Title- Sesame Swallow, Private Investigator
By- D. Scott Meek
Publication Date- November 13, 2013
Genre- Romance/
Mystery/Comedy
Blurb-
Looking for a chance to make a name for herself, Sesame Swallow, wanna-be Baltimore private eye, finds herself in the midst of her first real case and on a slipperier slope than usual to danger.
If Nancy Drew had come of age in the modern world, worn eye-popping short skirts and stilettos and drank Johnny Walker Black with the best of them, she would have been Sesame Swallow, a late-twenties party girl with an oral fetish straight from the not-so-hallowed halls of a local college and looking to make a splash in the shady world of private investigation. After months of questioning her career move, Sesame finally lands her first case: find a missing person, the web-famous wife of a local entrepreneur and wealthy businessman, but she'll need to get her hands and her knees dirty to do the deed. A raunchy, laugh-out-loud adventure, this first in a series of seductive mysteries finds our sexy heroine doing what she does best: whatever must be done to whomever she must do it.
"I really enjoyed reading Sesame Swallow, there was a dark twist in the story line that just drew you in. The sex scenes were hot, and the connection to the characters was pretty deep. This story also brings to light a global crime that some may not even be aware of-human trafficking. I think it takes talent, like D. Scott Meek's, to bring a very real problem into a fictional story and make it work."
- Thom Cahir, author of "911 Avenged"
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Excerpt:
Sesame tracks down some of the missing person's friend at the local strip club. She needs information, and she gets more than she bargains for, but it comes at a price.
*****
I looked up when a shadow fell over me, and Ariel was there in a tiny baby doll top that did almost nothing to hide her massive mammaries, the smallest pair of turquoise panties I'd ever seen and knee-high patent leather boots that I suddenly desperately needed. Her hair was jet black with a hint, I thought, of purple. Her eyes were blue ice, and when they looked at me, I was suddenly left feeling inadequate. She smiled and put out her hand. I leaned up when I shook it and inhaled. She smelled like coconut, like a piña colada, what I would be drinking if I were in Cozumel instead of a strip club in the fucking B on a rainy Sunday.
"Hi," she said with a smile like a ray of sunshine. I watched her size me up, and unlike most women, she seemed perfectly at ease with what she saw, even pleasantly pleased. I imagined it was hard to be envious of other women when you looked like she did; if I'd been a guy, I would have shoved me out of the way to get to her - no doubt. And she seemed nice. So far, so good. Maybe not a total loss.
"Hi," I replied, swallowing. "I'm Swallow, Sesame Swallow. I'm a private investigator."
"Oh, I know, hon. Elektra filled me in. She said you wanted to talk?" Her smile remained in place, she held eye contact, and her voice was easy and inviting. She had a great personality for the business.
"Yeah, is that cool? I just have some questions about your friend Lindsay." I indicated the seat next to me where Elektra had been sitting, but she didn't flinch.
"That's cool, hon, but I'm working today, and I need to look like I'm making some bills, you know? I can help you if you can help me, you know?"
It took me a second, but then I got it. I nodded, and she immediately extended a hand, which I didn't hesitate to take. It seemed she knew exactly what was going to happen in this exchange and I was just playing catch-up. "Just leave your stuff here, hon, and follow me. No one will mess with it."
Confident, inviting, alluring and assuring - she was a master, and I came right out of my seat to follow her to the back room. "K," I said. I gunned the last of the Johnny Walker and went along for the ride.
It was time for a private dance, which made me wonder - did she have something really juicy to tell me or was she just wanting to get paid while she did her part for her friend? I hoped for the former. I needed more of a clue than I'd gotten from Elektra. Just one clue, I knew, could break the case wide open, and then I could start to get that sense of real job satisfaction that had seemed to be lacking since I started this career. No more cheating boyfriends and skulking around downtown hotels. Credibility - it was within my grasp.
