Her face went pale.
Patrick touched her elbow. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
She rolled her lips in, then released them. “I’m fine now. Then, maybe I was a little stressed out and imagining things. I, um, I thought I saw someone out there. An Indian man.” She gave a nervous laugh. “Although he seemed pretty real at the time. Without him, I don’t know if I would have found my way back to the group without the prospectors finding me first.”
Perry came over to them. “I saw him, too. Right before Dad whacked Booger over the head.”
Trish raised her hand. “Me, too. When Grandpa Joe rescued Bunny and me.”
A huge grin spread across Patrick’s face. “And me, too. Right before Perry fell off the waterfall on Trout Creek.”
The four of them stared at each other.
Susanne shook her head. “What do you think it means?”
“That we’ve all come down with a case of Dad’s Indian obsession,” Perry said.
“Hardee har har.” Patrick rubbed his forehead.
“Why would a Sheep Eater help us? White people like us drove them off their land and onto reservations.” Trish looked perplexed.
Patrick couldn’t explain how they’d all four seen someone who’d probably been dead for two hundred years, but even as a doctor, he’d seen plenty of things that science couldn’t account for, and he was okay with that. “Good people are good people, I guess.”
Grandpa Joe said, “This nonsense doesn’t get you out of paying for the damage to my car.”
Patrick laughed and put his hand on his mother’s shoulder. “Come on, Mom. Kids. We can figure all this out over pizza. Let’s leave Dad and Susanne alone with the repair bill so I don’t lose my appetite.”
He felt his mother’s shoulder moving. She was pulling something from her wallet. Her back was turned to him, but he caught a glimpse of the one-hundred-dollar bill she slipped Trish, and the finger she put to her lips. But he kept his mouth shut and pretended he didn’t see a thing.
Before he could exit the shop, his brother walked in.
“Hey, Pete. We were just on our way down,” Patrick said.
“Can I have a word with you first?” Pete said.
Uh oh. “Sure.”
The two brothers walked underneath “Snake Charmer,” the rugged old boat Patrick had noticed during his first visit.
Pete took a deep breath. “I just wanted a chance to tell you that, in retrospect, I know I put you in a tough position, bringing the kids along for this trip. I’m sorry. I should have warned you ahead of time. Vera feels exactly the same way.”
Patrick was so stunned he only nodded.
“We would have all been lost out there without you, even if I didn’t always agree with you. I know things got really messed up. And we all were scared and frustrated. But you’re the best, man.” Pete clapped him on the shoulder. “I know it’s not your fault things turned out like they did. Thank you for trying to give us the best vacation ever. It certainly turned out to be the most memorable one.”
A strange heat built up behind Patrick’s eyes. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. So, instead of speaking, he threw his arms around his brother. Suddenly, he wished Pete and his family weren’t leaving. That he had more time with them all, but especially with his best buddy since they’d both been in diapers. He held back tears, but it was tough.
When he finally let go, Pete socked him in the arm. Patrick socked him back.
Patrick turned to the kids and his mother and said, “Are you guys coming or what?”
“Waiting on you, Dad,” Trish sniffed.
Together, they walked out of Wyoming Whitewater, with Patrick trying very hard not to think about the number Susanne was writing on a check to his father at that very moment.
***
Next up: When a plane crashes in the Bighorn Mountains, Patrick Flint embarks on a rescue mission he may not live to regret. Snaggle Tooth (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089CQPSSJ).
Or you can continue adventuring in the What Doesn’t Kill You mystery world:
* * *
Want to stay in Wyoming? Rock on with Maggie in Live Wire on Amazon (free in Kindle Unlimited) at https://www.amazon.com/Live-Wire-Maggie-Romantic-Mystery-ebook/dp/B07L5RYGHZ.
Prefer the beginning of it all? Start with Katie Connell in Saving Grace on Amazon (free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers), here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009FZPMFO.
Or get the complete WDKY series here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QQVNSPN.
