“I need you, too, sweetheart,” he whispered fiercely into her precious ice sculpture of an ear.
Her sobs added to the shakes that quivered both their frames, but she lifted her face to his, pure joy radiating from her smile.
David covered that smile with his lips, and all chill fled in the warmth of her response.
EPILOGUE
Laurel joined hands with David, who joined hands with Caroline, who joined hands with her. In Laurel’s refurbished dining room, they bowed their heads over an Easter meal prepared together with love and care. The savory scents teased her nostrils even as David’s mellow voice pronounced the blessing.
She peeped between her lashes at the ginormous rock on her finger, and a smile grew on her lips. In only two months, she’d be a June bride. David would never have to leave for the night again. He would become one of those wealthy men content to lead an ordinary life in a middle-class neighborhood with his wife and child…and hopefully more children to come.
In the past few months, he’d proved a tremendous asset to the Single Parents Coalition, holding benefit concerts all over the country. His popularity had gone through the roof, at first from his spectacular acquittal in the public eye, summarized in a major newspaper headline: Millionaire Murderer at Last Exposed—But Not the One We Thought. After that, David’s skill on the ivories soon won the brand of acclaim he deserved and would have made his mother proud.
Laurel’s glance went to Caroline, so intense and intelligent and growing so lovely at nearly fourteen. She sat with her eyes closed, lips slightly parted, peace glowing from her face. They had nearly lost her. The tracheotomy scar in her throat showed faintly but would continue to fade with time. David had begun the process of legally adopting Caroline, to both her and Laurel’s delight.
The Montel boy had long since ceased to harass her in school, but only last week Caroline had come home saying he had changed a lot since his father’s death and the furor over what the man had done. Humbled by the experience, Grant was becoming almost likable…but just as a friend.
Not only did the boy provide the clue that sent David to the rescue at the cabin, but he proved invaluable in unraveling a terrible tale of deceit and betrayal and murder. How awful for the child to suspect his father was doing despicable things and to be spoiled and neglected by the man at the same time. The combination wasn’t designed to produce good character.
The night Grant bowled Laurel over into her bushes, he’d seen his dad sneaking out of Janice’s house and was running away for fear his father would notice him lurking outside Caroline’s place. During the investigation subsequent to Gil’s death, Janice supplied the information that her dealings with Gil as Realtor and client had given him opportunity to make a wax impression of her house key. On one occasion, he’d distracted her long enough that he would have had opportunity to find the security system codes for her house and for Laurel’s that she kept in her purse.
Armed with Janice’s key and code he could enter her house at will, no doubt to find the most promising poison on the premises in order to murder Melissa Eldon, but also to make a wax impression of Laurel’s house key. Testing verified Gil’s fingerprints all over the contents of Janice’s purse, as well as wax traces on Janice’s house key and the key to Laurel’s house that was in Janice’s possession. Getting into Laurel’s car had been as easy as sneaking into her house, finding the car unlocked in the garage and tripping the trunk button.
How creepy that someone with evil intent had gained total access to their homes. Laurel still shuddered at the thought.
That ghastly day at the cabin, Gil Montel believed his plan was finally reaching its climax. By burning the papers from his loose-leaf journal he thought he had destroyed the record of all he had done, along with the last of the Talons. He succeeded in none of those things. Thanks be to God!
Besides Grant’s and Janice’s testimony, the housekeeper proved to know a great deal more than she liked, partly due to astute observation and partly because of her employer’s habit of bizarre raving when he drank too much—which was often. She’d always assumed the comments to be morbid fancies, but now she knew they were likely true.
While Gil idolized his beautiful half sister, Paula, she treated him with contempt, which only seemed to feed his unhealthy fixation. When she married Lawrence Taylor, even though Gil was already married and had a child, he was heartbroken and eaten up with envy.
On the last day of his sister’s honeymoon at the mountain cabin, where the couple was staying minus cell phones or other communication devices, Gil flew up there on the pretext of letting Paula know that an aunt had passed away. The rest of the story, sketchy as it was, David was able to supply from Gil’s confession to him at the cabin.
Because of the interstate nature of the crimes Gil had committed, the FBI became involved in the hunt for Lawrence Taylor’s remains. Employing modern technology combined with old-fashioned hound sniffing, they recovered teeth and bone fragments that verified Lawrence Taylor’s actual fate, as opposed to the assumption that he was still at large.
After Paula’s death, Gil began a vendetta to discover and wipe out the other Talons, who he blamed for involving his sister in the pact that got her killed. Alicia became the first target when he glimpsed the tattoo on David’s girlfriend as she whisked David away from him at the bar after the symposium.
With David and Alicia’s party lifestyle, it wasn’t difficult for Gil to disguise himself and pose as a hotel room-service waiter. The mickey he slipped into the champagne was both undetectable after a short amount of time and effective in putting them both out cold for long enough to dispose of Alicia. A supply of the drug was found during a search of Gil’s estate.
