Deepest, Darkest

Six teens from the fringe of society, held captive like animals, fighting for survival. But who will save them when no one knows they exist?

When a murderous cult leader and human trafficker is killed in the middle of a deal, his human merchandise is left in limbo, their existence known only to their brutal and mindless caretaker, more monster than man. When an escape attempt goes fatally wrong, and days drag into weeks, those still alive have a choice – be the next to die or take extreme measures.

Sophie Danner has barely processed her showdown with the Blalocks in the final gasp of the Cult of Royston. But when her recurring nightmares take on a new and frightening shape, she’s certain she’s being sent a message from the ether – it’s not over and someone is in desperate need of help. Can two new allies help her find them before more lives are lost?

The Sophie Danner Thriller Series:

BOOK ONE - Ghosts of Royston

BOOK TWO - All The Devils Are Here

BOOK THREE - Deepest, Darkest

Sneak Peek:

“PRETTY GIRLS!!!!” Earl's voice boomed around them, threatening by it’s own vibrating force to dislodge them from their hiding place. “GIRLS! COME! NOW! BOY-GIRL!”

His bellows – angry Earl again – shook Adelina from the memory. She realized they were all staring at her, waiting for further instructions. How did I become the leader?

Adelina looked at Robert. “I know you’re not well, but we need to go. Can you do it?”

Robert nodded his head emphatically and swerved to standing like he’d gotten into daddy’s still. “I have no interest in being Earl’s boy-girl.” His voice was even lighter and squeakier than usual. He attempted a smile as he said it and Adelina responded in kind.

“Okay, let’s go. I know he’s pretty far down there, but let’s pick up the chains anyway and stick to the woods.”

They all nodded and stood with the chain in hands, even Lily. That left Robert with both hands free to hold onto Diana. They began picking their slow way through the woods along the gravel drive. Now beyond the clearing, the incline was increasing. Soon they were climbing, tripping, slipping – Robert coughing, wheezing, stumbling. Lily was helping Diana hold him up.

Adelina glanced back at Robert’s face. His eyes were nearly closed, head lolling, his feet barely moving. She held up her hand and everyone stopped. They were all out of breath, not the least of which Diana and Lily, who eased Robert down, then flopped down themselves.

As they all lay slumped about in recovery, Rachel suddenly sat upright. “Shhh.” Her eyes were darting around, looking upward in the direction the gravel drive was headed. No one breathed as she closed her eyes, listening.

“No more Earl,” Adelina said. His bellows had ceased. She wasn’t sure how long it had been since she’d heard them.

“No, no, not that.” Rachel said and looked up again. “That sound…what is that? Do you hear it?” They all listened intently.

“That’s a car,” said Malah, leaping to her feet. “That’s a @#$%ing car!”

No sooner had she said it than a faint trickle of light bounced through the branches overhead from somewhere up the mountain. The light began to grow along with the sound of an approaching vehicle as it moved from left to right, speeding up. Then it was gone.

“@#$%! We missed it! That was a car and we @#$%ing missed it!” she said, her whisper dangerously close to a shout.

“Shhh!” said Adelina. “If there was one, there will be others. But we have to get up there. That must be a road.” The others were still silent, but their eyes were wide and all but Robert were now standing. He was still on the ground, eyes closed.

Diana leaned down and gently nudged his shoulder. “Robert? Dear? We have to go.” He only groaned and wheezed in response.

“We have to carry him. We have to get up to that road,” whispered Adelina. They all nodded their agreement.