INSIDE PASSAGE
Local author writes another winner
By Joyce Laabs of The Lakeland Times
Eunice Loecher, who lives in Woodruff, is the author of "Inside Passage," (Publish America) - another winner.
It is the story of Michelle Lawson who, while on a cruise to Alaska, finds herself stranded in Skagway when her tour bus breaks down. while exploring options on how just to get back to the tour and her ship, she learns that a man who had been stalking her in Pennsylvania, and tried to kill her, has been released from prison.
Michelle now fears for her life and decides it is not safe to return home. She makes the decision to stay in Skagway, but that too creates a problem.
She won the trip in a contest, and does not have the funds to stay. She must find work and housing. With God guiding her through a mostly futile search, she eventually finds a job in a gift shop - Kim's Craftworks - and the owner, Kim Camden even has a bedroom available in her apartment over the shop.
Two prayers were answered that day - Kim's to find help late in the season, and Michelle's to find work that would allow her to stay and avoid her stalker.
Then there is "Hawk," the driver of the tour bus that broke down. When she goes to church with Kim, she learns that the preacher, Tate, is Kim's brother. Michelle knows him better as Hawk.
The story line takes many twists and turns. Michelle learns of the local lore that includes Bru - protector of the innocent and judge of the evil-hearted. Bru is a least 30-years old and protected by the community.
Michelle is accepted by the community, and somewhere along the way learns to trust others.
She knows she is really accepted when she is referred to as "sourdough" usually meaning anyone who manages to weather an Alaskan winter - i.e. sour on the country, but not enough dough to get out. However, according to Hawk, it should mean anyone who survives that tourist season.
"Inside Passage" is a journey with God - a love story - and a thriller that you will enjoy.
The 171-page softcover book sells for $16.95 and can be ordered by visiting www.PublishAmerica.com or visiting Eunice's website at www.euniceloecher.com.
Chapter One
Dara Mackenzie glanced at her watch again. One more stop at the Canadian border and then Bridal Veil Falls. That’s about an hour more. Without any complications I’ll make it back in time.
Another mile passed. Suddenly, the van jolted, followed by a loud pinging sound. The driver slowed the vehicle allowing it to roll to the side of the road.
Dara flinched, her breath catching in her throat. Frantically, she checked her watch.
“Now what?” the driver mumbled. “Sorry for the delay, folks. I’ll check to see what’s wrong.” The driver grabbed his tool box and left the van.
Dara‘s heart pounded in her chest. She felt a wave of nausea building in her stomach. “Oh, no. I can’t believe this is happening. Not now.” her voice cracked.
An elderly woman, seated across the aisle in the van, leaned over and patted her arm. “It will be OK, deary.”
“No, it won‘t. There isn’t enough time. My ship will leave without me.” Dara swallowed, trying to prevent the lump she felt forming in her throat, from choking her. “No one will even know I’m missing. I’m traveling alone.”
The woman started to chuckle. “Alaska is a nice place to visit. Do you think you’ll enjoy living here?”
Dara managed to smile in spite of her frustration. Unwilling to accept this situation sitting down, she left the van. Outside things didn’t look promising. All she could see of the driver were his legs dangling from under the hood.
Stuck at the top of White Pass outside of Skagway, Alaska. What did I get myself into this time?
“Excuse me,” she called in the direction of the dangling legs. The driver’s Alaskan malamute sat quietly beside the road, watching Dara. “Excuse me,” she repeated.
He didn’t respond and continued pounding loudly on something under the hood. Poking seemed to be the only way of getting his attention. Dara analyzed the available body parts trying to find an acceptable one to prod. She leaned over jabbing her index finger into the small of his back.
His head came up with a thump, hitting the inside of the hood. A muffled groan of pain reverberated out at Dara. She took a step back as the driver wiggled out. He faced her, still rubbing the back of his head. The dog whined and brushed up against his owner, receiving a gentle ear-scratching in response.