from Peg Cochran's Lucille series
Have you met Lucille and Flo yet? Lucille is a middle-aged Jersey housewife and Flo is her best friend and sidekick. You can follow all their adventures in my Lucille Series--Confession Is Murder, Unholy Matrimony, Hit and Nun, A Room with a Pew and Cannoli To Die For.
***
The bell
rang and I ran to answer it. Frankie
always tells me not to run, but I don’t want the person at the door to give up
and go away. Know what I mean?
I pulled
the door open. Flo was standing on the
front step. “Flo, are you ready?”
“Don’t I
look ready?” Flo said.
She was
dressed in a sleek, all-black jumpsuit and black spike-heeled suede boots.
“You look
like someone died,” I said, as Flo stepped into the foyer.
“It’s
called Black Friday for a reason, Lucille.”
“Well the
reason we’re going out at one o’clock in the morning to shop is to score one of
them Tweet Me Bluebird dolls for little Lucy for Christmas. You know how much Bernadette said she wanted
one.”
“I know,
and I’m ready. I heard a big shipment
was coming in tonight to Toys for Kids.”
Flo laced her fingers together and cracked her knuckles. “We’ve got to be ready, Lucille.”
“I’m
ready. I’m ready. Let’s go.”
It was cold
out, and I shivered as I slid into the passenger seat of Flo’s Mustang. I just hope we can get one of them dolls for
little Lucy. I don’t want no
disappointments on Christmas morning.
Fortunately
Jersey has got its share of malls so we headed toward the nearest Toys for
Kids.
“Sheesh,
Lucille, look at all the people.” Flo pointed toward the line snaking from the
front door of Toys for Kids. “We’ll
never score one of those dolls.”
“Sure we will,” I said. “Drive around toward the back of the store and the loading dock.”
“Sure we will,” I said. “Drive around toward the back of the store and the loading dock.”
“What are
we going to do?” Flo glanced at me.
“We’re
going to hijack the truck.”
“Have you
lost your mind, Lucille?”
“Listen. We’ll stop the truck, entice the driver out and take over. Pull the truck onto the loading dock and once we find one of them Tweet Me Bluebird dolls, we’ll grab it and take it to the cashier's counter.”
“Listen. We’ll stop the truck, entice the driver out and take over. Pull the truck onto the loading dock and once we find one of them Tweet Me Bluebird dolls, we’ll grab it and take it to the cashier's counter.”
“That does
sound exciting,” Flo said, checking her make-up in the rearview mirror. “Let’s go for it.”
We sat in
the parking lot until we saw the truck pulling in. Then we jumped out of the car and ran toward
it.
Flo knocked
on the driver's side window. “Yoo hoo.”
The driver
rolled down his window. “Yeah, lady?”
Flo posed
with her hand on her hip. “I’m having
some trouble with my car. I was
wondering if you could help me?” She
batted her eyelashes.
The driver
sighed, opened his door and followed Flo to where she’d left the Mustang.
I ran to
the truck, glad I’d worn a pair of sensible shoes, not like them heels Flo was
wearing.
I glanced
over my shoulder, but Flo was keeping the driver occupied real good. The driver had left his door open, so I
figured I’d hop in. I had a bit of
trouble on account of the truck was up so high.
Finally, I managed to get into the seat.
I’d never
driven a truck before but I’d been driving a car since my seventeenth birthday,
which was, let’s face it, a long time ago.
How hard could it be, right?
I managed
to get the truck in gear. I have to admit it kind of got away from me, and Flo
and the driver had to jump out of the way, but I managed to get it into the
loading bay.
Flo was
running toward me while the driver stood there with his mouth hanging
open. We managed to get the door to the
bay closed. We were in the back of the
truck, hunting for one of them Tweet Me Bluebird dolls for little Lucy when we
heard sirens.
“We’ve got
to get out of here, Lucille.”
“Give me
another minute. I’m sure they got one of
them dolls here somewhere.”
“We can
look for it later.”
“What do you mean later?”
“I mean the cops are coming, and the only way we’re getting out of here is if we take the whole truck with us.” Flo looked at me. “Do you want to drive?”
