Shirlee McCoy - Deadly Christmas Secrets

THE CHRISTMAS TARGET

When new evidence surfaces that Harper Shelby’s niece is possibly alive, Harper doesn’t expect it to endanger her life. For her protection, she has to put her much-guarded trust in Logan Fitzgerald, the man who unknowingly led a killer to her doorstep. Hired to track Harper down, security and rescue expert Logan doesn’t like that he’s been used to find a woman who someone apparently wants dead. Now he won’t leave Harper’s side until he can guarantee her safety and untangle the truth from the lies regarding her sister’s and niece’s murders. The closer they get to finding answers, the more intent the killer becomes on making sure that there won’t be a family reunion—or happily-ever-after—for Harper this Christmas.

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

Finding Harper had put her in danger. He felt responsible for her. Whether Harper thought so or not.

“I’ve been found. Your mission is complete, Logan. I don’t know why I even agreed to let you stand guard tonight, but you did that, too. Now it’s over. The bad guy is gone. I’m safe. Don’t put yourself at any more risk on my account.”

She sounded tired, and he wondered what it must feel like to go from a peaceful and quiet existence to chaos and trouble.

“My job,” he responded, “is filled with risk. This is no different.”

“It is, because this isn’t your job anymore. You did what you were paid for,” she argued.

“We’re wasting time discussing it,” he said. “Every minute that we spend talking, the guy after you is a little closer to escaping.”

“If he’s injured, he’ll show up at a hospital. The police can arrest him there.”

“I’m not taking chances. That’s not how I work. I led the guy here. I’m going to make sure he’s caught.”

Dear Reader Dear Reader About the Author Title Page Bible Verse Dedication ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FOURTEEN FIFTEEN Extract Copyright ,

There are times when life is hard. We struggle, we worry, we fight to hold on to what we’ve striven so hard for, but the more we struggle, the harder it is to grasp. It is easy to stand in those moments, wondering where God is. It is easy to think that He has turned from us. Yet the Bible is clear—in the deepest darkness, He is there. In the hardest moments, He is there. He will never leave or forsake those who love Him, and in this promise, we can rest. Whatever your today, I pray that your tomorrow will be bright and filled with His presence.

I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at shirlee@shirleemccoy.com or visit me on Facebook or Twitter.

Blessings,

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.

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Show me Your unfailing love in wonderful ways.

By Your mighty power You rescue those who

seek refuge from their enemies.

—Psalms 17:7

To my parents, Ed and Shirley Porter. Again. Because they are a beautiful example of what forever love means.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text THE CHRISTMAS TARGET When new evidence surfaces that Harper Shelby’s niece is possibly alive, Harper doesn’t expect it to endanger her life. For her protection, she has to put her much-guarded trust in Logan Fitzgerald, the man who unknowingly led a killer to her doorstep. Hired to track Harper down, security and rescue expert Logan doesn’t like that he’s been used to find a woman who someone apparently wants dead. Now he won’t leave Harper’s side until he can guarantee her safety and untangle the truth from the lies regarding her sister’s and niece’s murders. The closer they get to finding answers, the more intent the killer becomes on making sure that there won’t be a family reunion—or happily-ever-after—for Harper this Christmas. Mission: Rescue—No job is too dangerous for these fearless heroes

Introduction Finding Harper had put her in danger. He felt responsible for her. Whether Harper thought so or not. “I’ve been found. Your mission is complete, Logan. I don’t know why I even agreed to let you stand guard tonight, but you did that, too. Now it’s over. The bad guy is gone. I’m safe. Don’t put yourself at any more risk on my account.” She sounded tired, and he wondered what it must feel like to go from a peaceful and quiet existence to chaos and trouble. “My job,” he responded, “is filled with risk. This is no different.” “It is, because this isn’t your job anymore. You did what you were paid for,” she argued. “We’re wasting time discussing it,” he said. “Every minute that we spend talking, the guy after you is a little closer to escaping.” “If he’s injured, he’ll show up at a hospital. The police can arrest him there.” “I’m not taking chances. That’s not how I work. I led the guy here. I’m going to make sure he’s caught.”

Dear Reader Dear Reader Dear Reader About the Author Title Page Bible Verse Dedication ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FOURTEEN FIFTEEN Extract Copyright , There are times when life is hard. We struggle, we worry, we fight to hold on to what we’ve striven so hard for, but the more we struggle, the harder it is to grasp. It is easy to stand in those moments, wondering where God is. It is easy to think that He has turned from us. Yet the Bible is clear—in the deepest darkness, He is there. In the hardest moments, He is there. He will never leave or forsake those who love Him, and in this promise, we can rest. Whatever your today, I pray that your tomorrow will be bright and filled with His presence. I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at shirlee@shirleemccoy.com or visit me on Facebook or Twitter. Blessings,

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 Deadly Christmas Secrets Shirlee McCoy www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Show me Your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By Your mighty power You rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. —Psalms 17:7