$1.00 Ebook deals - World Book Day

[Linda S. Prather Author]

Libby, I corresponded with some Creole websites and they referred me to other blogs and people to talk to.  Still have a lot of research to do in the final rewrite, and hoping for a road trip down to Louisiana and the Bayou.  I had done some voudou researach and hoodoo research for the Third Jacody Ives Book which deals with the darker side of voodoo, and the one we're used to seeing in movies.  I decided for this book to do a truer version of the religion as practiced in the south.

Thanks for stopping by.


Linda

[Dana Taylor]

Well, golly, Linda, you just confirmed my long-standing rule to stay away from Voo-Doo!  Good scene--really.

Dana

[Linda S. Prather Author]

Thanks, Dana.  There isn't a lot of the voodoo in this book, but it does play an important role and I've loved the research.


Linda

[wyndwitch]

Oh that is indeed spooky! All the best with it

[Linda S. Prather Author]

Authors love reviews of their work, but contrary to what most readers may believe we're also terrified when we submit a book to a professional reviewer.  We actually go through weeks of torture wondering what we were thinking.  The old "what if" syndrome.  I submitted The Gifts to Whispering Winds Book Reviews several months ago.  Ms. Hepinstall also reviews for Midwest Book Reviews, and I knew the review would be posted on their book shelf.   The months passed and I grew even more fearful.  What if she hated it?  Would she even review it if she hated it?  Finally my wait was over, and I received an email from Ms. Hepinstall telling me my review had been posted and that she would be reviewing Sacred Secrets sometime in the next few weeks.  I opened my amazon page, my heart beating a little erratic with fear.  I was thrilled, and just a little surprised to find a five star review.  I had hoped, and kept my fingers crossed for a four star.  If you've read a great book lately, take a moment to write a review for the author.  Positive reviews from readers take a little of the fear away while we're waiting for those professional reviews--and they make us smile.



If you love a good mystery mixed with the supernatural, and suspense, then this is the book for you. It is a thriller that has you thinking one way, and then within the next few pages you are on a journey that will keep you going until the end. It is like being on a roller coaster. You slowly make your way up to the top, all the time watching how high you are going. Then as you reach the top you say to yourself, "What was I thinking?" Yet it is too late to get off. This book is like a roller coaster.

Once you start reading it, there is no turning back. The book will draw you into the story and the characters. I thought I had it figured out half way through the book, and then sure as shoot I found out I was lost. I immediately put on my dunce hat that my sixteen year old grandson Jeremy made for me with duct tape. He told me if I ever needed help in writing a review to wear it.
This is a great read.

Sandra Heptinstall

[Sebastian Kirby]

Linda

That's a great review. You've captured the tension in opening up that amazon page for the first time really well!

Best wishes


Seb

[Linda S. Prather Author]

Thanks, Seb.  It is a suspenseful situtation for all of us.


Linda

[Linda S. Prather Author]

The Gifts, A Jacody Ives Mystery is Pixel of Ink's Bargain Book of The Day today.  I hope you'll stop by and check out some of the other great freebies or bargain books.  I decided to use my once a week advertising on something both for me, and for readers--great finds of good books.  Many of which are free and/or discounted.

Hope you're having a great day!

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pixelofink.com%2Fbargain-kindle-book-the-gifts-a-jacody-ives-mystery%2F&h=93fb1

[Linda S. Prather Author]

This has been my alltime favorite blog post at:  http://www.jacodypress.blogspot.com 
If you love good homemade food recipes please visit and check out the pies, salads, dips and sauces

And if you love a great mystery - please take a moment to read a sample of The Jacody Ives Mysteries

THE GIFTS, A JACODY IVES MYSTERY

Setup:  Sheriff Sarah Burns was born with what her grandmother calls “The Gift”.  In the final throes of death, souls reached out to her with dying messages.  Only this time the message was for Sarah.

“He’s coming, Sarah.  He wants to destroy you.”

SACRED SECRETS, A JACODY IVES MYSTERY

Setup:  Charity Froste is one of three women missing.  A prostitute, a nurse and a voodoo woman (Charity).  Two of them are already dead.

