Fire in the Sky
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By late evening the party, with their weary captive, had come upon a spring in a little dell close under the branches of a sweeping oak. Downs ordered Emmeline off the little mare. She stepped as far away from him as she was able. Thankfully he didn’t appear interested in her at the moment, as he tied the horse to a limb of the tree. McKee set about building a fire and Emmeline drew close to its warmth. The lone Indian took up a position near the edge of the clearing where he stood peering watchful into the growing darkness. Downs settled with his back against the tree, staring into the flames of the fire. McKee fastened several strips of deer meat to twigs, roasting them over the fire. Emmeline ate hungrily. She wondered where the other Indians were and decided that they must be waiting somewhere on the trail for whoever was pursuing them. She knew it was Christian and she prayed that he would discover the ambush in time and not fall into their trap. But, she shivered; there were six Indians plus Downs and the man he called McKee. How would he be able to rescue her? It seemed so hopeless. Taking a drink from the spring she withdrew to the opposite side of the fire where exhausted, she sat on some dry leaves that McKee had placed there for her, all the while keeping a wary eye on Downs. Twilight darkened into gloom; the weak sun disappeared behind the forest ridge. Above the trees opposite, a faint rim of silver appeared through the wispy clouds. Each time Emmeline glanced at Downs his black gaze was fixed upon her. “Come here, girl,” he suddenly said. She shook her head, eyes wide, fearful. “Damn you, I said come here!” and he scrambled to his feet and came around the fire toward her. She stood, backing away, her eyes wide in terror. She looked pleadingly at McKee who knelt before the fire. He watched unmoving, a lewd smirk on his lips.
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About the Book
It is 1780 and Emmeline Abrams is content with her quiet life and comfortable role in the Abrams family. After catching the eye of fashionable and mysterious Isaac Downs, Emmeline dreams of marriage and children of her own until her horse is stolen and opportunely returned by a cold and distant but undeniably handsome newcomer to their village. Will Bennet rudely shuns Emmeline who is confused and hurt by the ill-mannered stranger and determines to avoid any further contact with him. Betrayed by the woman he loved and running from his past, Will has decided to take refuge in the uncharted wilderness of the west and begin a new life, resolute in his vow to never again succumb to the lies of a woman. Will is immediately captivated by Emmeline's innocent beauty, and when circumstances conspire to throw them together,is powerless to deny his growing feelings for her. But when a bloody and savage Indian attack devastates their little settlement it leaves the village terrified of a traitor in their midst. Then Emmeline becomes a target and Will sets out to save her, helpless to fight their turbulent emotions that have become as wild and unfettered as the glorious American frontier.
About the Author
Wayne M. Hoy resides in Southern California with his wife of 48 years. A retired Police Lieutenant and father of nine, Wayne has taught a wide range of courses in criminal justice during his law enforcement career. He currently performs investigative services and acts as Chaplain of his city's police department. His diverse education has supplied him with an expertise in many areas and he is an educator in the field of Theology as well. In his spare time he indulges his passion for writing and researching settings for his historical romances, which include The Wolf and the Stag, The Miniature, Appeal to Honor, Banners of Canvas and his latest, Fire in the Sky.