Countdown (Extreme Measures Book #4)
4.5/5
()
Family
Friendship
Fear
Trust
Suspense
Friends to Lovers
Strong Female Lead
Love Triangle
Hidden Identity
Protective Hero
Race Against Time
Protective Male Lead
Protector
Hero's Journey
Enemies to Lovers
Danger
Mystery
Survival
Investigation
Love
About this ebook
Flight paramedic Raina Price has been running so long it's hard to stop. To escape a dangerous stalker, she changed her name and disappeared, building a new life with the help of a friend from her time in juvie. It feels good to put her energies into saving people's lives, but because her stalker was never found, she's never stopped looking over her shoulder. And one can only run so far before the past finally catches up.
US Marshal Vincent Corelli's job is to hunt down fugitives and protect those who are assigned to him. When Raina is almost killed right in front of him, he vows to protect her at all costs--whether it's his job or not. Together they work to solve the mystery of Raina's past. But someone is out to make sure Raina doesn't live long enough to do it.
Countdown is the breathless conclusion to USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason's thrilling Extreme Measures series.
Lynette Eason
Lynette Eason lives in Simpsonville, SC with her husband and two children. She is an award-winning, best-selling author who spends her days writing when she's not traveling around the country teaching at writing conferences. Lynette enjoys visits to the mountains, hanging out with family and brainstorming stories with her fellow writers. You can visit Lynette's website to find out more at www.lynetteeason.com or like her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lynette.eason
Read more from Lynette Eason
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Related to Countdown (Extreme Measures Book #4)
Titles in the series (3)
Crossfire (Extreme Measures Book #2) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Critical Threat (Extreme Measures Book #3) Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Countdown (Extreme Measures Book #4) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
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Reviews for Countdown (Extreme Measures Book #4)
58 ratings20 reviews
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Flight paramedic Raina has a very private life with a few friends. She also has a dangerous secret.
US Marshall Vince strives to protect his charges and uphold the law.
In this fast-paced romantic suspense story, Raina and Vincent combine forces when Raina’s past threatens to catch up with her in the most deadly way.
Lynette Eason's Countdown: Extreme Measures features great dialogue, exciting action, and a strong sense of menace drive this story to its surprising and satisfying conclusion. Fans of Terri Blackstock, Dani Pettrey, and Colleen Coble will enjoy this book.
The publication date is August 1, 2023. Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for the advance reader copy. My views are my own. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Title: Countdown (Extreme Measures #4)
Author: Lynette Eason
Pages: 304
Year: 2023
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I am sorry to see the series end, but what an exceptional way to end! If you didn’t know, there are three prior books: Life Flight, Crossfire, and Critical Threat. The series is about four young ladies who became friends while in juvie, and then readers get to see each of them work hard to accomplish their dreams! Each of the books focuses on one of the women. In this one, the action centers around Raina Price who is an advanced EMT on a medical flight team.
Raina is a character we’ve read about in the other books but until now we’ve known little of her story. Her past is about to come crashing in on her. She has worked hard to keep her past trauma from controlling her everyday life. Now, in a moment, when a young man is poised to become a well-known snow boarder, Raina’s life and his are in great danger!
No matter where Raina goes there seems to be someone attempting to take her life. U.S. Marshal Vince Covelli comes alongside her and hopes to win her trust so that she will tell him her story. Then, he will be able to know how best to protect her. Little does the man know that what he is asking is a huge obstacle for Raina. However, Raina is about to put her life out there in the hopes that she can draw the killer out to finally be captured!
All the novels are high octane stories that center not just around each of the women, but how they face their pasts with courage and determination. There are wonderful threads of romance, faith, and friendship. While each book can be read by itself, I found reading them in order brought a complete picture of the friendship the four women have and how they are there for each other no matter what comes.
