Miles Away (Carrion #1)(98)
“Are you happy, Miles?” Letty asked, giving him a wary look.
Miles seemed to realize that his face might not mirror the joy in his heart. Allowing the peace in his heart to show on his face, Miles smiled, tears pooling in his eyes. He replied, “Is that a real question? I couldn’t be happier. I’m a blessed man, Letty. Blessed.”
Miles left Letty’s side to pick up G from his recliner. Lifting the sleeping child from the recliner, Miles cradled him in his left arm. Letty grabbed onto Miles’s right arm.
“C’mon. Let’s go to bed,” Miles said with a self-assured look on his face.
Then, without a glance back, the family departed from the room with unparalleled happiness blooming in their hearts.
The End.
PLAYLIST
Music is a pivotal part of my creative process. You might not know this about me, but I am a musician as well as an author, and when I need to set a certain mood and get the creative juices flowing, I rely on music to help get me there. I listen to everything from modern folk and alternative rock to country and classical music. This is a long playlist for a long book! I hope you enjoy it!
Carrion by Fiona Apple
It was on a sleepless night in the summer of 2002 when I was up late listening to Windows Media Player with my whole library of songs on shuffle. I was pecking away at the keyboard, when Carrion by Fiona Apple began to play. The jazzy tones and the smooth and sultry sound of Fiona’s voice catapulted my imagination to a town named Carrion, New Jersey, where a girl named Letty wanted nothing more than to save her longtime love Miles from people who had control over him, or have the strength to let him go. No other song would have done for the Prologue. Hearing this song automatically teleports me to the Capadonno mansion.
Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me by Mel Carter
If you were to walk into any diner in South Philadelphia in the ’90s, chances are that they would have oldies songs blaring from the speakers. For the scene where Letty and Miles are enjoying a fun birthday dinner, I wanted a song that would capture the innocence of their young romance. The line, “They told me be sensible with your new love. Don’t be fooled thinking this will be the last you’ll find. But they never stood in the dark with you love. When you take me in your arms and drive me slowly out of my mind,” I think perfectly captures the intensity at which Letty and Miles had fallen for each other.
Bullet with Butterfly Wings by Smashing Pumpkins
As Letty and Miles are running after an execution attempt on Miles’s life, a full range of emotions are flooding through their bodies, from rage and fear, to confusion and utter betrayal. I kept this song on repeat while I wrote this scene. With its tones of angst, rage and pure fury, I felt that the song matched the mood of the scene perfectly.
I Stand Alone by Theophilius London
For Miles’s interview with the reporter, I wanted a song that was fresh, upbeat, edgy and exuded an “I don’t give a shit” attitude. Miles does stand alone and he is ready to go up against the soldiers of Carrion as an army of one.
Everlasting Light by The Black Keys
I dare you to listen to this song and not feel a little more brazen, a little cockier, and a lot more badass. This song perfectly captures Miles’s attitude and smug expression as he walks through the corridors of the prison one last time.
Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen
As Miles starts the engine of his car and the glory of his freedom floods his system, this song begins to play. There was no other song that would have done this scene justice.
Conscience Killer by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
In Miles Away, Miles may be known for his affinity for all things Bruce Springsteen, but BRMC quickly became the go-to band for when Miles was feeling any kind of rage, intensity or adrenaline. This provided to be the perfect song for writing this scene, as Miles weaved through the clusterf*ck of Center City traffic with his sense of freedom and his need for vindication roaming unchecked.
Snake Eyes by Mumford and Sons
Meet the Butcher of Carrion. The line, “You hold it in your hands,” struck me. Michael holds the fates of many in his hands. He’s a tricky man and the melody of this song is perfect for him. The song snakes along, gradually increasing in intensity until it explodes much like Michael, himself.
Live and Die by The Avett Brothers
This is Letty’s song as it relates to her position of being Michael’s nurse, while still loving his son Miles. Letty is stuck between a rock and a hard place, and I feel like this song captures her position perfectly.
What’s a Girl to Do? by Bat For Lashes
Letty’s mind spirals as she witnesses a brutal murder. I felt that this song grasped her emotions in the situation. What’s a girl to do?
Let It Ride by Bachman Turner Overdrive
Raging up the highway to Carrion, this song is tough, gritty and a perfect representation of Miles’s exterior.
Long and Lost by Florence and the Machine
The line “lost in the fall” most certainly describes Letty’s state in the years after Miles’s incarceration. Though she tried to move on and make her own way, Letty is lost without Miles. Letty is successful, healthy, but largely unhappy. Miles left a gaping wound where her heart used to be.