A moment later my grasp was centered on a very large pair of tits as Ariel pushed me down into a private seating area and put my hands on her massive mounds. "Girls can touch. Nobody minds. But boys - hell no." She smiled and straddled me as something with a smooth beat came on and she began to grind her body against me. I opened my mouth to speak, trying to remember my line of questions, but she pressed in on me and my face was suddenly lost in her cleavage - coconut heaven! I inhaled the dream, luxuriated in the smoothness of her skin and before I realized it, my lips were pressed against her, laying a series of tiny kisses between her breasts, my hands moving on to find her perfect round ass, straining against the urge to yank on the g-string there and rip it from her hips. Before I even realized what I was doing, she dropped her head and her lips were crushing mine, her tongue inside my mouth, and all thoughts of the first question I had for her were gone. Lindsay who?
I was lost, floating in a jumbled fusion of sound, smell and taste, and somewhere in the very center of the pleasure cloud forming around me, I could feel that terrible, delicious ache rearing its needy head. Ariel pushed me and punished me, her body grinding in ways that left me feeling like I was missing an integral part of myself as a woman, left me feeling that I must have been mistaken all these years and perhaps I was really a man. Was this what it felt like to be a dude at a strip club? I'd been to this place dozens of times, and I'd had my mostly drunken fun and thrown my dollars around, and I'd had my share of lap dances, even a private room session with a friend who wanted us both to go back, but never had I experienced the blissful satisfaction that I was feeling at that moment. Ariel was as pure as the driven snow with a heart as black as coal, earning every dollar I knew I would pay, and she must have sensed my need because she didn't let up, her mouth on my neck and then suddenly her nipples pushing against my lips.
I groaned as she grinded, falling deeper into the seat as she put the music to shame and pressed her belly to my face for the shower of kisses that she must have known would come. I didn't disappoint, my mouth against her tropical-flavored skin, my tongue finding her belly button - an innie - and then my kisses at the top edge of the tiny triangle of turquoise. I could smell her arousal as strongly as I could feel mine, and if she had pulled the little path of cloth to the side, I would have happily pressed my face into her wetness. I prayed silently that she would, and then suddenly the music stopped and she leaned back, her heavy breathing matching mine, her eyes locked onto mine, and smiled.
"Oh, that was fun, huh?" She giggled and reached for her top, standing up and slipping it on over her head and those miracle tits as if nothing had happened. All I could do was watch, a little pout undoubtedly on my face. "You are so pretty and smell so good; I just couldn't help myself. I hope you don't mind."
"I -," I stammered like an idiot. It was official; I'd become a guy. "Thanks." I was sure I was blushing, and I was absolutely sure if she'd asked me to go home with her right that moment, I would have agreed. She was a top-shelf stripper for Christ's sake! She was supposed to make you lose your shit, and I had lost mine. "You were…like wow." And then I knew I'd completely transformed into a man. I couldn't speak, and I was ready to come in my pants.
She giggled, and I couldn't help watching her tits jiggle.
"So, you had some questions for me, right, hon?" She was on to business before I could even get there myself, and I knew I was done for the day. Before I could even nod, she went on. "Well, you know, I'm working, so can we do this later? We are short-handed today, and that was three songs, so I'm going to have to get back on the main stage in a couple of minutes, and I need time to change and freshen up. Okay?" She seemed honestly apologetic, a little "I'm so sorry" half-smile on her face, innocence personified, as if she had no idea she'd almost changed my gender in one private dance.
"Yeah, sure," I managed. "Let me give you my card, and when you are ready, give me a call. This is important though, so please don't wait too long. The sooner we find Lindsay, the better, right?"
Ariel nodded, suddenly solemn, and took the card that was proffered. She looked at it for a minute, and then tucked into that tiny turquoise triangle, and I nearly sighed. So close. "Okay, I have to run, hon. That was five songs, so it'll be an even three fifty."