Read, share, and wait for whatever will come next from the pen of Lynette Eason!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5As I’ve come to expect from this author, this novel is full of danger, intrigue, and suspense from beginning to end! I like that Raina is not a perfect character and although she’s working to be a better person, her past is full of mistakes that are catching up to her. Her flaws made her character more real to me. I had a hard time putting the book down as she and Vincent tried to stay one step ahead of the villain. I thought Vincent was a great hero and I loved his passion for helping Raina. The action is definitely central to the plot, but I also liked the moments of romance sprinkled in the story. A must read for those who enjoy contemporary suspense! I have really enjoyed this whole series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I loved how this book ended this series. This was my favorite book in this wonderful series. I loved Raina and Vince and the romance that blooms between them. I loved all the action and suspense. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Flight paramedic, Raina Price, is in danger. A menace from her past who almost took her life back then is after her again, and the threat is real. He’s previously eliminated others within her circle of friends to show that he means business, and Raina knows he’s capable of doing it again. Raina’s been running away from him ever since her ordeal, but now a family is in danger and she knows she desperately needs to help protect them and their young son. She’s reached out to someone she knows could help, but that impulsive action didn’t turn out well.
Vince Corelli, a US Marshall who has feelings for Raina, wants to help her. He’s succeeded in keeping that family safe for now, but Raina knows her own life is still in danger, and she doesn’t want to see anyone else get hurt, or worse, because of her. But her foe is closing in, and she’s going to need someone like Vince to protect her before it’s too late.
Lynette Eason is the queen of Romantic Suspense. Her books offer up the kind of suspenseful situations that keep you flipping pages, along with a convincing romantic element that warms your heart. In Countdown, Raina Price has a traumatic past and she’s keeping secrets about her identity, and something else. Initially, Vince Corelli can’t get her to open up to him, but he eventually learns how to break down the wall she’s built up around herself to prevent anyone else from getting hurt. With Vince by her side, along with help from her friends, Raina moves forward with her plan to thwart what she believes to be a killer’s plot to hurt her and someone she loves. It’s a wild, adventurous ride, and some of the players involved will surprise you. An enjoyable read.
Thank you, Revell Reads and Tantor Audio, for a complimentary book and audio download of Countdown. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5It was a pleasure once again joining the emergency medical team in Asheville, North Carolina and their law enforcement friends in Eason's fourth book in her Extreme Measures series. In this book we learn more of Raina's story and observe her budding relationship with US Marshal Vincent Covelli as they repeatedly place themselves in danger in order to protect a thirteen year old, future Olympian from a man he has never met, his father. Emotions run high in this story that deals with the topic of domestic violence. As usual Eason shines a spotlight on a social issue of concern while providing romantic suspense fans a wonderful reading experience. This book in particular feels authentic, like a story one might see on the evening news. Fortunately, she provides plenty of positive moments to leave the reader feeling encouraged.
I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Countdown from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Review of eBook
Paramedic Raina Price, part of a medical flight team in Asheville, North Carolina, doesn’t share much about her private life, even with her best friends. But when she sees an interview with thirteen-year-old Olympic hopeful Michael Harrison, she realizes she must act, even if it puts her in danger once again.
US Marshal Vince Covelli, part of the group of friends watching a football game, notices Raina's distress and offers his help. But Raina realizes that, despite her frequent moves and her efforts to keep a low profile, her past has caught up to her . . . and now she may lose her life.
=========
Fourth [and last] in the author’s Extreme Measures series, “Countdown” works well as a standalone for readers who have not yet read the earlier books in the series. Pulling readers into the telling of the tale from the outset, the strong, well-defined characters and pulse-pounding plot keep those pages turning as fast as possible.
Action-packed from the outset, the story keeps the reader guessing as the suspense builds. But the strength of the narrative lies in the sweet romance between Raina and Vince and in the faith messages that are in integral part in the telling of this tale.
Readers who enjoy romantic suspense will find much to appreciate in this unputdownable tale of faith and love.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Revell and NetGalley
#Countdown #NetGalley - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This fourth book in the Extreme Measures series certainly does not disappoint. Riana, a flight paramedic, works together with several of her juvie friends, all of whom have taken their pasts and made something good out of it. Somehow, Raina’s past has caught up with her and the big question is if she will survive it.
With plot twists that are ongoing, the author takes us on a race to the finish line, never even giving a hint on who is behind the attempted murder of Riana or even why they would want her dead. There is just the right amount of romance to counteract the tension of being drugged, shot at and never ending cold. Will faith finally win over fear as she realizes that nothing happens without the Lord’s permission?
