Orchestrating Murder by guest author Heather Osborne

Val Penny ♦ September 6, 2018 ♦ Leave a comment

Today, I am really fortunate to have my friend and fellow author, Heather Osborne to visit my blog and tell me about her new novel, Orchestrating Murder. We find out what happens when the protege becomes the maestro.

The Blurb

By day, he wears a mask, concealing his true nature from the world. By night, he conducts his plans, carefully composing death for those deemed less worthy in his eyes of existence.

When bodies of convicted felons start turning up, Detective Gregory Shaw is called upon to investigate. His suspicions fall on a well-known attorney, but can he prove his hunch holds merit?

The Extract

Lindsay approached the massive office building with some trepidation. The lunch invite had been on impulse, a subtle rebellion against Shaw’s unsubstantiated request not to see Edward. She had taken extra care with her appearance, for some unknown reason. She didn’t consider herself one to be overly bothered with what she wore. However, today, she had French braided her hair, allowing the gentle wisps to frame her face. She had even applied a scant layer of make-up. The beaded, flowing blue tunic top and skinny jeans were borrowed from her mother’s wardrobe, as well as the heeled sandals. It was an airy outfit, more than suitable for the warm weather.

She took the elevator to the designated floor, a whoosh of cool air hitting her as she stepped into the immaculate office. A woman behind a desk barely lifted her gaze. She was what Lindsay’s mother might describe as exotically beautiful. Lindsay immediately found her pretentious.

“Excuse me, I’m meeting Edward…um, Mr. Haversham for lunch.”

“Your name?” The woman took her in with glittering brown eyes.

Miffed by the abrupt and frigid reception, Lindsay opted to do what she always did when people judged her based on appearance—use her full title. “Dr. Lindsay Young.”

The woman’s immaculately groomed eyebrow arched, almost in surprise. “Sit over there. I will let him know you are here.”

Lindsay, satisfied to have evoked a mild reaction from the woman, nodded and moved to a set of carefully arranged chairs opposite the desk. She made sure not to fidget. There would be no way that woman would see any nerves from her. The woman made a soft call on an intercom system.

Footsteps on the carpeted floor had her lifting her head a few moments later as Edward emerged from a hallway, all bright smiles and shining eyes. She stood and he swiftly descended on her, brushing his lips against her cheek, murmuring, “Divine,” out of earshot of the watching secretary.

Lindsay felt herself blush. “Thank you.”

“I would like to introduce you to my partner, if you do not mind?” Edward encompassed her hand in his and led her away before she could answer.

Edward rapped his knuckles against a closed office door and opened it when the voice inside gave him permission. The room was awe-inspiring, with degrees, awards, and other commendations covering the walls. The man behind the desk reminded her of the suave charmers on her mother’s soap operas.

“Ah, this must be the lovely doctor you were telling me about!” The man stood, extending his hand. “Bernard Wilks.”

Lindsay took it, not at all surprised when he kissed the back of her hand. “Dr. Lindsay Young.”

“Edward has said sterling things about you, my dear. I hope he is treating you well.”

“We’ve only been on one date, but so far, he’s been a perfect gentleman.” She caught Edward’s eye. He looked immensely pleased at the way the introduction was going. This was obviously very important to him, so she smiled at Mr. Wilks.

“Has he summed up the courage to ask you to our little charity ball in two weeks’ time?”

Blinking, Lindsay cast her eyes up to Edward. A ruddy color was expanding over his neck and he cleared his throat. “I was hoping to…at lunch.” She watched his masseter muscle contract in his jaw.

“Oh! I’ve stuck my foot in it, it seems. I am so very sorry. I shall say no more.” Wilks smiled easily, as if it would defuse the entire situation.

Lindsay tucked her hand back into Edward’s, giving it what she hoped was an encouraging squeeze. “I think we should get going. It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Wilks.”

“Likewise, my dear.”

There was something sinister to the man’s eyes that had her stomach turning over, but she kept her face placid. Edward nodded to his boss and guided her from the room.

“Take the rest of the afternoon off, too, Edward!” Wilks’ voice came from the office. “Treat your lady friend to a bit of fun.”

“I will just be a moment. I need to get my briefcase.”

Lindsay’s stomach twisted again, but she smiled at Edward. “Go on. I’ll wait by the elevator.”

The woman at the desk’s eyes passed over her again as she made her way over, but the odd exchange only lasted minutes, before Edward returned and offered her his arm.

“Shall we?”

Lindsay cast a final look back to the woman, who displayed two rows of white teeth in a smile that reminded her of a shark, as they entered the elevator.

Buy Link: http://mybook.to/OrchestratingMurder

The Author 

Heather Osborne, an author of crime and historical novels, was born and raised in California. She has a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Victimology. In 2009, she met her husband and moved to Scotland. Along with her novels and short stories, Heather also has written and directed several plays. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing (of course!), and theatre, as well as caring for her young son. Among her published titles are: The Soldier’s Secret, a historical romance set during the American Civil War; Bitter Bonds, a tale of black magic in the deep South in the 1840s, and the Rae Hatting Mysteries series.

Website: www.heatherosborneauthor.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HAOsborne

Twitter: @hosborneauthor

Amazon Author Page: http://author.to/HeatherOsborne