When Blood Runs Thin

By GiAnna Moratelli

Faith, the seventeen year old daughter of a preacher, is found raped and strangled in the church. The suspect, Lt. Joe Novelli's step-son Mac. Joe makes the trip to Corpus Christi to find the truth behind the murder of Faith Wilkes, but the Texas Rangers have already been there and they're pretty sure they have their man. It's a case that Joe isn't liking the outcome of, but game of golf turns up some interesting facts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: GiAnna Moratelli
• Release date: Sep 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310325625

GiAnna Moratelli

Born in El Paso, Texas, I grew up in Iowa and was lucky enough to have parents that that had money to travel, a truck and 45' fifth wheel, and liked to travel. I've been in almost all of the fifty states, from the east coast to the west and have visited small bits of Canada and Mexico. As a major in history, I've visited the battlefield of the Little Big Horn; on three different occasions, Gettysburg Battlefield, and the Battle of Athens (which most have never visited, it sits on the border of Iowa and Missouri). I've been to as big a places as the Smithsonian Institute and small places as the grave of Chief Wapello located in Agency, Iowa and The Grotto of the Redemption in northern Iowa, which is well worth anyone's time, especially if you like rocks and history. I grew up, as ole horsemen say, on the back of a horse. I started riding by myself when I was three and when I was sixteen I started working at the tracks of Standardbred racing barns during the summers when we weren't travelling. After graduating high school I bought a couple of race horse; a six month old dark bay filly named J.C's "Blitz" DeVane and a little later a yearling sorrel colt named "Breezy" Judge, which I trained and raced myself, only needing to acquire a fair license to do so, compared to those who had pari-mutual license. My horse racing came to an abrupt end a few years later with a barn fire, in which none of the 12 head of horses died, The horse I'm pictured with is Breezy, the best horse I ever owned (and I've owned a lot of horses of different breeds) and passed from this earth when he was 25 years old. I went to college, attended R.O.T.C.; went to Fort Knox, Kentucky for basic training and earned a B.A. in history. My interest lying mostly in American history. Other than the above, many other experiences in life, and living in different places, have given me good resources for my writing: 1. Staying with my grandparents on their farm when I was very young is where I learned to ride and gave me knowledge of farming, which I later helped a farmer near where I grew up. 2. I work for my father; who is a Certified Public Accountant, doing taxes and bookkeeping. I started working for him when I was in middle school, and after health problems in our family, have come back to help him as of 2019. 3. I managed my dad's used car lot in Fairfield, Iowa. 4. I drove a semi with a 52' trailer over the road for 13 years. 5. I worked real estate and did real estate appraisal as a second job to OTR. 6. I've done construction work (helping my dad and brother put up my dad's office building from the ground up, plus many other projects for my dad, many which included pouring concrete every Fourth of July for more years than I care to think about. 7. I worked for a local manufacture making cabinets 8. While in college I cleaned at a hotel to pay my way through the first two years. 9. After college, while driving OTR (after the RE job) I sub-taught for two years. 10. I worked security for four years. 11. I do know how to cook, make garden and can food. That's my life wrapped up in a peanut shell. I decided to write fiction under my pen name and non-fiction under my real name Linda Scott. Just a good idea I thought to keep the two of them seperate.

Book preview

When Blood Runs Thin

By

GiAnna Moratelli

COPYRIGHT 2013 GiAnna Moratelli

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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Chapter One

Constance Novelli woke, cuddled up close to her husband. The morning air was brisk as the sun barely peeked above the horizon. Looking out the window she could see a light frost on the ground, bringing a grim reminder that winter would soon be embracing the Midwest. Kissing him on the chest, Constance moved up and kissed him gently on the lips, Morning, honey.

It’s not yet, Joe said.

Constance moved on top of him.

Didn’t we just do this? he asked rubbing his brown eyes and stretching as he looked up at her.

Did we? Constance smiled, her hazel eyes sparkled. Maybe a few hours ago, she admitted. It’s chilly in here.

It’ll warm up, he said, watching her as she kissed his chest and moved under the covers, down to his groin. Joe looked at the clock on the wall above the closet door, it was five o’clock. Four hours ago, he said, but that feels good.

You’re still tired?

I didn’t sleep very good last night. Joe tugged at her long locks of dark blonde hair, Come up here, baby. As Constance moved up, he put his arm around her and rolled her over, moving up on top of her.

You should have told me. I could have helped you sleep better, she said. She kissed him, running her fingers through the back of his dark brown hair as she felt his lips caress hers.

We did that, remember baby.

And it didn’t help? Constance asked and she kissed him.

Yeah, but it was after two-thirty this morning. Joe sighed as he looked at the clock, I probably need to get up and get moving.

I’m trying to help you get woke up? Constance said as she rubbed his dick and balls, caressing them.

Yeah, but you’re not helping me get up.

Maybe afterwards you’ll -.

Baby you’re spoiled, you know that?

I like the way you spoil me, Constance said as she raised her legs up along his sides and rubbed his back.

