Yearly Archives: 2018

Unity of the Broken by G. E. Stills (Book Showcase)

Volume 5 in the Demon Slayers series!

*For the 18+ reader: strong language, descriptive sex scenes and graphic violence*

Through the dreadful scorpion parasite that controls her, Jenna has been enslaved by her demon mistress, Tiona. She has been compelled to participate in many atrocious, inhuman deeds. A male demon commits a violent act against her, and she is freed of her parasite’s control. Jenna flees while wondering if her freedom from domination is only temporary. Her only thought is to get as far away from the demons as possible, but where will she run too? Jenna is a broken woman.

The three people that meant the world to Micca are gone. They were taken away by a cruel and vicious, demon. After aligning herself with the goddess, Nyx, she has been given fantastic abilities. Micca has become an awesome, and fierce, messenger of death with complete indifference for her own safety. Her only reason for living now is to kill demons and those associated with them. Micca is a broken woman.

These two terribly damaged souls are on a collision course.  

 

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For a moment, Jenna lay motionless, battered, bleeding and frightened, then she gazed in the direction of Arid’s disappearance. Maybe he would just hurt her more the next time. She knew Tiona could easily heal her, but maybe Arid would kill her. Her unquestioning devotion was to Tiona and her life was Tiona’s to take, but the emotions enclosed behind her mental wall included the will to survive. Arid didn’t own her and she only felt submissive to him because of his mother.

The walls surrounding her emotions crumbled and they surged forth. These powerful feelings overwhelmed her scorpion parasite’s control over her. Jenna surged to her feet and pulled her torn panties from her mouth. Her fist clamped tight around them and she cast one more look in the direction of the house, then bolted deeper into the forest. She ran as fast as her legs would take her heedless of the cuts and abrasions that assaulted her bare feet. Even when her side started to ache, she ran on. Fear and the desire to survive were great motivators.

Coherent thought returned during her sprint. Jenna was certain the demons would easily track her, so she needed to get as far away as possible and get off the ground. Like getting into a car. She altered her direction of flight angling back toward the main paved road.

Jenna burst through the trees into a clearing containing a small cabin that appeared to be unoccupied. She leaned forward panting harshly. Jenna paused long enough to tie the waist strap of her thong panties and tugged them on. The panties didn’t cover much, but in her mind at least, they were better than being completely naked. Her inner thighs were blackened from the demon seed leaking from within her.

During her rapid investigation or the cabin from the outside, Jenna found two ATVs in a shed beside it. She broke the glass out of one window and crawled into the cabin. In desperation, she searched for anything she thought would assist her. There was a long shirt in one closet and a pistol in its holster.

She threw on the shirt not taking the time to button it and tossed the holster over one shoulder. She knew the gun would not kill the demons, but it would hurt them. Hurting them before they killed her would have to suffice. In addition, being armed made her feel better. If nothing else, she intended to take her own life rather than be captured.

Jenna smiled briefly when she found two sets of keys hanging on a nail in the kitchen cupboard. They were keys for the ATVs. Dashing out to the shed she checked the fuel level in each and selected the one with the most. Jenna bit her lower lip and prayed when she turned the key to the start position.

To her relief the engine coughed to life. Jenna backed the vehicle out of the shed and raced along the driveway. She reached the pavement and turned left knowing that way led to the interstate and the city. She had no inkling why she was suddenly free of her scorpions control and had no idea how long the condition would last. A feeling gnawing at her mind, told her that while she had freedom of choice she needed to put as much distance between the demons and herself as possible.

After belting the pistol holster around her waist and buttoning her shirt to hide her breasts and the gun, Jenna raced beside the pavement on the ATV. She came to a halt at the on-ramp to the interstate highway that led to town. Riding an ATV on the freeway was illegal and certain to raise suspicion of driver’s who passed. But what choice do I have?

A pickup came to a halt beside her. There was a single male occupant driving. “You can’t take that on the freeway,” he hollered through the open passenger window.

“I know but I have to get to town. It’s an emergency,” she shouted at him.

