She landed heavily on the other side. A second later, Kent thudded down neatly beside her. Wade followed next.
Only a few obstacles left to go. They continued through the course. While Wade and Kent chatted, she saved her breath for the next challenge.
Breck’s bright red hair stood out as she ran toward them. She had obviously come from the end of the course, as Wade had.
Nina looked up at her new partner. “Seriously, Wade?”
“Nice of you to show up for the last two miles,” Wade called out to Breck in a teasing voice.
Ignoring the barb, Breck fell into step beside Nina, matching her stride. “How’s my girl?”
She must have looked every bit the charity case she was at that point in the run. Every muscle in her body screamed for her to stop. She was bruised, sore, and exhausted. “I feel great.”
Breck shot her a dubious look. “Sugar, you look like ten miles of bad road.”
Wade cataloged a litany of observations. “You’re favoring your left leg, you wince every time you use your right arm, and you’re sucking wind.”
“Doesn’t matter,” she said. “I’m going to finish.”
“And we’re with you all the way,” Kent said.
She realized they needed her to accept their help. If she was going to be part of this ad hoc unit, she would have to change her way of doing things. Over the years, she’d learned not to depend on anyone but herself. Others had let her down too many times. Now she had to figure out how to be part of a team.
She considered the three people flanking her as they drew close to the end of the course. A new feeling she couldn’t identify surged through her, renewing her strength. Together, they were all going to make it. When they crossed the finish line, she realized what the feeling was.
Trust.
She thought about what the judge had told her at her emancipation hearing all those years ago. The hearing that had not only changed her name but the trajectory of her life. “Circumstances have made you very independent at an early age, Ms. Esperanza, but you must allow others to help you when you need it. Remember that.”
She had remembered his words, but only now did she finally understand what the judge had been trying to tell her. The same lesson she had learned on the Yellow Brick Road.
She had become a warrior who no longer had to fight her battles alone.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My husband, Mike, has been unstintingly supportive through all my endeavors. The best partner and friend anyone could want, he is my rock.
For my son, Max, who shows me the world through the eyes of a child every day. How blessed I am.
To my family, whether related by blood or the bonds of friendship, I am forever grateful for your understanding and patience over the years.
To my agent, Liza Fleissig, who shares my vision and makes miracles happen. Her advice, support, and outstanding professionalism have helped me navigate many unexpected bumps in the road. And there have been some bumps . . .
To my other agent, Ginger Harris-Dontzin, whose sharp eyes and equally sharp mind have been tremendously helpful as rough ideas struggle to take shape.
To the men and women of the FBI, who dedicate themselves to upholding their motto, “Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity.” A special thanks goes out to Ret. Assistant Director Jana Monroe, Ret. Special Agent John Iannarelli, and Ret. Special Agent Jerri Williams.
To Megha Parekh, my acquiring editor with Thomas & Mercer, for her guidance through every part of the process. I am humbled and blessed by her support and willingness to take a chance on a fresh voice.
My developmental editor, Charlotte Herscher, put her considerable talent toward making this story better. Her incisive observations and keen eye for details were invaluable.
To the amazing team of marketing, editing, and artwork professionals at Thomas & Mercer, I am incredibly blessed to have such talented professionals by my side.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo © 2016 Skip Feinstein
Award-winning author Isabella Maldonado wore a gun and badge in real life before writing crime fiction. A graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico and the first Latina in her department to attain the rank of captain, she served as a patrol officer, hostage negotiator, spokesperson, recruit instructor, patrol supervisor, gang council coordinator, and district station commander. Her final assignment was as the commander of the Special Investigations and Forensics Division before retiring after twenty-two years on the force. Ms. Maldonado is a member of the FBI National Academy Associates, Fairfax County Police Association, International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, International Society of Latino Authors, and Sisters in Crime, where she served as president of the Phoenix Metro Chapter in 2015 and sat on the board until 2019. The author of the Detective Cruz series, she lives in the Phoenix area with her family. For more information, visit www.isabellamaldonado.com.
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