Bliss

By Lisa Green

Dawn has had enough of city life and the constant drama that plagues the local as well as the national news. It seems there is nothing but negative, horrible things going on in the world; with the mass shootings and the governments attempts to rid people off their second amendment rights, emotions are running high, and the American citizens are on edge.
Following the death of her husband and her daughters graduation, Dawn begins her search for serenity. She finds the perfect home in the perfect town, Bliss, located well of the grid, within the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Bliss is a small town with a big business, home of the Blue Steel manufacturing company, the largest manufacturer of guns and ammo.
Rumor has it that the Feds are up to no good, and the citizens have had enough!
Has Dawn moved her family to a serene and happy place or directly into the line of fire?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504948807

Lisa Green

Lisa Green is a lawyer and legal analyst. After earning her law degree at New York University, she was a litigator in private practice before joining NBC News, first as a lawyer and then as a senior producer for Weekend Today and as an NBC News legal analyst. Lisa continues to make on-air appearances for NBC News and MSNBC, and she has written and blogged about legal issues for msnbc.com and published articles in Barron's, the National Law Journal, and the Wall Street Journal. Lisa lives in New York City, where she serves as communications director for a major New York law firm. She is the mother of two young adults.

Book preview

Chapter One

Escape from the Big City to anywhere USA

In today’s news, there was a mass shooting in the New Town Mall, twenty-one people were found dead and seven injured. That story and more on tonight’s broadcast at ten o’clock. Dawn heard on the television as she entered the room.

I am so sick and tired of the local and national news, it’s always something negative, murder, suicides, bombings, everyone judging everyone else, and I swear no one ever has anything positive to say. Turn that shit off, if it’s not happening in my bubble, then there’s nothing I can do about it and I’m not going to stress over things that I have no control over Dawn said as she passed through the living room on her way to the kitchen.

Dawn Patterson a widowed Mother of two, William 22 and Nikelle 18; both were still living at home with her.

Her husband had passed a few years ago; he was an Army man who struggled with depression and had developed an alcohol problem after returning from Iraq.

She spent years dealing with his verbal and mental abuse, causing them to grow apart from one another long before he passed.

William, Bill for short, was a strong-headed young man with a rebellious outlaw attitude. He was tall and lean, and as strong in body as he was in mind. With his big brown eyes, dark hair and Cheshire grin, he didn’t have a problem catching the eye of the ladies. After all, ladies love a bad boy, so the gun that was worn like jewelry on his hip helped to draw their attention. Being a necessary accessory for his job, he is the youngest, self-employed bounty hunter in the United States, well known and for his high success rate.

Nikelle, Dawn’s youngest, was a beautiful young girl, as far as Dawn was concerned. With her big brown eyes, long eye lashes, olive complexion and cascading light brown hair. She had a body that most girls wished for, with large breasts, a small waist and a bigger behind. It was an hourglass figure as Dawn called it. She also had a good head on her shoulders but was terribly untrusting of men. A guy would have to be someone special if he was going to settle her down. After all, Nikelle did love a good party. She also had a wit that was razor sharp, and while this was amusing to Dawn, not everyone got her humor, since it came off as if she were never joking.

Her family was close, as families go. They were all a little on the red neck side, loving the out doors, camping, hunting, fishing, guns, and country music.

Although things had been hard, they now had a little money. Dawn had received an inheritance from her father and the death benefits from her husband.

They all wanted to move and Dawn felt the change would be good for all of them. She was looking into small towns and property with land around it to increase the size of her bubble. She laughed to herself at the thought, while searching the real estate adds.

Family and friends would usually laugh, roll their eyes or make a smart comment about Dawns bubble, but she didn’t mind. It kept her blood pressure down and made her feel much happier to not worry about things outside of her control.

What-cha doing Mom? Nikelle asked as they all gathered around the television, which was never off. Dawn replied, Looking at homes. Bill, I want to live in California, Anaheim would be perfect Then Nikelle chimed in, Me too, only I want to live near the beach, I prefer to be in the mountains, somewhere with less traffic Dawn replied.

After a few months of searching through real-estate adds, there it was, a beautiful home in the Sierra Mountains, on ten acres surrounded by a plush pine and aspen forest and a small creek running behind the house. How perfect is this Dawn thought, as she read the description and noticed the name of the town, Bliss It doesn’t get any better than that she said out loud, as if anyone were listening.

