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She can’t imagine a life without music…
Even as a little girl, Miranda Nolan loved to sing and dance, especially for her reclusive neighbor, a woman who was more like a second mother. She never expected to inherit her mentor’s estate and to have to put her career as a performer on hold. Even more confusing, she’s found herself settling affairs with co-claimant Russ Gerik, an interpreter who lost his hearing in a tragic bombing and struggles to find his way in a now-silent world. Unimaginable.
As the two work together to catalog the possessions of—and understand—a woman shrouded in mystery, they forge a powerful connection. But how long can their bond last when it’s not built on trust?
“I represent another claimant.”
“Another claimant?” Miranda asked. “I thought everything was settled.”
The lawyer shook his head. “I drew up a will for Ms. Radinski right after her former lawyers drafted the old one. You were not named in the new will apart from a few odds and ends, like the piano. I have an injunction to remove you from the house.”
Miranda sank into the closest chair. “Okay… What’s the next step?”
“The locks will be changed after you leave today,” Brett said. “You and my client will do the inventory together.”
Miranda bit her lip. For a split second she contemplated flying back to Manhattan, but then she stiffened her spine. She was going to fight this.
“I didn’t think Miss Virginia had any relatives. Who’s this other claimant?”
Brett gestured behind her and Miranda turned. Russ Gerik had walked into the living room. He smiled at Miranda.
For years, I’d been fascinated by an old house on my brother’s street that was owned by an elderly lady who was considered the hermit of the neighborhood. She kept two ancient cars in the driveway no one ever saw her drive—perhaps because fifteen felines were always draped over the hood or the roof! I took that house as a starting point and created the fictitious Miss Virginia.
I’d also wanted to create a character who was physically challenged. A good friend of mine has Stargardt’s disease, which brutally affects vision. Despite being legally blind (and unable to drive in a city not known for mass transit!) she started—and still directs—the Waco Children’s Theatre.
When I realized that many people who suffer disabilities or loss of limb because of the war in Afghanistan are thought to be “less than” or just weird, I decided to have my hero lose his hearing. Russ Gerik popped into my brain and whispered, “Use me! Love me!”
Russ became one of my favorite characters, and I hope readers will feel the same about him.
Flo
Legacy of Silence
Flo Fitzpatrick
was born in Washington, D.C., and spent her formative years moving across countries and oceans as an army brat. She has little memory of living in a château in France but firmly believes the Gothic setting sparked her love of romance and mystery (and mousse au chocolat!). A performer, teacher and choreographer, Flo holds degrees in dance and theater. She’s spent much of her adult life shuttling from Texas to New York and loves both states for their ability to spawn diverse and often extremely wacky characters.
Flo’s second novel, Hot Stuff, was nominated by RT Book Reviews as Best Romantic Suspense and, along with the paranormal novel Haunting Melody, has been optioned for film.
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For Linda Haskett, the brilliant and talented creator of the Waco Children’s Theatre, who has always embodied the spirit of a child with the wisdom of a prophet—and the loving heart of a loyal friend.
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