An early copy of this book was received through Revell, Baker Publishing Group and LibraryThing. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Another solid offering from Lynette Eason. I loved getting to know Raina and Vincent better and it was a lot of fun catching up with the other main characters from this series. As always, there was plenty of nail-biting suspense and action with surprising plot twists, as well as strong faith threads. The sweet tender romance between Raina and Vince was a friends-to-more trope and even though Raina has a lot of baggage, Vince patiently pursued her. Faith lessons of trusting God to be in control were relatable and relevant.
If you enjoy romantic suspense, you will definitely enjoy this book and series. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Countdown, Extreme Measures book 4, by Lynette Eason is filled with action from the very beginning and continues through the whole book. This is a wonderfully written story filled with suspense, mystery and a growing relationship. I enjoyed the characters of Raina and Vince. They are caring people who put others' safety before their own. I felt for Raina as she changes her name and moves around to keep herself and others connected to her safe. Even though this is part of a series, it also makes a great stand alone story. I enjoyed catching up with characters from the previous books and seeing how faith pla ys a part in the story. This book captured my attention at the very beginning and held it to the very end, wishing there was more.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of the book as part of the launch team. This is my honest review. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
I was looking forward to this book after reading the first three and I was not disappointed. Following the story of the fourth best friend, Raina, we discover that her past is shrouded in mystery and while the other three had juvie as a secret, she had secrets even before that. Fortunately, a romantic interest arises at the same time as the threat to her life, so we get the same fast pace suspense that we love from Lynette Eason, coupled with romantic tension that does have a happy ending (is that even really a spoiler in these kind of books?).
I received a free copy in exchange for my review, but this didn't influence my comments above. I genuinely enjoyed this entire series and recommend it to other lovers of Christian suspense and romance.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Countdown by Lynette Eason is the fourth book in her Extreme Measures series. Raina Price, a flight paramedic, is being stalked by someone from her past. US Marshal Vince Correlli is trying to help. The stalker will go to extreme measures to get what he wants. It’s up to Vince and Raina to bring him to justice before it’s too late. This was an edge of your seat thriller. I couldn’t put the book down! The characters just seemed to mesh so well with each other.
I received this arc copy from LibraryThing for my honest review. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A book that grips you first page and hangs on to you to end. Raina Price is a flight paramedic. Vince Correlli is a U.S. Marshall. Their jobs are enough to get your attention. Put them together to be shot at, ran off road, kidnapped and more. All is not want you think at first. I won't give spoilers but you way to read this book. The ending will have you rejoicing and needing some Kleenex. Many good things come together which can encourage you not to ever give up. A Mother's love is shown. There is romance, danger, secrets, faith, and family. I recommend you go buy this book today.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Lynette Eason is one of my favorite Christian suspense authors and she doesn't disappoint in her newest novel, Countdown! This is book 4 in the Extreme Measures series. Reading the previous novels is not required; just know that the other couples have their own story.
Over the years, Raina Price has become a pro at keeping secrets. She has built a new life, adopted a new name, and keeps her head down. After seeing a chance interview on TV with a young athlete, Raina knows her past will not stay hidden. But how can one woman protect those she loves? Enter US Marshall Vincent Corelli. As Vincent unwraps the many layers of the woman he admires, his only goal is to help her and protect the innocent lives affected by evil.
I don't want to give away the plot because this is a great read and I won't spoil it. But the author has written a story filled with danger, hope, redemption and light romance. You will definitely want to read Countdown! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Another great adventure rescue story from Lynette Eason. I’ve loved all of the extreme measures books and this was another one.
Although I found the the main character Raina irritating at times I still cared and was invested on them finding and catching the bad guy.
They rely on their faith in God and see his role in the events around them but it’s not heavy handed and I believe you could enjoy this clean adventure romance without being a person of Faith. - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5I won this as a library-thing giveaway. It is a fast-paced Christian thriller. I found the story unbelievable. This wa part of a series and I felt I was dropped in half way through instead of being able to read it as a stand alone book. Not being religious, I found the intermittent Christian thoughts jarring. It was a quick read and I wanted to find out what happened.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I've read other books in this series but not sure if I've read them all. I've also read many books by this author.
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers Program which asks for, but does not require, an honest review.
Pros:
*1/3-1/2 way through I really got into the plot and had a hard time putting the book down.
*It does point out that we're often harder on ourselves than we would be to others who did the same things/made the same choices.
*It points out that sometimes the parents who give a child up for adoption are doing so for good reasons.
