The Cold Winter Series

 

 

The Niagara Falls Power Grid is down and a snow storm is coming.

The Cold Winter

The Cold Winter Series Book 1

by Chris Underwood

Genre: Disaster, Survival Fiction

The Niagara Falls grid is down.
A snowstorm traps the unprepared.
A cold winter lies ahead.

The Northeast corner of the US goes dark. The rest of the country has power, and desperate travelers jam the roads to get there. They can’t make it. Millions of people are displaced as a massive snowstorm descends.

The Vesper family lives in a small town in central Ohio. They’ve prepped, but not enough. They vow to do the right thing for any person in need. The radio promises that everything will be back to normal soon. Instead, it’s a cold, brutal winter.

 

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Call To Arms

The Cold Winter Series Book 2

The power is still out.
Help isn’t coming.
The fight for America begins.

As central Ohio families struggle to survive through a snowy blackout, an organized effort to take over the country unfolds around them. A coup plays out against a backdrop of systemic failure, and village residents must band together to stay true to their values while strengthening borders against attackers.

An in-the-know ham radio operator aids the villagers in their defense preparations, and in doing so, uncovers a secret advantage—one that gives them a chance to stop loving in reaction mode. As a call to arms goes out, Ohioans fight back against the attempted takedown of everything they love.

 

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Battle on the Ohio River

The Cold Winter Series Book 3

The Grid is Down.
A VIP upriver needs to be rescued.
Modern Engines can’t be trusted.
To win, the battle must turn unconventional....
And a little Historical.

A modern minuteman militia is operating out of Steubenville Ohio with a VIP to deliver. Their Huey helicopter is grounded so travel is the old-fashioned way on the Ohio River. Then it gets even more old-fashioned. Another militia in Evansville Indiana has the World War 2 LST-325 in their command. Seven hundred miles of river is between them, but the historic battleship is pushing upstream to help. The battles along the Ohio River come to a conclusion in an epic battle on Wheeling Island!

The Official Release date of this book was June 6, 2024, the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Chris Underwood was on the actual LST-325, docked on the Ohio River, signing books for this official opening date. He has volunteered on this historical ship and proud to include it in this book.

 

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CHRIS UNDERWOOD lives in central Ohio with his wonderful wife and three children who are one by one being pushed out the door for college. His passions have included woodworking and the completion of a 10 year historical home restoration, in addition to his Computer Consulting career. More recently his passions for sailing and writing have been given more attention in his life. Chris openly pines for the day that writing and sailing completely consumes it. Creative Writing was always an interest, even decades ago when in college at Ohio State. Business Writing courses were pushed to the side in favor of Short Story and Sci-Fi. In the end, a Computer Science and Accounting degree seemed more promising in today's world and writing was put on the back burner. Until a few years ago. A subject matter and storyline were generated that created enough passion to put pen to paper. Now writing is a daily event, with two more stories in process!

 

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Boys of Bragg Series

 

 

The Boys of Bragg series follows military friends who are stationed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and the sassy independent women they fall for.

A Change of Heart

Boys of Bragg Book 1

by Randa Knight

Genre: Military Romance

One summer changed everything.

 

Dee

One night.

One decision.

Taking chances isn't a new concept to me, but I've never been one to take a chance on love. Michael changes all of that. No more party girl, no more one-night stands. I fall hard for the cerulean-eyed sex god who shows me what it's like to truly be cherished and loved.

Only, I'm not sure how long it can last.

Michael

I knew the moment I met Dee that she was trouble. But when she unexpectedly opens up to me the night we meet, I realize she's the only person who could change how I think about relationships, how I feel, and how I look at life. She's a fiery, spontaneous woman who challenges me at every turn. I should let her go. But I don't think I want to.

But right now my career won’t allow me to be the kind of man she deserves.

And Dee doesn’t trust herself or my love for her.

If I’m going to keep her, I have to let her walk away, as much as it pains me to my core.

