Yippee. SSS. Again. Here's Opening Lines for Ashes (May 2011)

Raw thirst dominated Lyle's fantasy. Cracked ribs, battered leg, ankle bruised by the shackle, three broken fingers, deep slashes along inner thighs, and bone jutting through muscle in the left arm—it all lay crushed under the need for water. Images of shimmering droplets danced behind his crusted eyelids.


How long did it take for a male in his prime to die? The metal rod had been staked deep into the desert soil of Las Vegas.  Lyle no longer struggled against the chain, tried to shelter his skin from the searing heat, or screamed for a soul with a shred of human compassion to help him.

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