The Rescue (The Running Suspense Series #4)

By Diane Strong

This is a 10,000 word short story, approximately 1/5 the length of a novel)

Luke is a single widower with a pet cat. He is just shy of retirement and about to take the ride of a lifetime on a train headed west. He is prepared for two weeks of adventure. When a pause to take leak during a run turns into more than a quick stop, his plans change dramatically. Luke quickly discovers he doesn’t have to venture far from home for the adventure of a lifetime.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Diane Strong
• Release date: Aug 25, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476323275

Diane Strong

Diane Strong lives in Kentucky with her husband and their two children. She received a liberal arts degree at Itasca Community College, a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Equine Studies from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana and a Master’s degree in Veterinary Science from the University of Kentucky. She writes a small column for the Georgetown News Graphic and homeschools her children. In her spare time she competes in road races, triathlons and adventure races. She is the founder of the Georgetown Run Club and Intellectual Society. She loves what she does.

Book preview

The Rescue: (This is a 10,000 word short story/ approx. 34 pages) (This is a stand-alone story)

Luke is a single widower with a pet cat. He is just shy of retirement and about to take the ride of a lifetime on a train headed west. He is prepared for two weeks of adventure. When a pause to take leak during a run turns into more than a quick stop, his plans change dramatically. Luke quickly discovers he doesn’t have to venture far from home for the adventure of a lifetime.

The Rescue

Shoe

‘Sure am going to miss you guys while I’m out exploring the good ol’ U.S. of A on a train over the next 12 days. Don’t work too hard! My vacation starts in 3, 2, 1…’

Luke Randal, a 57 year old engineer sits in his office at the computer. He hits ‘enter’ and his current status becomes visible to all of his co-workers and friends on Facebook. He shuts down his computer, stands up from his desk, and pushes his chair in.

As a shy man, partially balding on the very top of his head, Luke carries his six-foot-two body timidly, making him appear much smaller than he actually is. As he walks down the corridor to the exit, he sees a smiling co-worker walking toward him and worries himself about having to talk to the man.

Hey, Luke! Off on vacation I hear. What do you need a vacation for anyway, don’t you retire in less than a year? The co-worker tilts his head with a happy expression on his face.

A year and three months. I’m counting down the days. Not soon enough though, so I’m gonna use my vacation time. Luke speaks softly, touching his dainty hands to his ear nervously.

Lucky bastard. What have you got planned, the beach again? The man stands holding a stack of papers and speaks quickly as if in a hurry.

Loosening up now, Luke lets the excitement he feels feed his ability to converse. No, no beach this time. I’m headed on a train. I’ll get on tomorrow and head west. Twelve days total. I’m pretty excited, I‘ve never been on a train. Luke’s heart jumps a little with the thought of vacation and adventure, then hitches when he remembers he will be alone on the trip.

That sounds great, Luke. You have a great time. I’ll see you in two weeks.

He nods and turns, then starts heading back down the hall, relieved that the conversation is over.

Luke gently drives his little car into his garage and pushes a button causing his garage door to roll down. Gathering his lunchbox and mail, he climbs out of his car. After pushing his car door closed, he wipes the fingerprints away with his shirt sleeve.

Inside the tidy kitchen a sleek gray cat jumps from the counter and runs to Luke’s