CFBA: Dark Justice by Brandilyn Collins

Song Stuck on the Brain: Diamonds by Rihanna

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:   Dark Justice B&H Books (October 1, 2013) by   Brandilyn Collins

MY TAKE:

Seatbelt Suspense is a very accurate description for Brandilyn Collins' books. I'm a long time fan of her work, so reviewing her latest was a no brainer and a thrill.

I've noticed a bit of a shift in the author's story telling tone. The suspense is just as intense, but her more recent work has taken an even deeper look into the personal and family life of the characters. In Dark Justice, Hannah Shire would have had enough on her plate with saving the world, but learning to live with and handle her mother illness adds a whole new level of complication. And her mother, Carol, isn't just a sub-story or side act to entertain or distract the reader and build suspense. Carol's story is real and touching. I appreciated the way Brandilyn presented the issue. Carol is a wonderful character. I love her 'dancing'. :)

Of course the main reason for me to read a book by Mrs. Collins, is the suspense and mystery. Dark Justice is fiction, but it's not an outrageous or inconceivable concept. In fact it's based on a real life study that the author read about where the US power grids were tested for weaknesses. It was found the whole country could go dark with a little effort and about a $60 piece of software. Scary right? How would you stop it if you were given a chance? Who would you trust? Who could you trust? What would happen to our country if it couldn't be stopped?

These are all compelling questions that beg for answers. Want to know how Hannah does it? Go get a copy of Dark Justice right away - and don't plan on sleeping for a while.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

If I’d had any idea what those words would mean to me, to my mother and daughter, I’d have fled California without looking back.

While driving a rural road, Hannah Shire and her aging mother, who suffers from dementia, stop to help a man at the scene of a car accident. The man whispers mysterious words in Hannah’s ear. Soon people want to kill Hannah and her mother for what they “know.” Even law enforcement may be involved.

The two women must flee for their lives. But how does Hannah hide her confused mother? Carol just wants to listen to her pop music, wear her favorite purple hat, and go home. And if they turn to Hannah’s twenty-seven- year-old daughter, Emily, for help, will she fall into danger as well?

Pressed on all sides, Hannah must keep all three generations of women in her family alive. Only then does she learn the threat is not just to her loved ones, but the entire country . . .

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Dark Justice, HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn's awards for her novels include the ACFW Carol Award (three times), Inspirational Readers' Choice, and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice.

Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). The Writer magazine named Getting into Character one of the best books on writing published in 2002.

When she's not writing, Brandilyn can be found teaching the craft of fiction at writers' conferences.

CFBA: Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

Over the Edge
B&H Books (May 1, 2011)


by


Brandilyn Collins

MY TAKE:

I know I've mentioned before that Brandilyn Collins is one of my favorite authors, is you haven't figured out why yet, (and honestly how could you miss it?) Over the Edge is a perfect example. Her tag line of Seatbelt Suspense held true here as you stumble through this story with the heroine Jannie. I say stumble, not because the writing is rough, but because it's so real, you feel as if you've inherited Jannie's body and her disease. I felt her pain and confusion and fear, as if I had been infected with Lyme myself.

And what a horrid disease. I was somewhat familiar with Lyme and the disease, but it was amazed and a little horrified to see how bad it really is and to see how big of a battle is ongoing. I'm impressed that Brandilyn was able to channel her own personal experience so well and turn something devastating into a call to arms. The novel may be fiction, but it's hard hitting and an eyeopener for a very real issue.

It's also every bit a nail biter and a fantastic suspense. One more hit on her list.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Torn from the front lines of medical debate and the author's own experience with Lyme Disease, Over the Edge is riveting fiction, full of twists and turns—and powerful truths about today's medical field.

Janessa McNeil’s husband, Dr. Brock McNeil, a researcher and professor at Stanford University's Department of Medicine, specializes in tick-borne diseases—especially Lyme. For years he has insisted that Chronic Lyme Disease doesn't exist. Even as patients across the country are getting sicker, the committee Brock chairs is about to announce its latest findings—which will further seal the door shut for Lyme treatment.

