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Chapter One
(because this is a "hot flash" -- short story -- the excerpt is minimal)
Sheridin Jacoby admired the house on the hill as she ascended the stone steps. When she reached the top she’d have a spectacular view of the lake. Her friend, Josh, had asked her to bird-sit while his team conducted another animal rescue, and she’d readily agreed. She needed to get away.
After a dozen more steps, she finally stood at the front door. The winter air blew her hair about her face and she felt grateful for the heavy coat she’d worn. Another storm was moving in. More snow.
She unlocked the door and stepped inside. Though the lights were on, she knew Josh had already left for the airport. She had just split from the man she’d been seeing for two years and needed a change of scenery. This place would be perfect. Other than the snowy owls, no one else should be here. She looked forward to the alone time.
Josh had told her to take her pick of bedrooms. She knew the layout of the house, having been here before. Because animals came and went, Josh hadn’t indulged in expensive furniture, but everything from the overstuffed couch to the rocker-recliners shouted comfort.
When she entered the living room she saw the tall cage in front of the sliding glass doors. The lake loomed large below, creating a breathtaking winter view.
Inside the cage, on a long branch, sat three snowy owls, side by side. She hadn’t expected them to be so large. Or so impressive. Their mostly white feathers looked soft and fluffy, a stark contrast to their dangerous-looking claws.
She shrugged off her coat and laid it across a chair, then neared the cage. An envelope hung next to the closed and latched opening. Her name was scrawled on the outside. “I guess this is for me.” She opened the envelope, figuring additional instructions were inside. She didn’t know anything about birds, but as long as she kept them fed and watered, they should be fine.
Josh had told her they were part of a special breeding experiment...
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