writingfelicity

See Who Won A Copy Of Rose: A True Lady

2010-05-28T17:16:00.000-07:00

To see who won an author signed a copy of Rose: A True Lady?
Go here to enter:
http://cyndes-got-the-write-stuff.blogspot.com/

Diane

Rose: A True Lady

2010-04-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

My first book is in print. Seven years of interviews, research, writing and editing and it's done.

Rose: A True Lady by Diane L Wood

is a biography of my maternal grandmother. She came close to death four times and refused to die. The story gives a glimpse of life from the early to late 1900s.

You can check it out at: http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=29429936

www.lulu.com made it simple to produce and is available from the website.

Any comments would be most appreciated.

Thanks

Diane

Another Follower!

2009-09-20T04:12:00.000-07:00

Welcome Pam.

Thanks for joining my blog.
Will be posting more stories soon.

Kindest regards
Diane

Episode 62: A Perfect Beginning

2009-06-28T00:04:00.000-07:00

(The Last Episode.)

Episode 62

Synchro

“I, ah, talk with them too,” Cindy said hesitantly.
“Ghosts? Spirits?” Synch corrected.
She nodded.
“Edith told me her son David murdered her.”
Synch’s eyebrows rose high.
“She said she felt an attack coming on while he was there and went to get her medication. He beat her to it and held it out of her reach. She begged him to give it to her. He wouldn’t. She tried to phone triple zero for help but David pulled the phone plug out of the wall. He watched her for hours as she became worse and eventually passed out. He waited a few more hours to be sure of her demise before calling an ambulance.”
“He told me he found her unconscious when he arrived,” said Synch. “That lying, murdering… low-life.”
“Karmic energies caught up with him rather quickly,” Cindy added.
“We’d better tell David Finestra,” he said.
“Why? David Buchanan is dead. Too late to charge him. And how can the dearly departed be a witness to a crime?”
Synch shrugged.
“Seems the right thing to do,” he said.
Cindy thought about it.
“I guess,” she shrugged and got up. “I’m starved. Let’s eat.” She uncovered the containers and microwaved them.
“You know how you can tell a person’s whole life story by looking at them,” Cindy began as they finished eating.
Synch knew what was coming.
“What exactly is in store for me?” she asked.
“Lots of things.” He was being evasive and scooped up the empty dishes. “Want a tea or coffee?” he said shoving the dishes in the dishwasher.
She followed him into the kitchenette.
“Is it that bad?” she said her forehead creased deeply.
He smiled a knowing smile.
“No. It’s very, very good.” He watched her relax.
“Then tell me,” she said and added. “Please.” She backed him up against the bench and closed the gap between their bodies. He loved the feel of her warm body against his and held her narrow waist.
“Well,” he had to trust himself, trust that what he saw in the future was correct. Sometimes part of him had doubts. But in his heart he knew it was correct. They’d only known each other a matter of weeks. How would she take it. She might be overjoyed, or, not. She might bolt unable to handle the fact that someone knows exactly what she’s in for. He understood how someone might feel their privacy had been invaded by him. He wondered how he’d feel if roles were reversed. Then it came to him. Her future was set. No matter what he told her it wouldn’t change her future.
Their arms loosely encircled each other.
“How do you feel about me?” It was a starting point.
He watched the smile spread across her face.
“Like I’ve known you all my life.” Her voice was soft. She looked into his eyes.
He slowly nodded, the same softness radiated from his own face.
“Like I’d like to spend the rest of my life with you.” She blushed slightly at her own words.
He raised his eyebrows and nodded, the confirming grin told her.
“Us? Together? Long term?” she said.
He felt excitement tingle through her. He felt relief.
“Yep,” he said softly.
“The works?” she said to be sure.
“Yep,” he repeated.
“Wow.” She was silent for a few minutes digesting the prospect. “When do we start?”
“Start what?”
“Our relationship,” she was jumping ahead.
“I thought we had,” he said.
She kissed him her mouth opening over his.
“Mmm, I suppose so,” she said peeling her lips from his only enough to let the words out. She sank her tongue into the depths of his mouth. “I’ve dreamed about waking up in bed with you.”
His lips moved to her ear and down her neck.
“I’ve dreamed about doing more than that with you,” he said nibbling at the base of her neck with his lips and retracing his path to her mouth.
She pulled away from him. Holding his hand she dragged him toward the bedroom.
“I guess we’d better find out if we’re sexually compatible,” she smiled from under her eye-lashes.
He knew they would be as surely as he’d take his next breath.
He knew too that before the night ended they’d proclaim their love for each other. It would be the real start of their life together.
He couldn’t think of a more perfect beginning.

The End

By Diane L Wood
Writer

It’d be fantastic of you to make any comment about the serial.
Many thanks for reading it!
Diane

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
My Fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode: 61 A Creepy Pair

2009-06-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

Episode 61

Synchro

“What’s wrong?” Cindy said into his neck.
She’d called him as she left work and sensed from his response that there was trouble. She’d called in home, grabbed two of her dinners from the freezer and hurried over. He’d opened the front door to her and pulled her into his arms.
Now she felt his body warmth, his breath on her shoulder, his strong arms around her. His silence and physical rigidity worried her.
“It was awful,” he said at last.
She backed away a little keeping her arms around him.
“What?”
“I saw the two ladies being murdered.”
Cindy thought he might cry or vomit, or both.
“You mean in your mind’s eye?”
He nodded.
“I’ve never been exposed to violence other than movies or TV. They’re not real,” he said taking her hand leading her into the kitchenette.
A frown shadowed his face.
“My family is passive. So am I.” He took the containers from her and put them on the bench.
“How am I supposed to cope with extreme real violence?” Still holding her hand, he lead her to the couch, motioned her to sit and carefully seated himself beside her.
“The crime you saw, happened, you can’t do anything about it,” she said laying on her back, her head in his lap. His face, in fact, his whole body was tight as the strings of a guitar. She went on. “It’s a re-run that’s all.”
She liked his fingers playing with strands of her curls. She firmly clasped his other hand.
“You’ve got to separate yourself from it and move on,” she said.
“Easy for you to say. You didn’t see the… “ no he’d not tell her the gory details. “ …it.”
“Do you believe strongly that what you’re doing will prevent at least some crime, save some peoples lives?”
“Hopefully.”
“Then ignore the nitty gritties. Distance yourself from it.”
“Where did you get ‘nitty gritties’?”
“My grandparents.”
“Edith used to say it,” he said. She was probably smugly looking down on him if that were possible. He didn’t believe the ‘life after death’ concept.
“Is she less than 160centimetres tall with short permed grey hair? Wears a floral dress, a hand knitted cardigan and black flat healed shoes?”
“You knew her, before she died?”
“Arhh, no.” It was time to tell him the rest. “I see people on the other side.”
“The other side of what?”
“After they’ve died, I see them on the other side.”
“Ghosts?”
“Spirits,” she nodded. She was conscious of his thighs under her head as she did so.
Synch gazed off into the distance.
“Does it creep you out? Is it going to affect, us?” She wasn’t sure how he’d take it.
He laughed.
“You’re kidding right?”
“No,” she said hesitating.
“Think about it,” he rumbled with laughter. “Seeing a person’s whole life in my mind is creepy. So why would I think… ” he laughed.
She got it and smiled widely. “We’re a creepy matching pair.”

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
My Fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode: 60 Horror

2009-06-22T17:58:00.001-07:00

Episode 60

Synchro

The week went quickly.
Synchro informed David Finestra of his decision and was welcomed aboard.
He wasn’t sure exactly what he was getting himself into. He couldn’t read his own future like he could everyone else’s but because he saw Cindy’s long future being with him, he was fairly confident nothing fatal would happen to either of them.
Synchro made phone connection on the third note of his ring-tone.
“We picked up Ryan Sturges for drink-driving. We can’t place him near the crime scene. His alibi’s too convincing. We have to release him soon. Can you come in and, do your magic?”
At the station formalities were rushed through.
Synchro stood behind a two-way mirror studying the suspect. A bubble of white light formed around Ryan. A movie-like visualisation began in Synch’s mind’s eye. He had no control over the content.
He told David every detail of the movie.
Ryan walked along an old suburban street eyes narrowed scanning front doors. He stopped and opened a squeaky iron gate looking left and right along the street. No sign of life. He knocked on the front door. There was no security door.
“Yes? What do you want,” said the short grey haired lady.
Ryan didn’t speak. He shoved the door and the lady out of his way. She fell back hitting the floor. He slammed the door shut.
“Get out! I have no money,” she said struggling to her feet. “Get out.”
He checked all the rooms. In the kitchen a younger woman stood up and screamed when she saw the older one limping, screaming at the man.
“Shut up!” he roared at them.
They ignored him and kept screaming.
He grabbed the long bladed knife from the scarred wooden cutting board.
“Shut up!” he roared again and lunged at the old lady’s neck. The knife sank deep. She collapsed.
The younger woman was hysterical. Ryan lunged again. She fell beside the other one. Blood from their necks pooled together as the veil of death enveloped them.
Synchro closed his eyes, massaged his temples and breathed slow and deep.
“You’re doin’ fine,” said David.
Ryan sat at the table in the mirrored interview room.
The bubble formed around the murderer again as Synch resumed.
Ryan snatched up a tea-towel and wiped the handle of the knife thoroughly. He dropped the knife and towel and put his hands in his unzipped jacket pockets. He calmly stared at the bodies then hurried to the front door. With hand covered he opened the door and casually left.
Synchro kept watching.
Ryan was back at the house where they’d observed him packing his car months before.
Inside he sat in a lounge chair and picked up a hand rolled cigarette.
“There’s a woman asleep on the settee,” said Synchro. “She’s, out cold. Not aware of Ryan’s presence at all.”
Synch closed his eyes and breathed deeply.
“Can I stop now?” He’d had enough. The movie was re-running in his mind. “I’m not sure I can do this all the time.”
“If it’s any consolation, there’s more robberies than murders,” the detective said. He purposely with-held the fact that a lot were violent. He hoped Synch couldn’t read his mind.
“Your description fits the crime scene perfectly,” said David deliberately encouraging Synch.
He nodded.
“That’s all for today,” said David.
“Will it help you get a conviction?” Synch hoped viewing the grizzly homicide was not a futile exercise.
“Yeah. The information is invaluable,” said David.
Synch was pale.
“Go home,” said David.
Synch walked out as if he’d been camera-man of the most chilling crime reality TV show imaginable.
How could he get his head around the horror?

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
My Fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode: 59 Mercenary

2009-06-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

Episode 59

Synchro

“Will it be dangerous?” she said concerned and biting into toast and vegemite.
“Theoretically, no,” he said.
“Then, no problem,” said Cindy.
Both thought, ‘Yeah, right!’
“My internet business is running well. It’s set up so I’m not needed full-time. Doing… what do you call it anyway?”
“Reading peoples futures?” she shrugged.
“Doing, that, will give me two streams of income,” he said frowning.
“A mercenary way of looking at it,” she said stiffly, her lips pressing to a fine line.
He half smiled. Telling her about the charities he supported could wait.
“I’m off to work,” she said standing abruptly. “Help yourself to food, whatever you need.”
Her smile was gone. She glanced at him as she disappeared out the door.
Mmmm! ‘Won’t hold eye contact.’
A grin spread across his face.
‘Our first tiff. Just like an old married couple.’
He folded his hands behind his head and rolled onto his back.
“Arrrgh! Blasted backside.”

Continued…

By Diane L Wood

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
My Fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode 58: Rest and Decide

2009-06-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

Synchro

Episode 58

“You can think about it while you rest,” she’d added.
He didn’t need to think about it. He already knew what was in store. Knowing ‘what’ was going to happen took a lot of uncertainty out of his future and eliminated the insecurity that came with the unknown. However, it didn’t fill-in the blanks of ‘how’ or ‘when’ he would achieve the ‘what’.
Fate sure was moving things along though.
The evening disappeared quickly as she’d prepared for work the next day and tucked him in before taking herself to bed.
Synch lay on his side in the darkened room. The slashes of street-light creeping through the venetian blinds was somehow comforting. He rolled over to give his right side relief and faced the back of the sofa. He should be going to work too. Five days cooped up inside was going to be a drag at best. It wasn’t at all like the movies where the shot hero was back on deck five seconds later in the next scene. This sucked.
A whiff of lamb stew tickled his saliva glands as his eyelids closed the world out. A good night’s sleep and he’d be fine in the morning. Yeah.