One embittered man sets out to prove Dr. McNeil wrong by giving him a close-up view of the very disease he denies. The man infects Janessa with Lyme, then states his demand: convince her husband to publicly reverse his stand on Lyme—or their young daughter will be next.

But Janessa's marriage is already rocky. She's so sick she can hardly move or think. And her husband denies she has Lyme at all.

Welcome to the Lyme wars, Janessa.

“A taut, heartbreaking thriller. Collins is a fine writer who knows how to both horrify readers and keep them turning pages.”

--Publishers Weekly


“Tense and dramatic. Holds its tension while following the protagonist in a withering battle.” –NY Journal of Books


“A frightening and all-too-real scenario. Very timely and meaningful book.” –RT Reviews


“If you know someone who suffers from Lyme, you need to read this compelling novel.” –Lydia Niederwerfer, founder of Lyme-Aware

If you would like to read the Prologue of Over the Edge, go HERE



Watch the book video:








ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is an award-winning and best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e..."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is now working on her 20th book.



In addition, Brandilyn’s other latest release is Final Touch, third in The Rayne Tour series—young adult suspense co-written with her daughter, Amberly. The Rayne Tour series features Shaley O’Connor, daughter of a rock star, who just may have it all—until murder crashes her world.

Friday 56 - Web of Lies by Brandilyn Collins

I found a fun post while perusing Michelle Sutton's blog Edgy Inspirational Author. It's called the Friday 56. Here's how it's done.



This fun meme was originally hosted at Storytime with Tonya.

Want to play? Here are the rules...


Rules:


* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.

* Turn to page 56.

* Find the fifth sentence.

* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.

* Post a link along with your post back to this blog.

* Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST


SO, since this seemed like an incredibly fun idea, I decided to join the fun. The book I grabbed is Brandilyn Collins Web of Lies. Here's page 56.

"For some masochistic reason I'd stuck her phone number in my purse, and now it practically burned a hole through the leather. "

How fun is this? Give it a try and let me know what you post.

CFBA: Deceit by Brandilyn Collins

Song Stuck on the Brain: Someday by Me.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:


DeceitZondervan (June 18, 2010)


by


Brandilyn Collins




MY TAKE:

Ah, another book by a favorite author. This has been a very good month. :) Brandilyn's books are always a great read. Strong suspense, bold characters with identifiable personalities and traits. I've not read a book yet that I didn't love.

That said, Deceit was not what I expected. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, but the writing style itself threw me off skew a little this time around. Jumping back and forth between Joanne and Melissa's stories took getting used to. The style and tense was slightly jarring. Joanne was a fantastic character, I loved her strength and gutsy determination. Her Jelly Belly habit was fun to start with, but was a little overdone in the end.

All that considered though, I still have to say I really enjoyed the book. Melissa's story had a very interesting twist. And the underlying spiritual message was present without overshadowing the story, leaving me questioning the fine line we all walk in our every day lives.

If your a fan of Brandilyn's like I am, read the book. I think you'll completely enjoy it. Just be prepared that, in my opinion, the style felt a little different and it might take a moment to get the feel.

And of course if you find my opinion was completely wacko, post and let me know what your thoughts are.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Skip Tracer Joanne Weeks knows Baxter Jackson killed his second wife---and Joanne's best friend---seven years ago. But Jackson, a church elder and beloved member of the town, walks the streets a free man.

The police tell Joanne to leave well enough alone, but Joanne is determined to bring Jackson down. Using her skip tracing skills, she sets out to locate Melissa Harkoff, now twenty-two, who lived in the Jackson home at the time of Linda Jackson's disappearance.