Charity looked around her, her heart fluttering as reality closed in. She was in an old farm cellar. From the looks of it no one had been here for years. Tears formed, she bit her lip, steadied the candle. Her whispered words stirring fear into full blown terror. “Yous’ in trouble now, sugah. Yous’ done been buried alive.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SOME DELICIOUS HOMEMADE BREADS

Quick and Easy Spoon Bread

1 cup boiling water
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup white corn meal
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. soft butter
2 eggs, beaten

Pour boiling water over corn meal, mixing as you go.  Batter will be stiff.  Blend in remaining ingredients.  Pour into a buttered one quart casserole and place into a 400 degree oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until set.  Serve piping hot with butter.  Great with bacon or sausage.

Cream Cheese Muffin Puffs

1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. almond extract
1/4 cup oleo, melted
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 (10 oz.) can refrigerated biscuits, plain, no butter
1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, cut into 10 cubes

In small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and almond extract. In another small bowl, combine margarine and vanilla.  Separate dough into 10 biscuits. Press or roll each into 3 inch circle. Dip each cheese cube in margarine then in sugar mixture. Place in center of each circle. Fold dough over cheese covering completely. Seal well, shaping into balls. Dip each filled biscuit in margarine and then sugar mixture. Place seam side down in ungreased muffin cups. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 - 15 minutes.  Remove from pan immediately.

Butterscotch Bubble Bread

1 bag frozen dinner rolls
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup raisins
1 sm. box butterscotch pudding, not instant
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 stick butter.

Grease bundt pan.  Place frozen rolls in pan. Combine cinnamon and granulated sugar and sprinkle over rolls., follow with nuts and raisins. Mix together brown sugar and pudding and sprinkle over top. Arrange thin pats of margarine on top.  Cover with cloth and allow to stand overnight.  Bake at 350 degress for 30 minutes. Invert on place and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread

1/2 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs beaten
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup chopped nuts
1/4 cup marashino cherries, cut
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 tsp. baking powder
2 cups flour

Cream margarine and sugar.  Add next 5 ingredients. Sift salt, baking powder and flour. Blend with other ingredients.  Bake in bread pans at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

[Dana Taylor]

Linda,

My hips are spreading just reading ingredients!

Dana

[Linda S. Prather Author]

I decided today that I was really in the mood for homemade candy, so I thought I'd invite two of my favorite Jacody Ives characters into the kitchen.  Welcome, if you would, Millie Crawford and Carl Jackson.  Two very old friends with lots of secrets, but you'll have to read the book to find those out.  Of course, I had forgotten how cantankerous these two could get when placed in close proximity.  I may live to regret my decision.

"Have you two decided on a recipe yet?"

Millie smiled at me sweetly, her grey eyes twinkling.  "We're going to make Turtles for little Nikki, and the babies."

"Turtles!"  Carl rolled his eyes toward the ceiling.  "I ain't making no da..." 

*Smack*.

"You watch your language Carl Jackson.  Little Nikki is in the other room."

Millie gave him a stern look, unconcerned by the darkening of the deep brown eyes.  "We're making Turtles."

"Carl, why don't you take a cigarette break while Millie and I gather all the supplies?"  I gently moved him toward the back door.  "By the time you get back we'll be all set."

"Humph," Millie snorted behind me, "old coot needs to quit smoking 'fore they kill him."

Taking a deep breath I closed the door quickly, shutting off Carl's not so nice retort.  "Now, Millie, you know Carl.  He'll come around.  We just have to make it look like we're having fun."

"Humph, be a lot more fun without him."  Millie growled,  opening cabinet doors and pulling out bowls.  "Old coot needs to learn a little respect for his elders."

I stifled the giggle bubbling up inside my chest.  Millie was only a month older than Carl, but she used that trump card every time she could.  "Why don't you make him some of your special coffee.  Nothing mellows Carl like a good cup of your coffee."

Millie reached for the pot a mischievous smile playing around her lips.  "I was just thinking the same thing myself.  Why the poor dear must be starving for a good cup of coffee after drinking that rotgut Miss Charity serves."