His backside ached, one side of his body had had enough of being laid on as did the other. The pale morning light signaled wakeup time. Morning ablutions, breakfast and out the door was not on his roster today. He scrunched the pillow, settled his head and listened to flowing water as Cindy showered. She dressed and was fastening her earings when she bounced into the lounge-room.
“Hi.” She sat on the coffee table smiling down at him. “Ready for breakfast?”
“Mmmm,” he grumbled.
“Cheer up. You’ll feel better soon,” she said busying herself in the kitchen.
Synch’s mobile rang.
“Yeah, David?” he said into it.
“Fine,” he said. Hot toast and tea aromas filled his nose.
“Oh,” the down-turn in his voice was noticeable. “What now? …oh… …mm… yeah… no I haven’t decided.” He disconnected the call as Cindy placed toast and tea before him.
“David Buchanan didn’t make it,” he said. He gazed past Cindy.
She held his hand.
“I’m sorry,” she murmured.
He shrugged.
“Finestra wants to know if I’ll be a consultant for the police investigation unit.”
“Will you?”
He gently massaged her palm with his thumb.
“If I do, it might help catch the bad guys,” he said weakly injecting humour into the prospect. Clear memories of the last few days bore immense influence over his decision.
“Probably, …yeah.”
Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
My Fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode 57: Lamb Stew

2009-05-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

Episode 57

Synchro

The pain-ridden journey to Cindy’s ended. He’d felt every bump in the supposedly high standard of roads. The Roads Department couldn’t claim to have the smoothest streets around.
Carefully installed on her sofa with pillow, blanket and TV remote, Synch would wait for the intensity to subside. He closed his eyes.
“Want some pain-killers?” Cindy asked.
“No, thanks,” he said softly. He didn’t like the pain. He disliked losing four hours of consciousness even more.
“Let me know if you want anything,” she said.
“Ok.” It was bearly audible.
“I’ll just let you rest now,” she added.
No answer. His eyes-lids shut her out. His chest rose and fell with shallow breathing.
She quietly did her chores, checking him regularly.
An hour and a half later she saw his arms raise in a stretch, heard deep intake of breath as he roused from sleep.
He smiled as she came into his view.
“Hungry?” she asked.
“Mmm! What did you have in mind?” he said reaching a hand out for her to come to him.
“As it’s dinner time you have a choice of four dishes from the freezer, all home cooked of course,” she said sitting carefully on the edge of the sofa.
His eyebrows flew up.
“I do a big cook-up once a fortnight,” she explained holding his hand. “Enough to last the two weeks and freeze it in serving size portions. That way I don’t have to cook every night.”
“What’s on the menu?”
“Lamb Stew, Chicken with Carrots and Silverbeet, Beef Stroganoff or Tuna Medley.”
His stomach gurgled.
“Lamb Stew sounds good,” he said.
“Coming right up,” she said leaving him.
“I haven’t had a chance to ask you what you think about this, ah, psychic thing I do,” he said.
“Ask away,” she said removing containers from the freezer.
“Well, are you alright with it?”
“Sure. Like I said, my Mum’s a witch.” He heard a door click shut, beeps then the microwave oven start up. Blended with the oven drone, china tinkled and cutlery rattled. “It’s all in the same department.”
“What do you mean?”
The droning stopped. Click. Scrape.
“Here,” she said handing him a plate of stew. Mmm! Diced lamb and vegies cooked in there own juices, seasoned, thickened and steaming hot. His mouth salivated.
Cindy sat opposite him with a plate on her knee.
“What I mean is, I think of my life as a huge department store,” she said ramming her fork into a meat cube. “Everything from witchcraft to reading zodiac predictions in the newspaper are all in the one department.”
She popped the chunk into her mouth.
“What department is that?” he asked between mouthfuls.
“The supernatural.”
“This is fantastic,” he said licking his lips.
“Yeah, well, you haven’t eaten anything in thirty six hours. Cardboard pizza would taste great. You might think differently when your taste-buds are back on their feet.”
They ate quietly.
Synch finished first, leaned over and put his plate on the coffee table.
“What department am I in?” The half smile on his lips emitted hope.
“You were in the department for men. Now you’re in transit.” She swallowed and flushed slightly. “Final destination is up to you.”
He knew beyond doubt what department he wanted to be in.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
My Fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode 56: The Cat's Whiskers

2009-05-16T23:15:00.000-07:00

Episode 56

Synchro

“Your family’s really nice,” said Cindy.
“Yeah?” said Synch groggily.
“They were very enlightening about your childhood.” She grinned. “The plaits incident had me spellbound.”
He rolled his eyes heavenward.
She was taking new clothes from a carrier bag. She yanked the tags off.
“I overheard some adults talking about a witches spell. What are you doing?” he said.
“Getting you out of here,” she said pulling back the bed covers.
His muzzy head was in no condition to handle an argument. He dragged the side of his body to edge of the bed and rolled off onto his feet. The polished floor was sharply cold on his soles. The room rocked a little.
“Do you need help to dress?”
“I might,” he answered. “How long have I been out?”
“Four hours.” Cindy put one of his arms over her shoulder. “Hang on till you get your balance.”
He liked holding onto Cindy.
With her free hand she went to remove the hospital gown.
“Ahhhh… did you bring underwear?” he said holding the gown around him. “Mine had to be cut off before surgery and binned.”
She pulled two small garments out of the bag and held them up.
“Boxers or jocks?”
“Jocks,” he said.
She ripped off the tag.
“I better put those on,” he said. She handed him the black briefs. He held them out to step into and leaned forward. The room was cockeyed. He clung to the bed. Cindy took the garment from him and helped him step into them. She gently pulled them up under the gown.
‘Could have been a lot more interesting exercise without a thick head and a pain in the arse,’ he thought.
Cindy readied a polo shirt.
“Did you particularly need both of Mesh’s plaits?”
He raised his arms as she pulled the shirt down over his chest.
The pain in his backside had dulled. Standing up increased intensity though it was bearable.
“I was six. Didn’t understand ‘quantity.’”
He leaned forward holding the bed again.
Cindy flicked a pair of jeans out and eased them onto him.
“Oops!” he said wobbling.
“Hold on,” she said wrapping her arm around his torso to steady him. “The medication must have been strong.”
“I think my body over responds.”
She managed to carefully fasten the stud and send the zip slide home.
“Did your spell work?”
He swayed a little.
“Nah! Couldn’t detach the cat’s whiskers. Had to throw the whole lot in the pond. He swam back to dry land and took a swipe at me. The snails didn’t fare so well.”
“Huh ha,” she agreed slipping his blood stained shoes on his feet. “Couldn’t swim in deep water?” she said
She rested his arm over her shoulders.
“Sank like little round stones.”
“Let’s go,” she said aiming them toward the door.
“Where?”
“To my place,” she said.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
My Fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode 55: Auntie Jane

2009-05-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

Episode 55

Synchro

All of them smirked waiting for an explanation.
Given time Synch would have come up with something explanatory and sanitised to conceal his recently acquired ‘gift.’
They couldn’t wait.
“Who shot…
“… must have been running from … “
“Can you walk?”
“… in pain … “
“… caught him yet?”
“… own flat …”
Christmas day lunch thought Synch. Everyone talking at once and no-one making any sense.
From the middle of the melee came a shrill,
“SSSW-THWIWW-WWWITT!”
Synch smiled at the silence.
“Auntie Jane?” he said.
Pushing bodies aside a small neat woman in her fifties came forth, worry creasing her brow. She was his mother’s older sister. She acted much younger than his mother.
“Synchro my lad.” She considered all her nieces and nephews to be her own. Perhaps because she had no children of herself. “What happened ya great Wally?” She patted his arm affectionately.
So many eyes watching him. He opened his mouth. Nothing came out. His backside throbbed. He looked at Cindy for support.
“A crazed intruder broke into his flat and tried to kill Synch,” she said.
His face paled. His butt felt like a white hot skewer was twisting its way deeper into his flesh.
Cindy felt his hand wet and tense, noticed the slight sheen of sweat on his face and neck, saw his stilted movements under the bed covers.
“Are you ok? Shall I call a nurse?” she said pressing the call button.
His audience frowned sympathetically en mass.
“I’m… fine… “ he breathed.
Cindy knew he was not.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
My Fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode 54: Let Them Wait

2009-05-03T22:32:00.000-07:00

Episode 54

Synchro

“If you have someone to look after you for the next five days you can go home,” said Doctor Smyth-Jones after the examination. “Get plenty of rest,” he added before leaving the nurses to re-dress the wound and make Synch comfortable.
Great. He can go home.
The ring tone of his mobile phone was muffled. He opened the drawer of the bed-side table and flicked open the phone on the fourth ring.
Hmm, his favourite detective he thought drolly.
Synch told him the good news.
“You can’t go home,” said David. “It’s a crime scene, a possible homicide. No-one’s allowed in there.”
“I need clothes and toiletries,” Synch protested. “And where am I going to stay?”
“Buy new necessities and check into a motel,” David said. “And… ah, we found two bodies in a housing commission flat in Broadmeadows.”
“Let me guess,” said Synch. The pit of his stomach felt heavy. Chilled goose bumps stippled his skin. “An elderly lady and a younger disabled female?”
“Yeah,” said David. “We still don’t know the whereabouts of Ryan Sturges, which brings me to the next topic. Will you work for the department on a regular basis as a consultant?”
Synch’s mouth hung open unable to emit any sound.
Wh-at… wh-ere… h-ow…?
“Synch? Are you there?”
“Um, yeah.”
“Did you hear what I said?”
“Yeah.”
“Do you have an answer for me?”
“You must have a lot of faith in this weird thing I do,” said Synch. He wasn’t entirely sure of its accuracy himself.
“My superiors are impressed with your predictions and want you on-board,” said David.
“I need to think about it,” Synch said finally.
Cindy popped her head in the door and saw Synch on the phone. He beckoned her to come in.
“Hi,” he said. He felt a stupid grin on his face as he finished the call and greeted Cindy.
Was there really that glitter stuff, kids used to make drawings sparkle, in her eyes or was his imagination playing games with him?
He held her hand. It was warm and comforting, and, having a surprising effect on his masculine anatomy. Pain in the general region was supposed to quell sexual re-action, wasn’t it?
Cindy bent to kiss him on the cheek. He ran his free hand into her hair at the nape of her neck and gently re-positioned her to brush her lips against his. He held her there. She softly touched his lips again with her own holding the kiss a little longer.
They both heard the door smash open.
“Let them wait,” he whispered against her mouth and kissed her again.
They heard multiple footsteps.
“Synch! Are you okay,” came a confused female voice.
“Obviously not sis. He requires mouth to mouth resuscitation,” came a smart-Alec male voice.
“There’s always later,” Cindy whispered into his mouth.
“Uncle Synch, what are you doing?” came a small high pitched voice.
“So long as now catches up with later,” he whispered and released her.
He blinked twice and held Cindy’s hand tight.
His whole family had crowded into the room.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
My Fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode 53: How Are You Feeling?