The pictures showcased a spectacular entryway with a grand staircase, as one entered a beautiful four-bedroom cabin home, with ceilings so high it would require a crane to change a light bulb, Dawn thought. It featured huge bedrooms, with walk-in closets and a private baths in each one. The kitchen was charming to say the least, with vintage white cabinets, granite counter tops, and a grand, rock fireplace that was shared on both sides with the dining room.

It was obvious this home was meant to entertain with a massive living room, game room, bar, and theater. Keeping in physical shape through the long winter months wouldn’t be a problem with the huge gym. A wrap around porch surrounded the home with a large deck out back that would also be fun for entertaining, with a built-in outdoor kitchen, fire pit and hot tub.

The separate four-car garage had a one-bedroom apartment above it, with large rooms all done in dark wood trim, flat rock tile floors, and plush carpet in the living room as well as in the bedroom. The bathroom was beautiful with its large Jacuzzi tub surrounded by a beautiful rock archway and recessed romantic lighting. Hell the garage is nicer than the house we’re in now. Dawn thought, It is perfect for Bill since he has been wanting his own place.

The following day was a Monday, Bill headed off to work, as the sun was coming up. Nikelle, who was still looking for a job after graduating from high school, continued to sleep. It was like most days, a daily routine that had become dull and boring, leaving Dawn to long for a big change in her life. She wanted new surroundings, not just in a home but a new town, new friends and a whole new chapter for her life. She was fifty now, an older version of her daughter, with long dark brown hair and big brown eyes, she was still attractive at her mature age. Her life prior to her husband’s death had revolved around caring for her family, leaving no room for friends or outside interests.

However, since his death several years ago, she decided on staying single and doing what made her happy for a change.

Later that day after everyone had arrived home, Dawn announced, I found us the perfect home!

As she showed them the pictures she couldn’t contain her excitement, This place is perfect! Just twenty-one miles from the town of Bliss and only an hour from the city. Everyone loved the photos and could feel the excitement when she announced, Bliss is in California!

Within the following month and after a quick visit to see the home, it didn’t take long for every-one to gather their belongings and head to California to begin a new chapter in their lives. Due to the inheritance she had received, Dawn was able to pay for the house in-full and still have money in the bank, this left her free to explore what life had to offer.

Moving to Bliss was an easy adjustment, they arrived in early March, there was still a chill in the air and snow on the ground, but the family was eager to make a new start. As in most small towns, word spread quickly of the new families arrival. The people of Bliss were everything Dawn had hoped for, outgoing, friendly, like extended family they really cared about their residents. Not to mention there were some good looking single men in Bliss, not that she was interested, she wasn’t, but she did like the eye candy and flirting was her favorite way to pass time.

Bliss’s main source of revenue was the Blue Steel Factory, the largest manufacture of guns and ammo. Many of the locals worked at the factory and depended on it to support their families. This really interested Bill as he loved guns and couldn’t wait to get acquainted with the newest weapons being designed by Blue Steel.

The world outside of Bliss was not as thrilled with the weapons, the Federal Government was doing their best to pass laws against them and using propaganda campaigns to get what they wanted. Do you consider yourself to be a true patriot, red, white and blue to the core? If you love your Country and the people who live in it, help us keep them safe. Guns kill! There is no way around that fact, so the less guns our citizens have the safer we will all be!

We are looking for our true patriots to voluntarily surrender their weapons, call your local law enforcement and they will pick up your weapons and give you fair market value for them.

I am so sick of this fucking commercial, Bill remarked, while watching TV at the local auto shop. He was waiting for a quick check on all his fluids, as he was preparing for a short trip to pick up a couple bounties in a nearby town. He was thrilled to be in California as most of the work he had been doing was now just an hour or two away.

Yeah and they think we are all stupid enough to hand them over, I’ll be damned if they will ever get my guns Rich shouted from under Bills Chevy truck. You know, I’ve heard the Feds are behind a lot of the public shootings and bombings and shit, they say there are pictures and videos.

Wouldn’t surprise me a damn bit, Bill stated, every time something happens they jump right on the gun control shit. If you ask me, every one should be packin, concealed or not, people would think twice about pulling some shit if everyone around them had a gun.