“What’s wrong?”

Jenna debated what to say quickly. “I was kidnapped. I’m trying to get away,” she said.

“Holy shit. Stay right there.” The man pulled his pickup to the side of the road ahead of her. He jumped out of the cab and raced toward her. “Leave the ATV here and I’ll call it in then take you to the police.”

Thoughts raced through Jenna’s mind. She hadn’t planned out her escape. Her only thought had been to get away, self-preservation. She had seen Tiona fight before and now there were three demons. The police and their guns offered her zero protection from them. When demons found out the police were protecting her, they would come. They would tear into police as if they were nothing. The only chance she had was distance and hiding.

Jenna switched off the ATV ignition. When she dismounted she turned to the side and drew the gun. The man skidded to a halt and surprise washed across his face when she faced him with the leveled the gun.

“For reasons you wouldn’t believe, I can’t go to the police. I’m going to take your truck instead. I need you to put your hands on your head and step into the trees.”

“I stopped to help you and now you’re going to kill me?” he asked.

“I’m not going to kill you…unless you force me to. Now do as I said.”

The man placed his hands on his head and marched in front of her. She halted him when they were out of sight from the road. “Take off all your clothes except your shoes,” she ordered.

He frowned but complied removing all but his underwear.

“Your boxers too,” she said.

“You must be joking,” he said.

Jenna tightened her lips and shifted the gun pointed at him. “Do I act like I’m kidding? Are you willing to risk dying to find out?”

The man grumbled but removed his underwear.

“Now step back.” When he did she strode forward and picked up his clothes. She quickly searched his pants pockets. “Where are the keys to the truck?” she asked.

“In the ignition.”

“And your cell?”

“On the seat in the cab.”

“Stay here in the woods until I’m gone,” Jenna ordered. Carrying his clothes in one hand, she darted to the truck, tossed the clothes into the truck bed and slid behind the steering wheel. Just as he’d said, the keys were in the ignition and there was a smart phone on the seat. She started the truck but instead of driving up the ramp and heading west toward Albuquerque she drove under the overpass and went east.

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A Witch and Her Dragons: Volume 1 

Kiya, a witch, is devastated when her cousin is murdered. Shortly after that, she becomes acquainted with Raith who informs her this murder is a pattern of killings done by an evil demon. The only lead is all the murders are connected with a band called Lusty Desires. Kiya vows to avenge the murder of her cousin and seeks out the help of the goddess Nyx to increase her witch powers. Nyx provides those powers but drastically changes Kiya in the process. The team of Kiya and Raith begin following the band and because of her financial background, Kiya becomes the band’s manager. The position provides an excellent reason for being with the band while the team searches for the demon.

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The Spreading Evil: Volume 2

Things have calmed since Kiya and her team destroyed the demon Xaphon. The band Kiya manages, called Lusty Desires, has completed their tour and are now back in studio to make another album. Kiya is taking a welcome break from her tour duties and demon hunting. She misses her teammates and lovers, Raith and Kaley. They’re in Europe traveling with another touring band. Kiya is unaware that a new threat, far deadlier than Xaphon, is forming. Tiona, the daughter of the demon Xaphon, is merciless and brutal. She is creating followers and fellow demons. Their goal is to mingle among humans to kill and multiply. Tiona also seeks to annihilate Kiya for she is the witch who destroyed her father. The two forces, one good and one evil, are on a collision course. Who will live and who will die?

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Seattle Bloodbath: Volume 3 

The demon Tiona has escaped Kiya and her team in Oklahoma. She has gone to Seattle, Washington where the band Kiya manages is scheduled to perform. Tiona is determined to destroy Kiya, first because she hates witches, and second, for killing her demon son. The demon terror plots Kiya’s demise along with those associated with her and this time the band itself will not escape unscathed. Disappointed at not encountering Tiona in Oklahoma, Kiya and her team go to Seattle unaware that Tiona is already there and preparing to strike. The coming confrontation will be deadly and costly for both sides.

