New Release - Charlotte's Resurrection by Linda Swift - @prairierosepubs #suspense #firestarpress

Newspaper reporter Charlotte Timberlake plans to write a book comparing past and present treatment for mental illness. She persuades a doctor to admit her to a state hospital as a patient.

When unforeseen events make it impossible for her to leave, she finds herself unable to convince anyone – those in charge, her children, or ex-husband – she doesn't belong there.

Charlotte soon realizes it is up to her to find a means of escaping the nightmare of her self-condemned prison.

EXCERPT

     When Charlotte awoke, her room was dark except for the faint light from the lobby desk. Her throat felt parched and sore. She was thirsty. She sat up slowly, feeling groggy and stiff. She walked to the screen door and turned the handle but it didn't move. She tried again. Then she realized she was locked in. She shook the door. "Miss Hill," she called softly, so as not to wake the others. "Miss Hill."

     Josephine Hill stood up from the desk. "What you want, Timberlake?"

     "I want out. I want to get a drink of water."

     "I'll bring you one." She shuffled toward the water fountain, snapped a paper cup from the holder.

     "I want to use the bathroom, too," Charlotte said, thinking quickly. She had to get out of this room.

     "Okay, okay. One thing at a time. Here's your water."

     Charlotte took the tiny cup and drained it.

     "Okay, let's go to the john now." Josephine took her arm.

Charlotte jerked away. "I'll go by myself, thanks."

     "No, you won't, Timberlake. I got orders to keep close by you." Josephine reached for her arm again, and together they made their way in semi-darkness past the various sounds of sleeping patients.

     "What time is it?" Charlotte asked as she sat down on the commode.

     "You going somewhere?" Josephine chuckled at her joke, then added, "Nearly two-thirty."

Sixteen hours. They had really knocked her out.