As Joanne drives home on a rainy winter night, a hooded figure darts in front of her car. In her headlight beams she glimpses the half-concealed face of a man, a rivulet of blood jagging down his cheek. She squeals to a stop but clips him with her right fender. Shaking, she gets out of her car in the pouring rain. The man will not let her see his face. Before he limps off into the night he warns her not to talk to police.

As Joanne tries to find Melissa, someone seems to be after her. Who was the man she hit on the road. Is Baxter Jackson out to silence her? Or is some other skip she's traced in the past now out for revenge?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Deceit, go HERE



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is an award-winning and best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e..."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is now working on her 20th book.



In addition, Brandilyn’s other latest release is Final Touch, third in The Rayne Tour series—young adult suspense co-written with her daughter, Amberly. The Rayne Tour series features Shaley O’Connor, daughter of a rock star, who just may have it all—until murder crashes her world.

CFBA: Exposure by Brandilyn Collins

Song Stuck on the Brain: Spare an Angel by Chris Rice

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
Exposure
by
Brandilyn CollinsZondervan (June 1, 2009)



ABOUT THE BOOK:

When your worst fear comes true.

Someone is watching Kaycee Raye. But who will believe her? Everyone
knows she’s a little crazy. Kaycee’s popular syndicated newspaper
column pokes fun at her own paranoia and multiple fears. The police in
her small town are well aware she makes money writing of her
experiences. Worse yet, she has no proof of the threats. Pictures of a
dead man mysteriously appear in her home—then vanish before police
arrive. Multisensory images flood Kaycee’s mind. Where is all this
coming from?

Maybe she is going over the edge.

High action and psychological suspense collide in this story of terror,
twists, and desperate faith. The startling questions surrounding Kaycee
pile high. Her descent to answers may prove more than she can survive.


To read the first chapter, go HERE.

“More twists and turns than a Coney Island roller coaster! Highly recommended.” ~CBA Retailers

“Mesmerizing mystery…authentic characters…a fast-paced, twisting tale of desperate choices.” ~TitleTrakk

“Brandilyn Collins is a master of suspense, and Exposure is her best book yet!” ~Dianne Burnett, Christianbook.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is an award-winning and best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is now working on her 20th book.

In addition to Exposure, Brandilyn’s other latest release is Always Watching, first in The Rayne Tour series—young adult suspense co-written with her daughter, Amberly. The Rayne Tour series features Shaley O’Connor, daughter of a rock star, who just may have it all—until murder crashes her world.

CFBA: Dark Pursuit by Brandilyn Collins

Song Stuck on the Brain: Carol of the Bells by Kenny Rogers

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
Dark Pursuit
by
Brandilyn CollinsZondervan (December 1, 2008)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Dark Pursuit—A twisting story of murder, betrayal, and eternal choices

Novelist Darell Brooke lived for his title as King of Suspense—until an auto accident left him unable to concentrate. Two years later, reclusive and bitter, he wants one thing: to plot a new novel and regain his reputation.

Kaitlan Sering, his twenty-two-year-old granddaughter, once lived for drugs. After she stole from Darell, he cut her off. Now she’s rebuilding her life. But in Kaitlan’s town two women have been murdered, and she’s about to discover a third. She’s even more shocked to realize the culprit—her boyfriend, Craig, the police chief’s son.

Desperate, Kaitlan flees to her estranged grandfather. For over forty years, Darell Brooke has lived suspense. Surely he’ll devise a plan to trap the cunning Craig.

But can Darell’s muddled mind do it? And—if he tries—with what motivation? For Kaitlan’s plight may be the stunning answer to the elusive plot he seeks...

Read the first chapter of Dark Pursuit, HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Brandilyn Collins is known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. She is currently working on her 20th book. For chances to win free copies of her work, join her Fan Club on Facebook. Here’s what Brandilyn has to say about why she wrote Dark Pursuit:

In John Milton’s Paradise Lost Satan’s followers, kicked out of heaven, boast about storming the gates and reclaiming their territory. Beelzebub scoffs at their boasting as merely “hatching vain empires” and suggests a different revengeful scheme: seduce mankind away from God. So Satan visits the Garden of Eden to teach humans the very thing he and his cohorts have learned to be futile—the dark pursuit of hatching their own vain empires instead of following God. He presented man with this “gift” of death, disguised as life. And man fell for it.

