Final Day To Enter

The Silver Dagger Book Tour

Born and raised in New Orleans Julie Ann Dupré senses things other people don’t. She’s living in New York when she’s told her mother has been killed in an attempted robbery, which is odd because Perrine didn’t have anything valuable to steal. Julie Ann comes home to find the truth and discovers there’s a family secret, hidden for years. She searches to find the real reason for her mother’s death. Now someone is trying to kill her. Will her psychic senses, a little dog and a detective keep her safe?

Detective Connor O’Reilly, a native of New Orleans and comes from a family of police. He’s an honest cop but realizes there is corruption in the division. He meets Julie Ann at her mother’s house and is immediately attracted to her. After telling her about the attempted robbery he checks into the case and finds no one is investigating the death. Julie Ann deserves the truth and he wants to know what really happened. He starts a thorough investigation. He’s warned off the case and then he receives a death threat.

Julie Ann and Connor work together to unravel the real reason behind Perrine Dupré’s murder, Julie Ann’s mysterious past, and why people want her dead, while developing their challenging relationship. Can they both survive? And what about their relationship?

Good question. I don’t know. I’m going to try and find out. Did she have any enemies? Was there anyone who didn’t like her?”

“Perrine? No sir, everybody loved that woman.”

“If everyone loved her and she had nothing to steal, who would have shot her?” “That’s your job, ain’t it?”

Connor smiled. “Yes, it is, and I am trying to do it. Will you be here in the morning?”

“I might. Why?” She raised her chins. Her eyes narrowed.

“I’m bringing Julie Ann home, maybe around eleven. It would be nice to have someone here to welcome her.”

“I’ll be here. I’d do anythin’ for that child. Poor little thing, you should have let her stay here the night. It would have been better than some old hotel. I could have taken care of her.”

“I didn’t know you were here. She came to the house direct from the airport earlier, but because of the tape couldn’t get in. I guess she didn’t think of coming across the street to see if you were home.”

“She was probably distraught. I didn’t see her arrive or I would have come out. I was probably in the back trying to keep cool. After the murder we’re all being pretty careful around here.”

“That’s a good thing. Keep it up. With the stress and the heat Julie Ann was exhausted, close to collapsing. That was why I took her to a hotel.”

“Poor baby, is there anythin’ I can do?”

“Not tonight. I’m guessing she’s already asleep, but if you could be here for support in the morning, I’m sure she’d appreciate that.”

“I be here. I watch for her.”

“Good, here’s my card. If you think of anything you didn’t already tell the police, or if you have any concerns, call me. I want to help you and Julie Ann get to the bottom of this.”

“Sure,” thick lips compressed into a tight line, “like the cops are really going to do anything to solve the murder of a poor, lady down here. They’ve already written it off. I know how you all work.”

“Not everyone works like that. I’m really going to try and find out what happened.” Connor pushed the door open a little farther. “You said murder, not robbery. Do you know something I don’t?”

“I know what I know. It wasn’t no robbery. Perrine was murdered and if you look hard enough, you’ll see that, too. The rest of those corrupt cops went through the motions. They weren’t there long enough to figure out nothing.” Savannah stared up at him her eyes glittered with suspicion before she shoved the door shut. Connor heard the lock snap and then a chain being slid into place. Savannah obviously knew more than she said, but what? Nothing added up. One thing he was sure of, it wasn’t a robbery gone bad.
The forensic guys would come back and go over the house and grounds with a fine-toothed comb. They’d look for anything that might provide a lead.

He’d interview the neighbors after everyone got home from work. In the morning he’d interview Julie Ann and see if she had any information that might explain a motive for murder or what the killer might have been searching for in that little office. 

He needed to talk to the coroner and then Frank. After that he’d work on background checks, including one on Savannah Cheval, before he picked up Julie Ann from the hotel.

This case was more than just robbery. A murder had occurred, and he wouldn’t let the case become another of the unsolved murders, despite what Tozer and anyone else might want. There was a murderer out there. Until they found a motive, Julie Ann might be next on his list. Connor wanted to catch him and make sure that didn’t happen. He needed a motive and a suspect.

Could he find anything to give him a clue as to where to start?

Born and raised in New Orleans Julie Ann Dupré senses things other people don’t. She’s living in New York when she’s told her mother has been killed in an attempted robbery, which is odd because Perrine didn’t have anything valuable to steal. Julie Ann comes home to find the truth and discovers there’s a family secret, hidden for years. She searches to find the real reason for her mother’s death. Now someone is trying to kill her. Will her psychic senses, a little dog and a detective keep her safe?

Detective Connor O’Reilly, a native of New Orleans and comes from a family of police. He’s an honest cop but realizes there is corruption in the division. He meets Julie Ann at her mother’s house and is immediately attracted to her. After telling her about the attempted robbery he checks into the case and finds no one is investigating the death. Julie Ann deserves the truth and he wants to know what really happened. He starts a thorough investigation. He’s warned off the case and then he receives a death threat.

Julie Ann and Connor work together to unravel the real reason behind Perrine Dupré’s murder, Julie Ann’s mysterious past, and why people want her dead, while developing their challenging relationship. Can they both survive? And what about their relationship?

