Deadly Black Pearls

June 30, 2020

Today, author Jonni Rich released her new book, Deadly Black Pearls. The cover is intriguing. I preordered this book, and I can't wait to dig into it. A mystery by Jonni grabs the reader with a tight grip and doesn't let go until the end.

Book REview

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite (With Jonni Rich's permission. https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/deadly-black-pearls)

“What’s happening in Ville Nouvelle?" In Deadly Black Pearls by Jonni Rich, 54-year-old Emmaline Beard is surprised by the sudden appearance of Carol Powell, a young woman who came to the LeFevre House with an urgent request - to give a package containing black Tahitian pearls to her grandmother. The next day, Emmaline finds Carol dead at the foot of a LeFevre House staircase. Amidst the preparation for a theatrical production, a nuclear waste protest by the locals of Ville Nouvelle, a feud between neighbors, and much more, chaos is slowly descending in the peaceful community. Emmaline and her life-long friend, Byrd Jeffcoat, are determined to find out the truth before more troubles arise.

Deadly Black Pearls blends small-town eccentricity with whodunit crime, colored by the personalities of Ville Nouvelle's residents and a few unwelcome outsiders. Local charms are matched by unexpected danger, resulting in tension and drama. The characters, main and secondary, are rendered well. Emmaline Beard is a resilient woman, braving unexpected problems while trying to keep her historical house tour business afloat. Her relationship with Byrd is wonderful; their amateur sleuthing adding more dark fun and curiosity to the plot. I find Helen Condor, a famous psychic, gives another substantial layer to the mystery. Clues regarding the murders become more imperative as the clock ticks, making the reading more engaging as the story progresses. An enjoyable read, Jonni Rich's Deadly Black Pearls has a subtle classic sleuth style that I love coupled with a wonderful, engaging narrative.

DESCRIPTION FROM AMAZON PAGE

The antebellum spring mansion tours are in full swing in the little South Louisiana town of Ville Nouvelle. Emmaline Beard, local leading citizen and theatrical producer, is tour hostess at LeFevre House, an ancestor’s former home. Emmaline is astonished when an old friend’s granddaughter, Carol Powell, arrives and thrusts a package into her hands and then flees as hastily as she arrived. Emmaline chases after her unsuccessfully. The package contains valuable black pearls.

The following evening, Emmaline discovers Carol’s crumpled body at the foot of a staircase at LeFevre House, obviously a homicide. Emmaline suspects the pearls were stolen, and they are the reason for Carol’s murder.

Emmaline enlists the help of her life-long friend, Byrd Jeffcoat, to catch the murderer and settle the question of the mysterious black pearls. While trying to solve Carol’s murder, another random murder occurs. A nuclear waste protest march led by a celebrity from the area has brought strangers into the small town.

