Saturday, November 5, 2011

Today's excerpt comes from the first book I ever wrote.  It also just happens to be the 2003 winner of The Timeless Love contest.  You can buy A New Leaf at http://www.oaktreebooks.com/Shop%20OTP.htm


Prologue



“I can’t say that I’m sorry you lost this one, Tommy,” Maria Mendoza called from the prosecution’s side of the courtroom.

Tommy Price, the defense attorney, shook his head with a grimace.  “I know what you mean, Maria.  I did my best, but I really didn’t expect to win.  What can I say?  He was obviously guilty.”

“How’d you get mixed up with him?  You usually represent a better class of criminal.”

Tommy laughed outright.  “Most of my clients are innocent, thank you very much.  I defended Kyle Alexander because my wife asked me to.  They went to school together, and she felt sorry for him.”

“Oh.”  Maria understood perfectly.  Most people who knew the Prices thought that Tommy would commit any act short of murder for Nikki, and some said he wouldn’t draw the line at murder either. 

“You probably got him a lighter sentence,” Maria consoled.

“Yeah, probably.  I just hope he turns over a new leaf while he’s in prison.”

Privately, Maria doubted it.  Kyle Alexander had been in trouble since he was a kid, and she didn’t think that anything was going to change with him.  As an adult his crimes had been progressively serious, culminating in this conviction for armed robbery.  No, people like Kyle never changed.  She had no doubt that she’d be prosecuting him again as soon as his sentence was served and he was free.
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9 comments:

  1. Sherry GloagNovember 5, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    The aura of the court room fairly punches you in the face with this sample and what great character depiction through Maria's eyes.

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  2. Rachel RossanoNovember 5, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    It leaves me wondering if there is anything between the criminal and the defense lawyer's wife.

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  3. Marsha WardNovember 5, 2011 at 2:45 PM

    I hope Kyle can turn over a new leaf. Nice work, Elaine.

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  4. AnonymousNovember 5, 2011 at 3:00 PM

    Oh, I LOVE the line about how Tommy wouldn't stop at murder for Nikki! But as for Kyle, I hear the battle lines already. Great snippet!

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  5. Elaine CantrellNovember 5, 2011 at 7:11 PM

    Thanks for stopping by, ladies. A New Leaf is one of my favorite books. I'm glad to share it with you.

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  6. Sandra NachlingerNovember 5, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    Good opening. I want to know more about all the characters you've introduced.

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  7. JennaNovember 5, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    I'm intrigued already. Great beginning. I'm wondering who the book's going to follow--defense lawyer, prosecutor, or Kyle. Wonderful sample.

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  8. diannehartsockNovember 5, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    I could never be a lawyer. It seems very frustrating at times. I wonder who the 'New Leaf' is about? Kyle? You've written very realistic and likable characters. I want to read more!

    Here's my SS: http://diannehartsocksalex.wordpress.com/sweet-saturday-samples-2/

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  9. AnonymousNovember 6, 2011 at 12:52 AM

    It's never too late to turn your life around. Sometimes it just takes the right amount of motivation :)

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