Uh, oh.  Now that was a subject I truly did not want the two of them getting into.  "Hand me the recipe and I'll start putting everything together."
Millie handed me a set of handwritten instructions.  "Carl wrote them out, so I hope you can read it."

The back door opened and Carl strode back in.  "Of course she can read it.  Ain't like that chicken scratching of yours.  Here give me that list."

"Millie's making you some fresh coffee, Carl.  You know, the kind you like."

A slow grin spread over the wrinkled face.  "With the good stuff in it?"
Millie nodded, reaching for her purse.  "Best money can buy."

"Now you're talking."  Carl turned back to me, list in hand.  "You ready, girl?"

"Lead on."

Carl scowled at the list.  "Need a cup and a half of flour, a half a teaspoon of soda, a fourth a teaspoon of salt, a half a cup of butter, an egg, a half a cup of brown sugar,. .."

"Firmly packed."  Millie reminded him gently, as she poured a sizeable helping of bourbon into the coffee cup and topped it off with fresh brewed coffee.   "And you need to slow down.  She ain't got half the stuff you read off yet."

I could tell Carl really wanted to make some smart retort, but the delicious smell drifting his way kept his mouth closed.  He wasn't going to take a chance on Millie not passing over that cup of coffee.

"Now, you drink this and Linda and I will finish getting things ready."

Taking the cup of coffee Carl breathed in the aroma and sighed.    "You girls go right ahead."

Millie grabbed the list and quickly pulled all the ingredients together.   I was beginning to think my presence wasn't really needed when Millie stopped in mid-stride and reached for another cup.  "You look a little pale, honey.  Let me fix you a cup of coffee."

"Uh, thanks, Millie, but just coffee, okay?"

"Humph, need more than that to put color in them cheeks." 

Millie handed me the coffee.  "Drink up.  Loosen you up a little.  You're way to uptight."

Uptight.  That was an understatement.  Sniffing the coffee I took a small sip.  Just as I suspected Millie had poured in a generous dose of Kentucky Bourbon.  It was good, though.  I took another sip, savoring the taste.  I really could start to like this.  Problem was I couldn't hold my liquor.  One stout drink and I'd start giggling like a school girl.  Only two sips and I could already feel it.

"So,  guys, are we gonna make candy?" 

Carl sat back in his seat, reaching for a cigarette.  "Cheaper to buy it at the store if you ask me."

I giggled.  Uh, oh.  "Yeah, but not as much fun.  Come on, Carl, we can make the turtles."

"Told you, I ain't making no da…I ain't making no turtles.  A man don't make turtles."

"Humph,"  Millie grumbled pouring herself a cup of fresh coffee and adding her special elixir.  "A real man don't have to worry about such things.  Why if Clarence was here he'd be right in there fixing them turtle shells."

I saw the smug smile on Millie's face out the corner of my eye, as I watched Carl sputter and stutter.  Smart woman.

"Hand me them pecans.  Anything that old codger can do I can do better."

I really couldn't resist.  The song just sprang into my mind.  "I can do anything better than you."

Carl raised an eyebrow and looked at my cup.  Which surprisingly was empty.  "Millie, how much bourbon did you put in that cup?"

Millie glanced up from her mixing.  "Oh, dear.  She drank it all already?"

"Yep, every last sip."  Carl stated, taking the empty cup from my hand.   "Don't think you need any more of this, honey.  Why don't you just sit there quietly and we'll let you lick the frosting spoon."

*Hiccup*.  "Okie, dokie."

Carl took the baking pan, greased it up good and grabbed the bag of pecans.  "Rounded side up, right?"

Millie smiled at him.  "One for the head, two for the back legs."

I sat, giggling occasionally as Carl lined up the pecans.  "Don't look like a turtle to me.  Have you got a picture of that?   I bet it don't look like that." 
Millie came to the table carrying a bowl of dough balls and bowl of egg whites.  "Now you shush up.  Carl, I think you done a great job, honey.  Now all we have to do is form the bodies."

"Oh, goodie," I squeaked, popping a dough ball into my mouth.  Which wasn't nearly as good as I'd thought it would be.  Millie immediately moved the bowl out of my reach.

