Tag: crimefiction

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Fiction Hannah Carmichael Chronicles

THE HONEYMOON PLAY? | Hannah Carmichael Chronicles (FIFTY-NINE)

Your Briefing:

Hannah Carmichael is a Super Spy, who is trying to take down CGT – the evil spy agency which she used to be a part of. Her husband Zeke, was secretly working to take them down as well, and roped Hannah and her friend and fellow agent Stephanie into the fight.
Hannah’s mother Evelyn was a known terrorist and CGT enemy, but now seems to have been on the same side all along. Her Father James, was believed to be dead and missing for over a decade, but has now shown up from his fight in the shadows to help take them down once and for all.
It seemed as though everyone in Hannah’s life knew about CGT’s true motives but her. So how will she navigate her new status, new team members and new family dynamics?
With CGT linked to a World War III event called ‘Cataclysm’ – What will Hannah and her team find out, and how will they stop it? 

 

FIFTY-NINE

Hannah sighed as another bump in the road threw her into Stephanie’s shoulder. Behind her in the SUV, Zeke and Evelyn were attempting awkward small talk and someone from James’ team was driving. Hannah cleared her throat, “Collin, how far are we from the hotel?”
Colin glanced back at her through the rear view mirror then moved his eyes back to the road, “A few minutes.”
Hannah nodded then felt Stephanie lean in closer, “If we don’t stop this Cataclysm attack, it means more than just War,” Stephanie said quietly. Hannah nodded and sighed deeply, “We were branded terrorists before this attack, and if the world finds out we’re still alive, we’re the easy scapegoats.”
Zeke leaned up and through the two chairs, “I just want to clarify something.” He said softly. “These leaders, they don’t know we’re coming right?”
Hannah turned to face him, “No, neither leaders knows we’re coming to see them. Neither leader knows they are being targeted, and neither leader will be happy with what we have to tell them.” She turned back in her seat and took a deep breath in, “lets just hope we can talk sense into them before the plan takes effect, and before the peace talks start in a few days.”
The SUV slammed forward and Collin shut off the engine, turning with a frown.
“We’re here. Boss said the Little Lady is in charge; so what’s the plan?” Collin asked, cocking his head to the right as he watched Hannah. She took a small breath in, then nodded.
“Collin, you Evelyn and Stephanie go through the Employee access points and check their security. I want entry and exit points covered, security cameras monitored and everybody stays on alert at all times.” Hannah turned to face Zeke and nodded at him, “We’re going to get the master key from the Manager, then head up to the Prime Ministers’ room.”
“How are we getting the key? Asking permission?” Zeke asked, the light hearted teasing a welcome change. Hannah masked a smile then shook her head, “We’re going to have to be a bit more creative this time.”
As the two teams split, Zeke took Hannah’s hand as they walked into the hotel. She flinched, but relaxed into his hold and rolled her shoulders.
“So, the honeymoon play?” Zeke asked, winking at her as they walked closer to the door. She chuckled and shook her head slightly, “It’s odd to hear you say things like that.”
Zeke frowned then shrugged his left shoulder, “I guess things would have been a little different if you knew that from the start.” They moved quietly until Hannah smiled and gave her husband a small shove, “I guess so”. He momentarily lost balance then shoved her back, smiling and pulling her into his hold. He kissed her and Hannah tried not to let it distract her from their surroundings. A man opened the doors to the hotel and excused himself as he saw Hannah and Zeke in the doorway. They pulled away from each other and Zeke smiled, winking at her again as he whispered into her ear, “Here we go.”
They booked a room, asking for the honeymoon suite and requesting special newlywed discounts. While the manager ducked into the office at the back for the necessary paperwork and coupons, Zeke slipped behind the desk and started searching. Hannah watched for other staff until Zeke whispered, “Got it.” She turned back and smiled as he tugged it into his pocket and returned to her side. The Manager reappeared and they signed the paperwork for the room, heading towards the elevator. As they stepped inside, Hannah pushed the button for Level 13 and Zeke tapped his foot, looking up at the roof.
“Level 13 huh?” He asked.
Hannah shrugged, “I guess so. That’s what all the intel said.”
Zeke scoffed, “that’s not a bad sign at all.”
Hannah ignored his comment and stepped out of the elevator and into the hallway. As she clicked the key card into the lock, the door buzzed and she pushed it open.
“Prime Minister?” She asked as they made their way into the hotel room, closing the door behind them. The small living room was empty and Hannah turned to Zeke, “Check the bedroom.”
He moved towards the open door and she walked through the kitchen until Zeke’s voice boomed through the apartment, “Hannah!”
She pushed her way through the door to see the Prime Minister tied to a chair, hands bound behind his back and a blindfold over his eyes. Masking tape was stuck over his mouth and he was struggling, mumbling behind his gag. Hannah pulled her gun out of the holster as Zeke removed the blindfold, then started on the tape.
“Well, well, well.” A familiar voice from behind her made Hannah’s stomach flop over and she raised her weapon as she spun. The room was being invaded by a flood of CGT agents and Hannah and Zeke stood, with guns raised at either side of the Prime Minister. Hannah aimed her weapon at the man she had considered a friend, mentor, and father figure for years and spat out his name, “Anthony.”