I like it too, but -.

We have a little time.

Yeah, we have a little time, Joe said and slid in her.

Oh honey, she moaned.

You wanted warmed up, didn’t you?

* * * *

Joe laid his head on her stomach and fell asleep. Pulling the sheet up over his shoulders, Constance watched the clock, knowing he would have to be up by seven thirty to get ready for work.

The phone rang. It was seven o’clock.

Constance reached over and answered it before it rang a second time. Hello… Yes, this is the Novelli residence… He’s asleep can I help you with something? She frowned and looked at Joe, Just a minute. Constance gently nudged him, not really wanting to wake him, Honey.

Who is it? Joe groaned raising his head, not wanting to get up. Mac Novelli’s on the phone.

Mac! I didn’t know he had our number? Joe took the receiver. Mac, what’s going on? As Joe listened his sleepiness quickly disappeared. Pulling the sheet out of the way, he sat up on the side of the bed. You have an attorney?... Don’t you say a word until you get council… I’ll have to get time off work, and we’ll get the first flight we can. I’ll see you later. Joe handed the receiver to Constance.

What’s wrong? she asked putting the receiver on the phone.

Mac’s been arrested for murder.

Murder!

He didn’t go into any details, Joe said as he rubbed his head. ‘How was it that between three boys, that it was always Mac that was in trouble?’

Who is it they think he killed? Constance asked as she moved up behind him, rubbing his shoulders and back.

I don’t know. I could sit here all morning and let you do that.

You don’t feel any better?

No, and it’s getting worse. We have to get up and moving. Joe stood and walked to the bathroom. Pack a suitcase. I’ll have to call John and see about getting personal time off.

He isn’t going to like it, is he? You haven’t been working for them that long.

‘She was right; Swift wasn’t going to like it. He hadn’t been with the department a year yet, not until January. Having to ask for personal time… It was a good thing he and John had been friends for a long time or he probably wouldn’t get it, not as busy what the homicide unit had been in the past few months.’

Where’s Mac at? Constance asked fastening her bra strap.

He’s stationed in Corpus Christi at the Naval Air Station.

In Texas!

There’s only one Corpus Christi honey.

I know but. I didn’t know he was down there.

Yeah, he’s one of the fly boys. He’s been training pilots at Truax Field, Joe tried to explain while brushing his teeth. He looked at Constance as she walked into the bathroom. I guess you’ll enjoy going back to your home state.

Constance shrugged, It’s not Dallas.

Its closer to Dallas than Springfield is, he said and rinsed his mouth out.

It’s warmer too, she said putting toothpaste on the brush.

I better call tell the boss the good news before he gets something planned for me. Joe punched in the number for the station then put the phone on speaker as took a pair of jeans from his dresser drawer.

Springfield Police.

Henderson, this is Novelli.

How you doin’, Joe?

Great! Is Swift in? he asked pulling on his jeans. I need to talk to him.

Let me put ya on hold for a couple.

The radio gave the forecast over the speaker as Joe took a white pressed T-shirt from the drawer and pulled it on, tucking the tail inside his jeans around his slender waist.

You need to talk to me Joe?

John, Joe picked up the receiver. I have a favor to ask. I know I’ve only been here a few months, but need some personal time off… I’m not sure how much. My step-son’s been arrested for murder… Yeah, Mac…. Corpus Christi, Texas... Joe listened for several minutes. I know they are… I appreciate it, thanks, he hung up the receiver.

What did he say? Constance asked as put a suitcase on the bed.

Seven days at best. Joe shook his head as he picked up the phone book, looking over at Constance as she stood in her underwear looking in the closet. I’ll see if we can get a flight out today. He punched the number into the telephone, This is Lieutenant Joe Novelli, Springfield P.D. I need to get a flight for two today to Corpus Christi, Texas... No, I’m not escorting any prisoners…. Thanks, he looked at Constance. They put me on hold.

While you’re holding, I’ll fix breakfast. Constance walked into the living room and opened the curtain of the picture window to let the warmth of the sun in. Looking out the window, across the pasture that belonged to Sam and Grace Kuntz Standardbred Racing Stable, she saw the yearling colts playing, nipping and kicking at each other due to the chill in the air.

Turning from the window, Constance went into the kitchen and opening the refrigerator, took ham and eggs from it, than plugged in the coffee maker and put bread in the toaster. Starting breakfast in a cast iron skillet, she walked to the bedroom.

Noon to Dallas, but you don’t have a connecting flight down to Corpus Christi? Joe asked. If that’s the best you can do, we’ll take it.

Constance pulled on a pair of jeans. Putting on a long sleeved white blouse, she buttoned it. Sounds like we’re going to have a long flight, huh?

Yeah, especially since the best they can do is get us to Dallas, then we’ll have to get another flight down to Corpus Christi.

Why’s that?

They said they’re booked full.

It must be the last minute vacationers before winter.

"I don’t know, but I hope we can get a flight between