I figured I'd better be good or they wouldn't let me have any turtles.  Sitting quietly except for an occasional giggle I watched as they dipped the balls into egg whites and pressed them into the nuts forming perfect little turtle bodies.   "They're so cute."

Millie and Carl exchanged glances as Millie picked up the pan and headed for the oven.  "Carl, why don't you pour Linda a cup of plain coffee."

"Only if I can make myself one that ain't plain."  Carl joined her at the counter.  "You think we can sober her up before the story closes out?"

Millie glanced my way and I gave her a big smile with a thumbs up.  Shaking her head she turned back to the counter.  "Don't look that way."

Carl placed the cup of coffee in front of me.  "Drink up, honey.  Otherwise I get to write the ending here, and you know how you hate it when I write the story."

Three cups of coffee later the turtles were cooling on a rack and Carl handed me the frosting spoon.  "Here you go, honey.   Just like I promised."

Unfortunately the smell didn't have quite the effect either of us had expected.  Or maybe not the effect I had expected.  "I don't feel so good.  Would you two excuse me."  I headed quickly for the bathroom.

"Works every time."  Carl smiled at Millie, licking the spoon.  "That sure is good, Mille.  Don't nobody make chocolate frosting like you."

Millie smiled back.  "Another cup of coffee?"

"Might as well.  I don't think she's coming back."

Carl sipped his coffee watching as Millie coated each little turtle with chocolate.  "They are kind of cute."

"Humph,"  Millie grunted.  "Thought real men didn't make turtles?"

"Hush woman," Carl growled.  "I'm thinking.  I gotta close this thing out."

"Ain't no brainer there.  Just tell them what you learned."

Carl looked around the room.  "You ever wonder where they are, Millie?"

Millie licked chocolate from her finger and shook her head.  "Everybody loves a good book.  They're everywhere."

Taking a deep breath Carl stood up.  "Well, ladies and gentlemen, there you have it.  Today we learned two things."  Laughing he took a sip of coffee.  "First, Linda can't hold her liquor."

Taking another sip of coffee he tightened his jaw muscles, brown eyes turning charcoal.  "And real men make turtles."

Draining the cup he headed for the counter.  "And I think it's time a real man got to sample the fruits of his labor."

"Carl Jackson don't you touch my turtles."

"Your turtles!  Dammit, woman, I made them turtles."

*Smack*.

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Turtles

1 1/2 cup sifted flour   1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp. soda    1/4 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt    1/8 tsp. maple flavoring
1/2 cup butter or margarine  pecan halves
1 egg     1 egg white
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

Mix flour, soda and salt.  Cream butter; gradually add sugar and cream well.  Add egg and egg yolk; beat well.  Blend in flavoring.  Add dry ingredients gradually and mix thoroughly.  Arrange pecan halves rounded side up in groups of three on greased baking sheet to resemble head and hind legs of turtles .  Mold dough into balls by using rounded teaspoon of dough to each.  Dip bottom into egg white and press into nuts.  Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.

Chocolate Frosting for Turtles:

2 (2 oz.) squares chocolate   1 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1/4 cup milk     1 cup confectioners' sugar

Combine chocolate, milk and butter in top of double broiler.  Heat over boiling water until chocolate melts; blend until smooth.  Remove from heat and add powdered sugar.  Beat until smooth and glossy.  Frost turtles when cool.

SOME MORE GREAT HOMEMADE CANDIES

Chocolate Caramels

2 cups sugar    1 cup nuts (optional)
2 cups whipping cream   1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 squares semi-sweet chocolate

Keep back 1 cup of cream.  Boil all other ingredients till firm ball stage.  Slowly add 1 cup cream and boil again till very firm ball is formed in cold water.  Boil at least 25 minutes.  Grease large cookie sheet and pour.  Cut when cool.

Peanut Butter Fudge

1/2 cup margarine   3/4 cup peanut butter
1 lb. light brown sugar   1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup milk    1 lb. confectioners' sugar

In medium saucepan melt margarine, stir in brown sugar and milk.  Bring to a boil and stir for 2 minutes.  Remove from heat, stir in peanut butter and vanilla.  Mix in confectioners' sugar; beat with mixer until smooth.  Spread into buttered 9 x 13 pan.  Chill.

