Lemme See That #6

 Sneak peek into a children's book

Part 6 of why sneak peeks are important

Read part 1 here

Read part 2 here

Read part 3 here

Read part 4 here

Read part 5 here

6. Anticipation:

The emotional “hook” that keeps readers coming back

A good sneak peek plants a seed.

Readers start imagining possibilities, predicting outcomes, and forming attachments.

A children's book in 3 languages

https://books2read.com/u/bPw6AY

Noodles, the sausage dog, and Cicada the cat enjoy living together with their human owners. But from time to time, Cicada's mischievous side takes over. One day, Cicada is woken by the sound of their owners having a gathering in the garden. Cicada wanders into the kitchen and is met by a delightful smell. Hotdogs! She calls Noodles, but then her naughty side kicks in, and she can't resist the temptation. She hops up onto the counter, leaving poor Noodles stranded on the floor, unable to reach the delicious hot dogs. Is Cicada selfish and gobbles up all the food by herself, or will she share it with Noodles?

Why did they name the cat Cicada? Find out...

https://books2read.com/u/38JDwO

Nudeln war sehr verärgert darüber, dass Zikade, die gefräßig Katze, ihn immer wieder in Schwierigkeiten brachte, sich über ihn lustig machte und eigennützig war.

Der gutherzige, sanfte Hund hatte seinem Freund den Unfug immer verziehen, aber würde er ihm jetzt wieder verzeihen?

https://books2read.com/u/3yMPev

Nudlinak nagyon rosszul esik, hogy Kabóca, a pákosztos macska, folyton bajba keveri, csúfolja, és önzően viselkedik vele. A jólelkű, szelíd természetű kutya mindig elnézi barátja gonoszkásait, de vajon most is megbocsát majd neki?

Csúfolódás, önzőség, barátság és megbocsátás. Ezek mind olyan kihívások és érzések, amelyekkel a gyermekek nap mint nap szembesülnek és küzdenek.

A testvérszerű karakterek, Nudli és Kabóca, egyértelműen szeretik egymást, és tapasztalatokon keresztül megtanulják, hogyan viselkedjenek egymással és hogyan fejezzék ki érzéseiket.

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.

Lemme See That #5

 Sneak peek into an epic fantasy series

Part 5 of why sneak peeks are important

Read part 1 here

Read part 2 here

Read part 3 here

Read part 4 here

5. Low‑pressure engagement:

Readers can enjoy part of the book without commitment.

A full book is a big-time investment.

A chapter is a small, safe step.

That makes readers more willing to click, explore, and share.

The Ancestors' Secrets series

 

 https://books2read.com/Protected-by-the-Falcon-by-Erika-M-Szabo

https://books2read.com/Chosen-by-the-Sword

Dear Diary,

After breakfast and Prayer, the dreadful thoughts started to affect me more than I could handle. I stood up, tried to shake the sad mood and act normal by walking to the sink where Elza was busy washing the dishes. Pretending first, and then getting caught up in a cheerful mood, usually worked to shake my dire feelings. It was easy for me to fool others and, eventually, I could fool myself to some degree. My pathetic attempt at acting cheerfully was to grab Elza to dance with me to the “Good Morning Starshine” tune on the radio. I tried to touch her hand, again, but she politely pulled away.

“Look who just got her good mood back? The birthday girl!” Elza exclaimed slapping my hands away.

She smiled, although the look in her eyes puzzled me, and her refusal to touch hands for the third time offended me. She looked at me and, for a fleeting second, I had a feeling she was searching for some change in me. Moreover, I thought she was expecting something from me. She blinked and shook her head a little as if she had closed a discussion in her mind. After a few seconds, she was back to normal—loving and steady. It would be so easy to find out what’s bothering her. I thought. If I could only touch her hand, just for a second…

Elza, tried to divert my attention by asking, “Ilona, you never talk about your blood relatives. Don’t you think it’s time to forgive them?”

