{"id":486,"date":"2019-08-28T18:21:14","date_gmt":"2019-08-28T18:21:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/?p=486"},"modified":"2019-08-29T11:18:39","modified_gmt":"2019-08-29T11:18:39","slug":"trail-of-secrets-sample","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/?p=486","title":{"rendered":"TRAIL OF Secrets&#8211;Sample"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=trail+of+secrets+ebook+by+nora+leduc&amp;i=stripbooks&amp;ref=nb_sb_noss\">Amazon.<\/a> Free Aug 29 &amp; 30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"324\" height=\"499\" src=\"http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/trail-jpeg-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"489\" data-link=\"http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/?attachment_id=489\" class=\"wp-image-489\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/trail-jpeg-1.jpg 324w, http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/trail-jpeg-1-195x300.jpg 195w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 324px) 100vw, 324px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chapter 1-Sample<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> She must have lost her mind. What was she doing walking on the rail trail late at night? Thick vegetation closed around her, leaving her little choice where to head. She shuddered. They\u2019d been on this endless hike for almost twenty minutes. The pad of their footsteps on the vine-covered ground pierced the quiet that made her stomach churn. Why had she listened to Mr. Wonderful? She knew the answer. He\u2019d talked her into the evening with promises of an epic date with a huge surprise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Engagement ring, she bet! Yes, she was a sucker for a happy ending. Besides, this whole scene was her fault. She\u2019d been so excited when he\u2019d apologize after two weeks of angry silence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> He\u2019d pleaded for another chance and promised she wouldn\u2019t regret her decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yeah, tonight he\u2019d propose. She gripped her hands together to hide her excitement. Only, she\u2019d never pick this spot for romance. She batted at the insect circling her head. \u201cHey bug, it\u2019s December in Florida.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She wrapped an arm around her waist and felt a pair of eyes on her from deep in the bushes. No, she imagined them, right? This wasn\u2019t the old Florida with wild animals creeping nearby. Though teenagers still searched for out of the way places to party, and the homeless sought shelter in the woods. Was this path one of those places? A network of byways crisscrossed the main track. Who or what used them? She stumbled over a root in her wedge heels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Okay, she was twenty-four years old, an adult. Stay alert. She\u2019d be fine. Damn. He kept striding ahead as though she was a sheep following him. She regained her balance and blew out a breath. He expected her to move along using just the glimmer of the moon like he did? She removed her phone strapped to her arm and tapped on her flashlight app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Slowing, she debated going onward. Could she convince him to go back? He could be&nbsp;stubborn. If she went alone, how safe would she be? Not very. She kept trudging after him. Suddenly, the flicker of battery powered tapers marked their course. He was trying to make their evening memorable like he\u2019d sworn. In the past, she\u2019d prayed that he\u2019d commit to a life together. Finally, he seemed willing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Something slithered in the overgrown woods a foot away causing the tall grass to waver to and fro. She stopped dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two feet ahead of her, he paused and faced her. \u201cC\u2019mon. We\u2019re almost there. Don\u2019t you like the candles?\u201d He gestured at them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She must have frowned because he dropped his outstretched arm to his side. His mouth pulled downward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Don\u2019t ruin the evening,<\/em> she told herself. \u201cYou did a great job with the candlelight.\u201d She forced a smile and snuck a peek at the undergrowth. Had the snake hiding in the thick foliage left or would it pop out at her?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019ve a little way more.\u201d He started off again, detouring onto a narrow path. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAre you sure we\u2019re not wandering?\u201d Goosebumps prickled her skin. This route looked more for four-legged creatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDon\u2019t worry. I\u2019m not lost.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She ran a finger under her seashell necklace to ease the sudden tightness around her throat and glanced over her shoulder. Nothing behind them. Please let this be worth it. \u201cWhy are we out here again?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She plodded along. If only he\u2019d speed it up. Then they could go back to civilization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI chose a place special to us. Don\u2019t you remember the night we first got together?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She thought back to that time. They\u2019d met about three months ago at a coffee shop and shared a table. They\u2019d struck up a conversation about their current partners, who were more interested in being without them than being with them. He\u2019d offered her a ride home. She could have walked. Instead, they\u2019d done it in his car in the lot by this trail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe parked near here, but we didn\u2019t roam around in the wilderness.\u201d She raised her light and spotted a curve ahead. Would this hike ever end?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHave faith.\u201d He rounded the turn and stopped in a small, circular dirt clearing. In the center, two lanterns threw off dim rays that disappeared a few feet away into the shadows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He stood still, watching her face as she paused a foot from him. This must be where it would happen. His gaze jumped around the space before landing back on her. He was anxious. She could see it in his eyes, but the evening would move forward now. He\u2019d propose. She\u2019d snap the pictures, and they\u2019d leave, fast. She couldn\u2019t wait. Her wedding would be better than Prince Harry\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She cleared her throat and nodded at the metal lamps. \u201cI\u2019m hoping we\u2019ll do more than admire camping gear.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMaybe I got a job at L.L. Bean and wanted to show off our line.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHilarious.\u201d She crossed and uncrossed her arms, wishing he\u2019d get to the point. Yeah, don\u2019t rush it. Everything had to go well now. He seemed more relaxed. She could feel it in his teasing. They\u2019d pick a date once they were in his auto. If the diamond was big, she\u2019d thank him by doing it for ole time\u2019s sake in the parking area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He kissed her cheek and leaned in to whisper, \u201cI\u2019ve been planning tonight ever since that awful day you broke up with me.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tightness in her shoulders eased before she recognized the faint scent of whiskey on his breath. He\u2019d been drinking, but he was nervous, wasn\u2019t he? She couldn\u2019t blame him. Their future depended on <em>her<\/em> answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;His tongue flicked out wetting his lips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, nerves. \u201cThat was quite the walk.