Author’s Note:

Thanks for reading the latest instalment of the Hannah Carmichael Chronicles! Hannah will be back Soon for the next part of her adventure – we both look forward to seeing you there!

Christy Grace

 

 

Categories
Fiction Hannah Carmichael Chronicles

I COULDN’T IMAGINE | Hannah Carmichael Chronicles (FIFTY-EIGHT)

Your Briefing:

Hannah Carmichael is a Super Spy, who is trying to take down the evil spy agency CGT, which she used to be a part of. Her husband Zeke, was secretly working to take them down as well, and roped her and her friend Stephanie into the fight.
Hannah’s mother Evelyn was a known terrorist and CGT enemy, but now seems to have been on the same side all along. Her Father James, was believed to be dead and missing for over a decade, but has now shown up to help in the fight, where he has been hiding in the shadows to also take down CGT.
It seemed as though everyone in Hannah’s life knew about CGT’s true motives but her. So how will she navigate her new status, new team members and new family dynamics?
Zeke had to kill his former partner and CGT double agent, but how will the traitors death affect the team? What did he manage to tell CGT before he died?
With CGT linked to a World War event called ‘Cataclysm’ – What will she and her team find out, and how will they stop it?  

 

FIFTY-EIGHT

Hannah watched across the room as her husband stared at the papers in front of him. She sighed and navigated through the ‘war room’ where everyone was working to stop Cataclysm. As she reached Zeke, he looked up and tried to force a smile.
“Hey, did you find something yet?” he asked.
Hannah sat next to him, “Not yet, but everyone is looking.” She put a hand on his leg and smiled softly, “I know it sounds cliché, but how are you?”
Zeke sighed, “Baxter was my best friend.” He straightened and set his jaw, “But it had to be done I guess, to sound cliché myself.”
Hannah took in a breath then shook her head, “I couldn’t imagine.”
They gave pathetic smiles to each other and Zeke looked down at a file fragment from a partially incinerated CGT safe box.
“Oliver is expecting me back at work in a few days. I don’t know what to tell him about Baxter,” Zeke lowered his shoulders, sinking further into his chair.
“What does he know about Baxter and about me?” Hannah asked quietly.
“Not much. The world still thinks you and Stephanie died as traitors, and as far as Oliver knows, Baxter and I were working on taking down CGT while they thought I was dead as well.” Zeke looked up and shrugged, “I guess I either stay here and lose my job, or show up at work and be killed by CGT.”
“You think they have people inside your department?” Hannah asked, a shiver trailing her spine.
“I don’t doubt it. Especially considering that Baxter was my partner,” Zeke shook his head, “some partner.”
Before Hannah could reply, Roy yelled out for James Carmichael from across the room. Hannah and Zeke moved to Roy’s command centre where he was flipping up files on the main screen.
The room became quiet as James also approached. “What have you got Roy?” he asked, smiling softly at Hannah and Zeke.
“I’ve found a partial document. It talks about C.A.T.A.C.L then cuts off. It could be something.”
James nodded and leaned on the desk as he looked at the image of the document on the screen.
“It was from a batch three years ago which didn’t seem like an imminent threat at the time,” Sarah said, nodding as she agreed with her own memory.
Roy shrugged, “We looked into it, but assumed the event was in the past.”
Hannah squinted and tried to read the smaller print on the screen as she took a step closer.