2009-04-26T04:15:00.000-07:00

Episode 53

Synchro

“I’ll talk to you later,” said David. He glanced knowingly at Synch and left the room.
Cindy edged her way closer to the bed.
The searing pain in his rear-end ebbed a little.
“How are you feeling?”
Everyone asks the same question. Must be a highly contagious ‘how are you feeling virus’ going around.
“Getting there,” he answered.
Her eyes sweetly captivated him.
“This wasn’t supposed to happen,” she said.
The drugs were having a weird effect on him. He kept hearing the same things over and over.
He vaguely remembered her words when the ambos attended him.
“How so?” he said.
“As I started to tell you my mother’s a wiccan. I rang her from Seymour and asked her to cast a spell of protection over you, us I mean,” Cindy explained.
“Didn’t work for me,” Synch put in.
“She says it did.” Cindy was serious. “She says you would have copped something much worse without the spell.”
“Do you believe in that stuff?” he asked.
She shrugged.
“Don’t know. There’s a constant stream of co-incidences in Mum’s life that could be put down to her witch activities.”
Synch thought, ‘Yeah, hogwash.’
“It can’t hurt. She’s a white witch, won’t have anything to do with black magic,” said Cindy.
“Heaven forbid,” said Synch flippantly.
One side of her mouth curved up.
Her hands were on the bed beside him. He reached over and took one in his own.
“Tell her thanks for helping,” he said.
The curve spread to the other side of her mouth, a mouth waiting to be kissed. He saw her look at his own mouth. The tip of her tongue moistened her lower lip, an invitation if ever he saw one. He gently pulled her arm across him, lowering her to him. She smelled of flowers. Her arm was warm across his body. Her lips were so close to his he could almost feel their warmth with his own…
The door slammed back against the wall.
“I’m Doctor Harry Smythe-Jones,” said the tall casually clad man pulling the chart from it’s holder at the foot of the bed. Two nurses followed him at close quarters. “I’d like to look at your wound and must ask the young lady to leave the room.”
“Fine,” Synch mumbled as if he had any say in the matter.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
A Fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode 52: Sorry

2009-04-21T23:12:00.000-07:00

Episode 52

Synchro

Rays of morning light jabbed his eyes. Someone opened the curtains. The brightness pierced the back of his eye-balls.
“Good morning.”
Synch hesitated pulling his hand from his eyes to find out exactly who the familiar voice belonged to.
“How are you feeling?” said David Finestra.
“Fantastic,” Synch breathed, carefully moving his legs.
“Sorry you got shot,” said David. “It wasn’t supposed to happen.”
Synch's eyes narrowed. He wished he’d stop hearing that phrase.
He waited for an explanation.
“Will planted a listening device under your kitchen bench. Our guys were listening to you out front in an unmarked van. When you said ‘David’ then heard the rap music they thought it was me and called to confirm it. I answered my phone just as they heard the shot. The mistaken identity slowed their response time by a few minutes. Sorry.”
“Yeah, well, I did insist on going home,” said Synch. His face wrinkled as he re-arranged his legs. “How’s David Buchanan?”
“Still breathing, with help,” said David.
All this because of a Last will and Testament thought Synch.
The door slowly opened.
Cindy peeped in.
God, she was beautiful.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
A Fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode 51: Green Blobs

2009-04-15T14:57:00.000-07:00

Episode 51

Synchro

A tongue of balled tissue paper. A dry mouth. Blurry green blobs, moving. Bipping.
“Are you a witch?” Synch asked.
“I don’t think so,” one of the green blobs said.
“It’s the third time he’s asked that,” said another blob.
A body, well part of one.
“How are you feeling?”
Synch lay on his side.
“Can’t feel much,” he answered. His throat was so dry he couldn’t swallow.
His vision cleared quickly. He looked around frowning.
“You’re in post op,” said the male nurse. He checked Synch’s pulse and blood pressure.
“You’ll be taken to a ward soon. We need to keep an eye on you for a while first.”
Synch rolled onto his back.
“Arrrgh!” He quickly rolled on his side.
“Sit-ups will be off your exercise regime for a while,” said the nurse.
Synch winced. The pain lingered.
His stomach rumbled. It felt empty. It was complaining.
“Feel a bit peculiar in the stomach,” said Synch.
“Nauseous?” said the nurse. He strategically placed a stiff rimmed plastic bag under Synch’s mouth just in time to catch the air expelled with each heave. His body continued convulsing in vomitous motion. A brief conversation between the nurses was blotted out by Synch’s involuntary retching.
“This should stop it,” he heard. He felt a sharp prick in his thigh. Minutes later the vomiting stopped.
His eye-lids felt loaded with lead.
“Might make you a bit drowsy,” said the nurse.
“Apparently, I don’t do drowsy,” Synch said as he sank into a sound sleep.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
A Fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode 50: Shot

2009-04-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

Episode 50

Synchro

“Oh, shit,” said Synch from the bedroom floor.
“This wasn’t supposed to happen,” said Cindy from the floor beside him.
They heard indiscernible yelling muted by the rap music, another gun-shot and a thump.
The rap was cut.
“…ambulance... ...shot and unconscious…,“ came from the other room.
Synch remained on his stomach.
“Shit, my arse hurts,” he said.
He heard Cindy gasp.
“You’re bleeding,” she said. “Lots.” Her voice broke into snivels. “This wasn’t supposed to happen.”
“Apply pressure will you before I bleed to death.”
They heard a chorus of sirens.
She flattened her hand on his buttock and pressed hard.
He stiffened and sucked in air.
She drew back a little.
“Press hard,” he said.
They heard doors open, footsteps and talking in the other room.
“What do you mean ‘this wasn’t supposed to happen’?” said Synch.
“My mother’s a witch,” she said through tears. She wiped her runny nose with the back of her free hand.
“My mother can be a bit that way too sometimes,” he said.
They heard car doors. Sirens droned to a stop and more car doors slamming.
“Quick, there’s no heart beat,” said someone standing at the front door. Fast paced footsteps entered the house. Synch half turned, looked back and saw two paramedics fly past. He blinked. Did one of them have short dread-locks and multiple face piercing?
“…over on his back… …start pumping.”
“I mean my mother is a real witch, a white witch, a wiccan,” said Cindy.
Someone was singing in the other room. The words were familiar. It was rock and roll.
Two other paramedics stood in the bedroom doorway. They spotted the blood under Cindy’s hand.
“Another victim in here,” one said over his shoulder to the others in the main room. They came in and put their boxes of medical equipment beside Synch. One moved Cindy’s hand a little. Fresh blood flowed copiously onto the carpet. “Keep pressing,” he said to Cindy.
The singing continued next door.
“Are you in pain,” the paramedic asked Synch.
“I’ve been shot in the arse. Of course I’m in pain.”
The medic opened his medical box.
One sterile gloved hand gave Synch a short flat plastic thing. There was a hole in the end of it.
“Put this to your lips and breath in through your mouth,” he instructed Synch. “It’s a pain killer.”
Synch did so.
“Who’s singing?” Synch asked. He felt light, all over.
“Angus. He’s a bit weird but an excellent medic,” came the answer.
“Why is he singing,” asked Cindy.
“He sings songs with a particular beat. Says the rhythm helps with timing chest compressions,” said the medic. “When I say ‘now’ remove your hand,” he said to Cindy. “Now.”
Synch couldn’t see what the medic had done.
The singing continued. Synch liked the guy’s voice.
“Does that hurt?” he asked Synch.
“A little,” said Synch. The room was lop-sided.
“Have another suck on that.”
Synch sucked on the lump of plastic and before he breathed out the room swirled around and around.
“Wh-hot were you thaying about y-hor Mum?” he asked Cindy.
“Stay with us,” the medic said loudly to Synch.
“…trying…” Synch managed.
“Most people don’t get drowsy when they use that,” said the medic. “You must be sensitive to drugs are you?”
“Don’t…. know,” Synch answered.
He was drifting off.
Sleep! Yeah, that’s what he needed.
He’d miss the singing.
His body felt lighter than air.
It was nice. He was so-o-o relaxed.
His eye-lids were heavy.
He was far away from… Cindy… the singing… the pain.
The last thing he remembered before unconsciousness consumed him was the voice singing in the next room.
“Another one bites the dust…”

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
A Fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode 49: Unwelcome Visitor

2009-04-13T04:22:00.000-07:00

Episode 49

Synchro

“Hey, Synchro,” said David Buchanan. His thick silhouette filled the doorway. “I brought you something.” He pushed the door shut with his foot and shoved a CD player on the kitchen bench. “Want to hear it?” He turned it on without waiting for a reply. From the oversized speakers rap music blared making conversation difficult.
“GREAT ISN’T IT,” David shouted against the rabble.
Synch stepped toward the unwelcome visitor intending to tell him to get out. As he did so the intruder pulled a hand-gun from his pocket. He flicked it at Synch who stepped back and in front of Cindy.
“TURN THAT OFF SO WE CAN TALK,” said Synch.
David shook his head.
“YOUR PLAIN-CLOTHED FRIENDS UNDOUBTEDLY LEFT A BUG,” he said. “THE NOISE STAYS.”
“IF THIS IS ABOUT THE WILL,” said Synch. “I HAVE NO INTENTION OF ACCEPTING YOUR MOTHER’S ESTATE.”
“SHE TIED IT UP SO YOU HAVE NO OPTION,” David scowled. “EXCEPT IF YOU’RE DEAD.” He raised the gun aiming for Synch’s chest.
“I DON’T WANT IT,” said Synch taking a half pace back and moving Cindy toward the right. She was still behind him. They were level with the front bedroom door-way. He let go of her and kept both hands behind him.
“I’LL FIND SOME WAY OF GETTING IT ALL TO YOU,” Synch went on. Behind his back he pointed to the bedroom then held out three fingers. Christ he hoped Cindy got his message.
“YOU CAN’T,” said David.
Synch held out one finger.
“I’VE BEEN TO THREE DIFFERENT SOLICITORS,” David said relaxing his gun a little.
“THERE’S GOT TO BE A WAY,” said Synch. He held out two fingers.
“WE’LL JUST KEEP ASKING SOLICITOR AFTER SOLICITOR TILL WE FIND A WAY,” said Synch. He held out three fingers.
Cindy dived for the bedroom.
Synch dived too.
At the same instant David squeezed the trigger.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
A Fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode 48: Home - Safe!

2009-04-12T04:46:00.000-07:00

Episode 48

Synchro

David Finestra reported to his superiors as they sped along the highway toward Melbourne. No other words were spoken during the hour long trip.
Synchro didn’t care what either detective thought. He knew what he knew and it was time to trust his knowledge.
The four got out of the car at Synch’s place. His flat was at the front of a block of four ground level units.
“We’d like to check inside,” said David.
Synch thought it was unnecessary.
“You’ve been away over-night, long enough for someone to gain entry,” the detective added.
Synch saw his point and unlocked the door.
David and Will inspected the bedrooms, bathroom and did a quick scan out the back.
Nothing was amiss.
“If anything unusual happens, even an odd noise, call me,” said David.
Synch and Cindy had their backs to Will and didn’t see what he was doing. He was in the kitchen, at the bench, with his back toward to them.
“You have my mobile number in your speed dial,” David added. “Use it.”
Synch agreed and opened the front door. The detectives exchanged glances a triffle longer than they should have.
They took the hint and left.
Cindy and Synch watched through the window as the detectives drove off.
“You don’t need their protection,” she said turning to Synch.
Flowers. Yeah, she smelled lightly of some kind of flower. Must be her hair. And musk, natural musk. It was bringing his senses to life, and other things. He wanted to slowly undress her and kiss her all over starting with her left ear lobe.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
‘THU-UMK.’
‘BANGHK.’
The back door banged open and smashed against the wall.
“David!” said Synch.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
A Fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode 47: Home, Now!

2009-04-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

Have a happy, safe Easter break everyone.

Episode 47

Synchro

The quartette digested his words.
“You know what?” said Synch facing David and Will. “It could be David Buchanan or Ryan Sturges or you Will or you David or someone we haven’t even thought of who has it in for me.” His voice grew in volume. “I don’t care anymore. I’ve had enough. Take me home.”
“Settle down,” said David.
“Take me home now,” Synch demanded.
“We can’t do that while you’re a target,” said David.
“Now,” Synch repeated.
The detectives stared at Synch.
“What about Cindy?” said David.
Synch laced his fingers through hers.
“She comes with me, if she wants to,” said Synch looking at her for confirmation.
“That’s not what I meant,” said David.
Synch and Cindy frowned nutting out his meaning.
Synch’s eyes narrowed.
“I told you she’s honest,” said Synch.
Cindy looked down from under dark lashes and bit her bottom lip.
He stood up holding her hand firmly and helped her to her feet.
“Take us home now David or we’ll hitchhike,” said Synch.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
A Fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode 46: Beneficiary?

