Deadly Dating Games

By Joanie Chevalier

Most of the women in the newly formed book club were simply looking for friendship, a good read and maybe even a few dating tips. Greed snowballs into jealousy and hatred and several women realize too late they’ve been roped into crimes that force them to flee for their lives.

Alyssa: Cougar-complete with short skirts, stiletto heels and an insatiable appetite
Bess: Desperate-looking for love in all the wrong places
Julianna: Girl-Next-Door-low self-confidence and bad judgment leads her astray
Traci: Cunning-determined to get what she wants, no matter who gets in the way
Aaron: Is he part of the crime circle or is he capable of saving the woman he loves?

***
After being divorced for several years, Julianna decided to join a book club to make new friends and read a good book or two. Several weeks into the book club, the leader, Traci, convinced the women of the group into filming their dates so that the group can “critique” them with the pretense that it will improve their dating skills. Innocent “critiquing” soon turned into something menacing and Julianna and Bess are unwilling participants, unable to get out from under Traci’s web of deceit and sinister plans. After successfully blackmailing the man unknowingly involved in that “date” with the assistance of the group’s sexy cougar, Alyssa, Traci generously hand delivers a portion of the money to Julianna and Bess. Generosity is not Traci’s motive, however, and the next time she orchestrates a “date critique,” a man unfortunately dies in a seedy hotel. Since Julianna and Bess are now involved in Traci’s crimes of blackmail and murder, they are afraid and too deep in the crime spree to go to the police. In the midst of all this, Julianna and her new boyfriend, Aaron, are hitting it off but it soon turns into suspicion, hurt and mistrust when Bess accidentally witnessed Aaron coming out of Traci’s house. Bess is determined to find some answers to this puzzle and to Traci’s motivations but her inquisitive mind leads her to a tragic end and soon even Julianna is fighting for her life as she tries to get out from under Traci and Alyssa’s evil plans.

BLACKMAIL. MURDER. ROMANCE.
Who will overcome; Who will survive?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joanie Chevalier
• Release date: Feb 11, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310651045

Joanie Chevalier

Hi! I live in the East Bay area of San Francisco. I work for a large law firm as a legal secretary in beautiful San Francisco. During my free time I love to write, spend time in my yard creating color, and going for scenic drives; which are plentiful in beautiful California. Camping is also a favorite pastime, and I have a teardrop trailer so I don't have to sleep on the ground and love to see different sights in the surrounding areas and states, particularly the National Parks. There's nothing better in the whole wide world than sitting in front of a campfire gazing at the stars, and then in the morning smelling the delicious aroma of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon. That's my idea of a great vacation!

Book preview

Deadly Dating Games

By Joanie Chevalier

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2014 by Joanie Chevalier

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Connect with the Author:

Website: www.joaniechevalier.com

Twitter: @JoanieChevalier

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanielynnchevalier

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/JoanieC

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PROLOGUE

The woman sighed so dramatically she felt faint and had to interrupt her pacing to grab hold of the nearest object, a dresser made of cheap peeling veneer complete with coffee stains and cigarette burns. She closed her eyes, deeply breathed in, counted to eight while doing so and blew out a breath so forceful her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk’s when collecting nuts before a winter storm. It didn’t take her long to pace the room—only a few steps, since the hotel room wasn’t a big one. And that irritated her. When one needed to pace, one needed a big space…big enough to pace, sigh, pace, breathe. She stretched her arms up over her head while taking a deep breath and felt the satisfaction of the release of her breath and her outstretched arms going from taut and strong over her head to limp and loose by her sides.

Abruptly stopping mid-stride, the woman peered into the mirror as if she wanted to catch a ghost that might be hidden there. She didn’t see a ghost, of course, only hazel eyes wide and dilated and a face that was clearly the color of ash. Swallowing hard, she forced bile back down her throat.

Forcing her hand up to her face, she lightly brushed back her bangs wanting to confirm that the unattractive ashen woman in the mirror was really herself. Her brain tried to register the fact that it was warm in the room, but shivering, her body didn’t agree. Observing herself in the mirror, she wrapped her arms tightly around her torso after noticing the goose bumps on her skin; wearing only a red lacy bra and matching panties didn’t help matters. She was lucid enough to grab the heavy white robe from the desk chair, at least.

Her eyes ignored her brain’s next command and dared to look again…at the body on the bed. She took inventory, almost as if she were checking off a grocery list.

Toes and feet—slightly blue.

Ankles and legs—hairy, skinny, and white.