***
And don’t forget to snag the free What Doesn't Kill You ebook starter library—including an exclusive Patrick Flint short story—by joining Pamela’s mailing list at https://www.subscribepage.com/PFHSuperstars.
For my grandmother, Lura—an amazing woman (ahead of her time in many ways), who put up with a lot of B.S. in the name of love.
And for my husband Eric, who some might say does the same.
Acknowledgments
When I got the call from my father that he had metastatic prostate cancer spread into his bones in nine locations, I was with a houseful of retreat guests in Wyoming while my parents (who normally summer in Wyoming) were in Texas. The guests were so kind and comforting to me, as was Eric, but there was only one place I wanted to be, and that was home. Not home where I grew up, because I lived in twelve places by the time I was twelve, and many thereafter. No, home is truly where the heart is. And that meant home for Eric and me would be with my parents.
I was in the middle of writing two novels at the time: Blue Streak, the first Laura mystery in the What Doesn’t Kill You series, and Polarity, a series spin-off contemporary romance based on my love story with Eric. I put them both down. I needed to write, but not those books. They could wait. I needed to write through my emotions—because that’s what writers do—with books spelling out the ending we were seeking for my dad’s story. Allegorically and biographically, while fictionally.
So that is what I did, and Dr. Patrick Flint (aka Dr. Peter Fagan—my pops—in real life) and family were hatched, using actual stories from our lives in late 1970s Buffalo, Wyoming as the depth and backdrop to a new series of mysteries, starting with Switchback and moving on to Snake Oil, Sawbones, Scapegoat, Snaggle Tooth, and Stag Party. I hope the real life versions of Patrick, Susanne, and Perry will forgive me for taking liberties in creating their fictional alter egos. I took care to make Trish the most annoying character since she's based on me, to soften the blow for the others. I am so hopeful that my loyal readers will enjoy them, too, even though in some ways the novels are a departure from my usual stories. But in many ways they are the same. Character-driven, edge-of-your-seat mysteries steeped in setting/culture, with a strong nod to the everyday magic around us, and filled with complex, authentic characters (including some AWESOME females).
I had a wonderful time writing these books, and it kept me going when it was tempting to fold in on myself and let stress eat me alive. For more stories behind the actual stories, visit my blog on my website: http://pamelafaganhutchins.com. And let me know if you liked the novels.
Thanks to my dad for advice on all things medical, wilderness, hunting, 1970s, and animal. I hope you had fun using your medical knowledge for murder!
Thanks to my mom for printing the manuscripts (over and over, in its entirety) as she and dad followed along daily on the progress.
Thanks to my husband, Eric, for brainstorming with and encouraging me and beta reading the Patrick Flint stories despite his busy work, travel, and workout schedule. And for moving in to my parents’s barn apartment with me so I could be closer to them during this time.
Thanks to our five offspring. I love you guys more than anything, and each time I write a parent/child (birth, adopted, foster, or step), I channel you. I am so touched by how supportive you have been with Poppy, Gigi, Eric, and me.
To each and every blessed reader, I appreciate you more than I can say. It is the readers who move mou
ntains for me, and for other authors, and I humbly ask for the honor of your honest reviews and recommendations.
Thanks mucho to Bobbye Marrs for the fantastic Patrick Flint covers.
Patrick Flint editing credits go to Rhonda Erb, Whitney Cox, and Karen Goodwin. The proofreaders who enthusiastically devote their time—gratis—to help us rid my books of flaws blow me away. Thank you all!
SkipJack Publishing now includes fantastic books by a cherry-picked bushel basket of mystery/thriller/suspense writers. If you write in this genre, visit http://SkipJackPublishing.com for submission guidelines. To check out our other authors and snag a bargain at the same time, download Murder, They Wrote: Four SkipJack Mysteries.
p.s. My dad is defying his diagnosis and doing fantastic now. Next up, Snaggle Tooth and Stag Party in 2021. It’s my prayer we’ll be collaborating on this series for many years to come.