Book Soundtrack:
Sesame, as it states up front, is a party girl. She loves to go out, have fun, and get her drink on, which as we know is Johnny Walker Black. That is, she's serious. It's not about going out to impress boys, look for love, or create drama. Sesame is not interested in any of that. Impressing boys is a waste of time; Sesame is confident and happy with herself, so they'll be impressed or they won't be - it's not her problem. She isn't looking for love; she's been down enough bad roads to worry about that journey. Sesame wants to play, and boys love when a girl has her own agenda and not only wants what she wants but is not afraid to go get it. And Sesame isn't about drama. Leave that to the other girls; she has better things to do than point fingers - can result in broken nails and broken noses, pout - causes wrinkles, and play the game - too many people are playing it. Sesame just wants to dance.
Her playlist, whether it's when she's getting ready to go out or waiting for that perfect song at the club, is pretty solid:
Far East Movement - Like a G6
Justin Timberlake - Mirrors
Justin Timberlake/Jay Z - Suit & Tie
Britney Spears - It's Britney, Bitch
Kendrick Lamar - Swimming Pool
Beyonce - Run The World
Beyonce - Single Ladies
Pitbull - Feel This Moment
Day 'N Nite - Kid Cudi
Pink - Raise Your Glass
Taio Cruz - Break Your Heart
Ke$ha - We Are Who We Are
Feeling Love - Paula Cole
Every Girl in the World - Young Money
Swedish House Mafia - Miami 2 Ibiza
Commander - Kelly Rowland
Rumor Has It - Adele
Lady Gaga - Applause
Battle Scars - Guy Sebastian & Lupe Fiasco
Let's Go - Calvin Harris
Character Bios:
There's really only one main character in the book, but two other characters have a lot of influence on Sesame, so I've included them. To be honest, as I was writing this, I didn't really have much of a sense of who these people were or where they came from. It all developed as I went along. I write by the seat of my pants, as they say, so I just go with an idea or a picture in mind and let it develop organically. That said, after now finishing the book, I have a pretty good idea of who Sesame is, Bea included because she is going to be a staple in the series, and of course Howard Rains. I'm reluctant to say too much about anyone else though for two reasons: 1) the details of the other characters are explained as part of the story because Sesame must discover them for herself as part of her investigation; 2) as this is a mystery, I don't want to give away too much. The goal, of course, is to leave the reader wondering "whodunnit", and after a couple of reviews I think I did that very well.
That said, here's a bit about our main character and her two biggest influencers:
Sesame Swallow
Sesame is a late 20's party girl with an emphasis on party. We learn over the first couple of chapters that she had some aspirations and was even willing to do whatever it took to achieve them, but things don't always work out no matter how long your legs are or how good your oral skills. Sesame is getting desperate now; she needs a case to come her way that will put her on the map in Baltimore, or at least keep her from having to move back home. She's a graduate of Towson State University in Baltimore, a former athlete, and a product of a central California upbringing. She moved across the country with her decent high school grades to make her own way and not have to lean too heavily on mom and dad anymore. She's independent, a little stubborn, and makes friends easily, sometimes a little too easily. She's also someone who doesn't always make the best decisions, but they seem right at the time, and they help her get to where she wants to go...most of the time. To say she's carefree is an understatement, although that doesn't mean she's not responsible; she just simply willing to do whatever she wants, and she'll deal with the consequences later. This gets her into trouble as much as not, but it also opens doors for her career as well as her personal life that lead to good things. She hasn't got it all figured out, and for now she's fine with that.
Bea
Beatrix Mendoza is from Buenas Aires, Argentina, a hottie transplant to Baltimore in a kind of rags to riches story. She moved to the Charm City with almost nothing to her name except a little money, found a place and found a job slinging drinks at the Promenade. Baltimore is a very accommodating city for Latinos and has a large Latino community, the cost of living is low, and there are jobs for people who really want them, so it was a natural stopping place for her; plus, it's situated on the water, something she loves. With great English skills and a smoking body, Bea found her spot at the Prom, serving the young doctor community on the west side of the city, and it was there that she became friends with, and even a part-time lover of, Sesame. She's responsible but fun-loving, and she hopes to be a good influence on her closest friend.