Yes, it sounds crazy and it might just backfire, but if my plan pays off, we’ll both stop running and finally realize how much we need each other, how our hearts were made for each other.

 

**Get it FREE March 24th – 28th!**

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The Art of Love

Boys of Bragg Book 2

One look is all it takes to change everything. 

 

Cat

I've been the black sheep of the family my entire life, so I'm looking forward to this fresh start. My job and new friends are great and I’m finding happiness. Then I met Brax--the gorgeous soldier with huge muscles, but he’s also sweet, caring, and loves art. Oh, and he’s completely off-limits, thanks to my overprotective brother who’s Brax’s first sergeant. Will he chase Brax away like he’s done my entire life?

 

Brax

To protect and serve: it's all I've ever wanted to do. Being a model soldier has been my life's dream. But then I met Cat, the little pixie artist who stole my heart. Now, all I want to do is be with her, but there's just one problem--her brother is my first sergeant. Now I'll have to choose between being the perfect soldier for my unit… or being her perfect partner.

 

**Get it for Only .99cents March 10th – 17th !!**

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The Last Game

Boys of Bragg Book 3

One moment changed their lives.

 

 Ivy

I've harbored a secret crush on Grant ever since that freckle-faced kid first set foot in our yard when I was just six years old. I knew he was special. Grant has always had this uncanny ability to understand me on a soul-deep level, yet I've kept my feelings hidden, knowing he's not just my brother's best friend but also my rock. He's the one who keeps me steady, soothing me when the chaos of life threatens to overwhelm me. Grant is my true north. Until we cross that line.

As the line blurs between friendship and something more, I'm left grappling with a daunting question: Is he worth the gamble of disrupting the delicate balance of our friendship and the stability we've carefully built together?

 

Grant

I'd do anything for Ivy Rose, but even I have my limits. I've tried everything to show her how I feel. Helping her raise her son? Done. Starting a friends-with-benefits arrangement? Maybe not my best idea. Admitting I want to spend my life with her? Definitely, the scariest thing I've ever done. Then the unthinkable happens, turning our world upside down. I'm hurt, and angry, and that's when I need her the most.

Can I put my anger aside and forgive her, or will we be stuck in silence forever? Our friendship might be on the line, but my heart tells me Ivy is worth the risk.

 

**Get it for Only $1.99 Mar 17-24!!**

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The Unveiled Fling

Boys of Bragg Book 4

One costume is all it takes to change everything.

 

Joel

My dream girl unexpectedly falls into my life, but with only one weekend together, she’s left me craving more. When she reappears, warnings from my friends urge me to stay away, but I can’t. I keep finding reasons to see her. Talk to her. Be near her.

Can I convince her to give our connection a chance?

 

Sami

I never imagined encountering my Comic Con fling among my sister’s social circle, only to have him play the role of a stranger. Despite his charming demeanor, Joel doesn’t fit my usual type of nerdy guys. But as I discover more about him, I question whether there’s more beneath his confident exterior.

Can he show me that opposites attract in the most unexpected ways?

Will they give in to their feelings and give their romance a chance, or will they let their differences and their friends keep them apart?

 

**RELEASING MARCH 25th - PreOrder Now!!**

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Randa Knight was born and raised in a small little town on the Ohio/Indiana border. Her love of reading began in middle school and never ended. For the past few years, she has been an avid reader and blogger. She studied Literature with a Creative Writing minor at Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!) where she fell in love with writing. The idea for Boys of Bragg series began during a creative writing course.

When she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out with her four boys, husband, and new puppy. Or spending copious amounts of time on Tik Tok instead of writing or cleaning.

 

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The Guardian Awaits

 The Mirage: Fata Morgana

Chapter One

 

 

Undercover agent, Colin Chase Rand had spent a week with his family who had come to visit him in Duluth before he left the area.

