Pepper Jack
by
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The room was paid for in cash and had been registered under a different name. Lori Long checked and double-checked her reflection in the mirror. She paced around the luxurious hotel room nervously and glanced at the clock on the wall just as she had two minutes before. And two minutes before that. She looked around at the several lighted candles she had strategically placed around the room and appreciatively nodded at the warm glow they gave off. She placed her hand over her heart and felt it beating hard enough for the people in the next room to hear. The horrifying thought of being overheard by the neighbors crossed her mind momentarily and she quickly chased it away. No one had seen her when she checked in and carried her things up to the room from the parking garage. No one saw as she showered and put on the new lingerie she had bought for just this occasion. It took several minutes to properly enjoy the experience and she made sure that every inch of her skin was properly perfumed and lotioned. No one saw as she checked the clock again and paced nervously. She was safe to take her first walk on the wild side and could barely contain her excitement. Twenty-two years of a dull, lifeless marriage had left her open to suggestion and possibility. She had worked long and hard to maintain the same dress size as the day she had walked down the aisle. Her skin was taut and her muscles toned and she was in better physical shape than most women half her age. The face she saw in the mirror was one that her friends secretly wished they could match. Over lunch, one of these friends suggested a way she could recapture some excitement without risking losing her marriage. She gave Lori a name and number of someone she knew could satisfy her thoroughly. The thought of paying for sex horrified her at first, but her friend explained her experience. “Just think of it as an expensive outing. You get what you pay for. Just talk to him and see what you think. Can't hurt anything.” Two days passed before she picked up the phone. He immediately set her at ease with his mannerisms and southern accent. They talked again two days later before setting a time for him to come to town.
She looked at the clock again. Still only two minutes had passed. She paced again nervously and wondered if arranging this was a mistake. Reaching for her cell phone, the thought crossed her mind to call and cancel the whole thing. Lori took a deep breath as that thought was interrupted by a knock at the door. She opened it and smiled, making a mental note to thank her friend first thing in the morning.
"Hi.” "I'm Lori…hi.” "It's a pleasure to meet you.” "Thank you, it's nice to meet you as well.” "This is a nice hotel and a nice hallway, but we might be more comfortable inside?” "I'm sorry, please come in.”
The next hour and a half exceeded every expectation she could have imagined. He was patient, affectionate and attentive to every sound and movement she made. Lori's only regret was that she hadn't arranged for him to stay longer. Afterwards, they talked for a bit and agreed to meet again. He dressed and excused himself, kissing her forehead sweetly before leaving. She lay still for what seemed like an eternity, every nerve ending still tingling. Checking the bedside clock, she noted that she had plenty of time before she was expected home. A hot shower would put an exclamation point on the evening perfectly. Steam began to fill the bathroom and Lori thought she heard a knock at the door. She smiled and strolled over to it, wrapping a towel around her. She opened it without looking, purring “Miss me already?” She never saw the knife that plunged into her chest, bursting her heart with one savage thrust.
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About the Book
Jackson Pritchard is a wanted man. Wanted by his clients, by an ex-lover, by a new love interest...and now by the police for questioning. His clients have begun to turn up dead. Jessica Young wants to live her own life for a change. Now that her second life is ready to begin, her path crosses Jackson's. Follow them across the country and further as their adventures culminate in an explosive and surprise ending. Pepper Jack is a thriller much in the style of James Patterson. Set predominantly in Memphis, it is filled with rich Southern character and characters. The dialogue is fun and fast and the characters are memorable and enjoyable, even the bad guys! Let yourself be swept in the story and see the pages turn themselves.
About the Author
Jon Pendergrass was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but was raised a Southerner in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri and spent many of his adult years in Memphis. He currently lives in Little Rock with his children. "Pepper Jack" is his debut novel.