Burkett Isle

By Shayne Carmichael and Mychael Black

Josh Finley is in an interesting situation. He and his current boyfriend, Ben Gregory, are friends with Josh’s ex, Joey Brandt. When they all head out for a weekend of relaxation on Burkett Isle, owned by Ben’s family, Josh isn’t sure what to do. Joey’s still hung up on him, but Josh loves Ben.

To top it off, a serial killer is stalking the lower end of the city’s population, and now he has his sights set on Josh. The trick is to lure Josh from his friends, but how?

When Josh makes a gruesome discovery, however, it changes everything. And it may very well be the end for one of them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arian Derwydd Books, LLC
• Release date: Aug 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781955467094

Shayne Carmichael

She writes, she makes shiny things.

Book preview

Josh Finley is in an interesting situation. He and his current boyfriend, Ben Gregory, are friends with Josh's ex, Joey Brandt. When they all head out for a weekend of relaxation on Burkett Isle, owned by Ben's family, Josh isn't sure what to do. Joey's still hung up on him, but Josh loves Ben.

To top it off, a serial killer is stalking the lower end of the city's population, and now he has his sights set on Josh. The trick is to lure Josh from his friends, but how?

When Josh makes a gruesome discovery, however, it changes everything. And it may very well be the end for one of them.

(This title was previously published but has been revised.)

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They cannot be sold, shared, or given away. It is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale, or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Arian Derwydd Books, LLC

https://arianderwyddbooks.com/

Burkett Isle

Copyright © 2021 by Shayne Carmichael, Mychael Black

ISBN: 978-1-955467-09-4

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

Prologue

Death fascinated him, and each body propped against the cave wall reflected a myriad of its facets. Eighteen members of his army. He counted them as he always did, careful to include the newest addition.

Decay had yet to set in, but in the damp atmosphere, the body would quickly begin to rot. The skulls of his oldest kills, frozen in an eternal macabre humor, grinned at him in silent approval of their latest recruit.

"James Fox, we welcome you into the General’s Army. A chorus echoed in his head as he paced before his assembled soldiers, a general reviewing his troops. I’m happy to see none of you are going to argue with me over his inclusion."

His gaze traveled over them, pausing momentarily on the three troublemakers who’d raised a fuss during the last ceremony. He kept his expression stern, even when he glanced at Lilly. While she might be his favorite, he could allow no sign of it to show. She’d been particularly vocal against Neil’s joining. As he marched back and forth, his army remained silent, giving him their full attention. Bailey caught his notice, and he crouched down in front of the blond. While most people might have been repulsed by the sight of Bailey’s flesh peeling away from bone, the general enjoyed the close study.

Bailey, as a good soldier should, stayed calm and quiet under the scrutiny. After allowing a faint, pleased smile to cross his lips, the general straightened. I don’t have as long as I like this time. James was a bit troublesome at first and it took me longer than I expected to prepare him. I know you’ll all be helpful and fill him in on our rules and regulations.

"Sir, yes, sir." Their voices amplified and echoed in the large cave.

Content for the moment, he sat on the rock strewn ground, hands folded across his chest and knees drawn up. Since he prided himself on the state of his army, he made mental notes as to what uniform accessories needed replacing. The dampness was hell on metal, cloth, and flesh.

Chapter One

Joshua Finley rummaged through the closet, wondering what all to pack. His lover Ben Gregory would be home anytime now, and Joshua needed to have most of their stuff ready for the weekend. They were meeting their friend Joey Brandt where they’d all spent their childhood exploring. Josh couldn’t remember the last time he stepped foot on Burkett Isle, but he figured it’d all come back to him soon enough.

He grabbed a few of Ben’s shirts and a few of his own, even though it no longer mattered. After a year of dating, the last six months living together, they shared clothes. Good thing they were pretty close to the same size. He stuffed the shirts and several pairs of jeans and shorts into the two duffel bags on the bed.

When the phone rang, he realized with a groan that it somehow ended up in Ben’s bag. He dug to the bottom and found the handset, pressing the ‘talk’ button before answering.

Hello?

Hey, Ben said. Has Joey called yet?

Not yet. You on your way home?