Waltzing with Deception: The Chillings Series

By Levon Sparks Salone

Suspense. Romance. Drama. Sandra Michelle James didn't expect any of these things when she met Andrew Mark Chillings. She was consumed with climbing the corporate ladder and masking her undesirable past. Despite her relentless efforts to stay focused, forces from the visible and invisible realms threw her challenges that forced her to tread on an unchartered course.

Loyal. Committed. Prayer Warrior. Andrew Chillings was a man of integrity and conviction, but nothing prepared him for the unique ways God would answer his prayers. He's thrown into the middle of a dilemma, and if he wants to survive, he has to choose between walking by faith and walking by sight.

How will the mounting pressures affect these lives that are so different? What will their quests reveal? Will Sandra and Andrew crumble under the vast weight? Will they emerge as conquerors? And what role will Paul, Andrew's estranged brother, play in this saga?

The stage is set, and the players are in place; but the script has them all waltzing to an uncanny rhythm of deception. 
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Levon Sparks Salone
• Release date: Oct 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9798201559823

Levon Sparks Salone

Mrs. Levon Sparks Salone served as a Clinical Counselor where she specialized in the areas of chemical dependency, women's issues and family dynamics. During her career, she conducted trainings, workshops and motivational speeches for various agencies, companies and groups across the US. She left her 20-year tenure as a counselor to hone her skills in writing.

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Waltzing With Deception

By Levon Sparks Salone

Kindle Edition 2013

Copyright ©2013 Levon Sparks Salone

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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission of the author/publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and are not related to anyone bearing the same name or names. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locations is purely coincidental.

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Other Books by Levon Sparks Salone

Fiction:

Unjust Ruling

Non-Fiction:

Men Hurt Too!

Writing Prompts For Creative Writers

150 Plus 1 Acts Of Kindness

Before We Say I Do: The Premarital Workbook

30-Point Plan To Winning Your Employees' Loyalty And Respect

Life’s Motivational Moments, Volume 1

Life’s Motivational Moments, Volume 2

Life’s Motivational Moments, Volume 3

Life’s Motivational Moments, Volume 4

Help...My Finances Are Out Of Control!

Nuggets of Faith

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Discussion Questions

The Meeting

The auditorium in the invisible realm swelled to capacity as his eager doters anticipated the staffing of her case. Ex-stripper, drug addict, liar and manipulator. He raised his eyebrows long enough to make sure his words had the desired effect. However, she masked her history by becoming an icon at Jones and Associates.

A hush rushed through the audience.

She’s beautiful, intelligent and desirable, but don’t allow her exterior to deceive you. She is a threat to our kingdom. She seems harmless, but if we are not proactive, she will discover her purpose and win many souls to our archenemy.

Oh no! they cried in unison.

You must use every weapon in our arsenal to get the job done. Do you understand?

The attendees nodded their heads in agreement.

She must never join forces with our enemy. Offer her anything she desires, but never allow her to receive salvation. Something mysterious blocks ordinary attacks on her. Find it and destroy it. Research this case, study her strengths and weaknesses then develop a plan to annihilate her. Failure to complete this mission has serious consequences, but success carries notoriety.

Some onlookers cheered while others squirmed in their seats.

Now get out and get to work!

The attendees scurried out to devise their plans to destroy Sandra Michelle James. It seemed like an easy task, but no one warned them about the unrelenting resistance that lurked in the trenches...

Chapter 1

The sound of rain ricocheted from the windows of Sandra’s Victorian home. Something in the rain forced her to think about the mysterious whims of her past.

Candy! Candy! Candy! She heard the crowd cheer as she approached the stage with a trench coat draped around her body and a pink and black umbrella thrown across her shoulder to accent the ensemble. Show us what you’ve got!

She slowly glided towards the pole as if afraid to approach it too quickly. The music guided her steps as the crowd’s energy fueled her routine. She felt the impact of the pills she took earlier, and she was ready to please.

