Like a Fly on the Wall

by Simone Kelly

  “You need it, brother, it’s for protecting and grounding.”

  Friendship like this was for a lifetime.

  “You are about to do big things, Jacques. This is your power year. . . . Your guides are still here in full force. They want you to know that a lot of new avenues will unfold for you, so be open. More clients, more connections, and you will take a few risks. You have to prepare now so you don’t get too overwhelmed. You will even get an assistant or intern.”

  “Yes, I’m so behind in emails and voice mails. It’s not good.”

  “Okay, I’ll text you some contact info. I have a virtual assistant who is amazing and affordable.”

  “Yes, I definitely need her. Thanks.”

  She paused, grabbed my hands, and looked into my eyes. “This is the good part of the movie, Jacques!”

  “What? What do you mean?” I sat up straighter and leaned in.

  “In your life, this is the good part of the movie!” She was smiling and squeezed my hands hard. “I’m so very happy for you. Don’t let this relationship drama or family stuff take you out of focus. You’ve gotten some closure today, so now keep moving up. Your guides are extremely proud of you. The room is filled. You have no idea how much support you have.”

  I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “I usually feel about three to five around me.”

  “Oh, no!” She laughed a hearty laugh. “Dude! You have no idea. There are a lot of people in here. It’s packed. Fifty or more! Feel my hands, they are vibrating from the energy.”

  I felt them and it was catching. I felt the hairs on my arms rise. “I’ve never wanted to see them with my eyes open, so I guess that is why it’s always been hard for me to get the number right.”

  She agreed. “They said, ‘Yes, we understand, that’s why we make it easier for you to condense down all of our voices into one or two messengers.’ It’s like you have a leader of the pack, of your council. Her name is wait, . . . Ena? Eddie? Ernie for Ernestine maybe? Erna?”

  I leaned in more, overjoyed that she knew. “Yes, close. It’s Edna! Wow! That’s her. She has been my guide for years. She assists with the majority of my readings.”

  “She’s no joke. Stern. Stands tall. Somewhat serious, but yet full of love for you. She feels like a schoolteacher, headmaster of like a boarding school and shit. Long dress. Hair pinned up. She was your teacher in a past life. She promised to come back and help you in this life.”

  I said, “Yes, that’s what I get, too! You know, I usually just see silhouettes of them, never their full details. Never really in 3-D, I hear and feel more.”

  Melissa said, “Edna is saying that in your next level of development you will be able to see her more. You are growing and still in the early stages of your gift. More things will come if you release the fear. You have a big mission they choose you for.” She was silent for a minute. “Wow, that’s beautiful. So beautiful.”

  “What’s that?” I asked.

  “Edna said, ‘You teach people how to fly when they didn’t even know they had wings. You remove the veils from their eyes with your readings. You will get even better and beyond your wildest dreams. TV, newspapers, magazines, you name it.’”

  “Wow, I don’t know about all of that.” Suddenly, I felt a heavy weight of responsibility on my shoulders. I didn’t want it. I was already overwhelmed with the clients who were waiting on me. To be known worldwide frightened me.

  “Everything you touch will turn to gold. That’s what your father told you. Get ready, Jacques. Don’t look like I just gave you bad news. I’m so excited for you!”

  “It just feels like . . . a lot.” My nose crinkled.

  “Well, it is; get ready, you have a lot of people to teach how to fly. To embrace their higher selves. No time to live small. Use your wings. Use your wings, Jacques.”

  “I will, Melissa, I will. . . . It seems if I don’t Edna is gonna come for me.”

  “You better know it! Spirit guides are always watching.” We laughed.

  Acknowledgments

  First off I want to thank you! Yes, you . . . the amazing person holding this book. (Well, if you’re old school like me . . . your tablet or cell phone for you modern folks. ☺) Thank you for reading, smiling, laughing, and maybe crying. Did you cry? Okay, okay . . . don’t worry, I won’t tell. I’m so happy to have you in my family and hope you are ready for plenty more adventures coming from my pen (yes, pen . . . I told you I was old school).