Damn right they would. Rich said. Where you headed today Bill? Rich asked. Rich was the owner and master mechanic of Big Rich Service and Repair, in-fact he was the only mechanic and his was the only shop in town, so business was good for him. Rich was, as big in stature as he was in sense of humor, the man had a joke or smart-ass comment for every situation. Six foot five, dark hair and the most amazing blue eyes, as Dawn described them, she also stated he had muscles on his muscles. Down around San Francisco, seems we have a couple of guys down there that forgot all about there date with lady justice. Bill said with that Cheshire grin of his.

Don’t they know she’s the perfect date? Rich asked, She’s blind folded, so she aint gonna see shit she wants you to buy, gagged, so you don’t have to listen to her bitch and bound so she must be on the kinky side. Bill burst into laughter, while Rich as usual remains straight-faced. I’m guessing they don’t! Bill said still laughing.

So how are your mom and sister adjusting to life in Bliss? You’ve all been here for about six months now and I haven’t seen much of them in town Rich asked. "Dawn only comes to town about once a week, but she loves the people.

She’s been spending a lot of time getting settled and making that home exactly the way she likes.

Says she’s going to have a big party when she’s done and invite everyone up. Bill said. Seems like your sis is spending more time in town, and turning some heads I hear. Has some of the local girls a little nervous about their boy friends." Rich said.

No need for them to worry, she’s a flirt but a harmless one. She doesn’t trust guys too much and wouldn’t give a guy with a girlfriend a second thought. Hell, knowing her she’d give him a good piece of her mind though. She’s thinking about college, she says she wants to become a clothing designer or something. Bill told him.

Well good for her, we could use a straight shooter like that around here, keep some of these boys in line and maybe teach the girls a thing or two while she’s at it. Rich said. Ok, well looks like were done. She’s as good as new, should get you there and back with no problems.

Thanks Rich, I’ll check-in when I get back in town, see what’s new or who’s doing who. Bill says grinning that Cheshire grin as he walks out.

Hold on Bill, Rich said, I’ll walk out with you. No more customers today and I skipped lunch so think I’ll have an early dinner. You have a safe trip young man! Will do. Bill said. Rich locked up and began his walk to Main Street, the hot spot in this small town and only about a five-minute walk from his shop. Being a very out going man, he enjoyed the walk as it gave him time to say hello to his neighbors, which usually meant his five minute walk would be closer to forty-five minutes.

Bliss was an old west town, like the ones you see in the movies and had been used for several films. Many of the buildings had been restored and updated to keep them looking old but feeling new. The new buildings were built with that in mind and therefore built to fit the part, giving visitors a feeling of traveling back in time, only with modern conveniences and technology. Walking through Bliss was exactly that, Bliss The sidewalks on both sides of the road were made from plank boards, sanded and stained in a beautiful light oak and sealed to keep them looking new.

Wood rails separated the street and sidewalks, just like the good old days when cowboys road into town and needed a place to tie up their horses, which came in handy for some of the cowboys that still road into town.

Each corner had a beautiful tree or two with a bench beneath it so folks could rest their feet or visit a spell.

The buildings were rather simple as design goes, no fancy architecture here, but that’s what you would expect in an old town, architecture wasn’t why folks visited Bliss anyway.

People visited for the relaxing feel of Bliss, not just the feeling of stepping back in time but the temperature was always close to perfect. Set back within the mountain range meant lots of trees, lakes and streams that helped to keep things fairly cool. There were no air conditioners here, on those rare days when things got a little warm; a simple fan seemed to do the trick. There were plenty of stores and shops lining Main Street, some that were unique to Bliss and helped draw in the tourists, the main one being Shula’s, a darling little boutique style shop that the women loved!

All the clothes were designed and made by the local women in Bliss. Shula’s had gained some fame after the first set of Hollywood folks had visited to do some filming. The place that got the most action was the Saloon, one of the original buildings in Bliss and the new owner thought it best to keep the original name. The Saloon has the best food and drinks for miles and many of the folks would come in for dinner. The older crowd love to start their day with a good cup of coffee and tall tales at the Saloon. Business has never been to slow there, when they remodeled they kept the original rooms upstairs. They were the only rooms in town for visitor’s to stay and they also added onto the back during the remodeling so there are thirty rooms in all, each with a private bath and the ones in back now have two queen size beds.

Previously, the rooms were exactly what you would expect to find in old west Saloon. Full size beds, small nightstand and a dresser with a vintage washing bowl and pitcher for water.

