QR Code Killer

by Shanna Hatfield

  “The ambulance is on its way,” John said, kneeling next to Devin and feeling for a pulse. “He’s still alive.”

  Danny studied the almighty Zeus and thought he saw something he recognized in the shape of his face. “Devin?”

  “It was him all along, Danny. Can you believe it?” Maddie said, holding Erik’s head in her lap and trying to keep the tremors she was feeling from wracking her whole body. “How could I miss it? I was inches from him the day he stabbed me. How did I not notice it was him then?”

  “Because you saw what he wanted you to see. You would never, in a million years expect him to be alive, let alone be one of the most notorious psychopaths we’ve ever seen.”

  “Right now, I don’t even care. I just want Erik to be okay.”

  John waited outside for the ambulance crew and directed them to Erik. Maddie climbed in the ambulance and sat holding his hand on the way to the hospital.

  “Don’t leave me Erik. I’ve only just found you and you said you’d be around when this case was finished,” Maddie whispered through her tears.

  “I’m losing his pulse,” the EMT said. “Come on, buddy, don’t give up.”

  “Erik, don’t quit now. Please, Farmer Man. I need you. I love you,” Maddie slid back as the EMT worked to keep Erik alive.

  “Come on, come on!”

  “Erik!”

  Epilogue

  Two Years Later

  Maddie sat on the porch swing breathing in the hay-scented air. The last cutting of the season was on the ground, wheat harvest was through and a field of zinnia seed had been picked, leaving behind acres of rich soil that boasted an array of rainbow colored blooms through the warm summer months.

  Erik’s dog, Boone, lay at her feet. The bullet wound to his shoulder had long since healed and the dog became a faithful companion and friend to her in the months since she shot the infamous Zeus.

  She still had difficulty embracing the idea that a man she once thought she loved had fallen so deeply into his world of madness that he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted, which included her.

  It continued to puzzle her that someone she thought she knew so well had really been a complete stranger.

  After his chest wound healed, Devin was tried, convicted and given the death penalty. His attorney tried to get him off on an insanity plea, but that hadn’t gone far. Despite his unbalanced state of mind, he was now in a place where he could never hurt another living thing. Maddie said a little prayer of thankfulness for that dark part of her past being finished and done.

  Using one foot to push the swing into motion, Maddie leaned back against the soft cushions, eyes closed as she listened to the sounds of Aunt Lena in the kitchen. From the smell wafting out the open window, Lena was frying a chicken.

  Maddie’s stomach growled at the thought of her aunt’s special potato salad and chocolate cream pie for dessert. It had been too long since she’d enjoyed her aunt’s cooking.

  Following Devin’s trial, Maddie requested an extended leave of absence from her job. It didn’t take long for her to decide to make it permanent. Seattle would lose one of its finest police officers, but Maddie just didn’t have the heart to give her job one hundred percent anymore. The rough road she traveled had brought her to this place where the quiet peacefulness of country life suited her just fine.

  Hearing footsteps on the porch, Maddie opened one eye and smiled at her brother. The only remnant of his nearly being blown to bits by Zeus was a jagged scar on his chin, which gave him quite a rakish appearance. It had certainly set some of the girls at church all aflutter the first Sunday he strolled into service with her.

  Sitting down beside her, Zach smiled and kissed her cheek.

  “How you doing, Little Miss Maddie-Pants?”

  Maddie grinned. “Just great. How about you?”

  “Couldn’t be better. I’m glad we are all together again,” Zach said, pushing the swing back into motion.

  “Me, too. It took a while to get to this place, but I’m very grateful we are finally here,” Maddie said, a wistful look softening her face.

  Before Zach could say anything further, Maddie’s phone buzzed and she asked Zach to answer it. He pulled it from beside her leg. When he answered a QR Code popped on the screen. For a brief moment, fear washed over Maddie then she swallowed it down and nodded at Zach. Together, they watched her phone screen, waiting to see what it would lead to.

  “Welcome to Ethan Moore’s World,” read the banner that flashed across the screen followed by pictures of a newborn baby boy.

  “That is so awesome,” Zach laughed, holding the phone while they both looked at the photos.

  Maddie smiled down at the two-week old bundle of beloved baby in her arms. Named after her father, little Ethan was, in her mind, a miracle and a blessing. He represented the happy direction her life was now headed.

  “Your husband has many hidden talents,” Zach commented as they scrolled through photos of the baby online. “I didn’t realize he was such a good photographer.”

  Maddie laughed. “He really is. One more thing I kind of like about him.”

  The front door opened and Maddie and Zach both looked up as Erik approached them, camera in hand. He snapped photos of them together with the baby before taking a seat on a wicker chair next to the swing. Boone wandered over to rub against his leg. Erik grinned at the dog, his long-time faithful companion, and reached down to pat him affectionately.

  “Did you get my message?” Erik asked, smiling fondly at both his wife and son.

  “Yes, we did,” Maddie said, quirking an eyebrow at him. “Really? A QR Code for Ethan?”