Is a homicidal maniac at work, perhaps brought in by the protest march? Is there one killer, or two? The amateur sleuths hazard their way through tumults of theft, murder, arson, and even a theatrical production to unravel these grisly murders. 

~~~
Jonni, a north Louisiana native, is a retired retail store owner and librarian. She's a multi-published author of Gothic Suspense, Romantic Suspense, and Mystery.

Tammy Kirby--A Virtual Interview

Visiting with Louisiana author, Tammy Kirby...

What is your most recent book? 

Vengeance Is Mine Saith Mi' Lord  It is number 3 in my Haven House series set in Victorian England and Scotland

What is it about?

It is about sex trafficking in Victorian England and a group of people helping to save the women and children caught up in it. Haven House is a refuge for them that teaches them about Christ’s love and forgiveness. They also teach them different trades to help them survive in a life that would normally be considered bleak and hopeless.

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What inspired you to write it?

God used Francine River’s Redeeming Love to inspire the series. He told me to write beneath the surface. That is what I have done in this series. Forgiveness is so important in our lives, but it is a choice. My characters face the decision to forgive the unforgivable in each of these books.


When did you start writing?

In my early twenties, but I hid it in my cedar chest. Lol. I began writing seriously in my early thirties. That’s been twenty years or so ago now.

What inspired you to write?
I guess God used my love of reading to inspire me. I want my readers to walk away from my books and remember them fondly twenty plus years down the road like I do Redeeming Love. I want to show the world how God can take any sin and turn it around with His forgiveness and love.

Why did you select historical romance as your genre?

Because that is what I love to read about. I like escaping to times past. Life was simpler then and who doesn’t love a good romance?

Explain the times and places you write about.

I write Victorian England Inspirational romance and Medieval Scotland time-travel Inspirational romance. I also have a Medieval England Inspirational romance in the works.

What is your purpose as a writer?

To show the world how much our heavenly Father loves us even in our sin.

Besides writing, what else do you do?

I work in a rural Emergency Room as a Registered Nurse. I am also a licensed Cosmetologist and still dabble a bit in that.

What are two other novels in the series? 

His Grace Forgiven

God dropped the seed for His Grace Forgiven in my heart with these words, 'Can you forgive the unforgivable?' I pondered the question for a while, then realized, yes I already had. Maybe that's why He gave the job to me.

I faced a lot of opposition in writing His Grace Forgiven. Some people, from editors to critique partners, wanted me to change the accidental rape to her being a willing participant. Good people have been doing stupid things while under the influence for years. This book does not glorify rape. It's about forgiveness. Apparently this is pretty important to the Lord.

His Grace Forgiven is meant to be thought-provoking. (Not my idea, that was all God.) It's about going beneath the surface in your own life and facing the hard questions.  Why did it happen? Why would God expect me to forgive this? Why would He sacrifice His life for such as them? Hmmm.

I promised God that part of the proceeds from the sale of HGF would be donated to help women and children who are forced into sexual slavery. Yes it has been happening for hundreds of years and it is still happening today. If this book helps only one person, it was worth every drop I bled to bring it to print.
In His Grace, Tammy

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Joy to the Earl

Miss Abbigail Thorne has no use for the Earl of Waverly. It's his fault she's been carted off to London to learn how to be a lady. She didn't mean for him to be tossed into a mud puddle. Blissfully unaware that her life is about to change, and that maturity approaches with indescribable pain, she remains oblivious and carefree, she believes herself to be a strong godly woman, but when heartache arrives in waves that continue to knock her to her knees, will she trust in God and the love of her husband, or will she give it all up to hold onto her hurt? 

Chase Montclair, Earl of Waverly rides the fence spiritually. He goes to St. George's sporadically, but he imbibes in spirits a lot. And the lovely ladies need companionship. Who is he to deny them? That is, until he admits his love for the woman who exasperates him beyond belief. Before he makes the decision to surrender to God and Abbi, in a fit of anger he has one last fling. He didn't know it would bring him his worst pain and his greatest Joy.

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Crime against Humanity

One of the most shameful acts committed by United States citizens--lynching--cannot be ignored. More often than we would lie to admit, this brutal crime against humanity, veiled as vigilante law enforcement, has occurred throughout the nation, but mostly in the South. Men and women of various racial groups (mostly African American men) hung from trees, sometimes with bonfires beneath them and sometimes with hundreds of gunshots fired around them.

