Book excerpt from Retribution

       Randy Howard's heart pounded in his ears as he pulled into the dark parking lot. Quickly locking up the car, he ran into his apartment building, gulping in the light of the hallway like a drowning swimmer fighting for air. Would it ever end, the dread of the darkness? He slammed his door closed with one hand and reached for the light switch with the other.

       He closed his eyes. His fantasies grew more vivid now that he could see the Remington family up close and personal. What a rush to follow them around town, learning their routines without them being aware of him. It totally amazed him how people can go about their daily lives oblivious to their surroundings, of being watched and followed. How they functioned with the feeling of their world being safe and secure.

       Sheltered at last in his bed, he hoped for sleep. Long after the prison bars were no longer there, he still saw them in his dreams. Smelled the stench from the open toilet in the corner, felt the dampness and fear in the darkness where none of the prisoners could hide from the realities of their lives.

       As the long hours alone in his cell hardened his heart, Randy plotted his revenge against the police officer responsible for sending his father to prison and setting off the roller coaster descent of his own life.

       Yes, Officer George Remington–oops, he'd almost forgotten–Police Chief George Remington–would pay for ruining his life. Indeed he would.

Book excerpt from Remember Me 

        He slowed his horse and joined her when she passed by. They rode side by side in silence around the arena for several minutes. “I was thinking.” Ray cleared his throat and adjusted his hat. “Maybe I could go out on a trail ride with you.”

        Dani turned slightly in the saddle. “I thought you didn’t go on trails?”

        “I haven’t wanted to go with anyone before now,” he replied, looking straight ahead.

        She tossed him a surprised look and pondered her reply.

        Ray stretched his legs in his stirrups. “Just thought I’d offer…since you wanted to go and didn’t have someone to ride with.” He glanced sideways at her. “Wouldn’t want you to go off with someone here you don’t know well and…” His words trailed off.

        “I don’t really know you very well.” Dani’s words took on a teasing tone, hoping to keep the conversation light.

        Ray nodded.

        Dani gave in to the urge to tease. “I wouldn’t want to end up with my picture on a missing poster.”

        He glanced around at her. “Are you always so cynical?”

        “Just on good days,” she said with a laugh.

        “Do I look like a serial killer or something?” he questioned.

        “Just what does a serial killer look like?”

        “You have a point there. I hear you can’t tell a serial killer by how they look.”

* * *

        Dani unsaddled her horse, brushed him down and put away her tack. “Coming out tomorrow, could-be-serial-killer, or do you have a job?”

        “No, no job. I retired to pursue my life of crime,” he grinned. “Sure, I’ll be out tomorrow unless I’m caught in the act tonight and get arrested.”

        “Be careful then. I’ll probably see you tomorrow.”

        He watched her walk away—tan western shirt tucked into snug-fitting jeans, cocoa-brown Justin roper boots. “Hey!” he called after her. “Nice walk, Monroe.”

        With a little shake of her head and a slightly exaggerated swagger, Dani walked to her car with a spring in her step that had been missing for quite some time. As she reached her car, she turned to see him still watching her. She laughed, waved and shot back, “Glad to see you enjoying yourself, Crowley.”

        Something in her head whispered a warning to be careful, while deeper inside flickered the feeling of being rescued.

* * *