“Perhaps, but it’s not easy. It hurt me deeply what my uncle did. I didn’t understand why he never visited us when I was a child. My parents avoided the subject, but I overheard you and Rua talking about it. You said, my uncle never forgave my father for marrying my mother, and I never found out what it was that made him object to their marriage. In fact, I have seen him maybe three or four times in my entire life. He had two children whom I know of, but I never met his wife.”

“I remember when he came to your parents’ funeral. Soon after discovering that you were of legal age and your parent’s sole beneficiary, he didn’t even stay for the service.”

“Yes, I was sad, and he seemed infuriated after the lawyer read the will. Those emotions did not allow us to communicate. Later, I never thought about inviting him to visit, and he seemed to have forgotten about me completely. Sadly, I don’t have any memory of him that would make me miss him, even though he is my only living relative. Perhaps I should have called him, but being stupidly stubborn, I did not.”

“You should give him a call sometimes. He might have changed, and his children are grown by now. Perhaps they would like to meet you and keep in touch.”

“I’ll think about it.”

Gypsy, my bear-sized St. Bernard, snapped me out of the sad mood as he stormed through the custom-made doggy door. He plowed into my legs with such force that it made me lose my footing, “Whoa!” I managed to yelp before plopping onto the floor, on my backside. “Ouch… Gypsy, you’re like a bulldozer.”

He wagged his tail happily, pinned me down and licked me all over my face. I could not escape his overwhelming display of love, as he was too strong.

Mirci Catchmousky, our Maine Coon cat, puffed her long hair and hissed at Gypsy from her perch on a low windowsill. Gypsy trotted over to the cat - giving me time to stand up - and gave her a sloppy lick too. It almost knocked the silver-haired cat off the windowsill. Mirci swatted at Gypsy’s head, which made him jump back. He gave out a low, throaty growl. Although I didn’t see any blood, the cat’s sharp claws must have slashed him a little. Gypsy turned, and with a powerful swish of his tail, sent Mirci flying. She knocked over the garbage can and ran from the kitchen, hissing.

“Yes!” I heard Elza’s muted yell and caught her doing a victory dance from the corner of my eye. I looked at her indignantly, and she quickly wiped the grin off her face. Elza had never been fond of my free-spirited cat. She fed her well and adequately cared for her, but Gypsy had always been her favorite.

Gypsy tried to knock me off my feet again, but Elza rescued me by pushing the pail-sized bowl close to him, with her foot. The sound of the metal bowl sliding on the ceramic tile got his attention as Elza poured his breakfast into the bowl, and he started wolfing it down. I cleaned up at the sink, wiping the slobber off my face.

Elza turned to me, “Is Bela coming to help Ema?”

“Last week he said he would help us. I’ll call him a little later, he likes to sleep in.” I informed while I doodled on the countertop with my wet fingers. The dream I had was still bothering me, and I wanted to talk to Elza about it, but I didn’t know how to bring it up.

Elza snapped me out of my thoughts. “He’s been moping around for days,” she said, giving me a half glance.

The idea of talking about my dream immediately took second place in priority. “What’s wrong?” I asked Elza, concerned. “I haven’t talked to him since Friday. He seemed to be fine then.”

“He called while you were working but made me swear not to tell you. He said he’d wait until you had a day off.” Elza offered shrugging her shoulders.

I glanced at her, and again; the fleeting expectation filled her eyes. She turned away and her anticipation pressed on my mind, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. I grabbed the phone and dialed Bela. He answered on the first ring as if he were awaiting my call.

“What’s wrong? I demanded an answer. Elza said you made her swear not to tell me while I was working.”

“Nothing, love, honestly. It’s just a little writer’s block. My publisher is bugging me to finish the book, but I don’t have a single idea in my head. I need your help, but I didn’t want to bother you when you were working,” he confessed, “and I haven’t seen you for days. I missed you.”

“Oh, you big dope, you should have called me,” I complained, twisting the phone cord between my fingers.

 “You said the opening is tomorrow, so I thought we could talk when I came over to help Ema.”

“Thanks for remembering it. Yes, we can talk after we get everything done.”

“I’ll be there in half an hour.” He abruptly hung up on me, without waiting for my reply.

