Rachel Reid: Books Novels & Stories

REID: I’m starting to realize how much I hate paperwork. I’ve got a pile unattended to and I’m certain it will be that way until the motivation kicks in. As for the motivation, it doesn’t look like it’s going to come in anytime soon. Perhaps I should have joined the warriors to hunt down the intruder they told me about. It could have taken my mind off this tedious work. Wonder if they did catch the intruder because I haven’t heard anything from them yet since they began the hunt.

The isolation that had once been about survival was now about peace. Raven sat on the porch swing, a laptop balanced on her knees as she worked on the book that had become her passion project. The working title was "Justice Served Cold: A Story of Redemption and Revenge," though she was still debating whether to publish it under her real name or maintain the fiction of Raven Steele.

“Something outrageous. With a pulley system and a trapdoor. Something that says ‘adventure’ and ‘home’ all at once.” She smiled, her heart a warm, full ache in her chest. This was the man she had married. Not the besieged strategist, but the builder of treehouses. “I got a letter today,” she said softly. “From Rachel Mirren.” She felt him go still. “And?” “She’s written a book. About power, coercion, and the failure of institutions. She wants to dedicate it to ‘the resilience of survivors.’ She asked for our blessing.” The ghost of their old life, reaching out in the form of a dedication. Not a threat, but an acknowledgment.

The reason was simple: Jazell was very cunning; every word she uttered always had a hidden meaning. Rachael had only spent a few months with her, and she could already write a book about her. "I wouldn't say so myself; a stolen necklace isn't a trivial issue." Racheal said, retracting her gaze to the book in her hand, she was aiming at something. "However, you seem to be enjoying watching them get on each other's nerves." She commented, flipping a page of the book she was reading. "Don't be puerile, Racheal..." Jazell purred, staring at an invisible dirt on her pedicure.

If you get upset, I don't mind firing someone for you. "Now you scared them." Claire stated laughing. "Relax, I'm reasonable. I won't let him fire anyone if it's not fair." I stated. "Who's a fan of Raquel's work here?" Everyone raised their hands except for Rustin and James. "Seriously?" "I love my wife but I don't read romantic books." Rustin replied. "I don't expect men to read my books. It's catered towards women." I added. "James bought several copies of my books but he hasn't read a single book."

If I need companionship, I should just get a dog. “Hiking Machu Pichu. Attending Carnivale in Rio de Janeiro. Cliff-diving at Maunawili Falls. Backpacking in Europe.” Rachel closed the folder and set it on the table beside her, swiveling her plush leather chair towards Caitlyn. “And an MD/PhD in Molecular Genomics.” Uncertain what she was supposed to say, Caitlyn lifted one shoulder in a slight shrug and nodded. “For as quiet of a woman as you are, you’re quite an adventurer.”

Tay asks and looks at me. “Oh no” Rachel realizes Tay didn’t know about me being the best-selling author, and I clear my throat. “Um, Rachel is the one who published my book when I was still in school.” I tell him. “You have a published book?” he asks with his eyes wide open. “Yep, and she is the best-selling author ever since her book was published. I’m sure you have heard of a book called ‘Behind closed doors?” Rachel asks Tay and his mouth half opens.

Something had to be done. Rachel was waiting with a bright smile for them. “Hi, Bonnie! Thank you for coming to sit with us.” She said, then gestured to the dark-haired girl with her. “This is Molly and I’m Miss Rachel.” Molly stood excitedly. “Hello! Do you want to read with me?” Bonnie nodded tentatively and joined her on the bench. The teachers stood aside, chatting quietly as Molly pointed to different things in her book. “I like your earrings.” Bonnie said shyly.

he talked to himself. “Mama, look what I brought!” Sky exclaimed while showing the book in her arms. Hunter and Rachel spontaneously turned around. “What is it, Honey?” Rachel asked as she filled her plate. “Uncle Ed's wife's travel journal! Do you remember, Mama? I once told you that her wife also had a journal like me. Uncle Ed was kind enough to lend it to me. How about you read this book to me tonight?" Rachel froze. Her eyes trembled at the plain brown cover. She didn't remember ever seeing the thick book, but a strange feeling tickled her chest.

When my shift ended, I found myself walking toward the corner table where Kael sat, his laptop closed now, a book in his hands. I stopped short when I saw the cover. ‘Knot We Cannot Untie.’ That was the book he was holding. I can't believe that Kael would be reading one of Linda Lively’s books. “You read… this?” I said, the surprise evidently in my voice. Kael looked up, one brow raised. “Why? You think I only read racing magazines and bank statements?” I gave a small laugh. “Chill bro. It’s just… not what I was expecting ”