PRAISE FOR THE DISCARDED HEROES SERIES
Nightshade kept me up all night! A tight plot, heartthrob heroes, and description so rich I could hear the jungle noise, feel the heat slide down my back. I’ll be clearing out a shelf to make room for Ronie’s books!
—Susan May Warren, RITA award-winning author of Nothing but Trouble
Valor, action, romance, heart—Nightshade is the perfect blend of everything I like best in a story. I can’t recommend it enough!
—John B. Olson, author of Powers
Reading a Ronie Kendig novel is like watching a movie—a nail-biting, intense action movie. The words seem to jump off the page and leave you breathless as Colton (Digitalis) takes you from one heart-pounding scene to another. Novel Journey and I give it our highest recommendation.
—Ane Mulligan, editor of Novel Rocket
Balancing a story of high action and deep emotions isn’t easy, but with Digitalis, author Ronie Kendig pulls it off with the casual grace of a truly talented storyteller. I don’t know what kept me on the edge of my seat more, the fast-paced military intrigue or the powerful tugs on my heart. Doesn’t matter: This is one pulse-pounding adventure you don’t want to miss.
—Robert Liparulo,
author of Comes a Horseman, Germ, and the Dreamhouse Kings series
Digitalis is a story of skill and purpose woven with love and spine-tingling danger…that will live long past the last page. None of us fully realizes the dedication of those who keep our world safe.
—DiAnn Mills, Christy Award–winning author of Sworn to Protect
An action-packed thrill ride from start to finish. If you liked CBS’s long-running hit series The Unit, you’re going to love Ronie Kendig’s Digitalis. Enjoy the ride and the read. I only have one question—where do I sign up for Nightshade?
—Bob Hamer, veteran FBI undercover agent and the author of Enemies among Us
Wolfsbane is a fast-paced, military suspense with just the right amount of romance to keep readers flipping pages. Ronie Kendig’s smooth writing style, realistic scenes, and vivid characters blend beautifully for a must-read experience. A definite keeper!
—Robin Caroll,
author of Deliver Us from Evil and In the Shadow of Evil
Ronie Kendig serves up a mix of machine gun–fast action, touching romance, and more twists than a coil of detonator wire. Get a good grip on the edge of your seat before you start reading!
—Rick Acker,
author of When the Devil Whistles and Dead Man’s Rule
Wolfsbane is rapid-fire fast-paced and will leave you breathless. An incredible story with intense characters who face timeless struggles. Another favorite for our shelf from Kendig!
—Kimberley and Kayla R. Woodhouse,
authors of No Safe Haven and Race Against Time
This type of thriller is hard to write, but if you can pull it off, you’ve got a potential blockbuster on your hands! Ronie Kendig had done just that. Firethorn has many moving parts that synchronize together with the beautiful precision of an expensive Rolex watch!
—Don Brown,
author of the Navy Justice and Pacific Rim series
Firethorn, the stunning conclusion to Ronie Kendig’s adrenaline infused Discarded Heroes series packs all the expected emotional punch and accelerated action of a Kendig thriller, and then some! Her ability to tap into her characters’ psyches and penchant for palpable heart-pumping action scenes are unparalleled in today’s romantic suspense genre. I only wish there were more to come in this unmissable series.
—Rel Mollet, RelzReviewz
OTHER BOOKS BY RONIE KENDIG
Nightshade (Discarded Heroes #1)
Digitalis (Discarded Heroes #2)
Wolfsbane (Discarded Heroes #3)
© 2011 by Ronie Kendig
Print ISBN 978-1-60260-785-9
eBook Editions:
Adobe Digital Edition (.epub) 978-1-60742-740-7
Kindle and MobiPocket Edition (.prc) 978-1-60742-741-4
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without written permission of the publisher.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL Version®. niv®.
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, and/or events is purely coincidental.
For more information about Ronie Kendig, please access the author’s website at the following Internet address: www.roniekendig.com
Cover design: Müllerhaus Publishing Arts, Inc., www.Mullerhaus.net
Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 719, Uhrichsville, OH 44683, www.barbourbooks.com
Our mission is to publish and distribute inspirational products offering exceptional value and biblical encouragement to the masses.
Printed in the United States of America.
Table of Contents
Nightshade Team
Glossary of Terms/Acronyms
The Invitation
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Acholi, Uganda
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Acholi, Uganda
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Acholi, Uganda
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Acholi, Uganda
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Acholi, Uganda
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Epilogue
Discussion Questions
About the Author
DEDICATION
To all American military heroes at home and abroad,
those who have gone before and those serving today—
THANK YOU!
Because of you, we are free!
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special thanks to:
My Boots On Ground readers: You guys are amazing! Thank you for falling in love with this series as much as I did, for becoming so invested that you threatened me with bodily harm for not writing faster. Your belief in me and this series is awesome! Thank you!