He forgot my birthday! He’d never forgotten before. I felt sadness creeping up on me and I slowly replaced the phone. I went upstairs, changing into my favorite lounging outfit, faded jeans and soft T-Shirt. By the time I was done, I’d heard the familiar sound of Bela’s sports car pulling up to my driveway and I went out to the porch to greet him. He got out of his car, holding Tui, his chocolate Chihuahua. She was yapping excitedly and squirmed in his hands. Gypsy trotted over, and when Bela put Tui down, he licked her from head to tail with one sweep of his huge tongue. Tui growled at him halfheartedly, not appreciating the unexpected bath, but forgave him quickly and reached up to touch her tiny nose to Gypsy’s, that was almost as large as her whole head. She yapped hello to Gypsy and he gave her a low, throaty rumble. The pair vanished into the backyard, Tui in the lead.

Bela hugged me, “Happy birthday to my bestest friend.”

“You didn’t forget!”

“Nope, and you can’t open your present yet.” His mischievous smile prepared me for what was coming, “And remember, you’re always going to be older than me,”

“Yeah, exactly thirty days older!” I blushed.

I couldn’t help it; I had to punch him on the shoulder. He laughed and dove into the back seat of his car and emerged with his laptop and a poorly wrapped package. He put his laptop in the van and carried the box inside as we walked into the kitchen, holding hands, to have coffee and wait for Ema to get ready. 

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.

Lemme See That #4

 Sneak peek into a dark fiction series

Part 4 of why sneak peeks are important

Read part 1 here

Read part 2 here

Read part 3 here

4. Excitement: the thrill of discovering something early

A preview makes people feel like they’re getting access others don’t have yet.

Take a peek into the "What If?" series

Intriguing, bone-chilling, heartwarming, and thought-provoking short stories by various genre authors.

https://books2read.com/u/b5wDEA

Lost in the Woods by Erika M Szabo

A young police officer enters the woods to find a missing woman, but it takes all her mental strength to deal with what she finds.

She Waits by Lorraine Carey

During a class field trip to a historical site in the Caribbean, a curious student encounters a lonely ghost who does not want her to leave.

The Treasures of Grandma’s Attic by Erika M Szabo

Sixteenth birthdays are special, but something they find in Grandma’s attic will make sure they’ll never forget this party.

Church of the Sentient System Ascendant by R.A, “Doc” Correa

A civil servant who is deeply devoted to his faith. By accident, he learns the truth about his religion, and the malevolent A.I. behind it.

Genie in the Sporran by Erika M Szabo

A device cloaked as an everyday item makes all your wishes come true. But Blair and Rhona find out the hard way that everything has a price.

I Scarecrow by Alan Zacher

A troubled man is cursed by a gypsy woman, and the scarecrow he built makes his wishes come true. All is good, but he might get more than he bargained for.

Don’t Look Out the Window by S.S. Bazinet

Growing up in a house with a cursed window, Hank has to find the courage to look out its glass panes, even if it kills him.

The Spirit of The Rattlesnake by S. M. Revolinski

In the spring of 1889, civilization with railroads and cattle ranches moved into Wyoming. However, the Indian Spirit was not finished. Into this, Alice Potter begins her trek.

Will You Wait for Me? By Erika M Szabo and Lorraine Carey

Fate gave her one year of happy marriage, but although losing her husband and unborn child devastated Gladys, she'd find a way to live a full life. Will they meet again?

 

https://books2read.com/u/mv9Pxj

Mysteries of the Wetland by Erika M Szabo and Lorraine Carey

Join Ava Jenson on vacation in her grandmother’s old country when all mysterious events are connected to an ancient legend about a cursed church bell.

The Zanna by David W. Thompson

A potential stepmother and stepdaughter seek common ground at the family's rustic retreat. Will the past return to haunt them? Only Zanna knows...

Forbidden Love by Erika M Szabo

They knew their love was forbidden, but they couldn't help the way they felt. Their love for each other was too strong to ignore.

A Well-kept Home by Toi Thomas

Everyone knows how special the Fields Family Farm is. Some say it’s haunted. Some say it’s enchanted. But only those who dare to stay the night really know.