Upon this theme of man’s fall and spiritual blindness, I created the characters and events in Dark Pursuit. The story clips along at a fast pace, with much symbolism running underneath.

CFBA: Amber Morn by Brandilyn Collins

Song Stuck on the Brain: I've Finally Found Someone by Barbara Streisand and Bryan Adams


This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

Amber Morn

by

Brandilyn Collins
(Zondervan Publishing Company - April 2008)

ABOUT THE BOOK:


The whole thing couldn’t have taken more than sixty seconds.

Bailey hung on to the counter, dazed. If she let go, she’d collapse—and the twitching fingers of the gunman would pull the trigger. The rest of her group huddled in frozen shock.

Dear God, help us! Tell me this is a dream . . .

The shooter’s teeth clenched. “ Anybody who moves is dead.”

On a beautiful Saturday morning the nationally read “Scenes and Beans” bloggers gather at Java Joint for a special celebration. Chaos erupts when three gunmen burst in and take them all hostage. One person is shot and dumped outside.

Police Chief Vince Edwards must negotiate with the desperate trio. The gunmen insist on communicating through the “comments” section of the blog—so all the world can hear their story. What they demand, Vince can’t possibly provide. But if he doesn’t, over a dozen beloved Kanner Lake citizens will die...

Amber Morn is the climactic finale to Collins’ widely read Kanner Lake series. All first three titles in the series, Violet Dawn, Coral Moon, and Crimson Eve, were bestsellers. Library Journal placed Crimson Eve on its Best Books of 2007 list, and hailed it the “Best Christian suspense of 2007.”

MY TAKE:

I've been raving about Brandilyn's books for a while now. I've hooked several people on her novels, including my co-worker Nancy. When Nancy heard that I'd be getting an ARC of Brandilyn's latest, she begged me to let her read it. So I thought, why not? On one condition. She agreed to share her thoughts with all of you. So, rather then take my word for it (which is all good, I guarantee), here is Nancy's take.

I had the privilege of reading Amber Moon, and only wanted more. The story line grabs your attention within minutes and keeps you captivated until the last period. This book takes place over a period of less than a day, drawing a prayer from the reader as a fine web is woven between the characters, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. The Kanner Lake series could continue on and on without boredom setting in. Each book is totally different, yet all wonderfully written.....Please, keep them coming. ----- N. Moe


WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

“… essential reading … a harrowing hostage drama.” – Library Journal


“… heart-pounding … breakneck pace … satisfying and meaningful ending.” – RT Bookreviews


“This cataclysmic ending left me breathless … Kanner Lake is the Best Suspense Series of 2007/2008.” – deenasbooks.blogspot.com


“Collins has saved the best for a last .. a powerful ensemble performance.” -- BookshelfReview.com


“… a staccato tempo … Sometimes you just have to close the book in order to come up for air.” – Dale Lewis


“…a masterpiece of page-turning suspense with a cast of dozens.” – Peg Phifer


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense™. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline


“Don’t forget to b r e a t h e …®”

Brandilyn writes for Zondervan, the Christian division of HarperCollins Publishers, and is currently at work on her 19th book. Her first, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows.

She’s also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons), and often teaches at writers conferences.

Brandilyn blogs at Forensics and Faith. Visit her Website
to read the first chapters of all her books.

CFBA: Crimson Eve by Brandilyn Collins

Song Stuck on the Brain: Once Upon A Dream from Sleeping Beauty


This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

CRIMSON EVE

by

Brandilyn Collins
(Zondervan October 30, 2007)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Carla stared at the gun and David Thornby—or whatever his name was. Her mind split in two, one side pleading this was some sick joke, the other screaming it was all too real.