She taunted the audience with her seductiveness, causing them to cry louder. By the time she reached mid-stage, the crowd was frenzied. She flung off her coat and exposed the lacy pink and black nightie that hugged her curves. She threw her legs around the pole with great precision and allowed her hair to drape the floor. The crowd roared at her moves and threw money on the platform to show appreciation. She gave them a performance they would never forget. However, in her mind, it was her last. The day before, she landed a job with Jones and Associates, and if she wanted the respect she deserved, she had to bury her life as Candy, never allowing it to rear its ugly head again.

They must never find out, she fretted as the rain pounded in the background. I’m Sandra Michelle James now, and my reputation is all I have left. One slip-up...she stopped mid-sentence, too distraught to think of the consequences. I’ll just be careful. The last thing I need is a scandal on my hands.

Sandra pulled herself from the dreary, rainy theatrics and made her way to the inviting sofa. She longed for vibrancy and energy, but sported the fifty-something blues. Her outward image was impeccable; however, a gnawing sensation gripped her, and the voices in her head taunted her.

What is my problem? she mumbled through tears. I have a beautiful home, luxury car, money, designer clothes and friends. If I have so much, what’s missing?

The grandfather clock in the corner announced three in the afternoon. She swore the clock mocked her, and its hands dismissed her tears. Ignoring its mocking, Sandra focused on the rain that threw her uncertainties.

She looked towards the rain-covered window and shouted to the nothingness: I need answers. I can’t take this agony much longer!

Her thoughts teased her as she waited unexpectedly for a sign...any sign.

Immediately, the telephone interrupted her thoughts. Before her hand gripped the receiver, the rings stopped, but the sneering escalated. She shook herself and rolled on her back. The once inviting sofa stiffened. As she looked at the window, giant teardrops rolled down her face, mimicking the enormous raindrops that fell from heaven.

Drip, drip, drip, the same rain that seemed irritating brief moments earlier instantly offered a comforting cadence. Miraculously, upon hearing it, her eyelids grew heavy, the taunting stopped, and she drifted off to sleep...but the saga she wholeheartedly dreaded took its first breath of life.

At the first sign of light, Sandra leapt from the sofa. Hurriedly, as if in a race with other kids to get the last bagged lunch, she darted through her house.

I’m going to be late if I don’t hurry.

Sandra anticipated a long day at the office, and she refused to look frazzled. She was the rock, so her boss told her, the boulder that held things in place.

As she brushed her teeth, she noticed a run in her hose. Not today! She bent over with the toothbrush protruding from her mouth as she struggled to pull the hose off her legs.

Bump! the loud sound of her head hitting the bathroom sink interrupted her flow.

Ouch! she yelled. If one more negative thing happens before I leave this house, I’m going to... The phone’s rings in the background startled her.

Who’s calling me at this hour? I’m not going to answer that!

With ripped hose in hand, she examined her head in the mirror. Satisfied that there was no damage, she continued her morning ritual as she listened to Mr. Jones’ voice on the answering machine.

Why is he calling so early? Doesn’t he know I will be in the office by eight?

Sandra moved closer to the answering machine, determined not to pick up the receiver.

Sandra, I would like you to stop by my office as soon as you arrive...it’s urgent.

As she threw on her lavender suit, she wondered what was so urgent that Mr. Jones could not wait until eight to tell her. She received her raise, and things in the office flowed smoothly. Confused, she resumed her morning rituals.

It’ll have to wait.

She had never been late, and today would not be different.

Bobby nursed his forty-year old dream of landing a recording contract. As the motion of his outdoor swing soothed him, he hummed his favorite tunes, picturing himself entertaining mega crowds alongside music’s finest. The crowds swayed to his lyrics and tunes, and the electricity radiated in the atmosphere. In his mind, his music persuaded his audience to laugh, cry, shout, smile, and hug. It led people to make radical life changes. He adored jazz, rock and roll, country, soul, classical, blues, rap, gospel...if it had a beat, it had Bobby’s ear. Heartfelt music creates a melting pot of ethnicities, Bobby smiled, even if only during the intoxicating rhythms.

