Double Cross – Romantic Suspense Musical?

by DiAnn Mills

Writers often invent ways to challenge their minds and explore various means of creating story. Our goal is to fashion unforgettable characters and develop distinct plots. All the while we’re reading books by our favorite authors, viewing fabulous movies, and observing what’s going on in the world around us, we are constantly thinking story. How can my book be even better than I ever imagined?

I write FBI romantic suspense set in Houston, Texas. When I’m concerned if my story will appeal to readers, I have to think beyond the novelist’s universe. This can be to view the book as a movie, a stage play, or even a musical. I’ve found a different approach can add color to the characters, plot, dialogue, emotions, and setting, adding layers of possibilities to a versatile story.

When I sat at my computer to write this blog, a bit of fun crept into my mind.

What if Double Crossa was a musical?
Who would play the roles?
What songs would fit?

Cast of Main Characters: (Click on the link for their pics!)

Special Agent Laurel Evertson – Katherine Heigl

Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton – Colin Farrell

Felon – Morton Wilmington – Chris Evans

Daniel’s Grandmother – Abby Hilton – Helen Mirren

Daniel’s Grandfather – Earl Hilton – Clint Eastwood

FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington-and what she sacrificed to put him away-he is now her best lead.

PROLOGUE

OPENS WITH LAUREL SINGING STILL HAVEN’T FOUND WHAT I’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR U2 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb1XXs7e7ac

Special Agent Laurel Evertson had done everything required of her and more to gain Morton Wilmington’s affections. The gaudy diamond on her left hand proved it. She was prepared to end her undercover work tonight and walk away from this despicable role. All she had to do was find the flash drive that would send her fiancé to prison for life.

(LAUREL SINGS EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE – THE POLICE – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMOGaugKpzs

Morton reached into his closet and pulled out designer pants, a shirt, and a sports jacket. “Babe, I’m taking a shower. Thought we’d grab dinner downtown before the play.”

“Perfect. I’m ready. So looking forward to tonight.” She despised the lies and the counterfeit love.

“What are you going to do? Read here?”

“I am. A new romance novel.” She pointed to a window seat that offered a scenic view of his condo’s pool bathed in late-summer afternoon sun.

He chuckled, his deep-blue eyes smoldering. “As long as I’m your main man.”

“None other.” She kissed him lightly. “I’m turning on a little Andrea Bocelli to put me in the mood.”

(LAUREL SINGS WITH CELINE DION & ANDREA BOCELLI – THE PRAYER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQUB8nsaoq0)

“For what?”

“The book, the play, dinner, and us.”

“Another reason why I love you. Even if you did beat me last night in Monopoly.” He disappeared into the shower.

The moment the sound of water met her ears, she confirmed his location. Four times she’d found herself alone in his condo and attempted to access his safe, but each time she’d failed to hack into his computer, where he stored the safe combination that changed daily. Today she knew his password, and she quickly located the code on his laptop.

She placed the novel on the bed and removed a framed picture of a tank at Fort Knox from the wall to reveal the safe. Odd for a bedroom, but Morton had served four years in the Army. Probably the only thing he could be proud of. She rested the picture against the nightstand while the digital combination bannered across her mind. Squeezing her fingers into her palm to steady herself, she pressed in the code, hoping Andrea Bocelli’s tenor voice drowned out the low click. If she was wrong, the alarm would blare throughout the condo, bringing Morton out of the shower along with his bodyguard from the kitchen.

(LAUREL SINGS SWEET DREAMS BY THE EURYTHMICS – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeMFqkcPYcg)

Big business had made him one of the most powerful men in the country, and certainly in Texas. Murder, money laundering, and organized crime were his best friends- legitimacy his enemy. But he’d made one mistake, exposing it all on a flash drive. He’d bragged about where it was hidden one night after drinking too much. It had taken her months to locate the safe and figure out how to gain access.

Was she any better than he, using another person for her own agenda? She shook off the thought and concentrated on her commitment to stop Wilmington from breaking the law.

She secured the flash drive and replaced the picture. Stealing her way to the bathroom door, she confirmed Morton was still showering. His laptop sat on his desk as though beckoning her to prove the FBI’s suspicions. She inserted the drive. Her heart pounded, ached.

(MORTON SINGS YOU’VE LOST THAT LOVIN’ FEELING – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEkB-VQviLI)

Why not try a unique new way to create your story? Maybe you can add a little choreography to ensure your story entertains your readers on a whole new level.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall. She is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.