His mother had always wanted to stay at the historic Fitger’s along the shores of Lake Superior. His father, as always, was accommodating to her wishes. She was thrilled with the stunning lake-view room they’d reserved.

His brother, Rick, was there for a few days but had to return before the week was up. They were short-handed at the fire station and he had to return to work. His mother and sister, Ilene, took advantage of the hotel spa and lots of shopping.

It was extremely relaxing. He’d been on guard, on high alert for so long he’d practically forgotten how to relax.

His good friends, Keoni and Lizette, came to share the last day with him and his family. It was awesome to have all of them together before he headed out of state to the next assignment.

The shaky goodbyes and the hugs filled him with happiness and love. He had one hell of a family. Colin knew how lucky he was to have them.

With his family, Keoni, and Lizette in the rearview mirror, Colin left Locke Bay satisfied he’d done the best job under the extenuating circumstances.

It was hard saying goodbye, not knowing if all would go well with his next assignment. It was something he learned to accept and live with. He was close to his family and, at times, it was extremely difficult to be without them, especially during the holidays, or missing birthdays.

Or, when Lizette put the gun to his head. All he could think of was how much he’d miss his family; how it’d break his parent’s hearts if she pulled the trigger.

Keoni Nani and Lizette Hill are two of the best friends a person could have. They’d met under the most unusual circumstances. When he’d first met Lizette, he didn’t trust her, knew she was hiding something. She was, absolutely without a doubt.

Funny how things turned out sometimes, he ended up knowing she and Keoni would always have his back.

Usually, when he completed a job, he left it all behind, but those two will be lifetime friends.

After Keoni’s initial shock of discovering that Colin and Lizette were undercover FBI agents, he had their back. Normally, the job would’ve been over and assigned somewhere else. It wasn’t quite how it worked out and Colin was satisfied with the outcome.

Keeping their secrets from the Mafia and keeping them from the FBI wasn’t much different. Occasionally, there was a bit of guilt that bubbled up. Neither one of them coughed up the information to the higher echelons.

 Colin smiled to himself. And boy, the two of them were a bundle of fun. It broke the high stress of being undercover and wondering if he’d see the next morning.

It was his mother’s expression when he announced he’d joined the FBI as an undercover agent.

It took a few moments before she finally said, “I’m proud of you, son, but what happens when you wake up dead because of some sicko or felon killing you?”

He hugged her. There was nothing else he could do except give empty reassurances.

He had a four-week vacation under his belt, and he intended to take the whole four weeks. One week with his family and the rest would be a nice ride to Florida by way of the New England coast.

It’d be the first break he’d had in well over three years. Colin planned on taking small hops and playing tourist before he hit all the waves on the Rhode Island coast. He may even put his board in at Ruggles Rd.

Once he tackled those breakers, he’d be on his way to the next town, the next adventure, and the next undercover position in a small, obscure, and relatively unknown town in Florida.

He drove on the scenic roads and avoided the highways. He smiled as he enjoyed the drive looking at the open land, the cows, corn, soy, more corn, and oh, look! Cows.

A few hours later, it was time for him to charge the car, and take his first stop at Spring Green. He’d heard about the House on the Rock for years and never managed to get there to see it until now.

The hotel room was typical. Colin leaned his head back in the chair and looked out the window wondering what it would be like to live in Florida.

He sure wouldn’t have to worry about driving and shoveling snow anymore. That will be nice.

He headed next door to the restaurant, grabbed a meal to go, and some Danish for his breakfast. The next morning, after he toured the House on the Rock, Colin headed southeast. Colin put it in auto-drive, looked at his itinerary, and played around on the radio. Preferring side roads instead of busy highways, he meandered through the countryside lost in his thoughts.

The long road had multiple mirages. The weather had been wacky lately, most likely causing all the mirages. He always thought they were like chasing a rainbow. No matter how close a person gets to it, it was always just beyond their reach. He recalled a long-ago memory with his mother.