Books by the Author
Fiction from SkipJack Publishing
The What Doesn't Kill You Series
Act One (WDKY Ensemble Prequel Novella): Exclusive to Subscribers
Saving Grace (Katie #1)
Leaving Annalise (Katie #2)
Finding Harmony (Katie #3)
Heaven to Betsy (Emily #1)
Earth to Emily (Emily #2)
Hell to Pay (Emily #3)
Going for Kona (Michele #1)
Fighting for Anna (Michele #2)
Searching for Dime Box (Michele #3)
Buckle Bunny (Maggie Prequel Novella)
Shock Jock (Maggie Prequel Short Story)
Live Wire (Maggie #1)
Sick Puppy (Maggie #2)
Dead Pile (Maggie #3)
The Essential Guide to the What Doesn’t Kill You Series
The Ava Butler Trilogy: A Sexy Spin-off From What Doesn’t Kill You
Bombshell (Ava #1)
Stunner (Ava #2)
Knockout (Ava #3)
The Patrick Flint Series
Switchback (Patrick Flint #1)
Snake Oil (Patrick Flint #2)
Sawbones (Patrick Flint #3)
Scapegoat (Patrick Flint #4)
Snaggle Tooth (Patrick Flint #5)
Stag Party (Patrick Flint #6)
Spark (Patrick Flint 1.5): Exclusive to subscribers
The What Doesn’t Kill You Box Sets Series (50% off individual title retail)
The Complete Katie Connell Trilogy
The Complete Emily Bernal Trilogy
The Complete Michele Lopez Hanson Trilogy
The Complete Maggie Killian Trilogy
The Complete Ava Butler Trilogy
The Patrick Flint Box Set Series
The Patrick Flint Series Books #1-3
Juvenile Fiction
Poppy Needs a Puppy (Poppy & Petey #1)
Nonfiction from SkipJack Publishing
The Clark Kent Chronicles
Hot Flashes and Half Ironmans
How to Screw Up Your Kids
How to Screw Up Your Marriage
Puppalicious and Beyond
What Kind of Loser Indie Publishes,
and How Can I Be One, Too?
Audio, e-book, and paperback versions of most titles available.
About the Author
Pamela Fagan Hutchins is a USA Today best selling author. She writes award-winning romantic mystery/thriller/suspense from way up in the frozen north of Snowheresville, Wyoming, where she lives in an off-the-grid cabin on the face of the Bighorn Mountains. She is passionate about hiking/snow shoeing/cross country skiing with her hunky husband and pack of rescue dogs (and occasional rescue cat) and riding their gigantic horses.
If you'd like Pamela to speak to your book club, women's club, class, or writers group by streaming video or in person, shoot her an email. She's very likely to say yes.
You can connect with Pamela via her website
(http://pamelafaganhutchins.com)
or email ([email protected]).
Praise for Pamela Fagan Hutchins
2018 USA Today Best Seller
2017 Silver Falchion Award, Best Mystery
2016 USA Best Book Award, Cross-Genre Fiction
2015 USA Best Book Award, Cross-Genre Fiction
2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-finalist, Romance
The Patrick Flint Mysteries
“Best book I’ve read in a long time!” — Kiersten Marquet, author of Reluctant Promises
"Switchback transports the reader deep into the mountains of Wyoming for a thriller that has it all--wild animals, criminals, and one family willing to do whatever is necessary to protect its own. Pamela Fagan Hutchins writes with the authority of a woman who knows this world. She weaves the story with both nail-biting suspense and a healthy dose of humor. You won't want to miss Switchback." -- Danielle Girard, Wall Street Journal-bestselling author of White Out.