Penis—limp.

Chest—still. Waxed.

Face—slumped to the right. Eyes closed.

Mouth—slack.

Lips—the color of a grape Popsicle.

Hair—blonde and spiked.

Arms—up and over head. Tattoo on underside of right arm—mermaid.

Wrists—tied to the headboard; holly-red lacy scarves—loose knots.

Hands—slightly rough.

Fingers—limp. Light bluish/gray fingernails. No jewelry.

Body—not breathing.

Yep—dead.

We’re screwed, she whispered to no one.

§§

Chapter 1

Julianna eased up next to the curb in front of the blue corner house. Anxiously, she glanced down at the printed map and confirmation to re-read the address again, just to be sure that she was at the correct house. She didn’t know anyone in the group, nor did they know each other. They’d all met online the week before on the Readers’ Group website.

Another group. Another uncomfortable situation. Why do you force yourself to do this? She sighed, frustrated that she was having this conversation with herself for the hundredth time. Okay, here are the reasons... One, I’m determined to branch out and try some new and fun activities... Two, college was already five years ago, for gosh’s sakes; it was time to be involved in some adult events... And three, I only have a few single friends left.

The first book the group had decided to read was on the subject of dating, so she had talked herself into joining easily enough. It had been a while since she’d had a date, and it was about time she started dating again. What if she got rusty and had to relearn everything all over again? She wasn’t that old at twenty-six but geez, she wasn’t getting any younger!

Pulling down the visor, she flipped open the mirror and applied her pale-pink lipstick, conveniently called Sassy Salmon. Come on, Julianna, become a little sassy!

Her deep blue eyes gazed back at her, and the slight crease between her brows made her appear apprehensive. She tried to relax to ease the frown line; she found it unbecoming. Ben found it cute, but what did he know? That was near the end of their three-year marriage, and she felt insecure anyway back then. She grew a little more confident as time went on but the ego takes a beating when your husband leaves you, taking your bank account with him.

Confidence, Julianna, confidence, she whispered to herself.

As Julianna walked towards the front door of the house, she heard a lively Top-40 hit mixed with muted female laughter. The sounds reminded her of the delicate crystal wind chime that swirled on her grandma’s porch during a warm summer breeze. It comforted her nerves. So far, so good, she thought. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all. She took a deep breath to settle herself as she rang the doorbell.

Come in; it’s open! a woman’s voice rang out.

Small groups of women were having conversations around the room. Tentative laughter came from one of the three women in the corner.

…and then he said, ‘I forgot my wallet!’ More laughter, as ice clinked in a glass.

Oh my, that’s the oldest trick in the book, laughed one of the women, as she turned towards Julianna. Hey, welcome, just place your dish on the table. It smells yummy.

Julianna headed towards the obvious first stop of the evening, a long table filled with various colorful food dishes placed haphazardly, like a giant puzzle waiting to be put together.

Julianna placed the Bolognaise on the table between a green bean salad and a crock-pot of scalloped potatoes. Just as she was thinking that it might be possible that she was wrong about her theory of someone always bringing cookies to a potluck, she noticed a paper plate full of partially burnt chocolate chip cookies. Well, at least it’s going to be easy to stay away from cookie calories tonight, she thought, amused, as she took a second glance at the blackened edges.

My name’s Traci. So nice to meet you, said the hostess in a singsong voice, as she gave Julianna an enthusiastic hug. Her smile was dazzling.

Um—Julianna, Julianna responded as she awkwardly patted Traci’s shoulder.

Glad you could make it, Julie.

Julianna anxiously stirred the Bolognaise with the slotted spoon she had brought. A few splatters of tomato sauce splashed onto the lacy tablecloth. Oh, I’m so sorry! She grabbed a napkin and dipped it into the water in the flower vase sitting on the table. Rubbing the tomato stain only got worse. Instead of a pea-sized tomato-red spot, it had now grown to a watery scarlet hand-sized spot.

Just don’t worry about it, Julie, Traci said as she moved the pasta dish over the tomato-splashed tablecloth. See, all better. Nobody will know our secret. Traci winked conspiratorially.

I’m so, so sorry. But, hey, it’s Julian–, she began. The doorbell rang and Traci didn’t hear her, which wasn’t a new thing in her life anyway. Julianna sighed.

Come in, the door’s open, Traci called out as she headed towards the kitchen. Julie, help yourself to a drink. There are choices at the side bar.

