Blog Hop – Big Horn Storm on Sneak Peek Sunday
Welcome to Sneak Peek Sunday for August 11. Here’s a glimpse at my most
current novel, though not for long. I have a new book, Shrouded in Secrets, scheduled
to be released August 14, stop back by for details or follow me on twitter at
https://twitter.com/kimmcmahill. Enjoy the adventure here and the adventures to
come.
BIG HORN STORM
The sound of a man’s voice made Niki’s head whip around as she tried to
bring Storm under control. The man was not speaking English and the insignia on
his uniform did not belong to the United States military, nor did the uniform
sport a maple leaf such as the one she had seen on the helicopter the previous
day. Thoughts swirled through her head, making no sense at all, but the one
thing she was certain of, was that she was in deep trouble.
Niki reined Storm around, now surrounded by five more men. Her body went
rigid as the horse’s legs suddenly stiffened. Storm snorted at the closest man
and then pawed angrily at the ground. The men began advancing, smiling and
laughing. Niki couldn’t understand what they were saying, but as she spied two
more dead bodies on the ground, she felt certain they had no intention of
helping her.
Her eyes darted from man to man. She scanned the area and noted that she
was still very close to the edge of the ravine. Niki could feel the big horse
quiver beneath her and tense, ready to spring at the slightest provocation. She
gripped Storm’s sides with her legs and grasped the saddle horn. One man pulled
a pistol out of its holster. She doubted he intended to shoot her yet—instant
death would be too quick, easy, and preferable. Niki feared he planned to take
out her only mode of escape. She couldn’t allow her beloved horse to be shot at
point blank range, but most importantly, she couldn’t be delayed too long or
she doubted her grandfather would survive.
With a prayer and a swift kick, Niki informed Storm it was time to run
for their lives. The horse sensed the danger and cleared the edge of the ravine
before the men could react. Niki held on as tight as she could and leaned back
to help the horse keep his balance as he lunged down the slope. Rocks dislodged
under the fury of his churning hooves as he barreled down the embankment.
They had nearly reached the creek when the first series of shots rang
out. Storm shied and turned to follow the creek downstream rather than plunging
into the water with its slick bottom at an uncontrolled speed. Another barrage
of gunfire pelted the ground, narrowly missing Niki, but hitting nearby rocks,
spraying the horse with sharp stone fragments.
A slight bend in the ravine took them out of sight of the shooters and
soon the slope was much less intimidating, making it easier for Storm to cross
the creek and climb out of the ravine. Niki
released a sigh of relief and encouraged the horse to take it easy as he began
his ascent. They had just reached the top when Niki heard the unmistakable
sound of two dirt bikes’ engines firing up.
Nice post. Congrats on your new release!
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