2009-04-07T16:14:00.000-07:00

Here's the link to a page which, if you like, you can join in and have some fun:

http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

(Sorry! You'll have to copy and paste.)
Cheers
Diane

Episode 46

Synchro

The detectives scrutinised the area at a busy truck-stop near Seymour. The site was clear of suspicious looking characters like Ryan Sturges.
A breakfast of crisp bacon, eggs, fried tomato and tea was going down well when Synch’s mobile rang and displayed the caller I.D. He went to move away and take the call where it wouldn’t disturb the other’s while eating. David motioned him to stay put.
“Jenny!” said Synch. He listened. “I’m not late. I won’t be in today… …she won’t be in either.” He looked at Cindy.
The others kept eating.
“Open it and read it to me,” he said. He listened some more and said goodbye.
“Apparently I’m sole beneficiary of the estate of the late Edith Buchanan,” he said. “Strange. I was only her neighbour. Why didn’t she leave it to her son David or some other relative?” he thought aloud.
They ate in silence.
Their mind activity clogged the surrounding atmosphere.
The morning sun streaming through the window failed to warm the chill of their thoughts.
The last morsel cleaned from his plate and Will could stand it no longer.
He voiced the dominant question.
“Does David Buchanan own a gun?”

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/
A fun Page: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=47

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Episode 45: Morning Shock

2009-04-07T02:39:00.000-07:00

Episode 45

Synchro

Synch shot out of bed.
David and Will had guns drawn as Synch met them in the kitchen.
“What was that,” Cindy whispered from the bedroom doorway.
David pursed his lips and held his straightened index finger vertically instructing silence.
He pointed to the ceiling.
Synch glanced at his watch.
It was after eight.
The four stood as still as the eerie precursor to a violent storm.
Five minutes went by.
No noise.
Will moved silently to a front window and angled himself to look out the window at the side of the curtain without touching it. Curtain movement would give them away.
David was at the front door, hand on the door-handle.
They waited another five minutes.
No noise.
Slowly David turned the door-handle. He eased the door open the width of an eye.
A ray of morning light lay straight and flat across the floor.
He opened the door a tad more and breathed out heavily, shoulders relaxed.
Holstering his gun he opened the door wide and hooked his thumb toward the massive old gum tree two metres from the entry. The white trunk glistened in the morning light.
“It dropped a branch on the roof,” he said.
A gnarled leafless branch dangled over the edge of the roof guttering.
Floating in on a gentle breeze came the raucous laugh of a nearby kookaburra.
None of them thought it was funny.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/

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Episode 44: Sleepless in Seymour

2009-04-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome Dee. Great to have you on board. And for your entertainment, the next instalment...

Episode 44

Synchro

“I checked out her past and future. Her only involvement is with me,” he said emphatically. He looked at them as if they should know.
They looked puzzled.
“Remember this ‘ability’ I have?”
“Oh yeah,” they nodded.
The door creaked open and Cindy bounced back into the room, grinning.
“Good news?” asked Synch.
“Mum has lots of comforting words. They help a lot,” she smiled and blushed a little.
Synch was unable to hear conversations when he appraised subjects. He could see her mother while studying Cindy. He knew Cindy wasn’t telling him something. She’d tell him when she was ready.
“You three get some sleep,” said David. “I’ll take the first shift. Relieve me in two hours Will.”
It was well after 2 a.m. when the beds groaned under occupancy.
The kitchen chair squeaked as David made himself comfortable.
Synchro settled back wondering why he couldn’t foresee his own future. It helped that he saw other’s future’s and how he fitted into them. He was alive and well in each instance.
However, if the future could be changed…
He was well aware of the beautiful woman in the bed opposite him as he drifted into a light sleep.
Foggy dreams plagued his need for rest.
Surely deep rejuvenating sleep would come soon.
He lay on his back, arm bent over his eyes, silently urging the night to go quickly…
CRA-A-ACK!
THUNK!
Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/

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Episode 43: Cindy Makes a Call

2009-04-04T16:54:00.000-07:00

Episode 43

Synchro

David opened up and clicked on the lights. The musty air matched the thick coat of dust on all horizontal surfaces.
Cindy pulled a tissue from her pocket in time to catch a series of sneezes.
Four single beds in the box size bedrooms were as uninviting as Cindy’s dust mite re-action.
“What happened to protection in the lap of luxury?” said Synch.
David shrugged.
“We can’t take you to a motel. Too many witnesses. We’ll keep moving. You won’t be a ‘sitting’ target then.”
“Great,” said Synch facetiously. “Much better to be a ‘moving’ target.”
Cindy bit her lip. Her brow creased. She rummaged in her handbag and found her mobile phone.
“I have to call Mum,” she said.
“It’s after midnight,” said Synch.
“She won’t mind,” said Cindy.
“Don’t tell her where you are or what’s going on,” said David.
“Ok. I need some privacy though,” she said cautiously turning on a bedroom light and edging into the cheap aging depths. She closed the door behind her.
David looked quizzically at Synch.
“Girl stuff I guess,” he answered.
The detectives adjusted the curtains completely covering all the windows.
“How much do you know about Cindy,” Will asked over his shoulder.
“She’s a good worker. Her resume is excellent,” Synch answered.
Her muffled voice filtered through the door.
The detectives’ eyes narrowed at the shut door.
“Come o-o-o-on!” said Synch. “She is NOT involved in this.”
The pair looked unconvinced.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/

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Episode 42: Seymour in the Dark

2009-03-29T15:53:00.000-07:00

Episode 42

Synchro

The car slowed as Will veered left along the off-ramp towards Seymour.
“Ryan Sturges has been convicted on several counts. None of them involved a fire arm,” said Will Brown. “You said you saw him murdering two women. How did he do it?”
“With a knife,” said Synch. He looked at Cindy and winced. “Gruesome.”
“His convictions involved inflicting knife wounds,” Will continued.
“He might have got hold of a gun,” David added. “But it doesn’t fit his MO.”
“You think someone else took pot-shots at us?” said Synch.
“It’s possible,” said David.
They turned right. The sleeping town was eerie under flourescent street lights. At the other side of town they returned to darkness.
The dirt road came up on their right. Will drove slowly. They bumped along the single lane track and stopped in front of a small cement sheet bungalow.
“We’re home kids,” said David. His humour was lost on the others.
They got out of the car and examined the nondescript building.
“Are you sure this is safe?” said Synch.
“As sure as we can be,” said David.
Cindy came to Synch and held his hand.
Her hand was cold.
He felt her tremble.
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/

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Episode 41: Co-incidence?

2009-03-25T03:40:00.000-07:00

Episode 41

Synchro

“Probably a co-incidence,” said Synch.
“Did you have a run in with him?” asked David.
“Everyone did,” Synch answered. “He stole from me and I fronted him about it. Lots of kids did. It was a regular occurrence for him. If you’re thinking vendetta, he’d have to spread it around with half the students of the school.
“Can you think of any reason he’d single you out?” said the detective.
“None,” said Synch after a moments thought. “The kid was a creep and about as welcome as warts. Everyone agreed.”
“Did you just make that up, about warts,” said David.
“No. I came up with it in one of my few creative moments at school,” Synch laughed.
“Did he know you made it up?” said Will Brown.
“Pr-o-b-ab-ly,” Synch. The hum of the motor and flash of car lights in the black country night didn’t re-shape their one combined conscious thought.
“Ahhh, no-o-o,” said Synch. “Ryan wouldn’t be after me for a little thing like that.”
David cut in to the car’s hum.
“People have killed for less.”

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/

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Episode 40: Instant Recall

2009-03-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

Episode 40

Synchro

A few more corners and the engine’s pitch signaled high speed and a smooth flat road.
“Where are we going?” said Synch.
“A remote place in the country, near Seymour,” said David.
“Seymour’s an hours drive up the Hume Highway. Do we have to stay on the floor all the way?”
“You can get up now,” David answered. He glanced back at the vehicles behind them. Synch looked too. A stream of bright headlights struck the backs of his eyes. His pupils hadn’t adjusted to being out from under the blanket. He blinked the pain away.
Synch and Cindy clicked on their seat belts.
The four sat silently each in their own thoughts about what had happened and what was ahead.
“David, what’s the name of the suspect we observed packing his car boot?” Synch asked.
“Ryan Sturges. You know him?”
Recall was instant.
“I went to primary school with a Ryan Sturges. He spent a lot of time with the headmaster. The kid liked hitting girls and taking other kids property. No-one liked him. He had a slightly turned eye and was fat, nothing like the skinny guy we watched,” said Synch.
“Even though he’s thin now he’s still got the turned eye,” said David.
Synch and Cindy looked at each other. The headlights glaring in from behind revealed one shared thought on their faces.
This can’t be good.
She took his hand and held it firmly.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
A Short Short Story: http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/

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Episode 39: From Under the Blanket

2009-03-22T02:10:00.000-07:00

Episode 39

Synchro

Powerful strobes lit the front and back of the house like pyrotechnics on New Years Eve.
“Come on,” David said to Synch and Cindy. He hurried them out the back door to a waiting unmarked car and shoved a blanket at them.
“Get down on the floor and cover yourselves,” he said opening the back door for them. “We’ve got to get you away before news teams arrive.”
They did as instructed and felt the car backup then take off.
“Ever been on a first date like this before?” came from under the blanket.
“Um, n-o. I was involved in a serious car accident on a date once. That was a second date. Then there was the restaurant fire, also a second date. The robbery under gunpoint, it was a third date. Poor guy was a mess.”
Synch digested the info for a few minutes.
“Anything else?”
“Minor things like hot coffee spills in laps, twisted ankles from falling down stairs and losing car keys in the Yarra River.”
“All those things happened to you?”
“Not me, no. My dates.”
“While you were with them?”
“Yeah.”
“Can we get up now David,” said Synch. “I’m sweating under here.”
“We’re almost there,” said David unsuccessfully hiding a snicker.
“Are all your dates – eventful?” Synch asked.
“Only the first few, I think. Most guys don’t risk a repeat performance and ask me out again, except for one, so it’s hard to say.”
“It’s very hot under here David,” said Synch.
“I can imagine,” said David under his breath.
“What?” said Synch.
“I’m turning up the air con,” David said out loud.
They all lurched sideways as Will Brown cornered too fast.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

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Another Short Story for You

2009-03-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

I've just completed posting a short story at:

http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/

for your entertainment.
Let me know what you think.

Cheers

Diane

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
http://ancientearthashortstory.blogspot.com/

Episode 38: ... A ... Bit ... Heavy

2009-03-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

Episode 38

Synchro

‘Thtck-thtck-thtck!’
“Stay down,” said David.
“No argument here,” Cindy mumbled into Synch’s shoulder.
“… four gunshots,” said David into his mobile phone. “Immediate assistance… “
Synch spread himself over Cindy.
“You’re … a … bit … heavy,” she forced out from under his weight.
He rested his forearms on the floor either side of her and raised himself slightly.
Her hair smelled like some kind of flower.
Her body was warm and firm.
His natural physical reaction was evident to them both.
“If this is your idea of foreplay,” she said. A snicker came from the darkness. “I must warn you I don’t have sex on the first date,” she whispered.
More snickers.
“I don’t usually flatten my dates, unless you count the time…”
“What?” Cindy stiffened.
“Just kidding,” said Synch.
A rash of distance sirens grew suddenly louder. Blue light flashed in through gaps at the sides of the dusty faded curtains.
“The cavalry?” said Synch to anyone in the room.
“And your taxi to your next new home,” said David.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

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Episode 37: Fantastic

2009-03-16T00:04:00.000-07:00

Episode 37

Synchro

‘Thtck!’ Glass broke and scattered under a window.
“Get down,” David ordered drawing his gun.
They all hugged the floor.
Someone reached up and killed the lights.
“What was that?” said Synch from the floor.
“Gunfire,” came a chorus of three voices in the dark.
Synch was still holding Cindy’s hand. He slid closer and half laid on her shielding her from the direction of the broken window.
“You okay?” he whispered.
‘Grrrr.’
The noise came from inside Cindy.
“Apart from being half squashed, half fed and in shock knowing you know all my intimate details when we virtually don’t know each other, I’m bloody fantastic,” she snapped.
“Oh, sorry,” he answered.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

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Episode 36: Will Predictions Happen?

