Field of Danger, 5

Filed in: Excerpts

A few weeks ago, I asked blog readers to help me cast the hero of my next book, House of Secrets. Casting my books always helps the writing in many ways, including keeping the details straight. Also, even though people aren’t always used on the covers of the books, I have to provide descriptions to the art department for their reference. Using actors makes for an easy short cut.

In the case of Field of Danger, my heroine, April Presley, is tall, athletically lithe, with a slim face and strawberry blonde hair. Daniel Rivers, my determined protector-hero is ex-military, with darker hair and a straightforward nature. After batting around descriptions with a friend of mine, we finally decided on Amanda Righetti and David Boreanaz.

Well . . . I think they’ll make a good couple . . .

—–

“I bet you and Dad talk a lot.”

“I love talking to him.” April grimaced as she noticed the use of the present tense, then chewed her lower lip and looked down at her plate.

After a moment, Daniel cleared his throat, breaking the awkwardness. “Do you want to say grace or should I?”

April hesitated, not really wanting to explain that no one in her life but Levon ever said grace anymore. She only prayed silently these days. Did she really want to admit how out of practice she was at saying even the simplest prayer out loud?

“It’s OK,” he said softly. “I know you’re worn out.” With that, he reached for her hand and bowed his head.

“Lord, thank you for this food and bless it to the nourishment of our bodies. Thank you for keeping us safe so far, and, Lord, I pray you take my father into your arms and reward him for his love for you. Please sustain us, and help us through this dark time. All this I ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Daniel squeezed her hand but did not release it. April opened her eyes, even though they stung with tears, and looked at him. Her voice cracked in her throat as she whispered. “That was a great prayer.”

He met her gaze. “Dad taught me.”

She nodded and held tightly to his hand, which felt firm and gentle under her fingers. “We’re going to get through this. One way or another.”

“And I’m not going to let him hurt you. I promise. I promise.”

“I know.”

Then they ate, mostly in a comfortable, comforting silence. As they finished and began cleaning up the kitchen, April finally mustered the nerve to ask Daniel for a favor.

“Do you mind if we take a short side trip before going to the game?”

Curiosity lit his eyes, along with a touch of wariness. “What kind of side trip?”

“Trust me.”

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