Smoky Mountain Investigation

“I’M WATCHING YOU…”

A mysterious caller taunts journalist Kylie Harper with details about a decade-old death, leading her to a new trail of murder. Who is this deranged person…and what does he want from her? Ex-Delta Force captain and Kylie’s former love Nick Bentley fled their Smoky Mountain hometown after the murder of their classmate. When family duty calls him back, Nick comes face-to-face with Kylie…and the past he’s tried to forget. Now Nick must put everything on the line to save Kylie before she becomes the next victim of a madman.

“We can’t stop looking. What if—”

“Kylie, it’s okay.” Nick slipped his strong arm around her.

Instinct warned her not to get too close to this man. Years ago she’d learned what losing him could do to her heart. She couldn’t go down that path again. Still, it felt good to be in his arms again.

A shiver skidded over her at the thought of suspending the search. The killer’s phone call had directed her here.

“Come on.” She grabbed his hand.

The flashlight cast distorted shadows over the barn. They pushed aside cobwebs and searched till they found a box.

Blood pounded in Kylie’s ears. She tried not to jump, tried not to breathe as Nick opened the flaps and withdrew a bulging folder. Dozens of roughly cut-out newspaper articles and photos scattered onto the floor.

Her body went rigid when she realized she was looking at articles she’d written, along with black-and-white prints of herself. Was she the next victim?

ANNSLEE URBAN

grew up watching old-time romance movies, to which she attributes her passion for sweet romance, true love and happy endings. A daydreamer at heart, Annslee began her writing journey when the youngest of her five children started school. For several years she worked as a freelance writer for newspapers in her community and has written for magazines and online publications.

Raised in the foothills of Arizona, she survived temperature shock when she moved to Western Pennsylvania, before settling in North Carolina with her husband and children. Aside from writing, Annslee works part-time as a registered nurse in the behavioral health field. She is a member of ACFW, and has served on the board of Carolina Christian Writers.

When she isn’t writing, Annslee enjoys cooking, traveling to faraway places, playing with grandbabies and all things chocolate!

You can reach Annslee at [email protected], maryurban.blogspot.com, facebook.com/mary.a.urban.9.

Smoky Mountain Investigation

Annslee Urban

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

—Hebrews 4:16

This book is affectionately dedicated to the memory of my father, Kenneth Lee Woods, a man whose love for reading and the Lord greatly shaped my life.

Also, to my mother and stepfather, Dee and Bob Gagnon. Your love for family and each other continues to inspire and bless me.

And to my grandchildren, Cameron, Isaac, Jayce and Kylie, who keep me young, laughing and ever amazed.

And most of all to the Lord God for making this book possible.

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

NINETEEN

TWENTY

Dear Reader

Questions for Discussion

Extract

Copyright

ONE

Kylie Harper pressed the cell phone to her ear, her heart thumping against her chest. Had she heard the man right?

Standing outside the airport terminal, she took a moment to gather her composure. Angry clouds hovered low over Asheville, quickly turning the evening into night.

She took a much-needed breath. “Who is this?”

“Murderer.” He spoke slowly this time. More precisely. “Because of you, an innocent person died.”

Kylie stiffened and swallowed. A sick joke. Crazed folks enjoy taunting journalists, her rational self reminded her. “I don’t know who you are, what you want or even if you have the right number—”

“Ten years ago.” The slow, mumbled drawl bled through the phone line. “I was there.”

Clutching the cell in a death grip, Kylie smashed it harder to her ear. Her battered heart dropped to the pit of her stomach. “What do you want?” She tried to sound calm.

A raspy chuckle tore at her eardrums. “Dear Kylie, you do remember what happened ten years ago?”

Silence as her heart now ceased to beat. She pulled the phone from her ear, checked the display. Restricted number glared back.

She pressed the phone to her other ear. “Is this about Camp Golden Rock?” The words stuck in her throat.

A bark of laughter replaced the chuckle. “How many incidents are hidden in your past, Kylie? Could I be talking about anything else?”

Kylie gasped, breath caught in her throat.

“I know I’ve been negligent,” the man continued, “not staying in touch. But for this anniversary I planned something special.”

Struggling to even breathe, Kylie blocked the memories from her thoughts. So many times she’d relived that May night, haunted by the what-ifs and if-onlys. By God’s grace, she’d finally moved on. Put that nightmare behind her.