The crash was intentional…
But he can’t remember why.
But he can’t remember why.
With no memory of the crash that landed him in a hospital, Ian Delaney is determined to uncover who sabotaged his helicopter—without the protection of his family-appointed bodyguard. But Simone Walker’s used to stubborn clients and won’t let Ian leave her sight. To catch an unknown traitor, they must rely on each other…or the next attack could prove lethal.
ISBN-13: 9781335554802
Excerpt from Secret Sabotage
Once Nick left and it was just the sheriff and Simone in the room with him, Ian addressed Alex. “Keep me updated on any and everything you find out.” He could see the man wanted to argue. “Alex, don’t cut me out of the loop trying to protect me. The best way for you to protect me is to give me information.”
Alex gave a beleaguered sigh. “Ian, this town owes you a lot. Not only did you rebuild the sheriff's department after it burned down, you've helped by using your helicopter during several search and rescues, including when Maya, Brady and I were being hunted on the mountain. I owe you a lot. I will tell you what you need to know when you need to know it.” He then focused on Simone. “We are all trusting you to keep him safe, not only from the bad people who want him dead, but also from himself.”
Ian barely refrained from snorting in protest. Like anyone could control him. He didn’t need a babysitter. He needed answers.
“Roger that,” Simone said, her gaze cutting to Ian’s with purpose in the dark depths. She really was pretty and feisty. And there was something about her that made him want to know more, to dig deep into her mind and find out what made her tick. Not a usual occurrence for him. Must be the pain medications or the bump to his head.
Alex gave a sharp nod and left the room.
Ian stared at Simone, who stared back at him unflinching. He let out an aggravated breath. He doubted she’d let him past her stoic walls, even if he tried. “This is maddening.”
“I would imagine so,” she said crisply. “The best thing you can do for yourself is to heal and to let your brain remember what happened. And the only way you’re going do that is if you rest. I’m going to draw the blinds, shut the lights off, and pray you’ll uncover the secrets locked inside your mind with some sleep.”
He’d pray so, as well.
Why did he take comfort in knowing she was a woman who prayed?
In the darkened room, he could barely make out her silhouette as she moved to the corner and sat in the chair. He doubted he’d be able to rest with her only a few feet away. She gave off such a dynamic energy that he felt buffered by it. But her words were true. If he could remember what happened, what had sent him out in his helicopter, it would save all of them a great deal of grief and send her on her way. And that would be the best thing for them all, because he had a feeling spending time with Simone wouldn’t be easy. A thought he didn’t want to examine.
He closed his eyes and sent up a prayer that God would bring the memories back. He willed his body to relax and cleared his mind, allowing sleep to claim him.
Hours later, Ian awoke with a start. Somebody hovered at the side of his bed. He blinked the sleep away to realize a male nurse was about to put a syringe into his IV line. Was he scheduled for some sort of medication the doctor neglected to mention?
The green glow from the monitors illuminated the menace in the man’s face.
“Hey!” Ian grabbed for the hand with the syringe.
The door to his room's small bathroom burst open and light spilled out, silhouetting Simone in the doorway. “What are you doing?” Simone’s voice cut through the tension of the room.
The nurse spun toward Simone then moved out of Ian’s line of sight. There was a scuffle, a curse, and then the door to the room banged open, allowing the light from the hall to spill inside, stinging Ian’s eyes.
His heart hammered in his chest. He yanked the IV catheter from of his hand, flinching at the sharp bite of pain.
Someone had just tried to kill him.
Again.
Alex gave a beleaguered sigh. “Ian, this town owes you a lot. Not only did you rebuild the sheriff's department after it burned down, you've helped by using your helicopter during several search and rescues, including when Maya, Brady and I were being hunted on the mountain. I owe you a lot. I will tell you what you need to know when you need to know it.” He then focused on Simone. “We are all trusting you to keep him safe, not only from the bad people who want him dead, but also from himself.”
Ian barely refrained from snorting in protest. Like anyone could control him. He didn’t need a babysitter. He needed answers.
“Roger that,” Simone said, her gaze cutting to Ian’s with purpose in the dark depths. She really was pretty and feisty. And there was something about her that made him want to know more, to dig deep into her mind and find out what made her tick. Not a usual occurrence for him. Must be the pain medications or the bump to his head.
Alex gave a sharp nod and left the room.
Ian stared at Simone, who stared back at him unflinching. He let out an aggravated breath. He doubted she’d let him past her stoic walls, even if he tried. “This is maddening.”
“I would imagine so,” she said crisply. “The best thing you can do for yourself is to heal and to let your brain remember what happened. And the only way you’re going do that is if you rest. I’m going to draw the blinds, shut the lights off, and pray you’ll uncover the secrets locked inside your mind with some sleep.”
He’d pray so, as well.
Why did he take comfort in knowing she was a woman who prayed?
In the darkened room, he could barely make out her silhouette as she moved to the corner and sat in the chair. He doubted he’d be able to rest with her only a few feet away. She gave off such a dynamic energy that he felt buffered by it. But her words were true. If he could remember what happened, what had sent him out in his helicopter, it would save all of them a great deal of grief and send her on her way. And that would be the best thing for them all, because he had a feeling spending time with Simone wouldn’t be easy. A thought he didn’t want to examine.
He closed his eyes and sent up a prayer that God would bring the memories back. He willed his body to relax and cleared his mind, allowing sleep to claim him.
Hours later, Ian awoke with a start. Somebody hovered at the side of his bed. He blinked the sleep away to realize a male nurse was about to put a syringe into his IV line. Was he scheduled for some sort of medication the doctor neglected to mention?
The green glow from the monitors illuminated the menace in the man’s face.
“Hey!” Ian grabbed for the hand with the syringe.
The door to his room's small bathroom burst open and light spilled out, silhouetting Simone in the doorway. “What are you doing?” Simone’s voice cut through the tension of the room.
The nurse spun toward Simone then moved out of Ian’s line of sight. There was a scuffle, a curse, and then the door to the room banged open, allowing the light from the hall to spill inside, stinging Ian’s eyes.
His heart hammered in his chest. He yanked the IV catheter from of his hand, flinching at the sharp bite of pain.
Someone had just tried to kill him.
Again.
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(USA Only)
Giveaway ends December 14th, 2021 at 11:59 pm (MST)
What thing would you do if
you were never embarrassed?
For me it would be sing in public. Ha!
Terri
Terri
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