Kansas City's Bravest
Arson investigator Gideon Taylor had his hands full with three suspicious fires and no leads. Complicating matters were his unresolved feelings for former colleague Meghan Wright–the one woman he'd never got out of his system.She'd become the target of a stalker, whose proximity to Gideon's assignment was no coincidence. But as Gideon and Meghan joined forces to uncover the secrets scorched to cinders, it was clear a five-alarm inferno was about to ignite between them. Could they reveal who was responsible for what appeared to be an elaborate plan before the sizzling embers of their relationship were permanently extinguished…?
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Heâd tried so hard not to care about Meghan
Heâd tried to harden himself against her independent spirit that desperately needed someone to care. Heâd tried to focus on the woman who worked overtime to pretend that she didnât need anyone at all, not the world-weary soul underneath who needed someone to love her more than sheâd probably ever admit to herself.
He wouldnât deny the physical attraction that sparked like kinetic energy between them. But she wasnât the woman heâd loved two years ago. This Meghan was tougher, strongerâand yet more vulnerable.
He was her friend. Her protector. Nothing more.
Except he was dangerously close to becoming the man who loved her.
Again.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Julie Miller attributes her passion for writing romance to all those fairy tales she read growing up, and to shyness. Encouragement from her family to write down all those feelings she couldnât express became a love for the written word. She gets continued support from her fellow members of the Prairieland Romance Writers, where she serves as the resident âgrammar goddess.â This award-winning author and teacher has published several paranormal romances. Inspired by the likes of Agatha Christie and Encyclopedia Brown, Ms. Miller believes the only thing better than a good mystery is a good romance.
Born and raised in Missouri, she now lives in Nebraska with her husband, son and smiling guard dog, Maxie. Write to Julie at P.O. Box 5162, Grand Island, NE 68802-5162.
THE TAYLOR CLAN
| Sid and Martha Taylor: | butcher and homemaker ages 64 and 63 respectively |
| Brett Taylor: | contractor age 39 the protector |
| Mac Taylor: | forensic specialist age 37 the professor |
| Gideon Taylor: | firefighter/arson investigator age 36 the crusader |
| Cole Taylor: | the mysterious brother age 31 the lost soul |
| Jessica Taylor: | the lone daughter antiques dealer/buyer/restorer age 29 the survivor |
| Josh Taylor: | police officer age 28 at 6'3", heâs still the baby of the family the charmer |
| Mitch Taylor: | Sidâs nephewâraised like a son police captain age 40 the chief |
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Gideon TaylorâItâs up to this arson investigator to figure out whoâs burning down Kansas City one building at a time. But can he uncover the truth before the arsonist destroys a very special woman from his past?
Meghan WrightâHot to the touch. Gideon once taught her about love and fighting fires. Now that a madman has her in his sights, she returns to the one place she feels safeâwith Gideon.
Daniel KelleherâThe owner of four properties destroyed by fire is wondering if he made an unfortunate investmentâor if the destruction is something personal.
Jack QuintonâIs the former convict back to his old tricks? Or is he passing on his fiery skills to an apprentice?
Saundra AmesâThis reporter has the hottest story of the summer.
John MurdockâIs Meghanâs partner watching her back just a little too closely?
Dorie MesnerâFor years she has taken in troubled children.
Pete PrestonâThe memory of that monster just wonât go away.
AlexâA former Westside Warrior. Who is a young man supposed to trust?
EdisonâJust donât call him that. Heâs pretty darn smart for a ten-year-old.
Matthew and MarkâThey are too young to understand the truth.
CrispyâJust like Meghan and her âboys,â this pooch wants a real home.
With thanks to
Germane Friends and Michael âFireplugâ Jordan of the Kansas City Fire Department for answering all my questions and sending me the wonderful pictures of real KCFD firefighters.
Any mistakes are mine.
Contents
Prologue
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
Prologue
Too late. Too late.
The nightmareâs fiery talons cut deep into Gideon Taylorâs dreams.
The impact of raw, compressed air exploding into a ball of flame lifted him off his feet and dumped him on his backside.
âLuke!â The hoarse shout from Gideonâs ravaged throat echoed inside his mask.
Trapped in the throes of the hideous dream that wouldnât die, Gideon twisted in his bed and struggled toward consciousness and peace. But the nightmare wouldnât release him.
He needed her.
The groans of the ancient rafters in the condemned apartment building matched the groans of mortal pain sifting through the hiss of static in Gideonâs ear.
âLuke!â Gideon rolled onto his side, straining against his heavy gear, weighed down by a fearful extra burden of guilt.
It was alive now.
Ignition. Fuel to burn. Oxygen to live and breathe.
A simple yet deadly recipe for fire.
Gideon lurched to his feet. Stooping low, he closed his grit-filled eyes and concentrated on the sounds that could lead him to his partner. âTalk to me,â he whispered, willing the collapsing fortress to reveal its secrets.
