Killer Secrets

by Sherrie Orvik

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Reviews

  Dedication

  Chapter

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  14

  15

  16

  17

  18

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  Pandamoon Publishing

  Book Club Questions

  KILLER SECRETS

  By

  Sherrie Orvik

  © 2019 by Sherrie Orvik

  This book is a work of creative fiction that uses actual publicly known events, situations, and locations as background for the storyline with fictional embellishments as creative license allows. Although the publisher has made every effort to ensure the grammatical integrity of this book was correct at press time, the publisher does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. At Pandamoon, we take great pride in producing quality works that accurately reflect the voice of the author. All the words are the author’s alone.

  All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Pandamoon Publishing. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

  www.pandamoonpublishing.com

  Jacket design and illustrations © Pandamoon Publishing

  Art Direction by Don Kramer: Pandamoon Publishing

  Editing by Zara Kramer, Rachel Schoenbauer, Ashley Hammond, and Heather Stewart, Pandamoon Publishing

  Pandamoon Publishing and the portrayal of a panda and a moon are registered trademarks of Pandamoon Publishing.

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC

  Edition: 1, version 1.00

  Reviews

  WOW!!! What an incredibly intense and gripping beginning to Sherri Orvik’s new book Killer Secrets. She does an incredible job making you feel like you literally right there as she tries to escape a mad man. The detail in the scene and the raw emotions were outstanding. I was seriously on the edge of my seat needing to know what happened.

  Sherri has an outstanding gift for this genre of writing. Even though this was a short read it was fast paced that hooked your attention and grabbed you hard from the start. It was full of thrill, suspense, action, a killer, investigation, and an intense storyline. Stories like this I love.

  However, this book may trigger some that have been drugged, abused, assaulted, attacked. Please read at your own risk.

  I would definitely review for Sherri again. ─ By HeidiLynns BookReviews

  It has evidence at strategic places to keep the interest of the reader. I think that the author, Sherrie Orvik, did this very well. New developments and information kept coming, sparking new twists and directions, and, as a reader, I tried to second guess who might, or might not be guilty at various turns in the plot. The fact that I had these questions, I believe spoke well for the writing of this crime novel.

  Additionally, the story included the added dimension of a strong romantic love interest with built-in conflicts. James, a cop struggled with the balance of job duty vs. personal happiness. Elyse's character battled severe trauma, as well as vulnerability with trust issues. The romantic scenes were intense, but not graphic -- just enough hint of passion to pull the reader in. The romantic attraction within the crime setting provided a great change of dynamics in the midst of danger.

  There were other great characters as well. James's father, Pops, was a likeable one with his warm, grandfatherly personality. Other people within the story possessed good personality traits that helped them also function believably in their roles, such as police officer co-workers, Terry, and Helen, a nurse, not to mention a great, lovable guard dog!

  The writing was very descriptive. I could envision the story as a movie, as the feeling of place and time was always evident. I really enjoyed the story, and especially liked the italicized inner thoughts of the protagonist throughout. The story was original. Many times, there is romance between a cop and a female character; however, this story had unusual and clever plotting. A strong bond was that the crime touched both Elyse's and James's lives, upping the stakes. It kept me turning pages with complications that bound both protagonists as they headed deeper into the story, and danger.

  Crime fiction is not something that I read often, but this story made me reconsider the genre. The story was well-written, with forensic details, investigative procedures, false leads, and tension that built and ran throughout the novel. I truly enjoyed reading this story. ─ Nancy Lorenz is the author of The Strength of Ballerinas and American Ballerina

  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to my children, Sara and Steven. You are my joy and my inspiration. If I could travel the entire world, walk on the moon, or sell 10 billion books, my greatest accomplishment would still be being your mom. I love you forever.

  KILLER SECRETS

  Chapter 1

  Get out! Run!

  The words roared through her groggy mind and her heart pounded in her chest. She squinted against the brightness of the sun through the windshield. Tall trees broke the blue of the sky, fast at first, then slower as the car decelerated. A slight breeze brushed against her face, and the warm air smelled of pine and earth. Her mind flooded with memories of time spent at the old family cabin in the Colorado Rockies.

  Woods.

  She knew the woods, knew she could be safe there. If the car stopped, if she could get out before her attacker realized she was coming to, if she could run…

  If…

  Mere inches separated her from the door handle and freedom. Her fingers burned to reach for it, but the car still rolled over what sounded like crunching gravel.

  Gravel?

  They weren’t in town anymore. How long had she been unconscious? How far had they come?

  It didn’t matter. All that mattered was getting out. Running as fast as she could, as far as she could.

  The car jerked, the sound of the wheels stopped. Her heart jumped into her throat.

  Now! Get out!

