“Go on, cap him, dawg! Get the gat and cap him!”
Anger, fear, revulsion all swept through her like a gust of a hot Santa Ana wind. Tess instantly assessed what was happening: the black boots and dark wool uniform pants told her Barnes was on the ground.
“Police! Get away from him!” She rushed headlong toward the group, gun raised.
In a flood of cursing, the three standing figures bolted and ran, footfalls echoing in the alley. The fourth, a hoodie partially obscuring his face, looked her way but didn’t stop what he was doing.
He was trying to wrench the gun from Barnes’s holster.
Was Barnes dead? The question burned through Tess, hot and frightening.
“Move away! Move away now!” Tess advanced and was ignored.
Sirens sounded loud and Tess knew help was close. But the next instant changed everything. The figure gave up on the gun and threw himself across the prone officer, grabbing for something else. He turned toward Tess and pointed.
She fired.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A former Long Beach, California, police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and training. She’s always enjoyed writing and published two short articles on faith at work for Cop and Christ and Today’s Christian Woman before tackling novels. She now lives in a small town in southern Oregon, where she enjoys exploring the forests, rivers, and lakes with her Labrador retrievers, Abbie and Tilly.
Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Cold Aim follows Crisis Shot and Lethal Target in her latest series. Janice also authored the Cold Case Justice series—Drawing Fire, Burning Proof, and Catching Heat—the Pacific Coast Justice series—Accused, Abducted, and Avenged—and the Brinna Caruso novels, Critical Pursuit and Visible Threat.
Visit Janice’s website at www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JaniceCantore.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
As Cold Aim begins, Chief Tess O’Rourke is bucking the advice of fire officials to make sure the residents of Rogue’s Hollow have evacuated the danger zone. Oliver Macpherson tells her not to take such risks. Are Tess’s actions reckless or part and parcel of her job? Why do some people (both in this story and in real life) opt to remain in their homes despite official advice? Do Tess’s thoughts about the inherent danger in her profession change her actions at all throughout this story?
Neither Tess nor Oliver knows what to make of Livie Harp, the mysterious recluse living under tight security. What did you think of Harp? Is Tess right to wonder if the woman is hiding something or is even guilty of some crime, or do her years of police work make her overly suspicious of people? How much does a first impression color your opinion of a person?
Like other seekers, Harp has questions about the Christian faith, and she specifically asks Oliver to show her proof of God in a broken and sometimes ugly world. What does Oliver tell her? How would you prove God’s existence?
During one of his jailhouse visits, Oliver considers the difference between justice and mercy. In what ways are these two traits “opposite ends of the spectrum”? Do you agree with Oliver’s conclusion: “All fair justice is dispensed with some mercy”? Name other qualities that might aid in mercifully dispensing fair justice.
The FBI asks Tess to shelter a key witness before an important hearing. Why is Tess reluctant to say yes? What convinces her to agree to the request? As events unfold, what makes her wish she had followed rule #4: “Always trust your gut”?
Though Tess believes in the justice system, she recognizes that there are weaknesses to it, that sometimes people are able to “buy justice.” How does this play out in Cold Aim? In the real world? Is it possible to protect the justice system, to make it impervious to outside influences?
San Diego, California, was one of the first jurisdictions to adopt a “no drop” policy that allows the state to prosecute even when the victim is unwilling to testify against the perpetrator. Is this an example of government overreach or a helpful tool to protect us from ourselves? Is there an aspect of your life where you know that what you’re doing or thinking is unhelpful or even harmful? What steps could you take to change your behavior or thought patterns? How would you hold yourself accountable?
Both Tess and Oliver worry about the Coopers’ marriage. Oliver turns first to God, believing that “prayer is the first best answer for everything,” but Tess feels it might not be enough in this case. Where do you tend to turn first when facing a crisis? Are there times to act, as well as times to sit back and allow your prayers to work? How do you decide which course to take?
Throughout the story, Tess wrestles with the evil she encounters in her job, especially in victimizers like Cyrus Beck. What does Oliver tell her when she asks whether there’s anything redeemable in Beck? What did you think of his response? Do either Tess or Oliver change their opinions of Beck?
Several people cast doubts on Tess and Oliver’s relationship, leaving both to question if their differences are too great to overcome. Are their fears valid? Should occupations that seem to clash with each other—like a pastor and a police officer—play any role in the success or downfall of a relationship? In what areas is it most important to be on the same page? Where do you see Tess and Oliver’s relationship going?
After a shooting incident at Faith’s Place, Tess suppresses the urge to rush out after the suspect and waits until she has backup with her. Does she make the right decision? Are you more likely to run headlong into a situation or to sit back and observe things before making a move? What are the pros and cons of each?
Tess contemplates adding a new rule to her list: “Big secrets never stay buried.” What secrets are revealed in Cold Aim? Can you think of an example from your own life when a secret was revealed? What resulted from keeping the secret and then its discovery? Read Mark 4:21-25. What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “Every secret will be brought to light” (NLT)?
Available now at bookstores and online. www.janicecantore.com
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