“Peace talks between small countries in the Middle East and Russia; why is that on CGT’s radar?” Zeke asked behind her. Roy pulled up another fragment on the screen, lining them up side-by-side.
“We found another document referencing the halting of peace talks and the possibility of nuclear warfare,” Roy said, turning to James with a frown. “From what I can gather with this, other pieces of other correspondence and audio tracks, CGT doesn’t want these peace talks to happen. We double checked it with the Accounts File that Hannah and Steph got from the CGT newspaper,” Roy cocked his head at Stephanie and smiled. Hannah tried not to laugh as Steph plastered a silly grin on her face then quickly shook it off.
“It matched the entries found in these fragments. Payoffs and account entries confirm that CGT is planning on sending the Nuclear strikes from both countries, to each other, regardless of the planned diplomacy.”
James took a deep breath, then put his face in his hands, exhaling and groaning, “Which means-“
Hannah put a hand on his shoulder and finished his thought, “World War Three.”

Author’s Note:
Thanks for reading this week’s instalment of the Hannah Carmichael Chronicles! Hannah will be back very soon for the next part of her adventure – we both look forward to seeing you there!

Christy Grace

Categories
Life

Meet Me – Christy Grace

Hi ya’ll

I am me, that’s all I will ever be.

Have you been wanting a peek behind the curtain? Well, here it is!

My name is Christy and I am a writer, photographer, singer, songwriter, and inspiration chaser!

If that sound bite wasn’t enough, then hold on to your hat and keep reading.

I have lived and loved in three countries: New Zealand (yup, I’m a kiwi at heart), Kuching (Malaysia – where kindergarten tried to say ‘see ya later’ by giving me a book full of homework I didn’t do), and Australia where I spent most of my life.

Been writing since I was young – stories, songs, poems and scripts – everythang 😛

My socks (in case you hadn’t noticed) tend to sport interesting and qwirky objects – like Avocados – love them or leave them, that’s what they are.

Do you think I look cosy? I should, that’s how the photoshoot I set up today was supposed to look for the client (just with her in the chair, not me).

(It went well by the way, she walked away with some amazing shots, if I do say so myself!)

Top 3 loves right now:

My typewriter, God and my customised CGSP pens which I just got!

I have some exciting things brewing, so keep an eye out here and on the CGSP Facebook page.

Excited, Qwirky And Confident

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Fiction Hannah Carmichael Chronicles

IDENTIFY YOURSELF | Hannah Carmichael Chronicles (FIFTY-SEVEN)

Your Briefing:

Hannah Carmichael is a Super Spy, who is trying to take down the evil spy agency CGT, which she used to be a part of. Her husband Zeke, was secretly working to take them down as well, and roped her and her friend Stephanie into the fight.
Hannah’s mother Evelyn was a known terrorist and CGT enemy, but now seems to have been on the same side all along. Her Father James, was believed to be dead and missing for over a decade, but has now shown up to help in the fight, where he has been hiding in the shadows to also take down CGT.
It seemed as though everyone in Hannah’s life knew about CGT’s true motives but her. So how will she navigate her new status, new team members and new family dynamics?
With CGT linked to a World War event called ‘Cataclysm’ – What will she and her team find out, and how will they stop it? 