“Please. You must have the wrong person. There’s no reason for someone to want me dead. I don’t have any enemies.”

“Then you’d best rethink your friends.”

Realtor Carla Radling shows an “English gentleman” a lakeside estate—and finds herself facing a gun. Who has hired this assassin to kill her, and why?

Forced on the run, Carla must uncover the scathing secrets of her past. Secrets that could destroy some very powerful people...

Brandilyn Collins fans and reviewers are saying Crimson Eve is her best book yet:


“Collins tops herself by creating a suspenseful nonstop thrill ride … Truly the best Christian Fiction suspense title so far this year.”
– Library Journal, starred review


“Crimson Eve is Collins at her very best. It left me feeling as if I’d climbed Mount Everest without oxygen … I didn’t think Brandilyn could outdo herself after reading Coral Moon. She did.”
–TitleTrakk.com

“I’ve never edited a more tightly crafted, deftly woven, compellingly written book.” –a Crimson Eve editor, with 20 years experience

“This is your best book! I could not stop reading!” – one of many readers with similar responses

Read about Violet Dawn and Coral Moon, books one and two in the Kanner Lake series.

BRANDILYN'S CONTEST:

Do you know someone who’s never read a Brandilyn Collins novel? Surely no such person exists. However, should you scrounge up such a friend—someone who enjoys suspense—here’s a special offer from Brandilyn. Be among the first 50 people between now and October 21, 2007 to e-mail her assistant at gayle.brandilyncollins@gmail.com with the person’s name, e-mail address and street address. (Due to exorbitant overseas mailing costs, United States residents only, please).

A signed copy of Crimson Eve will be sent to your friend—free—along with an e-mail from Brandilyn announcing the book is on its way, courtesy of you. (Don’t worry. Brandilyn won’t spam these email addresses. She just wants your friend to know who to thank.) No worries that this story is third in the Kanner Lake series. Each book stands alone. Brandilyn is convinced your friend will so love Crimson Eve, he/she will surely reciprocate with expensive chocolate.

MY TAKE:

I don't know what more I could possibly add to what's already been said. If you read this blog, then you already know that I'm a HUGE fan of Brandilyn's work. She's one of my literary heroes. A master of suspense with a strong message for your soul. You will love this book, so quit dilly dallying and go get it. Now.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense™. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline “Don’t forget to b r e a t h e…® ” She’s so well known in the industry there’s actually a club for her non-readers. That’s right. The Big Honkin’ Chickens Club (BHCC) members are proud of the fact that they’re too wimpy to read Brandilyn’s intense fiction. Now and then one of them tries. Bribing works pretty well. (Just ask Deb Raney.) Somehow they live to tell the tale.

Brandilyn writes for Zondervan, the Christian division of HarperCollins Publishers, and is currently at work on her 17th book. Her first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows.

She’s also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons), and often teaches at writers conferences. Brandilyn blogs at Forensics and Faith.

Visit her website to read the first chapters of all her books.

Enjoy - and keep a light on. :)

A.

FIRST: Coral Moon by Brandilyn Collins

Song Stuck on the Brain: Lonesome Polecat from Seven Brides For Seven Brothers


Okay, I know it's not the first until Sunday, but since I don't typically post on the weekends, I'm going to give you all a headstart.

July's FIRST post features Coral Moon by Brandilyn Collins. I reviewed this awesome book earlier, but now you can read the first chapter. Enjoy!




It is JULY 1st, time for the FIRST Day Blog Tour! (Join our alliance! Click the button!) The FIRST day of every month we will feature an author and his/her latest book's FIRST chapter!

This month's feature is:

Brandilyn Collins

and her book:

Coral Moon
(Zondervan, 2007)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is the bestselling author of Violet Dawn, Web Of Lies, Dead of Night, Stain of Guilt, Brink of Death, and Eyes of Elisha just to name a few.