  “Well, why not?” Erik said, leaning over and rubbing a gentle finger on the baby’s soft cheek. “This little man is going to grow up to do great things, so he needs his own website. It will be a fun way to keep his Aunt Lena and Uncle Zach up to date on his achievements, like champion drooler and sleeping for three hours straight.”

  “Don’t forget diaper-filler,” Zach said. “He seems to be quite talented at that.”

  Indignant on behalf of Ethan, Maddie huffed. “He’s perfect just like he is and there is no need to start planning an illustrious career of world-renowned achievements for him. If he grows up to be like his daddy and uncle, that will be more than good enough for me.” Maddie kissed the baby’s downy crown, covered in soft brown hair, and breathed in the heavenly scent that can only be found on baby’s heads.

  “Maybe he’ll be the next top-notch firearm trainer in the Seattle police force,” Zach teased. “You just never know.”

  “You just keep that thought to yourself for now, brother of mine,” Maddie said, shooting Zach a sisterly glare. If she had anything to say about it, she wanted her baby to grow up to have a safe occupation like an accountant or librarian. Erik might even talk her into letting him be a farmer.

  “Just saying. Between the two of you, it is entirely possible he’ll be a world-champion shooter. Maybe he’ll do that cowboy action shooting or be a steam-punker. Wouldn’t that be something?” Zach said, knowing each idea was setting his sister on edge.

  Erik grinned at his brother-in-law, changing the subject before Maddie punched her brother. “I’m so glad you and Lena came to visit for a few weeks. Maddie was getting too used to being pampered and appreciated. With you around, I can get a few weeks of respite.”

  Maddie would have smacked her husband if her hands hadn’t been full of their sweet baby Ethan.

  Ignoring her scowl, Erik looked at Zach. “If you’re game, we can drive around tomorrow and visit a few of the neighboring farms. My friend Mike is excited to have you check out his new corn chopper. He just got it delivered yesterday. While we are out and about, you’ll have the opportunity to see how real farmers get things done.”

  Zach laughed at Erik’s teasing. He and Lena drove down from Walla Walla to Erik and Maddie’s farm in Ontario last week, a few days after the baby arrived. They had one more week before Zach had to get back
to his own farming responsibilities. The hired hands he’d added to the payroll in the last year were dependable and more than capable of managing things in his absence, but he still didn’t want to be away too long. Then there was the fact that his fiancée wouldn’t appreciate him being gone for an extended stay.

  After Maddie got married, Zach finally realized he was about to miss the boat on a great opportunity and decided it was time to make a commitment to his long-time girlfriend. Maddie and Erik promised to drive up for the wedding in November and stay for a week or so.

  “If all the farmers get things done around here like you do, it might be something to see,” Zach said, standing up and clapping a hand to Erik’s shoulder. “I need some more of that good tea you made, Maddie. Who would have thought you, of all people, would ever get domesticated? I’d have been the last one to think it could be true if I hadn’t seen and tasted it for myself.”

  “Oh, go on with you,” Maddie said, quietly pleased at his backhanded compliment.

  When Zach went back into the house, Erik sat down beside Maddie and the baby on the swing, putting his arm around them both. His life felt so full and complete now. He and Maddie wed soon after he was released from the hospital. He stood beside her during Zeus trial and once she could leave Seattle unfettered by the past, they moved into Erik’s farmhouse and started a new life in Ontario. Erik remodeled much of the interior of the house, not only to update it, but to let Maddie know he was ready to move on from his life with Sheila. A little part of his heart would always belong to his first wife and love, but Maddie, and now little Ethan, filled up the remainder to overflowing. He never imagined his life would come full circle and bring him back to the land that was so much a part of him.

  Looking out over the prosperous farm, Erik smiled to himself.

  “What’s that look for?” Maddie asked, leaning her head on his shoulder. “You look more than a little pleased with yourself.”

  “Not me,” Erik explained. “With you, and baby Ethan, and life.”

  “I know just what you mean. I feel like we have really been blessed,” Maddie said, watching as the baby stretched. Soon he would be awake and demanding to be fed.

  “Who would have thought when I signed on to put up wind turbines in Walla Walla that I’d end up falling in love with a tough cop who happened to be the farmer’s daughter?”

  “Well, I’m extremely glad you did,” Maddie said, turning her head to place a kiss on Erik’s chin. He bent down and pressed his warm lips to hers. “I love you so much, Farmer Man.”

  “And I love you, Mad-Dog.”

  ###

  Maddie’s Peppermint Sweet Tea

  3 mint tea bags (Bigelow Plantation Mint is preferred)

  4 cups boiling water

  8 cups cold water

  2/3 cup sugar

  Mint sprigs

  Add the tea bags to the boiling water and let steep for about 10 minutes. Discard tea bags, stir in sugar until dissolved. Pour tea into a 12 cup pitcher. Add cold water and stir. Toss in a few fresh mint sprigs and serve over ice in chilled glasses.