She’d taken his hand. “Look. Colin. The end of the rainbow is right in our backyard. Watch what happens as we move closer.”

He’ll never forget that day. It withdrew from them as they moved toward it, but when they walked back to the house, they turned to look again. He expected it to be gone. Colin stood in awe. The rainbow glistened and beckoned to him.

Passing through Genoa City, a few miles from the Wisconsin and Illinois border, a stunning illusion of a mirage was on the road in front of him. The lights and colors were bending upward. The air was shimmering, similar to the northern lights. He stared, mesmerized by the sight.

The closer he got, the bigger it appeared. The road lifted upward, reaching skyward, creating an impression that the countryside was floating.

There were horses and people hovering in the air. He wanted to reach his hand out and pet the horses.

As he drove closer to the phenomenon, the more it wavered. Within seconds it morphed from within his reach to beyond the horizon and then back again. It was enchanting.

“Was it King Arthur’s sister, Morgan? Is she the one that had magical powers and could pull castles into thin air?”

 

Siri answered him, Morgan le Fay was King Arthur’s sister who lured sailors to their deaths by summoning visions in the sky. She created large objects to flow upward confusing the sailors, prompting claims of sighting the Flying Dutchman. A tale among the sailors, the ghost ship was cursed to sail the seas for eternity.

 

Colin held the steering wheel, watching as he entered the mirage. “Fata Morgana.”

 https://youtu.be/18yWcZv9OS0

Coming April 11, 2025

DCL Publishing presents: The Guardian Awaits

Preorder your copy today

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https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-guardian-awaits-pamela-ackerson/1147184589?ean=2940184669571

 

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https://amzn.to/4hQhXvY

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@PamAckerson

The Billionaire Fairy Tales

 

 

Get enchanted by these modern-day princesses and their billionaire romances! 

Once Upon a Billionaire

The Billionaire Fairy Tales Book 4

by MacKenzie Stowe

Genre: Contemporary Billionaire Romance

In the bustling heart of New York City, Kiara Aurelius, a reserved school teacher, takes on an unusual gig: house-sitting for Barrett Olson, a suave and enigmatic businessman she’s never met. Nestled in his upscale penthouse, Kiara delights in the luxurious surroundings, immersing herself in Barrett’s world while capturing the city's vibrant essence from his panoramic windows.

Barrett returns home unexpectedly, catching Kiara off guard. Rather than being angry, he is intrigued by the beautiful stranger in his home. The air crackles with undeniable chemistry as they navigate this unexpected encounter. As night falls, their connection deepens, and passion ignites in ways neither could have imagined and evolves into an unforgettable weekend.

As the weekend comes to a close, Kiara and Barrett part ways, uncertain if they’ll ever meet again. They are unexpectedly reunited, but their burgeoning romance faces obstacles they never anticipated. Kiara’s protective brother and Barrett’s disapproving employee threaten to tear them apart. Caught between family loyalty and societal expectations, Kiara and Barrett must decide if their love is worth fighting for.

In this modern retelling of The Three Little Bears, Once Upon a Billionaire explores the delicate balance of love and trust in a world where appearances can be deceiving. Will Kiara and Barrett find a way to navigate their differences and build a love that's just right, or will the forces against them prove too great to overcome? Dive into a story where love is a gamble and only the strongest hearts prevail.

This book was previous published as a novella as part of the Tall Dark and Rich Anthology. It has been reimagined as a full novel.

 

**NEW RELEASE - only .99cents for a limited time!**

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Once Upon a Star

The Billionaire Fairy Tales Book 3

In the bustling streets of modern-day New York City, a captivating retelling of the beloved fairy tale “The Little Mermaid” unfolds.

Fate brought Aracely and Sebastian together as teenagers, but stubbornness and miscommunication kept them apart. Now, Sebastian, a famous movie star, is in New York City, with one plan in mind, to win the woman that he loves and secure the future he can only have with her. Or else.