The Barbour Fiction Team, especially Becky Germany, Mary Burns, Shalyn Sattler, Elizabeth Shrider, Laura Young, and Linda Hang—a hundred thousand thank-yous!
Andrew Kendall: For the amazing Nightshade insignia! You rock!
Agent-Man Steve Laube: If readers hate me after reading this book, it’s your fault. Just sayin’. (Besides, you’re the one who said, “It’s always the agent’s fault.”)
Julee Schwarzburg: You are so tireless and encouraging, so challenging and supportive. Thank you not only for your editorial prowess but for being a sound
ing board when I questioned myself. You are a dream. May I keep you, please?
Candace Calvert and Richard L. Mabry, MD: Many thanks for your help with medical elements.
Cara C. Putman: Thanks for your legal help and for that spontaneous call so you could pray for me. You bless me!
To Michelle Stimpson, Michele Stephens, Terri Haynes, and Elizabeth Jackson: Thank you for your help to understand the African-American community on a deeper level, to open my mind to some things that just honestly never came to mind. I hope I have made Griffin and his family authentic. (All mistakes are mine!)
Knees On Ground prayer team: Your prayers have sustained, encouraged, and uplifted me. I pray God will bless you a hundredfold in return!
My arsenal of friends and crit partners: Lynn Dean, Lynne Gentry, Kellie Gilbert, Shannon McNear, Dineen Miller, Robin Miller, Sara Mills, Rel Mollet, John Olson, Jim Rubart, Camy Tang, Lori Twichell, Kimberley Woodhouse, and Rebecca Yauger.
NIGHTSHADE TEAM
Max “Frogman” Jacobs—former U.S. Navy SEAL, team leader
Canyon “Midas” Metcalfe—former Army Special Forces Group
Colton “Cowboy” Neeley—former U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command, sniper
Griffin “Legend” Riddell—former U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command
Marshall “the Kid” Vaughn—former U.S. Army Ranger
John “Squirt” Dighton—former U.S. Navy SEAL
Azzan “Aladdin” Yasir—former Mossad
General Olin Lambert, aka “The Old Man”—Chief of the Army, member of Joint Chiefs of Staff
GLOSSARY OF TERMS/ACRONYMS
ACUs—Army combat uniforms.
Beretta M93—Italian-made automatic handgun.
BUD/S—Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training.
CamelBak—A portable hydration pack.
Fast-roping—The art of quickly descending from a hovering helicopter to the ground using a heavy rope.
Flash-bang—A nonlethal stun grenade that emits the extreme light and sound of an explosion. Glock—A semiautomatic handgun.
HALO jump—High-opening low-altitude free-fall parachute insertion.
HK 9mm—Heckler & Koch semiautomatic handgun.
HK USP Compact—Heckler & Koch semiautomatic handgun. IED—Improvised explosive device. Klicks—Military jargon for kilometers.
M4—An assault rifle that is smaller and lighter than the M16. M16—An assault rifle.
MARSOC—Marine Special Operations Command. MI6—British Secret Intelligence Service. MIA—Missing in action.
Mossad—Israeli Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations.
NVGs—Night vision goggles.
PTSD—Post-traumatic stress disorder.
RPG—Rocket-propelled grenade.
SATINT—Satellite intelligence.
Sitreps—Military jargon for situation reports.
Tango—Military slang for target or enemy.
VFA—Fictitious Venezuelan rebel army: El Valor de Fuerzas Armadas de Bolivarian.
RECON CREED
Realizing it is my choice and my choice alone to be a Reconnaissance Marine, I accept all challenges involved with this profession. Forever shall I strive to maintain the tremendous reputation of those who went before me.
Exceeding beyond the limitations set down by others shall be my goal. Sacrificing personal comforts and dedicating myself to the completion of the reconnaissance mission shall be my life. Physical fitness, mental attitude, and high ethics—The title of Recon Marine is my honor.
Conquering all obstacles, both large and small, I shall never quit. To quit, to surrender, to give up is to fail. To be a Recon Marine is to surpass failure; to overcome, to adapt and to do whatever it takes to complete the mission.
On the battlefield, as in all areas of life, I shall stand tall above the competition. Through professional pride, integrity, and teamwork, I shall be the example for all Marines to emulate.
Never shall I forget the principles I accepted to become a Recon Marine. Honor, Perseverance, Spirit, and Heart.
A Recon Marine can speak without saying a word and achieve what others can only imagine.
Swift, Silent, Deadly
THE INVITATION
What did he say?”
Gray haze snaked around the small jazz club. Dim light bathed the occupants in hues of red and blue, save the brightly lit stage where the blues band slunk through a song. Griffin Riddell lifted his bourbon glass and swirled the amber liquid. Sultry music drifted through the crowd and smoothed over his shoulders and mind.
