I love character interviews!! Today Lauren’s giving us a little insight into Jed Stone, the hero from A Game of Chance.
Thanks so much for being her today, Lauren.
I’m here today with one of San Francisco’s newest residents, Jed Stone. Good morning, Jed. How are you today?
Frankly, it’s a bit early for me. I’m a gambler by trade, so I tend to have a lot of late nights. Games of chance seem to start late and continue till the wee hours of the morning. I’ve also recently come into some property, and taking care of it has kept me busy.
Would that be Lucky Lil’s? I’ve heard it’s the most famous whorehouse in San Francisco. Not that I’ve ever been there before.
You’ve heard right. I won the deed to Lucky Lil’s in a poker game down on the square. I’m not sure why the deed was floating around, but Madam Lil is none too happy with the new change in ownership.
Really? I’d think she’d be happy that a strong man with electric blue eyes and a smile that lights up a room would be the new owner. I’ve heard she’s fallen on hard times.
Lil’s a hard woman to figure out. We’ve already butted heads a few times. I want to make a few changes, and she’s unhappy with me for that. But on the other hand, her daughter Lily and I are getting along just fine.
Lil has a daughter? Who knew?
Yes, she’s been back east visiting old school friends. From what I gather, Lil shielded her from house life by sending her away to boarding school. Lily is a bit naïve, but she’s a sweet girl. I’ve enjoyed learning about San Francisco from her. In fact, we’re going to a big society ball tonight.
Sounds like you might be taken with her.
No, I don’t have time for affairs of the heart. I’m actually here in San Francisco to find the man who caused my best friend to hang for a murder he didn’t commit. I plan on getting sweet revenge on Simon Morgan. After that, I might sell Lucky Lil’s and move on. Getting out of California might be the smart move.
Why? You haven’t been here long.
Well, I’m keeping this close to the vest, but I was arrested when I first arrived. I look exactly like a man who’s a train robber and murderer. It was pretty darn spooky, seeing my face looking back at me from a wanted poster. So I plan to take care of Morgan and move on. I don’t want to hang for another man’s crimes. Still . . .
What? More unfinished business?
I feel sheepish admitting this, but I can’t seem to get Lily out of my mind. She’s funny and feisty and about the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen. And when I kissed her . . . excuse me, but a gentleman shouldn’t kiss and tell. I think we better wrap up this interview. I’ve got plenty of business to discuss with Madam Lil, plus I’ve got to see my new lawyer about some investments.
Thank you, Jed, for stopping by and chatting today. I hope things work out for the best with Simon Morgan . . . and with Lily Frontiere.
BLURB
Lily Frontiere takes over running Lucky Lil’s from her dying mother, the house madam who shielded her by sending her away to boarding school. Lily’s intelligence and astonishing resemblance to her mother help in her charade, but she’s entered a world she knows little about. She clashes with the handsome stranger who turns up with the deed to Lucky Lil’s in hand, yet she is attracted to the charming risk taker.
Jed asks Madam Lil to stay on as he learns the business and is fooled by Lily’s performance until he stumbles upon the real Madam Lil and learns the truth behind Lily’s deception. His admiration for Lily blossoms into love.
But Simon Morgan seeks both Lily’s hand and ownership of Lucky Lil’s—and he will go to any means to possess both. Will Jed foil his nemesis while bringing his outlaw brother to justice and win Lily’s love?
EXCERPT
“Might I recommend a certain girl to you, or are you here for a game of chance?”
The low voice came from his left. Jed turned to see a raven-haired woman with hard eyes staring up at him. She was pretty in a garish way. Heavy make-up made it impossible to discern her age. Her eyes, rimmed with thick, black eyeliner, glittered like amber. Bright red lipstick and rouge made her pale skin even paler.
“I’m Lil. What can I do for you?”
“A friend recommended the place. I’d like a woman and a room for the night.”
The madam frowned at him. “I can provide the first easily, but you’ll have to be out by three. House policy.”
He shook his head in amazement. “You’re joking.”
Lil glared daggers in return. “I never joke about business, ma cherie.”
She gestured to the Indian who’d received him. He stepped immediately to her side.
“Find Gertie.”
The man nodded and headed up the staircase.
“You’ll like Gertie. Actually, she’ll like you. She has a thing for men with intense blue eyes.” Lil sized him up. “She also likes them tall. A little cleaner than you, but I’ll send up hot water. I’m sure you’d like to freshen up after a long ride. You have just arrived in town?”
Jed fought the chill that raced through him. Lil was one wise cookie. “Hot water would be much appreciated.”
A petite blonde flew down the stairs, holding her red skirts high to show off trim ankles and more than a little of her calves. She stopped directly in front of him. “Ooh, Lil, he’s a looker, even with the grime.” She slipped her arm possessively through his. “Come on, sugar. We can think of all kinds of things to do between now and three.”
Gertie guided him up the steps. As they moved higher, Jed surveyed the open room off to the right, seeing gaming tables. Suddenly he froze.
Simon Morgan was here, in San Francisco, right at Lucky Lil’s.
BUY LINK:
AUTHOR BIO:
Lauren, a native Texan, lives in a Dallas suburb with her family. An avid reader, moviegoer, and sports fan, she manages stress by alternating yoga with five mile walks. She is thinking about starting a support group for Pinterest and House Hunters addicts.
LINKS:
Amazon Buy Links: Music For My Soul Outlaw Muse A Game of Chance