2009-03-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

Episode 36

Synchro

“Officers Fran Teddington,” the plain clothed woman nodded at Cindy and Synch, “and Brett Macchan will take the first shift,” said David. Brett half smiled at them.
The main room must have been a ball-room in the house’s hey day. Now it was fitted out with stretchers, bedding and tea making paraphernalia.
“Is this really necessary?” Synch asked.
“Unfortunately yes,” said David.
“I don’t see anything in my future that suggests I’ll be attacked or murdered.”
He looked hard at Cindy.
“Or Cindy,” he added.
“How sure are you that people aren’t able to change their future?” said David.
“The department consults with other psychics and they agree it’s possible to do so,” Will Brown said.
“It’s a bit new to me. I’m only sure that what I see at that moment will happen,” said Synch. “I guess if I told someone they’d have a car accident at a particular time at a particular place they could stay home in bed that day.”

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

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Episode 35: Home Away From Home

2009-03-13T03:28:00.000-07:00

Episode 35

Synchro

The car stopped in a driveway. Through the shadows of darkness Synch saw the house of many columns. The old two story building clung together with scrolls and curlycues ornate and bordering on derelict. Years of neglect shattered what must have been at one time a grand dwelling.
“Get out of the car and walk quickly. Don’t look around,” David instructed.
His eyes darted about, searching.
The quartette made their dash to sanctuary.
The battered front door opened as they approached.
Synch held Cindy’s hand tight a weak effort, he thought, at conveying being there for her. Hell, if it wasn’t for him she wouldn’t be here in the first place.
“Make yourselves comfortable,” said David. “This is going to be home until the suspect is apprehended.”
Synch and Cindy stared at him.
“The man’s a psychopath. We have to protect you and this is the safest place,” David said.
Cindy shuddered.
“I’m sorry,” Synch said to her.
Her bottom lip gave a tiny quiver. Her eyes floated in watery pools.
Synch took her in his arms and held her tight.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

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Episode 34: Everything?

2009-03-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Episode 34

Synchro

“I, um, kind of…” he started.
The car took another corner. They were flung to the other side.
“Well it’s like this,” he had to tell her he knew that but it felt all wrong. They were supposed to get to know each other first then he’d tell her, gradually.
David turned and faced them in the back.
“He’s psychic Cindy. He knows everything about a person by looking at them.” Then to Synch, “Can’t wait for whatever it was you were waiting for. She’s in this too now.”
Cindy sat rigid, frowning.
“Psychic?” she said. Her mind ticked over. “Everything?”
Synch bit his bottom lip.
“Yeah,” he answered. “What exactly do you mean by ‘this?’” he asked David.
“The suspect you observed with us found out about you. We think some loud mouth cop made jokes about your ‘talent' while the guy was in the holding cell. Our informer says he’s after you.”
“Bugger,” said David.
Cindy was staring into space.
“Everything,” she muttered.
Her face was crimson.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

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Episode 33: Have You Told Her?

2009-03-08T01:44:00.000-08:00

Hey Cynde, Cacaz and Barinagirl! Thanks for registering as followers. I hope you're enjoying the serial. It's fun writing it.

Episode 33

Synchro

Cindy frowned at Synch.
He half shrugged back.
They jolted to the side as they rounded a corner. Will Brown spun the wheels. He was in a hurry.
“These are the detectives I was helping.”
“Did you tell her what you do?” asked David.
“Ah, no,” Synch answered looking at Cindy. “Our date was cut short.”
He knew the next question before she opened her mouth.
“What do you do?”

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

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Episode 32: Not Finished

2009-03-01T18:52:00.000-08:00

Episode 32

Synchro

Synch sat stock still staring at Cindy then at the phone in his hand.
He’d better do as the detective ordered.
“We have to leave,” he said sliding his chair back.
“But I haven’t quite finished eating.”
“I’m sorry. It’s really important that we get out of here now.”
Confusion began to form a possible reason for David’s call. The man they watched packing bags his boot must have something to do with it.
Synch took Cindy’s hand and hurried to the register to pay for their meals. He glanced about the room looking for the man. Nope, couldn’t see him.
“What’s it all about?” asked Cindy as they climbed into the car waiting at the door.
Before they clicked their seat belts David put his foot down.
They were flung back in their seats.

Continued…
By Diane L Wood
Writers

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

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Episode 31: Ending Abruptly

2009-02-26T21:57:00.000-08:00

Episode 31

Synchro

“Mostly book-keeping jobs,” she answered. “And some reception work.”
She delicately broke off small lumps of fish and slid them into her mouth without showing her tongue.
“This is delicious,” she said between mouthsfull. “How’s yours?”
“Mmm. Good,” he lied. His sense of taste went on hold the moment he saw Cindy.
“What do you do after work, to unwind?” she asked.
He had to think about that.
He’d spent every waking hour on the job for years except for the dating that ended abruptly.
“Run. I run everyday.”
“Do you compete?”
“No just do it to keep fit.”
It hit him suddenly. He knew why his relationships had been so short. He was boring. He’d bored them to death. All he was good at was his job. He had no hobbies other than running and that was to ward off health issues caused by sitting in front a of a computer for extended hours.
Geez! He didn’t want to bore Cindy.
How does a workaholic keep a beautiful woman interested?
The restaurant noise blurred into the silence between them.
The jingle burst out from the vibrating phone in his pocket breaking the silence.
Synch smiled apologetically at Cindy as he read the caller name.
It was David Finestra.
“Dav…” he began.
“Don’t say another word. Just get up, walk out front and get in the car with us,” said David.
“But…”
“Bring her too. Move now!”

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

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Episode 30: Spaghetti Straps

2009-02-26T02:45:00.000-08:00

Episode 30

Synchro

The waiter left them. Synch studied her dark eyes, her smooth round face and those lips, full, defined, kissable. He’d like to find out how kissable.
“Do you always stare at your date?” she asked blushing and smiling.
“Sorry.” It was his turn to blush.
He sipped his wine. And fiddled with the table napkin.
“Have you always lived in Brisbane?”
“No,” she said. “I was born in Melbourne, grew up in Bundaberg and moved to Brisbane to be with my ex.” She momentarily looked down. “There weren’t a lot of job opportunities for young people in Bundy either. What about you?”
“Almost the same. Born in Melbourne, grew up in Gympie and moved to Brisbane to take up an apprenticeship.”
“A trade?”
“Motor mechanic. Lasted three months, hated it,” he said.
“Then what?”
“Checkout Charlie, pizza delivery, cleaner at a backpackers hostel. I met a lot of friendly travelers from overseas there. One Japanese guy told me how he was making a fortune online.”
“Why was he backpacking if he had a fortune?”
“He’d already visited Australia and done the guided tour thing. He loved it and wanted to see it again at ground level as he put it. He taught me a great deal about how to set up an online business.”
“So you tried it and hit the jackpot,” she smiled.
“Not exactly,” he said. “It took a few years to perfect it. I made a lot of mistakes, found a lot things not to do but the advances I made were encouraging. I kept at it. It was the only thing I really liked doing.”
“What do your parents think about your business?” she asked.
He smiled thinking how less odd-ball they seemed as he got older.
“Took a while to grasp the concept that a computer is my tool of trade. They still believe a good quality spanner or screw driver is more dependable than the internet.”
“There might be some truth in that,” she said.
“Yeah, servers do go down from time to time,” he said.
The restaurant was filling up and getting warm. She leaned forward and removed her long sleeved blouse. Her spaghetti strap camisole sat neatly across her breasts. The round mounds…
“What jobs have you had?” he asked purposely cutting off his thoughts. Got to stop the normal physical re-action to looking at well rounded breasts.
Damn!
Too late.
The waiter arrived with their meals.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

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Episode 29: Uniquely Named

2009-02-24T14:48:00.000-08:00

Episode 29

Synchro

“What would you like?” he asked Cindy as they scanned the menus.
“Grilled barramundi with lemon pepper sauce and salad sounds good,” she answered cooly.
“The t-bone with chips and salad does too,” said Synch.
They put the menus to one side. The soft restaurant lighting caught on her curls shinning like a rash of tiny gold arcs. He felt that stupid smile on his face.
“Do you mind me asking?” She looked embarrassed. “Your name is most unusual. Is it from some exotic unknown land?”
Synch laughed out loud relieved she was aiming to forget the conversation in the car.
“No. I have a twin sister named Mesh,” he explained. “I was born first, by three minutes. My parents are car fanatics. Mum’s a motor mechanic. They thought it was clever to name us after a type of automatic gear shift, ‘synchromesh.’ We got teased a lot at school but I’ve learned to live with it.”
Cindy smiled widely. Her flush deepened.
“At least you weren’t named after a fairytale character.”
“You mean Cinderella?” he asked.
“According to my birth certificate, Cinderella Princess Chalmers. I didn’t put my full name on my resume.”
Synch bit his tongue thinking he wouldn’t either.
“I’m glad my sister and I weren’t twins. We might have been called Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee.”
“What is your sister’s name?”
“Alice after ‘Alice in Wonderland.’”
“Any brothers?” he asked.
“No, fortunately,” she said sipping her soft drink. “Mum was fond of ‘Rumplestiltskin.’” She wrinkled her nose briefly. “If I ever have kids I’ll call them something like John or Mary,” she laughed.
He laughed with her.
“My brother’s name is Conrod.”
“Unusual,” she commented.
“Also a car part,” he smiled.
He loved her smile. It did pleasant things to his insides.
The waiter appeared and took their orders.

Continued…
By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

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Episode 28: The Not Explanation

2009-02-22T18:41:00.000-08:00

Episode 28

Synchro

He picked her up on time.
“I’m really sorry about last night,” he said accelerating around the corner.
“It’s okay,” she smiled. She looked at him expectantly.
He glanced at her. On the outside she was fine about it. On the inside she wanted an explanation.
“It was something that had to be attended to immediately,” he tried to explain without actually explaining.
She nodded.
He had to tell her something.
“It was police business,” he said feeling as if he was standing in quicksand.
She looked worried and moved as far away from him as her seat belt allowed.
“Sounds like trouble,” she said.
“I’m not in any trouble,” he frowned. He was sinking fast.
“I had to help them with something that couldn’t wait. I’m not supposed to tell anyone about it yet,” he added feeling the quicksand rise to his waste.
“Secret spy stuff,” she said still looking out the side window.
“Sort of. Yeah you could say that.”
“Good to hear,” she murmured looking out the side window. “Are you in any danger?”
His peripheral vision caught the swing of her head in his direction.
“No. I just help a bit.” It even sounded lame to him.
She crossed her arms over her midriff.
The quicksand was up to his neck.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

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Episode 27: Undercover

2009-02-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

Episode 27

Synchro

“Cindy I’m really sorry,” said Sync into his mobile phone. “Something unavoidable has come up.”
“Oh,” she said.
“Would you mind if we postponed till tomorrow night?”
“If you’d rather cancel, it’s fine by me,” she said.
“No, no no! I don’t want to cancel. I’ll explain over dinner,” he said.
Will Brown looked him in the eye and shook his head.
“As best I can,” Sync added.
“She’s not overjoyed about it,” said Synch tucking his phone in his pocket.
“S’pose not,” said David.
The three left Sync’s house in an unmarked police car.
It was the dark end of twilight when they pulled up in an inner suburban street an hour later. Gnarled old trees lined the edge of the bitumen. The small weather-board houses, most neat and well kept, huddled shoulder to shoulder with a side walkway at every second building.
Will pulled out a road map.
“Are we lost?” asked Synch.
“No. This is our cover,” said David.
Both detectives pretended to read the map making sure they held it up enough for the outside world to see.
“The house opposite with the broken picket fence is where he lives,” said David pointing at the map appearing to concentrate on the spot.
“Is the car parked out the front his?” asked Synch.
“Yeah. Apparently he’s been packing a lot of gear in it all afternoon,” said David not looking up.
“That’s him,” said Synch. He‘d seen the alleged on TV and remembered his face.
Will looked up briefly then resumed scanning the map.
“Yeah,” he said.
The man carried a bloated over-night bag in each hand.
Synch stared at him from the rear seat. The man opened the car boot and lifted the bags in one at a time. The boot was already chockers. He moved things around to make room.
A bubble of white light formed around him.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

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Episode 26: Not Tonight

2009-02-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

Episode 26

Synchro

“Not gunna happen guys,” said Synch shaking his head.
“We’ve been tipped-off. The alleged intends to do a runner tonight," said David. “We need your assistance now.”
“No,” said Sync firmly.
“Look we can’t make you come with us,” said Will. “It’s up to you.”
“You won’t be in any danger. You’ll observe from a distance,” added David. “It won’t take long.”
“We’re not even sure this psychic stuff is for real,” said Will.
“In less than an hour I have a date with a beautiful woman,” said Sync.
The pair watched him silently.
“It’s our first date,” he added.
The pair nodded slightly.
“She’s important to me.”
The detectives stared at him.
He remembered Edith’s words.
'You don’t have to act on the information you receive.'
On this occasion, if he didn’t…
Sync took a deep breath.
“How far away is he?”