Julianna gave up trying to correct Traci. They’ll probably be introducing themselves later anyway, she thought. Julianna walked the few steps to the bar lined with liquor bottles and non-alcoholic beverages, and opened up a ginger ale. She poured it into a heavy glass filled with ice.

Hi, I’m Bess, a voice cheerfully called out behind her. Julianna turned around to see a woman with a long, thick black ponytail and a friendly smile openly gazing at her. Even though her hair was in a ponytail, Julianna could tell that it was thick and amazingly curly, almost begging to break loose and cascade free. Julianna felt a little jealous.

Julianna. She smiled shyly.

Did you see that fancy car out there? Woo-hoo! Bess cheerfully popped some olives into her mouth, two at a time.

The Mercedes? I saw that lady over there getting out of it when I got here. Julianna pointed to a blonde who was the only one in the room wearing stilettos and a miniskirt.

Bess whistled. I wish I had legs like that. Of course, I would trip and fall flat on my face if I ever got my feet into those shoes! You think clowns fall in their clown shoes. Ha, I could do better! Bess had a hearty laugh and a smile that would light up the blackest of caverns. She grabbed a glass and reached for the vodka bottle.

Oh, I think I saw cranberry juice–, Julianna began as Bess poured herself a drink and quickly downed the shot.

Ahh, no need to mix great vodka. Bess smiled as she plopped some ice into her glass and poured another hefty amount of vodka. She licked her lips and grinned. Cheers to us. Bess threw her head back and swallowed the second shot.

Julianna had to admire Bess for her can do attitude, and her proven ability to gulp a shot of vodka, even with a glass full of ice.

Jupiters, when are we going to eat, do ya think?

Instinctively, Julianna already felt responsible for this woman, almost wishing she could hand her a plate of food to go with that vodka. Hmm…I don’t know–

All I had on the way over were a few of my cookies, and those were the ones my baby wouldn’t eat. Bess looked at Julianna with a straight face for a second and then burst out laughing. I know, it’s funny, uh? But Buster’s my baby, and oh, so cute! Here, I can show you a picture.

Pulling a cell phone out of her front jeans pocket, Bess made a few fast swipes across the screen until she came to the photo that she was searching for and, turning the phone towards Julianna, she said with pride, My baby.

Peering at the screen, Julianna saw a black and white pug wearing a top hat and sunglasses staring straight at the camera, as if posing. Oh, how cute!

Do you have any pets? Bess asked as she stuffed the phone back into her front pocket.

Julianna couldn’t help but wonder where all of that energy was coming from. Would she want Bess as a new friend? She seemed a little hyper, but she probably meant well. I’ll stay open-minded, she determined.

Before Julianna could respond, Traci began herding the women towards the living room. Okay, girls, let’s gather into the living room and get seated. We can eat in a little bit.

Everyone found a spot to sit, and Bess sat next to Julianna on the love seat. Julianna noticed that Bess had discretely placed the vodka bottle beside the couch, on the floor, next to her. Bess winked at Julianna as she took another sip, her glass now half-full of vodka and ice.

Okay, everyone. Let’s each introduce ourselves by stating our name and something about ourselves. I’ll start. My name’s Traci with an i. Traci smiled her dazzling smile. I wanted to start this Readers’ Group because I love to read and love to meet new people.

A few women nodded and smiled. Julianna heard ice clinking and glanced over at Bess. Bess looked at her and shrugged, her cheeks full of ice and olives. Julianna snorted and felt her face blushing as everyone turned her way.

Okay, Traci chuckled, Julie wants to go next.

Um, Julianna coughed and glared at Bess for a second before responding.

Yes, well, um, my name’s JulieANNA. I love to read and I’m ready to date again, so I like the first book choice.

Amen, the woman in the stilettos said loudly. Laughter. She held up the book, Dating and Finding Love Online. It was tagged with more than a dozen yellow Post-it notes and the cover was somewhat tattered. I have the workbook too, stiletto-lady added as she flipped the pages of the workbook for the group, showing them yellow, blue and green highlighting.

Several women murmured politely. Poking her elbow in Julianna’s side, Bess leaned over and whispered, Ah, we have a dating-Nazi on our hands.

Apparently, Bess’s stifled giggle over her own joke was loud enough for everyone to hear, since their heads seemed to swivel in unison towards her.

Covering up her embarrassment with a cough, she pounded her chest. Went down the wrong tube, she lied, coughing.

Traci jumped up and reached for Bess’s glass. Here, let me get you more water.

Oh, that’s oka–, coughed Bess. Too late. Traci had already grabbed the glass and was heading for the kitchen.

