The Edge Of The Woods

By Shady Grace

Sometimes digging for the truth unleashes deadly consequences. In the remote Alberta wilderness, a madman wanders Cold Lake. His victims are happy to share his company...until they suffer by his blade. Journalist Carmen James and her cameraman are there to cover the story, but as darkness falls they must fight to stay alive. John Malloy lives a simple life in his cabin in the woods, until he stumbles upon a half-naked woman hiding in his woodshed. She's bloodied, bruised and terrified, compelling him to aide her. As Carmen mends under his care, unexpected passion flares between them. But The Cold Lake Butcher has set his sights on their refuge. Can love overcome the twisted mind of a killer?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Torrid Books
• Release date: Apr 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781611607420

Shady Grace

Shady Grace makes Northern Ontario her home, where the bush is so thick you can't see two feet past the tree line. Perhaps the mystery of the woods was what initially sparked her need to write. She adores strong alpha males who fall for fiery, independent women, in settings with humorous dialogue and action-filled plots. Shady believes love and sex should be exciting and unforgettable. Being able to write about it is better than cheesecake. Shady Grace is the new pen name of multi-published erotic author BL Bonita, who earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly for Dark Sun Rising. Visit her website at www.shadygrace.weebly.com, and find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shadygraceerotica.

Book preview

Chapter 1

"Another body has surfaced in Cold Lake Provincial Park. Authorities do not have a suspect. Is there no security for these people, and will this bloodshed lead to the streets of Edmonton? I’m standing here with Abel…Abel? Carmen lowered her mic and glanced around, perplexed. The man she was supposed to interview stood several feet away filling his backpack, rather than standing beside her as he should’ve been. She released a frustrated sigh and slashed her finger across her neck, prompting her cameraman to cut the video. Let’s just take a break and continue with this later."

Adam nodded, setting the video cam down beside him while she searched for a polite way to give Abel shit. Clearly the man had no manners.

Instinctively, she glanced at the thick bush line, imagining murderous eyes watching her. A sudden chill made her shudder. This trip was the most remote spot she’d ever done a story on, and knowing The Cold Lake Butcher wandered these woods, still free, only made her anxiety worse.

You ready, Miss James?

Startled, she spun around to find Abel standing directly behind her now, preparing to sharpen his knife. If we go soon, we’ll be at the last murder site in about three hours.

Carmen gaped at him. What happened with the interview?

You never said anything about an interview.

She rolled her eyes, already losing patience she didn’t really have. An interview was part of the deal, Abel. Never mind for now. Are you sure you’ll be okay walking for three hours?

The old native chuckled, raking her with his wise brown eyes. I may be old, but I’ve been through these woods for over fifty years. You’re in good hands. Anyhow, the only other guide isn’t reachable by phone and he lives past where we’re going.

Tell me about him.

He shrugged. Not much to tell. He’s a quiet man, lives in a cabin at the far north shore of the lake. Goes by the name, Malloy.

Sensing an addition to the story, Carmen pulled out her notepad and scribbled, Malloy…could he be a suspect?

Abel leaned over and watched her write while he slid the knife over the stone. Carmen darted an uneasy glance at his movements, distressed that he wasn’t looking at what he was doing. Yet his hands moved fluidly, almost gracefully, as he sharpened that big-ass knife.

If he lives in the area, it could mean a great deal for the story, Abel.

Abel seemed to think about it for a moment, his eyes crinkling at the corners, the skin wrinkled like old leather. I’ll tell you a story. Some years ago, I had a hungry black bear following me. Never knew he was there until a shot echoed through the bush, and suddenly Malloy was there standing over the beast. We skinned and quartered it. He smiled thoughtfully. It was a good day. We ate the heart together.

Carmen shuddered as a cold clinch gripped her spine. "Oh my god. Was it still…pumping?"

Abel gazed at her like she’d lost her mind. Why the hell would we do that? We fried it in salt and butter, like regular people do. He shook his head. You watch too many cowboy and Indian movies.

Carmen pursed her lips when Abel snickered and turned his attention to the knife. The eerie, scratchy sound of steel against stone disturbed the quiet setting.

An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach as she eyed the wild surroundings. Could the killer be watching them at this moment, or was he standing right in front of her? Darting a suspicious glance over Abel, she came to the conclusion he couldn’t be the one. From the information she’d gathered from authorities, the perp had to be strong enough to overpower the victims. Abel didn’t seem to fit the part. He may be strong to a certain degree but he wasn’t a spring chicken anymore.

Abel, wouldn’t it be wise to take a four-wheeler or something?

He made a sound between a laugh and a grunt. Not for three people. Besides, walking is good for the soul. Why, are you scared of the bush?

Carmen squared her shoulders, offended by his question. Of course not. I’ll have you know I’ve been to hell and back already with my job. I just don’t know if coming here without more weapons or even a police escort is a smart choice.

Do you want your story or not?

I’m not giving up this story.

Abel smirked. Then quit whining and get ready. You young people might have all day but I don’t.

With a sigh, Carmen walked away from the prickly guide and wandered around the path leading up to his cabin. His little homestead sat in the middle of a small clearing, about an hour’s walk from the village. How could she enjoy the peaceful setting of this quaint place while a killer roamed these woods? The mixture seemed unnatural, and yet, someone with a twisted mind wandered here, as if he or she was a part of the setting.

Abel’s words penetrated her mind about eating the bear heart. She shuddered, trying to force away the thought of choking down the bloody organ.

This new addition to their story would be the highlight of her journalistic career. The paychecks reflected the danger involved. But the prospects of this story still gave her chills, for this would be their first trip to the murder site, rather than reporting the news based on info from authorities. This special report would be