“What do you mean later?”
“I mean the cops are coming, and the only way we’re getting out of here is if we take the whole truck with us.” Flo looked at me. “Do you want to drive?”
“Nah, you
go ahead, Flo. It’ll be faster on
account of you have no respect for the speed limit.”
“Let’s go then.”
“Let’s go then.”
We busted
out of there as fast as we could. The
driver came running after us, but couldn’t catch us on account of Flo had the gas
pedal almost to the floor.
We
abandoned the truck in the parking lot next door figuring the cops would find
it pretty quick. I mean, one of the
commandments is thou shalt not steal, right?
In the end,
I did manage to find one of them Tweet Me Bluebird dolls, and I’m going back to
the store tomorrow to pay for it.
Meanwhile, we’re waiting till all the hubbub dies down and we can go
back for Flo’s Mustang.
I’m
freezing my butt off out here, hiding in some bushes, but it’ll be worth
it. Little Lucy is going to be so
surprised on Christmas morning.
Did you go shopping on Black Friday?
In early December, be on the lookout for the fifth book in my Lucille series, Cannoli to Die For!
AND NOW FOR THE SEAON'S READING GIVEAWAY!
One reader who comments below will win:
Iced to Death - from my Gourmet De-Lite series
A Fatal Slip - from my Sweet Nothings Vintage Lingerie Series (as Meg London)
Berry the Hatchet - from my Cranberry Cove Series
No Farm, No Foul - from my Farmer's Daughter Series
No Farm, No Foul - from my Farmer's Daughter Series
Please leave a comment by midnight Tuesday, November 28 including your email address. US residents only, please.
I’ve done the Black Friday shopping once and it was enough for me, not sure I’d do it again. I can’t wait to read this!! Thank You for the chance!!
ReplyDeletetiggercat24alisha@yahoo.com
That sounds like quite the adventure! I have gone shopping on Black Friday before, but I didn't go this year. Thank you so much for the chance to win!
ReplyDeletemagicgirl2357@yahoo.com
looking forward to Canoli to Fie For! Never shop on Black Friday!
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful. Black Friday shopping is not for me.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
I don't think that anything could entice me to shop on Black Friday! Looking forward to Cannoli to Die For. Casmith79 at aol dot com
ReplyDeleteI hate Black Friday shopping. I'm allergic to crowds, so I stay home and shop online. Will head out to the bookstore today, though. Kkcochran (at) hotmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteDang it! Where were you when I needed stuff for my boys!! This was a great idea! Now to browse online....
ReplyDeleteLucille and Flo sound like they would be a blast to be around - as long as they don't get caught. LOL Funny thing is with all the Black Friday stunts going on, I could very well see this taking place. :)
ReplyDeleteI have gone to Black Friday sales before. But I'm older now with health issues that would cause me to lose the speed and agility skills to succeed in getting the prize at the end of the blue light any more so I leave it to the younger ones. Thankfully as you get old and wiser hopefully you have a little bit more $ so that you can pay the extra for those grands special Christmas wishes.
Thank you for this amazing chance to win not one but FOUR amazing books. Awesome giveaway that someone will be fortunate to receive. Sure would love to be the one selected.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
I never shop on Black Friday. Of course, now that I'm using a cane, I might consider it. LOL What an amazing giveaway opportunity. Thanks! bobwiesmann [at] gmail [dot] com.
ReplyDeleteI did not do any Black Friday shopping. I did drive past the Mall taking my daughter to work. Does that count. LOL pwtish171@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWhen my children were little I would shop black Friday with friends, then go to breakfast. One year we took my husband along and had him stand in line while we brought our items to him. It worked out great and he was able to go to breakfast as well.
ReplyDeletemeg85242 at gmail dot com
I only go to Pet Smart on black Friday as they have the best price on cat litter. I stock up. And relax the rest of the day. Email is pandaluver32@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI don't go shopping on Black Friday, since I worked in retail for thirteen years. The crowds are too much.This is a great giveaway and a great way to get to know your books. Thank you! aut1063(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWe did go shopping on Black Friday, but not to the mall or big stores. We went to Pet Supplies Plus, an old fashioned dime store and a craft outlet. No crowds, but some good sales.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
I've never done any Black Friday shopping since I don't like crowds. I would like to "meet" Lucille and Flo---so I hope I can win your drawing.