\u201d She chewed on a fingernail until she caught herself. \u201cI was afraid a panther or wild boar might get us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019d protect you.\u201d He stepped back. \u201cI promised you a special time.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The proposal was going to happen. Good thing she\u2019d gotten a manicure today. A diamond would look great with the teal color on her nails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She\u2019d act surprised when he popped the question. She\u2019d place her hand over her heart and gasp, \u201cWhy, this is too quick. We\u2019ve only been together a short time.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They\u2019d keep their engagement and pictures a secret until she broke the news to her family, and he worked out a few minor details. Excitement rushed through her. Her dream was happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He took her elbow and guided her to the center of the clearing. Then, he removed the forest-colored backpack he carried over his long-sleeved ashen shirt. Rummaging inside, he fished out two champagne flutes. He walked into the shadows, and for the first time, she noticed a graying concrete bench on the edge of the darkness. A bottle sat on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Champagne! He had planned everything, she thought as he filled the glasses. \u201cYou\u2019ve made a decision \u2026 about us?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s obvious, isn\u2019t it?\u201d he asked, his voice smooth and low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her ring must be in the pocket of those plain black pants or his backpack. She swallowed her doubts and crossed the ground of twigs and crawling creepers. It was now or never. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou wore my favorite black dress.\u201d He ran his finger over her bare skin edged by the low-cut neckline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She smiled as shivers of delight darted through her. \u201cYou requested it. I chose my favorite jewelry. The shells bring me good luck.\u201d How soon could she snap a selfie? She needed the perfect moment. Maybe she should stand by the lights. Of course, she\u2019d take a photo of him on one knee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;He was pressing a drink into her hand. She wrapped her fingers around the glass stem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> \u201cTo us.\u201d He raised his crystal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She lifted her goblet and sipped the tart warm liquid. Not her favorite, but she wouldn\u2019t let that ruin what was about to happen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;A loud shriek broke the moment. She shuddered. \u201cWhat was that?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He shrugged. \u201cDrink up, and we\u2019ll celebrate with my surprise.\u201d He shifted, and his eyes seemed to spark with an odd glint in the lanterns\u2019 glow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLeave,\u201d whispered her inner voice. Calm down, she told herself. She gulped her champagne. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He sidestepped out of the lantern\u2019s flame, and his stare returned to normal. He dug out his phone and fiddled with it. Music poured out of it. \u201cMay I have this dance?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAre you for real? You hate dancing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTonight is about you.\u201d He held up his hands. \u201cJust don\u2019t yell loudly if I step on your toes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hesitantly, she slipped into his arms. Her nerves were getting the better of her. The tune played on and on. \u201cWon\u2019t someone hear us?\u201d she said as another song started. When would she get her proposal? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWho would be out here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s what she wanted to know. When the third tune ended, she\u2019d had enough. \u201cI\u2019m done having fun.\u201d She pulled away from him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s your night.\u201d His smile widened as he reached into his pocket. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She held her breath. A cloud rolled in front of the moon. Darkness fell around them. Dizziness buzzed in her head. What was wrong with her? Anticipation, that was all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;\u201cI have \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His last words blended together, making no sense. Can\u2019t miss the proposal. She edged closer. On and on he talked. Why didn\u2019t he ask the question she\u2019d recognize in any language? She inched toward him until a whisper separated him. She concentrated on reading his lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSpecial &#8230; just for you.\u201d He withdrew a\u2014 black cord? She blinked. Was the ring hanging on it? What was he doing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His glassy eyes gleaming brighter than the lanterns sent an icy nip over her arms. She should leave \u2026 but he must have something else. This wasn\u2019t right. He\u2019d failed her again. Nausea spread in the pit of her stomach. \u201cWhere\u2019s the ring?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHa! Are you crazy?\u201d he spat out. \u201cWhy would I give a bitch like you jewelry?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her heart stopped beating as she understood the fury in his expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDon\u2019t come near me. I want to go home.\u201d She backed up and stumbled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He grabbed for her. His fingers closed over her necklace. She jerked away. The string of shells fell off. With a sob, she darted across the clearing. He pounced and caught her a few feet from him. His arm came down over her throat firm and strong. He pinned her against his chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What was he doing? Panicked, she struggled. The pressure increased on her windpipe, cutting off her air. She had to getaway. She reached upward to scratch out his eyes, but he wound his thin black lasso around her neck, tugging tighter and tighter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> <em>Oh-my-God. No. Stop. <\/em>She gasped, but only gagging noises leaked from her lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> This couldn\u2019t be happening. Not to her. Desperate, she dug her nails into his hands and clawed at the noose. <em>Please \u2026 air.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">   The cord cut deeper into her skin. She couldn\u2019t breathe. <em>Hel\u2014p. Hel\u2014\u00ad\u00ad\u00ad\u00ad\u00ad\u00ad\u00ad<\/em>&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-0 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-0 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On Amazon. Free Aug 29 &amp; 30. Chapter 1-Sample She must have lost her mind. What was she doing walking on the rail trail late at night? Thick vegetation closed around her, leaving her little choice where to head. She &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/?p=486\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-486","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/486","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=486"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/486\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":498,"href":"http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/486\/revisions\/498"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=486"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=486"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.noraleduc.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=486"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}