Eagle's Last Stand

“We’ve lost our brakes. Hold on.”

He glanced at Kim. Her eyes were wide with fear.

Ahead was a sharp curve and a steep drop. At this speed they’d fly over the edge. Rick had no choice. He rammed into a scrub oak thicket. They fishtailed, then finally slid to a stop, dust enveloping them in a cloud.

“This was no accident,” she said.

He crawled beneath the SUV and studied the damage. “You're right. Someone cut the brake line.” When he came back out, his jaw was set. “I let my guard down, Kim. I'm sorry.”

“I don't understand.”

“I'm on the job. I should know better than to get so distracted by you.”

“I wouldn't trade a second of what happened between us,” she said, holding his gaze. “It drew us closer, and if you allow it, it'll make us even stronger.”

It could also get them killed …

Dear Reader,

Aimée always believed in the power of love, and the forty-three year romance we shared kept us together from the moment we met. I was with her when she died in February, just a few weeks after completing Eagle’s Last Stand. We spent those days side by side—I had her back, and she had my heart. Those hours were precious because we were together, doing what we loved most. There were no regrets. Aimée was at peace, in our own home with her beloved pets, friends and family.

I’m proud to have been the husband, lover, best friend and writing partner of one of the most talented individuals I’ve ever known. We worked as a team, but it was Aimée who led the way, creating these stories of love, family, loyalty and honor that will live well beyond her life here on earth.

As you read Eagle’s Last Stand, open your mind to the words, thoughts and feelings that flow from Aimée’s heart into your own, and never forget that friendship, love and romance can last longer than a lifetime.

In Aimée’s own words—“With love we can soar and accomplish anything.”

David Thurlo

Eagle’sLast Stand

Aimée Thurlo

www.millsandboon.co.uk

IN MEMORIAM

Aimée Thurlo was an internationally known bestselling author of mystery and romantic suspense novels. She was the winner of a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews, a New Mexico Book Award in contemporary fiction and a Willa Cather Award in the same category.

Aimée was born in Havana, Cuba, and lived with her husband and writing partner, David, in Corrales, New Mexico, in a rural neighborhood filled with horses, alpacas, camels and other assorted livestock. David was raised on the Navajo Indian Nation. His background and cultural knowledge inspired many of the Aimée Thurlo stories for Mills & Boon Intrigue.

We at Mills & Boon are saddened by the loss of Aimée and collectively send our deepest condolences to David. Aimée was a genuine and lovely woman who we, along with her many fans, will miss greatly.

Contents

Cover

Excerpt

Dear Reader

Title Page

IN MEMORIAM

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

He’d wondered what this night would be like, and now he knew. Rick Cloud smiled as he looked around the private dining room his foster brothers and their wives had reserved for his homecoming. For years the Brickhouse Tavern had been one of their favorite watering holes, so it had been the perfect place for the celebration.

Gene Redhouse, the only rancher among the six Navajo men, came up and patted him on the back. “Welcome home,” he said, then laughed as he saw their brothers Kyle Goodluck and Daniel Hawk clear away part of the heavy trestle table so they could arm wrestle. “They’re at it again.”

“Some things never change.” Rick’s eyes strayed to the pretty hostess as she moved around the room, making sure everyone’s glasses were filled and watching over them like a beautiful guardian angel. She was tall and slender, with shoulder-length honey-colored blond hair and beautiful green eyes that didn’t seem to miss even the tiniest of details. As he watched, she took away an empty dish of guacamole and replaced it with spicy salsa and blue corn tortilla chips.

“That’s Kim Nelson. Do you remember her from high school?”

“I never met her. If I had, I would have remembered,” Rick said without hesitation.

“She was a freshman when you were a senior,” Gene said. “To hear her talk when we were discussing the plans for tonight, I think she used to have a thing for you. Kyle says it’s because you were quarterback, but I fail to see the reasoning. You hand off or throw the ball, take some hits and run the option once in a while. Barely got your jersey dirty most games.”

“Jealous, bro?” Rick said, and laughed.

“Nah. I’m the one who ended up with the prize,” he said, looking across the room at the pretty brunette watching the match. “Lori’s the perfect wife for a cowboy like me.”