Peanut Brittle

2 cups sugar    1 Tbsp. butter
1 cup white corn syrup   1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup water    2 tsp. soda
1 lb. unsalted peanuts

Boil sugar, syrup and water until mixture spins a thread in cold water.  About 11 minutes.  Add peanuts and cook until mixture is caramelized - about 10 minutes.  Stir in butter and vanilla.  Add soda and stir quickly.  Spread candy on large buttered cookie sheet.  When cook break into pieces.

Butterscotch Balls

1 box powered sugar   1 cup coconut
1 cup chopped pecans   2 sticks margarine, melted
1/2 cup peanut butter   1-6oz pkg. butterscotch chips
1 tsp. vanilla    1/2 bar paraffin wax

Combine first 6 ingredients.  Add margarine.  Shape into balls.  Melt butterscotch chips and paraffin.  Dip balls into butterscotch mixture.  Drop onto waxed paper.


Love Bargain Books - Check out my Bargain Book Bin of 99 Cent specials: http://jacodypress.blogspot.com/2011/04/bargain-bin-indie-ebooks-99.html

[Linda S. Prather Author]

Gavin

The nightmares were getting stronger, the screams louder, closer. And this time there had been blood and pain. The knot in his stomach still hurt, and there was a strange ache in his chest. An eerie sadness.

“What the hell have I done?” he whispered.

Sarah

She hated the dreams. Hated the feeling of helplessness they created inside her as the dying reached out, sending messages to loved ones, or crying out for vengeance against their attacker. Only this time the dream had been different. This time the message was for Sarah.

Carl

“Didn’t expect an old biddy like you to hit a man so hard.” He groaned, opening his eyes and glaring at Millie.

Clarence stepped next to Millie, placing an arm protectively around her shoulders. “I’m afraid I hit you, Mr. Jackson. Saw you skulking around and followed you.”

Carl turned his fierce gaze on Clarence, but held his tongue. The old fart looked pretty tough, even barefoot. Besides, he wasn’t in any shape to take on the two of them.

Rob


The words cleared the remaining fog from Rob’s brain. Taking the mug of steaming coffee from Carl’s hand, he sat down at the table. His head still pounded, but his eyes were sharp and clear, his voice strong, “I’ve got your back, Carl.”


Nikki


A heartbreaking smile lit up the small face. Gavin found himself entranced, images flowing through his mind. He could see himself teaching her to play ball, pacing the floor while she was out on her first date, walking her down the aisle. He mentally shook himself, dispelling the images as he concentrated on what she was saying.

“I’m going to write books some day about a beautiful ballerina who travels all over the world and solves crimes and helps people.”

Millie


Millie couldn’t stop herself from lifting the blinds and taking a quick peek to see if he was still there. A slight pang of disappointment filled her when she saw he had already entered the flower shop.

“Flirtatious old coot,” she muttered to herself as she opened the bookstore for business. Always calling me Millicent. She stopped her muttering as she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror behind the counter. The slight flush on her cheeks and sparkle in her eyes belied her age, as did the spring in her walk. The old fool had her feeling like a teenager. Maybe she’d just take a walk over there and see those new roses. He could probably use a good cup of coffee. Might even ask him over for dinner one night. Possibilities. The old coot had definite possibilities.

Joshua

Taking the mike, Joshua lowered his voice. “Listen, Sarah, get everybody you can out to the old mill on Elliott Pike. I’m sending Gavin back with Nikki. I’ll stay here and watch Cooper until backup arrives.” Joshua clicked off, his eyes meeting Gavin’s over Nikki’s head. “That’s the way it’s gonna be, partner."

Gavin nodded. He knew somebody had to stay. “No heroes?”

Joshua grinned, popping a fresh toothpick between his teeth. “I ain’t the hero type.”

Clarence


Millie smiled, still running her hand over the smooth surface. “She’s a real classic.”