Cons:
*It took me a while to get into this book.
*About the time that I thought Vince got shot for the second time (this time in the calf) I had about had it with the "someone's attacking us" portion of the book and had to put the book down for a time.
Indifferent:
*I agree with another reviewer that the epilogue wraps up everything just a little too neatly for it to all be believable. Fiction isn't real life however, so . . .
*I both understand Raina's trust issues and dislike them. I can see how her past history makes her build up a wall and keeps others out and how her past choices make her question her ability to trust her judgement. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Countdown by Lynette Eason is the fourth book in a series but definitely stands alone—the mystery and suspense of the novel twists and turns throughout the book. While some parts are predictable, a few sections take a different path than expected.
Raina Price has lived a rough life and it eventually catches up with her. Enter Vince, the U.S. Marshall, to help and protect her. As they travel through this relationship, they find that they have a lot in common.
This book is a sweet romantic suspense novel ending with a happy ending. While they work on their own lives, they continue to work on their individual relationship with God.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I really enjoyed this advanced reader of a romantic suspense. I received this book for free and I voluntarily chose to review this story. I've given it a 5* rating. I enjoy reading this author's work although there is a bit of violence in it. Lots of action to keep you at the edge of your seat and turning those pages. I stayed up real late to finish this and it had a great feel good ending.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This is the fourth book in this series, each as good as the last, and this one did not disappoint!
The author pulled me in and didn't let go! This is Raina's story, and we learn her dark secrets, and her fears real quick! If your familiar with this series you know U.S. Marshall Vincent Corelli, and some of the things that have happened to him, but now he is here for Raina, and she sure is going to need him!
Surprises start to unfold when a news cast features a young teen who is a gifted athlete, and Raina contacts someone from her past! The catalyst to danger and long held secrets begin to unfold, and thus a page turner. The answers you are seeking come fast and furious, and you wonder whom will survive! Wow!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revel, and was not required to give a positive review.
Book preview
Countdown (Extreme Measures Book #4) - Lynette Eason
Praise for Life Flight
"Life Flight is a heart-stopping, breath-stealing masterpiece of romantic suspense!"
Colleen Coble, USA Today bestselling author of A Stranger’s Game and the Pelican Harbor series
Romantic suspense star Eason’s latest grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go; readers will have a hard time putting it down long enough to focus on real life.
Booklist
"Life Flight is a multilayered story filled with unexpected twists, dangerous situations, and tension. . . . Filled with suspense and romance, this thriller is an engrossing story by a talented author!"
Fresh Fiction
I highly recommend this for those who love romantic suspense with enough twists to keep the most astute reader guessing.
Cara Putman, award-winning author of Flight Risk and Lethal Intent
Praise for Crossfire
This high-octane thriller keeps up the momentum through the final page.
Publishers Weekly
Just as intense and action packed as the first! Lynette Eason is at her best with this series!
Write-Read-Life
"Crossfire is another great addition to this series by Lynette Eason—one of my favorite Christian Suspense authors. . . . A truly exceptional story."
Interviews & Reviews
Praise for Critical Threat
Eason is a master of edge-of-your-seat inspirational romantic thrillers, combining light faith elements with twisty plots that keep readers guessing. The latest in her Extreme Measures series is one of her best.
Booklist
Eason expertly plots the taut mystery. . . . The result is a satisfying inspirational thriller.
Publishers Weekly
Books by Lynette Eason
WOMEN OF JUSTICE
Too Close to Home
Don’t Look Back
A Killer Among Us
DEADLY REUNIONS
When the Smoke Clears
When a Heart Stops
When a Secret Kills
HIDDEN IDENTITY
No One to Trust
Nowhere to Turn
No Place to Hide
ELITE GUARDIANS
Always Watching
Without Warning
Moving Target
Chasing Secrets
BLUE JUSTICE
Oath of Honor
Called to Protect
Code of Valor
Vow of Justice
Protecting Tanner Hollow
DANGER NEVER SLEEPS
Collateral Damage
Acceptable Risk
Active Defense
EXTREME MEASURES
Life Flight
Crossfire
Critical Threat
Countdown
© 2023 by Lynette Eason
Published by Revell
a division of Baker Publishing Group
Grand Rapids, Michigan
www.revellbooks.com
Ebook edition created 2023
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-4129-7
Scripture quotations are 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 the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
Baker Publishing Group publications use paper produced from sustainable forestry practices and post-consumer waste whenever possible.