Don’t Whistle Back by Erika M Szabo

Milena visits her grandfather in Mexico and wonders why he has a rope with seven knots tied to the door. She finds out soon enough!

J.A.C.K.S. by R. A. “Doc” Correa.

What is a human? According to the cybernetically enhanced officers of the U. S. Army’s Joint Advanced Combat Knowledge System program, they are the only real humans.

She Decided to Be a Vampire by Erika M Szabo

Every kid in town knew that old Mrs. Robbins was a vampire. What they didn’t know and are about to find out, will change their lives forever.

T’is Was The Night by Alan Zacher

This Christmas tale is about a family coming to “terms” with the alleged existence of Mo-Mo, aka, “The Missouri Monster”; aka, their own Bigfoot.

W.I.DG.E.T.S. by R. A. “Doc” Correa

The U. S. Army pursues the technologies “improving” Soldier-Machine Interface for Future Combat Systems. What are the consequences for humans?

The Unlucky Number Four by Erika M Szabo

In China, the number four sounds like the word death, making the number highly unlucky. Hua is the fourth child in her family.

Push by David W. Thompson

Leona is a missing mother and Sergeant James is on the hunt. When family secrets are revealed, he must find her, or it will be the cadaver dog's turn.

Bravery Has a Price by Erika M Szabo and Lorraine Carey

After boasting to her twin brothers that she is braver than they are, Emma immediately regrets it. Is proving her courage worth the price she must pay?

https://books2read.com/u/m27NQd

What if you think the known world isn’t strange enough? Embark on a journey that pushes the boundaries, challenges your perception, and questions reason, logic, and established beliefs.

Midnight Murder by Erika M Szabo

Emma’s trust in her psychic abilities solidified and she learned an important lesson about blind trust – even in those who she thought were closest to her.

Unexpected Trip by Lorraine Carey

A teacher faints at an Egyptian exhibit and has a vivid dream in Pompeii during the volcanic eruption. Was it a dream or did she travel through time?

Thy Sister’s Blood by David W. Thompson

Friends on a haunted creek uncover ancient relations. Magic and mystery drive this journey of self-discovery with the enduring power of family.

The Ominous Sound of Stiletto Heels by Erika M Szabo

The sound of Madame Chloe’s red stiletto heels in the hallways would quiet the students and teachers. When she walked by, an icy chill filled the air.

The Way to a Man’s Heart by Shebat Legion

A Siren demonstrates her full vocal range, much to the dismay of a man caught in a trap of his own design.

Shadowman by Erika M Szabo

Their ultimate goal is a brighter future for all humanity. A world free of destruction and chaos.

Careful What You Wish For by David W. Thompson

At last, Victor finds his dream girl! But is it a match made in heaven or a far darker place? Love conquers all... or the dream becomes a nightmare.

Happily Ever After, and After by Shebat Legion

A woman revisits memories that are all too real, or are they? What makes a memory real?

I Love You Forever by Martha Perez

Can their love endure? Nicole, battling cancer, finds hope with Noah. Will they overcome life's challenges and keep their vow to love forever?

Jimmy’s Clown by David W. Thompson

Brothers stick together, and childhood pranks are soon forgotten. But old grudges can fade slowly or swell with age like the nose of a clown.

Eye of the Jaguar by Robert Allen Lupton

An explorer falls onto an altar stone. He wakes to an ancient nightmare of Mayan jaguar worship. Can he save his humanity and return to modern times?

Unsung Heroes y Erika M Szabo

If people knew what the biker gang did and were not expecting any reward or recognition, these unsung heroes would be celebrated by many.

The Prodigal Daughter by R.A. “Doc” Correa

Cassandra Lynn Anderson, a haunted young woman, learns the terrifying truth of her origin.

https://books2read.com/u/mq5qNO

Burdens of Immortality by Erika M Szabo

She didn’t want to live for centuries. All she wanted was one happy life.

The Guest of Honor by E.V. Emmons

A tale of two families: One family’s halcyon life is tragically disrupted, while another plans the perfect Halloween party. Evil is a point of view.