Bobby was a striking specimen. His hair was flawless, and his smile produced spine chills. He sported two sexy dimples and a well-shaven goatee. Even though he was in his mid-fifties, he took pride in his body. His sculptured stomach drew the envy of younger men as he pumped iron at the local gym.

Nevertheless, disappointment didn’t bypass Bobby. His six-figure corporate job, the one he sank his life into after Candy disappeared, precipitated depression. As the years passed, his heart challenged him to write music. Blindly, he quit his life-long career, to step into unchartered waters.

As the gentle breeze blew, Bobby continued to hum. No, that’s not right! he stomped, frustrated by another failure. I need inspiration...something to make my heart sing. I’m an artist, so why aren’t the words flowing? He threw the crumbled paper on the ground. Too frustrated to continue, he placed the remaining papers in his briefcase, and looked towards heaven: God if You are listening, I wish You would say or do something...I don’t know how much longer I can take this anguish!

He waited, hoping God would respond. When the atmosphere remained silent, he placed his closed briefcase on his lap.

Who am I to ask God to answer? He doesn’t have time for a simple request like mine. Anyway, I’m not so sure He exists. He didn’t respond when I asked Him to help me find Candy, and I don’t expect Him to answer now. If I need something done, I may as well do it myself.

Bobby picked up his crumbled papers and briefcase and headed inside. He strained to convince himself he wasn’t a failure, but at that moment, he felt like one.

Sandra reached the office at seven fifty-five. She unlocked the door, flung her purse in her seat then headed to the executive office draped with a magnificent view. She straightened her jacket before gently knocking.

Sandra, is that you? Mr. Jones’ voice flowed from behind his engraved, mahogany door.

Yes sir, Sandra cheerfully answered.

Come in, and close the door behind you.

As Sandra entered, her heart fluttered. She was the lone audience, and Mr. Jones had a serious and somber look on his face. He pointed to the chair next to his desk.

Have a seat.

Sandra slightly trembled as she watched her employer. His mood was foreign. A million thoughts raced through her mind. She breathed rapidly, anticipating his words. She attempted self-talk, but it didn’t stop her hands from sweating. Get to the point before I have an anxiety attack. She slightly raised her head, almost positive he heard her private conversation.

Mr. Jones poured a cup of coffee.

That’s odd, Sandra thought, Jeannie always serves him.

Want a cup?

No sir...thanks anyway.

Sandra, I’ll get right to the point. The company is experiencing financial difficulties. As a result, the board demanded I release some of my employees. I begged them to reconsider your position, but they wouldn’t budge.

Sandra’s eyes followed Mr. Jones as he paced, mouthing devastating words. As he spoke, tears stained her face. For twenty years, she devoted her life to Jones and Associates. Now the company icon received dismissal papers like a naughty pupil. And her mentor, the man she admired, played the villain.

How can they release me? I can’t start over. This job is my life! Her thoughts overrode Mr. Jones’ words.

Mr. Jones stood idle, not knowing what to do. He pulled a tissue from the box on his desk and gently handed it to her. She accepted it without facing him.

Sandra patted her face, regained her composure and lifted her head.

Is that all, Mr. Jones? Sandra whispered.

Yes Sandra. You can work the rest of this month. If you decide to leave sooner, I’ll understand. Either way, I will pay you the full month’s salary.

Yes sir. Do the others know yet?

No. I wanted to tell you first since you are my most trusted employee.

Tears formed in Sandra’s eyes again. So, there’s nothing that can be done? 

I’m afraid not.

Sandra turned to exit the office. If she had to leave, she would leave with dignity.

