I Love Dialogue from Bad Medicine

Bad Medicine is the sequel to Bad Fall, which I shared on my Dellani Oakes blog starting in 2013. (Coming later this year). Frank Atherton is former Army. For the last few years, he's been enjoying the quiet predictability of working as assistant administrator of a large nursing home facility in Ohio. He meets and marries Dr. Marka Ventimiglia and is blissfully happy—until one night when he gets a call from the facility. One of the residents is dead and the police have reason to believe it wasn't old age, but murder, which sent Mrs. Sullivan to her grave.

Frank and Marka arrived at the facility after the police but before the coroner. They walked into the main building and took a left. Mrs. Sullivan's apartment was at the far end, near the fire exit door. Kathy stood in the hallway, holding Mr. Tate in her arms. He was Mrs. Sullivan's neighbor and close friend. Rumor said they were more than friends. Marka went over, hugging him and Kathy.

Hands in his pockets, Frank wandered into the apartment. The police were taking pictures. One of the uniformed officers stopped him a few steps in.

"Is this a crime scene, officer?"

The young man handed him a pair of booties. "Don't touch anything, Mr. Atherton."

"You didn't answer my question."

"Detective Sutherland will answer your questions, sir." He pointed across the room.

A black haired woman in her mid-forties, looked up from her position a few inches from the body. She wore nitrile gloves and paper booties and seemed to be inspecting the dead woman's face.

"Well? Is this a crime scene?" Frank asked.

"I know you don't usually go to all this trouble when a resident dies," the detective said quietly. "Can we talk privately?"

"Yeah." He led her out onto Mrs. Sullivan's patio. "What's up?"

"First of all, I'm Frieda Sutherland. I'm with the state police." She took off her glove, offering her hand.

Frank shook it. "Director Frank Atherton. Called in the big guns, huh? Why are you here?"

"The township department isn't equipped to handle a full scale murder investigation, Mr. Atherton."

"What makes you think it's murder?"

"You don't think her death seems at all unusual?" She took out a notepad and pen.

Gesturing with open arms, he indicated their surroundings. "In case you haven't noticed, this is a retirement facility. We have residents die fairly often. We don't usually involve the police."

"Your assistant called because he thought it was suspicious. She was just at the doctor's office today and declared in perfect health. The doctor said he expected her to live at least another ten years."

"Dr. Kinkaid always says stuff like that."

"But he doesn't usually write it in his notes. Yes, Kenny got the medical record for me already."

That was within his assistant's purview. It annoyed Frank, but he accepted it. "Okay, so the good doctor says she was fine. Not the first time he's been wrong. Won't be the last."

"I think she's been poisoned," Detective Sutherland said quietly. "There's a weird foamy substance under her face. The techs took samples, but I want to take up the carpet before we leave."

"Really? This room was just carpeted two months ago."

"Don't get sticky on me, Mr. Atherton."

"You really think she was murdered? Why?"

"Kenny tells me that Mrs. Sullivan was loaded. She left the majority of her money to her youngest son."

"Her son died last year of cancer."

"I know. The rest of her money comes to the facility. Pull the right legal strings, the facility could get the entire amount."

"Yeah, or nothing. Are you seriously saying that someone here murdered Mrs. Sullivan to get the money?"

Detective Sutherland didn't say anything. She gazed up at him with dark, unblinking eyes.

"What?" Frank took a step back. "Do you think I killed her?"

"You have motive, Mr. Atherton. If you got that money for the facility, there would most certainly be a raise in it for you."

© 2016 Dellani Oakes

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Character Interview with Kris Hood of Room 103

What is your name?

I'm Kristopher Hood.

What do you want most?

Until today, I wanted to make money, live comfortably and continue to hope that Marice would take me seriously.

What's changed?

Marice finally said she loves me and we had some very high quality adult fun last night. A good time was had....

What makes you happy or sad?

Right now, I don't think I could be sad. I'm happier than I've ever been. The woman I love, loves me.

How do you treat the people in your life?

I'm a nice guy and I do my best to treat people well. Not one to lose my temper, but if I do, it's ugly.

Can people count on you?

Absolutely. I'd walk over hot coals if the right person asked. Luckily, no one has asked, cause ow! But the intent is there.

What makes you angry?

Seeing people mistreat one another makes me furious.

Do you stand up for your beliefs?

I do. Been known to join a protest or two. Almost been arrested a few times because of it. (But shh, don't tell Marice, she's da man!)

What excites you?

You sure you really want me to talk about that after last night?

What do you do for a living?

I have a small, but very successful, on-line sales business. I deal in toys, mostly—from adult to antique.

What kind of books do you like?