Connor waited a few minutes before he followed her.
She touched the doorknob. A vision passed in front of her. A man inside stood by the door. There was a flash. Her mother crumpled to the ground.
Julie Ann dropped her hand and took half a step back.
Damn her mother’s visions. She’d known he was waiting, and she was going to die.
That’s why she ran away from the house. So she didn’t die inside. Thanks, Mom.
After a deep breath, Julie Ann opened the door, hesitated and stepped inside. She stopped to survey the room.
An icy cold blasted through her body. It felt like she had floated outside her body.
She could see the room and herself standing there staring at the space by the door where the man had waited. He was fuzzy, not clear enough to describe. She briskly rubbed her bare arms.
“Are you okay?”
She continued to rub her arms. “I will be. It feels cool in here.”
“Why don’t we do this later? You can stay at the hotel a few more days, or with Savannah.”
“No, I’m fine, really. I’d like to go through the house now. I’ll stay here tonight.”
“Are you sure? Do you think it’s wise? If your mother’s death wasn’t a robbery you could be in danger. They got to you in the hotel.”
“I realize that.” Julie Ann whispered.
“Julie Ann! Is that you girl?” The voice came from the sidewalk Julie Ann turned back to the door. The solid shape of the older woman limped across the street with the help of a gnarled wooden cane.
“Savannah? Yes. It’s me.” Julie Ann skipped out the door and down the walk.
“My, you sure are skinny, girl. Don’t you take time to eat in New York? Come here, baby.” Savannah held out her ample arms.
Julie Ann moved into the circle. Savannah wrapped her tight and held her for a long time.
Julie Ann found comfort for the second time in days.
“I’m so glad you’re still living here. I can’t believe she’s gone. It’s not fair. She was such a good person.”
“You got that right.

Silver Dagger Book Tour

Born and raised in New Orleans Julie Ann Dupré senses things other people don’t. She’s living in New York when she’s told her mother has been killed in an attempted robbery, which is odd because Perrine didn’t have anything valuable to steal. Julie Ann comes home to find the truth and discovers there’s a family secret, hidden for years. She searches to find the real reason for her mother’s death. Now someone is trying to kill her. Will her psychic senses, a little dog and a detective keep her safe?

Detective Connor O’Reilly, a native of New Orleans and comes from a family of police. He’s an honest cop but realizes there is corruption in the division. He meets Julie Ann at her mother’s house and is immediately attracted to her. After telling her about the attempted robbery he checks into the case and finds no one is investigating the death. Julie Ann deserves the truth and he wants to know what really happened. He starts a thorough investigation. He’s warned off the case and then he receives a death threat.

Julie Ann and Connor work together to unravel the real reason behind Perrine Dupré’s murder, Julie Ann’s mysterious past, and why people want her dead, while developing their challenging relationship. Can they both survive? And what about their relationship?

Julie Ann pulled out her cellphone and slowly punched in the number.
“New Orleans Police Department, how may I direct your call?”
“Sheriff Tozer, please?”
“Thank you. Please hold.”
She clutched the phone. Heaviness filled her body. Exhaustion and emptiness from crying filled her body.
How could this have happened?
“Sheriff Tozer.”
Julie Ann swallowed twice before speaking. 
“Sheriff Tozer, may I help you?”
“I hope so. My name is Julie Ann Dupré, I was given your number.”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“Perrine Dupré, she was killed yesterday.”
“Oh, right, the old lady shot by a burglar when she returned home after shopping.”
“By a burglar? Are you sure?”
“Yes, ma’am. That was the motive.”
“What was taken?”
“We’re not sure. It’s possible she startled him before he took anything. He ran off right after he killed her.”
Julie Ann closed her eyes.
“Ms. Dupré? Ms. Dupré? Are you still there?”
“We have started the boarding for Flight 5868 to New Orleans.”
“Yes, I’m here.”
“Will you be coming down to New Orleans?”
“What? Yes, I’ll be there this afternoon.” Julie Ann dropped her phone into her purse, stood up and proceeded to the boarding gate. 10
Her mother was really gone. But shot by a burglar? Everyone in the area knew her mother and she had nothing worth stealing. It didn’t make sense. There had to be another reason. Why would anyone kill Perrine?

Silver Dagger Book Tour

Born and raised in New Orleans Julie Ann Dupré senses things other people don’t. She’s living in New York when she’s told her mother has been killed in an attempted robbery, which is odd because Perrine didn’t have anything valuable to steal. Julie Ann comes home to find the truth and discovers there’s a family secret, hidden for years. She searches to find the real reason for her mother’s death. Now someone is trying to kill her. Will her psychic senses, a little dog and a detective keep her safe?

Detective Connor O’Reilly, a native of New Orleans and comes from a family of police. He’s an honest cop but realizes there is corruption in the division. He meets Julie Ann at her mother’s house and is immediately attracted to her. After telling her about the attempted robbery he checks into the case and finds no one is investigating the death. Julie Ann deserves the truth and he wants to know what really happened. He starts a thorough investigation. He’s warned off the case and then he receives a death threat.