  So refreshing on a hot day or anytime you need a pick-me-up.

  Available now!

  Savvy Summer Entertaining - The savvy hostess will find all the hints, ideas and recipes needed for a fun and successful summer entertaining season!

  From Savvy Entertaining's blogger, this book includes her favorite tips for celebrating summer!

  Coming August 2012!

  The Coffee Girl – Almost thirty, Brenna Smith isn’t sure how much more off-track her life could be. She certainly never pictured herself living at home with her parents, working in a job she dislikes for a loathsome boss. The only bright spot in her mundane existence is the cute guy she runs into every morning as she stops to get coffee.

  Brock McCrae has worked hard to be able to manage his own construction company. Handsome, successful and full of life, he finds his world turned upside down as he falls for a woman he knows only as The Coffee Girl.

  Is there something more than a shared love of coffee brewing between these two? Find out… in August 2012!

  Coming Fall 2012!

  The Cowboy’s Autumn Fall - Brice Morgan thought love at first sight was some ridiculous notion of school girls and old ladies who read too many romance novels. At least he does until he meets Bailey Bishop at a friend’s wedding and falls hard and fast for the intriguing woman.

  Bailey Bishop attends her cousin’s wedding with no intention of extending her brief visit to Oregon. Married to her career as an archaeologist, Bailey tries to ignore her intense attraction to her cousin’s best friend, Brice. Ready to return home to Denver, Bailey is offered the opportunity to explore a new archeological dig not far from the family’s ranch in Grass Valley.

  Can she keep her feelings for Brice from derailing her plans for the future?

  As the autumn season arrives, love falls on willing hearts at the Triple T Ranch.

  Available Now!

  Learnin’ The Ropes - Out of work mechanic Ty Lewis is homeless and desperate to find work. Answering a classified ad for a job in Harney County, Oregon, Ty accepts when he is offered the position. Saying goodbye to his sister and his life in Portland, he heads off to the tiny community of Riley to begin a new adventure, unsure about his boss Lex Ryan, a man he has yet to speak with or meet.

  Lexi Ryan, known to her ranch hands and neighbors as Lex Jr., leaves a successful career in Portland to keep the Rockin’ R Ranch running smoothly after the untimely death of her father. It doesn’t take long to discover her father did a lot of crazy things during the last few months before he died, like hiding half a million dollars that Lexi can’t find.

  Ty and Lexi are both in for a few surprises as he arrives at the Rockin’ R Ranch and begins learnin’ the ropes.

  Enjoy the first chapter…

  by

  Shanna Hatfield

  Learnin’ The Ropes

  Copyright 2012

  by Shanna Hatfield

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  For permission requests, please contact the author, with a subject line of "permission request” at the email address below or through her website.

  Shanna Hatfield

  shanna@shannahatfield.com

  shannahatfield.com

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Lesson One

  Location, Location, Location

  “Git yerself out of thet durn city

  and into God’s country.”

  Tyler Lewis read through the classified ad a third time, trying to decide if he was desperate enough to apply for the open position.

  Leaning against his truck door with the paper propped on the steering wheel, cold seeping into his back from the rain-splattered window and hunger gnawing at his insides, he concluded he was, in fact, that desperate.

  Wanted - Good mechanic able to work on a variety of equipment in Harney County, Oregon. Certification a plus. Wages congruent to experience. Room and board included. Must like animals.

  Ty took a deep breath, quickly typed a text message and hit send to the number in the ad before he could change his mind.

  If someone had told him a year ago he would be living in his pickup, unable to find a job, and willing to do just about anything that was legal to make a few bucks, he would have laughed in their face.

  That was before the garage where he worked for the past seven years decided to lay off all but their newest mechanic t
o cut costs. Ten months later, Ty had $486 left to his name and everything he owned was packed into his pickup.

  Let go with a promise that he would have his job back as soon as business picked up; the once-busy garage in a Portland suburb went out of business within a few months, leaving Ty no hope of being re-hired.

  Applying for every open mechanic job he could find, he interviewed for positions doing everything from janitorial work to flipping burgers and couldn’t get hired on anywhere. There were way too many people in the same sinking boat.

  Five weeks ago, he gave up his apartment and moved into his pickup. With rapidly dwindling funds, he sold all of his furniture and anything else he didn’t need which left him his tools, clothes, and one box full of mementos from his childhood.

  Although it was expensive, the one thing he refused to give up was his iPhone. Without it, he would be completely cut off from the rest of the world. It served as his phone, computer, camera, radio, filing system, and number one job-hunting tool.

  Wondering if he’d lost his mind for responding to the latest ad, he was Googling information on Harney County when a tap on the glass at his back startled him.

  Looking through the water streaks, he grinned and rolled down the window.

  “Hey, you might melt out here,” he said to his sister, Beth, as she stood under a huge umbrella.

  “Not likely,” she said with a smile. “Come inside and have some dinner with us, Ty. You’ll freeze out here tonight. The weatherman said it might even snow.”