 

FIFTY-SEVEN

Hannah kicked Stephanie and she snorted awake.
Raising her finger onto her lips, Hannah watched as Stephanie frowned then looked at the light around the door frame. Behind the door, Baxter was updating someone at CGT and Hannah’s weapon was already drawn.
Stephanie pulled her gun out and Hannah took a breath, before reaching for the doorknob and pushing the door open. The women yelled warnings as they entered the room, and he turned to them, scowling.
Baxter continued to yell into the radio, “I’ve been compromised! Close down-“
Stephanie sent a warning shot flying above Baxter’s head and he ducked before dropping the radio and lunging towards the open door. Hannah jumped in front of him and swung her gun at his head and Baxter raised his hand to block her swing. He pushed his fist into Hannah’s stomach and she grunted, gasping for breath at the sudden blow.
As Hannah stumbled backwards, Stephanie jumped onto Baxter’s back and wrapped her arm around his neck. He struggled for a minute, then stopped and dropped down to his knees. Hannah stood upright and took staggered breaths, glancing around for the radio Baxter had stolen. She picked it up and watched the red light continuing to blink, indicating the line was still open.
She took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, “Who is this? Identify yourself!” Hannah demanded into the radio. People were starting to appear outside the door of Baxter’s room, but Hannah didn’t turn around.
“Hannah, it is nice to hear your voice,” Anthony said from the other side of the radio. Hannah swallowed her now dry throat and cleared her throat.
“I should have guessed it was you Anthony. Once a boss, always a boss. Only now, you’re Baxter boss, not mine.”
Anthony’s laugh came through the radio and Hannah exhaled, her stomach still throbbing.
“You should give up Hannah; you and your new group. It‘ll be easier on all of you. CGT can give you a quick death,” Anthony muffled the radio and he barked orders behind the covered radio.
“Have you asked your boss about that decision? What if the higher ups want my team alive?” Hannah asked, holding her breath as she waited for his reply.
“Oh Hannah, I’m afraid now that you know too much, the powers that be, would be very disappointed to know insignificant irritations like you, were still around to cause trouble. CGT is a very lucrative organisation, and that isn’t an option.”
“What powers are those Tony? Governments? Prime Ministers? Presidents? Who?”
Anthony laughed and Hannah spun as Stephanie yelled out behind her. Her friend was on the ground, gripping her left leg as Baxter moved away from them and through the open door.
“Go!” Stephanie yelled to Hannah, her face scrunched in pain. Hannah dropped the radio and raised her gun, running through the door. The hallway was empty, but Hannah heard sirens starting to sound throughout The Palace.
A shot echoed in the building and Hannah spun to where Baxter now stood, motionless. His body suddenly dropped to his knees, then to the ground, and Hannah stared in front of her at Zeke. His gun was still raised, a dark scowl consumed his face.

Author’s Note:

Thanks for reading this week’s instalment of the Hannah Carmichael Chronicles! Hannah will be back Next Week for the next part of her adventure – we both look forward to seeing you there!
Christy Grace

Categories
Hannah Carmichael Chronicles

Asleep on Duty | HCC Update + Sneak Peek

Asleep on Duty! Does that mean a Court Martial?

Maybe if they were in the military.

Stephanie has fallen asleep while guarding the door outside Baxter’s room. Once an agent working to take down CGT, Baxter turned to the dark side and is now working For CGT.

While being questioned and guarded, he somehow got hold of a way to contact CGT and let them know what Hannah and the team has discovered about Cataclysm.

How will Hannah deal with this situation? Will she be able to stop Baxter from telling them anything else, like where The Palace (their headquarters) is located?

Check out the VERY SPECIAL Sneak Peek below!

