by DanielQSteele1
you know some folks are gonna bitch about continuity goofs, but not me. i'm just happy to have the tale for Christmas. thank you DSQ!
This was one of your best stories ever. You have got to make this one of your Christmas traditions from now on!
Another Christmas miracle. Thanks. BTW, off-sites can be cryptically mentioned in the comments.
I could have read this for hours. I've missed Bill Maitland & jeering/ subliminally lusting against my will at & for Debbie more then realized. The scrambled timelines was disconcerting but I soldiered on, got over it, made it to the ending.
DAMMIT ! Why am I misting up like little girl who thinks her birthdays been forgotten? This story is like a deluxe banana brownie split with a splash of rum -it's no good for you but when your in the mood for one ; nothing but nothing else will do. So thank you DQS for this totally unexpected but most welcome Xmas gift.
This was a nice christmas story. My problem, if I have one, is that Q cannot leave that damn Maitland alone. He and the big titted Deb cluttered this story and really made it more about them than about Belker. You are fixated on Bill and the big titted Deb. Wean yourself off those most excellent mammaries and allow your other characters to exist on their own merits and weaknesses. Very well written!
You killed any interest I had with the way you carried on with 'When We Were Married'.
You are a good writer, I'm just not going to foillow you like a puppy - you're too insulting!
Nice to have our characters back for the Holiday uplift and for some fill in of the WWWM back story
I thought I would never see another story from this author again. guess, I'm wrong.
good work , again, and contratulations. love this one. nice job weaving in your old characters!
At first I was hoping that you wouldn't make this tale last a year, but I'm glad you didn't. But it could have been a little longer.
Are you going to fit this into you Nook offering as another part of WWWM? With a little effort it could be a prequil.
Mendon
All stories that flesh out the soap opera about Bill Deb Doug are interesting......the story goes on....Deb kisses Doug December 24, 2004.....e mails start in WWWM in Jan/Feb 2005.....so this tramp was thinking of doing Doug 5 months before she says the famous line........you are an amazing writer
thank you and we all appreciate your talent
I hope you have started writing a book or two in the time you have been away, anyway thanks for the story come back soon and write some more stories.
a mercy gift----a payback of sorts----2 lifes saved----for 2 taken. TK U MLJ LV NV p/s congratulations on your author contracts.
It wasn't a saccharin sweet Christmas story. It was pretty gritty. No perfect people or situations. We don't even know if Marcy will make it but we can hope. That's keeping with the spirit of the season. No sex though.
Thanks, DQ. It is SSOOOOO good to be reading your work again.
D
Thank you for the story
Belkor was always my favourite Hill character - one of a kind. No one else comes close.
5*****
Very good story indeed. It is great to have some new material from DanielQSteel1 and I enjoyed it a lot, even though it was short. After all, it did run its course, hehe.
On the other hand, I got an email from you mentioning something about WWWM some months ago. Are there any more news? Once again, thanks a lot for your effort and keep up the amazing work. You have a faithful reader in me. ^__^
Characters from WWWM feel very familiar to anyone who read that series, blended seamlessly into this new short story. Thanks for submitting and Merry Xmas.
too telegraphed your style has or is slipping . not 1/10 as enjoyable as wwwm even without the sex . may i suggest you keep in practice.
It's a pleasure to read your stories once again. Thanks for sharing
This story was an unexpected, but very welcome, surprise. Merry Christmas.
You pulled the emotions right from me and I am not a real cryer...weird. Thank you DQ for a freaking fantastic Christmas story :)
To me this wasn't out of the WWWM continuity. It really is the perfect prequel. I see it as one of the cracks in the wall before it broke. This event probably occurred the Christmas before Deb uttered those epic words that changed literotica and the literary world forever. Of course I loved it. It's a part of a story that I consider truly brilliant. And for the FEW who don't like it even they have to admit that this story is the benchmark that most of the stories here are judged by and very few come close to. Great job as usual. And I too love the book although I'm still having trouble with the change in the order of some of the parts.
This is the first story of yours that I have read, and it definately won't be the last. Wonderful story.
This story has my vote, a nice short snapshot in time with a glance at the characters from WWWM, and a very moving story from a great author. One of those stories that shows the best in people and is in the true spirit of the holidays.
IA would restart the investigation. They would go over where every penny came from. The Christmas miracle would cost him his job and still the dirty money would taint the miracle even further. If he's such a stand up guy why not report it. Also he saw the slut wife kiss her boyfriend. Why not tell the frumpy husband about it. After all the husband was the one who invited him to dinner in the first place. He has a greater duty to the husband than the slut. To me this whole story is just okay. Maybe it's because I'm new here and haven't read all 400 chapters. I only read the two chapters that were good. The one chapter with the woman on the boat and the Billie Jean chapter. The rest were just boring.
More intrigue, more busty blonde Debbie.. All wound up in another Floridian adventure. Thanks for writing!
This was a fun story. I like the thought of Christmas miracles. I would like to know about the WWWM ending. I like the Bill Maitland character. He continues here to show the strength of his convictions.