Other types of drugs were also found, like the gases he rigged into the trunk of several of his numerous cars. One emitted deadly potassium cyanide, turning the trunk into a giant killing jar. Fiber analysis confirmed that Melissa Eldon met her end there.
Two other cars were rigged with sleeping gas. Once a person was placed inside, certain types of sounds and motions triggered the release of more gas upon a victim entombed in the trunk. After multiple doses, Caroline began to have an allergic reaction to it. Happily, the gas canister went empty at some point, which made all the difference between an extremely close call and certain death.
Laurel grieved the most over one outcome of the entire sordid mess—the loss of her best friend. Not that she and Janice weren’t friends anymore. Yes, the truth had been hard to swallow, but Janice had been wrong to think that Laurel couldn’t forgive. They had meant too much to each other for too long for Laurel to hold the secrets of the past against her friend, even if those secrets had come home to roost in ways that endangered her and Caroline.
But Janice had been so traumatized that she left Denver—at least for a time—to seek peace of heart and mind by immersing herself in the renovation and disposal of a property she’d recently inherited from an obscure family connection. Laurel had the sense that she’d only scratched the surface of the secrets in her friend’s past. She prayed that Janice would seek God’s help in laying those heartaches to rest.
“Amen!” pronounced David.
His fingers loosened around Laurel’s palm, but she tightened her grip and met his gaze with a broad smile. He grinned back, then tugged her nearer and pressed a tender kiss on her lips.
“Yummy,” David pronounced, and Laurel’s face warmed pleasantly.
Caroline giggled. “You lovebirds may be able to live on kisses, but I need solid food.” She grabbed the bowl of mashed potatoes and wrinkled her nose as she gazed at the fluffy white mound.
“What?” Exasperation leaked into Laurel’s tone.
Her daughter met Laurel’s eyes. “If my eyes aren’t playing tricks on me, I don’t spy any lumps in your mashed potatoes. Have you been taking cooking lessons?”
David chuckled as Laurel shook her head with a grin. “Just goes to show you should never make assumptions about people.
We surprise you when you least expect it.”
*
Keep reading for an excerpt from RACE FOR THE GOLD by Dana Mentink.
Dear Reader,
What a wild ride for Laurel, David and Caroline. As a writer, they were an endearing group of characters to work with, and I hope you enjoyed reading their story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I have long been intrigued by the issue of how people choose to use their gifts and talents. Many who are born with great advantages in areas of looks or privilege, skills or finances, take these things for granted or as an entitlement. They choose to squander or misuse their gifts and end up causing themselves and others around them great pain and loss. On the other hand, many that are born into disadvantage grow up to lead extraordinary and noble lives.
Jesus is my greatest hero in this regard. He was born in a stable and raised as a laborer in an obscure village in a conquered nation. Scripture says He was an ordinary-looking guy—nothing spectacular about Him on the outside. Talk about excuses for low self-esteem!
Throughout his ministry He calmly and without compromise endured the condemnation of people who couldn’t or wouldn’t understand Him, and in His death submitted Himself to unspeakable cruelty. Yet in His brief earthly life He fulfilled every prophecy spoken of Him and changed the world forever! Anyone who puts trust in Jesus is given a new eternal destiny.
I enjoy hearing from readers so feel free to contact me through my website at www.jillelizabethnelson.com. You can also connect with me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JillElizabethNelson.Author.
Abundant Blessings,
Jill Elizabeth Nelson
Questions for Discussion
Laurel Adams is a competent, educated and resourceful single mother who has been to the school of hard knocks and survived. Yet when her daughter begins exhibiting rebellious attitudes, self-doubt leads to frustration and fear. When people we love begin acting in ways that challenge us, how do we cope? What is a healthy reaction?
David Greene lives daily under a cloud of public judgment. He feels as if he’s been sentenced to life in Solitary without going to prison. Have you ever sat in judgment on someone? What can we do to avoid making that mistake?
Have you ever felt condemned by the judgment of others? How should a person respond to unfair or ill-informed judgment from others?
Do we live in a society prone to making judgments about other people and situations? How much does the variety of available media contribute to mass judgment on a global scale?
Caroline Adams is struggling with some serious issues in her life, as well as issues common to teenagers figuring out their way to adulthood. She feels smothered by her mother’s protective instincts, and yet she isn’t ready to manage all problems on her own. Does David handle her well? Why do you think Caroline bonds with him?
Laurel sometimes feels jealous over the way Caroline interacts with David. Why does she feel that way? What advice would you give Laurel?
David yearns for a family and a sense of belonging. He feels cut off and alone. At one point in his life, grief, as well as his sense of abandonment and rejection, caused him to behave recklessly and foolishly. What factors helped him turn his life around even though many of his circumstances didn’t change?
