Overshadowed, A Shadows Trilogy Novella

By Amy Hale

You've read all about Jane and Colt.
You're caught up on all the craziness that happened during Shadows of Deliverance.
Now get the rest of the story in Overshadowed.
Brett has no direction in his life, until his brother's gifted girlfriend introduces him to Rachel. She's an attraction he can't escape, even if he wanted to.
Rachel is a gifted young woman with a disastrous past, and an uncertain future. Then Brett walks into her life and complicates it further.
Get to know Brett and Rachel better in the story behind the story.
Overshadowed - A novella for readers who need more Shadows in their lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Hale
• Release date: Nov 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370595150

Amy Hale

Since childhood, best-selling and award-winning author Amy Hale has been creating exceptional stories that summon a whirlwind of emotions and inspiration unto the reader. She loves creating characters and worlds from nothing but her imagination and a few glasses of wine. Her popular paranormal series The Shadows Trilogy has earned multiple awards, as have the Havenwood Falls books, of which she is a participating author. Her love of the written word has not only resulted in her writing some of her reader's favorite adventures, but has also manifested itself in the form of some seriously overloaded bookshelves. She's convinced it's not a sickness.She debuted her first fiction novel in 2015 after retiring from 13 years of non-fiction writing for various online entities. For the last couple of decades, she's also carried the titles of Laundry Goddess, Chef, Butt Wiper, Soother of Temper Tantrums, and in more recent years, Moderator of Sarcastic Eye-rolls and Sass. She resides in Illinois with her husband and two grown children who claim they are never moving out. Regardless, they are the center of her universe, although her cat believes otherwise.If she had any spare time, she'd love music, photography, watching Mystery Science Theater 3000 with her family, and long rides on the back of her husband's motorcycle.Learn more at authoramyhale.com

Book preview

Chapter 1

Brett stretched out on the sofa and closed his eyes. His brother, Colt, was thoroughly pissed at him for dropping out of college. Brett understood Colt’s frustration, but Colt seemed to make no effort to understand Brett’s reasoning. Because of that, Brett was getting a kick out of hearing Colt curse his name as he banged pots and pans around in the kitchen .

Colt’s sexy and uniquely-gifted new girlfriend, Jane, was trying to calm him down and sounded as if she might be on Brett’s side. He swore if she weren’t already Colt’s, he’d have done his damnedest to win her for himself. But even where bossy, overbearing, older brothers were concerned, there was a code and he wasn’t about to cross that line. Colt was head over heels for Jane, and there was no way Brett would purposely get in between his brother and the love of his life. Colt was truly happy for the first time in years, although at that moment you wouldn’t know it.

*BANG*

Selfish little… Colt’s mumbling trailed off as he moved away from the doorway and deeper into the kitchen.

Brett chuckled, then yelled. That’s Mister Selfish Little to you.

Jane stuck her head in the doorway and gave Brett a stern look. Really? You’re not helping things any.

Brett shrugged. I’m not terribly worried about it.

She frowned at him, her blazing red hair creating a warm halo around her face. You should be. He’s ready to chew matches and spit fire.

Brett smirked. Now, that I’d pay to see.

Colt came around the corner. No, I’d have to pay, because your drop-out ass is broke.

Brett pasted a bland expression on his face and pretended to ignore them, once again closing his eyes.

See? he heard Colt hiss. He gives exactly zero sh-

Colt, Jane interrupted. He cares, he’s just annoying you because he can.

Brett fought back a grin. Jane had him pegged. He did indeed care about his future, but causing that one vein to pop out in his brother’s overdeveloped neck was always entertaining.

Brett felt the sofa beside him dip with the weight of another person. He opened one eye and glanced over to see Jane sitting next to him.

What can I do you for, lovely lady? he closed his eyes yet again.

He felt a smack on the top of his head.

Ow! He rubbed the spot as he sat up. Jane’s hands were in her lap, but her grin was mischievous. A rolled-up magazine floated just above Brett’s head.

No fair using your powers to beat on me. He frowned. It’s hard to file charges when you don’t actually touch me.

She shrugged. And risk breaking a nail? No thanks. You aren’t worth it.

It was Colt’s turn to laugh, and it seemed to echo from the kitchen.