Sort of a prequel but it does put new elements into the old story. Thanks.
This is DQS happily back with another top-notch story. People, rich or not rich, do donate money for causes such as Marcy's illness and this was good to have happened at Christmas time. It brought tears to my eyes as I suspect that it did to the eyes of other readers.
As an aside, Is this story taking place on Xmas eve 2005? I ask this because if Daniel Steele is following the time schedule for his WWWM, Debbie would probably not be on the faculty in December 2005 but rather with the State Defense Attorney's Office. Doug Baker seems to have driven down to Florida from Chicago to be with Debbie for the holidays.
I need to learn where DQS is planning to post his continuing chapters of WWWM.
This allows a character to be fleshed out even more, as a side character. A very nice prequel the the WWWM story. Thank You.
THIS IS MORE LIKE IT-- you should get back on this track--you have a gift to write this kind of story, not the stuff you have written of late. Keep up the good work, you have an exceptional talent.
Thanks,
Sam
I sorry that I seem to have misread a statement describing the Christmas decorations at the Bascom home in which one series of colored lights read ....'Merry Christmas and happy 2005.' This realization indicates this story occurred in December 2004.
I did not realize that Debbie was Doug's mentor as early as December 2004; I believed Doug joined the Department of Business at North Florida State University circa March 2005.
I loved the twist and turns I really enjoyed it thanks for sharing.
.
I thought the parts with debbie and bill were fun, you are so good with dialog in what is said and what is left unsaid, oh, and I didn't even like that story. But this is another reminder, as if we needed any. There is no doubt, you are the master of the lw short story form.
The way you played with us in WWWM and just left us all hanging makes me hope that you never do anything other than short stories on this site. If you do that, you can't leave us hanging after expending month after month following your tales. I gave you Five Stars for your talent, which is unquestionable, but I'm still PISSED!
This is a very heartwarming story with references to the story of the maitland's. I have been a fan of you "when we were married" I hope you can direct me where to find the continuing saga of the story. Thanks a lot! Keep up your writing,
Although it's written with your usual style, it doesn't quite resonate with my preconception of your characters. It's certainly not up to your standards in 'Separate Vacations', etc.
if it fits the timeline of WWWM. Just appreciated it for the story on it's own. Maybe it's the sentimental romantic in me but if you can't hope for a miracle you give up the last hope in your life. And miracles can happen, even if not often. Good work DQS1. Give us more please.
As always, a very well written and edited story with an excellent storyline, that is in the Christmas spirit.
Whether the English team is successful or not, I think the gift to Belker made the whole story have a happy ending.
It should have been allowed in the Christmas Contest.
Thanks for the very good story, and I hope to see more of your work soon.
Would like to follow the story line in its' new location. Gary tholeh@charter.net
I think I remember you declaring yourself off the Lit site. I'm glad either I remember wrong or you changed your mind. Your work with dialogue is so good, and I am now eager to see your next story. Thanks for sharing your gift with us.
DP
Top notch story as always. Hope to find out how to access more on WWWM. Please let me know.
Great story. Wonderful to have you back.
Thank you and keep writing.
I really want to know where to read more about the Maitlands. At the samed time, I yearn for the simple story-telling of Last Call and Moment of Clarity. I think Poe was right about the purity of the short story form. This one was good, but suffered from fhe Bill/Deb dynamic thrown in. (I think half of the story dealt with their issues) I hope to soon read both--a pure story built on new characters, and a continuation of tghe Maitland saga.
Either way, thanks for a good read.
you can talk about your book there.
(Paul in rio)
So good to see you back! I've missed you and often wished I'd see your by-line again.
THis is a great story - a real tear-jerker. Thank you for sharing and I'll be contacting you for the updsated info on WWWM.
Your usual great stuff. But, like I mentioned before, you do tend to exagerate a bit. Not a critcism, just my reflection. Well done and thank you.
As always, I welcome your responses. I'm glad most readers liked "Miracle." I know that a few of you were a little miffed that I inserted Bill and Debbie into Officer Belker's story. But when I started writing it, it just seemed to dovetail well and it gave me another angle to look at their marriage, before things fell apart. And I think most people picked up on the fact that the story is set in December, 2004, or just months before their marriage collapses. And if anyone is interested, Belker will play a part in the Maitlands' continuing story. Finally, I've been inundated, swamped by requests for information about what's going on with WWWM. If you'll check out my posting into the author's hangout section on LIT, you'll find links to my new Facebook page which I intend to keep up for the benefit of readers, and the book publisher where the first volume of WWWM can now be bought. I wish all the readers and writers on LIT a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. And I will be back!
Been a long time DQS.. I can see you are still in form, I had given up on you after so many months of silence. I really hope you post another story based on totally new characters.
Guy from Africa.
on the publication of "When We Were Married!" I hope that you find time to continue to post stories on this website.
can see it was before the doug blow up but cant see the relevance.
would like to see more of the when we wee married - can you post the link to the new one you mentioned?