  The world was a blur, her vision spinning and dim, but she clawed toward the nebulous handle and managed to open the door.

  “Now, now,” the driver said, his voice distant and as warped as her vision. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

  Run!

  She fell out of the open car door and onto the crude road. Gravel dug into her kneecaps. She dragged herself forward, even as sharp, dry pine needles and rocks tore into her flesh. Dust filled her nostrils, making it hard to breathe.

  Ignore the pain. Run…

  The woods had always been her safety, her refuge. They could be now, if she could get her legs to work.

  She scrambled to her feet and stumbled forward. Fear raced through her veins with every step that pounded behind her, the sound of his feet on the brush closer and closer. Her body jolted to a stop, her scalp burned.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” His hot breath and spit hit her cheek, his grip twisted tighter into her hair.

  She glanced at her attacker. Black ski mask. Long black sleeves. Black gloves.

  She wanted to ask who he was, what he wanted, but he pulled her up by the throat and choked off her brea
th. “You’re not getting away. Not this time.”

  The rage-filled words rang in her ears as he slammed the back of her head against the jagged bark of a tree.

  She scratched at his exposed neck, desperate for him to release her. Nothing.

  “I don’t think so,” he seethed as his hands tightened around her neck.

  It was now or never. Escape or die. She raised her knee as fast as she could, and he fell to the ground, doubled over.

  Terror gave her strength she didn’t think she had and she ran, his curses echoing through the trees behind her.

  Her throat burned with each inhale of the hot, dry air of the forest. Sweat stung her eyes. She reached up to brush it away, nauseated at the sight of red smeared across the back of her hand.

  Blood. There would be more if she didn’t keep running.

  Her legs shook as she ran through the woods. She coughed, her lungs begging for the precious breath he’d almost stolen from her. The forest spun around her, and she fought to stay on her feet.

  Just run!

  She ran forward, spurred on by the drum of footsteps closing in behind her. She careened through the thick foliage, branches catching her clothes and tearing her skin.

  In the distance she heard the sounds of motors and a horn. Traffic. That meant people. People meant safety. She sprinted forward, certain she felt his hot breath against her neck. Ahead, the faint green glow of a stoplight beckoned. She raced toward it, exhaustion and pain choking every breath.

  Her legs burned as she raced through the thorns of a tall hedge, desperate to reach safety. She stumbled forward, then glanced back to see if he was behind her.

  The screech of brakes was her only warning before she felt searing pain. Her body slammed against the hood of a car, and she crashed onto the pavement. Her ears filled with the sounds of horns and screams.

  Get up! Run!

  She had to. Her survival depended on it. But her body refused. Her limbs were weak, her thoughts jumbled and hazy, her breath impossible to catch. She turned her head and saw the stopped car with its driver side door open. Black. White. Blue and red flashing lights.

  Police?

  People gathered around her, their figures hazy against the brightness of the sky. She tried to scan the crowd for her attacker, but their faces turned into shadows, their hum sounded further and further away. The lights of the police car behind her flashed dimmer and dimmer. The blue sky above got darker and darker, until her world went black.

  “Miss, can you hear me? Don’t move.” A man’s voice broke through the dark silence as she slowly regained consciousness.

  She blinked, tried to force her eyes open against their will. A man knelt beside her. Sunlight sparked against the metal star on his shirt and highlighted his sandy brown hair with streaks of copper. His crystal blue eyes reflected her own bloodied face.

  The police car was behind him, its hood dented, its lights still flashing.

  “I…I need…” She wanted to ask for his help but couldn’t get the words out.

  “Try to relax,” he said.

  He reached for the radio on his shirt.

  “I need an ambulance at the corner of Fifth and Wilder. I have a pedestrian versus vehicle with injuries.”

  He touched her wrist, his blue eyes filled with concern.

  “The ambulance is on its way. You’re going to be okay.”

  She wanted to believe him, but her heart beat wildly out of rhythm and her throat tightened. Her mind raced with fear.

  He’s still out there, maybe watching now, a killer…

  She grabbed the man’s hand. “Help me.”

  “I will. I am.” He frowned and ran his fingers along the side of her neck. “What happened? How did you get these bruises?”

  “He…” She tried to explain, but she didn’t have enough breath.

  “It’s okay,” he said. “There will be time to explain after you get to the hospital.”

  She heard the wail of the ambulance sirens approach. He covered her with a blanket and placed his hand on her shoulder. Maybe she was safe now. Maybe not. Either way, she couldn’t fight anymore. She let exhaustion take over and closed her eyes.

  “Stay with me miss. Don’t close your eyes,” the man’s voice intruded. “Can you tell me your name?”

  Her name? Of course she could tell him her name. Couldn’t she? Panic filled her as she searched for a name she couldn’t recall.