Brett sat up straighter. Okay, I’m listening.

She turned to face him. Are you going with us today? We’re going to pick up those friends I told you about.

He stretched his upper body. Is this the group you said had the hot chick in it?

Jane sighed. Yes. But there are more important things going on here than you meeting her. Besides, there are no guarantees. I told you that my vision from the coma was subjective. It all depends on what events take place and in what order. We are changing course from what happened originally, so there’s no telling what will occur. You guys may not become friends at all.

Brett perked up a little. So, lots of mystery and a pretty girl? I’m in.

Colt poked his head through the doorway once more. Breakfast is done.

Brett followed Jane into the kitchen and took a seat next to her at the small round table. Colt placed eggs and sausage on each plate, then poured three cups of coffee. Once everyone had started eating, Colt flipped through the photos on his phone until he found the one he was looking for.

Is this the hotel you saw? He passed the phone to her.

Jane swallowed a sip of coffee. Yes, that’s the one. We’ll have to convince them to trust us, but hopefully, it won’t be too difficult.

Brett took a huge bite of his eggs, chewed a moment, then pointed his fork at Jane. Won’t they know we’re coming?

Jane shook her head. Not likely. As far as I know, none of them have telepathy or futuristic visions.

Brett accepted that answer and went back to tackling his breakfast.

Colt pulled up another photograph. I couldn’t find the house Elana and the rest are in, despite the satellite maps, but here’s the general area. Does that look about right?

Jane studied the photo. It’s hard to tell, but it has to be there somewhere.

Colt nodded. We’ll find it.

A blaring horn coming from the direction of the driveway interrupted further conversation. Colt stood and looked out the window. It’s Doc. He’s brought us the van.

The front door opened, and Dr. Weston could be heard shuffling his feet as he made his way to the kitchen.

Oh good, coffee. Just what I’m needing. Dr. Weston poured himself a cup and took the vacant seat next to Jane, his protruding stomach bumping the table as he settled in. He sipped from the mug, then patted Jane on the back. How’s my favorite patient?

I’m good, thank you. She smiled at him warmly.

Glad to hear it. No ill effects since waking up from your episode? He raised one eyebrow as if he expected her to lie to him.

None at all. I swear. She sighed. I’m just anxious to find my friends.

Dr. Weston nodded in understanding. And rightly so. This group of yours sounds absolutely diabolical. He took another sip. As soon as you make contact with that Dr. Sands fella you spoke of, send him my way. I’d love to pick his brain on some things.

She chuckled. Will do.

Dr. Weston picked up his mug, stood, and tossed a set of keys on the table. Here’s the keys to the passenger van. I’ve rented it for the week, but please bring it back in one piece. The insurance on it was astronomical.

Brett snatched the keys before Colt could grab them. He swirled them around his finger like a hula hoop. We got it covered, Doc.

Dr. Weston shot Brett a skeptical look. Somehow, I doubt you have anything covered, Brett Henderson. It was a reprimand that Brett hadn’t expected.

Hey, why so hard on me? I can drive just fine. He feigned a look of hurt.

No one appeared to buy into it.

Dr. Weston put his chubby hands on his hips. It’s not your driving; it’s your attitude. When you behave like an adult, I’ll treat you like one.

Ah, so Colt told on me. Brett shook his head.

Dr. Weston’s lips pressed together into a grim line. I won’t read you the riot act right now. You have things to do. But when this is all over, we are going to have a serious talk, young man.

Brett gave a salute. Sir, yes sir.

Colt crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. Shut up and eat your breakfast, smart ass. He turned to Dr. Weston. Thanks again, Doc. We’ll keep you posted on our progress.

The older man nodded as he walked toward the living room. You do that. And if you need a muzzle or tranquilizers for Brett the Circus Monkey there, let me know. I have a vet friend that owes me a favor.

Colt laughed as Jane attempted to stifle hers. Brett, on the other hand, was less than amused. Laugh it up, people. Laugh it up.

It’d taken roughly an hour for them to reach Owensboro, Kentucky, and Brett had spent most of that time brooding in silence. He sat in the second row and watched his brother and Jane interact in delirious happiness. If he were honest, they were