Aracely, a brilliant resident doctor, had her heart broken once by Sebastian. She isn’t ready to let him do it again. But Sebastian is determined to prove his worth and devotion. He embarks on a quest to capture Ariel’s heart, even if it means reevaluating his own priorities.

Can Sebastian break free from the constraints of his own fame and win the heart of the remarkable Aracely? Can Aracely find the courage to embrace her own desires, or will insecurity and duty stand in her way?

This contemporary twist on a classic tale weaves its spell over New York City. Inviting readers on a journey of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of true connection. Can love conquer all, or will the tides of destiny wash away their chance at happiness?

Only time will tell if their love will stand the test of stardom.

Once Upon a Star is a second chance steamy romance based in New York City. It has plenty of heat, laughter, with a guaranteed HEA and no cliffhangers.

 

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Once Upon a Beast

The Billionaire Fairy Tales Book 2

Navigating the glittering world of high society and the shadowy underbelly of the city in this modern retelling of “Beauty and the Beast.”

Meet Layla Brown, a fiercely independent and intelligent young woman who is living her dream as an employee of the New York City Public Library. And Nicodemus Murphy, a brooding and enigmatic billionaire who has hidden from life and the woman he loves for years, his childhood friend, Layla.

When a scandal threatens to ruin Nic’s career, he and Layla are forced to see each other again. Old wounds and unrequited love come to the surface, causing the friends to comfort their past and embark on a love neither thought was possible.

Nicodemus and Layla’s bond strengthens as he battles his inner struggles, finding peace in her unconditional love. But will it last? When his past and misdeeds catch up with him, can he trust the love he and Layla have found to get through it? Or will doubt and deception keep the two lovers apart?

With a rich tapestry of modern themes and steamy romance, this enchanting retelling will captivate your heart. This poignant reimagining explores the transformative power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.

Once Upon a Beast is a friends-to-lovers steamy romance set in New York City. It has plenty of heat and laughter with a guaranteed HEA and no cliffhangers.

 

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Once Upon a Prince

The Billionaire Fairy Tales Book 1

What if the women of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Little Mermaid, were best friends? Find out in this modern retelling of Cinderella.

Ella Taylor is a young woman with dreams as big as the city skyline. Finally, free of her evil stepmother, she has only one goal; to stay out of her clutches forever. She finds a willing ally in Dax Moore, her boss, an ambition and determined man who has put away his playboy ways to prove he is the only man to run his family’s company.

Amidst the long hours and dedication, a romance slowly blossoms, shocking and surprising them both. With the help of her friends, and Dax’s love and loyalty, Ella slowly carves a life out in the city.

But when Ella’s past threatens to unravel all she has worked for. She must choose between the life she’s always known and the love she never imagined possible. Can she trust what she and Dax have to stand the wrath of her stepmother?

This enchanting retelling of Cinderella weaves together modern-day charm, steamy romance, and sparkling cityscapes. Reminding us that dreams can come true, even in the heart of New York City. Get ready to be swept away in a tale of love, self-discovery, and the magic that exists when two souls meet in the urban jungle.

Once Upon a Prince is a steamy office romance based in New York City. It has plenty of heat, laughter, with a guaranteed HEA and no cliffhangers.

 

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Watch out for more books coming soon!

MacKenzie Stowe was born in Southern California. From a young child she loved to travel and explore new worlds. When she wasn't traveling she found escape in reading. As an author, she likes to combined both passions in her life.

She uses her experience as a SCUBA instructor, a crew member of a cruise ship and deck hand on a tall ship to help bring unique perspectives to her books.

She still lives in Southern California where she is planning her next adventure and book series.

 

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Vengeful CONspiracies

 

 

Sadie encounters a nemesis from her past. 

Is it coincidence or is it something more sinister? 

Book 2 reveals the truth!

