SHARON POPPEN
Author
Blog
Website Design by Denise Cassino - wizardlywebdesigns.com
Contest
WIN A $15 Amazon.Com Gift Certificate
Liz Denisty knew that Bennie didn't kill Hannah because he believed that she was crazy and that if you kill crazy people, they come back to haunt you. She was awarded a $15 Amazon gift certificate for her answer. To win the next $15 Amazon certificate, the new question is 'What was Hannah eating when she met Liam?' The other question about the Farrell brothers can remain the same.
- or -
What was the all important goal pursued by the Farrell Brothers in Sharon Poppen's novel 'After the War, Before the Peace.
The first correct answer to either question wins a signed copy of 'Hannah', a western romance and adventure tale.' Use the most recent blog 'comments' to submit your answer.
Reader Olivia Miller knew that in the novel 'Hannah' when Hannah accuses Liam of having the biggest something she has ever seen, she is referring to his appetite. Ms. Miller received a $15 Amazon.com gift certificate for the correct answer.
Featured Story
by
Sharon Poppen
ASSIGNED SPOTS
"Don, hurry. They'll be sounding the second Poll Siren in minutes."
"He won't come." Don stood in the doorway of his grandfather's bedroom. "You go, I'll drag him if I have to."
"I don't want to leave without you."
"Please. Patti, you've got to think about the kids. Get out on our spots. I'll be along in time. I promise. Go."
Patti took a few steps toward her husband. "Don, he got your father and mother killed with his urgings to fight the New Order."
"We don't know for sure that they're dead. Maybe they made it."
There was no time to debate. Patti tried another approach. "Look, he's never going to accept the United World Governing Board. Maybe it's better if we just leave him be."
"No! He's my grandfather." His eyes begged for understanding. "Go, take care of the kids. I'll be along."
She wanted to argue, but sighed with resignation. Don heard her call out to the kids as he turned toward the old man.
"Go," growled his grandfather. "They'll be doing their count shortly. Go, like the rest of them cowards that used to be Americans."
"Grandpa, they aren't cowards. They watch out for us. They could report you to the --"
"The Nazi's."
"Grandpa, they aren't Nazi's."
"Oh, that's right. These days they're called the United World Peace Governing Force." He inched his hand under his mattress.
Don grabbed his wrist. "No. Leave that gun alone. Or, I'll take it away. I mean it, Grandpa. I've got Patti and the kids to think about."
"Then think about them. Think they like living in Zone 5, Area 6, District 8, Block 2, House 12?"
"It's all they know Grandpa. Your world, your time has passed. There's no more U.S., no Arizona, no Tucson, no Guadalupe Street. It’s been gone for almost fifty years. It's one world now. Don't make it hard on the rest of us."
Before the old man could answer, the second Poll Siren sounded.
"Look we only have a few minutes before the monthly census and accounting shot is taken. If that satellite picture doesn't show us on our assigned spots out front, the Enforcers will come for an audit. Please. For Patti's sake, for the kids sake. Come."
Don took his grandfather's arm, but was brushed aside. "I'm old. I’m tired of fighting them. I want to die an American. I can't wait any longer. I’m going to try to make it to one of the rebel camps over in New Mexico. Now, I’m begging you for the last time, come with me."
"Grandpa, the answer is still no. I can't risk the lives of my family."
Their eyes met. Don glanced away first, unable to meet the disappointment laced into the sadness of the old brown eyes. He walked to the door, turned and watched his grandfather get the gun and put it into a small duffle bag.
"I'll be gone by the time you get back into the house. The surveillance shots will pick me up walking away, so you, Patti and the kids shouldn't be held responsible. Tell them I'm just a crazy old coot. By the time they do the count next month, hopefully, I'll be with the insurgents."
Before Don could answer, he heard Patti screaming that he only had a couple minutes left to get to his spot. He turned. With his back to his grandfather, he said his farewell. "Take care of yourself. I love you. I'm sorry." Don fought to control the bile in his stomach as he made his way to his spot."
The third Poll Siren sounded as almost every inhabitant of Zone 5, Area 6, District 8 stood in silence to be identified and counted. The undulating blare lasted a full five minutes. Don held his wife's hand, glanced at his children, then focused on the empty spot that would bring the Enforcers for a visit.
He didn't even realize he was speaking out loud until he heard Patti gasp at his, "I wonder if Patti would even consider New Mexico."
The End
Coming 2qtr 2010 - Sharon's latest book:
Abby - Finding More than Gold