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Micca’s Wrath: Volume 4

When Kiya declines to let her join the demon slayer team, Micca is crushed. When an old high school friend walks back into her life, joy envelops her. She moves in with Kevin and Dale then enrolls in college. She meets and becomes great friends with, Trisha, the woman who lives in the apartment across the hall from her. Micca soon becomes the happiest she has ever been. Three people, Kevin, Dale and Trisha become the most important people in her life. She falls deeply in love with all three of them. 

But happiness seldom lasts forever. Micca is a witch and the mortal enemy of demons. One of them finds her and plans turn her world inside out before taking her life. 

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International Kissing Day! 💋

Did you know that July 6th is International Kissing Day or World Kiss Day?

 

 

 

Did you also know that kissing, besides a fun thing to do, has many health benefits?

 

Consumer Health Digest

 

 

So grab a WILLING PARTNER and  kiss to stay healthy… kiss because you’re in love…. or kiss because you simply like to kiss

 

 
Whatcha waiting for……

AND 
 
 
 
 ALREADY!!!! 

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The Sea Was A Fair Master by Calvin Demmer (Book Review)

The world’s fate lies with a comatose young girl; an android wants to remember a human she once knew under Martian skies; men at sea learn that the ocean is a realm far different from land, where an unforgiving god rules; a school security guard discovers extreme English class; and a man understands what the behemoth beneath the sea commands of him.
 
The Sea Was a Fair Master is a collection of 23 stories, riding the currents of fantasy, science fiction, crime, and horror. There are tales of murder, death, loss, revenge, greed, and hate. There are also tales of hope, survival, and love.
 
For the sea was a fair master.
 
 

 

“Sea Ate Nine” Excerpt

(From The Sea Was a Fair Master collection)

By Calvin Demmer

 

For months, the nightmares of battling the sea would find him in the small hours. Fighting wave after wave, he struggled to keep afloat as the undertow pulled him away from land. In the deep ocean, he’d surrender and beneath the water, he went.

His lungs would flood.

He wouldn’t die.

Instead, he’d drift in currents as tranquil as clouds. A large shape would move in the distance. He could never see it clearly, but on occasion he heard the voice.

It didn’t really speak. It was more of a call and was unlike anything Grover Jenkins had heard. It boomed, and not even the ocean currents could stifle its magnificent force, which would send Grover reeling backward. It was so powerful that his vision distorted and his brain rattled so hard within his skull that he feared internal hemorrhaging. He was thankful that this behemoth only bellowed three words every time, for another word more and Grover feared either his head would explode or the bones in his body would shatter.

“Sea.”

“Ate.”

“Nine.”

Grover didn’t understand what it wanted from him from by way of the three random words, until one night at work they revealed themselves…

 

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

When I was reading the various stories in this collection, two words kept popping into my head regarding many characters — CREEPY and PSYCHO! 

Calvin Demmer let the craziness and horrific tales unfold in various places by a few unlikely whackjobs. Man, woman, child….. Calvin didn’t limit one specific gender or age bracket to the title of crazed. Calvin’s evildoers were also not always of this world. 

He tapped into our fears. He tapped into the unknown. He showed us evil lurks all around us and sometimes right before our very eyes. 

A few of my top scoring short tales: 

1.) “The Revenge of the Myth”: You’ll never look at Santa’s little helpers the same way again.

2.) “Voodoo Child”: Many people believe in the power of voodoo dolls, so I think this short tale will be a favorite of many readers. 

3.) “Letting the Dead Grow”: Move over Jason and Mike Myers, Rowan has hit the Halloween spook scene and he creeped me out more than you two.. combined. 

4.) “Hangman”: I’m a parent and fear of violence at school is always on my mind. However, with Calvin centering the disturbing tale around a childhood game, I found myself drawn in. When your life is on the line, you’ll play harder. Then again, when you are dealing with people with mental issues, sometimes playing your best isn’t good enough. 

 

Summation:

Calvin’s imagination took me to places where I didn’t want to go, kind of wished I didn’t go, but also impressed me on how well he constructed these dark and horrific tales. Good job on freaking me the hell out and for ruining Christmas for me.