Bitten by R.A. “Doc” Correa

In the days of the Roman Empire, a French peasant and thief learns the true horror of what it means to be bitten.

The Doll That Had It All by Lorraine Carey

A woman finds a spell to restore her youth but awakens a dark force. She must pay the price for meddling with magic. What is she willing to sacrifice?

Demon Child by Erika M Szabo

Lucas couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was wrong. His sister’s once gentle and curious nature had been replaced with outbursts of rage and violence.

Area Code 666 by James Harper

Steve Hyatt’s job, chauffeuring mentally challenged clients to voting booths to swing elections, gets complicated when he receives phone calls from somewhere that should not exist.

Haunting Memories by Erika M Szabo

Spraining his ankle on a stormy night when an oddly familiar stranger helps him home, John’s mind is flooded with long-forgotten memories.

He Watches by David W. Thompson

An ancient creature and an ancient love meet newlyweds John and Evelyn Barrow. Can their love survive Halloween’s heartbreak and a promised destiny?

The Last Resort by Shebat Legion

A grieving woman meets a mysterious stranger and learns a valuable lesson.

An Elder Race by Karen Over

In the mists and moonlight of Halloween, be careful who you mess with. That kid you called a liar just might be telling the truth.

Organs for Sale by Erika M Szabo

After discovering that the Witch’s One Stop Shop is selling organs, a group of kids are struck with fear. In response, Jack decides to become a vegetarian.

Fallen Angel by Martha Perez

Isabella is a fallen angel, paying for her mistakes in hell under the watchful eye of Satan enduring constant torment from creatures and critters. Will she survive?

The Pumpkin’s Curse by Martha Perez

A spine-chilling, suspenseful thriller. Scarlett and Mom have nowhere to hide from the pumpkin’s curse; they’re desperate to stay alive.

Master Brahm’s Studio by Shebat Legion

A master seeks to teach his students valuable lessons, but in the end, who will be the master?

Broomsticks and Chocolate by Robert Allen Lupton

Trick-or-treating, a Halloween tradition, works because its unspoken rules are rigorously observed. If those rules are violated, who’s better to defend Halloween traditions than real witches?

Late Delivery by Erika M Szabo

It’s All Hollow’s Eve, but an inconsiderate last-minute pizza order must be delivered, and Memy Yagen’s legend becomes a chilling reality.

Headless by Karen Over

When it's Halloween along Foxfire Creek, you'd best not roll your eyes about the local haunt. Especially when you're messing with one of Miz Flora's girls.

Fall Market by Victoria Adams

Elenore lives a life in the shadows, hiding from a haunting past. Then one sunny fall day she is seen. 

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.

Lemme See That #3

 Sneak peek into a children's book

Part 3 of why sneak peeks are important

Read part 1 here

Read part 2 here

3. Trust:

It feels like the author is opening the door

Letting someone read a chapter feels personal.

Readers sense transparency and generosity, which builds trust in both the author and the blog hosting the preview.

https://books2read.com/Look-I-Can-Talk-With-My-Fingers

In Spanish

https://books2read.com/u/3neQ2K

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.

Lemme See That #1

 A sneak peek into a supernatural thriller

The emotional impact of a sneak peek

1. Curiosity:

The “I need to know what happens next.”

A preview activates the brain’s natural desire for closure.

Readers get just enough to be intrigued, but not enough to be satisfied.

That tension keeps them thinking about the story long after they stop reading.

Let me know if you'd like to read this book after reading a small part of it.

https://books2read.com/MESSENGER-by-Erika-M-Szabo

Chapter 4

“I’m so sorry I couldn’t come earlier.” Luke apologized and bent down to kiss her forehead.

“What happened?” Lauren managed to whisper, trying hard to hide the dreadful feeling her premonition triggered. The raw emotion was more painful than her physical injuries.

“A client called. He was arrested and I was with him trying to figure out his defense.” He sighed, sitting down on the bed facing Lauren. “Nothing for you to be worried about, though. How are you feeling?”