HOUSE OF SEVEN, which is fiction, includes an account of one man's attempt to escape this hideous crime. As you read it, you'll want to run with Trousdale as he works to escape. Here's a brief excerpt. It is the early 1900's. In this scene, Trousdale has been running to get away from the men who wanted to kill him back in Mississippi. He goes to north Louisiana. Now he's outrunning the flood of the Mississippi River. He encounters Theodore Roosevelt.

“Honored to meet you, Mr. President.” Trousdale rubbed his muddy hand on his pants and extended it.

Mr. Roosevelt gave Trousdale a hardy handshake.

Trousdale brushed back the tears. He tried not to smile too much. In his life, the first white man to shake his hand was the former President of the United States.

“Joe Smith.” The other man shook Trousdale’s hand too.

“You must be starving to death.” The President dished up bacon, eggs, and biscuits on a tin plate, while Joe Smith poured a cup of coffee.

“Cream and sugar?” Joe asked.

“Yes, please.” Trousdale took the plate and fork. He concentrated on his manners. He wanted to scarf the food down in one bite. “I walked all day yesterday and all night.”

“What are you running from?” Mr. Roosevelt asked.

“Lynching.”

“Oh.” The President, who must have been stunned into silence, stood a few feet from Trousdale. “I suppose you might tell us why.”

“My boss landlord claimed I poisoned his well because his cow died, but the cow never drank from the well, and none of the people that did died. Now ain’t that crazy?”

Mr. Roosevelt nodded. “So you ran...." 

Story of HOUSE OF SEVEN Book Cover

The HOUSE OF SEVEN book cover has a story behind it. Jamie Hill Robinson, my cousin by marriage from Taylorsville, Mississippi,  received a picture from her cousin Mary Jordan, who was my classmate for twelve years. The original picture that Jamie posted on Facebook was of a house in the town of Taylorsville. Mary had found it in a shoebox of snapshots. In front of the house were some unidentified women dressed as if they belonged in the early twentieth century.

With Mary's permission, I had the picture designed as the cover. My stepson, Dan Cooke, who has artistic ability, flipped the picture, removed the people, replaced the front fence with abstract plants, added a smoke stack from the chimney, and made front door steps. Since I wanted some color, I added the words, "Covington Chronicles, Book Six," in red.

NOTE: Even though HOUSE OF SEVEN is sixth in the series, it stands completely independent of the stories that precede it. 

The old picture of the house is fascinating. Some of my friends in Taylorsville have told me they recognized the house. It must have been a lovely home in its day. This old Mississippi home has a touch of elegance, as do the lovely ladies standing in front of it.

The characters in the novel, as well as all the Covington Chronicles people, and the events of the stories are not intended to be historical depictions or accounts of anything in Taylorsville, Mississippi, my hometown. (Actually I grew up between Taylorsville and Hot Coffee.) To keep readers from looking for historical clues, I changed the name of Taylorsville to Taylorsburg.

House of Seven  -- Paperback, Kindle, Audible  

No Matter What the Circumstances Are, Lena Hopes for a Better LIfe.

In the early 1900s, Lena Harvey, a bright-minded farm girl, wants to graduate from high school. She

Lena's Hope, Paperback

hopes to attend nursing school or become a midwife. Having no interest in complicating her life with intimate relationships, she plans to focus her efforts toward her calling. But in a country where people believe they can grow up to become anything they want to be, her dream is crushed. Discover how Lena resolves to make the best of what has been thrown at her, hoping that she can make a difference in the world. As she struggles through the frustrations of her life, can she ever find blessings that bring her joy? Will she ever know true love? Lena’s story is an inspiration for those of us whose lives have gotten in the way of the plans we made. For us all, there is hope….

Have you ever known such a woman? Do you have such an ancestor?
Lena never lost hope, and her hope is a legacy she has passed on to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The force of hope continues to drive her family through the generations.

Here's a link to the kindle version of Lena's Hope.

Jodi Hockinson in her recording of the novella has captured the emotion of the story.

Lena's Hope, Audible

Here's a preview of Lena's Hope:

Hope for a Future

From the Author

In the simplest of words, I'm trying in this little novella, Manuela Blayne, to evoke some thought about how other people feel inside. For example, I'm trying to paint pictures of how it feels to be African-American and how it feels to be saturated in white people's prejudices in the early 1900's.
Mary Lou Cheatham

A beautifully read audio book... 

Manuela Blayne as an Audible Book 

Same text in Kindle version...

Manuela Blayne as a Kindle Book

Again, the same text as a paperback book...

Manuela Blayne as a Paperback Book

The year is 1910.

Trudy Cameron, an 11-year-old girl introduced to listeners in The Dream Bucket, meets a 13-year-old neighbor, Manuela Blayne. Trudy and her seven-year-old stepsister, Bailey Benton, make friends with Manuela, while Trudy realizes she can never understand her new friend.