 

 

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤❤1/2

 

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Calvin Demmer is a dark fiction author. His debut collection, The Sea Was a Fair Master, was released in June 2018. When not writing, he is intrigued by that which goes bump in the night and the sciences of our universe. You can find him online at www.calvindemmer.com or follow him on Twitter @CalvinDemmer.

Honors

South African Horrorfest Bloody Parchment short story competition 2017: Finalist
Bards and Sages Reader’s Choice Awards: Author of the Year 2017
DarkFuse Tiny Terrors (November 2016 winner) “Ana Loves Red”

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Authors: Get Inspired with June’s Sweet Selections!

Source Unknown

 

 

 

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equallywed.com

 

 

 

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cosmopolitan.com

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Author Showcase / Interview & BOOK GIVEAWAY – Jim Proctor (Freedom: A Futuristic Fantasy)

Howdy and welcome to Kam’s Place, Jim Proctor! 

 

  1. For those who might not be familiar with you, would you be a dear and tell the readers a little about yourself? How did you get your start in the writing business?

(Jim)  I’ve been a laboratory scientist and engineer for the past 38 years. I’ve been married for almost 35 years, and my wife and I have four kids. The youngest is 22.

It’s hard to say when I got my start in the writing business. I think I started writing my first novel around 2007 or 2008. I spent more than four years writing it. I had this idea that I would send it off to a publisher and they would love it. They would send me a check for a bunch of money, and I’d be an author. Then I heard about this thing called self-publishing and I jumped into it. I cut a lot of corners, and the book sucked, though I didn’t realize it at the time. I wrote a short story and another novel, both of which also sucked.

It was then that I reached a low point in my life. My sister was dying of cancer. I was in poor health and dealing with constant pain. It was all too much for me. I unpublished all my books and vanished from indie book community for almost two years. Then I got the itch to write again. I decided, if I was going to do it, I needed to take it a lot more seriously. I wrote a new novel (which had grown out of the horrible short story I had unpublished). I hired a professional editor. I hired a professional cover artist. I began to think of myself as an author when I published Veronica Phoenix.

Somewhere in there, I started in the writing business.

(KAM) I’m truly sorry for all the pain and suffering you’ve experienced in your life. My thoughts are with you. 

 

 

Carl Wilkins, a successful man with a thriving business, loses everything and has to start over from scratch. His dogged determination quickly deteriorates when he finds that even his reputation is gone. With barely enough money to buy a cheap bottle of booze, and no prospects for employment, things look bleak until he receives an unusual job offer from a stranger who turns up just as Carl hits rock bottom. The perilous space salvage job is more than just a chance to rebuild his broken life. It is also a chance to strike back at SACOM, the people who ruined him. Carl, the best space salvage operator in the star system, bets his life that he can complete the job. Setting out in the Phoenix, a specially modified space freighter, Carl begins a dangerous mission to find and collect missing cargo pods from the dense asteroid belt. Struggling to remain alive in the belt while avoiding detection by SACOM ships, Carl learns that he may have as much to fear from the people who hired him as he does from SACOM. His chance to rebuild his life turns into a desperate race across the galaxy in hopes of finding a safe haven where no one will ever find him.

 

 

 

  1. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, please share how you handle it.

(Jim)  I don’t really dread writer’s block. I write when the story is ready for me to write it. Sometimes that means writing every day for months on end. Sometimes the story just doesn’t fall into place. When that happens, I spend more time reading. The story always comes back to me to be written. You can’t force it. I can’t, anyway.

 

 

  1. Will you please share with the visitors what genre(s) you write? Also, when you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?

(Jim) I mainly write Science Fiction and Fantasy. When I’m not writing, I work on old cars and I read.

 

 

  1. I know many writers, such as myself, keep their pastime/career a secret. Do those close to you know you write? If so, what are their thoughts?

