Sharon Sala - Race Against Time

Sometimes fate brings you together...only to tear you apart

Growing up in the foster system, Quinn O’Meara made a point of never getting involved. But when she discovers a crying baby amid a fiery crime scene, she knows she has no choice. Suddenly in way over her head, Quinn turns to the police, unintentionally positioning herself in the crosshairs of a deadly human-trafficking ring.

The last time homicide detective Nick Saldano saw Quinn, she was still the young girl he’d shared a foster home with. The girl who’d loved and cared for him when no one else had. Now here she was, gorgeously all grown-up—and in terrible danger.

Unwilling to lose her again, Nick insists on keeping Quinn close, especially when the bond they once shared heatedly slides into desire. Quinn finally has someone worth holding on to, but what kind of future can they have when she might not live to see tomorrow?

Praise for the novels of New York Times bestselling author Sharon Sala

“[T]he Youngblood family is a force to be reckoned with.... [W]atching this family gather around and protect its own is an uplifting tribute to familial love.”

—RT Book Reviews on Family Sins

“[A] soul-wrenching story of love, heartache, and murder that is practically impossible to put down.... If you love emotional tales of love, family, and justice, then look no further... Sharon Sala has yet another winner on her hands.”

—FreshFiction.com on Family Sins

“So many twists and turns, and the ending will shock readers. Another stellar book to add to Sala’s collection!”

—RT Book Reviews on Dark Hearts

“Sala is a master at telling a story that is both romantic and suspenseful.... With this amazing story, Sala proves why she is one of the best writers in the genre.”

—RT Book Reviews on Wild Hearts

“Skillfully balancing suspense and romance, Sala gives readers a nonstop breath-holding adventure.”

—Publishers Weekly on Going Once

“Vivid, gripping... This thriller keeps the pages turning.”

—Library Journal on Torn Apart

“Sala’s characters are vivid and engaging.”

—Publishers Weekly on Cut Throat

Race Against Time

Sharon Sala

Some people never have to face an unexpected life-or-death situation, so they go their whole lives wondering when tested, how they might have fared.

But there are others who found out the hard way, through no fault of their own, how ugly the dark side of life can be. Some don’t make it. But the ones who do are the ultimate survivors. Warriors from another time who, when faced with death, refuse to accept it. They fight with everything in them, raging against the helplessness, to go down fighting rather than roll over and die.

I dedicate this book to my daughter, Kathy, and all the others like her, who fought back and persevered.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Sometimes fate brings you together...only to tear you apart Growing up in the foster system, Quinn O’Meara made a point of never getting involved. But when she discovers a crying baby amid a fiery crime scene, she knows she has no choice. Suddenly in way over her head, Quinn turns to the police, unintentionally positioning herself in the crosshairs of a deadly human-trafficking ring. The last time homicide detective Nick Saldano saw Quinn, she was still the young girl he’d shared a foster home with. The girl who’d loved and cared for him when no one else had. Now here she was, gorgeously all grown-up—and in terrible danger. Unwilling to lose her again, Nick insists on keeping Quinn close, especially when the bond they once shared heatedly slides into desire. Quinn finally has someone worth holding on to, but what kind of future can they have when she might not live to see tomorrow?

Praise Praise for the novels of New York Times bestselling author Sharon Sala “[T]he Youngblood family is a force to be reckoned with.... [W]atching this family gather around and protect its own is an uplifting tribute to familial love.” —RT Book Reviews on Family Sins “[A] soul-wrenching story of love, heartache, and murder that is practically impossible to put down.... If you love emotional tales of love, family, and justice, then look no further... Sharon Sala has yet another winner on her hands.” —FreshFiction.com on Family Sins “So many twists and turns, and the ending will shock readers. Another stellar book to add to Sala’s collection!” —RT Book Reviews on Dark Hearts “Sala is a master at telling a story that is both romantic and suspenseful.... With this amazing story, Sala proves why she is one of the best writers in the genre.” —RT Book Reviews on Wild Hearts “Skillfully balancing suspense and romance, Sala gives readers a nonstop breath-holding adventure.” —Publishers Weekly on Going Once “Vivid, gripping... This thriller keeps the pages turning.” —Library Journal on Torn Apart “Sala’s characters are vivid and engaging.” —Publishers Weekly on Cut Throat

Title Page Race Against Time Sharon Sala

Dedication Some people never have to face an unexpected life-or-death situation, so they go their whole lives wondering when tested, how they might have fared. But there are others who found out the hard way, through no fault of their own, how ugly the dark side of life can be. Some don’t make it. But the ones who do are the ultimate survivors. Warriors from another time who, when faced with death, refuse to accept it. They fight with everything in them, raging against the helplessness, to go down fighting rather than roll over and die. I dedicate this book to my daughter, Kathy, and all the others like her, who fought back and persevered.

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

One

It was a hot Saturday evening in Nashville, Tennessee, when seventeen-year-old Starla Davis came running up the hall carrying an overnight bag in one hand and her car keys in the other.

She stopped by the recliner her dad, John, was sitting in to kiss his forehead.

“’Bye, Daddy, I’m off to Lara’s house. We’re going to the movies. I’ll be home sometime in the morning.”

“’Bye, sugar. Drive safely and have a good time.”

“I will. Mama! I’m leaving now!” she yelled.

Her mother, Connie, came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands.

“Supper is almost ready. Sure you don’t want to eat before you leave? It’s meat loaf and mashed potatoes. Your favorite.”

“Sounds wonderful, but we’ll eat popcorn and junk at the movie,” she said and kissed her mother goodbye. “See you in the morning.”

“Good. Leaves more for me,” her brother, Justin, said as he walked through the living room.

Starla made a face at him.

He was laughing when she opened the door.

“Have fun!” her mother said.

“I will. Love you!”

And then she was gone.

She had a slight twinge of conscience as she drove away because she’d lied to her parents about where she was going, and she’d never lied to them before. But that wasn’t the extent of the lie. She’d also lied to get a fake ID last week so she could get in at a club on the outskirts of Nashville to meet the boy she’d met online. They’d been talking for weeks, FaceTiming on a regular basis.