Excerpt of Unscripted by J.S. Marlo

Technicians strapped explosives to a red vessel anchored
some eighty feet out on the lake, and with each deadly
charge added on board, trepidation coiled Riley's stomach
into a tighter knot. She hated explosions and fires.

On shore, Blythe had donned a fire suit under his yellow
jumpsuit and was busy applying a thick layer of fire-
retardant gel on the exposed parts of his body to prevent
burns when he jumped from the burning vessel.

During their long ride in the car, they'd discussed the
intricacies of the scene, but he didn't mention
performing his own stunts until they reached the lake.
The stunt hit too close for comfort. She should have
swallowed her pride, refused the assignment, and let Paul
handle the outdoor shooting.

On her left, Martin rubbed his hands together as he
trampled the grass at the edge of a gravel path. "This
will be spectacular." In the heat, sweat beaded on his
forehead. "The weather is perfect."

The cloudless sky melted into a shimmering lake
surrounded by a young, verdant forest. Along the tree
line, orange barricades prevented a handful of curious
fans and onlookers from approaching the site.

Moored to the pier, a rubber dinghy waited for Blythe.
Martin signaled for the actor to board and for the pilot
to proceed.

Cameras rolled, capturing behind the scenes footage that
might one day make unforgettable memories or great
bloopers.

Positioned at the stern, Blythe untied the ropes securing
the dinghy to the pier then reeled them in as the pilot
turned the engine on.

Farther out on the lake, a ladder ran down the side of
the red vessel.

The dinghy skimmed over the surface of the water, and
when it pulled alongside the vessel, Blythe stood and
gripped the ladder. At the bow, a black and white flag
flapped in the wind.

In her mind, Riley reviewed the scene. The engine
explodes while Blythe is at the helm, and he jumps off
before the fire engulfs the entire boat.

As the dinghy moved away, Blythe climbed on board. A
sudden explosion rocked the lake and tore the red vessel
apart. His body flew into the air.

A scream escaped her throat, and amidst the mayhem, she
ran toward the shore.