Blossoming Press by Brenda Perlin

WHAT SHE KNEW
 by

KR HUGHES AND TL BURNS

Fateful Night is book 1 in the What She Knew Trilogy. Please join on Facebook for an evening of fun, prizes and little known facts on Marilyn Monroe.

https://www.facebook.com/events/150979355081650/

As we began to play with the idea of writing an entire book around a "What if?" question our excitement grew.  Who do you know that doesn't get into the conversation of did Marilyn Monroe kill herself or was she murdered?  No matter what side of that question you're on, the debate is always a good one.  In that light, we decided to see if a book could be written about her and 'what she knew' about politics, the mafia, and Hollywood. What inner workings and connections did they have in common?  The question was so intriguing that we decided to carry it to its logical conclusion.  Even though it was well known that she'd had an affair with John Kennedy, no one really understood the depth of that relationship or where it could have eventually lead them both. 

She knew too much and was far from being the “dumb blonde” she portrayed in her films.  After all, in her own words she could hardly play an intelligent role and be taken seriously with her looks.  So she did what any woman with a hundred and sixty IQ would do - she played a lifetime role and played it well.  Until one fateful night when she revealed that she knew something she shouldn't to someone who needed that information kept secret. 

It has lately been revealed that she was murdered and in that light we've written our own version of "What She Knew."

This book is dedicated to our dear friends who, like Marilyn, left us too early.  May God hold you forever.

EXCERPT:

July 25, 1962

Joseph Kennedy tapped his finger on the desktop while he listened to the irate woman on the other end of the receiver.  When she finally took a breath Joe snagged his chance.

          “Now see here! I know it needs to be done, but we must have patience.  Marilyn isn’t an easy target.”

          “Well then,” the woman insisted, “either you take care of her or I will.”

          Joe started to form a reply as the sound of the receiver slamming down and the buzzing of a dial tone droned in his ear.  He replaced the instrument in its cradle, scratching his head as he rose from his desk.

          “Bunny!”

His secretary poked her head through the doorway.

“Get Sam on the phone.”

          Frank stood in the casino holding a beautiful blonde on one arm and tossing dice onto a craps table with the other.  Laughing at his roll the woman stepped out of his grasp just as Sam Giancana walked up.

          “Beat it doll,” Sam snapped.  She stared at him and gave Frank a lingering kiss before she left.

          “Looks like you’re losing your touch there, Sam.” Frank grinned as he threw the dice over the line on the table.

          Sam snarled. “Never mind about her.  We have business to attend to.” As the dice rolled to a stop the crowd clapped, and Frank made a mock bow as the chips were pushed toward him.

          “Not now, I’m winning.” Frank gave the neatly folded orange handkerchief in the breast pocket of his tux a pat and winked at the mobster.

          “Now.” Sam grabbed Frank by the lapels.

Frank looked down, took hold of Sam’s beefy hand and said, “Hands off the suit.”  Gathering up his chips one at a time, Frank said between clenched teeth, “This better be important.” Glaring at Sam, Frank pocketed the chips and followed him out of the Sands.

July 28, 1962

          Marilyn sauntered over to her lover, current president, John F. Kennedy and rubbed her leg invitingly against him.  “Are you enjoying the party?” she whispered, giving his ear a caressing lick.

          Marilyn smiled at Sam as he poured himself another highball and offered one to Frank.

          “Mmm hmm, I am now,” Jack mumbled as his lips pressed her ear. He encircled her waist with one arm and pulled her onto his lap.

          “Let’s go for a walk, lover, just you and me.” She kissed him long and deep, leaving the heady flavor of her martini tingling on his lips.

          “Yes let’s.” He ran his hand up the side of her thigh before he allowed her to stand up.

TL Burns and KR Hughes