  I want to send out a heartfelt thanks to my editor, Rachel Kahan—the first editor to inspire and mentor me. Thanks for seeing my strengths as a writer. I’m learning so much from you! You have been such a joy to work with and I look forward to writing many more books with your help! I’d like to also give a big shout-out to her lovely editorial assistant, Amber Oliver, for helping us create magic! I’m so happy to be working with such a talented crew at William Morrow/HarperCollins.

  Special thanks to my new agent, Wendy Sherman. I’m looking forward to loads of exciting projects in the near future. Let’s do thissss!

  Thank you to all of my friends, family, and supporters!

  My dad, bestie, and first playmate, Frank Kelly! You were the one who showed me the power of my imagination when we would record short stories for hours on my tape recorder. Thanks for playing with me, Daddy! Like Mommy said, you’re a giant kid and I’m just like you. You created a monster. Ha! To my big brother, Mark Kelly . . . you are amazing and I love you. If you’re reading this, that means you made it through without passing out. Great job! Now go get some holy water and rinse out your eyes.

  Shout out to the entire Kelly and Gordon families, even though many of them will cover their eyes while reading . . . It’s okay, this is a work of fiction, really it is! Aunt Madge aka Madge King, for the last time, I did not do everything in the book . . . maybe some things, but you’ll never know. ~evil laugh~ Can’t a girl have a wild imagination? Give me some credit as a writer, sheesh! Patrice Kelly-Palmer, Samara King, Danielle King, Diane Lee, and Cherisse Gardner Sexton—I loooooove you, cousins . . . thanks for always bragging about me like I’m famous and stuff!

  Much love to the entire Own Your Power Communications Inc. team, who sticks by my side to keep our network going to inspire thousands worldwide with personal and business development. Sheila Hawkins, Patricia Lawrence Kolaras; Laron Henderson, Jenay Paulling, Melissa “Moon-child” Stokes, Ru McKenzie, Trent Partridge, Metris Batts, and Dyana Chapman—you guys rock! My incredible graphic designers, Dania Gonzalez and Adam Old. My cohost for the Own Your Power Lifestyle show and handsome “PR Brother from the Bronx,” German Dubois. I love all of your hilarious stories and great one-liners. Hicham thanks you, too! Ha! My other cohost, Isaiah Martin aka Zay Live—thank you for the bellyaching laughs and support . . . but for the last time, noooooo, you can’t play Jacques in the movie! Big hug to all of my loyal and loving clients across the country who keep my lights on. Make sure you do your homework!

  Special thanks to my partner, Tru Town Productions: Stan Harris, who is behind making my dreams come true with Own Your Power Radio and Own Your Power TV.

  My fabulous Miami attorneys, Marlon Hill and Myriam Louis, who don’t miss a beat!

  Dr. Antonia Martinez, who was my very first intuitive teacher to blow my mind and show me the power of intuition with some fun meditation exercises. And I couldn’t do a lot of what I’m doing now if it weren’t for the training and loving support from my adopted mom, Johanne Rutledge of the Johanne Rutledge School of Intuition. You two powerhouses opened up a whole new world for me and I’m so happy I can teach others as well just how much POWER they have! We’re superheroes who are changing the world. . . . Shhhh, it’s our little secret. ☺

  Tony Leroy (the man, the myth, the legend, and the intuitive), who allowed me to pick his brain for hours for ideas—love you for life, man! Deena Collins, how I loved interviewing you about your childhood psychic experiences as well. Florence Delvaille, who I always refer to as “a li
ving angel”—I love your gentle soul and thank you for your childhood stories of living in France to help develop Marguerite! Melissa Cancio—you are my sister, my friend, and you really helped me keep my head up and stay focused during the tough times. Thanks for your patience and inspiration. This is the “good part of the movie” for real!

  To my writing buddies, for all of their enlightening feedback; Ayesha Gallion, Ophira Edut, Pittershawn Palmer, and Nikki Clifton, who were there from the very beginning of this book; E. Claudette Freeman, my amazing literary coach who pulled out deep characters I didn’t even know I had in me; Aisha Altidor for her marketing magic; and Dr. William Ashanti Hobbs. Margot Lee Shetterly aka the “Mad Scientist,” what I called you in our HBO days working together. You were hard-working then and I’m so proud of your achievements now. No coincidence we’re working with the same editor and signed to same publishing house . . . Who knew? You are a trailblazer and I look forward to being in your shoes someday! Cydney Rax, one of my first author buds who offered me words of wisdom. And I am forever grateful to my first writing teacher, Nelly Rosario, and the Frederick Douglass Creative Arts Center, whose writing program truly changed my life.