Vengeful CONspiracies

A Sadie Sabatini Mystery Book 2

by Nicole Leiren

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Sadie is settling into her new life in Wilson, Texas. She’s making friends and her business, Tesoro, is starting to thrive. But the past is never far behind. When two former team members come for a visit, they bring trouble in the form of a mutual enemy set on revenge threatening to disrupt Sadie’s fresh start.

 

She can’t turn her back on her team, though. They’ve been through too much together. The more Sadie tries to help, the more she suspects she might be the target of the con this time. With forces conspiring against her, the outcome of her decisions, both past and present, weigh heavily and make her question the choices she made leading to this point.

 

When their mutual enemy is found dead, alliances are tested, and wits are matched as the race to the truth reveals who can be trusted and who is running their final con. 

 

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Murderous CONsequences

A Sadie Sabatini Mystery Book 1

Sadie Sabatini thinks of herself as a modern-day Robin Hood who uses her gift as a skilled con artist to help those who have nowhere else to turn. Leading this life is rewarding, but the number of enemies are piling up. Sadie decides to lay low and start over with a new (and legitimate business) in the small town of Wilson, Texas, situated on a small peninsula in beautiful Lake Amore.

 

Trouble is never far behind though and her past catches up to her in a big way when a friend of a former mark threatens blackmail for his silence. When he turns up dead and Sadie is the prime suspect, she realizes this time she must protect herself. Her skills prove helpful as she digs deeper into the web of revenge, blackmail, and secrets to discover she’s not the only one with a past to hide.

 

As the threats mount, Sadie knows she’s closing in on the truth. She now worries that the few new friends she’s made in town are in danger because of her. With time running out, can she protect those around her and find the real killer before this new chapter in her life is conned out of a happy ending?

 

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Described by those who know her best as perky, quirky and effervescent, USA Today Best-Selling author Nicole Leiren likes to have fun -- in life, with her characters and, of course, her readers. She admits to being sassy (just ask her mother!) and inspiration for her characters are drawn from the real-world heroes and heroines she meets while traversing the country.

Nicole enjoys sharing the love, laughter, mystery, and occasionally a touch of the mayhem she forces her characters to endure—all for the reader’s pleasure! Her real-world heroes and heroines will keep you turning the pages until you reach the whodunit or happily ever after (usually both!)

 

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The Guardian Awaits

 

The Guardian Awaits

 

The Mirage: Fata Morgana

Chapter One

 

 

Undercover agent, Colin Chase Rand had spent a week with his family who had come to visit him in Duluth before he left the area.

His mother had always wanted to stay at the historic Fitger’s along the shores of Lake Superior. His father, as always, was accommodating to her wishes. She was thrilled with the stunning lake-view room they’d reserved.

His brother, Rick, was there for a few days but had to return before the week was up. They were short-handed at the fire station and he had to return to work. His mother and sister, Ilene, took advantage of the hotel spa and lots of shopping.

It was extremely relaxing. He’d been on guard, on high alert for so long he’d practically forgotten how to relax.

His good friends, Keoni and Lizette, came to share the last day with him and his family. It was awesome to have all of them together before he headed out of state to the next assignment.

The shaky goodbyes and the hugs filled him with happiness and love. He had one hell of a family. Colin knew how lucky he was to have them.

With his family, Keoni, and Lizette in the rearview mirror, Colin left Locke Bay satisfied he’d done the best job under the extenuating circumstances.

It was hard saying goodbye, not knowing if all would go well with his next assignment. It was something he learned to accept and live with. He was close to his family and, at times, it was extremely difficult to be without them, especially during the holidays, or missing birthdays.

Or, when Lizette put the gun to his head. All he could think of was how much he’d miss his family; how it’d break his parent’s hearts if she pulled the trigger.

Keoni Nani and Lizette Hill are two of the best friends a person could have. They’d met under the most unusual circumstances. When he’d first met Lizette, he didn’t trust her, knew she was hiding something. She was, absolutely without a doubt.