Howard Rains
Howard is a local tycoon of sorts, who made his fortune in real estate and car dealerships, then turned it to the sins of the city by investing in strip clubs and liquor stores. He's in his early 60's but has the money and the decent enough looks to attract the young girls with dollar signs in their eyes. His latest wife, Lindsay, aka Goldie Rains, is just what he was looking for: a hot, young thing with no limits, who's willing to do anything and everything to be the center of attention, even put herself on display on the internet. Howard, it would seem, has everything he wants in the world, until Lindsay goes missing.
Dream Cast:
Cool. I do look at pictures for a lot of story ideas, but I don't usually look up actors and see who might fit the roles. At the same time, I get these questions a lot for my writing, so it was fun to look these folks up and get a sense of who might be playing in the movie. Of course, Sesame Swallow is a raunchy mystery with an emphasis on "raunchy", so I doubt we'd see any of these folks in any movie based on this character, but that doesn't mean we can play with the idea, right?
So, that said, here's the list:
Cast of characters:
Sesame Swallow - Emma Watson
Bea (Latina) - Heather Hemmens
Howard Rains - Tom Wilkinson
Lindsay Rains - Amanda Seyfried
Alex - Ian Somerhalder
Carlos (ex) - Russell Brand
Richie (bartender) - Ben Whishaw
Neal (Howard's son) - Alex Pettyfer
Ariel (stripper) - Rosamund Pike
Elecktra (stripper) - Kerry Washington
Christie (stripper) - Malin Akerman
Mr. Ages (landlord) - Bill Murray
Emma Watson we all know from Harry Potter, etc. - she has the right kind of sophistication and sex appeal to portray a young woman trying to find her way in the world while trying to save others and herself.
For Howard Rains, the man who puts the story in motion, I thought Tom Wilkinson had the right look. He's not too old; he's not sexy. He can play the part of the older lecher and pull it off.
After seeing her in In Time with Justin Timberlake, I thought Amanda Seyfried was perfect as Lindsay, the girl who uses her body to get where she's going. We need someone who looks a little "wild child" here, and Amanda has that look.
Ian Somerhalder, with his dark hair and icy blue eyes, is the perfect Alex, the guy who gets handed panties while he's walking down the street. Early thirties, sophisticated, and debonair - just what would sweep an unsuspecting girl off her feet.
Russell Brand's choice as Carlos was almost too perfect, in my opinion. Carlos, the trouble-making ex, the guy who is a little crazier than everyone else, and the perfect ex-boyfriend of Sesame Swallow, who loves the bad boys at little too much.
I thought for Neal we needed someone who could go nerdy but still have the look at a bad boy underneath it all. Alex Pettyfer has that look. Throw a superhero t-shirt on him, maybe flatten his hair and give him some glasses, and he could be Neal easily.
As for the strippers that co-star in the story, I went mostly for looks; same with Bea. But Bill Murray is Mr. Ages is more just a wishlist kind of joke than anything else. I was looking for an actor over 60, but it's hard to find B-list actors who you recognize a little but won't steal the scene. Bill Murray, an A-lister, could totally do it though - stay in the background, just have his little fun moment with Sesame and then be gone.
Bea (Latina) - Heather Hemmens
Richie (bartender) - Ben Whishaw
Ariel (stripper) - Rosamund Pike
Elecktra (stripper) - Kerry Washington
Christie (stripper) - Malin Akerman
About the Author:
What's a mid-40's divorced man to do after wrapping up twenty years in the US Navy? Why, start a career in teaching and writing, of course. Oh, and explore the world some more. And read everything possible. And go back to school. And enjoy every moment to its fullest.
A teacher for the government by day, I ply my wares at night on my laptop, where I'm cranking out silly blog posts, socio-political commentary, poetry, short stories and novels at an excessive rate. If I was driving, I'd have been pulled over by now. Meanwhile, I have kids to raise, a girlfriend to love, and a spunky wiener dog named Sloppy Joe to goof around with.
Beyond that, I'm busy with life, having fun, working out, going to parties, traveling, etc. When I burn out and die, I want to be able to say that I did everything that was possible for me to do. I want to die like I live: with a smile on my face.
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