Yasmin, Manuela's mother, has given the girl to Nettie and Herschel Blayne, who were born into slavery. Manuela's grandmother, Nettie, is epileptic. Her grandfather, Herschel, an alcoholic, makes and sells all kinds of illegal spirits.

Manuela Blayne the fourth book in the Covington Chronicles. It is a complete story that stands alone. To understand some of the characters fully, however, it would be beneficial to listen to The Dream Bucket first. In first-person point of view, Trudy tells the story in her own words.

As Trudy and her siblings mature, they indulge in surprising mischief. The novella tells the struggles of young people to achieve what they hope for by overcoming various obstacles. Manuela Blayne is not primarily a romance, but it contains an unexpected romance.

Trudy sees how different her opportunities are from those afforded to Manuela. Trudy finds it impossible not to suffer some of what her friend endures. She hopes to help her friend make a difference in life, while Manuela exemplifies a beautiful new kind of hope.

Not the Pandemic Expected

Three years ago I started thinking that a pandemic was just around the corner. I was expecting a childhood disease, such as diphtheria, to return. As I talked to some nurses and doctors about the idea, they assured me that such a thing was impossible because everyone gets a tetanus vaccine, which also includes protection against diphtheria.
The subject occupied my thoughts as it challenged me to research the disease. I came to realize that a few scattered cases were showing up in different parts of the world. Because members of my family had suffered from the disease, I had a personal reason to be interested.

Courage Is a Redhead, a combination of two stories—one set in future times with a dystopian flair and an epidemic of diphtheria and the other in the early twentieth century when the epidemic of diphtheria that had been around for years continued to plague the South, even though a cure had been developed years earlier—is a book I released last year.
Since some of my readers expressed an interest in reading the historical part of the book without the futuristic section, I pulled out the history and submitted it to my publisher in a short book called Lena’s Hope.

Who could have imagined we’d be confined to our houses now to avoid the Covid-19 pandemic? I’m still not convinced that we are safe from diphtheria, and this year I plan to get my flu shot.

Both books are available on Amazon.com.

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Deep from the Heart Featured in Book-of-the-Month Club

Deep from the Heart

A Mississippi Poem for All Ages

Meet My Mississippi by Patricia Neely-Dorsey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


MEET MY MISSISSIPPI is a clever book by a talented poet, Patricia Neely-Dorsey, and an amazing water colorist, Brenda Ragsdale. It’s a well-written poem for readers of all ages. The youngest can enjoy the bright, clear illustrations as adults read and discuss it. School children can learn Mississippi history and geography by studying lessons based on each page. It has a trivia section, which can be used for lesson plans. The lovely cover will grace coffee tables throughout Mississippi. Those who live in Mississippi or who have called the state home will pick it up and read the book, which rouses nostalgia and stirs curiosity about Mississippi facts. It can serve as a vacation planner, showing great places in Mississippi to visit. It’s the perfect unique gift.



View all my reviews

Interview in The Slatonite

Thanks to Ron Cox, columnist, for the interview recorded in The Slatonite on May 16, 2019.

Here’s a quote:
“Deep from the Heart” tells the story of Ava Molino, a young Methodist minister. She moves from Mississippi to West Texas to help a struggling small town church.

Ava befriends members of the local Hispanic community and brings them into he church. Some of the older members of the church have a problem with this. A sinister character causes Ava discomfort. She falls in love….

Her books show a special sympathy for less fortunate people who struggle through life. Mary is a good writer. You would enjoy her stories.

The Power to Upset Me

“You have my solemn promise. I won’t do or say anything to embarrass you at the party.” But could I keep my promise?

“We live in Roswell,” the woman said.

“My daughter invited us to go to Roswell with her this weekend, but we already had plans to come here. We’ve been looking forward to this party.”

She blinked at me.

Unsure what I’d said wrong but having the distinct feeling that I had inserted un pied dans la bouche, i. e. committed a faux pas, I jabbered on. “We went to the Roswell museum last summer. Interesting but not quite what I expected.”

“What museum?” She looked at me askance.

“In Roswell.” So, in the restroom I googled Roswell. It’s in South Dakota, New York, Georgia, and New Mexico. Did I miss one?

Generally I did pretty well, though. I remembered to stand tall, and most of the time I sat with my legs together. I didn’t say, “Are you a Democrat or Republican?” There were two women though who looked almost alike, and they wore similar dresses. I messed up talking to them. Otherwise, I did pretty well.

Maybe my clothes were wrong. I wore the cutest leggings imaginable—white with lace inserts at the outer ankles. A man came up to me and said, “I’m so sorry. How did you hurt your legs?”

“I didn’t.”

He bent over and looked down. “Oh, I see. Those are your shoes.”

He was serious.

What was there to say?