FIFTY-SEVEN

Hannah kicked Stephanie and she snorted awake.
Raising her finger onto her lips, Hannah watched as Stephanie frowned then looked at the light around the door frame. Behind the door, Baxter was updating someone at CGT and Hannah’s weapon was already drawn.

 

Hannah and her Team will be back SOON, but will they be able to stop Baxter’s communication with CGT, and Cataclysm?

Hannah Carmichael Chronicles ONLY on Christy Grace Scarlet Pen – Hannah and I look forward to seeing you then!

Christy Grace

Categories
Life

LightBulbs, TypeWriters and SuperHeroes!

Hello CGSP readers!

If you regularly check the Christy Grace Scarlet Pen Facebook page (and I recommend that you do!) you would have seen the incredible picture I posted of my Beautifully set up (and miraculously clean) new workspace!

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If you look carefully, you can see the beautiful typewriter which features in the main Christy Grace Scarlet Pen photo, AND a very important thing that accompanies an idea – the lightbulb. Even though having a real lightbulb at your desk is not always a smart idea, I came to a compromise when I found this jar, Which Looks Just Like One!

I am SO EXCITED to be able to dedicate more time to writing (For now anyway) and continue on a very Fun, New project! (More details to come later)

Hannah is a very special character to me, and I love seeing where her spying adventures take her, and her family and friends, HOWEVER….  There is much more to me, and my writing than just Hannah Carmichael.
(Don’t panic HCC readers – Hannah will return shortly! She is far from done)

While I am trying to be hard at work writing, who couldn’t find inspiration when you have CLASSIC movie quotes, a reminder of the alphabet (because we need a childlike reminder sometimes), and Super help from some Superheroes?

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So, I hope you enjoy these snapshots into my work space, desk and inspiration zone!

Hopefully I can show you more of my fascinating journey, as I embark on some new and enthralling (that’s right, I went there) projects!

In the meantime, Hannah Will Be Back Soon! But keep an eye out for updates on the Facebook Page (link in the homepage), and of course – here in ‘Mission Control’.

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Hannah Carmichael Chronicles

War on a Global Scale | HCC Update

War… Huh? What is it good for?

For CGT, they are looking out for profits. Starting another World War is something they want, because it keeps them in business.

So what is Cataclysm? Is it another World War plot like Evelyn Carmichael has predicted? Are the rumours she heard of true?

If it is another War, how could Hannah and her limited team stop it, when CGT is apparently bigger than they had thought?

While Hannah and her team figure out the answers to all of these questions, post your theories onto the ChristyGraceScarlettPen Facebook Page and let us know if YOU think Cataclysm is a World War, or something else?

Hannah and her Team will be back Tuesday 23 July, but will they be able to stop whatever Cataclysm is?

Hannah Carmichael Chronicles ONLY on ChristyGraceScarlettPen – Hannah and I look forward to seeing you then!

Christy Grace

 

Categories
Fiction Hannah Carmichael Chronicles

NOT ANYMORE | Hannah Carmichael Chronicles (FIFTY-SIX)

Your Briefing:

Hannah Carmichael: Super Spy, trying to take down the evil spy agency CGT which she used to be a part of. Status: Currently hidden in The Palace – headquarters where her long lost Father is setting up his assault on CGT.
Zeke Anderson: Former Spy working to destroy CGT. Hannah’s husband and ally. Status: Believed to be dead, at Hannah’s hand. Currently hidden in The Palace with Hannah, her father James and Stephanie.
Stephanie Winchester: Former CGT spy, Hannah’s best friend and fellow undercover agent. Status: Currently hidden in The Palace with Hannah, her father James, and Zeke.
James Carmichael: Hannah’s Father and secret freelance agent trying to destroy CGT. Status: Recently discovered to be alive, after disappearing over a decade ago. Currently hidden in The Palace, deciding the next steps to take down CGT.
Evelyn Carmichael: Hannah’s Mother and a known terrorist in the Country and around the Globe. Status: Currently being held at The Palace for questioning after arriving and claiming to be on the same side as Hannah and her Father. Having lost her way, Evelyn’s goal still remains the same – to take down CGT which goes higher into the government and overseas than anyone realises.

