Shirlee McCoy - Exit Strategy

THE WIDOW’S PROTECTOR

Lark Porter thinks she’ll find answers about her husband’s death when she returns to their former home, but someone doesn’t like the questions she’s asking. She’s quickly taken captive, and all that stands between her and certain death is a mysterious stranger telling her to trust him if she wants to get out alive. Hostage Rescue and Extraction Team member Cyrus Mitchell marvels at Lark’s strength and determination to survive. The closer they get to freedom, the more dangerous the situation becomes. Once free, though, it takes all the skills and training Cyrus has to outmaneuver the deadly killers on their trail.

Mission: Rescue—No job is too dangerous for these fearless heroes

“If he comes back, I’ll fight for you. You’ll fight for you. Between the two of us, we should be able to keep you safe.”

“Who’s going to keep you safe?” Lark asked.

“I’m pretty good at doing that myself,” Cyrus said, taking her arm and leading her around the side of the building.

“I’m pretty good at doing it, too, Cyrus,” Lark said as she lowered herself into the passenger seat of the car. “But even people who are good at taking care of themselves, people who have always kept themselves safe, need help sometimes. I learned that while I was lying in that trailer praying that God would send someone to help me. I’m not going to forget that you were the one He sent. And, if you’re ever in trouble, if you’re ever at the point where you really do need someone to step in, I can guarantee you that I’ll be the first to show up.”

She closed the door before he could respond.

It was for the best. Cyrus wasn’t sure what he would have said.

Aside from her faith and her family, there’s not much SHIRLEE MCCOYenjoys more than a good book! When she’s not teaching or chauffeuring her five kids, she can usually be found plotting her next Love Inspired Suspense story or wandering around the beautiful Inland Northwest in search of inspiration. Shirlee loves to hear from readers. If you have time, drop her a line at shirlee@shirleemccoy.com.

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

—1 Corinthians 4:5

To Ronda Tumberg, who has always spelled my name correctly.

In loving memory of her sweet son Radley Eaton, who lived the entirety of his life in just a few short days, but who touched more hearts in that time than most people ever will.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text THE WIDOW’S PROTECTOR Lark Porter thinks she’ll find answers about her husband’s death when she returns to their former home, but someone doesn’t like the questions she’s asking. She’s quickly taken captive, and all that stands between her and certain death is a mysterious stranger telling her to trust him if she wants to get out alive. Hostage Rescue and Extraction Team member Cyrus Mitchell marvels at Lark’s strength and determination to survive. The closer they get to freedom, the more dangerous the situation becomes. Once free, though, it takes all the skills and training Cyrus has to outmaneuver the deadly killers on their trail. Mission: Rescue—No job is too dangerous for these fearless heroes

Introduction “If he comes back, I’ll fight for you. You’ll fight for you. Between the two of us, we should be able to keep you safe.” “Who’s going to keep you safe?” Lark asked. “I’m pretty good at doing that myself,” Cyrus said, taking her arm and leading her around the side of the building. “I’m pretty good at doing it, too, Cyrus,” Lark said as she lowered herself into the passenger seat of the car. “But even people who are good at taking care of themselves, people who have always kept themselves safe, need help sometimes. I learned that while I was lying in that trailer praying that God would send someone to help me. I’m not going to forget that you were the one He sent. And, if you’re ever in trouble, if you’re ever at the point where you really do need someone to step in, I can guarantee you that I’ll be the first to show up.” She closed the door before he could respond. It was for the best. Cyrus wasn’t sure what he would have said.

About the Author Aside from her faith and her family, there’s not much SHIRLEE MCCOY enjoys more than a good book! When she’s not teaching or chauffeuring her five kids, she can usually be found plotting her next Love Inspired Suspense story or wandering around the beautiful Inland Northwest in search of inspiration. Shirlee loves to hear from readers. If you have time, drop her a line at shirlee@shirleemccoy.com.

Title Page Exit Strategy Shirlee McCoy www.millsandboon.co.uk

Epigraph Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. —1 Corinthians 4:5

Dedication To Ronda Tumberg, who has always spelled my name correctly. In loving memory of her sweet son Radley Eaton, who lived the entirety of his life in just a few short days, but who touched more hearts in that time than most people ever will.

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EPILOGUE

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

ONE

C old.

It speared through Lark Porter’s long-sleeved sweater, settled deep into her bones. She shivered, clenching her teeth to keep them from chattering. The slivers of light that seeped through the cracks in the trailer during the day had disappeared hours ago. She’d waited, because she’d wanted Elijah Clayton’s security team to think she had given up. She hadn’t.

She wouldn’t. Not now. Not in another day or two or three. Joshua deserved better than what he’d gotten. He deserved justice. She’d come to Amos Way to get it for him. She wouldn’t quit before she accomplished that goal.

An image of her husband flashed through her mind. The way he’d been on their wedding day, happy and smiling, his dark suit just a little big in the shoulders. Joshua had written his own vows, promising to cherish Lark’s heart for as long as they both lived.

Three years.

That was all they’d had.

Elijah’s doing, and she planned to prove it.

Or die trying.

She rolled to her side, turning her back to the security camera and shimmying forward until her hands were level with the nail that stuck out of the wall. At least she’d been tied up with her hands in front of her. Every night, she tried to cut through the ropes that held her wrists. Every night, she failed.

Tonight might be different.