Then there was a guy who sat in the corner talking to my husband. Since the people at the party were total strangers and interrupting conversations was becoming tiresome, I decided to enter the little group of my husband and his friend. I can’t remember what I asked the man, but I’ll never forget his answer: “Do you need to go to the head?”

I could have done better maybe. Fifty years ago I would have hidden in the restroom and cried. Twenty-five years ago I would have laughed. Last weekend I reminded myself that others don’t have the power to upset me. My husband calls me a rebellious individual, but the truth is I am who I am. And we had a wonderful time.

Download at no cost

On April 13 and 14, 20019, Southeast Media Productions, the publisher of DEEP FROM THE HEART,  is giving away the book. Click here to get it.  Deep from the Heart

A Dangerous Love
 Ava Molino will defy your expectations of what a church pastor is like.

More about Deep from the Heart

Praises For

Deep from the Heart

 

“Woven with grace and sensitivity, Mary Lou Cheatham takes us on a journey with Ava Molino as she leaves the comfort of her hometown in Mississippi and travels to Texas to pastor a small-town church. The poignant plot will grip your heart from the beginning as she reaches out to the downtrodden and draws them to the church and to Christ. It was a blessing to see how the town changed from the inside out.”
—Patricia Bradley
Author, Justice Delivered, releasing April 5, 2019
Memphis Cold Case Novels

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 “The theme of the book is to follow your heart and always be open about your feelings.”
—Nancy Hutson
Retired Assistant Professor of English
Louisiana State University, Shreveport

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 “This lovely romance was entertaining from the first word to the last!  In this insightful story, one cannot help but notice the unfortunate similarities to the widespread unrest we have seen in the current arena.  Deep from the Heart illustrates the relationship between two perceptive, discerning individuals who are unfairly affected by interventions beyond their control.  Mary Lou Cheatham offers a poignant, timely description of how easily lives can be destroyed in the wake of misguided agendas. As always, reading Mary's work was a sublime pleasure!”
—Jodi Hockinson
Author, Between Two Worlds
Southeast Media Productions

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"A modern-day Father Brown or Father Tim from Mitford in the body of a female Methodist Hispanic minister. Inspiring read full of humor, love, and acceptance.

"Quotes I loved:
'I'd have to find my safe places where God would breathe new life.'
'They need to hear about him in the words they understand.'"
—Marguerite Gray
Author, Bring Me Near
Revolutionary Faith Books

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"Filled with complex characters and heart-tugging conflict, Deep from the Heart reveals the struggles embedded in ministry...and love. This story tenderly reminds us that a life surrendered to God doesn’t just change a church...it can change a whole community." 
—Tara Johnson 
Author, Engraved on the Heart 
Where Dandelions Bloom

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Deep from the Heart

Other Books by

Mary Lou Cheatham

 

The Covington Chronicles Series
Secret Promise
The Courtship of Miss Loretta Larson
The Dream Bucket
Manuela Blayne: A Life Apart
Travelers in Painted Wagons: On Cohay Creek
(Co-Author: Sarah Walker Gorrell)
House of Seven

Christian Biblical Fiction
Abi of Cyrene

Contemporary Inspirational Novel
As Doves Fly in the Wind

Daily Devotional
Do You Know How God Loves You?

Children’s Books
with Christie Marie Underwood
Bubba, the Firedog
Brother Star, Sister Moon
Seth, the Shepherd Boy

An Excerpt from Deep from the Heart

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Of the three motels in town, I selected the one where I had travel points.

A few minutes before six o’clock, I drove to Taco Grande. Jack stood leaning against his fancy red pickup. I needed to like him, needed to treat everybody in the church with respect. The smirk on his upturned pink lips—a repulsive shade of pink—revolted me. I hoped he never got an urge to kiss me. Why did I have such a thought? I wasn’t planning to kiss anybody, such as anyone attending Grace and Peace Church, especially someone on a church committee. 

His cold blue eyes stared at me from underneath his dirt-stained cowboy hat. With his head leaning forward and his eyes boring into me, he sent a seeking look that reminded me of a trapped rat. I wasn’t sure what his expression meant, but I didn’t like the looks of his face. After seeing the place he selected for me to live, I considered him trouble, but I’d try to be cool, not showing him I was wary.

He walked toward me.

Quick as a bullet, I opened my car door to step out before he’d try to offer to help me. I felt a little flustered as my eyes caught the hair exposed through the open buttons of his blue chambray cowboy shirt. I hoped he didn’t notice; I wished I hadn’t.

He licked his lips. “Good to see you again, Reverend Ava.”

“Yes.” Did he expect me to offer my hand? I didn’t have to.

At the hostess podium, a woman hid her smiling mouth behind a menu. Her eyes met mine. “How many?”

“Two, please.”

Was the hostess amused because Jack had a female accompanying him to dinner?

