The Manuscript
...a motive for murder?
by
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The irascible Vonnette was on her feet and advanced toward Paul. She tossed the headset aside freeing her from the restrictive six-foot cord attached to the computer. She was not about to listen to nor tolerate Paul’s demeaning tone. She made no attempt to mollify her irate friend; instead, she fueled the fire scoffing at his insidious claims.
At 5’2” and 110 lbs., Vonnette was no match for Paul, a burly 6’3”, 219 lbs., but her verbal assault would destroy any sense of worth or dignity he possessed. She was ruthless.
“You have the audacity to believe I need you? Christ, if I wanted weed, Cappy could get all I need and I wouldn’t have to sleep with him. A bottle of Jack Daniels and I’d be square with him. My computer? Any high school kid could come in here, run circles around you, and be glad to have the opportunity. You couldn’t really believe I was so desperately ‘horny’ as you so crudely put it, that I needed the likes of you. You read the manuscript that should have convinced you that I’ve never had a problem finding a bed partner.” Vonnette’s ranting cut Paul to the very chasm of his soul. With his jaw clenched and hands fisted, it took all his power to refrain from retaliation. She concluded her angry rage by placing the CD and invoice into the envelope with the photos and casually flipped the package into the fireplace. The flames wrapped around the white envelope as it curled and blackened quickly turning to ash. “And that’s how much I need your damn pictures. Now get out of here and stay out of my life!” “You have no idea what hurt is Paul. I’ve lived in hell since I was eighteen. You have no idea what that’s like so go lick your wounds somewhere else.” Paul’s expression turned from that of anger and rage to angst torment and agonizing humiliation. He felt hollow, exposed and completely vulnerable as the vixen he once loved stripped him of his self-respect, dignity and any remnants of self-esteem. She made it clear she considered their sexual relationship merely a ‘booty call’. Throughout Thursday morning, the telephone rang continuously and by noon, the LED reflected a total of eight messages had been recorded. Paul Gallant dropped to his knees beside the bludgeoned, beaten body. He repeated over and over, “Vonnie, I love you; I didn’t mean what I said. I love you.”
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About the Book
As the sole heir of the Remington fortune, Vonnette Remington adapted a lifestyle typical of a 'trust fund Bohemian' tucked away in the northwest corner of Massachusetts.
Vonnette Remington had six best selling romance novels to her credit in as many years. She was at the pinnacle of her writing career, garnishing her literary success by authoring Harlequin-type novels.
When she submits her tell-all autobiography, entitled Under the Willor Tree, to her publisher, she faces ill-fated retribution resulting in lethal consequences.
Her sudden death sends shock waves throughout the small community.
Lead investigator, Lt. Gerald Mitchell of the Massachusetts State Police task force, asks Remington's publisher who might have had reason to kill the famous writer. As he replies, the publisher slams the manuscript on his desk.
"Take your pick officer, Vonnette had a way of pissing off a lot of people."
Under the Willow Tree becomes a virtual directory of suspects, each chapter exposes illicit affairs and indiscrete escapades identifying prominent members of the small community.
Rumors infiltrate the town of Lenox, MA creating fear of what may be included between the pages. Careers and reputations are at risk if the seedy tell-all book were to be published.
The Manuscript is a compelling search for a killer. The author invites the reader to join in the intense investigation as the clues and evidence systematically unfold.
The Manuscript is an energy packed novel that shares all the evidence and challenges the amateur sleuth to arrive at an independent conclusion to solve the case.
Suprising details are guaranteed to captivate the most discriminating murder mystery fan.
About the Author
With two successful true crime books to her credit, Joanne Connors-Wade offers her third book, The Manuscript a fictional murder mystery.
Drawing on the extensive research and knowledge of actual investigative methods and procedures gathered from her previous publications, Wade offers a fictional mystery with amazing authenticity and a keen eye on detailed investigative procedure.
She is the author of A Thread of Evidence, published in 2005 and No Tomorrows, published in 2006. Both deliver true accounts of brutal homicides within Massachusetts.
A Thread of Evidence recounts the slaying of a teen-age girl and a four-year-old boy in her care. The true story occured on Septermber 24, 1954 in Springfield, MA
No Tomorrows combines the abduction/murder of six Massachusetts children. In addition to the victim's stories, the book uncovers the conflicts within the Catholic Church and the legal ramifications they were confronted with when allegations of child abuse began to surface.
Wade is the mother of three adult children and the grandmother of four. She is a native of Massachusetts.
She continues to encourage new writers to pursue their dreams and welcomes all to contact her through book clubs, discussion groups, book signings and her website: www.jconnorswade.com