“Everything hurts, but I’ll be okay. More importantly, the baby is fine.” She baited him for an answer she didn’t get the day before.

“Yes, I’m so glad there’s no lasting damage. I spoke to the doctor on my way out last night, and she assured me of your full recovery.”

Lauren noticed the lack of emotions in his eyes when she mentioned the baby. It made her wonder if her husband even cared. Luke smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes, which made Lauren even more suspicious.

She tried hard to hush the bitter feeling. “I don’t understand why the person who broke into the office beat me so brutally. I don’t even know if it was a man or a woman. Without saying a single word just knocked me unconscious as if wanting to kill me. The detective said the person might have been looking for drugs, but nothing is missing.”

“Maybe someone disturbed him, and he got away,” Luke speculated.

“But if someone else was there too, why didn’t they call for help? I was on the floor, bleeding until Marcia found me.”

“I don’t know, darling, and we may never find out,” Luke announced reaching for his phone, which was ringing in his pocket. He looked at the screen. “It’s the office. I must take this call.” He looked at his wife for approval.

“Sure, no problem.” Lauren nodded and reached for the orange juice on her table to take a sip. She listened to Luke talking to someone in a hushed voice. “Do you have to go?” She asked when Luke ended the call.

“Unfortunately, yes. There’s another crisis at the office.” He scratched his chin nervously. “I’ll stay if you want. To Hell with the office and clients, you’re more important.”

“No, there’s not much you can do here but sit with me. The nurses keep an eye on me, and things could be a lot worse. I’m alive, and I’ll recover in time.”

Nodding, Luke glanced at his phone. “It’s ten o’clock, I hope I can be back in the afternoon to stay with you.”

“Sounds good. Go get your work done. We both know what you’re like if you’ve got something still to do.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. Go.”

Lauren felt exhausted, every part of her body and mind cried for rest and sleep. Luke won’t be back for a while; I must rest and think. She rang for Tammy and with her help, she got to her bed. Tucked in and feeling relatively comfortable, she closed her eyes and sunk into a dreamless sleep.

Her phone woke her an hour later. “I’ll be in later than I thought.” She heard Kathy’s voice. “The police put a seal on the office door, I can’t get in to pick up the candles and book. We don’t really need the book because we know the spell, but I don’t have all the herbs and candles we need. I’ll have to stop at the magic shop in Brooklyn, so it will take a while.”

“Don’t worry. Be careful. The traffic is brutal this time of day.” Lauren mumbled.

On the verge of falling asleep but too tired to open her eyes, she felt the nurse checking her vitals and then walking over to the IV pole changing the IV bag. Later she heard Marcia’s muffled voice talking to the nurse outside the door, and then she tiptoed into the room and sat down on the chair beside her bed.

Lauren recognized the tune of her phone, but before she contemplated opening her eyes, Marcia answered it on the first ring. “She’s asleep,” She whispered. “No, she’s fine. She needs as much rest as she could get. When are you going to get here?” She was quiet for a few seconds and said before disconnecting the call, “I have to go home but I’ll try to come back later.”   

 Lauren was oblivious to the world for a few hours when a loud noise woke her. Her eyes popped open and saw the Raven on the windowsill. The black bird stared at her with its black pearl eyes and made a loud “kraa”. Not again! Please, what do you want now? She begged silently, a dreadful feeling flooding her.

Suddenly, Luke’s sinister, sneering face swam into her mind as a powerful vision, his eyes glowing with anger and hate. Behind him lurked in a haze, a longhaired figure. Lauren strained to make out the features of the blurry figure, but the vision disappeared within seconds. Lauren had no way of being certain if she was dreaming, or if it was a premonition her grandmother warned her about to pay close attention to. Eyes closed yet wide awake and her nerves on edge, she tried to make sense of her terrifying vision.