“Look, I did not want to come to this smoke-filled hole, but I came so we could talk.”
He took a sip. Lowered the glass. “I didn’t ask you to come.”
Her brown eyes flamed. “Ten days, Griffin. You came home ten days ago and have been pacing like a cougar, brooding like a grizzly. But you won’t talk.”
Another sip. He dumped the rest into his mouth and let it burn all the way down. Talk. She always wanted to talk. Why couldn’t she just let a man be?
“What happened at the base? Why…what has got you so”—she pointed to him—“so like this?”
He leaned forward. “You said I should get out. Maybe it’s time.” That should be enough to get her off his back and out of his business. He poured more bourbon.
She snatched the bottle out of his hand and slammed it down on the table behind them. “Would you lay off that stuff! Your grandmother will whoop you down to the Mississippi if she whiffs liquor on you.”
Irritation carved a long, hard line through his civility. “Treece, get out of my business.”
“Your business?” Her wide nostrils flared. “I’m your wife. I would think it was my business too, our business.” She planted her hands on her hips as she sat across from him. A lazy tendril of cigar smoke from a nearby table snaked toward her head.
Secretly, for one long minute, Griffin wished it was a noose. Right around her long, giraffe neck.
“We need to work through these things together,” she said, her voice squeaking on his last nerve.
“Is that what you were thinking when you climbed into Darian Parshall’s bed?”
She blinked those fake lashes and widened her eyes.
At her expression, he let loose a laugh. “Yeah. I know.” Nothing like hearing from your brother-in-law that your wife found comfort in another man’s arms while you’re out doing your duty for God and country. The woman violated everything he stood for—Semper Fi. Griffin snatched the bottle, refilled his glass, and took a sip.
Her pride—and ample bosom—seemed to shrink before him.
That’s right, woman. I know you been playing me. Just like everyone else. Including that pig-faced colonel who had done nothing but sit on Griffin’s case since his unit returned from Afghanistan last month. That was fine. Griffin could handle pressure. Could handle a man not liking that another held more respect and admiration. And that—that was what ate the very fiber of Colonel Nichols’s puffed-up, medal-heavy chest. When the colonel walked through the mess hall, the guys gave him the obligatory salute. But when they wanted advice, when they needed help, they came to Griffin.
“Fine.” Treece grabbed her purse from the back of the chair. “You sit up in here in this stanky bar—“
“Club.” He sliced a hand through the thick atmosphere. “It’s a club.”
“Same thang.”
“No.” The glass clunked as he slammed it down. “Club—a jazz club. The focus is music to relax the soul and mind.” He pointed to the autographed twenty-by-forty photo of soul legend Ray Charles hanging behind her. “You think he’d sit in a stanky bar?”
She rolled her eyes and neck. “Whatever, Griffin.” She pushed to her feet.
“Ma’am, this Marine giving you a problem?”
That voice! Fingers tightening around the glass, Griffin tensed. Don’t react. Own this. Right about now would be a good time to get some religion in him the way Madyar had warne
d him to. But he wasn’t even sure God could tame the fury roiling in his gut right now.
“Uh…” Treece’s brown eyes darted to Griffin. “No…my husband just isn’t interested in my company.”
“It seems he’s not interested in his career either.”
Wood groaned against wood as Griffin shoved to his feet. He towered over Colonel Nichols. “Sir.” Why? Why would the man come up in here and start something after what happened a week ago? Wasn’t it enough that he held a fist of control on Griffin’s career? That he wrote him a bad eval and threatened to tank the last twelve-plus years of blood, sweat, and tears?
The colonel’s denture-white teeth gleamed beneath a taunting grin. “Inebriated? And still in uniform?”
“No, sir.” Had he really come straight to the club without changing? Right…the club manager had called in sick and needed the night off, so he asked Griffin to cover him. Being the good friend he was, he was there. Duds in the back room, but he’d forgotten them when Treece showed up, demanding his time.
And this is exactly what the colonel had been waiting for—a screwup. “Sir. I am sober. Enjoying a night with my wife.”
Nichols’s muddy eyes shifted to Treece. “Yes, a very beautiful wife. Must be hard to leave her alone here while you’re deployed.” The officer’s stab hit right where the man intended.
Griffin fisted his hands.
Nichols noticed. Grinned more. “But I bet a man like you needs time away from the family.”
Griffin’s left eye twitched. On the battlefield, as in all areas of life, I shall stand tall above the competition. He reminded himself of the Recon Creed, of what he vowed to uphold. And that he’d have to answer to Madyar if anything happened here. Pops…his ticker wasn’t so good.
There was more to think about than some knee-jerk reaction to a colonel who wanted to save face. He loosened his hands but remained straight and tall. He had to own this.
Firethorn (Discarded Heroes) Page 1