Twist of Finality Ollie navigated the winding mountain return trip with greater caution. Heavy snowfall had transformed the landscape into a slick and treacherous winter wonderland. The Jeep’s wheels crunched and bumped over frozen terrain, a melancholy soundtrack…

Ksanka Showdown We found the cave opening with the blizzard raging full tilt. An expanse of slate-gray sky blended seamlessly with the frigid landscape making visibility brief and erratic. A gust shoved Tony and I in an arc, past Ollie to avoid toppling us all like…

Climb Ollie’s historic Willys Jeep turned out a better choice than my Tacoma. Renée had been freed and waltzed out the door with Vicky into a dangerous mountain storm. I didn’t want to waste time arguing over driving options.  The well-kept artifact had the look and…

Ksanka Dreams “Maybe we go in easy on this,” Tony said, as he followed me through the picket fence and past the Matchbox sales lot.  “We don’t have enough time for that,” I replied. My thoughts were fully on catching Lorna off guard with a wild allegation, in hopes of…

Kayla Bait I crossed the threshold into the diner into a permeating chill. Warmth and coziness had been swapped with cool mistrust. Aromas of fried food made the air thick with an odor of cruelty. Vacant stools and booths were devoid of the cackle and mirth that…

Pass Renée Vicky’s arguments banged around in my head, busting up logic and reason, until they jolted loose a plan to visit my sister at the jail. Tony climbed into the Tacoma and curled his lips into a rueful smile. “Great idea,” he said with a snort, “if you can…

Clash of Lies I dozed, with the Tacoma idling, in front of Lorna’s house. Dim lights from the dashboard gave the interior of the truck an enchanting glow. Widely separated street lamps spilled diffused, yellow light onto the cracked pavement, and the moon winked from…

Jenkins’ Secret Deal I grabbed Tony’s coat sleeve, making sure he didn’t tag along with the Lincoln County boys. The Sheriff’s body heat was almost tangible, and I wanted no part of a trek into the woods with him.  Tony shook his head at me, but acquiesced. “Gerulis,”…

Sheriff Shudders The Sheriff arrived in a fit, caterpillar mustache bouncing with frenetic energy. He barked madly at the air. A kaleidoscope pulse of emergency lights punctuated his outbursts, provoking an atmosphere of hysteria. “What the hell did you do, Pierce?…