by Linda Mooney
Deep
by Linda Mooney
Whiskey Creek Press
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
Copyright ©
First published in 2011
NOTICE: This eBook is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution to any person via email, floppy disk, network, print out, or any other means is a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines and/or imprisonment. This notice overrides the Adobe Reader permissions which are erroneous. This eBook cannot be legally lent or given to others.
This eBook is displayed using 100% recycled electrons.
2
CONTENTS
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press
Torrid:
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
3
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
4
Deep
by
Linda Mooney
WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
5
Published by
WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
Whiskey Creek Press
PO Box 51052
Casper, WY 82605-1052
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
Copyright (C) 2011 Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.
6
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
ISBN 978-1-60313-970-0
Credits
Cover Artist: Gemini Judson
Editor: Fran Mathieson
Printed in the United States of America
7
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
THE TUB
(Written as Gail Smith)
” The Tub (written as Gail Smith) kept me interested the entire time. There was sex, albeit horrific toward the end, and horror that had me widening my eyes in shock. I don’t want to say too much and give the story away, but all I have to say is when Amanda pulled that head out of the water, I felt my stomach turn. The horror was definitely there, and despite this being a very short tale, it packed quite a punch!”
Manic Readers
“I have to admit this was my first time reading erotic horror and after finishing ( The Tub). I’ll definitely be looking for more and more stories by this author. If, like me, you want to try reading erotic horror, this is a good pick.”
Whipped Cream Reviews
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
CUT GLASS: JEWELS BOOK 1: DIAMOND
” Cut Glass: Jewels Book 1: Diamond has left me speechless. There are books that once you finish them you can’t find the words to describe what they are and for me Cut Glass: Jewels Book 1: Diamond is one of those.”
Sizzing Hot Book Reviews
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
8
POSSESSION
“As you can guess, I loved Possession. This is not your standard ghost or cop story. And I have to warn you girls, you will need tissues around the end, but there is a HEA ending (I really worried as I got to the end, hope this doesn’t spoil anything for you, but we do expect the HEA when reading romances). Possession is a great paranormal, and anyone tired of the standard romance will enjoy this unusual twist on a good ‘who-done-it’ idea.”
Sizzing Hot Book Reviews
“Author Linda Mooney has written a new and interesting book. Possession is definitely not the same old thing. This is such a unique storyline with so many unexpected twists and turns, that I recommend once you begin you plan to read it right through to the end.”
Whipped Cream Reviews
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
RHEA 41070
TwoLips Reviewer’s Choice Award
“Linda Mooney is one of my top five favorite authors, but occasionally she’ll write a book that I have to, if not struggle through the opening several chapters, keep turning page after page in hopes of getting to the real nitty-gritty of the story, at which time I know the book will take off in leaps and bounds.
Rhea 41070 is one of those books. The first three chapters are devoted to extensive world building, setting the scene and 9
flavor of what’s to come, plus extensive character development that you’ll be glad to have a feel for when the real kickass action starts tearing up the pages. Be prepared for some bloody scenes in this book, plus the last few chapters that will dig deep and pull so much emotion from you that you’ll need a box of tissues handy.”
TwoLips Reviews
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
A DIFFERENT YESTERDAY
“The author gives outstanding and vivid detail so the reader can feel they are in the story experiencing what the characters experience. I truly enjoyed ( A Different Yesterday) and would recommend it anyone needing a great book to curl up with.”
Reviews by Nora
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
FROM OUT OF THE SHADOWS
“This was a very well written novel and it had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading it. The love scenes were sensual, erotic and just graphic enough for me to be able to imagine what it would be like to have Croat make love to me. I really enjoyed From Out of the Shadows and would not hesitate to read another story by the author of such an enchanting story.”
Happily Ever After Reviews
10
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
RUNNER’S MOON SERIES
“Wow! Runner’s Moon: Challa Book 4 has to be one of the best science fiction romances I’ve had the pleasure of reading this year!”
Coffee Time Romance
” Challa is one of those books you just can’t put down, but of course it is; it’s a Linda Mooney book! Like everything she writes, this story is captivating from beginning to end, but then, frankly I think Ms. Mooney could draw you into a scene about taking out the garbage. She’s just that kind of writer.
Her plots are riveting, and she makes you feel her characters, right down to their toenails.”