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

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Episode 25: An Hour To Go

2009-02-18T14:05:00.000-08:00

Episode 25

Synchro

The buzz of the electric shaver muffled four sharp raps. Synch closed his bath robe across the front of him and tied it as he strode to the front door. He didn’t need interruptions. He’d pickup Cindy in an hour.
Waves of excited anticipation washed through him when he thought about their date.
Two head and shoulder shapes rippled through the patterned glass panel at the top of the door. Before he’d threw back the bolt he knew who they were.
“Gentlemen,” said Synch. “Come in.”
David Finestra and Will Brown followed him into the lounge-room.
“We’d like to ask you about the alleged murderer you say will strike again,” said David.
“I’ve told you all I know,” said Synch.
“How did you, shall we say, glean this information?” asked Will Brown.
“I stare at a person for thirty seconds and their details start pouring into my brain,” he explained. No need to be too specific he thought.
“And you only saw the alleged for a minute on TV?” said David.
“It was just over the half minute. I didn’t get much,” Synch nodded.
The detectives glanced at each other.
“If you looked at him for longer would you get more info?” said David.
“Y-e-a-h,” said Synch slowly.
“How long would you need to stare at him to get the details we want?” said Will.
“A few minutes maybe,” he answered. “What did you have in mind.”
“We’d like you to come with us to his place.”
“You mean I’d be face to face with a murderer?”
“Not exactly,” said David. “But you need to come now.”

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

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Episode 24: Dark As Liquid Coal

2009-02-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

Episode 24

Synchro

At home before he left for work the thought of getting Cindy alone at work was easy. Now looking out his office window into the factory his objective seemed distant.
It was nearly lunchtime. Cindy always had lunch in the lunch-room, with the others. Then back to the job, with the others. The same with tea-breaks and knock-off time. Oh hell! She was never alone at work.
Jenny knocked on the door and barged in with Cindy in tow.
“You wanted to see Cindy,” said Jenny. She smiled like a she cat returning home from a successful night out.
“I did?” he said.
Jenny’s grin widened as she left the room.
“Um, oh yes, I did,” he said moving to his chair.
Clunk! His knee collided with the corner of the desk.
“Oops,” he laughed stupidly. “Have a seat.” he indicted the chair opposite his and sat down himself.
Cindy made herself comfortable.
“Have I done something wrong?” she asked. A slight crease furrowed her forehead.
“No, no,” he said. God, her eyes were dark like liquid coal.
He picked up the pen and started clicking.
Her expression changed to ‘well what is it?’
“Um, I was just wondering.” He cleared his throat. “Um, … if … um, … whether you’d like to have dinner some time?”
Her eyes widened, eye-brows raised.
“But if you don’t want to that’s fine too,” he added. “I mean it’s not going to make any difference at all to our working relationship.”
She stared at him. One side of her mouth curved up so slightly he almost missed it.
It was getting hot in here. His face was red. He felt damp all over.
The curve of her mouth spread across her face.
“That would be very nice,” she said.
“Good, good,” he said. Yep, eyes dark as liquid coal. He could sink right into them.
She looked quizzically at him.
He hadn’t noticed the silence was extending.
“Do you want to make a particular time?” she asked half laughing.
“Sure.” Perhaps wait a day or two he thought. Don’t want to overwhelm her.
“Does tonight suit you?” she asked.
“Yeah, great!”

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html
A Short Short Story: http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

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Episode 23: Just Do It!

2009-02-15T14:19:00.000-08:00

Episode 23

Synchro

“Have you asked her out yet?” said Jenny with jacket and handbag in hand.
“Why would I do that?” said Synch. No need to ask who she was talking about.
She rolled her eyes.
“Your eyes and mouth go soft and mushy whenever you look at her.”
He pretended to study the sheet of paper in his hand.
Jenny looked over his shoulder and snatched the paper from his fingers.
“Have you got invisible re-assembling vision?”
“Mm?”
“Take another look,” she held the paper up.
It was blank.
“Oh.” His face reddened.
“You’ve been late for work everyday for two weeks. Your mind isn’t on the job,” she said. “Mind you an employee such as myself can’t tell her boss off for being late. It’s just that you’re normally always early for work and acutely on the ball.”
Synch ran fingers through his hair.
“You want to ask her out don’t you?” said Jenny.
“Yeah.” He picked up his re-tractable ball-point pen and clicked again and again.
“Stop agonising over it and just do it,” she ordered.
He thought for a moment.
“I don’t want to stuff it up,” he said. Jenny didn’t know what he knew about his future. Theoretically establishing a relationship with Cindy should be easy and event free, and last a lifetime. In reality theory was useless if she didn’t like him.
“In the past… “ he started.
“None of those women were right for you,” she cut in. “There wasn’t the right chemistry.”
Synch bit his lip.
“Look, not finding out one way or the other is worse than either possible outcome,” she said.
“Yeah,” he agreed. “Mum.”
“I’m not old enough to be your mother.” Jenny smiled. “See you tomorrow.”
She closed the door behind her.
Alone at his desk clicking the ball-point pen with his thumb he knew it was time.
He would ask Cindy out.
He would.
His mouth was dry, hands sweating.
Tomorrow.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html

Episode 22: Confirmed

2009-02-14T20:44:00.000-08:00

There was no episode yesterday. The moment I sat down to log on thunder rumbled around me. The risk of damage to my computer from lightening is not something I take lightly. My computer had a restful half day off.

Here's the next episode:

Episode 22

Synchro

“Our application to keep him in custody was denied. It’s his first offence. He’s out,” came the voice from the phone.
Six weeks after his interview with the detectives Synch had almost forgotten about it. The phone call hadn’t surprised him.
“What are you going to do?” he asked.
“We’d like to know the details of the supposed victims you mentioned,” said David Finestra. “We might be able to give them protection around the date you mentioned.”
“I can’t help you with that. I don’t know addresses or names,” he said. Thinking the release of the murderer prompted a change in the detectives’ mind’s he asked, “Why have you decided to believe me?”
Silence.
It lengthened.
Synch thought the phone line had disconnected.
“My son is six and a half,” said David.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html

Episode 21: A hint of a smile

2009-02-12T14:32:00.000-08:00

The bushfires in Victoria have claimed 181 lives to date. Searches for more deceased are continuing in outer reaches as conditions become safe. The tragedy has brought shock and horror far and wide. From this Australians stand united helping those affected. Many many people are pitching in, doing what they can to help, if not physically then by donation of supplies or money. The effort is mammoth.
It's heartening to watch.
Makes me feel proud to be Australian.

Episode 21

Synchro

The next week ended. It had been exceedingly busy. Synchro watched Cindy’s efforts improve beyond belief. By Friday she not only processed orders correctly she was a step a head for the next one.
“All the new employees have worked well this week,” said Jenny Slacks. “Even Cindy.”
“I noticed,” said Sync. “Did you find out what was troubling her?” He was fishing. He’d promised himself he wouldn’t do that. It was none of his business. He’d seen Cindy’s forced smile when talking to the others. It was obvious something was going on.
“Something about splitting up,” she answered.
“Oh.” He tried to sound sad for Cindy.
A hint of a smile gave him away.
Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html

Episode 20: Personal Problems

2009-02-09T19:51:00.000-08:00

The death toll for the Victorian fires is up to 173. The horror scenes on last nights TV reports cannot begin the reflect the ongoing suffering those involved will bear.
I am thankful and fortunate my family members are safe.
This story seems so trival in light of the weekend's events.
Nevertheless, here's the next part:

Synchro

At work Jenny Slatts updated Sync on the new employees. All had picked up procedures quickly in one day. Cindy however was hopeless. Her eagerness and smile of expectancy from the day before had vanished. She stuffed up at least one part of every order she processed.
“What do you want to do about her?” said Jenny.
“Keep her on for a week. She might come good,” said Sync. He knew details about her but he wasn’t a mind reader. He hoped it was just first day nerves.

At the end of the week he called Cindy into his office.
“I can do better,” she said. “I’m having a few personal problems at the moment. I know my work has been atrocious. I will do better.”
Her eyes shone with tears. Her down-turned mouth begged to be kissed and consoled. He didn’t have the heart to dismiss her.
How could he sack the woman he’s supposed to hook up with anyway?
Jenny had worked for him for years and knew Synchro was ruthless when it came to employees. They had to work as hard and as good at their job as he did. Anything less and they were out the door.
Jenny wouldn’t understand his decision.
“I’ll give you another week. If you haven’t got the job down pat by then I’ll have to let you go.”
She nodded. A tear slid down her cheek.
She left the room and Sync filled with self-doubt. Maybe she wasn’t the one. He’d only ever gone out with women who were confident. Cindy was the opposite. He didn’t like the characteristic. It was too insecuring. Maybe all this inner knowledge stuff was rubbish.
One thing was certain.
The thought of never seeing her again turned his gut.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html

Savage Saturday: No Episode Today

2009-02-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

Thankfully my family and friends are safe after the horrendous fires in Victoria on Saturday. Many are in shock caused by facing a wall of flames about to engulf them or loved ones, not knowing where loved ones were at the height of the blaze, trying to get to loved ones who were in trouble...
Shock waves are still rippling through Australia.
It's Monday morning, 8:45, and the death toll stands at 108. More bodies are expected to be found in coming days.
To those devastated by the fires, the emergency services, those injured and those lost, I respectfully withhold today's episode.

May they Rest In Peace.

Diane L Wood

Episode 19: Two Cops and a Murderer

2009-02-07T17:30:00.000-08:00

Synchro

“Tell us again,” said Detective David Finestra. “You don’t know the man but you know he’s going to kill people?”
Sync ran fingers through his hair. They didn’t believe him. He’d been in the interview room for over an hour. The two detectives thought Sync was part of the reported murder until he mentioned psychic. Both of them let Sync ramble on about how he knew things about people.
“Look,” said Sync pissed off about being thought of as a nut case. “That murderer on the news bulletin killed and will kill again. Write this down in your diaries. In three months, five days, eleven and a half hours he’ll murder a woman and her disabled grand-daughter.”
“He’s being held in custody until he goes to court. How is he going to murder anyone while he’s locked up waiting for his case to be heard?” said Detective Will Brown sarcastically.
“I don’t know,” said Sync standing to leave. “If I’m right you’ll have two deaths on your hands that could have been avoided. If I’m wrong, I’m sorry to have wasted your time.” Every cell of his body screamed he was right.
The detectives looked at each other unconvinced.
Holding the door handle Sync looked into David’s face. A bubble of white light appeared around him.
“You were born in 1974, have two children and will have two more. You rent a house and are about to buy your first home. You’re not sure about location because you might be transferred anywhere,” said Sync.
David stared back at Sync.
“Wrong,” he said. “I have one child. The rest could apply to anyone in this station.”
“Your first child is a six year-old boy. Check with your ex,” said Sync. “You have my contact details.”
He left the two staring at each other.

