by Chris Bostic
“Well, I reckon it’s not. But maybe it won’t come to that. We might be able to talk some sense into a different moron, or maybe even get them to launch an investigation into Mister Stiff Britches and our, uhm, mistreatment.”
“That doesn’t sound much better.”
“Not like you gave the guy much of a choice with that big speech of yours,” Connie said, but there was humor in his deep voice. “Man there’s nothing better than seeing the heads of the pompous officers explode.”
“You’re not mad?” Joe asked. “You’re like the most gung-ho, pro-Regulator…”
“I reckon I’m a lot of things…and not a lot of others,” he said cryptically. “But right now I’ll be happily retired from the field of battle. With idiots like that, it’s no wonder the service is short on troops.” Connie rested his head in his hands. “It doesn’t do any good killing savages anyway…or killing ourselves. Nothing worthwhile can come from it.”
“We’ve lost too many already,” Leisa said.
“Exactly.” Connie leaned back and closed his eyes.
Leisa slipped across to Joe’s side and nestled in next to him. They leaned to the middle, bodies touching from shoulders down to boots, but didn’t dare link fingers or lay a head on the other’s shoulder.
Connie cracked an eye open. Joe stared back at him sheepishly, but unashamed. The grizzly sergeant drifted off to sleep with a reluctant sigh.
“What now?” Leisa whispered.
“Hopefully Connie’s right and we can weasel our way outta prison.” He pointed a thumb at the closed hatch. “If that jerk’s good for his word, there’s no hope. But maybe Sarge can work some magic and find us a way to get discharged instead.”
“Let’s not think about Stony. Connie’s smart. He’ll find us a way home.” A faraway look calmed Leisa’s taut face. “I like the idea of a discharge.”
“Agreed.”
“And then?”
“You find your brother, and I’ll find you and your chickens.” He scowled at a darker thought, and added, “I’ll hear that dang creepy clucking for the rest of my life.”
“Me, too.” Leisa looked up at Joe with those soft green eyes that melted his heart. “Maybe we should get rid of the chickens.”
Joe laughed. He leaned his head back to rest it against the side of the moving vehicle. The rumble of the motor lulled Leisa to sleep, and he followed right after her to dreamland.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you so much for taking the time to read Savage Hills, the first book of The Savage Horde Series. If you enjoyed this book, or even if it wasn’t your cup of tea, I would greatly appreciate any reviews left on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and/or Goodreads. Reviews help other readers decide whether or not to check out this story, and they really help get this book noticed.
I sure hope you’ll continue on with the story of these brave teens and their grizzly sergeant. The second book, Cold Valley, should be available by summer 2016.
If you are interested in similar outdoorsy thrillers, I’m happy to note that those are exactly the kinds of stories I write. Have a look at more of my novels on the following page…
Savage Hills is my first foray into the world of self-publishing. My very first series, The Northwoods Trilogy, was released seemingly ages ago (actually early in 2013) by Krill Press. I owe a debt of gratitude to Ken at Krill Press for giving me my initial break into the world of publishing. A second big thank you goes out to Robin at Rocking Horse Publishing for releasing two of my standalone novels.
Furthermore, all of my books wouldn’t have made it to print without the support and guidance of some terrific author friends. I cannot thank my reviewers enough for all their stinging critiques and words of wisdom.
For the fans, thank you for all the support. All the sharing, posting and telling your friends. In a market oversaturated with titles, every little mention helps my books find their way out of the shadows. It’s with your help that my novels make it to the light, and why I was willing to give self-publishing a chance.
Lastly, to my family…for all those weekends and weeknights and sports practices where I pounded away at the computer, I appreciate you letting me slip away into another world for a while. Much love.
To connect with Chris Bostic
Add ‘Author Chris Bostic’ as a friend on Facebook
Follow on Twitter at @CBostic_Author
Website: http://ChrisBostic.weebly.com
Other books by Chris Bostic
The Northwoods Trilogy:
Book 1, Fugitives from Northwoods
Book 2, Rebellion in Northwoods
Book 3, Return to Northwoods
Standalone Novels:
Game Changer
Murder Cove