I have sent 2 request and now this asking for the link as told us we could do.....still no response
I didn't realize for awhile that people had complained about not being able to get information about When We Were Married after I posted an announcement with this story. I would ask anyone who can to check the author's section in LIT which has a long message about posting two volumes of WWWM on Barnes and Noble.s website as electronic novels. The first volume has everything up to chapter 5a and the second has the rest of the story plus 30,000 and more new words and a bunch of little new stuff scattered around.Or you can look it up on Barnes and Noble's site through the WWWM title. Or just send me a message through LIT. AND the next story I post here is going to be "Message Found In A Fortune Cookie" and I guarantee it won't have any ties to WWWM. There is, of course, a tie-in to a story published here, but not WWWM.
But Glocks don't have an external safety. It's a minor point, but threw me for a moment b/c I had you pictured as someone who knew guns since you have been writing about cops and courts.
I enjoy your writing. Please continue "Paul and Paula".
I have heard about you and not gotten to your stories -
I now regret it took so long -0 that was painfully wonderful - well written and executed - the feelings were so real and the possibilities so clear.
Unrealistic. No policeman would risk facing 2 armed men. They are trained to avoid risk.
Police officers are not trained to avoid risks, you idiot! They, like the military are trained to use risk management. DWorm why don't find a cave some where and crawl in it!
Deb the slut and Dougie her boy toy.....still can't stand that poisonous bitch.
This is the only happy ending I can remember in any of your stories. Knowing you , you'll probably have her get better, then turn around and start cheating on him. It's your sadistic, eternally pessimistic way.
You need to be more clear on your mini plots and the grand climax kind of slamed shut like an asz hole, sorry....bill
I wonder if this could have been a full fledge novel if....
I haven't read all the comments, and I imagine there are some complaining that you ended without Marcy recovering. I disagree.
The "miracle" is obviously her getting the CHANCE at recovery.
The actual recovery would be anti-climatic.
BTW, I recall another writer using the Maitland character, but for the life of me can't remember the author or the story(s). Can anybody help? Thanks!
DQS thanks for that story. I know that it's not Christmas yet but many who read it would wish it was now! It was a superb tale of love, devotion and plain good human kindness.
Of course wading through WWWM gave the characters more punch and made for a richer read.
got the heart pumping for a bit, I thought maybe he caught Mrs. Maitlands friend a little too friendly, or that one of their kids were in on the robbery. nicely done.
Congrats. Five our of five I really liked how this was a brilliant peak into the WWWM universe from another angle. I would love to see more of this type of short story that is related to your main masterpiece.
nope, just another plug by a wannabe commercial writer.
one who thinks more highly of himself than his readers.
Knowing WWWM helps add depth to the story!
So Gail and Debbie are not such bitches after all.... perhaps.... then perhaps not...
"She's my friend BECAUSE I've never asked her for anything, Bill.” – Yes, but you’re not asking for YOURSELF!
I’m a little confused – He needs a million dollars and has raised a ¼ of a million. The Night Depositor was prepared to give him ½ a million, then saw that Gail Hunt had given ½ a million. That should have left him needing only another ¼ million, but the Depositor says he had to clean out his savings, but it should have only taken HALF of his savings.
And I agree that the miracle is her having the CHANCE for recovery.
Wonderful tale. God knows that officer needed to have something go his way. One thing, however, that Debbie Maitland is still a cheating, betraying cunt.
And betrayed is still an insecure, no-life wannabe-cuck.
Very nice, a touching tale and a refreshing change from much of what we see in this category.
I suspected a negative ending where the officer does "eat his gun". It might seem reasonable for the sucicide victim but it also negatively impacts so many others. I still deeply miss some close friends who choose that way to end their lives. BK
Very emotional.
I wish there was a part 2. Both a happy ending for coma recovery, and that the cheating wife, its very obvious in the way you wrote it she is cheating, goes back to her husband. The poor SOB.
One can have hope for Marcy, but there is only sadness ahead for the other players in your story.
Yes, I've read the opening salvo of "When We Were Married," and it is so sad that I'm not going to read any of the other chapters.
You're a terrific writer, but I'm just too emotionally fragile myself to follow you down into that depressing rabbit hole.
5 stars on this one....
why is this so highly rated, its a shameless promotion/excuse of two sluts (debbie and gail) from two nauseating stories of the same author, not to mention unresolved stories. Thank god he stopped writing, the level of hatred and pure bile his characters have for men is unparalleled in lit.
All of DQS characters are really horrible people. Every time he writes from that world it instantly turns me off from his stories. I like his other stories where there is minimal or no contact from his When we were married/ghost worlds.
Do not know why there are so many negative critics.... Maybe they lack love and compassion Thanks 5*
I wish I could give 10 stars, but I can't see thru my tears.A great story. Thanks. JustJ
I dont understand why you bitch about this story. I have taers in my eyes after reading!
You are so hardhearted to see a real christmas miracle ,you have my pitty!