Continued…
By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html

Episode 18: Information, Decision, Action

2009-02-06T21:02:00.000-08:00

Are you enjoying the story?
Feel free to post any comments, good bad or otherwise.

Thought you might like to read a short story I wrote and posted on a forum. Here's the link:
http://easywaytowrite.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=9

Now...

Episode 18

Synchro

'What do I do now?'
He’d always thought carefully before taking action. Considering his options was the first step.
'Yeah? Ok, what exactly are my options.'
He could tell Cindy they were going to end up together so she better drop her fiance and start dating Sync. Aside from thinking him a pompous ass she’d reckon he was off his rocker. It’d probably be the last time he’d ever see her.
He could treat her as an ordinary employee. How? She was gorgeous. He went tingly all over at the sight of her.
He could pretend he knew nothing about her. Yeah like not thinking about a pot smoking whale singing Come Fly with Me.
He came up with a dozen other possibilities all of them had outstanding reasons why he should not act.
He decided to let it rest till tomorrow.
A good night’s sleep should bring clarity, he hoped.

He flicked on the TV as he dumped the pizza box on the coffee table. A news story showed an alleged murderer handcuffed and being lead from the crime scene to a police car. Studying the alleged Sync took a bite of pizza. Guilty as hell came into his mind. The man will be released and kill again. His victims will be a woman and her disabled grand-daughter. The pizza suddenly tasted bitter. Sync took a deep swig of cola. Since when did soft drink become tasteless?
He knew as surely as he would take his next breath he had to do something to stop two innocent people being murdered.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html

Episode 17: She's the One, but ...

2009-02-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

Synchro

“Cindy Charmers,” said the pretty brunette as she sat in Sync’s office.
Her curly hair framed her round face. A smattering of freckles showed through the makeup on her nose. He couldn’t help studying her. Uh-oh, a white light bubble formed around her. News Flash! She was his soul-mate. She was the one!
“I had a feeling there was a job vacancy so thought it’d be a good idea to wait to see you,” she said handing him her resume.
Sync beamed.
“Very intuitive of you,” he said. He felt like an idiot. He couldn’t stop smiling. He knew everything about her. All her private personal details. She flushed and changed positions in her chair. He had to stop staring he was making her uncomfortable.
He glanced at the pages of the resume not seeing a single word. He pretended to read trying to stabilise his excitement.
“Can you start immediately?” he asked.
“Yeah sure,” she grinned. “Don’t you want to know more about me?”
“I know enough,” he assured her. “Come with me,” he said taking her into the factory. He introduced her to Jenny Slatts the over-seer of operations. He turned and walked away. As he opened the office door he glanced back at Cindy. His broad smile fell away. Another detail came to his mind.
Cindy Charmers was engaged to be married.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html

Episode 16: That's Weird

2009-02-04T15:35:00.000-08:00

Synchro

“We have fifty percent more orders than we had this time last year. With the same number of people we’re not going to cope. Can you put on more staff?” said Jenny Slatts.
“Yeah, okay,” said Sync.
He’d seen it coming. His business had grown rapidly since his first attempt at internet sales ten years ago. The first few years he learned a lot and spent every waking hour developing a system and sourcing the best suppliers. Then he needed help and began employing people.
Currently there were 31 people on his payroll and he needed more.
And he’d gradually cut back his hours: he finished at five like the others.
“Contact the employment agency,” he said to Renee. “We have four positions available.”
“That’s weird,” said his receptionist.
“What do you mean?” said Sync. He didn’t look at her for long. He discovered that the psychic thing only kicked in if he looked at a person for longer than thirty seconds. It was good to have some control.
“There’s someone waiting in the foyer to see you. She’s after a job. Said she can do anything.” Renee frowned. “She said she was here for THE position available. I said there wasn’t any, which up until a moment ago there wasn’t. She’s been waiting for half an hour.”
“Oh,” said Sync eyebrows raised at her. He held eye contact for twenty seconds only. “You’d better send her in,” he said opening his office door.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html

Episode 15: The Letter

2009-02-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

Synchro

My Dear young friend,
these words will be my last to you in this physical realm. You have begun a new segment of your life and it will scare the pants off you. You will get used to it. You can turn it off but my advice is to use it to enhance your life. Turning it off will take you back to your stagnant old life and you won’t meet that special woman.
Remember Synchro, you don’t have to act on any information you receive. It’s up to you.
I wish you a happy future
Yours sincerely
Edith Buchanan

Her words sat heavily around the empty space inside him.
He pulled out a bottle of red wine from the cupboard and eased out the cork.
Lifting the half-filled glass skyward he said,
“To your memory Edith.”
The liquid warmed his throat. He put the glass on the counter. He felt weighed down by the loss of his friend and the emergence of this unwanted thing. He needed sleep.
Vague thoughts of standing on a cliff with the old Sync pushing him forward into fog drifted away as his head hit the pillow. It was soft and cool under his skin. The coolness was quickly replaced with comforting warmth.
He slept soundly.
Tomorrow he’d need to be sharp as a whip.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html

Episode 14: After the Farewell

2009-02-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

Synchro

There were a lot of people at the funeral. Obviously she had been well liked. After the service Sync conveyed his condolences to family members and left. He didn’t want to watch as his friend was laid in a hole in the ground. He preferred to remember her as she was when she was lively and smiling. All those cups of tea she’d made and shared with him were happy memories. She always made him feel welcome. Her cheerfulness and kindness when he was troubled, and her unending interest in his life made her special.
He’d miss her for many reasons.

He’d gone back to work after the funeral. He wanted to occupy his mind. He concentrated on receiving stock from suppliers and allotting the goods to the appropriate shelves. Shelves filled the factory to the rafters. He used an electric forklift to stack goods up high. He didn’t usually do the hands on work. Today was different. He needed to do something out of the norm in line with the earlier part of the day. It worked. He was surprised when the others told him to go home. It was five o’clock.

At home the unopened letter lay on the kitchen counter. He tore the top off and pulled out the sheet of paper. The writing on the plain piece of paper was in longhand. The words joined together with slightly jagged lines as if written by a shaking hand.
He sat down and began to read.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html

Episode 13: Goodbye!

2009-02-01T14:56:00.000-08:00

Synchro

The constant bipping of the monitor displayed evidence that vital organs were working.
Sync stood beside the bed looking at his friend. The smell of disinfectant penetrated his nostrils with a vengeance in this hour of sadness. Her eyes were closed. She breathed unaided. Her breaths came long and slow with an extended pause in between. Some pauses went on for a long time. He thought she had stopped breathing. Then she’d begin the drawn-out labour of inhaling again.
Edith’s skin had all but lost its colour. Her grey-white hair had been smoothed back onto the pillow. Her wrinkled aged-blotched arms rested on the sheet. It was pulled up to her armpits. A washed up hospital gown covered her to the neck.
It was an impersonal way to end a life without her own things around her. She deserved familiarity at the end.
Sync held her hand. She lacked the warmth he’d come to look forward to on his visits to her flat. Her hand was cold, still.
As he absorbed the sadness a bubble of white light surrounded her. Her life’s details listed in his mind. He didn’t want to know her personal details though such knowledge was irrelevant now. Soon it’s all that would be left of Edith aside from photos and memories. All personal effects would be passed on to family members or sold or donated. He’d become fond of her, had only ever seen her in her own surroundings, with her own things around her. Those images would stay with him forever.
The last detail he received was her date of death, tomorrow.
He looked at his watch. An hour and a half till midnight.
A lump formed in his throat. It was barely audible when he spoke.
“Goodbye my friend.”

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html

Episode 12: My Friend Edith

2009-01-31T15:32:00.000-08:00

Synchro

One outstretched arm resting against the architrave supported him as he puffed. Air rushed in and out of his lungs. Rivulets of sweat trickled down the middle of his back and down the centre of his chest. Patches of sweat spread on his singlet. He knocked rapidly on the door.
Come on Edith where are you?
The door slowly opened.
“Yes?” The eyes belonging to the deep voice inspected Sync. The straight face and down-turned mouth matched the sad eyes.
“Is Edith there?” Sync began to breath normally.
“No, she isn’t,” the man answered dully. “Sadly she had a heart attack last night and is in intensive care. She’s not expected to recover,” he said bluntly.
“Oh. I’m sorry. I live next door. Synchro Reed,” he said extending his right hand.
“David Buchanan,” he said clasping the offered hand. “I’m Edith’s son. There’s an envelope on the table with your name on it. Just a moment.” He disappeared along the hall and returned with envelope in hand.
“I called in to see her the day before yesterday. She seemed fine. What happened?”
“She felt unwell and phoned me to come over. When I got here she was unconscious. The ambulance came quickly.” David’s bottom lip quivered.
“Is it okay if I go to see her?”
David nodded. He couldn’t hold back the tears.
“You’d better hurry.”

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http://write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html

Episode 11: A Change of Mind

2009-01-30T15:37:00.000-08:00

Before today's episode I'd like to show you my writing bio.
The link is at the bottom of the episode.

Now, on with today's installment!

Synchro

It was there but not. Sync stared long and hard. The young man ignored him going about toy retrieval duty. Sync saw a feint white light around the young man. He appeared to be in a bubble of white light. A list of details about him ran through Sync’s mind, like a radio on low volume. The information was everything there was to know about the young man. The date he was born, his partner and children’s names, his job, his income, his hobbies, his date of death, everything. Sync’s heart raced. His skin prickled cold and sweaty. He didn’t want to know the personal details of strangers or anyone for that matter. It was none of his business.
He took off at top speed heading for home.
Zig zagging his way back through the streets he passed a woman with a child. He glanced at them. A bubble of white light surrounded them both. Information poured into his mind. She was in early stage pregnancy, though it wasn’t yet visible with a baby bump, and her grandmother was going to die on the 21st of June. The little boy was going to be a commercial pilot and live to be 97 years-old.
Sync looked away and kept running.
An elderly gent walking with a metal walking-stick came towards him. The old man grinned from ear to ear. A white bubble surrounded him. He was 81 and had this morning successfully had sex with his 59 year old wife. The first time since his heart attack five months earlier.
Sync shielded his eyes so he couldn’t see the man. The information kept coming.
Red faced he ran faster than ever before.
He didn’t want to do this.
He had to stop it, turn it off.
How could he shut it down?
His mind screamed,
“E-e-e-d-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-th!”

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

My Bio: http//:write-intention.com/Diane_L_Wood.html

Episode 10: No, No, No!

2009-01-29T13:06:00.000-08:00

Synchro

Balancing his day job with his extra-psychical brain-work was exhausting. Three months of ‘practice’ and nothing unusual had happened except brain drain. He was getting bored with it all and tired. He slept so soundly every night he was late leaving for work. He didn’t like hurrying to work. It unsettled his entire day.
At the start of the fourth month his sleep pattern changed. He bounced out of bed each morning full of energy. It lasted throughout the day. His twilight runs extended to double his usual distance. His body felt acutely aware of everything around him. His skin felt the dry atmosphere and sent a detailed evaluation to his brain. It was the same every day no matter what the weather. Sync felt atmospheric variations and deep inside him he sensed change was about to engulf him. He could handle physical changes but this consciousness change was unnerving. The thought excited him and terrified him.

It was the last day of the week. The weekend loomed. He slammed the front door of his flat behind him and started running. He passed people here and there and at first didn’t notice what he saw. Concentrating on his feet as he crossed at the corner where he avoided a series of pot-holes he paused letting a car go by. Off he went zigzagging through back streets racing himself. The air fiddled with his hair, the aroma of dinners cooking in houses he passed tantalised his nose. He stopped briefly, jogging on the spot as he turned around to re-trace his steps. A young man on his front lawn nodded as he picked up children’s toys.
Sync nodded back and watched for a moment. Oh, God! His brain ran in fast-forward. The puffing from his run stopped abruptly. He stood motionless and stared.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

Episode 9: Decision Made.