Two Lips Reviews
Joyfully Recommended
“Fantastic Sci-Fi story is the first thing that comes to mind when I tell people about ( Runner’s Moon book 3) Simolif.”
Joyfully Reviewed
“Go, Ms. Mooney, Go. I am thoroughly intrigued by the species she has invented and am hooked on reading how they adapt to the human race and lifestyles (in Runner’s Moon: Tiron book 2).”
Joyfully Reviewed
“Be warned, though. If you have n
ot read the first book yet, odds are you will want to after reading ( Runner’s Moon: Tiron book 2).”
Coffee Time Romance
11
Top Pick Recommended Read
” Runner’s Moon: Jebaral ( book 1)is an exciting and passionate romance that leaves you anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.”
Romance Reader at Heart
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
THE THUNDER SERIES
“In this reviewer’s humble opinion, no one writes more touching, heartfelt romances (like Wings of Thunder) than Linda Mooney. She can haul you right into the story and make you feel her characters’ desires, happiness, passion and sadness better than any author I’ve ever read.”
Two Lips Reviews
Fallen Angel Reviews Recommended Read
“The powerful and sensual sex scenes between Annie and Rion (in Passion of Thunder) add a deep, abounding passion to their devoted relationship. Rion’s commitment to Annie drew me to him more than any fictional hero ever has.”
Fallen Angel Reviews
“I will never look at a thunderstorm quite the same again.
Lord of Thunder isn’t just a play on words; it describes the main character of this fascinating new novel.
A story of strength, determination, and love told with characters as rich as the Montana setting. Raw, intense and satisfying, are words that both describe the story and the romance. Reading Linda’s work is an escape like no other.
12
Reading romance, always a guilty pleasure has now become a real joy!”
Renee’s Book Talk, Blog Talk Radio
Two Lips Reviews Recommended Read
“I devoured this book, alternately smiling and shedding tears along the way. I guarantee that readers will want to read this book over and over again.”
Two Lips Reviews
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
MY STRENGTH, MY POWER, MY LOVE
“The premise of this Science Fiction / Romance novel caught me off guard. I was blown away and completely enamored with the idea. Linda Mooney takes you on a beautiful journey to the stars and beyond. She has a wonderful ability for writing stunningly beautiful scenes and the expertise for making an emotional connection through her characters. She is a talented and powerful writer and I highly recommend My Strength, My Power, My Love. It is a necessary read for all lovers of science fiction or romance.”
Renee’s Book Talk, Blog Talk Radio
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
HEARTCRYSTAL
“Linda Mooney has done a top notch job of world building.
You get a story that will make you laugh a little but mostly it 13
will twist your heartstrings to pieces. You may want to keep a box of Kleenex nearby while reading ( HeartCrystal).”
The Romance Studio
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
HEARTFAST
PNR Reviewer Top Pick
“( HeartFast is) Well worth the time to readâ��which won’t be too long, as you won’t be able to put it down!”
ParaNormalRomance Reviews
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
SANDEFLAY
Outstanding Read
“( Sandeflay is a) Great book, a definite keeper.”
Simply Romance Reviews
” Sandeflay is an absolutely stunning read by Ms. Mooney.”
Romance Junkies
14
Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid:
www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com
Runner’s Moon Book 1: Jebaral
Runner’s Moon Book 2: Tiron
Runner’s Moon Book 3: Simolif
Runner’s Moon Book 4: Challa
Sandeflay
HeartFast
HeartCrystal
My Strength, My Power, My Love
Lord of Thunder
Passion of Thunder
Wings of Thunder
From Out of the Shadows
Rhea 41070
A Different Yesterday
Possession
The Tub (written as Gail Smith)
Cut Glass: Jewels, Book 1: Diamond
15
Chapter 1
Filed Under “Integration”
By any conventional standards, the Vogt ship was of average size. But to Lawn Bascomb, it was huge. More importantly, it was hers. All hers, and only hers.
She hungrily eyed the sleek outer details, scarcely taking in the more minute distinctions which signified this particular Vogt as belonging to her. Honestly speaking, she was too damn nervous. Like a virgin at her deflowerment, all she could concentrate on was the outward silvery beauty of the ovoid vessel. On being in the presence of this one-man ship, and knowing she was The One Man. There was no thought of the mission that was to come.
“G.E. Officer Bascomb, please report to landing deck eight.