I'm a man for the classics. I own first editions of Moby Dick, Huck Finn, and many others. I've read them all, but I always buy a cheap paperback copy so I don't have to handle the antiques much.

What kind of music do you enjoy?

Great guitarists like Hendrix, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Warren Haynes.... How long an interview is this?

What's the one thing you'd most like to do before you die?

Excuse me for a Girl Moment (don't tell Mar I said that, okay?) I'd really like to marry Marice and start a family. My mother's about given up on me continuing the family line.

If you could, what's one thing you'd change about yourself?

I'd change how I've been with Marice all these years. I'd be more assertive and tell her how I feel before ten years passed. Kind of dropped the ball on that one. But she's armed and a crack shot. Pardon me for being a little apprehensive.

© 2016 Dellani Oakes

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Happy Anniversary to the Man I Love!

Normally, on a Tuesday, I'd be posting an excerpt from one of my novels. But, since today is my 34^th wedding anniversary, I thought I'd post about my very own love story.

I was a senior in college, spinning my wheels, trying to decide where I was going to go and what job I wanted. I honestly had no idea what I was going to do with my degree in Theatre and Dance, and really had only a vague notion of actually looking for a job. I was sort of dating this guy, who wasn't really relationship material at all, and wondering where that was going, too.

One of my core Theatre classes was Costume Design. With this class, I had found my love and my focus. I enjoyed designing things for people to wear and building them from scratch. I learned to draw, a talent I hadn't previously cultivated, and was enjoying that, too. There was a fellow named Rick in the class. He was the only non-major in the class and everyone else thought he was weird. I thought he was cute and funny and we got to talking. We hung out, had coffee once in awhile and enjoyed one another's company.

One day, he said to me, “I have this guy you need to meet. His name's Joe.”

Dubious, I gave him a withering look. “Yeah? What's wrong with him?”

“Nothing. He's really cool. You'd love him.”

“Thanks, but no. I'm seeing someone.”

“I know. But he's not the guy for you.”

“No.”

We had more than one conversation like this, with him pushing and pushing for me to meet Joe. The wanna-be matchmaker wouldn't back off, determined to fix us up. Little did I know that Joe was getting the same treatment. He'd known Rick for several years and had been on the receiving end of his matchmaking before. Their conversation went something like this:

“There's this great girl in costume design, you have to meet her.”

“No.”

“Her name is Dellani. She's really cute, very smart.”

“No.”

“Oh, come on! You'd be perfect for each other.”

“No.”

“How many times have I fixed you up?”

“I can't remember. Too many.”

“How many times was I wrong?”

“Every time.”

“I was right that one time!”

“That couple tried to kill each other. No.”

Deciding he had to get sneaky, Rick waited until we were all at an S.C.A. (Society for Creative Anachronism) event. He'd talked Joe into attending, loaned him a costume and convinced him to work in the kitchen so he wouldn't have to pay the entry fees. At the feast that evening, he rushed over, grabbing my arms.

“Stand right there and don't move!”

Stunned, I did as he said. Soon, he dragged over this skinny, bearded guy with brown hair and glasses. “Joe, this is Dellani. Dellani, meet Joe. Y'all chat.”

And he left.

We stood there, staring at one another. Joe reached out and took my hand, kissing it. Suddenly, he shoved up my sleeve, put his fingers around my wrist and slapped the top of my hand.

“Wow, you have great veins! I could start an I.V. on you so easily!”

Odd. Very.

But I didn't forget him. And when the other relationship crashed and burned—horrifically, he was there to pick up the pieces of my shattered heart and put me back together. We married on May 24, 1982, and have been happily married ever since. We've had our good times and our hard times, but we're still together.

(Rick was our best man. And I still have great veins.)

© 2016 Dellani Oakes

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Red River Radio Presents Marta and Steve Wednesday, May 25 2016

Dellaniand Christina welcome two stunning authors Wednesday, May 25 at 4 PMEastern time on Blog Talk Radio. 

New to the show, Steve Schwertley author of Enemy in the Heartland and Revenge Unleashed.

We are also delighted to have returning guest, Marta Moran Bishop author of The Jewell in the Dark Series, The Void, Dinky: The Nurse Mare's Foal and many more

To Listen Live or Catch the Podcast at Your Convenience

Room 103 Character Quote

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Character Interview with Marice Houston of Room 103

What is your name and what is your job?

My name is Marice Houston and I'm a Deputy Marshal stationed in Kansas City—That's Missouri, folks.

What do you want most?

Before all this started, I would have said I wanted someone to love. Well, I found that and a whole lot I hadn't counted on. At the most basic level, I want to get out of this alive so I can build a life with Kris.