ReplyDeletesuefarrell.farrell@gfmail.com
I don't do Black Friday shopping. The crowds and lines are crazy. marierauch@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI have never gone shopping on Black Friday, always worked it. I have stayed up all night to buy a Hatcnhimal and an NES... more than once(buying for both kids and other family members). A tasty cannoli would have helped me get through the night. Lol. This is an amazing giveaway, thank you! konecny7(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteAwesome giveaway. Thank you so much for the chance to win!
ReplyDeletecjreynolds52(at)comcast(dot)net
Cannoli to Die for sounds awesome.
ReplyDeleteI didn't go Black Friday shopping this year since I didn't see anything I was really interested in. We wouldn't have had the money for me to go anyway. Things are tight right now.
Thanks so much for the chance!
jackielizn(at)gmail(dot)com
I love cannoli, and these books look delightful. Thanks for the opportunity. browninggloria(at) hotmail(dot) com
ReplyDeleteCannoli's really are to die for some days. I'm looking forward to getting a copy of it to read. Peg Cochran's books are such a great read and the variety of series means you can never get bored. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi Peg! I love Black Friday shopping, but only from the comfort of my chair and computer.....I used to go out to the stores, but stopped about 10 years ago when things started to get really crazy. This year some stores (Macy's in particular for me) started their Black Friday pricing on Wednesday so I took advantage of that. Happy Sunday! Nicole :-)
ReplyDeletenicolev.girldetective@gmail.com
I had to go to work on Black Friday, but even if I had the day off I wouldn't venture near any store. No thank you. You can keep those crowds. I did go out on Small Business Saturday-a country store in the middle of nowhere and it was mobbed too! I have taken advantage of many online deals...even though my Christmas shopping was basically done. Can't pass up a bargain though!
ReplyDeletecozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com
These all sounds wonderful. I have gone Black Friday shopping before but it is just not worth it. Don't plan on ever doing it again. Now Cyber Monday is a different story... brichardson0056(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh this series sounds hilarious! On my to-be-read list for sure! I do not shop black friday until the crazy part is done. ;)lynneandco@comcast dot net
ReplyDeleteDelightful and special. Would enjoy this greatly. I don't shop Black Friday. Thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWonderful giveaway. This would be so fun. I never shop Black Friday. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYou go, Flo! And Lucille!
ReplyDeletelibbydodd at comcast dot net
Those cannolis look so delicious I'm getting hungry! I actually did attempt to go shopping on Black Friday this weekend for the first time in years. The item I wanted was sold out. It was a good reminder to stay home next year! mbradeen@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteWe did most of our shopping Dat and Sunday
ReplyDeletesgiden at verizon(.)net
I went to the bookstore and grocery store on Black Friday.
ReplyDeletejtcgc at yahoo dot com
We shop on Black Friday for our Xmas list. Thanks for the chance. Maceoindo (at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI did some online shopping, however, I'm not finished yet.
ReplyDeleteturtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com
Have never shopped black friday. A family tradition is to watch the end of the year closeouts. Most is cheaper than the majority of black friday deals. Mom always kept in close touch with relatives and coming needs were anticipated and bought throughout the year when they came on sale. No fuss. No hassle. No bills run up. She did the same with the November and December holiday meals. They were made throughout the year as the ingredients came on sale. Dressing freezes well, for instance. No fuss. No muss. Just relax, share, and enjoy family and friends. Della at deepotter (at) peoplepc (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI briefly shopped on Black Friday. Mostly just the pet and craft stores, so it wasn't too bad. I don't like being out in crowds of people anymore and this year I made a lot of my gifts. Thanks for the chance to win! mcastor07(at)gmail(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteNo Black Friday for me. I have finished all my Christmas shopping so would not have needed anything if I would ever do such a crazy thing, lol. No chance. Thanks for the amazing prize pack and the chance to win it. kayt18 (at) comcast (dot) net
ReplyDeleteNo Black Friday shopping for me! I went to see Murder on the Orient Express. Very entertaining. Lucille and Flo seem like quite a pair. I’d love to get to know them. I can’t believe some efficient folks are already finished with holiday shopping. Thanks for the giveaway. Lldawnjm (at) gmail (dot) com. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteI did Black Friday once, it was enough. Thank-you for this awesome chance.