He ordered first. “The chicken enchilada combination plate for eight dollars: fried rice, beans, enchilada, taco, and guacamole.”

I placed my order. “I’d like the same thing except for beef.”

“That will be way too much food for you.” Jack looked askance at me.

I glared at him. He needed to stay out of my business. Jack Perry, a bizarre combination, repulsed me with his insulting comments while he looked me over with hungry eyes.

I’d have to guard all my remarks, but I’d make sure he did certain things to help me get started at Grace and Peace. He would fulfill his obligations.

“Where are you going to stay tonight?” Jack tilted his head toward me.

“Oh, I’m not sure.” Placing my napkin on my lap, I dried my sweaty palms. Lying was not my nature.

His widening eyes and slack mouth conveyed disbelief.

My shoulders tightened. With my napkin, I wiped sweat beads from my forehead.

The waitress approached our table and refilled our glasses. “Something wrong?”

The man’s evil eyes sent a negative message to my spirit.

“No, everything is fine.” I was telling the truth as far as she was concerned—nothing was wrong with the service or the food.

She shifted her weight. “Anything else?”

“A to-go box when you come back this way.” Having lost my appetite, I sat holding a chip while I stared at nothing.

I’d considered spending the night in the church office again, but the parishioners might not have been impressed. I couldn’t spend too much money on motel rooms though. I’d stay two nights—Friday because the house wasn’t ready and Saturday because I’d need to be ready to meet the congregation for the first time Sunday. Tomorrow I’d secure the doors. How does one replace door locks? Or only the insides of locks? Until someone helped me, I could use a screwdriver well enough to put up latches.

Also I needed a new mop.

I was glad I made my reservation at the motel before coming to eat.

“Ava, you aren’t listening.” Jack spoke through a full mouth.

“Oh, I’m sorry. There are so many concerns I have to sort through. What did you say?”

“I haven’t had time to go by the church to pick up a check from Sylvia.”

“I see. When—”

He was playing gotcha. “Since you need your money so bad, we can ride over there after dinner and pick it up. She left it on her desk.”

After we finished, I paid for my dinner, most of which I carried in a Styrofoam box. Since he tipped fifty cents, I laid three dollars on the table. Outside, he opened the passenger door of his truck. “Come take a ride in my new pickup.”

My belly felt rock hard. “I—I’ll just follow you.”

The location of the church was only two blocks from Taco Grande. He led the way, and I pulled up behind his shiny red truck.

He approached me. “Let’s go. I’ll show you around.”

My new job wasn’t getting off to a smooth start. “Jack, I’m too tired. I’ll wait here in the car for you.”

“Lock your doors. You never know what could happen.” He winked at me and turned crisply toward the first-floor door behind the plump shrub on the corner.

When he returned, he handed me the check through my open window. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.”

“You need somewhere to stay.”

“It’s okay.” I closed my window, started my car, put it in reverse. I jerked away so fast my tires squealed.

He sprinted to his pickup and hopped in.

I managed to go a block before he caught up with me. I saw him in my rearview mirror.

What to do? Wal-Mart. I’d go buy a few supplies, such as door latches and a screwdriver. Bleach, window cleaner, a mop, a broom, rags.

I selected a hammer, an assortment of screwdrivers, and three door latches. Soon my cart was full.

Around the corner of each aisle, I looked for Jack. Once I thought I saw him, but when the man turned, he was some other cowboy. Most men in Flat Rock wore cowboy hats.

If I hadn’t been rattled, I would have appreciated the incredible beauty of the lingering sunset when I stepped out the door. I walked as fast to my SUV as I could without running and calling attention to myself. I slung my purchases into the back.

Was that his red pickup behind me?

“Siri, give me directions to Redemption Canyon.”

Thank God, I filled up my gas tank this afternoon.

Following the directions blaring from my cell phone, I drove north a few miles on Highway 84, wound through El Conchos, then crossed the railroad track toward Redemption Canyon. In three or four minutes, I felt a thrill as the road plunged to the bottom of Yellow House Canyon. The sun shone into my window with a spray of blazing colors.

The surprising turns of the landscape fascinated me, but this was not a time for studying geography.

I coaxed my SUV to climb out of the canyon. This was one of the moments I appreciated my dad. The owner of a car parts house, he made sure my car was in perfect running order. I didn’t feel afraid to challenge my sweet little car because I knew Daddy always sent me off in a well-maintained vehicle.

I turned toward the sunset. My rearview mirror revealed the red truck maintaining the distance of five car lengths behind me.

Tight throat and mouth dry with a bitter taste, my wrists pulsating, I shivered at the thought of Jack following me. Beads of perspiration popped out until I was drenched.

In a few seconds, my cell phone directed me to turn left. Would the turn provide an opportunity for me to lose Jack?

The whirl to the left almost caused the wheels of my SUV to leave the pavement. I held my breath. My rearview mirror showed Jack still behind me.