Chapter Two Excerpt

Bishop Isaac Damascus Kay believed in the power of the Christian Scriptures. He also believed in allowing families time to spend with each other on Sunday afternoons. According to the reverend, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” He got that sentiment from Jesus. After football and dinner, Marcus and Lynette lay quietly together while their children slept.

“Will I have to beg you to answer me?”

“What?”

“Why are you so quiet?” Lynette kissed Marcus’ neck and lay on his chest.

“I’m thinking.”

“About what?”

“About how to ask you,” Marcus paused and restarted. “You know I love tasting you.”

“Um hmm,” Lynette moaned as she kissed her husband’s chest. “I could tell.”

“There’s not a place on your body I wouldn’t touch or kiss or lick.”

“I know.”

“But it’s been a minute since we’ve done that, just now not included.”

“Yeah.”

“So why do you have a hickey on your leg?”

“What?” Lynette asked, rising up. “There’s no hickey on my leg.”

“Yeah, it is.” Marcus’ voice was steady, but he was getting angrier by the second.

“Marcus, this is not funny. I don’t have a—”

“Why would I lie, baby?”

Lynette considered what her husband was implying. “Marcus, it’s over. I told you it’s over and I meant it”

“But did he mean it?”

“Honey, there’s nothing on my leg.”

“Oh yeah. It’s there and I know damn well I didn’t put it there.” The inward storm was swiftly reaching outer land.

“Marcus, please. It’s over. If anything is there, and you didn’t put it there, it’s a bruise. So don’t go there.”

“Whatever, Nette. I know what I saw. I swear to you, baby, I’m not a fool. I know shit is hard to get over when you been in it awhile. Been there, done that. Got the little boy to prove it. If that’s the case, just tell the truth, but if I catch you, Nette. If I see another bruise, it’s on—him and me. We gon’ shoot the fair one. C taught me well, baby. I don’t miss.”

Fun Fact #1

The first three releases of the Lost & Found series are prequels. That means they tell Marcus Clayton’s story from the “end” to the beginning…

Let's Get Started...

Let’s get the party started with an excerpt from Chapter One. This is an excerpt party after all…


Hello?”
“Eric?”
“What’s up, Shelly?”
“Not much. I’m returning your phone call. I saw your number in my cell.”
“Really? Who did it say had called? Kelly? Erica? No. I guess you couldn’t be even that obvious, huh?”
“It said, ‘Eric.’ ‘One missed call from: Eric.’ That’s what it said, Easy.”
“So I’m back to being ‘Easy’ again? How nice for me.”
“Eric, please.”
“Don’t beg me, Shelly. I’m not the one who would ever make you beg.”
“Okay, then. Please don’t start. Just tell me what was on your mind when you called.”
“What? You in a rush to get off the phone? Hubby must be home.”
“No. I’m in no rush. I just want to know what’s up.”
“Yeah. So do I. I called to ask when you were coming to see me again.”
“Eric, really. Don’t start.”
“Baby, I miss you. I miss us.”
“Easy—”
“And don’t give me that ‘you know I can’t’ stuff, Shelly. We can pick up right where we left off the last time you were here. I know you miss me.”
“Eric—”
“Don’t come with the excuses, Shelly. I know that’s what you’re getting ready to do. I hear it in your voice. Just tell me ‘yes,’ baby, please.”
“You know I can’t do that. Not now.”

Welcome to the Party!

We are celebrating the upcoming release of Smoke and Mirrors and are glad you could join us. Can you hear me? Is the music too loud? I can speak up...

IT'S A PARTY, IT'S A PARTY, IT'S A PAR-TAY!

Smoke and Mirrors Excerpt Party

Come party with us and celebrate the February release of Smoke and Mirrors. Marcus Clayton is back with another installation to his story and we want all our friends there. Stop by, read the excerpts and interviews, and be among the first to view the Smoke and Mirrors trailer! Of course, a party means lots of talking. So, be sure to leave your comments.

What: Smoke and Mirrors Excerpt Party
When: Friday, February 17, 2012
Where: Right here
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Central

Championship Jeopardy Face Off Battle

This is the final Lost & Found Jeopardy game before the release of Smoke and Mirrors. The top three players from the previous weeks will face off for a chance to be the first to win Smoke and Mirrors. New players will battle for a chance to win one of the other titles in the Lost & Found series. This week, it's all about numbers. Review the rules below, including where answers maybe found. Good luck. Players... face off!


Category 1: Adding Up the Years
$400 - Marcus Clayton was born on this day (mm/dd).
$600 - Marcus entered the NFL after this number of years in college.

Category 2: A Numbers Game
$400 - This is the number of children Marcus has by the end of the first three series installations.
$600 - Marcus Clayton proudly wore this number throughout his football career.

Category 3: Rank and Serial Number
$400 - Marcus is number____ of his parents' children.
$600 - Robert and Camille Clayton have this many grandsons.

Reply with your answer and your email. Winners will be notified within 24-hours of the close Game 3.

Championship Jeopardy This Weekend!

The Championship Lost & Found Jeopardy game will be played this weekend! The top three players will face off for a chance to win a copy of the new release, Smoke and Mirrors. New players are encouraged to play for a chance to win one of the other titles in the Lost & Found series. Answers will be posted on the Avah LaReaux FaceBook and Twitter pages. Come celebrate Marcus Clayton, Smoke and Mirrors, and Super Bowl weekend, right here at the spot!