Fracture (The Machinists) (35 page)
Read Fracture (The Machinists) Online
Authors: Craig Andrews
“It’s an old family property,” Allyn said. “It’s small, and it hasn’t been used in years, but it’s private, and nobody will harm us there.”
“What about the police?” Jaxon asked. “Won’t they know to look for us there?”
“How are you at pottery?” Kendyl asked, stepping forward, grinning.
Jaxon looked at her, confused.
“If anyone comes asking, you’re a group of artists on a retreat. You rent rooms by the week, and you paid in cash.”
“What about you?” Jaxon asked.
Allyn shrugged. “We’ll take care not to be seen.” When Jaxon didn’t appear convinced, Allyn added, “Look, I know it’s risky. And I understand if you don’t like the idea, but it’s only a temporary solution until we can regroup.”
Jaxon pinched his forehead and thought for a moment. “We’ll need IDs.”
“Liam?” Allyn said.
“The physical IDs will be tough, but I can forge digital ones and create false identities. They won’t hold up under close scrutiny but they’ll buy us time.”
“What do you think?” Allyn asked.
“I think it might just work,” Jaxon said.
Relief spread through the group like a yawn. They knew that the McCollum Family would survive. They would endure. They would grow strong.
They just needed time.
The story continues in…
Splinter
The Machinists Series, Book Two
Coming Soon
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Acknowledgments
I
t’s said that writing is a lonely enterprise, and while I agree with that statement, creating a book is a surprisingly collaborative endeavor. There were dozens of people who helped me turn this story from one that resided in my head to the book you hold in your hands.
It begins with my wife, Tiffany, whose unflinching support, never-ending enthusiasm, and occasional, well-timed verbal motivation kept me working. This book exists because she told me not to wait. Because she pushed me upstairs to write on the nights I thought I was too tired. Because she nudged me out of bed in the early mornings when I would have rather slept. And because she never complained or made me feel guilty that I sometimes spent more time with fictional Families than my own. If you ever get a chance to thank her, please do. The husbands, wives, and significant others of artists don’t get enough credit for the achievements of their partners.
Special thanks also goes to my parents, Will and Lisa, who instilled in me a love for stories, and taught me that anything was possible. They told me to shoot for the stars, and helped me develop a work ethic to make sure I got there. I can never express how truly grateful I am to be their son.
To my own son, who while too young to know he was giving up his dad for the day, always welcomed me back with a smile and a hug. I want to inspire you the same way you inspire me.
To Gary and Gala Richey for raising such a loving, supportive daughter, and not laughing when I told them I was writing a book, but instead asked when they could read it.
To the team at Red Adept Publishing, headed by Lynn McNamee who patiently guided me through the editorial process. To Stefanie Spangler for her wonderful line-edits and continuously going above and beyond her initial job.
A huge thanks goes to all of my early readers: Tiffany (always my first reader), Will & Lisa Looney, Gary & Gala Richey, Mary Sharinghousen, Pamela Didier, Scott & Jami Hays, Anton Livingston, Tanner Vannett, Jehnna Pitts, Megan West, Abigail Winchester, Peter Arvidson, and Nick Hagen. Your excitement, kind words, and willingness to share the book with friends and family keep me going. Your advice and insights proved invaluable and this book is much better because of them.
And thank you lovely reader, for taking this journey with me. I hope I get the opportunity to do it again.
—Craig Andrews
About The Author
C
raig Andrews graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelors of Arts in English. Growing up on a healthy diet of fantasy and science fiction, some of his favorite childhood memories include being traumatized by the TV shows
Unsolved Mysteries
and
The X-Files
. He currently lives in a small, rural town outside of Portland, Oregon with his wife and two boys.
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