Waiting outside Mr. Jones’ door were those same taunting thoughts that heckled her for the last year. They pranced in her mind and laughed at her unfortunate state. There was no way she could work throughout the day. She couldn’t afford to allow her co-workers to see her come unglued. Before taking another step, she pulled herself together and masked her inward conversation. If she didn’t do something quickly, the thoughts would overtake her.

No! Boulders don’t break!

She straightened the jacket to her suit and headed to her office.

Keep the persona. Keep the persona, she repeated as she walked briskly down the hall.

She looked left then right; the coast was clear. As soon as she was out of sight, the floodgates opened, and she wailed like a child snatched from her mother on the first day of kindergarten. She didn’t want to break down, but the thoughts tackled her emotions. Now the boulder, the glue to Jones and Associates, seemed crushed like fragments of insignificant pebbles.

Sandra took the rest of the day off to absorb the devastating news. She drove around the little southern town, weighing her options.

Who would hire me at this point in my life? Where would I start? What else could I do?

Question after question flooded her mind as she passed people who didn’t care about her plight. She placed her sunglasses over her tear-stained face.

Severance pay, benefit package...that’s what I get for devoting the last twenty years of my life to a job!

Run off the ramp. It will look like an accident. Nobody will know. Anyway, what do you have to live for? You’re washed-up.

The voice inside her head was strong; she had to obey. Besides, the voice was right; she just lost her only reason to live.

Frantically, she turned the wheel, plunging to her death. Her entire life flashed before her. She was doomed for hell, and all she could do was roll along, without fight or struggle.

Just as the darkness started to envelop her, a force pulled the steering wheel back in place. She snapped to her senses.

What am I doing? I don’t want to die! It’s too dark! It’s too scary! It’s too final!

She sobbed and immediately came to a sudden halt. And just in time, the black SUV swerved to miss her rear bumper.

As Sandra sat on the side of the road, she sobbed uncontrollably. She was too nervous to crank her car and continue on her destination. She listened to that voice again, and it almost led to her death.

Sandra rubbed her face with her hands; her make-up looked like the artwork of a first-grader. Not knowing what else to do, she mumbled a prayer. If there’s anybody up there, please help me.

A knock on her window startled her.

Miss...do you need to use my cell phone? Are you okay?

Sandra rolled down the window as she dried the tears from her eyes.

I’m okay...just lost control of my vehicle. I’m a little scared, that’s all.

Are you sure you’re not hurt? I can stay with you for a while if you need company.

No, I’m all right. I promise.

Okay...but before I go, I want you to know I saw the whole thing. You must be on God’s good side because I thought you were a goner.

Sandra smiled sheepishly. I guess I need to be a little more careful, huh?

The strange woman replied, No, you need to count your blessings.

As rapidly as the strange woman appeared, she disappeared. Sandra tried to locate her, but she vanished so suddenly that Sandra had to rub her eyes to make sure she was not hallucinating.

Baffled, she started her car, turned her signal light on, looked over her shoulder, and proceeded with caution.

Huh, she moaned, I wonder whether anybody heard me. Anyway, I guess those in a higher realm are too busy for infrequent visitors.

As she drove off, she turned on the radio. One of her favorite jazz players blasted blissful notes through the airways. Her invisible rider tapped his fingers too, but not to the music, he displayed frustration. His plan to destroy Sandra Michelle James failed.

The sound of the phone woke Sandra. She blinked at the clock.

Hello, she answered sluggishly.

Hey Missy!

At the sound of that voice, Sandra sat straight up in bed. There was only one man on the planet who called her Missy.

Drew! What’s up?

You dearest. Now tell me, what’s going on with you woman?

What do you mean Drew? Sandra tried to sound chipper even though she knew she couldn’t fool that old prayer warrior.

You know what I mean Missy. I’ve been up for the last three nights praying for you, so let’s cut through the chase and get real.

Oh Drew, Sandra sobbed. Her eagerness to talk surprised her. I was released from my job.

"Released? Oh, I’m so sorry Missy...I know how much you love Jones and Associates. But there’s something