Funny how things turned out sometimes, he ended up knowing she and Keoni would always have his back.

Usually, when he completed a job, he left it all behind, but those two will be lifetime friends.

After Keoni’s initial shock of discovering that Colin and Lizette were undercover FBI agents, he had their back. Normally, the job would’ve been over and assigned somewhere else. It wasn’t quite how it worked out and Colin was satisfied with the outcome.

Keeping their secrets from the Mafia and keeping them from the FBI wasn’t much different. Occasionally, there was a bit of guilt that bubbled up. Neither one of them coughed up the information to the higher echelons.

 Colin smiled to himself. And boy, the two of them were a bundle of fun. It broke the high stress of being undercover and wondering if he’d see the next morning.

It was his mother’s expression when he announced he’d joined the FBI as an undercover agent.

It took a few moments before she finally said, “I’m proud of you, son, but what happens when you wake up dead because of some sicko or felon killing you?”

He hugged her. There was nothing else he could do except give empty reassurances.

He had a four-week vacation under his belt, and he intended to take the whole four weeks. One week with his family and the rest would be a nice ride to Florida by way of the New England coast.

It’d be the first break he’d had in well over three years. Colin planned on taking small hops and playing tourist before he hit all the waves on the Rhode Island coast. He may even put his board in at Ruggles Rd.

Once he tackled those breakers, he’d be on his way to the next town, the next adventure, and the next undercover position in a small, obscure, and relatively unknown town in Florida.

He drove on the scenic roads and avoided the highways. He smiled as he enjoyed the drive looking at the open land, the cows, corn, soy, more corn, and oh, look! Cows.

A few hours later, it was time for him to charge the car, and take his first stop at Spring Green. He’d heard about the House on the Rock for years and never managed to get there to see it until now.

The hotel room was typical. Colin leaned his head back in the chair and looked out the window wondering what it would be like to live in Florida.

He sure wouldn’t have to worry about driving and shoveling snow anymore. That will be nice.

He headed next door to the restaurant, grabbed a meal to go, and some Danish for his breakfast. The next morning, after he toured the House on the Rock, Colin headed southeast. Colin put it in auto-drive, looked at his itinerary, and played around on the radio. Preferring side roads instead of busy highways, he meandered through the countryside lost in his thoughts.

The long road had multiple mirages. The weather had been wacky lately, most likely causing all the mirages. He always thought they were like chasing a rainbow. No matter how close a person gets to it, it was always just beyond their reach. He recalled a long-ago memory with his mother.

She’d taken his hand. “Look. Colin. The end of the rainbow is right in our backyard. Watch what happens as we move closer.”

He’ll never forget that day. It withdrew from them as they moved toward it, but when they walked back to the house, they turned to look again. He expected it to be gone. Colin stood in awe. The rainbow glistened and beckoned to him.

Passing through Genoa City, a few miles from the Wisconsin and Illinois border, a stunning illusion of a mirage was on the road in front of him. The lights and colors were bending upward. The air was shimmering, similar to the northern lights. He stared, mesmerized by the sight.

The closer he got, the bigger it appeared. The road lifted upward, reaching skyward, creating an impression that the countryside was floating.

There were horses and people hovering in the air. He wanted to reach his hand out and pet the horses.

As he drove closer to the phenomenon, the more it wavered. Within seconds it morphed from within his reach to beyond the horizon and then back again. It was enchanting.

“Was it King Arthur’s sister, Morgan? Is she the one that had magical powers and could pull castles into thin air?”

 

Siri answered him, Morgan le Fay was King Arthur’s sister who lured sailors to their deaths by summoning visions in the sky. She created large objects to flow upward confusing the sailors, prompting claims of sighting the Flying Dutchman. A tale among the sailors, the ghost ship was cursed to sail the seas for eternity.

 

Colin held the steering wheel, watching as he entered the mirage. “Fata Morgana.”

 https://youtu.be/18yWcZv9OS0

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