Chapter Two

It was getting close to dinner time so the smell of good home cooking was in the air as Rich arrived, he was surprised to see the new residents there, working the crowd.

Dawn and Nikelle seemed to be at right at home mingling with all their new neighbors; they were a perfect fit for Bliss.

After a friendly wave to everyone, Rich found himself a place to sit and get his regular late day cup of coffee, much to his surprise Dawn wasn’t far behind him. With her hand out she introduced herself, Hi Rich, I’m Dawn and this is Nikelle, I hear you have already met Bill?

Feeling her soft hand pressed in his and seeing her much closer than before, he paused for a moment just to take in what he saw at her seemingly flawless face and beautiful big brown eyes. Yes, I gave his truck the Rich Lube Special this morning before he left town. Come on in any time, I will be happy to give it to you. he said with a smirk and a wink.

Oh I just bet you would. Dawn replied, now with a slight pink glow to that flawless face. He’s a real nice young man and seems to have a good head on his shoulders. What about you young lady? Rich said while extending his hand to Nikelle.

Nikelle quickly gave him half a hand while replying, Oh, I just graduated and have been getting to know some of the kids around here. Still looking for a job though.

I hear you have a thing for designing clothes, have you talked to Shyla yet? Rich inquired. No, but I did check out the store, heard it was a big deal around here, but the clothes were more like what my mom would wear. Nikelle replied. Rich chuckled, Well all the more reason for you to meet her, he said while gently taking her arm and escorting her in Shyla’s direction, She could use a younger, fresh, new designer, couldn’t she? he laughed.

Shyla, Rich shouted while only about five feet from her, I would like to introduce your new designer, maybe you could get some of the young girls shopping at your place.

Hi Nikelle Shyla said as she reached out both arms to hug her. It’s very nice to finally meet you, didn’t know you were a designer though.

Nikelle was surprised as she hugged this beautiful blonde woman, thinking to herself "the boys back home would defiantly call her a MILF.’

Shyla, a slim 5'7, definite boob job and about a size 5, was dressed in a pair of button-fly Levis, pink button-up blouse tucked in and black stilettos. She didn’t look a day over thirty, which surprised Nikelle after seeing the clothing she carried in her store, and knowing she had designed some of them.

Oh, I’ve done a few sketches and want to take some college classes next fall, I love clothes. Nikelle replied.

Ok! Rich interrupted; my work here is done ladies. I think I will go back and chat with that beautiful brunette standing at my table.

Oh, you don’t miss a beat Rich glad you gave her a minute to get settled before you go in for the kill! Shyla said while laughing. Taking a quick look back, Rich said, What is it the kids say Shyla? Don’t hate the player? grinning as he walked back to where Dawn was standing, but not alone it seemed she was never really alone. Interrupting wasn’t a problem for Rich, being the tallest and strongest man in town had its benefits, no one wanted to push him, because they knew what they would get. He was the gentle giant, as long as you weren’t doing him wrong.

As he approached his table he ran his hand across the small of Dawn’s back, Care to join me for dinner? He asked. Dawn, being a little more on the polite side smiled and excused herself from her current conversation, she wasn’t one to swoon over the good looking guy in the room, she preferred to bring him down a peg or two before giving him the time of day, and it was clear to her that Rich was a little on the arrogant side. So this was going to be a pleasure, since she wasn’t a big fan of arrogant men, no matter how good-looking.

I’m sorry, she said with a bit of arrogance of her own, I’ll have to decline your kind invitation Rich, you see, I already have other plans. She smiled and walked away. Game on. Rich replied softly to himself, to be sure she didn’t hear him.

Looking over at Shyla since that was the direction Dawn was headed in, he noticed Shyla grinning as if she were enjoying the rejection, and so he just waved and sat down with his coffee.

It was about dinnertime now and everyone was sitting to have dinner. Dawn and Nikelle had joined Shyla at her table and continued to get acquainted, becoming fast friends, as it seemed they all had a lot in common. Rich had since left his table to join some of the other men at one large table in the corner near the pool table and bar.

Everyone enjoyed dinner and the company of friends and neighbors. After it was over Dawn and Nikelle walked out with Shyla. Wow, the food here is so delicious, Dawn said, we will have to do this a lot more, and it was really nice getting to know you Shyla. "You too, we