A nurse entered her room. Lauren watched her through half-closed eyes, uncertain why that specific nurse gave her a bad feeling. Nurses came and went all the time, but there was something telling her to be wary—most likely her strong intuition. With a syringe in her gloved hand, the nurse made her way over to Lauren’s bed, grabbed the IV tube and injected something into it. Lauren watched her eyes open just enough to see under the protection of her eyelashes. A nurse would never inject anything into the line before wiping it with alcohol. She’s not a nurse. Thoughts were popping in her mind sending her nerves on edge. If she finds out that I’m awake, who knows what she would do before I can call for help. I can’t defend myself, not with broken ribs.

With eyes still half-closed, Lauren slowly reached over to her left arm under the blanket where the IV needle was taped to her hand, trying to make her movements seem as natural as she could. Ever so slowly she pulled the tape off and pulled the IV needle out and pinched the tubing, not wanting whatever had just been injected into the IV to go into her body or to drip on the bed. Fortunately, the possibly pretend nurse didn’t seem to notice.

After a few seconds of a heart-pounding wait, the nurse walked away, not checking to make sure the IV was still attached. I wish I could see her face. She moved her head slowly and managed to look at the woman’s back before she reached the door. Lauren observed the surgical cap on her head and the ribbon of her mask tied over it. I’ve never seen a nurse without a stethoscope and she’s wearing low heel pumps. Nurses wear sneakers or clogs. Now I’m sure she came to kill me! Lauren screamed in her mind and took a deep breath to calm herself. Thanks to her messenger, she knew she had to be suspicious of everything and everyone. She heard the door open and sighed in relief when she saw Marcia walking in.

“What’s wrong?” Marcia asked and rushed to her bed.

“Thank God! I’m so glad you’re here!” Lauren cried out. “I have to get out of here, now!” She tried to sit up but the sharp pain in her side made her fall back to the pillow.

“Wait! Let me help you. What do you mean you have to get out of here? You’re in no condition to go anywhere!”

“I have to. I have a strong feeling that someone is trying to have me killed and it might be Luke.”

“What? Why?” Marcia cried out.

“I just had a premonition and I have a strong feeling that it’s Luke.”

“Luke? I never trusted the guy, but to kill you? A premonition? What did you see? Tell me! You’re scaring me.”

 “I don’t know for sure but… he’s been distant and cold. He’s changed since… I don’t… we’ve been married for so long. I don’t know what’s really happening and why. I just know I’m in danger and I must get out of here and away from him. A woman dressed as a nurse had injected something into my IV line just now. I’m unsure and confused. I’m scared! I must get away.”

“Should we call security or the police?”

“And tell them what? What could they do to protect me based on my suspicion and feeling without any proof? If I’d tell them about my vision, they’d most likely admit me to the psych ward. No, I must leave and go to a safe place. You can help me.”

“You might be right. I’ll do anything, but how are we going to get you out of here?”

“Find Tammy. I trust her. She’ll help us. I’m still not convinced it’s Luke, but premonitions never lied to me before. All I know is that I’m not safe here and there’s only one place Luke doesn’t know about. Now I’m glad I never told him about the summerhouse I inherited from Grandma. It’s not too far from here, about a two-hour drive up to the Catskill mountains.”

“Right, I’ll go find Tammy!” Marcia turned and hurried out the door.

Kathy! She didn’t call. Lauren grabbed her phone and dialed. After a few rings, the call went to voicemail. Lauren didn’t bother leaving a message, disconnected and sent her a text. Kathy, where are you? Are you okay?

Marcia came back trailed by Tammy. Lauren told her everything she knew.

Tammy looked at her wide-eyed, terrified. “You’re right. You’re in danger here! I’ll do anything I can.”

Lauren remembered. “I closed the IV line to save what she’d injected in it. Would you put it into an evidence bag and about half an hour after we leave, call this detective.” She handed the card to Tammy. “I want to know what she injected into the tube.”

Tammy sprang into action right away. “Of course, I’ll do as you asked. To get you out of here is easy. I’ll get a wheelchair and when you’re ready, I’ll create a little commotion on the other end of the hall and Marcia can push you to the elevator.”

Marcia agreed. “Great! My car is in the ER parking lot. Nobody will pay attention to us if I wear scrubs and Lauren changes her clothes.”

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.