  “I don’t…” Blood filled her mouth and choked off her words.

  An EMT pushed past the officer. “Sorry, Sheriff Warrick, this interview is over.” He knelt beside her and prepared her for transport. His voice sounded distant, his face blurred.

  “Just breathe for me and lie still.” He placed a cold stethoscope on her chest.

  She tried to breathe, her body desperate for the air her lungs could not capture. She heard the faint, muffled voices of the EMT and the officer as they lifted her into the ambulance. She tried to listen, but her mind was too clouded to concentrate on their words.

  The EMT closed the door and the siren began to howl.

  “Don’t worry, miss. You’re going to be just fine.”

  * * *

  James Warrick watched the ambulance pull away, the blaring sirens playing like a soundtrack to the horrible images in his mind. There was no way he could have stopped in time to avoid hitting her. Still, the disturbing vision and sound of her body striking his car played over and over in his head.

  He looked toward the edge of the park and frowned. She’d run right through the hawthorn hedge that served as the boundary between the park and the forest.

  You must have been pretty desperate to run through those thorns.

  He picked up one of the woman’s shoes that had been left behind by the EMT. Sandals. She hadn’t been out for a hike. Something—or someone—had driven her into traffic, and he was going to find out which.

  He opened the backseat door of the cruiser and Oden jumped out of the car. The 100-pound bloodhound stood at James’ side. He held the sandal to Oden’s nose.

  “Come on, boy. We’ve got work to do. Track.”

  Oden put his nose to the ground and followed the scent toward the broken hedge and into the woods. James followed close behind.

  The green of the park grass gave way to the dusty ground of the woods. James squatted and examined a second set of footprints pounded into the dry dirt just shy of the park. Only the sandal prints continued through the hedge. Whoever had attacked her hadn’t followed her out of the woods.

  “Oden, find.” The dog put his nose to the footprints and strode into the woods.

  James drew his weapon and followed Oden, his footsteps slow and cautious. He listened for any sign of the woman’s attacker, but the only sounds he heard were his and Oden’s steps over the parched underbrush.

  They’d walked a half mile when they came to a forest service road, where the prints merged into a messy mix of pine needles and scuffed earth. Tire tracks marked where a car had been. It had rained last night, so the tracks had to be recent.

  He holstered his gun, then lifted his radio from his shirt and called the station.

  “Edith, I need my team out on service road seven, mile marker ten. Tell Terry to bring the DNA kit.”

  “Yes, Sheriff,” the radio crackled back.

  “Have her and Bailey drive separate squad cars. I’ll need to use one of theirs since my car is now part of the investigation.”

  “Bailey’s off today, but I can call him in if—”

  “Call him and tell him not to bother checking in at the station. Just tell him to get here. I’ll take Reynolds’ car.”

  “You got it, boss.”

  The sunlight glancing through the branches glistened against the bark of one of the trees and caught James’ attention. He approached the shiny red spot and confirmed his suspicion. Blood. Several long, wavy strands of red hair stuck out of the bark. It was the same strawberry blonde as the woman who’d ran in front of him.
>
  Someone was definitely trying to hurt her. Or worse. Judging by the disturbed ground and the way she’d run out of the woods, though, she’d put up a fight, and hopefully she’d managed to get a piece of her attacker.

  His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of sirens. Officer Hank Reynolds pulled up first, followed by Officer Joe Bailey.

  “Reynolds.” James shook the older man’s hand. Hank had been on the Gunderson police force since James was a kid, and his experience would be priceless during the investigation. The newest member of the team walked toward them. Although Joe Bailey was close to James’ age, he had just graduated from the academy and was eager to work outside of the office.

  “Officer Bailey,” James extended his hand. “Sorry to bother you on your day off, but I need all hands on this scene. Looks like your first field case could be a big one.”

  Bailey cleared his throat and shook James’ hand. “No problem. I won’t let you down, sir.”

  James turned back to Reynolds. “Where is the evidence team?”

  Reynolds huffed. “Dryden had to stop and pick up Calvert. He was at some fancy lunch with the mayor. Better watch it, Sheriff. I think Calvert is after your job.”

  “Yeah, well he’ll be disappointed when he finds out it involves more than lunches with the mayor.”

  Just then, the evidence team pulled up. Terry Dryden got out of the car first, followed by Chip Calvert.

  “Sorry it took us so long,” Terry said. She rolled her eyes and walked past James. Life in a family of law enforcement had left her with little patience for politics or people who enjoyed playing political games.

  “Chip.” James kept his voice neutral. “So glad you could join us.”

  “Well, I would have been here sooner,” Calvert buttoned the last button of his work shirt and tucked it in as he walked toward James. “But someone had to attend that meeting you didn’t think was important.”