  Oh, I can’t forget, Tesha Sylvester . . . my Realtor friend; you’re no author, but I think you missed your calling as an editor!

  Kim Lindstrom—my bestie for life and one of the first to encourage me to keep writing. Monica Gonzalez, my Florida partner in crime, thanks for listening to me babble about my story ideas and for your lifesaving yoga class. I hit the jackpot with you!

  Hisham Elkoustaf, Dara Boudal, and Atossa Kia, who helped me learn a lot about Moroccan culture; my homie for life Michael Petaja aka Mike P; my mentor aka personal guru/sage (she hates when I call her that but it’s true) Valerie Crawford; and Will Brown and Pat Mosera, for helping me with all of the fun detective information to develop Vince.

  My Cultural Expressions family and the dedicated founder aka my teachaaaa Sofiyah, who gave me a new home and community to release tension . . . now I can belly dance to my heart’s content because of you!

  Alexi “Dr. Al” Martinez and Kay Taylor from Massage and Unwind, you guys are my weekly escape to heaven. After I spend hours sitting and writing, you get those kinks out every time! To my acupuncturist, Dr. Adeila Molina, you are a miracle worker. Thanks for keeping me balanced.

  Giovanna Henson, for being my friend, client, and founder of Hotel GiGi, my home during my many book tour and business trips. Khadijah Karriem, Michelle Smith, Sharice Chasi, and Sakinah Karriem, for your hilarious stories and Southern hospitality when I come to Dallas.

  But wait there’s more . . . Hasan Brown, DeAnne Connolly Graham, Sean “Nat” Nelson, Tracy Grant, Delilah Garcia, Jasmine Pugh, Rosalie Khan, Hyacinth Henderson, Conchita Pleasant, Sky Maduro, Tamara and Errol Archer, Robert Carter, Jennifer Morgan, Yahzarah, Thanit Fernando, Crystal Lacey Winslow, Cleaster Cotton, Ayanna Cook, Common Links and Pink Pages book clubs in Dallas, CJ Staples, Tamisa Covington, Zya Moses, Sophronia Scott, David Williams, Andrew Morrison, Anthony Ortiz, Carlos Gonzalez, Marjorie Raymore, Leilla Blackwell, Donna Hill, Kenya Spencer, Keyona Saquile Lazenby, and Miguel Munoz.

  To my style team: Simone and Trudy Hylton of Natural Trendsetters, Aguy Smith, Allison McKenzie, and Greg Gibbs.

  And finally a gigantic hug to my beta readers family on Facebook . . . you guys are so patient and your feedback is what keeps me going. Get ready for the next book. . . . It’s coming!

  Peace and blessings to you all.

  P.S. Insights, Interviews & More . . . *

  About the Author

  * * *

  Meet Simone Kelly

  About the Book

  * * *

  Reading Group Guide

  A Conversation with Simone Kelly

  Living the Intuitive Life: An Essay by Simone Kelly

  About the Author

  Meet Simone Kelly

  Born and raised in the Bronx, SIMONE KELLY is an author, Internet radio host and producer, life coach, and promotional entrepreneur. She successfully climbed the American corporate ladder by holding various positions in the marketing divisions of companies such as RCA Records and BMG Entertainment. Her career led her to become a director at HBO’s Volume.com, where she managed their lifestyle and community programming. Eager to become a full-time entrepreneur, Simone decided to branch out of her comfort zone in corporate America and begin a journey of coaching others. She is now the CEO of Own Your Power Communications, Inc., a company that coaches entrepreneurs and executives looking to boost their networks and skill sets. She also focuses on being their guide to personal development. Simone also trains groups and individuals on how to develop their intuition to improve their lives. She lives and works in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas, making frequent return trips to visit clients in her hometown of New York City.

  Discover great authors, exclusive offers, and more at hc.com.