Why is this so important to you?

Because it's kinda hard to get married and have kids if you're dead. This has made me realize that I had nothing to lose before—now, I do.

What makes you happy or sad?

Kris makes me happy. Wow, how girlie does that sound? Some tough chick you are, Houston! It makes me sad to think that he could have been killed.

How do you treat the people in your life?

Not as good as I used to think, unfortunately. I intend to work on that.

Can people count on you?

Absolutely. I will do whatever I can to keep friends and family safe. That extends to the people I work with. They're as close as family.

What makes you angry?

Injustice, needless violence, senseless death, hatred, prejudice.

Do you stand up for your beliefs?

I do, defiantly and adamantly. I'll listen to other views, but they better be logical and well represented.

What excites you?

Wouldn't be real polite to say that, would it? Suffice to say, when Kris gives me that look, I'm excited. Every woman out there knows the look I mean. The one that says Get naked and meet me in bed.

What kind of books do you like?

I'll be honest, I don't have a lot of time to read. When I do, it's probably a mystery story. I like to see if the author is accurate and if the clues really do point to the antagonist. Other times, I'll settle down with a juicy romance. A girl can't be all about work, right?

What kind of music do you enjoy?

Heavy Metal, Classic Rock, Blues.

What's the one thing you'd most like to do before you die?

I'd like to marry Kris and have a family—maybe have a boy I can name after my twin, Maurice. He died when we were teenagers.

If you could, what's one thing you'd change?

I'd find a way to save Maurice.

© 2016 Dellani Oakes

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I Love Dialogue from Paper Hearts

Monica Divine (pronounced di-VEEN) has been friends with Billy Stanton since they were children. Though she doesn't know it, he's been in love with her longer than he can remember. He's hoping that somehow, in the very near future, she will realize that she loves him, too.

"You look beautiful this morning." Billy smiled down at her.

Monica had her hair caught back in clips, giving her a little girl look. Her blouse was cream colored with rust, blue and red flowers scattered across it. The sleeves were long, the cuffs full and ruffled. Her low riding jeans fit her hips snugly, showing just enough skin between them and her blouse to make his pulse race.

"Thanks."

"What, no compliment?" He was teasing, he knew he looked rough.

"You always look dead sexy, Bill. Even with a two day growth of beard, you look great."

"Thanks, Red. I think that's the nicest compliment you ever gave me."

"Do you seriously not know how handsome you are?"

He gave her a puzzled look. "Me? I'm just—me."

Laughing, Monica led him out of the house. "You're so modest, it's laughable. All my female friends think you're droolicious."

"That sounds like some kind of disease." He pulled out of her driveway, heading to his house.

"Moron. It's a high compliment. In fact, you're a nine on the drool scale."

"Why not a ten?"

"None of them have tasted you."

"Um.... Does that mean what I think it means?"

"Had sex with ya, yeah."

"So, just curious, how many of them have to before I get my ten?"

She giggled, tossing her hair. "Only one. Of course, I already think you're a perfect ten, so my rating won't change. However, I can officially change the ranking after we have sex. That is, if you're up to standard, of course."

He laughed, shaking his head. "How do you girls come up with this shit? Is this like Cosmo's sex scale or something?"

"No, only us being silly."

"So, who does rate a perfect ten?"

"Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Robert Pattinson."

"Who's he?"

"Guy from Twilight."

"And how do these guys rate a ten and I don't. Last I heard, your chums hadn't had sex with any of them either."

"Well, because they're Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt and Robert Pattinson."

"Gotcha. But I'm still the one who gets to make love to you, right?"

"Right. I'm all yours."

"Sweet." He tapped the roof of his car with his knuckles. "Why drool scale?"

"That's how much drool builds up in your mouth when you picture him naked."

Billy burst out laughing. "Girls," he mumbled, turning into his driveway.

© 2016 Dellani Oakes

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Sexy Without the Sex and I Love Dialogue from Bad Day

Once in awhile, a scene can qualify for more than one post—this is one such scene. Reva Kelly is an up and coming wedding planner who has one of the worst days of her life. Falling flat on her face isn't enough, she has to fall and break her ankle running in the rain on her lunch break. Enter the handsome and charming Dr. Hal Perrine. He's got everything going for him, suave, intelligent, great teeth—and he's not her doctor.

Hal joined me in the shower. Of course, since we were naked, he took full advantage. It was a very relaxing and fulfilling shower. I felt better afterward, as I'm sure he did. Once we were clean and dry, I went through his closet. Hal stood behind me, both of us naked, fondling me as I went through his clothing.