Is CGT Working towards World War Three? Is Evelyn right, and is that what Cataclysm refers to? Hannah and her Father have to decide what to do next as the leaders in their respective teams. What will they do?

 

 FIFTY-SIX

Hannah quietly closed the door behind her as she left Zeke, asleep. The discussions around Cataclysm and how to stop it had gone late into the night, but ultimately no decisions had been made.
Hannah turned the corner into the small kitchen of The Palace and the light from the fridge illuminated the otherwise dark room. Hannah scanned the room for a possible weapon when the fridge door closed. James Carmichael turned and smiled at her, a milk container in his hand.
“You scared me,” Hannah said, exhaling.
James frowned and slowly put down the milk next to a packet of Fruit Loops. “Sorry Darl, didn’t mean to give you a fright.” He smiled and opened the milk cap, pouring it over a bowl of waiting cereal.
Hannah smiled and shook her head, “Do you still eat those things?” She asked, sitting on a bar stool and pulling a glass from the drying rack next to her. James smiled and popped a spoonful into his mouth, chewing loudly. Hannah poured some milk into her glass and took a small sip, staring at the label on the Fruit Loops packet.
“So, you couldn’t sleep either?” James asked, the sound of his spoon clinking the bowl clinking as he gathered another mouthful.
“No. Cataclysm could be serious and I feel like it’s partially my fault.”
James frowned, “How so? You didn’t organise it did you?” he asked with a small smile.
Hannah sat straighter, “I was undercover and we haven’t really made any steps forward since I started. Everything’s been focused on catching and stopping Evelyn.”
James snorted and shook his head, “Don’t you mean ‘Mum’?”
“Not anymore,” Hannah said quietly. Evelyn was being guarded as she slept just down the hallway while the others decided if she was really on their team, or setting everyone up for failure. James sighed and put his bowl down, leaning on his elbows.
“I’m sorry I left the way I did,” he said softly. “I didn’t want to hurt you, but if you thought I was gone forever, I thought that was better than wondering why I had abandoned you.”
Hannah shrugged and took another sip of her milk. “It was what it was. You just learn to move on; channel those feelings into other things.”
“Is that what you did with CGT?” Her father asked, standing straighter.
“I wanted to help people; to keep the country and all in it safe.” Hannah sighed, “That’s what I thought I was doing anyway.” She looked at him and felt her eyes misting, “I missed you though.”
James dropped his gaze and sighed, “I followed you all the way you know.” He smiled and looked up at her again. “Your graduation, your training and career at CGT; All of it.”
Hannah cleared her throat and nodded, “I guess it’s hard for you to completely walk away from the people you love. That must be where I get it from.”
They shared a smile and sat for a while longer, talking and trying to move past the mountain in between them. After a while, they said goodnight and moved back to their rooms.
As Hannah walked down the hallway, she tried to keep her steps light. Everyone needed sleep right now; they had some big decisions to make in the morning. As she passed the guard outside Baxter’s room she tried to stifle a laugh. Stephanie was sitting by the door, head on her chest as she breathed heavily. She had fallen asleep.
Hannah rolled her eyes and lifted her hand to rouse her friend when she saw the light around the door frame. Frowning, Hannah pushed her ear up against the door and listened as a quiet voice came from the other side.
“They have access to an accounts file. I heard them talking about Cataclysm.”
Hannah stopped breathing and pulled away from the door.
Baxter was talking to CGT.

Author’s Note:

Thanks for reading this week’s instalment of the Hannah Carmichael Chronicles! Hannah will be back Soon for the next part of her adventure – we both look forward to seeing you there!
Christy Grace