Following a tragic incident in L.A., detective Kacey Dean has returned to her hometown of Pleasant Hills, Washington, just in time to be swept up in a series of murders called the Chosen Killings-- citizens of Pleasant Hills are killing people seemingly at random, saying the words "I am chosen" before committing the murder. Kacey Dean has killed the man she thought was responsible, but she's about to find out that the Chosen Killings are far beyond her, or anyone's, understanding.

I Am Chosen

<p>The air took on a weight, a stifling heaviness that hampered Hollis's movements. He felt as if he struggled against something that wasn't there. And then, there was the dizziness as he descended backward. More than once he had stumbled and nearly fallen on his ass. To his left, he could hear J.D.'s labored breathing. He turned to see the younger man's exhalations fogging before his face, as were Hollis's own. </p>

<p>Looking over his shoulder, Hollis could see that J.D's light barely illuminated five feet ahead as they finally reached level ground. Here a constant, breathy keening sound grated against his ears. This was as far as he and Kacey had gotten their first time around; this was where he had been forced to turn back. Hollis maintained a mental vigilance, wary of any intrusion on his psyche, but none came. The quartz seemed to be working its own particular kind of magic. </p>

Chapter43