"Wear this," I said, holding up the clothing I'd chosen.

With difficulty, because he stood behind me with his erection pressing against my ass, I set the clothing on the bed. He had the perfect clothing—tan chinos and a sage green polo style shirt with the famous Tillerman Department Store Mallard on the left breast.

"Let's go back to bed a little while longer," he begged, kissing and nibbling me as I tried to get dressed.

"Focus for me, Hal. Is that short for Henry?"

He stopped his groping, startled by my question. I repeated it.

"No." He grinned. "Funny, not the question I was expecting. It's short for Halden. Mom opted for the same ending instead of the same beginning. So Caden and Halden."

"Which of you is older?"

"Caden by ten minutes. Why?"

"Curious, that's all. It's the kind of thing a fiancée should know, don't you think?"

"Yeah, I suppose. I guess knowledge of my erogenous zones wouldn't exactly impress my mother."

I giggled, putting my hair up in a ponytail. "Not so much, no. Got a favorite color?"

"Blue—just like your sweater in Uncle Jake's picture. How about yours?"

"Guess." I tossed things into my overnight bag.

"Orange." He fingered my hair.

"Good choice. But no." I moved to the bathroom, picking up my shampoo and makeup.

"Red?"

"Closer."

"Yellow."

"Amazingly, by the slow process of elimination, you aren't anywhere close."

"Throw a guy a bone, huh?"

"Pink. Only not baby pink, dusky, rosy pinks."

"Ooh, like your...." He fondled between my legs.

I scooted away, grabbing the last of my things. "I wouldn't know. I don't look at that part of myself terribly often."

"You should." He continued his erotic journey, amping it up as I tried to move away from him. "It's beautiful, soft, silky, delicious...."

My body betrayed me by going soft, silky and moist inside. But I had a dinner to prepare for. I couldn't stop for another round of the most glorious sex I'd ever had in my life. Could I?

"Oh, hell," I groaned as his hands and mouth possessed me. "How do you do that?"

"Do what?" Hal mumbled, nipping the top of my shoulder as his hands roamed around, undoing my clothing.

"Make me want you," I groaned. "Oh, God!"

He chuckled, kicking it up another notch.

"I need to go get ready for dinner."

"Mm hm...."

"We need to go to my—apartment...."

"Mmm...."

"Oh, God!" He did something I can't even describe, making me go limp with desire.

I didn't want to, we needed to go, but he managed to distract me from my goal, presenting a much more entertaining alternative to hours of preparation.

"I'm gonna be a wreck," I moaned as his hands slid down my pants.

"You're absolutely beautiful," he whispered as he entered me. "Luscious and pink...."

"You bastard!" I pummeled his back with my fists as he moved sinuously against me. "Why do I love you so much? Why do I want you?"

"Pheromones," he mumbled against my breast. He embarked on a clinical description of how humans attracted one another, but I didn't care.

"Shut up and do me," I demanded. "Fast! Deep!"

He obliged on all counts. I have to admit, it was a great diversion, but I was now going to have to rush to get ready for dinner.

© 2016 Dellani Oakes

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On Mother's Day

My mother, me, my daughter & granddaughter 2013

I found out today that an old friend of mine died yesterday. She was a year or so younger than me, and now she's gone. Right before Mother's Day, her daughter loses her mama. I should be crying, but aside from my initial shock, I'm not. Maybe I should, but I simply feel numb.

I think of that poor girl spending the rest of her life without her mother, and it saddens me. She and my youngest son grew up together. I've known her mother since they were in kindergarten – fifteen years. I haven't seen her in quite awhile. She had some physical challenges and didn't get out much. She had dogs and cats, so I didn't drop by. Now, she's gone.

This makes me think of how many loved ones have died since January of 2015. We lost my mother-in-law and father-in-law last year. Shortly after my mother-in-law died, I lost another friend of mine, a woman who was also a year or so younger than I. Her son is a year or so older than mine.

Starting in January, I've lost a friend nearly every month. Death of the Month Club is not one I wish to be a part of. It's one thing when the person is in their seventies or eighties, it's quite another when the person is in her mid-fifties.

For these families, and many more, Mother's Day won't be a celebration, but a day spent missing the person they love. There won't be laughter and presents, but a gaping hole in their hearts, which they will try to fill with memories instead.

I feel that way every Father's Day. Everyone so joyful, loving their dads, telling how Daddy is my best friend.... I lost my father over 30 years ago. He never got to see my kids grow up, never met the two younger ones, and they missed out on something special. He wasn't the most openly loving man around, but I knew he loved me. He was funny, snide, brilliant and critical of stupidity. I learned to appreciate the written word because of him, and I still hear his rumbling voice in my head when I edit, especially if I am considering whether or not to cut a page, paragraph or scene. “If you think it needs to go, cut the damn thing!” And he's always right.