◼ ◼ ◼ ◼
Dedicated to Susan Gibson Snodgrass,
who was a huge supporter of my novels—and of all Christian Fiction.
From serving on the launch team to sharing social media posts
to writing messages of encouragement, I say thank you.
You will be so very much missed in the community.
Enjoy your rest in the Savior’s arms and read all the stories!
Until we meet again . . .
◼ ◼ ◼ ◼
Contents
Cover
Endorsements
Half Title Page
Books by Lynette Eason
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Epigraph
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Epilogue
Letter from Lynette
Sneak Peek of Lights Out
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Back Ads
Back Cover
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
CHAPTER
ONE
SUNDAY MORNING
MID-JANUARY
BULL MOUNTAIN, EAST OF ASHEVILLE, NC
Flight paramedic Raina Price looked out the window of the chopper and pointed. There! Two of them as reported.
Penny Satterfield piloted the aircraft with an expert touch, aiming them toward the two stranded hikers on the side of Bull Mountain. Raina grabbed the binoculars and held them to her eyes. One is on her back. I see blood on her head. The other one is moving and appears unhurt. She’s waving at us and looking pretty frantic.
There’s no place to set this bird down,
Penny said, her low voice coming over the headset.
No, there wasn’t. Not even for Penny, who could land pretty much anywhere. Looks like it’s a day to go rappelling,
Raina said.
Looks like,
Holly McKittrick, the nurse practitioner, echoed.
Raina didn’t particularly enjoy hurling herself out of the chopper—not like some who actually hoped for it. But she was skilled at it, and if it saved someone’s life, then . . . okay.
She worked quickly, efficiently, strapping herself into the gear. She’d go down, assess the situation, and radio her findings.
After fastening the medical bag to her belt, she clipped the rope to the other hook and nodded to Holly. I’m ready. You?
Ready.
Holly would lower the basket and, if necessary, follow it down. Other emergency personnel lined the edge of the cliff, but no one had been able to get down to them.
A little closer, Penny.
Getting there.
Raina slid the door open, shuddering at the blast of cold air followed by a face full of snowflakes. She looked back at Holly, who had the stretcher ready to winch down. Okay, here we go.
Let me know if I need to come down too.
I will. Stay tuned.
She stepped out of the chopper and began her descent. With precision, Penny moved her right to the ledge that jutted from the cliff. Less than a minute later, Raina was next to the girls, while Penny continued to hover close, but not so close the wind from the blade interfered with the work.
Help her,
the nearest teen pleaded, pointing. She hit her head.
The gash had stopped bleeding, but she’d taken a hard hit. What about you?
Raina asked. Are you hurt?
No. I climbed down.
She pointed to the rope behind her—the one still tied to her waist. Sadie tripped and fell, then rolled over the side of the mountain.
A sob ripped from her. I thought she was dead.
She’s not, hon.
Not yet anyway. Please, God, don’t let this child die. Sadie, huh?
Yeah. I’m Carly.
Hang in there, Carly, we’re going to get you both out of here, okay?
But Sadie’s head wound was concerning. A gust of wind cut through her winter clothing, and Raina grimaced, shoving aside the cold and focusing on the patient.
When I saw how bad she was hurt,
Carly said, I was too scared to move her. I . . . I didn’t know what to do, but I have my dad’s SAT phone, so I called for help.
You did exactly the right thing.
She lifted Sadie’s lids to check her eyes. Concussion. All right, Carly, you’re doing great. Where are your parents? Have you called them yet?
Yes. They’re completely freaked out. I called them after I called you guys.
Raina could understand freaked out. If this was her child—
She cleared her throat. While she talked and gathered information, Raina triaged the unconscious girl, speaking into the headset to those on the other end. Blood pressure, pulse, breathing status. . . . And uneven pupils indicative of a concussion. The gash on the side of her head is going to need stitches.
She moved down, her gaze landing on the bone protruding from the leg. Broken right tibia.
Raina ran her hands over the girl’s body as gently as she could, searching for more injuries. A low moan escaped Sadie when Raina’s hands grazed her ribs. She unzipped the light windbreaker and lifted the girl’s shirt. The bluish area under the skin alarmed her. We’ve got some internal bleeding, maybe some broken ribs.
