Love Inspired Suspense January 2014

by Shirlee McCoy

  “So, you have to leave us again, huh?” her father, Bill Stanley, said for what seemed like the hundredth time. “You’re sure it isn’t safe to stick around here?”

  “I wish it were, Dad. I’ve really missed you guys.”

  “We’ve missed you, too, but we’d rather have you alive and out of reach than gone forever.”

  “I know.” Annie winced as the doctor jabbed at her cheek.

  “I wish we could go with you, honey,” her mother said, a wistfulness in her voice that Annie had never heard before.

  “You love it in St. Louis. When I was a kid, you said that you never wanted to leave.” She tried to turn her head to see her mother’s expression, but the doctor frowned. An on-call plastic surgeon, he’d insisted that he could make sure that Annie’s scar was almost unnoticeable.

  “Try to hold still. You don’t want to have a jagged scar when this heals,” he said sternly.

  She honestly didn’t care. She’d been through a lot of pain and a lot of trial, but she’d survived. A scar on her cheek seemed a fitting reminder of that.

  She held still anyway.

  “Because you were here,” her mother continued. “St. Louis just doesn’t seem like home when you’re not around.”

  “You know, Sandy,” Bill said. “I can take early retirement. If the marshals would help, maybe we could start over with Annie and Sophia.”

  “That sounds wonderful,” Sandy gushed. “We could be a family again!”

  It sounded more than wonderful. It sounded like all the dreams Annie had been afraid to hope for during the past year.

  Someone knocked on the door.

  “Come in,” Annie called.

  The door opened, and Hunter walked in. He looked rugged, handsome and so wonderful that her heart jumped with happiness.

  “How are you doing?” he asked, crossing the room in three long strides.

  “Better now that you’re here.”

  He smiled and lifted her hand, turning so that he was looking at her family. “I’m sorry this happened to your daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley. I take full responsibility.”

  “I told you that I’m taking responsibility,” Burke said as Serena wheeled him into the room. He was pale, his head bandaged, his T-shirt pulled tight over his bandaged shoulder. “If I’d parked in the driveway, this wouldn’t have happened. I’m a failure as a marshal. I need to resign.”

  “It’s getting awfully crowded in here,” the doctor sighed as he applied a bandage to the wound. “You’re all set. I’ll have the nurse come in with aftercare instructions.” He glanced around the room, sighed again and walked out.

  “Like I was saying,” Burke continued, his words slurring slightly. “I’m going to hand in my resignation as soon as I get back to the office.”

  “You’re still loopy from the drugs they gave you, Burke. So shut up and stop having your pity party,” Serena said, but she pulled a blanket up a little higher on his lap and patted his uninjured shoulder.

  “I’m not—”

  “You can’t resign. I’m taking extended leave beginning tomorrow,” Hunter cut in. “I’m not sure when or if I’ll be back.”

  “Why not just take a vacation?” Josh walked into the room, skirting by Serena and the wheelchair. “You haven’t had one in years.”

  “Because I really don’t think I’m coming back.” Hunter squeezed Annie’s hand, looked down into her eyes. She didn’t want him to give up his job for her, but she wanted him happy, and right then, she could see all the joy on his face.

  He felt good about his decision. Right about it.

  She couldn’t feel any other way.

  The group of marshals looked stunned.

  “Did you hire that Colton Philips guy?” Burke asked, a scowl etching deep lines on his face. “Because it sounds like we’re going to need him.”

  “I spoke to him a couple of times, but I think he’s too brash for our team. The three of you will do fine until a replacement can be found. Bud Hollingsworth said he’ll do whatever he can during the transition.”

  Serena sighed. “Daniel’s gone. You’re leaving. The office is going to be empty.”

  “Not empty. Josh will be there, and so will I. I obviously can’t resign until we get someone to take Hunter’s place,” Burke griped, but he looked relieved rather than upset.

  “It’s not like I’ll be out of contact,” Hunter assured the team. “I’ll be as close as a phone call if you need to consult with me. We still have to find out who was leaking information to Don Saunders.”

  “Or to his boss,” Annie said without thinking.

  The room went completely silent. Even Sophia stopped babbling and squealing.

  “What do you mean?” Hunter asked quietly.

  “He made a phone call to someone he called ‘boss.’ He told him that I wouldn’t tell anyone anything ever again.” She explained the rest quickly.

  When she was done, Josh let out a long low whistle. “It sounds like your husband knew something that he didn’t share with you. We’re going to have to do some more digging to find out what.”

  “Maybe visiting Fiske wasn’t a waste of time after all,” Hunter added. “He mentioned a boss, too. Some guy he called Mr. Big. I thought he made it up, but maybe the guy really exists. The officers who booked Saunders called me a few minutes ago. They said he hasn’t stopped talking. He insists he has information that we need.”

  “What kind of information?” Josh asked.

  “Something about a baby-smuggling ring.” His gaze shot to Sophia.

  “Are you saying that the men who murdered Joe were trying to snatch my daughter?” Had Joe been protecting Sophia? Was that why he’d died?