Brandilyn and her family divide their time between the California Bay Area and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

She maintains an informative blog called Forensics and Faith where she daily dispenses wisdom on writing, life, and the Christian book industry.

Brandilyn also hosts the blog Kanner Lake: Scenes and Beans where you can read entertaining and eclectic posts about life in Kanner Lake from Bailey, Wilbur, S-Man, Jake, and other of your favorite characters from the Java Joint. Coral Moon is the second book in the Kanner Lake Series.


AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:


Chapter 1


Kill tonight—or die.

The words burned, hot acid eating through his eyes, his brain. Right down to his soul.

Only a crazy person would obey.

He slapped both hands to his ears, squeezed hard against his head. Screwed his eyes shut. He hung there, cut off from the world, snagged on the life sounds of his body. The whoosh of breath, the beat of his heart.

The words boiled.

His skull hurt. He pulled his hands away, let them fall. The kitchen spun. He dropped into a chair, bent forward, and breathed deeply until the dizziness passed.

He sat up, looked again to the table.

The note lay upon the unfolded Kanner Lake Times newspaper, each word horrific against the backdrop of a coral crescent moon.

How did they get in here?

What a stupid question. As if they lacked stealth, as if mere walls and locked entrances could keep them out. He’d been down the hall in the bedroom watching TV, door wide open, yet had heard nothing. Hadn’t even sensed their presence as he pushed off the bed and walked to the kitchen for some water.

A chill blew over his feet.

His eyes bugged, then scanned the room. Over white refrigerator and oak cabinets, wiped-down counters and empty sink. To the threshold of the kitchen and into the hallway. There his gaze lingered as the chill worked up to his ankles.

It had to be coming from the front of the house.

His skin oozed sweat, a web of sticky fear spinning down over him. Trembling, he pulled himself out of the chair. He clung to the smooth table edge, ensuring his balance. Then, heart beating in his throat, he forced himself across the floor, around the corner, and toward the front door.

It hung open a few inches.

They were taunting him.

He approached, hands up and fingers spread, as if pushing through phantoms. Sounds of the night wafted on the frigid air—the rustle of breeze through tree limbs, distant car tires singing against pavement. He reached the door, peered around it, knowing he was a fool to seek sign of them. The air smelled crisp, tanged with the purity of pine trees. The last vestiges of snow dusted his porch, bearing the tracks of his footprints alone.

He closed the door and locked it. As if that would do any good. He sagged against the wall, defeated and sick. How stupid to think they would leave him in peace. Hadn’t he seen this coming? All the events of the last few months . . .

Shoulders drawn, he made his way back to the kitchen and his inevitable fate. Each footstep drew him away from the life he’d built, reasoning and confidence seeping from him like blood from a fatal wound. His conscience pulsed at what he had to do.

The message sat on his table, an executioner beckoning victim to the noose. He fell into the chair, wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. He read the words, fresh nausea rising in his stomach. No misunderstanding their commands. They had a chess score to settle. He was their pawn.

He pushed back against the chair, arms crossed and hugging himself, the way he used to do as a boy. Dully, he stared at the window, seeing only his own pitiable reflection. For a long time he watched himself, first transfixed in fright, then with the evolving expression of self-preservation.

If he just did this one thing, his debt would be paid. They’d leave him alone.

For another hour...two…he sat, forcing down the queasiness as he thought through dozens of details. How he should do it. What could go wrong.

By the time he rose near midnight, he’d laid his plans.

Gathering the necessary items, shrugging on a coat, he slipped out into the cold and soulless night.

Copyright 2007 by Brandilyn Collins.

Used by permission of Zondervan.

CONTEST: Don't forget to enter to win Traitors by Andrew Snaden. The contest is open to US and Canadian residents only and ends June 30, 2007 at midnight.

A.