She listened to the girl’s lungs once more. Breath sounds are still good, so no lung punctured.
Yet. She got the cervical collar on, then moved down to stabilize the broken leg.
More chopper blades beat the air. Farther away, but close enough to capture her attention. She took a moment to shoot a glance in the direction of the noise. Great,
she muttered under her breath. A news chopper. Ignore it and focus. It was all she could do.
That, and keep her head down.
Hey!
Raina’s head jerked up at the shout that came from above. So much for keeping her head down, but at least her back was to the news chopper.
A man leaned over the side of the cliff. I’m Larry Owens with the fire department. If I throw this line down, can you send up the uninjured girl?
Sure can! And I need someone to come down here and help me get Sadie in the chopper basket.
Holly could do it—would do it if necessary— but she absolutely hated to rappel down.
As soon as she’s up, I’ll come down.
Perfect.
No.
Carly clutched Raina’s arm. I want to go with Sadie.
You’re both going to the hospital. They’ll let you see her when you get there, but we need to focus on Sadie right now, all right?
Carly bit her lip, then nodded. Yeah. Okay.
In less than two minutes, she had Carly in the harness and Larry was pulling her toward the top.
Send down the basket,
Raina told Penny.
On the way.
And so was the firefighter named Larry. Working together, they got Sadie into the basket. She’s ready,
Raina said, take her up.
Raina watched her lift gently off the ground and head for the belly of the chopper. She turned to Larry. Thank you.
Anytime. See you around.
He signaled his readiness to return to the top, and his team moved into action.
Ready,
Raina said into her mic. She noted the location of the news crew still hovering in the sky and positioned herself accordingly, never more thankful for the helmet and other gear covering most of her face. The line pulled her up off the ledge and she started her ascent.
The line lurched and Raina gasped, fingers clutching the rope. Penny? What was that?
No idea.
The line jerked again and Raina dropped twenty feet before it stopped. Penny! Holly!
Something’s wrong with the winch,
Penny said, her voice low and controlled. Hang tight.
A pause. No pun intended.
Raina almost laughed but couldn’t quite get the sound through her tight throat. Don’t let me fall.
You’re not falling. Just hold on a sec.
After what felt like a lifetime later, Penny’s voice came through the headset. Bringing you up.
Raina held tight as she started moving upward once more. She decided not to look down while steeling herself for another abrupt stop. Thankfully, that didn’t happen, and soon, Raina was back in the chopper, kneeling next to Sadie.
Holly looked up from the still unconscious girl. You good?
I will be when my heart rate gets back to normal. Then again, I’m here, so we’ll count that as a win.
Holly nodded. Definitely. All right, Penny, take us to base.
◼ ◼ ◼ ◼
US Marshal Vincent Covelli sat on the couch that belonged to his best friend’s fiancée, Julianna Jameson. The big-screen television mounted on the wall across from him held a fraction of his attention. Mostly, he was interested in the dark-haired woman chatting with Holly McKittrick, Penny Satterfield, and Grace Billingsley.
Raina Price. Beautiful, but . . . haunted, distant, seemingly unreachable. For some reason, those facts didn’t stop him from being drawn to her. Her sage-green eyes with the hint of yellow had captivated him from the moment he’d met her about a year ago when he’d been invited to watch a football game at this very house. It was Julianna’s, who was getting ready to marry Vince’s best friend, Clay Fox, in three weeks. Vince smiled. He was happy for his friends. Clay and Julianna had been through so much. They deserved their happily ever after.
He couldn’t help wonder if he’d ever find his own. Not that he was looking.
Much.
Again, his gaze settled on Raina.
Okay, he might be looking now.
Hey, Raina, what did they say was wrong with the winch on the chopper?
Penny asked. Have you heard? I haven’t checked.
Mm, yeah. That it needed to be replaced, but thanks to all the safety measures, I was never in any danger of it coming disconnected.
Penny snorted. Well, I suppose that’s good to know.
It is.
Vince noted Raina’s absent agreement and rapt attention on the television. It was halftime and the station was doing a special report on Olympic hopefuls.