(Jim) Most people who know me, know I write. When I first started, I wrote under a pen name and I didn’t tell many people. It was a bit surreal. I don’t know if I thought I was going to become famous and I didn’t want people to know who I really was, or if something else made me use a pen name. When I came back to writing, I used my real name. My friends and coworkers know I write.

(KAM) That’s great! 

 

 

  1. Will you share with us your all-time favorite authors? If you’re like me, it’s a long list so give us your top ten.

(Jim) Not in any order… J.R.R. Tolkien, Peter F. Hamilton, Julie E. Czerneda, Isaac Asimov, Terry Pratchett, John Varley, Lia Fairchild, Jon Messenger, Bart Hopkins, D. Hart St. Martin. There are many more.

 

 

  1. If you could choose one book to go to the big screen, yours or otherwise, which book would you choose and whom would you love to see cast in the parts?

(Jim) Oh, I love this question. I would love to see Veronica Phoenix and Search for the Phoenix go to the big screen. I know that’s two books, but they are really one story. Or, two stories running side-by-side.

Casting… hmmm… If I could choose, Megan Carson would be played by Gina Torres. General Lance Nelson would be played by LL Cool J. Carl Wilkins would be played by Bruce Willis. Nolan Peters would be played by Peter Scolari. Georgia Bennet would be played by Sigourney Weaver. Some of these actors are too old for the parts, but I find it hard to accept that. After all, I’m still a teenager.

 

Fighting to remain one step ahead of SACOM, Nolan Peters and Megan Carson investigate the mysterious disappearance of their friend, Carl Wilkins. During the investigation, Nolan struggles with his growing affection for Megan, while she tries to cope with the recent death of her husband. Will the strain bring them together, or drive them apart? 

When the pair uncovers evidence of a treasonous conspiracy that threatens the stability of all human worlds across the galaxy, they reluctantly put their trust in a SACOM investigator and a hard-nosed Army general to root out the conspirators. Will their trust prove to be their undoing… or prevent a galactic-scale military coup?

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  1. Would you care to tell us what you’re working on now? That is if it’s not top-secret information. If so, just whisper it in my ear. I swear it’ll go no further.

(Jim) I started writing a post-apocalyptic story with a science fiction premise. Unfortunately, it isn’t going very well. I’ve written the first three chapters, and it is too much scifi. The post-apocalyptic crowd doesn’t like a lot of scifi in their stories. I am taking a short break, and then I will turn three long chapters into a short opening chapter. That’s the part I am having a hard time with. Then chapter two will start right in with the post-apocalyptic stuff.

 

 

  1. Where can we find your stories, and is there a particular reading order?

(Jim) All my books are available on Amazon for Kindle and in paperback. I would suggest reading Veronica Phoenix before reading Search for the Phoenix. You can read Freedom: A Futuristic Fantasy before or after the Phoenix series.

 

 

  1. Would you please share how your present and future fans can contact you?

(Jim) I can be found on Facebook (facebook.com/IndieAuthorJimProctor) and on Twitter (@AuthorJProctor). I have a web site, as well: AuthorJimProctor.com, though I must admit I have fallen a bit behind on updating it. I need to remedy that.

 

 

  1. Before we conclude this enlightening interview, do you have anything else you’d like to share? The stage is all yours.

(Jim) I’ve been involved with the indie book community for several years and I must say, I have met a lot of wonderful people. Most are friendly and helpful, as well as supportive. A few… not so much. I ignore them. Usually you can spot the ones to avoid. Their facebook page is all “Me-me-me, I’m so wonderful.” Anyway, I want to say to everyone who has helped me, been supportive, promoted me, “Thank you.”

 

 

~~ Closing remarks ~~

Thank you Jim for answering a few questions for us and also for allowing ONE LUCKY VISITOR a chance to WIN a signed book by you. 

Now, who’s ready to win a prize?! (keep scrolling for details) 

 

 

 

~~Time to check out the prize!!~~

Jazeen is a prisoner—not in a jail or a dungeon, but in her own home. Her parents, guilt-ridden since the death of their oldest daughter, have taken overprotective to the extreme, never allowing her out of the house except to attend school. 