ReplyDeletekckendler at gmail dot com
I only shopped online this Black Friday. Thanks so much for the chance!
ReplyDeleteeswright18 at gmail dot com
I walk with a cane. I'd get run over for sure.I get a big kick out of these interviews with story characters. Thanks for this opportunity. jluebke(at)frontier(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI very seldom shop on Black Friday as I can't stand the crowds. It better be something really cheap that I need to get me to consider it. Thank you for the chance. ematov at comcast dot net
ReplyDeleteI've done Black Friday shopping before and I would do it again! I enjoy it. There's so much energy and yes, some of it is negative, but I can try and ignore that. Unfortunately it wasn't in the cards this year though. :( Thanks for the chance to win. robbfan141729(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI don't fight the Black Friday crowds! Ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI went out on Black Friday once then promised myself never again, what a madhouse and this was before it was even a thing or officially known as Black Friday! I much prefer BF shopping online or at local small shops. Thank you for the chance in such an amazing giveaway!
ReplyDeleteLove your different series, so thanks for the giveaway. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMy shopping is all done sitting comfortably by my computer. Wouldn't have it any other way! anajs95(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a good read. Better than actually shopping on black friday!
ReplyDeleteno black friday shopping here.....can't handle the crowds. Thank you for the chance to win these titles!!
ReplyDeletejohnnabooks(at)hotmail(dot)com
When I was younger I did shop on Black Friday, but no more. Now we shop for Christmas presents all year round and have time to read during the months of Nov. and Dec. Thank you for the contest.
ReplyDeleteLibraryLady80 at gmail dot com I also go by judy! ;-)
I do not do Black Friday! What a cool giveaway! Thank you so much! nani_geplcs@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteDon't shop on Black Friday. Would rather stay in and read and would love to read this book. Thanks! Sand1948@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI take my kids every year... we really don't go for big ticket items. We get Starbucks, people watch, tell stories & jokes, I get the family Christmas PJ's & the best part is we load up on kitty litter, dog beds & pet sweaters, lol! For us it's more about hanging out & just extending the time together before the 3 oldest go back home.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays~
Kelly Braun
Gaelicark(at)yahoo(dot)com
I shop on Black Friday and throughout the year from the comfort of my computer!
ReplyDeleteruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
I love Cranberry Cove and I'm sure I will love your other books as well! Foodie cozy mysteries are my favorite genre!
ReplyDeletecolleen1967@comcast.net
I don't Black Friday shop. I have never enjoyed the thought and it was worse when our son had to be in to work on Thanksgiving day at noon til midnight. I feel sorry for the workers. I stay home and watch our grandson and cartoons.
ReplyDeleteourbutton@yahoo.com
LOL - I rode along with a friend to Thursday night shopping so he could buy a kayak. I sat in the warm car in the parking lot and people watched. The store only had three kayaks but he did snare the last one. Good thing we lived close as they made us take it immediately. No time to clean out the always stuffed car.
ReplyDeleteOh, my email is wismomworks AT gmail DOT com
ReplyDeleteI work on Black Friday so don't even try to shop. schmokercarol@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI spent Black Friday making all my Christmas lists! Gifts, baking, decorating. Now, to get them done!! magoss51@aol,com
ReplyDeleteI don't shop on Black Friday. I did do some shopping on Cyber Monday though.
ReplyDeleteThese books all sound great. I love the Cranberry Cove series. Thanks for the chance to win. No Black Friday shopping for me!! ljbonkoski@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteBlack Friday is a tradition with my mom and I. We get up at the crack of dawn and hit the stores! Typically I'm also pretty much done with Christmas shopping by the time we're done, which is great. Sadly, not the case this year. I still have lots ahead of me but it was a fun time! Thanks for the chance to win too!
ReplyDeleteawilcox1182@gmail.com