Julie Ann and Connor work together to unravel the real reason behind Perrine Dupré’s murder, Julie Ann’s mysterious past, and why people want her dead, while developing their challenging relationship. Can they both survive? And what about their relationship?

Juggling her parcels, umbrella and the key Perrine jabbed it in the direction of the lock. Finally, the key found the opening and turned.
Thunder rumbled a little louder, sounding like pins crashing in a bowling alley. Perrine turned the doorknob and froze. 
One of her psychic visions flashed in front of her. Her shoulders sagged. A man stood inside. Her visons didn’t lie. She wasn’t going to see Julie Ann after all. And she'd miss their regular telephone call tonight, too. 
She wasn’t prepared to die. A single tear shimmered down her cheek. Her heart pounded. She clutched her parcels to her chest. Why now? 
Lightning flashed. Thunder crashed again. He waited for her to come inside.  
The vision showed her crumpled on the ground in front of the house. She’d run, but obviously she wasn’t going to get far. Even if she managed to escape, they would kill her
eventually. And after tonight Julie Ann would be home. She would also be in danger. 
The family was too rich and powerful. They didn’t care about collateral damage or anyone who might get hurt. Had they killed off all the other people involved? Was that why the documentation wasn’t important anymore? The birth certificate should have been enough.
There was so much she should have shared with Julie Ann. At least then she would be aware of the threat.
Perrine didn’t want to die in the house. It would leave a permanent stain and memory. Julie Ann might never enter the house again if Perrine’s body was found inside.
In her mind, Perrine stared into the depths of the house, hands trembled, freezing cold filled her chest. She had to make a decision. He was getting ready to make a move. Perrine dropped her parcels, turned and raced down the steps.
The skies opened wide and lightning flashed across the sky, turning it an electric white. Perrine crumpled to the street. No one heard the shot. An icy shroud of death enveloped over her.
The front door closed. The lock clicked.
She felt no pain, not even when a boot kicked her sharply in the ribs - twice. The feet moved away.
A gate squeaked.
A car engine roared to life.
The phone rang. No one answered it tonight.
Her spirit prepared to leave.

Silver Dagger Book Tour

Born and raised in New Orleans Julie Ann Dupré senses things other people don’t. She’s living in New York when she’s told her mother has been killed in an attempted robbery, which is odd because Perrine didn’t have anything valuable to steal. Julie Ann comes home to find the truth and discovers there’s a family secret, hidden for years. She searches to find the real reason for her mother’s death. Now someone is trying to kill her. Will her psychic senses, a little dog and a detective keep her safe?

Detective Connor O’Reilly, a native of New Orleans and comes from a family of police. He’s an honest cop but realizes there is corruption in the division. He meets Julie Ann at her mother’s house and is immediately attracted to her. After telling her about the attempted robbery he checks into the case and finds no one is investigating the death. Julie Ann deserves the truth and he wants to know what really happened. He starts a thorough investigation. He’s warned off the case and then he receives a death threat.

Julie Ann and Connor work together to unravel the real reason behind Perrine Dupré’s murder, Julie Ann’s mysterious past, and why people want her dead, while developing their challenging relationship. Can they both survive? And what about their relationship?

Perrine Dupré hurried down the street. Dark New Orleans clouds hovered overhead. Thunder rolled through the skies. Large drops of late May rain pelted the streets of the French Quarter. It sounded like hail as the fat drops bounced off the pavement behind Perrine. The ozone mixed with the scent of magnolia and the smell of shrimp and fish cooking in the area.

The older African American woman struggled against the wind. It whipped her umbrella inside out. She clutched it tightly so not to lose it. Rain clouded her eyes. She stumbled up the three steps to her front door. Juggling her parcels, umbrella and the key Perrine jabbed it in the direction of the lock. Finally, the key found the opening and turned.

Her daughter was coming home for a visit. Perrine’s pulse increased and a smile sneaked out.

Perrine loved her New Orleans. She hated to travel, but two years ago she’d gone to New York to see Julie Ann and her new business. It was a mass of busy airports and crowded flights, but she’d enjoyed seeing New York and staying in her daughter’s apartment. Her daughter had showed off her interior design business, introduced to a few of her friends and dragged Perrine to some of the typical tourist activities. Julie Ann been getting her interior design business established then and had trouble finding time to leave it and come home. Recently she’d taken on a partner and now had a little more time. Tomorrow Julie Ann would be home in New Orleans and Perrine could give her a big hug. Thunder rumbled across the sky, sounding like pins crashing in a bowling alley.

Perrine turned the doorknob and froze.

A vision flashed in front of her. Her shoulders sagged. Her visions didn’t lie. She wasn’t going to see Julie Ann after all. And she'd miss their regular telephone call tonight, too.

She wasn’t prepared to die. A single tear shimmered down her cheek. Her heart pounded. She clutched her parcels to her chest. Why now? Lightning flashed. Thunder crashed.

He waited for her to come inside.

The vision showed her crumpled on the ground in front of the house. She’d run, but obviously she wasn’t going to get far. Even if her vision was wrong and she managed to escape tonight, they would kill her eventually. And after tonight Julie Ann would be home and she could be in danger. 

Silver Dagger Book Tour