Key of Fate: A Novel of Adventure, Mystery, and Inevitable Passion

By Julie Shilling

When his brother is murdered by greedy treasure hunters, a brainy archaeologist must dig up a plan to protect his ancient map-an inherited artifact. He's skilled at covering his tracks and disappears into the mountains of New Mexico, abandoning his college flame, sacrificing love and happiness to keep her safe.Separated for decades, they live kindred lives, both being bound by captives and experiencing the same gut wrenching anguish of death. With nothing left to lose, he is determined to achieve his objective: Finding the lost treasure. Fate plays a role as they cross paths twenty years later and the bond between them links tighter than the tragedies, lies and betrayal that have scarred their past. Together, they fall into a world of trouble searching for the gold cache and end up trapped in an underground cave, ultimately deciphering their biggest clue.Excerpt: Ethan knew he didn't have much time. As Brody walked over to the window to watch them leave, Ethan took his chance. He raised his arms way above his head and forcefully threw them down while simultaneously squeezing his shoulder blades together. In one swift move, he had busted out of the zip tie. Brody heard it snap and turned his head right into Ethan's fist. He swung his knife, catching Ethan in the arm. Ethan kicked Brody's legs out from under him, rammed his knee into his back, and slammed his wrist to the ground, releasing the knife. It was actually too easy; this guy was pathetic. Ethan reached for the table and grabbed a zip tie. He held it in his teeth until he was ready to bind Brody's hands behind his back, and while he was at it, he tied his scrawny little ankles. Then he thought, the hell with it, and brought his ankles up to his wrists and hog tied him."They're going to fuckin' kill you when they get back," Brody screamed, his face bright red, his veins bulging and his nostrils coated with blood.With urgency, Ethan flew into the kitchen and dialed 911, so they could transfer the call to the local police. He stretched the phone cord, so Brody couldn't hear. He told them it concerned the murder of Seth Baer. Even though it was an unrelated department than that of his father, they were already informed of the incident. Ethan told them he had the prime suspect, and they needed to hurry.Ethan checked his watch. Chelsea and Tyson had only been gone five minutes. Ethan's apartment wasn't that far away. The cops needed to step on it. He grabbed a paper towel to absorb the blood trickling down his arm and was about to check on Brody when he saw lights from a vehicle pulling up on the street. He hoped it wasn't Chelsea and Tyson already. He went toward the window, but it was too dark. He couldn't make out the vehicle before the headlights flicked out. He heard a car door slam followed by loud pounding on the front door. Ethan lowered his voice. "Does Chelsea have a roommate?""Screw you, asshole " Brody shouted, then spit bloody phlegm across the carpet

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1517114322
• ISBN13: 9781517114329
• Release Date: September 2015
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 286 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"