I’ll just dump this and get you fresh water.

Bess watched longingly as her retreating glass of vodka disappeared into the kitchen. Julianna was sure Bess would sneak another shot soon from that bottle of vodka placed so conveniently beside her. Subconsciously, she patted Bess’s arm reassuringly.

Traci returned amazingly fast, as if she didn’t want to miss anything. Here you go, sweetie. Go ahead and introduce yourself when you’re ready.

Bess took a drink and grimaced.

I guess she doesn’t like just plain ’ol water. Julianna giggled behind her hand.

Hi, my name’s Bess. My real name’s Betsy. She sighed as if she’d told this story many times. My mom named me after the poodle who lived next door to her when she was prego with me, so I prefer Bess! Laughter. Anyway, that’s about it. My life is not that exciting. I admit that I haven’t dated much in the last few years. I just can’t find that right guy. Shrugging, she added, What can I say, maybe I’m too picky. She took a deep breath and smiled. Well, maybe not, since I’ve been married twice. She laughed infectiously and no one could resist laughing with her.

There were nods of affirmation; some of the women seemed to understand and several were surprised that anyone so young could possibly have been married twice already.

I’m Connie. At least you’ve been married! Is it true what they say, ‘It’s better to have loved and lost, than never have loved at all?’ wondered a heavyset woman with blonde curls. I love my size, but I’m finding that most guys want size 2 models. Where are the men who love plus-sized women?

Well, I think men truly do desire a woman with some meat on her bones, the leopard-stiletto woman interjected. My name’s Alyssa, by the way.

Hi, Alyssa, several women replied in unison, looking enviously at Alyssa’s attractive and curvy figure. It looked like Alyssa already had a fan club.

"I think we just need to tie ’em up

Reviews for Deadly Dating Games

[katebaxter_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Good story with lots of twists and turns; suspenseful, fast-moving, and a bit disturbing. What better way to spend a winter's evening than to be drawn into a book and not let go? I only wish that the editing was a bit tighter. But then again, I'm always on the prowl for errant grammar, relevant word-usage and punctilious punctuation.I am grateful to author Joanie Chevalier and the Goodreads Firstreads program for having provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.Synopsis:Most of the women in the newly formed book club were simply looking for friendship, a good read and maybe even a few dating tips. Greed snowballs into jealousy and hatred and several women realize too late they’ve been roped into crimes that force them to flee for their lives. Alyssa: Cougar-complete with short skirts, stiletto heels and an insatiable appetite Bess: Desperate-looking for love in all the wrong places Julianna: Girl-Next-Door-low self-confidence and bad judgment leads her astray Traci: Cunning-determined to get what she wants, no matter who gets in the way Aaron: Is he part of the crime circle or is he capable of saving the woman he loves? BLACKMAIL. MURDER. ROMANCE. Four women. Four personalities. Who will Overcome; Who will Survive? *** After being divorced for several years, Julianna decided to join a book club she found online so she could make new friends and read a good book or two. She was anxious and eager to get started with the first book chosen by the group, a dating book. It just so happened that a week after the book club formed, she began dating a man who contacted her via a dating site, and she found a new friend, Bess, at the book club so for Julianna, everything so far seemed to be working out harmoniously. Several weeks later, the leader of the book club, Traci, convinced the women of the group into filming their dates so that the group can “critique” them with the pretense that it will improve their dating skills. Innocent “critiquing” soon turned into filming a sex tryst in a seedy hotel and Julianna and Bess are unwilling participants, unable to get out from under Traci’s web of deceit and sinister plans. After successfully blackmailing the man unknowingly involved in that “date” with the assistance of the group’s sexy cougar, Alyssa, Traci generously hand delivers a portion of the money to Julianna and Bess. Generosity is not Traci’s motive, however, and the next time she orchestrates a “date critique,” a man unfortunately dies. Since Julianna and Bess are now involved in Traci’s crimes-blackmail and murder-they are afraid and too deep in the crime spree to go to the police. In the midst of all this, Julianna and her new boyfriend, Aaron, are hitting it off but it soon turns into suspicion, hurt and mistrust when Bess accidentally witnessed Aaron coming out of Traci’s house. Bess is determined to find some answers to this puzzle and to Traci’s motivations but her inquisitive mind leads her to a tragic end and soon even Julianna is fighting for her life as she tries to get out from under Traci and Alyssa’s evil plans. BLACKMAIL. MURDER. ROMANCE. Who will overcome; Who will survive?