Ralph Horner – Midnight Mist

This week, I’m delighted to welcome back author, Ralph Horner

Ralph has had various short stories published since 2002. In August 2007 his short story, Pandora Spoxx was featured by Wild Cat Books in their monthly Startling Stories Anthology. In June 2008 his short story, Atalanta Alters The Tide Of Alida was published in the Heroes of Ancient Greece anthology by Night to Dawn Books. In March 2009 Ralph’s first novel, Tandem Tryst was published by Wings ePress. His second novel, Witch’s Moon was also published by Wings in December 2012. After Ralph’s short story was published in Night to Dawn’s October 2013 issue, his third novel, Midnight Mist, the sequel to Tandem Tryst, came out in December 2013.

Ralph is an active member of the Southland Scribes Writers Group in Orland Park, IL.

Ralph is also a professional entertainer, doing balloon art and magic since 1991. He can be contacted at bab3bear12@comcast.net. Website ralphehorner.weebly.com.

Midnight Mist

An enchanted ring sends Melody ahead one hundred years in time to reunite her with her true love. Jeff is overwhelmed to see her, but discovers that Alice, Melody’s mentally disturbed sister, has time-traveled with her. Jeff must locate Alice to regain possession of the ring, and at the same time protect Melody from her sister’s deadly attacks.

Here is an excerpt:

“Oh my God, Jeff!” Melody gasped. “What’s Alice doing to Helen in the kitchen?”

He cocked the gun and took Melody by the arm. She jerked away from him. “Please, not in there!”

Jeff whispered into her ear very softly. “I’ve got the gun. If you ever trusted me, trust me now.”

Melody placed her hand over her eyes. “Jeff, I don’t know if I can do it.”

Jeff felt terrible that he had to force her down the hall. He heard her taking some deep breaths, then she started to cry.

As they entered the kitchen, Jeff tried not to dwell on the fact he had never shot someone.

“Melody, step over to me, or your descendant dies.” Alice’s whispering tone was forceful.

“Let Helen go and she will,” Jeff returned, as Melody sobbed next to him.

“You’re being very cooperative, Jeff. Why are you giving up your sweetheart so easily?”

Is Alice becoming suspicious? “You’ve got the advantage; now let Helen go.”

“As soon as Melody is within my reach. And both of you men had better stay where you are.”

“Melody, start toward Alice.” Jeff’s heart was banging against his chest. “If she doesn’t let Helen go when you’re half way to her, stop until she does. Understand?”

“Just as you say, Jeff.” Melody replied, sobbing.

She slowly made her way toward her sister, crying harder. Jeff feared she might not have the nerve to continue. He folded his arms across his chest, tucking the barrel of the gun beneath his left armpit. With the room being so dark he had to take careful aim. He cringed at the thought of hitting Melody by mistake. Alice let Helen go and she dropped to the floor with a dull thud. Melody stopped.

“I’ve kept my part of the bargain, Melody. Now keep yours or I’ll kill her yet.”

All three novels can be purchased on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Kindle and Wings-Press.com

 My website is ralphehorner.weebly.com and I’m also on Facebook.

Ralph and I would love to hear from you, so please feel free to leave a comment.