  “We don’t have all the information yet, but we’re keeping the arrest quiet. We don’t want any information leaked out. If he’s right, the less information Mr. Big has, the better it will be for the investigation.”

  “But—” She wanted to ask a million more questions, try to wrap her mind around the new information, but Josh cut her off.

  “I think I’ll pay Fiske a visit tomorrow, see if I can get any more information out of him,” he said.

  “Keep me posted, okay?” Hunter responded. “I may be taking a leave of absence, but I want to know what’s going on.”

  “That being the case, you’ve been careful with information regarding where she’s relocating to, right?” Serena said, shooting a look at Annie’s parents.

  “Very,” Hunter responded.

  “Glad to hear it. We’ve gotten them this far. I don’t want anything to happen to them now that the trial is over. Come on, Burke. I’m supposed to get you home and make sure you don’t kill yourself climbing into bed.”

  “I’d better head out, too. I want to go over the Delacorte files, see if there’s anything in there we missed.” Josh followed Serena out of the room.

  “I thought this was over,” Bill said, taking Annie’s hand and squeezing gently. “I thought you were finally going to be safe.”

  “She will be,” Hunter assured him. “I’m going to make sure of it.”

  “What can we do to help?” Sandy carried Sophia over.

  “Pray and wait for an opportunity to join your daughter and granddaughter.” He took Sophia from her arms, and Annie’s heart swelled with love as she looked at the two of them together. They looked comfortable together, happy together.

  They looked like a family together.

  “So, you think that might be a possibility? Because I really don’t want to go the rest of my life without seeing my daughter and granddaughter again.” Sandy’s eyes welled with tears.

  “I already have it in the works. As soon as you’re ready—”

  “We’re ready,” Annie’s father cut in.

  “The marshals will arrange everything, then. You should be able to join us in a few weeks.”

  “Us? So, there’s going to be a wedding?” Bill asked, his brow furrowed into a million lines.

  “Dad!” Ann
ie cut in quickly. “I’m going to have my own place. Hunter will be…?” What would he be doing?

  She met his eyes, and he smiled. “I’ll find a place to rent for a while.”

  “Oh. Okay, then.” Bill nodded. “Glad to hear it. Now it seems to me, the best thing for my daughter and granddaughter would be to get them out of town quickly.”

  “That’s what I intend to do.”

  “Then we’ll say goodbye. Hopefully, it won’t be for long,” Bill said, kissing Annie’s uninjured cheek and pulling her in for a bear hug. She swallowed back tears, pasting a smile on her face as she said goodbye. Again.

  “You okay?” Hunter asked after her parents walked out of the room.

  “I think so.” She ran a hand over her hair, pulling out pins that were barely holding it into place. “It’s just really hard to say goodbye again.”

  “It’ll only be for a few months.” He put Sophia down, ruffling her hair as he gazed straight into Annie’s eyes.

  “I know.”

  “Then why do you look so sad?”

  “Because I’ve missed them, and they’ve already missed so much of Sophia’s life.”

  “I’m sorry,” he murmured, slipping his arms around her waist, his lips grazing her forehead, so lightly, so tenderly, tears filled her eyes.

  “It’s not your fault. It’s all because of Joe. Everything that happened is because he—”

  “May have saved her, Annie. If what Saunders told the police is true, he probably did,” Hunter said gently, his hand cupping her jaw, his eyes warm and brown and filled with promises. “Let’s make sure we tell her that when she’s older. I want her to have good feelings about her first father.”

  “First?”

  “Sure. I kind of liked your father’s suggestion about having a wedding. I was hoping that, in a few months, there might just be one.”

  “You know what?” she said, placing her hand over the one he’d rested against her waist. “I think I like that idea.”

  “Think?” he asked with a small laugh. “I’d rather you be sure.”

  “I am,” she whispered, leaning forward and sealing the words with a kiss that she felt to the depth of her soul. “You’re everything I was afraid to hope for after Joe died.”

  “And you’re everything I didn’t know I needed but do. I love you, Annie.”

  “I love you, too,” she murmured against his lips.

  “I loves you, Hunter! I loves you!” Sophia cried.

  Hunter broke away, laughing as he scooped Sophia into his arms.

  “I’m glad to hear it, munchkin, because I plan to stick around for a long time. Come on.” He slipped his free arm around Annie’s waist. “Let’s go back to my place and pack. I’m ready for our forever to begin.”

  “So am I, Hunter,” Annie said, her heart nearly bursting with joy as they stepped out into the hall and walked into their future together.

  *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from FRAME-UP by Jill Elizabeth Nelson.

  Dear Reader,

  I was so excited when I was asked to be part of the 2014 Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense continuity! I love working with other authors. I also enjoy taking someone else’s story idea and making it my own. As I delved into the world of U.S. Marshals and witness protection, I often found myself wondering what it would be like to be on the run, cut off from everyone and everything I know and love.