  About the Book

  Reading Group Guide

  1. Do you believe that Jacques’s intuitive powers are real? Did this novel change your perception of psychics and mediums?

  2. “It was as if Paulette Collins never existed and ‘True’ is her new truth in America.” True created a different persona once she got to America, eager to forget her past and start her life anew. What do you make of her decision? Does she successfully escape her past?

  3. Will knowing the truth about her father change Kylie’s relationship with True? Do you think that they will finally achieve the mother-daughter relationship she has always wanted?

  4. What do you think about Hicham and his playboy persona? Why are he and Jacques so different?

  5. Did your feelings about Jacques’s mother and father change as the different pieces of their story came to light? How does Jacques feel about each parent at the end of the book, when he’s finally put everything together?

  6. Jacques says that he doesn’t believe in coincidence; do you think the blackout was a coincidence? How did it change things for Jacques and Kylie? What about for the other people who were there?

  7. “We hugged one last time. My chest tightened as I sat in my car. He looked at me with a downturned mouth and his shoulders pulled low. I let out a heavy sigh and started the engine, feeling like I’d finally closed that chapter for good.” Why has Kylie kept Breeze in her life for so long? Who do you think she will end up with?

  8. Jacques’s medium friend Melissa predicts: “You remove the veils from their eyes with your readings. You will get even better and beyond your wildest dreams. TV, newspapers, magazines, you name it.” What do you think is in store for Jacques now that he knows how much support is behind him?

  9. If you had Jacques’s intuitive abilities, how would you use them?

  A Conversation with Simone Kelly

  Q:A lot of readers are curious about Jacques’s intuitive powers. Is that a real thing? Are there a lot of folks like him in the world?

  A: Absolutely! It’s a gift we all possess, but many are taught to be afraid of the messages they receive in dreams, of voices they may hear, or just of a feeling they can’t put their finger on. Intuition is a superpower that needs to be honored more. It can be as simple as singing a song in your head and you turn on the radio and boom! There it is. Or you’re thinking about someone and boom! They call you. It’s not magic, you were just in tune with the universe at that moment.

  Q:What advice would you give readers who are wondering if they’re intuitive or who want to seek out an intuitive to help them gain clarity in their lives?

  A: Start by meditating daily. If you are always ripping and running and never take some sacred time in the day to get grounded and be still, it will be a challenge to tap in. Know thyself. There are so many free guided meditations on YouTube you can use to help you. Start journaling daily on how you feel, and maybe even documenting any psychic occurrences or coincidences that happen, so you can be more aware and not blow things off. Start reading about developing your abilitie
s. Some of my favorite authors on the subject are Echo Bodine, John Holland, James Van Praagh, and Doreen Virtue.

  Then look into any intuitive teachers or schools that can help you with developing your abilities further. I’ve had amazing mentors over the years, and without their guidance, I wouldn’t be teaching what I know now to help others. I currently train students all over the world with my Discover Your Intuition courses.

  Q:How did you come to write this book?

  A: I came up with the idea for this book many years ago—around 2004 to be exact. However, I kept procrastinating on it. It was originally going to be a spin-off from my first fiction book, At Second Glance. In that novel, Dee Johnson (who you know from this book) saw a psychic named Brother Miguel. I was going to write a book about a psychic who abuses his abilities to manipulate his clients and becomes obsessed with one of them. I eventually decided to change his name and not make it so dark. I turned him into an irresistible good guy instead, who you now know as Jacques Berradi.

  My goal was not only to tell a story with colorful characters but also to help demystify the whole idea of being intuitive. Most of pop culture puts psychics in the box of freaks, weirdos, and con artists. I wanted to show that this world is not all about demons, ghosts, and terror—but about how you can use your gifts in your daily life. I wanted people to understand Jacques, get to know him and identify with him.

  Q: Do you think of yourself primarily as a writer or a businesswoman or an intuitive counselor? Or are all three tied up with each other?

  A: In 2007, I started training in many metaphysical subjects and advanced to the point where I was able to combine my intuitive gifts with my business and life coaching, so I’m a hybrid of sorts: I am a business woman, a coach, and an author, and I use my intuition in all these facets.