Elizabeth Goddard - Tailspin

DIVING INTO DANGER

Nothing can stop Sylvie Masters from scuba diving to find her mother’s downed plane—except possibly the hit man determined to keep the truth from surfacing. When brave bush pilot Will Pierson comes to her rescue, she knows she can still reach her goal, but she needs his help. Will wants answers about the crash, too, especially since his mother was the missing plane’s pilot. He’ll be the hero Sylvie needs, but can he ever trust her? Sylvie is shrouded in secrets that keep leading her back to Mountain Cove. Secrets someone will kill for. Will may protect her, yet no one can persuade her to end her search...not even a killer.

Mountain Cove: In the Alaskan wilderness, love and danger collide.

What was that noise?

It penetrated her sleep and she sat up. Will stood at the open door, silhouetted in the morning light.

Whomp-whomp-whomp.

Realization dawned. A helicopter. Someone to rescue them.

Newfound energy surged through Sylvie, and she ran to Will on her injured ankle. “Why aren’t you out there signaling them?” She pushed by, prepared to limp outside. “If you won’t, then I will.”

“Sylvie, no.” He gripped her shoulders, his eyes imploring her to listen. “The help I radioed for won’t be here for hours.” He nodded toward the helicopter. “That’s not our help.”

She froze. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying that could be the men after you.”

She backed away from him. “No, that can’t be. How—”

A spray of bullets ricocheted through the woods. Will slammed the door and pressed his back against it. Determination was carved into his features. “We have to get out of here.”

A chunk of fear lodged in her throat. When would this end? She knew the answer…and that was what scared her.

ELIZABETH GODDARD is an award-winning author of over twenty novels, including the romantic mystery The Camera Never Lies—winner of a prestigious Carol Award in 2011. After acquiring her computer science degree, she worked at a software firm before eventually retiring to raise her four children and become a professional writer. In addition to writing, she homeschools her children and serves with her husband in ministry.

Tailspin

Elizabeth Goddard

www.millsandboon.co.uk

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

— Isaiah 40:31

To my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,

who truly does renew my strength.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FOURTEEN FIFTEEN SIXTEEN SEVENTEEN EIGHTEEN NINETEEN Dear Reader Extract Copyright

When it comes time to write acknowledgments, there are so many people I want to thank. Too many to name in a short paragraph, but all my heartfelt gratitude goes to my family—my parents and grandparents who encouraged me, always telling me that I could be whatever I wanted to be. They taught me the sky was the limit. To dream as big as I wanted to dream and accomplish even more. The journey to this place of living my dream of writing novels has taken years, and it’s a journey I would never have made without God, who continued to nudge and direct me to answer His call. Along the way I’ve made many deep and lasting friendships—my partners in writing and in life. You know who you are. Thank you. I want to thank my wonderful editor Elizabeth Mazer, for your encouragement and suggestions that make my books the best they can be. I could never forget my amazing agent, Steve Laube.

Thank you for believing in me.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text DIVING INTO DANGER Nothing can stop Sylvie Masters from scuba diving to find her mother’s downed plane—except possibly the hit man determined to keep the truth from surfacing. When brave bush pilot Will Pierson comes to her rescue, she knows she can still reach her goal, but she needs his help. Will wants answers about the crash, too, especially since his mother was the missing plane’s pilot. He’ll be the hero Sylvie needs, but can he ever trust her? Sylvie is shrouded in secrets that keep leading her back to Mountain Cove. Secrets someone will kill for. Will may protect her, yet no one can persuade her to end her search...not even a killer. Mountain Cove: In the Alaskan wilderness, love and danger collide.

Introduction What was that noise? It penetrated her sleep and she sat up. Will stood at the open door, silhouetted in the morning light. Whomp-whomp-whomp. Realization dawned. A helicopter. Someone to rescue them. Newfound energy surged through Sylvie, and she ran to Will on her injured ankle. “Why aren’t you out there signaling them?” She pushed by, prepared to limp outside. “If you won’t, then I will.” “Sylvie, no.” He gripped her shoulders, his eyes imploring her to listen. “The help I radioed for won’t be here for hours.” He nodded toward the helicopter. “That’s not our help.” She froze. “What are you saying?” “I’m saying that could be the men after you.” She backed away from him. “No, that can’t be. How—” A spray of bullets ricocheted through the woods. Will slammed the door and pressed his back against it. Determination was carved into his features. “We have to get out of here.” A chunk of fear lodged in her throat. When would this end? She knew the answer…and that was what scared her.

About the Author ELIZABETH GODDARD is an award-winning author of over twenty novels, including the romantic mystery The Camera Never Lies—winner of a prestigious Carol Award in 2011. After acquiring her computer science degree, she worked at a software firm before eventually retiring to raise her four children and become a professional writer. In addition to writing, she homeschools her children and serves with her husband in ministry.

Title Page Tailspin Elizabeth Goddard www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. — Isaiah 40:31

Dedication To my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who truly does renew my strength.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Acknowledgments ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FOURTEEN FIFTEEN SIXTEEN SEVENTEEN EIGHTEEN NINETEEN Dear Reader Extract Copyright When it comes time to write acknowledgments, there are so many people I want to thank. Too many to name in a short paragraph, but all my heartfelt gratitude goes to my family—my parents and grandparents who encouraged me, always telling me that I could be whatever I wanted to be. They taught me the sky was the limit. To dream as big as I wanted to dream and accomplish even more. The journey to this place of living my dream of writing novels has taken years, and it’s a journey I would never have made without God, who continued to nudge and direct me to answer His call. Along the way I’ve made many deep and lasting friendships—my partners in writing and in life. You know who you are. Thank you. I want to thank my wonderful editor Elizabeth Mazer, for your encouragement and suggestions that make my books the best they can be. I could never forget my amazing agent, Steve Laube. Thank you for believing in me.

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