The Misadventures of the Laundry Hag 00 - Skeletons in the Closet

that,” she mumbled. “Listen, since you don’t seem to need me urgently anymore, I am going back to my trailer to get dressed. You know, so I don’t get picked up for indecent exposure?”
    “Watchya got on under that bathrobe?” The dog sniffed at the terrycloth and she swatted him away.
    “Nothing of interest to you.” Last thing she needed was a talking beagle humping her leg. Her trailer came into view and she crossed her fingers that the dog wouldn’t follow her.
    “Suit yourself! I’ll swing back here when we find him.”
    “Can’t wait.” Ellie watched him run off down the beach. Maybe she was still asleep, dreaming of dogs and cats that told her off. Yes, a dream explained everything. And after the Snookums incident yesterday, who would blame her?
    Relieved that she hadn’t lost her mind, Ellie turned toward her trailer steps. In her haste to figure out the mystery, she’d left the sliding glass door open. She scurried up the steps and glanced around to make sure no one, either real or imagined, was around before doffing her sand-coated robe. Pajamas, just another luxury Ellie couldn’t afford, but here in the states walking around in public sans clothing was still a big no no. The robe would need a thorough vacuu washing—
    A huge hand clamped over her mouth so her scream came out muffled. Her mandatory five years of self-defense training rushed back and Ellie jabbed her elbow backward, aimed for her assailant’s solar plexus.
    Her funny bone connected with solid metal and tears sprung to her eyes. This so was not her morning!
    The man spun her around to face him. First thing she noticed was a wild gleam in the darkest eyes she’d ever seen. Absolutely no distinction between his irises and pupils, just jet black on black. He reeked of wood smoke and exhaustion. Sweat and what appeared to be blood matted his hair into clumps and so much ash stuck in the shoulder length strands, the color was impossible to decipher. More blood coated the plates of metal covering every inch of his giant frame. He removed his hand from her trembling lips.
    “What do you want?” Ellie whispered, more afraid than she’d ever been.

    “Sanctuary,” he rasped before those midnight eyes rolled back and he crashed at her feet.

About the Author

    Mystery, Mayhem Laughter and Love….

    Former navy wife turned author Jennifer L. Hart loves a good mystery as well as a good laugh and a happily ever after is a must. Her works to date include The Misadventures of the Laundry Hag series, Redeeming Characters , River Rats , Stellar Timing , Who Needs A Hero? , and Daisy Dominatrix .
    Visit her on the web at www.jenniferlhart.com or www.laundryhag.com .