Her Christmas Protector
A Sinister Silent NightTwo female ministers have been shot in the heart of Silver Valley, Pennsylvania. Now Zora Krasny, navy veteran turned undercover operative, is posing as a new preacher. That means her life's on the line, yet it's the only way to smoke out a psychopath. But she's not alone. She's got the best of the Silver Valley P.D. at her side—Detective Bryce Campbell, the high school boyfriend Zora left behind when she joined the navy. Bryce must pose as her fiancé, so he can stay close and protect Zora. It's a role they're both finding way too easy to play. But with the killer's imminent Christmas countdown, Zora and Bryce can't afford any distractions.
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A Sinister Silent Night
Two female ministers have been shot in the heart of Silver Valley, Pennsylvania. Now Zora Krasny, navy veteran turned undercover operative, is posing as a new preacher. That means her lifeâs on the line, yet itâs the only way to smoke out a psychopath. But sheâs not alone. Sheâs got the best of the Silver Valley P.D. at her sideâDetective Bryce Campbell, the high school boyfriend Zora left behind when she joined the navy. Bryce must pose as her fiancé, so he can stay close and protect Zora. Itâs a role theyâre both finding way too easy to play. But with the killerâs imminent Christmas countdown, Zora and Bryce canât afford any distractions.
Another minister attacked. Get home ASAP.
As Bryce looked over at her phone, she watched his expression go from neutral to grim.
âYou got the same message?â she asked.
âYes. Time to roll, partner.â
They made quick excuses to their tablemates and worked their way out of the ballroom.
âHe didnât wait long,â Zora said. âItâs not even officially the fourth Sunday of Advent.â
âNo.â
âHeâs probably going to try something at the Childrenâs Pageant on Christmas Eve. Thatâs the big showstopper, isnât it?â
âYou could be right. No matter what, youâre not doing this alone, Zora. Thatâs one thing about local law enforcement you should understandâno oneâs a loner. Weâre a team.â
âSo youâve mentioned. It was like that in the navy. I get it.â
âGood.â From the grim determination in his tone, she knew heâd single-handedly do whatever he had to do in order to protect her.
Welcome to Silver Valley, Pennsylvania! Silver Valley is the fictional setting for the Silver Valley P.D. series, but is based on the Cumberland and Susquehanna Valleys. Since moving here several years ago, Iâve discovered an area rich in natural beauty, historical significance and warm citizens. Itâs a place Iâm proud to be a part of. I knew I had to bring this setting to my writing, and when the characters started showing up in my head (a writerâs affliction) I followed their lead to create the SVPD series.
When I reached out to the superintendent of police, Dick Hammon, not only did he return my call but he took me on several research trips and introduced me to people critical to maintaining the safety of our township and county. Iâve done a lot of exciting things in my navy past, but riding in an unmarked police car to the county prison made this writerâs day.
If youâve read my Whidbey Island series for Mills & Boon Superromance, you will find the same sense of community here, as well as many military veterans and other ties to the military, including a supersecret shadow government agency. I hope youâll enjoy the suspense and sexual tension in each story as the heroes and heroines fight to keep Silver Valley safe for all.
I hope you enjoy meeting the SVPD and the Trail Hikers, and I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
Peace,
Geri Krotow
PS: I love connecting with my readers! Please join the fun by signing up for my newsletter at my website, finding me on Facebook at my author page and adding to the storyboards for the Silver Valley series on Pinterest.
Former naval intelligence officer and US Naval Academy graduate GERI KROTOW draws inspiration from the global situations sheâs experienced. Geri loves to hear from her readers. You can email her via her website and blog, gerikrotow.com.
For my mother, Susan. My gratitude for the love of reading you gave me is surpassed only by
how much I miss you.
A sincere thank-you to Richard Hammon, retired superintendent of police for Silver Spring Township, for your distinguished service and for introducing me to so many wonderful community servants who keep us all safe each day.
Thanks to Ron Turo, Cumberland Valley public juvenile defender, for your invaluable insight. Thank you to Dr. Lisa Davis, who helped me keep my medical details credible.
Thank you to Paula Eykelhof, editor extraordinaire, for supporting my romantic suspense muse, and to Patience Bloom for welcoming me to the Romantic Suspense team with such enthusiasm.
Contents
Detective Bryce Campbell climbed out of his aging Ford Mustang and walked across the Silver Valley Police Departmentâs graveled lot to the waiting unmarked cruiser. Its taillights glowed like two red Christmas tree bulbs in the darkness. Both of the officers assigned to him for this patrol were in the car, and he made out a third, smaller head in the backseat of the sedan.
A third person?
He opened the back passengerâs door and slid into the car. Slim hands rested on slim thighs in utilitarian khakis.