“Yep.” Clarence moved in, putting his arm around her. “Classics are hard to find today. When I find one, I tend to hold onto it.”

[Linda S. Prather Author]

May is my birthday month, and Valerie Maarteen and I have teamed up on my blog to offer a special Buy One - Get One Free deal.  While you're there check out the Kindle $2.99 bargain bin and the Kindle $.99 bargain bin.  Some great finds there too.

http://jacodypress.blogspot.com/2011/05/buy-one-and-get-one-free-kindle-mystery.html

Have a great day!

Linda

[Linda S. Prather Author]

Stop by and check out the contest and enter to win a Kindle and other prizes.

http://jacodypress.blogspot.com/2011/05/enter-to-win-kindle-and-other-prizes.html

New prizes daily through 5/30.  Winner of the Kindle will be announced on 6/01.

[Linda S. Prather Author]

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fthefrugalereader.com%2F2011%2F06%2F06%2Fthe-frugal-find-of-the-day-the-gifts-a-jacody-ives-mystery-jacody-ives-mysteries-linda-s-prather-2-99%2F&h=68460

[Linda S. Prather Author]

Sacred Secrets, A Jacody Ives Mystery - Free as of June 18, 2011

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UHVS9C/

Not sure how long Amazon will keep up for free--grab your copy now.

Happy Reading!

Linda

[SarahBarnard]

Freebie? Did someone say Freebie? I LOVE free......

[Mel Comley]

Wow, I'm on my way to grab it too, I've read the Gifts already and was looking to buying this!

Thanks Linda, Good luck with it. 

[Linda S. Prather Author]

Thank you, guys.  I hope you enjoy it.


Linda

[Linda S. Prather Author]

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_2_23?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=psychological+thrillers&sprefix=psychological+thrillers#/ref=sr_st?keywords=psychological+thrillers&qid=1310095497&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3Apsychological+thrillers&sort=paidsalesrank

8. Sacred Secrets, A Jacody Ives Mystery (Jacody Ives Mysteries) by Linda S. Prather and Charles, Jr. Prather (Kindle Edition - Jun 30, 2010) - Kindle eBook
Buy: $2.99

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http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UHVS9C/

[Linda S. Prather Author]

Been a while since I've been here, but thought I'd stop by and share a little "flash" fiction.  If you like flash fiction and short stories, stop by my blog - http://www.jacodypress.blogspot.com  as I usually post something for #sundaysample.  Check out One Man's Justice, Soul Retrieval and many more.  Have a fun.


COOKIES FOR DAVEY

Davey Crimmens wheeled his bike around the corner of Third Street, slammed on the brakes and skidded to a stop less than two feet from the old woman. Jesus, where did she come from so fast?

"Davey, could you help me, please?"

Davey hesitated, weighing his options. He could keep on riding and ignore her, but he was already in trouble for sneaking off to the swimming hole yesterday. One more incident and mom would ground him for sure. And the old woman knew his name, which meant she most likely knew his mother. Parking his bike against the old wooden fence, her followed her through the gate.

"What do you need?"

She smiled at him, and motioned for him to follow her inside the house. "Could you move my rocking chair in front of the window for me please? Been trying to move it all day, but these old hands, you know." She held her hands out in front of her.

Davey shivered as he looked at the bent and gnarled fingers. Must be some kind of disease. The quicker he got out of here the better he'd feel.

Grabbing the rocker he hefted it toward the front window. "Here?"

She smiled at him again, running a hand over his dark curls. "That's perfect, sweetie. There's a plate of chocolate chip cookies for you in the kitchen. Why don't you take some to your friends?"

Davey made his way to the kitchen, stopping short when he saw the card placed next to the plate of fresh baked cookies. "Cookie's for Davey."

That was strange. How could the old woman know he'd be the one coming by today? His mother must of have told her. Good thing he stopped. Grabbing a handful of cookies he turned back to thank her, but she was gone.

Shrugging he shoved a cookie in his mouth, closed the front door behind him and grabbed his bike. He'd thank her tomorrow, or better yet tell his mother to thank her. That should score him some points.