G.E. Officer Bascomb, please report to landing deck eight.”
I’m already here. Idiots.
Her personal opinion of the eggheads who ran the Galactic Enforcement Bureau was one she had no choice but to keep to herself. It had taken her four long and unbelievably hard years to finally reach her goal. In the process, she had taken a shitload of crap and had been treated repeatedly like a third-class citizen. But she had endured, suffered, prayed, and finally managed to wrangle herself onto the list of Galactic Enforcers. It was a very exclusive list. One that many people argued was not so much a list of self-important space jockeys as it was a ticket to a lifetime of psycho sessions.
16
Either way, Lawn was happy to have finally made it.
Staring at her new assignment, she could allow herself to breathe freely, think freely, and ultimately live freely without the government dictating her every move. Now, and in the future.
Hey, there had to be some major rewards for putting one’s ass on the line for a full year in order to protect the planet.
This Vogt’s designated call sign was 2023 ACE. The fluorescent white numbers and letters ran like a banded belt around its midriff. Lawn vaguely remembered someone describing the deep space ships as looking like footballs, whatever those were. To her it resembled an egg that came to a rounded point at both ends. To her right she could make out the large viewing port of the bridge. Which meant the engines were to her left, hidden from sight until it was time to launch. Overall, the ship was a thing of absolute beautyâ��
ultra-functional, streamlined, unique, and it’s mine. All mine.
At least for the next year. Two years, actually, if she counted the six months she’d spend in sleep suspension going out to her post, and six months to return planetside.
“Officer Bascomb?”
The man’s sudden appearance startled her. Lawn took a step backwards and away from him, but not before giving him a dirty look. Two days ago, she wouldn’t have dared shown any sign of disrespect to a superior. But that was two days ago. A lot had happened since then.
“Captain Brune.”
Brune managed a lopsided grin. “Welcome to your assignment.”
17
Lawn noticed the man’s quick glance at her face before he averted his eyes. After all this time, the guy still couldn’t control himself? She refused to return the grin. “Thanks. Are you my send-off pilot?”
“Your send-off and your contact.”
Well, hell. Maybe I should be a little nicer then. Lawn started to apologize when Brune held out an arm and waved in the ship’s direction.
“Why don’t you go aboard and introduce yourself?” he asked.
Another surprise. “I can?”
Her SOP chuckled. “Of course, you can. Your clearance came in this morning. And after all, it is your ship. Go ahead and let it tag you. Get that much over with, but try not to stay too long. Remember, evening roll call is at eighteen hundred sharp.”
She didn’t need to be offered twice. Giving the man a nod of thanks, Lawn started across the blacktop and heade
d directly for the wide center of the elliptically shaped vessel.
The closer she got, the more she could discern of the outer hull. It wasn’t silver in color, as she’d first believed, but more of a flat, light gray color that was nonreflective. It was difficult to see where any panels, identifying doors, or ports were located. In fact, she couldn’t find the outer hatch until the door opened up and a short flight of steps lowered to the ground.
She paused at the landing and stared up into the ship’s interior. A soft glow illuminated the way. “Hello?”
18
It was silly of her to call up into an empty ship, but she wanted to. She wanted to. It was her first attempt at doing something she wanted to do, and it had felt good. Very good.
Really good. In fact it almost felt too good to be true.
“Hello?”
Shit. This much freedom was almost worth all those years she’d climbed the officers’ ladder and been forced to hang on by her fingernails as hundreds tried to knock her off.
Why don’t you go aboard and introduce yourself?
Without a pass and a checkpoint? Or a supervisor observing her every move?
“Oh, hell, yeah,” Lawn murmured, smiling broadly. This was her ship, which meant it had to obey her. It had to follow her rules. Pass her inspections. And, more importantly, it had to do so for the entire year she was assigned to it.
The ladder ended at a wide center corridor. Behind her was a compartment containing a zero gravity oxygen suit.
Otherwise, the corridor ran seamlessly to her left and right.
Lawn took a deep breath. The paperwork was done, the orders had been approved, and all that was left was for her to take command of 2023 ACE. Although, officially, she wasn’t due to take possession and lift off until tomorrow. Well, I guess there’s no time like the present. She peered down the seemingly endless hallway. “Vogt Twenty Twenty-three ACE, respond.”
