Excerpt – Murder In The Pinelands

A few minutes later Aaron heard the engine of Evan's car come to life, then pull away. He sat for a few minutes, confident that Evan would come back for him tonight even though he'd told him not to. Evan would never leave his best friend out here all alone. It was going to be chilly tonight, and Evan knew that Aaron had nothing with him to protect him from the elements, especially if it rained on top of the dropping temperature. He flashed his light around, but saw nothing he could use as a temporary shelter if it started storming before Evan returned. All he had was the blanket, but it would be better than nothing.

Aaron sat quietly, finishing his beer as he thought about how he could get back into Jensyn's good graces. He'd think of something. They'd had arguments before and always made up. After a day or two they'd be back together. He was sure of it. In the meantime he'd plan something special he could do for her. But he knew he could never take back what he'd said, especially since he'd violated her trust. All he knew for sure was that he couldn't imagine not being with her. 

He pulled out his cell phone and checked the time. A half hour had gone by. It would be at least another hour or so before Evan returned for him. Aaron swallowed the lump that had steadily been building in his throat. Why hadn't he gone with them? His headache was growing worse. Aaron pulled his thin jacket tighter around himself. The wind was picking up, and the first heavy drops of rain began to fall. He picked up the blanket and wrapped it around his shoulders. He couldn't stay here in the woods—he'd have to start walking. Maybe someone would see him on the road and give him a lift, or Evan would see him on his way back. Aaron didn't relish walking the way his head felt, but walking was better than sitting in the woods where no one could see him. He tossed the blanket aside.

A twig snapped behind him, startling him. He aimed his flashlight toward the noise. The light flickered and went out. "Damn," he muttered. Another twig snapped. Aaron twisted his head in the direction of the sound as snapping twigs drew louder. Evan and the girls were getting even with him. That was it. They wanted to prove he wasn't as brave as he'd boasted. He relaxed a little.

"Not funny, man," Aaron called out as he peered into the pitch-black woods. "I know you're there, Evan. Are Jensyn and Kennedy with you?" The snapping twigs stopped. "Come on, Evan. You've made your point," he called. He glanced around himself. "What the hell?"

His voice caught in his throat as two red glowering, what he assumed were eyes glared back at him. Aaron tried to run, but fear kept his feet frozen to the spot as the glowing red eyes blinded him. His headache intensified, and he slumped to the ground.

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