin.”

Her hands trembled as she drew the sash of her robe tighter. “You don’t think she’d drive up in her condition, do you? If she did, wouldn’t she call first?”

“I don’t know. She has a brand new 1957 Chevy. If she suspects I’m here with you, she might drive up anyway. It’s only seventy miles,” Cort said.

“Maybe, you’d better call her, or better yet, I think we’d better drive back, talk to Barbara and to your grandmother. We need to tell them we’re married.”

“I don’t know.” I don’t think so. Not yet. A wave of anxiety swept over her.”

“We have to tell them sometime. We can stay with my parents until I find a job to support us.”

“But, you’ll need to go to school, to college.”

She brushed her hair back from her face. “We should have talked about these things first, before we eloped.”

“I can make enough money over the summer working on cars to pay for an apartment for us in Albuquerque next fall. Don’t worry about it, sweetie.

Everything will work out.”

Annie had a sinking feeling Cort was wrong. She tried her best not to let her feelings show, “I’d better shower and dress in my best; the dress I wore when we were married.”

Cort gazed at her lovingly. “I’ll always remember you in that dress, more beautiful than ever as you said your vows. Now, hurry and get ready to leave. I’ve made up my mind about going.”

Annie stepped out of the cabin onto the front porch.  She gasped, as her right hand flew to her heart. “I thought I just saw Barbara’s car.”

Cort smiled as he shut the door of the cabin and placed his arm around her shoulder. “Have you forgotten, sweetie, she’s just been released from the hospital. She’s probably not driving yet.”

“You’re right. I wasn’t thinking, was I? I’m sure the doctor told her not to drive. But, if she has any idea we eloped, she just might do it anyway, bruises, bandages and all.”

“That’s exactly why we need to speak with your family. We shouldn’t have run off like we did, without permission, even if we are adults now.”

“I know. You’re right.” But, she knew neither Grandmother nor Barbara

would have given their permission. She dreaded the talk they’d soon have. Just thinking about it made her stomach ache. For now, she’d try to forget about it and enjoy the ride home. She had an awful feeling, it just might be the last ride she’d ever take with her new husband.

During the hour-and-a-half ride back to Apache Springs, Annie snuggled

next to Cort and gazed out the window. The beauty of the Hondo Valley never failed to stir her.

Gently rolling hills with fragrant pine trees, regal poplars, and tall oak trees embraced the valley on each side of the winding road. A picturesque mountain stream, abundant with trout, snaked its way down the Sacramento Mountains.

Occasionally, a tiny church or a small adobe home beckoned invitingly. Poplars hugged their driveways while weeping willows, near the center of their lawns, offered shade. Annie sighed, promising herself, someday she’d paint the enchanted valley.

With one hand on the steering wheel and the other around Annie, Cort was silent while she admired the scenery. He wondered if eloping had been a mistake. He hoped he hadn’t jeopardized their happiness. What if they’d not only hurt, but enraged her family? Would they be able to weather the storm? He didn’t know if their Mexican wedding was legal in the United States.

They’d marry again soon, in a church. He sighed. Jeeze, where would they live? Even though he’d said they could stay with his parents, he wasn’t so sure how they’d feel about their elopement.

He shuddered inwardly, thinking about the confrontation that was sure to come once they arrived Annie’s grandmother’s. He began to wish he could speak to her alone, to assure her of his love for Annie.

Upon their arrival, he was unexpectedly granted his wish. He understood then what his mother had always warned him of. “Be careful of what you wish for, Cort. You just might get it.”

When they pulled into a parking space across from the hotel Annie’s grandmother lived in, she was still not prepared to face her with the news She grasped Cort’s hand tightly on the elevator ride up to her grandmother’s room.

A dark fear crept over her from the tips of her toes to the top of her head. “Maybe, we shouldn’t do this. Let’s just leave for Albuquerque. I can support us with money from my trust fund for awhile. I have four hundred dollars a month.”

“No. Keep your trust fund. I don’t want to touch it. Ever.”

“I don’t like it, Cort. I have a bad feeling about this. I-I’m afraid I’ll never see you again.”

“Sweetie, we’re married.”

“But, not in the church. I’m afraid they’ll talk you into leaving me, she said, her voice trembling with emotion. Just the thought of him leaving her left her feeling miserable and empty.

Cort turned and took Annie into his arms. Smiling down at her, he said,

“You must not know how much I love you.”

“Excuse me. Sir. Miss. This is the fifth floor. Aren’t you getting out here?”

Annie’s cheeks warmed as Cort slowly released her from his embrace. Maybe, she’d feel better after they were in her grandmother’s room.

The moment they opened Mrs. McClaine’s door, Annie’s heart fell. She knew she’d been right. 

Have you ever planned a once in a lifetime event only to have it canceled due to weather, illness, or an accident? Wouldn’t you love to have a roadmap of your life; one that highlighted the way to love, success, good health and money?

Although astrology is not destiny nor is it fate, with a thorough knowledge of astrology and correct delineation, you will be able to time events in your life more successfully, avoiding many pitfalls and detours.

There is a time and place for everything. With perfect timing and a positive attitude, your dreams may become a reality. “Timing is Everything; Astrology is the Key” will assist you in learning how to do this. Below is an excerpt from the book

Ruler: Jupiter
Fire Triplicity
Southern sign
Mutable sign
Masculine
Barren sign
Positive sign
Double-bodied sign
Sign of long ascension
Planet in exaltation; the South Node of the Moon
Planet in its detriment: Mercury
Planet in its Fall: The North Node of the Moon
Archangel: Adnachiel
Angel: Samequiel

Sagittarius, symbolized as the archer and ruled by Jupiter, is honest, frank, dependable and generous. He is foresighted, jovial and charitable. Sociable and kindhearted, he is fond of children, pets and sports, particularly auto and horse racing. Ingenious and talented, he will be an excellent politician, social reformer, philosopher or publisher.

He is most at home in the open spaces and participating in out-of-door sports, such as horseback riding and hiking. This sign rules the sacrum, the sciatic nerve and the tibia. Since its opposite sign is Gemini, he may suffer from lung and nerve troubles. Rheumatism, gout, dislocation from the hip joint, blood disorders, cuts and wounds are also common disorders for Sagittarius.

This sign will choose his friends and mates from the Fire and Air signs of Aquarius, Aries, Libra and his opposite sign, Gemini. On the downside, Sagittarius can be a bit pompous, a name dropper. Gemini will not tolerate this, but will puncture Sagittarius’s bubble.

Recommended herbs:
cypress, eucalyptus, hyssop, lavender and lemon for rheumatism, basil, bergamot, clary-sage for the nerves, rosemary, fennel and juniper for gout.