A young boy identified as Michael Harrison, age thirteen as of yesterday, according to the banner at the bottom of the screen, stood on a snow-covered mountain in Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin, snowboard in hand. Raina moved closer to the television, no doubt trying to hear over the chatter. But it was the fact that her face was two shades whiter than normal that made him frown. She snagged the remote from the mantel and turned on the captions.
How does it feel to be the youngest person ever to win a national competition in the US? Not only in halfpipe, but also slopestyle?
the reporter asked. She held the mic out to the boy while the words continued to pop up on the screen as they spoke.
It feels amazing.
Will we see you at the Olympics in four years?
Michael laughed. I hope so.
What about this year—will you be there, to watch the competition?
Not the competition,
Michael said, my future teammates.
The reporter turned and the camera zoomed out to include a woman. Mrs. Harrison, has this always been a dream of Michael’s?
‘Always’ is pretty accurate. The dream started when he was about four years old and watched the snowboarders that year on the Olympics. He pointed at the television and said, ‘I want to do that.’ My husband went out the next day and bought him a snowboard and signed him up for lessons. He took to it right away, and it finally got to the point that we had to make some decisions about what to do. Four years ago, we moved from the Burbank area of California to Colorado, and snowboarding has been our life ever since.
She gave her son a warm smile. I wouldn’t trade a minute of it.
The reporter nodded to the button Mrs. Harrison was wearing. I see you’re pro-adoption. Is there a story there?
Of course.
The woman shot a look filled with intense love at her son. I’m not able to have biological children, so my husband and I went through the adoption process. We took Michael home the day he was born, and he was legally ours shortly thereafter. We’re so grateful to Michael’s birth mother for giving us the chance to be his parents.
A sheen of tears glimmered in her eyes and the camera zoomed in to catch the expression.
Aw, Mom, stop.
Michael rolled his eyes but grinned at her, and she ruffled his hair before he could duck.
The reporter stepped back. All right, Michael, it’s time. We’ve got a clip that showcases your talent here. This is the run that earned you enough points to qualify you for the Olympics. If only you were old enough. You ready?
Yes, ma’am.
The screen cut to the video of Michael’s run culminating with the Triple Cork 1800 and thunderous applause of those watching. The sound faded and the camera returned to the reporter. "Thank you so much for being here with us, Michael. We wish you all the best and look forward to watching you compete in a few years. This is Camille Johnson with NewsBreak. Thank you for joining us. I know we’re all excited to see if young Michael Harrison can bring home the gold in the next Olympics."
The station cut to another site where an Olympic hopeful was in the middle of an ice-skating rink, but Raina’s eyes had shifted away from the TV to the far wall, still holding a frozen expression. Then she blinked, cleared her throat, and excused herself to slip into the kitchen.
Vince waited a good sixty seconds, then followed. Her back was to the door, arms braced against the kitchen counter, head down, gulping deep breaths. Her phone lay face up in front of her, a number programmed. Raina?
She squeaked and jumped back, the blazing fear in her eyes cutting him to the core. He stood still and waited for her to realize he posed no danger.
Finally, she shuddered, then sighed.
You okay?
he asked, knowing the question was a dumb one, but asking it anyway.
Yes. Fine. Sorry. You just startled me.
You seemed pretty upset in there.
Hm.
Anything I can help with?
No . . . I . . .
She looked like she might say something else, then, No. Thank you.
He nodded. Because I’d be more than happy to help you out. If you needed it.
She shook her head, then tilted it to stare at the ceiling. I’m okay. That kid on the news, Michael Harrison, just reminded me of someone I used to know.
She lowered her gaze to meet his. Her green eyes had shuttered and gave nothing away. Seeing him brought back a lot of bad memories.
The kid did?
Yeah.
He waited, but she bit her lip and looked away. Okay,
he said after several seconds of silence. I’ll leave you alone then.
He turned to go, hurt she wouldn’t confide in him and frustrated because he’d done nothing but try to reach her, to show his interest. To let her know she could trust him. That he cared. At times, he thought she felt the same, but he honestly didn’t know. Maybe she just wasn’t into him. And while the thought made him sad, it was what it was. He’d move on. And yet he found himself unable to leave. He turned back, catching her gaze.
CHAPTER
TWO
Raina didn’t look away from Vince. She wanted to tell him. Wanted to spill every last detail to the man who was looking at her with the very expressive dark brown eyes. Eyes that held hope she’d confide in him and let him help, but that wasn’t the way she did things.
