Death Hereafter

by Jacqueline Seewald

About the Author: Fifteen of my books of fiction have been published including seven mystery novels for Five Star/Gale/Cengage. My short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in hundreds of publications such as: SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY MAGAZINE, OVER MY DEAD BODY!, THE GUMSHOE REVIEW, THE WRITER, THE L.A. TIMES, PEDESTAL, SURREAL, LIBRARY JOURNAL, READER’S DIGEST, AFTER DARK and PUBLISHERS WEEKLY. I’ve also won multiple awards for fiction (both novels and short stories), poetry and plays.

Excerpt

Laura Norris was more than a little nervous about meeting Don’s mother for the first time; after all, Sigrid Wallace was a well-known actress. Back in the day, she’d been a world famous beauty and a super-star. As they approached the living room of the elegant beach house hand-in-hand, Laura observed that a heated discussion was in progress.

“Mother, I don’t see why you can’t part with some of your precious money, especially now when we need it so badly.”  Although the chic woman speaking was well into her thirties, her voice was childishly petulant.

“I am not a bank. Elizabeth, I told you before; you’ll have it all to divide between the three of you when I’m gone.”

“That can’t be soon enough for me!”  A glass of vodka sloshed uncertainly onto a mahogany end table as Elizabeth hurried from the parlor.

“Mother Wallace, please excuse Liz: she’s not herself today. Things have been tight for us financially of late.”

The well-groomed man spoke in a cultured but affected tone of voice. His manner was affable but patronizing. “Confidentially, my investments have plummeted.”

“What investments would that be? Jeffrey, you and my daughter lead frivolous lives, always partying and jet-setting. You’ve gone through my daughter’s trust fund. It’s time you settled down and worked for a living.”

Jeffrey lifted an accusatory finger. “Don’t tell me how to live my life.”    

“Then don’t ask me for money.”

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