Happy Friday!

I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m glad it is Friday. It has been a long week and I’m looking forward to the weekend. It is supposed to be a beautiful weekend here in Ontario, although unseasonable warm. I know many who will be happy for the summer heat, but I, for one, wish it was a little cooler as I much prefer crisp fall days. However, the fall days are coming! The perfect cuddle on the couch with the dogs and a good book kind of weather.

Speaking of a good book, today is the day I tantalize you with an excerpt from my novel, Signs of Love and Deliverance. Since Conrad Morgan is my featured character this week, I will give you another little taste of the Captain. In this scene, Conrad meets Jeremy Parker for the first time as he joins the crew of the ship the Deliverance. As to who Jeremy is and why he joins the crew, you will just have to read the book to find that out. Here’s today’s excerpt featuring Captain Conrad Morgan:

Conrad sighed at the fear coming off Jeremy before introducing himself. “I am Conrad Morgan, the Captain of this vessel.”

Jeremy stood again and extended his hand in greeting. “Jeremy Parker, sir. It is nice to meet you.”

Conrad took his hand and lightly shoved him back into the chair, taking note of the dark circles under Jeremy’s eyes as well as the strain of keeping unshed tears at bay. The boy was grieving, exhausted and frightened. Conrad recognized that he was going to have to be gentle with this boy, but not too gentle. “Well, at least you have manners. That will be one less thing I have to teach you,” he said as he took the chair opposite Jeremy. “I hear you lost your family, son”

“Yes, sir.” Jeremy nodded slightly, trying to hide his fear.

“Conrad or Captain will do, son. While in my cabin, there is no need for formality.”

Jeremy nodded in response to Conrad’s request.

“Did Raven tell you what to expect?”

Jeremy answered nervously. “He said you would tell me what I should expect and I would stay close to you for a week.”

Conrad gave him a half smile. “Always leaves me the hard part, he does.” Conrad leaned back in his chair and studied Jeremy for a moment. “You will share my cabin until I feel you are ready to be on your own. I know it seems a little odd, but I require all my new, young crew members to do the same. You are no exception. It is mostly for your protection and to acclimate yourself to the Deliverance and to my way of doing things. In a couple of weeks, I will hand you over to Raven’s care, but regardless whose care you are under, you will follow my orders and Raven’s.” Conrad looked meaningfully at Jeremy to emphasize his point. “If you have questions or a problem, you come to me or Raven. Don’t ask someone else. Other crew members may try to take advantage of you, and neither Raven nor I want that; consequently, if you are unsure of an order someone gives you or a way someone is treating you, you come to me or Raven. Understand?”

Jeremy nodded.

Conrad sighed at Jeremy’s fear and rubbed the back of his neck. “Son, don’t be frightened of me. I am here to help you, not hurt you. You have been through a lot the past few weeks, hell, your whole life according to Brandon. Jeremy, all we require of you is respect, obedience, and doing your part as a member of this crew. When you are ready, Raven will teach you everything you need to know about running this ship, and he will find duties that suit you. He will also teach you how to defend yourself and others. Raven will deal with any disobedience on your part. Don’t worry, we don’t believe in using whips on young boys like yourself. Raven feels they are inhumane, and I tend to agree with him, but Raven has his own unique style of discipline as I am sure you will soon learn,” Conrad explained, watching Jeremy’s reaction.

Jeremy smiled. His own brother had disciplined him at times, which consisted of simple chores or spending time in his room. He could handle Raven, he was sure.

“Don’t look so smug, pup. Raven’s discipline is something you will never forget, so take it seriously.” Conrad warned and Jeremy lost his smile and regained his fear. Annoyed with himself for causing Jeremy’s returning fear, Conrad tried a different tactic. “There is no need to fear us, son. We are only a group of people who help one another, but with rules. Think of us as a large family.”

If you enjoyed this excerpt and wish to learn more, head on over to amazon and get your copy of my novel, Signs of Love and Deliverance. It’s available in kindle and in paperback. The kindle link is below. On Monday, I will post my next featured character. Until then, have a great weekend and keep on reading!

Tracy