Detecting Danger

EXPLOSIVE SECRETS

When a bomb explodes at the Washington Monument, the Capitol K-9 Unit goes on high alert. Though injured in the blast, K-9 cop Isaac Black is determined to get to the bottom of the situation. He’ll follow every lead, including investigating his ER nurse’s suspicious behavior. He soon learns Daniella Dunne has long been in a witness protection program. And it’s apparent that her identity has been compromised. The killer she once sent to prison—her own father—has been released and vows revenge. As Isaac and his stalwart beagle safeguard Daniella at his family’s farm, a murderer with a personal score to settle lurks in the shadows…

Capitol K-9 Unit: These lawmen solve the toughest cases with the help of their brave canine partners

“You can tell me,” Isaac said.

Daniella pulled away. “Tell you what?”

“Why you’re so afraid.”

He thought she was going to leave the hospital room without replying, but then she said, “I just hate bombs, that’s all. They’re so indiscriminate. So lethal.”

Isaac nodded. “This one wasn’t much, if that helps any.”

The heartrending look in her emerald-green eyes penetrated his defenses despite his strong resolve. It had been a long time since he’d seen that much poignancy and sorrow in a person’s gaze.

This shy, quiet woman had given his heart a twist without saying a word.

Why is she so afraid?

* * *

CAPITOL K-9 UNIT:

These lawmen solve the toughest cases with the help of their brave canine partners

Protection Detail—Shirlee McCoy, March 2015

Duty Bound Guardian—Terri Reed, April 2015 Trail of Evidence—Lynette Eason, May 2015 Security Breach—Margaret Daley, June 2015 Detecting Danger—Valerie Hansen, July 2015 Proof of Innocence—Lenora Worth, August 2015

VALERIE HANSEN was thirty when she awoke to the presence of the Lord in her life and turned to Jesus. She now lives in a renovated farmhouse in the breathtakingly beautiful Ozark mountains of Arkansas and is privileged to share her personal faith by telling the stories of her heart for Love Inspired. Life doesn’t get much better than that!

Detecting Danger

Valerie Hansen

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

—Isaiah 41:10

To my Joe, who is with me in spirit, looking over

my shoulder and offering moral support as I write. He always will be.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EIGHTEEN

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

ONE

“Capitol K-9 Unit Five, safety check at Washington Monument complete,” Isaac Black radioed via the com-link he wore. “DC police are also on scene for crowd control.”

“Copy,” echoed back into his earpiece. “Stand by.”

Isaac turned his attention to Detective David Delvecchio of the DC Metro squad and smiled. “You look like something’s bugging you. What’s the matter?”

“I’m just not fond of congressmen who throw their weight around and cause unnecessary overtime.” He eyed the gaggle of news vans and cameramen surrounding Harland Jeffries. “If he wants to grandstand he should do it on his own turf.”

“And preferably during office hours,” Isaac added. He glanced down at Abby, his brown-and-white bomb-detecting beagle. She had stretched out on the grassy verge skirting the Washington Monument, panting and cooling off after the excitement of doing her job. “At least one of us is happy to be working tonight.”

“Yeah. I’m sure glad we have you and the rest of the K-9 team on call. My men didn’t have time to do a proper sweep of this area. By the time we got the word about the congressman’s impromptu press conference, we only had an hour to deploy.”

Isaac nodded. “Not to worry. If Abby says there’s no bomb on the grounds, it’s safe. You can trust her.”

“I do,” Delvecchio replied.

Curious tourists were gathering outside the police line, milling around and straining to get a peek at whoever was the center of attention. Politicians and their aides in dark business suits stood out against the colorful garb of the bystanders as Secret Service agents would have at a three-ring circus performance.

Isaac was about to withdraw to his SUV and wait to be released when he noticed his dog stiffen and ease to her feet. Since he had not given the command, her independent actions drew his attention.

“Abby?” He crouched, following the beagle’s line of sight. She was clearly focused on the small group nearest to the congressman. “What is it, girl?”

Instead of relaxing, the dog froze in place, her hackles bristling. Her nose quivered. Her tail was half-raised and still. If they had not just completed a search of the premises Isaac would think...

He stood and grabbed the detective’s sleeve. “Pull everybody back. Clear the area. Now!” Isaac’s commanding tone left no doubt of his seriousness.