I guess the point I'm making is that those we love have moved on, but are still with us in some form or fashion. As long as we have memories of them, however ephemeral or fleeting, they stay in our hearts and minds giving us a smile, a tear or a good laugh.

My heart goes out to these friends and family members who have lost their mothers. You are in my heart and in my prayers today. I feel your loss and I wish there were some magic pill which would bring them back.

Red River Radio Dellani's Tea Time Presents Rene Urbanovich and Dominick Domingo

Creativity is an amazing thing, fleeting, ephemeral, enthralling. What is it? Where does it come from? Is it the mythical muse or a source deep within? Join Dellani and Christina as they welcome Dominick Domingo, author and illustrator of the Nameless Prince and his talented sister, author and creativity coach, Rene Urbanovich.

Together, we will explore creativity, how to find it, how to keep it and, most importantly, how to embrace it. This will be not only an entertaining show, but very informative. Please join us Monday, May 9 at 4:00 PM Eastern time (3 Central, 2 Mountain, 1 Pacific) on Blog Talk Radio.

To Listen Live or Catch the Podcast Later

For those of you who would like to hear Dominick's other two interviews here on Dellani's Tea Time, I'm sharing the links for you.

This is the show from October 8, 2012 with Dominick Domingo and Kai Strand http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2012/10/08/rfk--dellanis-tea-time

This is the show from Monday, April 8, 2013 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2013/04/08/rfk--dellanis-tea-time

I Love Dialogue - Indian Summer Revisited

I shared an earlier part of this scene here, but I like how it continues. It simply was far too long to use the entire scene. Milan Dimas is a fantastic musician and has recently been offered a record contract by a man who's seen him play at a small restaurant in St. Augustine, Florida. He and his father don't get along, so he took great pleasure in leaving a message for him about his new career. Unfortunately, he forgot to tell his sister, Tess. She just called to give him a hard time and (just to eat at him) told him that she'd made love to his best friend, Clay.

"Who was that?" Clay asked him in passing.

"That was Tess."

"Oh, yeah? How's she doing?"

"She misses you and your tongue."

Clay wiggled his tongue around looking confused. "Me? What for? I thought she hated me."

"Hell if I know. She's in one of her moods."

"Ooh, Evil Tess has come out to play. Must be a full moon." He looked up at the sky.

"Clay, did you ever do my sister?"

"Do what? Oh, Do your sister. No. Not that I wouldn't want to, she's smoking hot."

Malin gave him a black look, saying nothing.

"But in a purely virginal and totally untouchable way. I'm going over there now where no one wants to murder me."

He scrambled over by Dana and started making a mess while he tried to help her clean up. She lunged angrily at him with a fork, so he left her alone too and shuffled over by Carina where he hoped he was safe.

"Damn, he's in a bad mood. I think Mal needs to get laid."

He glanced at Carina and blanched. Her expression was very nearly as deadly as Malin's.

"Sorry. Big mouth, small brain." He wandered off, picked up some of Malin's equipment and followed him to his van. "Now what was all that about? Is Tess mad at you?"

"She was. I told Dad about the recording contract."

"Before you told her? Are you insane?"

Malin gave him another black look.

"Forget I asked. You didn't say anything ugly about Nora again did you?"

"No."

"Okay, that's progress."

"You seriously didn't ever—you know—with Tess?"

"Malin, we've been friends a lot of years. I've seen your sister damn near naked on any number of occasions. And, though I was very, very tempted—even when she threw herself at me one night at a party, I said no."

"Threw herself?"

"I swear! Would I lie about that?"

Malin didn't say anything. It was a tough call. Clay would lie if he thought it was what Malin wanted to hear. On the other hand, he would tell the truth if it kept him from getting a beating.

"You might." He loaded his amplifiers into the van.

"True, there are times I might. This isn't one of them. I swear!"

"What party?"

"Um, my twenty-first birthday. I did kiss her. That I did do. It was mildly fantastic," he mumbled quickly. "More than mildly. The other thing—no way."

Malin grabbed his friend and rabbit punched him in the gut. "Good. I'd hate to have to kill you."

"What if I married her and made her blissfully happy by giving her multiple orgasms every night for the rest of her life?"

Malin glared at him over his shoulder as he walked back to the restaurant.

"Okay, that wasn't helping either. I think we've made great progress here tonight. Really!" He trailed behind his friend as he helped load the equipment.

© 2016 Dellani Oakes

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For another fun excerpt from this book, click here.