2009-01-28T14:32:00.000-08:00

Synchro

“I’ll do it,” he announced after he settled on Edith’s lounge-room couch. Oddly she made no discernable acknowledgement. He thought the old girl would gloat because she won. “How do I go about it?”
Edith took her time. She looked at him as if she was seeing something that no-one else had privy too. It wasn’t exactly staring. It was more like an appraisal of something Sync wasn’t aware he had. She’d done it many times before. It was creepy. She seemed to sense his discomfort and began speaking.
“You’ve been blocking it for a long time, since you were a child. You need practice and lots of it. Practice making your mind go blank.”
“How do I do that?”
“Start doing it as you drift off to sleep each night. See in your mind a blank slate, a clean page, a TV with the power turned off or something else you can relate to. First thing in the morning as you rouse out of sleep before your day begins, do it again.”
Her instructions went on and on.
His head was spinning as she walked him to the front door. On the top step Sync turned back to her.
“When will this perfect woman come into my life?”
She shook her head.
“Impatience won’t help,” she smiled. “You’ll know the first time you see her.”
Edith closed the door.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

Episode 8: Is it in the Family?

2009-01-27T14:31:00.000-08:00

Synchro

“Hey Sis.” Synchro held the phone to his ear. “Um, do you believe in psychic stuff?”
The first thing he decided to do was test Edith’s words.
“As a matter of fact, yes I do,” said Mesh. “Why do you ask?”
“Edith was telling me about that stuff and reckons it runs in families, sometimes.” He wasn’t handling this at all well.
“You mean you’re psychic?”
“Not sure. Just wondering if you or Con were into it.”
“I do have intuitive moments. I don’t know about Con,” she added.
“What about Mum and Dad?”
“I don’t think so. But did you know that Grandma Reed read tea leaves and apparently was very accurate?” A pause lengthened. “Sync? Are you there?”
Edith was right. Maybe she’s right about everything.
“I didn’t know.”
“It’s one of the reasons that he would have nothing to do with her.”
“In that case better not tell them about this conversation.”
“OK.”
Sync walked in circles around his kitchenette running his hands through his hair. His mind re-ran his options. Stay a lonely woman loser and not have the burden of dealing with unwanted psychic stuff or let his unwanted psychic side emerge and find his life partner.
Something in his brain said, ‘Stop beating around the bush and bloody well decide.’
He slammed the front door behind him and marched to Edith’s place.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

Episode 7: Thinking Time

2009-01-26T20:00:00.000-08:00

Synchro

It had been a long day. The TV blared in his little flat. He didn’t hear it. He lay on the couch staring at the dark ceiling. He’d turned off the lights. The glow from the TV screen grew and shrank in the room depending on the scene. Five girlfriends in five years must be some kind of record. He didn’t count the casual dates. Judy lasted the longest, a whole six months. It wasn’t as if he’d grabbed the first woman who walked passed. He’d been selective and chosen interesting lively women to become close to. They apparently thought he was ok at least at the start.
The pattern suggested Edith may be right. If so, doing what she suggested was creepy, like her. She was nice creepy. Asking Mesh and Conrod if they are psychic could be embarrassing. They would think he was nuts. And his parents, he didn’t want to go there. He could resign himself to living alone for the rest of his life. Nah, he liked female company. He so badly wanted a permanent relationship. He didn’t feel complete and he knew what he needed to achieve completion.
Cool midnight air surrounded his heavy body. The touch button on the remote flicked off the TV. He pulled one of the throw pillows from behind his head and held it to his chest. His eyelids drooped. He’d make a decision in the morning. His head would be clear then and he’d know his decision would be the right one.
He hoped.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

Episode 6: Apprehension Plus

2009-01-25T14:47:00.000-08:00

Today's episode is over 400 words, a bit longer than usual. It needed to be as it gets into the nitty gritty of the plot.

Synchro

She was patient with him.
“You know things Synchro Reed and refuse to acknowledge what you know. As a result you’re unable to find your life partner. She’s waiting in the wings though she doesn’t know it. As soon as you accept your ability and begin using it she’ll find you and you’ll have great happiness.” She spooned tea-leaves into the teapot and poured in boiling water. Sync didn’t understand why she always covered the teapot with that washed-up tea-stained cosy while the tea brewed. It was thirty degrees in the shade. The tea wasn’t likely to cool before she got to pour it. Must be habit.
“And this ‘ability’ of mine is?”
“You have one of the greatest gifts of all. You can look at a person, anyone and know everything about them, right from the day they were born to the day they’ll die.” She poured their tea into her favourite tea cups with matching saucers. She carefully placed one drink in front of Sync. He spooned sugar from the old crystal sugar bowl into his tea, stirred and sipped. He was oddly comforted with Edith’s old fashioned tea ritual.
“The thought of doing that scares the crap out of me.” His skin prickled with goosebumps.
“You get used to being different. Most people will never know you’re doing it,” Edith added trying to put his mind at ease.
“What about my parents? They already think I’m strange because I have no interest in cars or motors. And my brother and sister, what if they find out. Hey aren’t twins supposed to know what each other is thinking?”
“When was the last time you talked to Mesh about her intuition?” said the old lady.
“Never.”
Edith raised her eyebrows.
“You mean she can already do this stuff?”
Edith flashed a knowing half smile.
“And your brother?”
“Conrod keeps to himself a lot.”
“Ever wondered why?” The old lady gently placed her cup on its saucer.
Sync’s jaw dropped.
“Of all your family you’re the slowest off the mark in your evolutionary development. Your siblings are way ahead of you.”
“Oh,” was all he could manage.
Edith saw confusion, fear, surprise and apprehension cross his face. It was decision making time. She thought she knew which road he’d choose.
She’d have to wait and see if she was right.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

Episode 5: The Fact is...

2009-01-24T15:56:00.000-08:00

Synchro

At home, showered and towel covered, he skulled a cold cola and wondered if The Creepy One was home. Better put clothes on before finding out.

He tapped on his neighbour’s door. A few minutes later the door slowly opened.
“Come in,” said the grey haired old lady.
He stepped past her and waited as she secured the door.
“You knew I’d call in didn’t you?” said Sync as he followed her to the kitchen. The hunched figure shuffled to a kitchen chair and sat opposite him.
“I don’t work like that, as I’ve told you many times. I only know what’s happening as it happens, not before,” she sighed. He’d been her neighbour for five years. She’d proved her, unusual, skill time and again yet he’d remained confused.
He looked deep into her pale blue eyes silently asking for yet another confirmation. She obliged.
“You stopped at traffic lights and were robbed. Then you saved a woman and her child from certain death, oh, and Judy gave you your marching orders.”
Sync looked down at his fingers resting on his lap.
“Would you like a cup of tea?” she asked. “You’re a bit dry from the fire’s heat.”
“Thanks,” he nodded. “Tell me again Edith, how do I get out of this endless cycle of dating and being dropped?”
The old lady shuffled around the kitchen filling the electric kettle and preparing the teapot. Her eyes smiled.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

Episode 4: Read It From the Bottom Up!

2009-01-23T15:33:00.000-08:00

If you'd like to know how today's episode got to where it is, read this page from the bottom upwards.
I'm not sure where the main character is headed, I just know he's got a lot to deal with in an unusual way.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Synchro

He stood up holding the child and helped the mother to her feet. Both females were coughing. Sync was red faced trying to subdue the urge to cough. They hurried onto the street. Must have been bloody hot in the house. The street air cooled his skin. The midsummer day was sweat inducing when he entered the house. Now his armpits, in fact all over was burning dry.
The grandmother weeping with relief swept the child from Sync’s arms. Ambulance officers helped the mother and grandmother to their vehicle.
“You’d better come with us too,” said one to Sync. He looked down at his torn shirt and further to his blood spotted torn jeans.
“Looks bad but I’m fine.”
“Maybe so. We’d like to check you.”
Sync nodded vaguely and followed.
Oxygen masks were fixed over mouths and noses helping the smoke filled lungs to clear. Bottles of water were thrust into the hands of the three.
Emergency and rescue officers fixed hoses in position and doused the flames which leaped from the back of the house. Smoke billowed from under eaves and out windows. The old wood of ancient house was perfect fodder for hungry flames.
Sync gazed at the action around him.
Why did Judy drop him?

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

Episode 3: ...Continuing right along...

2009-01-22T14:33:00.000-08:00

I've just realised these posts are listed with the most recent first. (Well duh!) Obviously my story will appear back to front. Does anyone know if I can reverse the presentation of posts?
If not 'Welcome to my serial in reverse.'

Sync

Smoke billowed out the top of the door. He took a deep breath, held it and bending low walked toward the screaming and crying. He quickly looked in each room as he passed the doorways. All clear there. The cries of distress changed to coughing. Thick smoke filled the top half of the room. Sync got down on hands and knees. The mother lay on the floor clutching the small child both coughing, gasping for oxygen.
“Give me her,” he shouted above the crackling roaring flames. She let go of the child and grabbed Sync’s t-shirt and pulled. It tore open from side to side. “Roll over, onto your knees. We have to crawl out.” The woman, though tiny, had a big baby bump. She struggled to her side. Sync grasped her clothes in the middle of her back and heaved. She was over.

Angry flames lashed the wall above the stove and across the ceiling. Spitting and popping sparks sprinkled the three as they crawled to the doorway. Scorching heat seared the floor under their hands, their skin, their breath. Sync held the child to his chest with one arm and crawled with the mother. They both passed through the doorway together. His knee found a nail-head sticking up from the board. It stung as it went in. He kept moving. His jeans caught on the nail and ripped down to the hem.

“Keep crawling,” he shouted. Smoke crowded the hall down to their backs. Near the front door he heard sirens and bells getting louder.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

Click on tomorrow for the next exciting episode!

Episode 2: ... and there's more ...

2009-01-21T14:57:00.000-08:00

And the name for my serial is:
(Drum roll please.)

Synchro

He showered stale smoke from his hair and body, and wrapped the towel around his hips. Torn t-shirt and jeans hung from his hand as he strolled to the rubbish bin.
Sync wanted to forget today. The clothes dropped in, he secured the bin lid.
It started out like any other day. Up early, a half hour run, breakfast and off to work. Then the world turned upside-down.

His mobile phone rang. It was Judy. She blasted him and told him to drop dead. She never wanted to see him again. He wasn’t sure why.
Then he stopped at traffic lights and two smart arse kids broke his passenger side window and stole his wallet. It had been on the seat. He was in shock from the phone call and not quick enough the grab the little mongrel.

Then the fire thing.

He drove down a side street and parked. He rang Judy. She didn’t answer. At the same time an old dear, waving her arms about, ran from the front door of the old weather-board house beside him.

“Fire! Fire in the kitchen,” she yelled in his broken window. “Please help. My daughter and grand-daughter are in there.”
Sync jumped out the car and raced to the front door.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer

Episode 1: Passing the first post...

2009-01-20T20:48:00.000-08:00

Wha-hoo! Off and running.

Hi all.

I'm a writer and this is my serial spot.

I'll add to it everyday, just a paragragh or two,
and comment on anything else relevant to the moment.

Hope you enjoy my ramblings.

Episode 1

The Un-Titled Serial

Sync wasn't used to all the attention. He tried to move away from the group. The cameras and reporter moved with him.

"How does it feel to be a hero?" said the red head poking a microphone at his face.

He looked around checking she wasn't talking to someone else.

"Me?"

"You saved a baby and her pregnant mother from incineration. How does it feel?" she persisted.

"It's good they're ok," said Sync.

The police said he could go. They'd taken his details and he wanted to leave.

Firemen had extinguished the fire. Smoke clogged Sync's nostrils. Screams from mother and baby echoed in his ears. His body was heavy. His stomach growled. His torn clothes needed replacing. He turned and strode toward his car down the street.

"Our modest hero is welcome to park his car in my drive-way anytime he wants," he heard the red head tell her camera-man.

Sync flushed and kept walking.

If only they knew.

by Diane L Wood
Writer