Trapped and frustrated, Jazeen only wishes to be free. When a familiar bird taps on the metal of her balcony, compelling her outside to investigate, she’s hit by an almost jealous yearning when it spreads its wings and soars away. Despite knowing her mother would disapprove, she climbs onto the railing, staring out at the vastness of the stars. It’s then she hears it… the thrum of an airship. 

Mistakenly under the impression Jazeen is about to jump, the eccentric airship pilot throws her a rope. In an act of defiance… or perhaps desperation… she grabs it and climbs onto the ship’s deck, sending her life in an entirely new direction. The dangers of the world, once no more than vague concepts, suddenly become very real. 

Thrust into a reality where magic isn’t make believe and witches do exist, Jazeen isn’t sure if she has what it takes to protect her newfound freedom, but she isn’t about to give it up without a fight.

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Venandi reached the next pad where a large passenger airship was tied up. A ship like this would have a captain, a first mate, one or two pilots, as well as stewards and a cook. With a crew of that size, it was a pretty safe bet that the first mate would slack off as soon as the captain was out of sight. He would promise the captain that things would get done, and then he’d delegate everything to his underlings.

Venandi studied the people milling around the airship. One man was doing a lot of pointing and barking out orders—probably the ship’s captain. Beside him was another man who seemed to be trying to look important while staying out of the captain’s way—likely the first mate. He would be the man to talk to once the captain left the area. Captains weren’t generally forthcoming with information when questioned by strangers. First mates were more talkative when their captain went away. They tended to be self-important, considering themselves just one step away from being a captain without having much in the way of real authority aboard ship. They were the ones who would tell you where their wealthy, invalid grandmother lived in exchange for a modest bribe. If money didn’t work, offering to buy the mate a drink or four often did. They were especially loose with information after several drinks. Venandi waited, being careful to move about casually so as not to appear to be watching the crew. Soon, the captain finished giving orders and walked away toward the town. The first mate, looking both annoyed and relieved, began yelling at other crew members as well as port workers assigned to their pad. Then, having relieved his own stress, he sat on a crate and watched as everyone worked. Venandi walked along the pad and approached the man.

“Nice ship,” he said.

The first mate looked up, grunted something under his breath, and went back to watching the crew work.

“Do you frequent the ports here along the coast?” Venandi asked.

The man looked at him and said, “Can’t you see I’m busy? I have a lot to get done before the captain comes back. Get lost.”

“Please, accept my apology. I didn’t mean to interfere with your important work. Being first mate is a tremendous responsibility. You practically run the ship from bow to stern while keeping the crew in line and working hard,” Venandi said.

“That’s right. And what do I get to show for it? Crap wages and derision from the captain, that’s what.”

Venandi sat on a crate nearby. “Exactly! That’s why I just walked away from the ship I was serving on. The captain started bossing me around as soon as the ship touched down, telling me to do this and do that. And then what does he do? He turns to leave, no doubt planning to find a bar stool that needs warming. Well, I’ve had my fill of that. I told him off and walked away. You should have seen the look on his face.”

The man smiled and nodded. “Good for you. So, are you looking for a job on another airship?”

“As a matter of fact, I am. Not just any ship, though. I have an old friend by the name of Angus Beaph who runs his own airship. I worked for him years ago. Leaving his ship was the biggest mistake of my career. I’d like to find him and see if he’d be willing to give me another chance.”

“Where’s he fly out of? Can’t say I recognize the name. Is it a passenger ship? I know most of the passenger ships in these parts,” the man said.

“No, it’s a private ship. He mainly does charter operations for small groups. You know, fishing trips, sightseeing, that sort of stuff.”

“Well, the name still doesn’t ring any bells. What’s the ship look like?” the man asked.

Venandi leaned closer and said in a hushed voice, “It’s a nuclear-electric ship. It has big engine pods with the electric motors coupled directly to the props. It has a red balloon and a light blue composite hull.”

“I might have seen a ship like that a time or two. What’s it worth to you?” the man asked.

