by DiAnn Mills
Muffled voices around her prompted alarm.
A man shouted for help. “My wife has a terrible headache.”
A man in business class vomited.
“My son has a fever,” a woman said.
“Please, the man beside me has a nosebleed, and he can’t stop it.”
“What is going on?” Mia whispered. “All these people are suddenly sick. Frighteningly sick.”
Heather wished she had answers while horror played out around her.
“I’m afraid.” Mia’s face turned ashen.
“We have to stay calm.” Heather craved to heed her own advice.
Throughout the plane, people complained of flu-like symptoms. Another person vomited. Heather touched her stomach. A twinge of apprehension crept through her.
Nathan spoke over the interphone. “If you are experiencing physical distress, press your call button. Flight attendants will be in your area soon with damp paper towels. Use these to cover your mouth and the tops of beverages. As always, remain in your seats.”
Heather messaged ASAC Mitchell in Houston with the medical emergency report, including the symptoms.
He responded. The FBI, TSA, CDC, and Medi-Pro-Aire are on it. Are you okay?
Yes. People’s symptoms indicate a serious virus.
The doctor on board has given a similar conclusion.
She trembled as she typed. Looks similar to what Chad described in Africa.
The doctor said the same. Is the man dead?
I think so.
How many others are sick?
Heather surveyed the passengers within her sight and typed. From my seat, I see around ten in business class, and I hear the sick in economy. Will the plane divert?
No decision yet. Keep me posted. You are our eyes.
Beyond what the doctor on board relayed to those on the ground, ASAC Mitchell must believe she held the voice of reason and objectivity. The irony of their interpretation. The viruses were usually zoonotic or caused by insects, and the symptoms created intense suffering. She blinked to clear her head and not ponder the worst.
With panic gripping her in a stranglehold, she imagined what others were feeling. A man questioned why the plane hadn’t landed. A woman bolted to the galley and held her mouth. The man who held the violin marched to the business class restroom but fell face-first and vomited.
The elderly man across the aisle from her coughed. His nose trickled blood.
Heather grabbed tissues from her bag and handed them to him. “Will this help?”
“Tell me this is a nightmare.” He gripped her arm—fiery hot.
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FBI TASK FORCE SERIES
FBI: HOUSTON SERIES
CALL OF DUTY SERIES
HOPE OF SUDAN
ATTRACTED TO FIRE
BURDEN OF PROOF
FATAL STRIKE
AIRBORNE
TRIAL BY FIRE
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Shelby Pearce hasn’t been in touch with her family since she went to prison fifteen years ago. She notes that she and her sister “were raised with the knowledge of unconditional love, but I learned some deeds were unforgivable.” How does Shelby handle her family’s estrangement? What justifications does her family make for keeping their distance? If you were in their shoes, would you think Shelby’s crime is “unforgivable”?
What makes Denton McClure so convinced of Shelby’s guilt? What begins to change his mind? When did you realize there was more to Shelby’s story?
Early in Shelby and Denton’s relationship, she asks him: “At the end of your life, what will you have to show for your quest?” How does Denton answer that question? How would Shelby answer it? Do their answers change over the course of the story? Think about your own life. What will you have to show for it?
Shelby’s presence in Valleysburg creates friction among the townspeople, even within the church. What objections to her are raised? Who comes to her defense? How do you think your church might respond to an ex-con in the congregation?
On the way to her family’s house, Denton tells Shelby: “People we trust often fail us.” Who failed Denton? Who failed Shelby? How do Denton and Shelby reconcile with those people? Has anyone failed you? When is it important to forgive? Is there ever a time a person should just move on from a relationship?
When Denton lands in the hospital and Shelby and a couple retired agents are targeted at a safe house, he asks her how people can believe in a God who allows bad things to happen. What does Shelby say about this? How would you answer Denton’s question?
Denton has fond memories of his grandmother, especially nights they spent studying the stars in the sky. In what ways was she planting seeds of faith in him? Who else contributes to seeing those seeds sprout? Is there someone in your life you’ve planted seeds with or watered those seeds for?
What reasons does Shelby have for hesitating in starting a romantic relationship with Denton? How might her objections be overcome? What happens in relationships after mistakes are made? Is it always possible to start over or are some mistakes fatal?
Shelby’s niece reminds her that sometimes it’s better not to profile other people. Who has the hardest time with prejudging in this story? What lessons can be learned from them?
Clay Pearce asks Shelby: “Ever hear knowledge is horizontal but wisdom is vertical?” What is he trying to communicate to Shelby? What does this maxim mean to you?
Clay also reminds Shelby that “sacrifice always has a price.” What sacrifice does Shelby pay and what does it cost her? What does she gain through her sacrifice? What have you sacrificed, paid, and gained?
By the end of the story, Shelby understands that she can’t “right any of Marissa’s wrongs—or even my own,” but she determines to stop the crimes. Who is the only One who can right our wrongs?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Lynette Eason—Our brainstorming sessions are more fun than work!
Debbie Fowler—My sister who was willing to share her bat experience. I still think it’s hilarious!
Guy J. Gurley—My characterization is always stronger after meeting with you and posing questions about behavior.
James Hannibal—Your insight into writing challenges me to do a better job.
Karl Harroff—One more time you helped me sort out weapons for my characters.
Heather Kreke—Thanks for helping me figure out a plot twist.
Mark Lanier—Thank you for always answering my questions. Your outstanding teachings influence my characters and their decisions.
Edie Melson—Your encouragement and accountability keep me focused . . . and laughing. I treasure our friendship.
Romantic Suspense A-Team—I love how we support each other!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the Golden Scroll, Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and Carol Award contests.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and Mountainside Retreats, where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her
husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers through her website at diannmills.com.
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