Here's a sample from the novel DEADLY DEEDS by Zelda Becht

Prologue

Hattie Mackenzie turned at the sound of a fast-approaching vehicle and waved, a surprised smile of recognition on her lips.  The smile froze as the truck hurtled towards her.  She heard a wild screech of tires, a dull thud, a cracking of glass . . .

The breath forced from her lungs . . . a soundless scream tore at her throat . . . she floated . . . head meeting concrete with a quiet thunk, sounds muffled in the whir of tires grabbing asphalt.

Peeling rubber, the boys used to say--

Her mind tried to grasp hold . . . there was this problem nagging at her.  Something about Birch Valley?  Something she was to tell Samantha?

Not Joe.  No, she couldn’t tell her husband.  Samantha will help her decide what to do.  Samantha will be home tomorrow . . .

Slivers of glass clinked, sparkled, bounced on oil patches and melted rubber.  A cold breeze touched her as a burnished-orange sun slipped below the mountain.

Her life . . . draining into the dusty road . . . a Gastalt configuration, red on an asphalt blotter.

Excerpt from Chapter One

Samantha Mackenzie, DVM.

Sam stared at her newly framed sheepskin.  Heaving a long sigh of satisfaction, she touched the glass, fingertips lingering reverently.

Before graduation a month earlier she had written her old friend, Dr. Jacob Barnes, owner of Barnes Animal Hospital.

Doc had answered:  I would be delighted to have you join me as a colleague.  Birch Valley is growing.  Another pair of hands is just what this doctor ordered.  Martha joins me in welcoming you.

Fist clinched tight, Samantha raised her arm.  “YES!”

Jonathan, lounging in the one respectable chair in Samantha’s dormatory room, smiled.  “This calls for a celebration.  Dinner at Angelo’s Pizza Restaurante’.  Nothing but the best for you, Doctor Mackenzie.  Pick you up at six.”