I finished Code name: Candle this week. It will publish under the title “Restore the Night” as the latest Hagerstown Destroyers novel. I believe that would put it at lucky number seven, maybe?*
One of my earlier blog posts hinted at the playlist for this book. And I’d like to share a short excerpt and the song that goes with it as an Easter egg for you, lovely readers. One that you can tuck away into your memory banks and pull out when you read the published book. I hope it brings you JOY.
“You’re hired,” Mary said, swaying in her seat.
–excerpt from “Restore the Night”
“She already works for me,” Meghan reminded her.
“Damn it. I miss having a good bartender.” In the chatter, Meghan and I locked gazes. Her eyebrows went up when Ashley’s name was mentioned, yet again.
To regain my composure, I focused on the present. There was a stereo behind the bar that overrode the jukebox. An auxiliary cable hung over the edge, disconnected. I tugged out my phone and plugged it in, scrolling to the playlist from all those years ago. With a couple of trial and error moments, my song took over the barroom noise. The slow raspy alto voice wasn’t quiet. And it certainly wasn’t sweet. Each note held power. Each word spoke truth.
“What the fuck is this shit?” One of the bikers had his hands over his ears.
But the women? They knew every word. These sisters of mine lived every word.
Funny how some things are universal no matter where you are.
Well? What’s the song, Calia? Mwahahaha! Here: Rest in Peace – Dorothy
Blood on my hands, what’s done is done
Left you by the road with the crows and the dust
Heart so hollow, deep as a cave
One day I’ll be dancing on your grave
Taking it back the life you stole
Every little piece you took of my soul
Now I lay you down to sleep
And I pray with the devil you rest in peace
*Down in Blood is technically a nomad book, but since it is tied so intricately to the Hagerstown stories, I feel it needs to be counted there. Biker Queen is a Nomad throwback, while O’Mega’s Revenge and The Town Princess are related to Skilletsville, ICYW.
