Rescue Me: A Novel (Last Chance Rescue, Band 1) - Softcover

Buch 1 von 10: Last Chance Rescue

Reece, Christy

 
9780345505422: Rescue Me: A Novel (Last Chance Rescue, Band 1)
Softcover
ISBN 10: 0345505425 ISBN 13: 9780345505422
Verlag: Ballantine Books, 2009

Inhaltsangabe

“Mindful of the quality expected of Cherry Adair and Mariah Stewart, Christy Reece’s first novel is a terrific romantic suspense thriller.”—Harriet Klausner, Merry Genre Go Round Reviews 

A covert operative of Last Chance Rescue (LCR) Enterprises, Eden St. Claire has made secrets her life’s work. Seven years ago, an evening of emotional vulnerability and pure pleasure almost destroyed her. Now Eden wears her beauty like a mask, concealing any hint of vulnerability or the demons of her past.

A daring rescue of an innocent girl on a Greek island leads Eden to a new partner. Jordan Montgomery has been looking for Eden–though he knows her by another name, from another time. But his search for her is overshadowed by a case that’s gone international. A powerful, ruthless, organized network is stealing women and children around the world. And a lover, a traitor, and a killer all wait for Eden’s next move.

“A sizzling new suspense trilogy bursts onto the scene as Reece invites readers to join the adventures of Last Chance Rescue Enterprises. . . . Plenty of danger and intrigue make this a promising series launch!”—Romantic Times Magazine 

“Rescue Me is an exciting magnetic story. . . . Oh, yes!”—Fresh Fiction 

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Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

After eighteen years, Christy Reece left her career at a major insurance company and pursued her dream of writing. She holds a BSW from the University of Memphis and is a member of Romance Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. Christy Reece lives in Alabama with her husband, two adorable canines, and one very shy turtle. Rescue Me is her first novel in a three-book series.

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Prologue


Chin in hand, Devon Winters crumbled the last of her blueberry muffin with her fingers. Sunshine flooded the area around the sparkling blue pool where Louisa set up breakfast every morning at six- thirty, as long as weather permitted. And somehow, except for a few months of winter, weather almost always permitted. Devon figured her mother controlled Washington, D.C., weather just as she controlled everything else in her life. The skies dare not rain on Alise Stevens’s parade, or breakfast. 

The one time Louisa defied her mother’s edict, thinking it might rain, and had set up breakfast in the morning room, was a day Devon preferred not to think about. Having learned a painful lesson years ago, Devon worked hard not to put her mother into that kind of frenzied fury. Unfortunately, Louisa discovered the hard way, too, but at least she hadn’t suffered the same punishment. Being screamed at was preferable to being locked in a dark closet. 

“Devon, must you slump like a Neanderthal? By the time you graduate, you’ll be humpbacked.” 

Without a glance at her mother, Devon automatically sat up straighter. 

“Henry, don’t forget, dinner tomorrow night at the Tollivers’. Though I’d much rather not go. That embarrassing incident with their daughter makes it so awkward. But the Tollivers are one of the oldest families in D.C. society. It could be damaging if we don’t make an appearance.” 

Henry Stevens bent his morning paper ever so slightly, and his thin face peered over the edge. “The incident you refer to was tragic, not embarrassing. Their daughter died of a drug overdose.” 

Doing what she’d done for as long as Devon could remember, Alise ignored her husband’s comment. “Also, the fund- raising event for Senator Mallard is set for a week from Tuesday. I’ve told Louisa three times to make sure your new tuxedo is cleaned. I do hope she can remember. It seems the older she gets, the more forgetful she is. Perhaps we should consider getting new help.” 

This time the paper came all the way down. Her stepfather rarely lost his temper, but Devon could tell an event was brewing. She held her breath. 

“Louisa has been with me for years. Do not even think about letting her go. Do you understand?” 

Alise waved a thin, elegant hand, not one bit intimidated by her husband’s anger. “Really, Henry. You act as though I meant to kill her. I simply believe that–” Henry turned his gaze to Devon. “Sweetheart, if you’re through with breakfast, why don’t you go get ready for school?” 

