Jinxed

By Rebecca Stroud

It's spring break and Florida attracts flocks of college students to its pristine beaches like bees to honey. But this year - wending his way among the good-time, sun-seekers - there lurks a man intent on revenge for his sister's 'wrongful' death. And what better place to find perfect targets than a small town crammed with thousands of beautiful young bodies…

**Jinxed is a short 'beach read' that is also included in "The Killing Sands" anthology**

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebecca Stroud
• Release date: Jun 28, 2013
• ISBN: 9781497767836

Book preview

JINXED

Copyright 2012 Rebecca Stroud

All rights reserved

Cover Art: Karen Plunkett 2012

Other than brief excerpts for review or promotional purposes, no part of this book may be stored, reproduced, transmitted, or re-sold in any form or by any means without express written permission from the author.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual locales, events, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

**********

This book is dedicated to my beloved husband

who, without a doubt, is the best thing that ever happened to me.

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PROLOGUE

Monday, September 19 - 7AM

For an officer of the law, Scott McBride had no qualms about breaking it on a regular basis.

But he was also a born and bred beach boy. So when the sun started to peek over the eastern horizon, he and Jinx, his seven-year-old German shepherd, crossed the street, crossed the dunes and headed to the sea.

Glancing up and down the shoreline, Scott made sure the sand was virtually empty of humans. Sighting a lone fisherman up towards the pier, far enough away to pose no problem, he threw the tennis ball as far as he could and grinned as Jinx bounded after it with unbridled enthusiasm.

He hadn't bothered to bring his surfboard as he knew the waves would be non-existent, which they were. So he simply squatted and waited for his girl to return the ball for another toss...or ten.

As this part of the beach was a no dogs allowed section, Scott nevertheless risked the wrath of one of his fellow officers so that he could give Jinx some much needed exercise - and joy - before he started another long day at work. Another long day she would spend alone. Besides, he felt the ordinance was silly anyway, especially when he noticed a feral feline slinking through the sea oats.

Ah, bureaucracy...ain't it the cat's meow, he thought, as he threw the ball again.

* * * * *

Erin Gray stood on her 10th story balcony, sipping coffee. Leaning on the rail, a soft breeze blew her long red hair behind her in a gleaming trail of gold. She lifted her face to the morning sun, then returned her gaze to the beach...and smiled at the sight of the man tossing a ball for his dog. Sparkles of light glinted off the water, dancing around the pair below.

From her bird's-eye view, they both looked like gorgeous creatures. The man: Tall, tan, and lanky. Sun-bleached hair. The dog: A huge black and silver shepherd with perfect conformation. Her smile widened at the picture-postcard scene.

Although Erin was well aware that dogs were not allowed on her beach, she couldn't care less when she saw canines romping with their people along the shore. A recently ordained veterinarian, Erin loved all animals and she had the lineage to prove it.

Raised on an Ocala thoroughbred farm, she'd been surrounded by various domestic and wild creatures while growing up. Her natural inclination to protect those who could not do so themselves had steered her straight to the University of Florida's veterinary program where she had excelled. A part-time opening at the new SPCA clinic in Cocoa Beach had lured her in without a second thought. After all, she didn't need the money. She came from tons of it so it was a win-win situation for her: Erin helped and she healed and she donated over half of her earnings to various local humane organizations.

And now she had the added bonus of this glorious view below her and she wouldn't trade this early show for anything. Besides, Erin was just as guilty as the man. Every evening, right before dark, she took Bo - her ancient mutt - for a short stroll along the water's edge. She took another