Venandi smiled. “My future livelihood might depend on me finding that ship and getting my old job back. I would be extremely grateful for any information that might help.”

“Well, I could probably spare you a few minutes of my time if you’re buying. My captain always goes to The Wheelhouse Tavern when we’re here. I know another bar where we could talk in peace.”

Venandi stood. “Lead the way.”

“Extremely grateful, you said?”

Venandi nodded. Digging in his pocket, he pulled out two gold coins, looked around to see if anyone was watching, and handed them to the first mate. “That’s just the down payment. When we get to the bar, I’m buying.”

The man smiled and stood, slipping the coins into a pocket. “Follow me.”

The man led the way through the port and along the edge of town. He entered The Flight Deck, a rundown dive across the street from the port’s maintenance hangars. This was a bar where men and women with greasy hands and stained overalls would hang out. No airship captain would set foot in here, except maybe to find a delinquent crew member and drag him back to the ship.

The bar was dimly lit, crowded, and loud. Six pool tables were in use to his right. To the left, a wall lined with dartboards had a large crowd of spectators. The rest of the room was filled with tables from the front wall to the bar at the back. The first mate made his way to an empty table in the far-right corner beyond the pool tables.

Venandi sat across from him. “You said you’ve seen my friend’s ship.”

“I might have,” the man said. Waving to a man wearing a stained apron, he offered no more information. The man in the apron approached.

“What can I get for you gentlemen?” he asked.

“I’ll have a beer and a shot of whiskey. The good stuff, understand?” the first mate asked.

“Yes, sir.” Turning to Venandi, the waiter asked, “And for you?”

“Same thing,” he said as he handed the man some money.

The man counted the bills and slipped them into a pocket of his apron. “I’ll get your drinks right away.”

“You were telling me where you saw my friend’s ship,” Venandi prompted.

“Let’s see if the beer and whiskey jog my memory,” the mate said.

Venandi smiled. “I’ve already paid for the first round in advance.”

The mate smiled and nodded. “Ain’t the first round I’m worried about.”

The waiter returned. He set two tall mugs and two shot glasses on the table.

Venandi pulled out a wad of bills and handed them to the waiter. “This is for the next three rounds.” Turning to the first mate, he asked, “Are you satisfied?”

The mate nodded. “Make sure you’re back with the next round before this one is done.”

The waiter nodded and walked away.

“Now, my friend’s ship?” Venandi asked.

“We sometimes take folks over to a resort on the South Sea. I’ve seen a ship like you described a couple of times. Odd thing is, it’s never running along the coast. Mostly it’s going out to sea or coming back in.”

“That’s interesting. What’s out there in the sea?”

The first mate shrugged. “Don’t know. On the chart, there’s some small islands off the coast, but none of them have cities. They’re all too small. Can’t imagine he’d be going to one of them.”

“And where is this, exactly?” Venandi asked.

“Head over to Rockport on the south coast. Buy yourself a chart of the area. You’ll see the islands. There’s seven or eight of them scattered around the sea.”

“Thank you. You’ve been most helpful,” Venandi said as he stood.

“Hey, we still have three more rounds coming,” the mate objected.

Venandi smiled. “I need to go, but I’ll tell you what. You can have six more rounds on me.”

The first mate smiled. “It’s been a pleasure doing business with you.”

Venandi nodded, then turned and hurried out of the bar. 

 

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Ladies and gents, in celebration of Jim Proctor’s latest release, Freedom: A Futuristic Fantasy, he is offering ONE LUCKY CONTESTANT a SIGNED PAPERBACK COPY

To enter, all you have to do is leave JIM a comment or question on his feature from NOW until Tuesday 11:59 p.m., central time. 

On Wednesday, (June 27th), I will randomly select a winner and he or she’s name will be announced on a comment. 

We ask that you PLEASE FOLLOW the blog posting so you will receive a notification when I make the happy announcement.

 

**Due to shipping costs, only residents of the continental United States will be eligible to enter.**

 

~~ Don’t Forget~~

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