  Annie Duncan—aka Angel Delacorte—has given up her family, her friends and her job to testify against the men who murdered her husband. She’s in hiding with her young daughter, and she feels more alone than she’s ever been. U.S. marshal Hunter Davis has always played by the rules, keeping his emotions separated from his job. When he’s assigned to Annie’s case, he doesn’t expect things to be any different. But there’s something about Annie that he can’t resist. As the two face down a hidden enemy, they must rely on their faith and each other to see them through.

  Blessings,

  Shirlee McCoy

  Questions for Discussion

  Annie gave up her family, friends and everything she’s ever known in order to testify against her husband’s killer. Why did she make that choice?

  Is there any point at which Annie regrets her decision?

  Joe embodied all of Annie’s hopes and dreams. What did she think she would attain by marrying him?

  What did she lose by marrying Joe? What do you think she gained?

  Have you ever known someone with an addiction? How did it impact your relationship?

  What are Annie’s first impressions of Hunter?

  When does she begin to see him in a different light?

  Why is Hunter so determined to stay single? Describe the relationship his parents had and how that has impacted his life.

  Hunter makes his job his first priority. How does that change as the story progresses?

  How would you describe Annie’s marriage and her husband? How do you think that relationship changed her?

  What is it about Hunter that appeals to Annie?

  At one point in the book, Annie jumps out of a moving car to get to her daughter. Would you have done the same? Explain.

  There’s a leak within the U.S. Marshals that has yet to be revealed. Who do you think it is? Why?

  At the end of the book, it becomes clear that there was more going on the night of Joe’s murder than anyone originally thought. Do you think Joe was killed because he was protecting Sophia from kidnappers? If so, how might that change Annie’s perspective?

  Who was your favorite character and why?

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense story.

  You enjoy a dash of danger. Love Inspired Suspense stories feature strong heroes and heroines whose faith is central in solving mysteries and saving lives.

  Enjoy four new stories from Love Inspired Suspense every month!

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  ONE

  “Mo-o-om! Look out for the ditch!”

  Caroline’s squeal rippled like a minor earthquake down Laurel Adams’s spine. Her death grip on the steering wheel shot pain up her forearms as she hauled the car away from the telltale crunch of gravel beneath the tires.

  She squinted into the smothering blanket of white. Faint streaks of yellow winked on her left-hand side. Yes, she was again in her driving lane.

  A long breath eased from her throat as she let up another notch on the accelerator. They were crawling along at barely thirty-five miles per hour. She navigated more by feel than by sight. At least it was daytime—the middle of the afternoon, actually, though only her watch gave much assurance that the sun was overhead somewhere.

  None of the news services had predicted this pre-Thanksgiving storm in the Rocky Mountains that had swooped out of nowhere and swallowed them in its howling maw. If she’d had any warning, she would have cancelled her speaking engagement at YMCA of the Rockies, stayed snug in Denver and dealt with her daughter’s attitude in the comfort of their own home.

  “Can’t we turn around and go back?” Caroline’s mocha-brown gaze pleaded with her mother.

  “I’m sorry, sweetie.” Laurel shook her head. “We must be getting close to Estes Park. It’s safer to try to get that far and take shelter than to head home and hope we drive out of the storm.”

  Caroline scowled and let out a loud sniff.
The girl had made no secret that she didn’t want to come along on her mom’s speaking engagement to the “praying and graying set.” She’d begged to stay with their next door neighbor Janice, Laurel’s best friend, like she often did when her mother traveled. Laurel hadn’t consented this time, for her daughter’s own good—or so she’d thought. In twenty-twenty hindsight, Caroline physically safe with Janice trumped Laurel’s intention to use this trip as an opportunity for a heart-to-heart.

  She spared a glance toward the teenager’s sullen profile. Caroline was blooming into a pretty young woman, but at the moment she was more the pouty child. The girl’s dark expression drew lines across her high forehead beneath a sleek cap of honey-blond hair and pinched a slender, straight nose into a sharp beak.

  Laurel swallowed a sigh. The onset of hormonal ping-pong, normal for a girl newly thirteen years of age, couldn’t be entirely to blame for the souring of her daughter’s formerly sunny disposition. The downhill spiral had begun a few months ago, about the time Caroline’s best friend moved away.

  “I know you miss Emily,” Laurel said, “but that doesn’t mean you can let your schoolwork suffer. That D in biology has to improve after Thanksgiving vacation.”

  Caroline groaned.

  “Oh, come on, sweetheart. Buck up! You’re not alone in the world, you know. You have a solid support system. We can get you a tutor, if you need one, or a study group. In fact, something like that might be a chance for you to get out of your shell and make new friends.”

  “Is that what your psychologist mind is telling you? That I’ve suddenly developed abandonment issues?” Caroline’s gaze narrowed. “If I didn’t freak out when my dad left us when I was three and never looked back, why would I lose it because Emily moved to Tulsa? I talk to her on the phone and online nearly every day.”

  Laurel fixed her attention straight ahead, words churning for release behind her lips. What could she say that would pop the cork on whatever festered inside her daughter’s heart? In her speaker persona, Laurel was touted as the voice of calm wisdom to beleaguered single parents everywhere, but right now she didn’t have a clue how to deal with her own daughter.