Eager to miss the coming fireworks, Devon jumped to her feet. Unfortunately, Devon’s movements distracted Alise, calling attention to the daughter who never pleased her. Critical eyes skimmed over Devon’s body. “I noticed yesterday that your school uniform is getting too tight. You do realize that you’re not going to get a new one this year, don’t you?” 

“Yes, Mother.” 

“Then I suggest you stop stuffing yourself like a pig at every meal, or you’ll soon look like one. Thankfully, your new school doesn’t require uniforms. They can get so expensive.” The muffin Devon had consumed turned to lead in her stomach. “What do you mean, my new school?” 

Her mother raised an eyebrow. “Just that. Next year, you’ll be attending a boarding school in Boston.” The sound of Henry’s newspaper being crumpled barely penetrated her shocked mind. They were sending her away? 

Her stepfather’s concerned face appeared in front of her. “We were going to tell you this weekend.” He shot a loathing glance at his wife, then turned back to Devon. “I think you’ll like it there. Meet new friends, see new places.” 

Devon could only stare up at him as bewildered hurt trampled over her heart. Henry had always been her champion against her mother. Why was he going along with this? “You don’t want me anymore?” 

Her mother huffed a loud, exasperated sigh. “Stop the dramatics, Devon. You’ll do what we tell you to do. Now, go get ready for school. If you’re late this morning, I won’t write an excuse for you. You can just spend time in detention.” 

Henry pulled Devon to him in a hug, then released her and gave her one of his encouraging smiles. “We’ll talk about it this weekend, sugar. But I promise it’s not because I don’t want you here. I just think you’d really enjoy it. And they’re very excited you’re coming. I told them how smart you are and how you pick up languages so easily. The headmistress can’t wait to meet you. She’s going to design a curriculum especially for you, with all of your favorite things.” 

“For heaven’s sake, Henry, stop coddling her. It’s the reason she needs to go away. You treat her like a baby. It’s time she grew up.” 

Henry twisted his head around and snarled, “For God’s sake, Alise. She’s only thirteen years old. For once, please act like a real mother.” 

Fear whipped through Devon at the expression on her mother’s face. Despite the hurt at being sent away, she couldn’t prevent her legs from backing up as she saw her mother rise. 

“You bastard, I am her mother. I could easily have aborted her or given her up for adoption. Instead, I’ve given her a home, and what credit do I get? None.” Looking as though he wanted to sit down and cry with Devon, Henry straightened. Nudging her gently with his hand, he whispered, “Go on, sweetie. We’ll talk later.” Though tears flooded her eyes at her mother’s cruel words, self- preservation had her nodding in agreement. She whirled around, took a running step, and slammed into a hard body. Her head jerked up; all breath left her lungs. 

“Whoa there, squirt. You okay?” Jordan Montgomery looked down at her. Though his mouth lifted in a small smile, the sympathy and anger in his beautiful dark brown eyes told her he’d heard every humiliating word her mother had hurled at her. 

Mortification and extreme delight created an odd jumble of emotions inside her. She worked hard at showing only the delight. Unfortunately, the tears rolling down her face spoiled her act. 

Gentle, masculine fingers wiped a tear off her cheek. “You know, in another couple of years, Henry will be beating the boys back with a stick.” 

Even though a part of her knew he was only teasing, trying to make her feel better, the part that held her heart couldn’t resist a shiver. Jordan thought she would be beautiful someday. Suddenly her day seemed brighter. 

“Jordan, how delightful.” Her mother stood right behind her, her voice lowered to a husky softness. “We didn’t know you were coming.” 

Jordan’s deep voice rumbled over Devon’s head. “I’m on...

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Verlag
Ballantine Books
Erscheinungsdatum
2009
Sprache
Englisch
ISBN 10 
0345505425
ISBN 13 
9780345505422
Einband
Taschenbuch
Anzahl der Seiten
384
Kontakt zum Hersteller
Nicht verfügbar
Verantwortliche Person
Nicht verfügbar

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