Mike Thomas was waiting for him at the end of the street and Davey pulled up next to him, handing him a chocolate chip cookie. "Sorry, I’m late."

Biting into the cookie Mike grinned at him. "Was beginning to think your mom locked you up."

Davey shook his head. "Naw, she was mad, but not that mad."

"So what took you so long?" Mike licked the chocolate from his finger. "You got anymore cookies?"

Davey handed him another one. "I had to stop and help the old lady on the corner move a chair. Worth it though. These are the best cookies I've ever tasted."

Mike dropped the cookie he was holding. "You mean old lady Harrod?"

Davey hopped off his bike and picked up the cookie. "Five second rule."

"Don't eat that cookie!" Mike's voice trembled slightly, but still came out just short of a scream.

Davey stared at his best friend, his hand automatically stopping short of his already open mouth. Mike was pale, eyes huge, body shaking. "What's wrong with the cookies?"

Turning his bike around, Mike headed in the direction of his house. "I’m going home, Davey. Old lady Harrod's dead. She hung herself yesterday."

Davey stared at Mike's retreating back as he grew smaller and smaller in the distance. Dead? Sniffing the cookie he broke it open. It looked real. Could she have baked them before she died? But he'd seen her. Talked to her. Tossing the cookie in the ditch he wiped his hands on his jeans, a strange feeling washing over him. He suddenly felt hot and cold at the same time, and his hands were shaking.

Grabbing his bike he set off toward home, wobbling slightly. I'm not scared. Mike's acting like a baby. Probably lying anyway. Trying to scare me. Well, I'll show him. I'm ten years old, and I'm not scared of no ghost.

Davey managed to get past the corner without looking directly at the house, peddling fast he sped down Main and turned on Parrish, eager to get home. "Mom, you'll never guess what Mike told me."

"I'm in here, Davey." Claire Crimmens called out from the living room. Smiling at her son, she put aside the paper and gave him her full attention. "What did Mike tell you? I hope he's not trying to get you sneak off again."

Davey shook his head. "Naw, he said the old lady on the corner hung herself yesterday. But I know she didn't, 'cause I seen her when I rode by. Helped her move her rocking chair in front of the window."

Davey saw the color drain out of his mother's face, but she was still smiling. "Mom?"

Claire patted the seat next to her on the couch. "Come here, Davey."Waiting until he was seated next to her, Claire placed her arm around him. "Mrs. Harrod was old, sweetheart, and she had crippling arthritis." She gently stroked his hair, running her fingers through the curls. "She had a son, and he always visited in May. He was supposed to be here today, but there was a car crash and he was killed. I guess she just couldn't face the thought of going on without him."

Davey swallowed, blinking hard at the wetness behind his lashes. "But I saw her mom. Talked to her. She gave me cookies."

Claire pulled him close, continuing to stroke his hair. "I was supposed to go over today and move her rocking chair for her. She liked to sit in front of the window and watch for his car. Always had a huge plate of chocolate chips cookies on the table with a little card that said "Cookies for Davey." Claire raised his head, looking into his eyes, noting the unshed tears. "Her son's name was Davey too. Don't be scared, sweetheart. You did a good thing and I'm very proud of you."

Davey leaned in closer. "I ate the cookies, mom," he whispered.

Claire hugged him and stood up, pulling him up with her. "And I'll bet wherever she is right now she's smiling knowing that her "Cookies for Davey" didn't go to waste. Come on, you can help me cook supper."

Davey followed his mother to the kitchen, his step a little lighter, back a little straighter. He was ten years old and he'd seen a ghost. Heck, he'd not only seen a ghost he'd talked to one, and he'd eaten cookies. Just wait until he told the guys about that. Maybe Susie Whitlow would sit with him at lunch.

[MSTHRILLER]

I always love reading your shorties. They make me 

[Valerie Maarten]

Linda,
I think a road trip is awesome! I'm so tempted to meet you there 

[traceya]

Loved the flash fiction 

[Linda S. Prather Author]

Traci, Val and Tracey--thank you.  You all made my day.  I hope you'll check out the blog for other shorts and interesting tidbits.

Linda