Because the last time someone wanted to help her, that someone had died. And once Vince found out exactly how much baggage she had in her past, he’d move on. So, she bit her lip.
Vince started to say something, but footsteps heading their way snapped his mouth shut.
Hey,
Grace said from the door. Everything okay in here?
Raina forced a smile. Everything is good. We were just chatting. Are we ready for the s’mores yet?
Grace pursed her lips, obviously not buying the explanation. Yes, ma’am. The firepit is lit and everything is on the table outside.
Then I’m first,
she said with a relieved sigh that Grace allowed the change of subject. She nodded to Vince, then gave her friend a wink before stepping around her and heading for the french doors that led to the patio.
Their footsteps fell in behind her. She made it to the patio with the smile still on her face, but she couldn’t help wondering how long she could maintain it. She’d give it thirty more minutes, and if the man she’d called while in the kitchen hadn’t called her back, she’d have to try again.
Because if the man who called himself Kevin Anderson—a man she’d sworn she could defend herself against, if he ever dared come near her again—was still out there, she needed to find him and put her past to rest for good.
One way or another.
She settled into the chair Vince had pulled out for her, his kindness cramping her heart and making her wish for things she couldn’t have. She’d shut him out and he was still being nice. Still making the effort to let her know he was interested and there for her without being weird or creepy while doing it. And that said more about his character than anything else.
The truth was, she liked him. A lot. And she’d give almost anything to let him lead them into a relationship. But . . .
Raina gripped her hands together. There was a huge but
hanging over her head. She pictured the young teen who looked way too much like the man who’d almost killed her. A man who would go after that child if he thought the boy was his. And the person who might be able to help warn the child’s family that they could be in danger wasn’t answering his phone.
The whole situation had stirred up feelings and emotions she’d buried for so many years, and now she was on overload, unsure which emotion to deal with first.
You okay?
Vince asked.
She jerked and cleared her throat. I’m okay. For the moment.
He nodded and slid the marshmallow he’d just toasted onto a graham cracker, then smooshed it with a piece of chocolate. He handed it to her. Think this will help?
S’mores? Always.
She shot him a small smile, and a flash of something deep and sweet glinted back at her before he dropped his gaze and snagged another marshmallow.
She bit into the sweetness and let the taste coat her tongue. Unfortunately, she was too distracted to enjoy the treat and set the uneaten portion on the small plate next to her. She could feel Vince’s eyes on her but refused to look at him. He wanted to help. And frankly, she wanted to let him.
But fear held her back.
Flashes from her past were coming fast and furious, keeping her silent. Afraid. Locking her words in her throat. Finally, she glanced at Vince while he talked with the others. He was a good man. A kind man. A man who would do battle for her if she’d let him. A man she often pictured by her side when she thought about the future. However, before she could do anything, let him do anything, she had to make sure that her past had no path into her present.
But if what she’d seen tonight held any truth, her past might very well be steamrolling right into her present.
Which meant she had to keep Vince at arm’s length.
For his own safety.
◼ ◼ ◼ ◼
Monday, just after lunch, Vince found himself sitting at his desk, computer open, case file in front of him—and his mind on Raina Price. Every minute he had time to stop and think, he thought about her. And the fact that he was falling for a woman who wouldn’t talk to him. Wouldn’t trust him enough to confide in him no matter how much she might want to. And it was obvious she wanted to, because he’d been watching her closely. So closely. And yet, she continued to stiff-arm him.
He should have his head examined. Then again, she’d let him make her a s’more. The thought didn’t help much. As much as she loved s’mores, she probably would have taken the sweet treats from just about anyone.
But she’d sat in the chair he’d pulled out for her and he didn’t think it was just because she was polite. She’d acted like she wanted to talk but couldn’t find the words.
Was he a fool to grasp onto the hope that produced?
Probably.
Yo, Vince. You ready to go?
He snapped his gaze to his partner, Charlie Maxwell. A former linebacker, Charlie never had gotten out of the habit of a daily workout, and he carried his muscle well. He stood with a nod. Ready.
They were taking a shift at the hotel, guarding a witness with a hefty hit on his head.
The FBI had somehow convinced a top member of the Russian mafia to turn on his boss with stolen evidence and a verbal testimony. The trial was next week, and Vince and Charlie