Laurel reacts strongly to certain situations involving men she doesn’t know or who she has reason to distrust. In David Greene, she feels she has encountered both. Are her responses understandable? Why or why not?
Best friends are one of life’s special blessings. Laurel and Janice share a close friendship forged over common experiences and many years of association. Is that bond rendered any less real and enduring by the fact that a secret drove Janice to deliberately choose to befriend Laurel? Why or why not?
Every main character in the book has encountered major adversity in their past that has either changed them for the better or warped them. Have you observed this phenomenon in real life?
How have you responded to major tests in your past or present? Have you allowed adversity to develop your character or to warp you? Why is this a good question to ask yourself every once in a while?
What might drive women (or men) to make a pact that involves using natural gifts, such as looks or talents, to take advantage of other people? Do you see this “user” mentality in the world around you? Have you ever fallen into “user” behavior yourself in order to get something you wanted? How can we avoid being trapped into this mentality?
The theme scripture for this book is Proverbs 31:30. What does scripture say about the relative value of physical/natural things compared to spiritual/eternal things? Why is it so easy to get our value system turned wrong side out?
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.
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PROLOGUE
World Short-Track Speed Skating Qualifiers
The after-race recuperation did not sting quite as badly today; it was as if her muscles had gotten the news, the glorious golden news. Laney Thompson, gangly underdog in the short-track skating world, had just secured a spot on the American team. She was going to compete on the biggest stage in sports. It was an opportunity that only came around once every four years. Outside the speed skating arena where she’d spent the past two years of her life, the freezing air did nothing to cool the warm crackle of triumph that burned in her belly.
Max Blanco was next to her, suited up for their celebratory cooldown run along the road freshly cleared by a snowplow. She knew his elation matched her own. On a whim, she held a pretend microphone in front of his face, strands of her blond bob whipping against her cheek. “So, Mr. Max Blanco, how exactly does it feel to know you’ll be going after the most important gold medal in speed skating a few months from now?”
He laughed and she tried not to fall too deeply into those aquamarine eyes that made something inside her dance like a wind-borne snowflake.
“Maybe I should be asking you that,” he said. “How does it feel?”
She held her head up to the sky, closed her eyes and let the dancing flakes pepper her cheeks. “It feels like there is nothing in the world I can’t do.”
He suddenly grabbed her around the middle and swung her in dizzying circles until she was gasping for air.
“I told you, didn’t I? You struggled all season, but you laid it down when it counted and now you’re going. All the way!” He returned her to earth. “So after our run are you going to let me take you on a date?”
She felt herself blushing deeply. “We’re together all the time.”
He fisted hands on his lean hips and clucked. “That’s called training, Laney. A date is when two people go out and have a good time together without the need for free weights and treadmills.” He moved closer. “Come on, you promised once the trials were over you’d go out with me. I want to say I dated you before you won your gold.”
She shivered. “Aren’t you getting ahead of yourself?”
He toyed with a section of her hair. “It’s only great if you’ve got someone to share it with, someone who understands.”
Did she understand what drove him? She knew t
he nuts and bolts of short-track speed skating, she understood the drive, the fiery burn that propelled them all to work through pain, to compete with only one goal in mind. But though Max fascinated and attracted her, she did not fully understand him.
A few people filtered out of the arena, techie types mostly. Most of the athletes and trainers had gone home to celebrate or indulge their sorrows. That was the hardest part. Only six of her women friends on the National Team had made it and the rest were devastated, plain and simple. But that was short track. Friendships were left at the edge of the ice.
Max pulled a small envelope from the pocket of his nylon jacket, fiddling with the corners. “Here,” he said, thrusting it into her hands.
She eased the flap of the envelope open and gently removed a tiny square of paper, notched and cut in what seemed like a million places. “What is it?” she breathed.
He took it from her hands and unfolded the square. It opened into the most intricate paper cutting she’d ever seen. He held it up and the sun shone through the minuscule cuts to reveal a bird, wings tucked, soaring against a cloud, breeze fluttering the paper feathers.
“That’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” She’d watched him sometimes, sitting alone, scissors in his hand that he immediately put away when she approached.
He shrugged and folded it back up and replaced it in the envelope. “A hobby of mine. Learned it when I was a kid.”
She clutched the envelope to her chest. “I’m going to keep it forever.”
“I think of you that way.” He cleared his throat. “When you’re racing, you’re like a bird, flying over the ice without really touching it.”
She found herself speechless as she tucked the little envelope carefully into her pocket. She knew where it would go every race, zipped under her skin suit, right next to her heart. “Thank you,” she managed. “I love it.”
He bent and fiddled with the lace on his shoe. “Ready to go, then?”
She nodded. “I’ll let you lead, since that’s what you’re used to.”
Love Inspired Suspense January 2014 Page 40