Sandra Robbins - Point Blank

FATAL BULL’S-EYE

For archery expert Hannah Riley and her daughter, nowhere on her Smoky Mountain ranch is safe with someone aiming to kill her. She’s not sure why they want her dead, but with the help of her best friend, Sheriff Ben Whitman, she won’t give up until she knows—and stops them. Hannah’s comeback in competitive mounted archery is looming, though, and time is running out to uncover the truth. Years ago Ben promised Hannah’s late husband he’d watch over her. But guarding her proves more dangerous than the stalker when Ben is forced to confront his growing feelings for Hannah. He can’t lose another woman he loves...but if Ben wants to save her and her little girl, every move he makes must be on target.

“Will I ever be safe again?”

Tears filled her eyes. “I keep hearing what he said about payback, and seeing his face—”

Ben took her hand. “I’ve ordered a unit to stay outside until morning, and a crew is coming to install a security system then. About Faith...I’m not sure it’s a good idea to send her to school tomorrow.”

“You’re always thinking of us.” Hannah placed a hand on his cheek. “I’m so thankful for you.”

As he was for her.

He stood and pulled her to her feet. “Go on to bed. You’re safe for tonight.”

“But what about all the nights after that? What am I going to do?”

He put his arm around her. “Let me worry about that.”

Ben watched her go, her questions echoing in his head. How was he going to protect her? For now, all he could do was wait and see what else this guy had planned for Hannah and pray he’d be able to stop him.

Before it was too late.

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

I hope you enjoyed reading Point Blank. The idea for this book is a result of my daughter’s interest in mounted archery. It is a sport that combines excellent horsemanship with the accuracy of archery. Perseverance in learning these skills is of vital importance if someone expects to excel in this sport. So it is in life. Each day we must persevere if we are to live the life that God expects of us. Sometimes the mistakes we’ve made in our pasts come back to remind us of what we once were, but Jesus’s teachings tell us that we must always look to the future and put away those things that are behind us. We must press on as if we are in a race and are determined to win. If you haven’t accepted this attitude in your life, I pray that you will. He is waiting to give you the peace you’re seeking.

Sandra Robbins

SANDRA ROBBINSis an award-winning, multipublished author of Christian fiction who lives with her husband in Tennessee. Without the support of her wonderful husband, four children and five grandchildren, it would be impossible for her to write. It is her prayer that God will use her words to plant seeds of hope in the lives of her readers so they may come to know the peace she draws from her life.

Point Blank

Sandra Robbins

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

—Philippians 3:13–14

To Marti,

for introducing me to the world of mounted archery.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text FATAL BULL’S-EYE For archery expert Hannah Riley and her daughter, nowhere on her Smoky Mountain ranch is safe with someone aiming to kill her. She’s not sure why they want her dead, but with the help of her best friend, Sheriff Ben Whitman, she won’t give up until she knows—and stops them. Hannah’s comeback in competitive mounted archery is looming, though, and time is running out to uncover the truth. Years ago Ben promised Hannah’s late husband he’d watch over her. But guarding her proves more dangerous than the stalker when Ben is forced to confront his growing feelings for Hannah. He can’t lose another woman he loves...but if Ben wants to save her and her little girl, every move he makes must be on target.

Introduction “Will I ever be safe again?” Tears filled her eyes. “I keep hearing what he said about payback, and seeing his face—” Ben took her hand. “I’ve ordered a unit to stay outside until morning, and a crew is coming to install a security system then. About Faith...I’m not sure it’s a good idea to send her to school tomorrow.” “You’re always thinking of us.” Hannah placed a hand on his cheek. “I’m so thankful for you.” As he was for her. He stood and pulled her to her feet. “Go on to bed. You’re safe for tonight.” “But what about all the nights after that? What am I going to do?” He put his arm around her. “Let me worry about that.” Ben watched her go, her questions echoing in his head. How was he going to protect her? For now, all he could do was wait and see what else this guy had planned for Hannah and pray he’d be able to stop him. Before it was too late.

Dear Reader Dear Reader Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction Dear Reader About the Author Title Page Bible Verse Dedication ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FOURTEEN Extract Copyright , I hope you enjoyed reading Point Blank. The idea for this book is a result of my daughter’s interest in mounted archery. It is a sport that combines excellent horsemanship with the accuracy of archery. Perseverance in learning these skills is of vital importance if someone expects to excel in this sport. So it is in life. Each day we must persevere if we are to live the life that God expects of us. Sometimes the mistakes we’ve made in our pasts come back to remind us of what we once were, but Jesus’s teachings tell us that we must always look to the future and put away those things that are behind us. We must press on as if we are in a race and are determined to win. If you haven’t accepted this attitude in your life, I pray that you will. He is waiting to give you the peace you’re seeking. Sandra Robbins

About the Author SANDRA ROBBINS is an award-winning, multipublished author of Christian fiction who lives with her husband in Tennessee. Without the support of her wonderful husband, four children and five grandchildren, it would be impossible for her to write. It is her prayer that God will use her words to plant seeds of hope in the lives of her readers so they may come to know the peace she draws from her life.

Title Page Point Blank Sandra Robbins www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 3:13–14

Dedication To Marti, for introducing me to the world of mounted archery.

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

Extract

Copyright

ONE

Hannah felt the gun pressed to her back the minute she returned the nozzle to the gas pump. She stiffened and glanced over her shoulder. A man, his face obscured by a black hoodie, nudged her with the gun again.