Third Strike — Kathi Daley

In this third book in the Writer's Retreat Mystery Series set on fictional Gull Island, a sports related death is explored when Trey Alderman, Gull Island's most important claim to sport fame, is murdered. Trey was the starting pitcher for the Gull Island Seagulls who went on to stand out nationally amongst college players while attending The University of South Carolina. It was assumed by most that he would be a top draft pick a year and a half ago and it seemed at the time that the sky was the limit in terms of his career. Trey came home for spring break during his senior year and while on the island he agreed to play in a charity event held in Charleston. The game, which featured other draft hopefuls, was a one run game. It was the bottom of the ninth, tying run on third, bases loaded, two outs, full count, and the tension was high. The pitch was thrown, everyone in the crowd held their breath. Trey lined up with the pitcher and swung the bat with all his might before falling to the ground. He was pronounced dead at the scene. It was later determined that he died of a heart attack. He was twenty-two, healthy, and, as far as anyone knew, he had no preexisting heart condition. It was later determined that he had a drug mixture in his system that could lead to a heart attack when combined with extreme stress. The local investigator determined that he had most likely engaged in recreational drug use at the party he attended the previous evening.