"Switchback by Pamela Fagan Hutchins has as many twists and turns as a high-country trail. Every parent's nightmare is the loss or injury of a child, and this powerful novel taps into that primal fear." -- Reavis Z. Wortham, two time winner of The Spur and author of Hawke's Prey
"Switchback starts at a gallop and had me holding on with both hands until the riveting finish. This book is highly atmospheric and nearly crackling with suspense. Highly recommend!" -- Libby Kirsch, Emmy awardwinning reporter and author of the Janet Black Mystery Series
“A Bob Ross painting with Alfred Hitchcock hidden among the trees.”
"Edge-of-your seat nail biter."
"Unexpected twists!"
"Wow! Wow! Highly entertaining!"
“A very exciting book (um... actually a nail-biter), soooo beautifully descriptive, with an underlying story of human connection and family. It's full of action. I was so scared and so mad and so relieved... sometimes all at once!”
“Well drawn characters, great scenery, and a kept-me-on-the-edge-of-my-seat story!”
"Absolutely unputdownable wonder of a story."
"Must read!"
"Gripping story. Looking for book two!"
"Intense!"
"Amazing and well-written read."
"Read it in one fell swoop. I could not put it down."
What Doesn't Kill You: Katie Connell Romantic Mysteries
“An exciting tale . . . twisting investigative and legal subplots . . . a character seeking redemption . . . an exhilarating mystery with a touch of voodoo.” — Midwest Book Review Bookwatch
“A lively romantic mystery.” — Kirkus Reviews
“A riveting drama . . . exciting read, highly recommended.” — Small Press Bookwatch
“Katie is the first character I have absolutely fallen in love with since Stephanie Plum!” — Stephanie Swindell, Bookstore Owner
“Engaging storyline . . . taut suspense.” — MBR Bookwatch
What Doesn't Kill You: Emily Bernal Romantic Mysteries
“Fair warning: clear your calendar before you pick it up because you won't be able to put it down.” — Ken Oder, author of Old Wounds to the Heart
“Full of heart, humor, vivid characters, and suspense. Hutchins has done it again!” — Gay Yellen, author of The Body Business
“Hutchins is a master of tension.” — R.L. Nolen, author of Deadly Thyme
“Intriguing mystery . . . captivating romance.” — Patricia Flaherty Pagan, author of Trail Ways Pilgrims
“Everything about it shines: the plot, the characters and the writing. Readers are in for a real treat with this story.” — Marcy McKay, author of Pennies from Burger Heaven
What Doesn't Kill You: Michele Lopez Hanson Romantic Mysteries
“Immediately hooked." — Terry Sykes-Bradshaw, author of Sibling Revelry
"Spellbinding." — Jo Bryan, Dry Creek Book Club
"Fast-paced mystery." — Deb Krenzer, Book Reviewer
"Can't put it down." — Cathy Bader, Reader
What Doesn't Kill You: Ava Butler Romantic Mysteries
"Just when I think I couldn
't love another Pamela Fagan Hutchins novel more, along comes Ava." — Marcy McKay, author of Stars Among the Dead
"Ava personifies bombshell in every sense of word. — Tara Scheyer, Grammy-nominated musician, Long-Distance Sisters Book Club
“Entertaining, complex, and thought-provoking.” — Ginger Copeland, power reader
What Doesn't Kill You: Maggie Killian Romantic Mysteries
“Maggie’s gonna break your heart–one way or another.” Tara Scheyer, Grammy-nominated musician, Long-Distance Sisters Book Club
“Pamela Fagan Hutchins nails that Wyoming scenery and captures the atmosphere of the people there.” — Ken Oder, author of Old Wounds to the Heart
“I thought I had it all figured out a time or two, but she kept me wondering right to the end.” — Ginger Copeland, power reader
Other Books from SkipJack Publishing
Murder, They Wrote: Four SkipJack Mysteries,
by Ken Oder, R.L. Nolen, Marcy McKay, and Gay Yellen
The Closing, by Ken Oder
Old Wounds to the Heart, by Ken Oder
The Judas Murders, by Ken Oder
The Princess of Sugar Valley, by Ken Oder
Scapegoat: A Patrick Flint Novel Page 27
