A Second Chance
by
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Each nerve ending crackles as if thousands of electrical volts are traveling through his taut body. His hair stands on end and the cold sweats start. Bright, flashing images of faces with eyes popped and legs askew assault him. Then he begins to run, frantically and hysterically, his only destination -- away, as far away as possible. The shaking begins. Someone has touched him. He bolts upright, screaming, with arms flailing. Zoe hunkers warily in the corner, whimpering. Mel learned long ago to jump out of the way. Sometimes she thinks it frightens her as much as Jack, but at least the nightmare comes less frequently now. Shaken but gradually awakening to the present, Jack shudders visibly then lets out a mournful, dejected sigh. He hunches over, hugging knees to forehead for a few long minutes, but then reaches for Mel’s comforting embrace. Zoe walks tentatively toward the bed, lifts her torso and begins to lick Jack’s arm in her own consoling manner. The neighbors would never have believed how sympathetic and gentle the hybrid white Arctic wolf could be, and Jack liked keeping it that way.
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About the Book
Anyone who spends time in Southeast Florida gets a crash lesson in both cultural and behavioral diversity. The region's tropical landscape has become home to a vast collection of characters from many parts of the world. Some are escaping the colder climates; others are running from their pasts. Jack McAllister is one of the latter. Still haunted decades later by an experience in Vietnam, Jack has gotten through life thus far avoiding most of the usual commitments and responsibilities. One lasting connection with an old Vietnam buddy has led to his current employment as an occasional investigator for a small private detective agency. While Jack's curmudgeonly attitude and self-deprecating humor get him through the day, the nights are a different story. But redemption sometimes comes at unexpected times and in surprising forms. In the span of just a few days, Jack's past and present collide in this thriller. Is life offering him a second chance in the series of bizarre events unfolding before him?
About the Author
J.W. Hill was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, and graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston and Fordham University in New York, but by marriage and parenthood is also a long-standing member of the University of Florida's Gator Nation. The author has resided in various parts of Florida for over two decades and, with family and pet labrador retriever, now calls the Fort Lauderdale area home.