Texas Takedown
LETHAL SABOTAGEPresenting her research findings at an oceanology conference should be marine biologist Isabelle Barrows’s big break—until she spots two men chasing her. With shadowy assailants on her tail, impressing potential investors becomes the least of her concerns. Especially when the men chase her straight into the arms of her high school crush. Unbeknownst to Isabelle, Matt McGuire still regrets the way they parted. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, Matt vows to keep her safe and make things right. But what good is a second chance when Isabelle’s attackers will stop at nothing to destroy everything she holds dear—her life, her promising career, and any possibility of a happily-ever-after?
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LETHAL SABOTAGE
Presenting her research findings at an oceanology conference should be marine biologist Isabelle Barrowsâs big breakâuntil she spots two men chasing her. With shadowy assailants on her tail, impressing potential investors becomes the least of her concerns. Especially when the men chase her straight into the arms of her high school crush. Unbeknownst to Isabelle, Matt McGuire still regrets the way they parted. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, Matt vows to keep her safe and make things right. But what good is a second chance when Isabelleâs attackers will stop at nothing to destroy everything she holds dearâher life, her promising career and any possibility of a happily-ever-after?
âHeâs getting away!â
He couldnât call for an ambulance without his phone, which still resided in the inner pocket of his suit jacket. He reached for Isabelle and his eyes focused on the rip in his suit where sheâd been stabbed. Matt pulled the jacket back slowly, prepared for the worst.
Instead of blood he only saw fabric. His eyes lifted.
She pressed her hand on her stomach. âIt didnât pierce me. Your jacket... Was there something in the pocket?â Her frown cleared as she pulled out his phone and wallet. Cracks radiated across the screen. In the center of the phone he could see the point of impact. If the blade had hit flesh... He gulped.
Her right hand reached for his wrist.
âIsabelle, you couldâve beenââ
âBut I wasnât. You saved my life,â she whispered. Her eyes filled. âHe got away with everything. My phone, my wallet, my tablet...itâs all gone.â
He squeezed her hand. âAll replaceable.â Unlike her.
Two years ago, my husband had a work trip scheduled for San Antonio in June. As our twentieth anniversary was fast approaching, my husbandâs parents agreed to come watch the children so I could take the opportunity to travel with him. It was such a blessing. I knew Matt McGuire, the final brother, had been working hard as a hotel manager somewhere, waiting for me to tell his story.
While my husband was at his conference, I explored. On the first day, I got lost in a construction area near Hemisfair Park and found myself in an underground grotto with no one around except shadows. This inspired the first chapter. Thankfully, I was in no danger.
After climbing the steps aboveground, a group of nurses attending a conference adopted me until I could get my bearings. I also wanted my characters to get some time to enjoy all the delicious food I experienced on the River Walk. Sadly, those pesky villains wouldnât allow it. Even thinking about it makes me crave some tableside guacamole.
Iâve had a lot of good times with the McGuire family. Iâm glad all four brothers got a chance to find love. I hope from here on out, they can enjoy some family time without danger following them.
I love to hear from readers. Feel free to contact me through my website, WritingHeather.com. In addition, those who subscribe to my newsletter are occasionally given opportunities to receive advance reader copies of my books.
Blessings,
Heather Woodhaven
HEATHER WOODHAVEN earned her pilotâs license, rode a hot-air balloon over the safari lands of Kenya, parasailed over Caribbean seas, lived through an accidental detour onto a black-diamond ski trail in Aspen and snorkeled among stingrays before becoming a mother of three and wife of one. She channels her love for adventure into writing characters who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
âMatthew 6:21
For Don and Mary. Thank you for cheering me on.
Iâm so thankful you welcomed me into your family.
Contents
Isabelle Barrows was hopelessly lost, caught on a winding path bordered by two wooden fences. Signs on either side read Pardon Our Construction. Without the six-foot-high fences, it wouldâve been a pretty area with historic homes to view. Too bad she wouldnât see the result. Sheâd be back home from the conference within the week.
No wonder the walking feature in her maps application was considered beta because itâd led her on a convoluted route. The still tree branches that hung over the walkway offered her some shade. Sweat trickled off her brow. People had told her humidity in Texas would be intense, but sheâd shrugged it off. She lived on the Oregon coast. She knew humidity, thank you very much. How wrong sheâd been. Texas humidity was an entirely different beast. The air felt heavy against her skin.
Isabelle exited the app and pulled up a different map of the area. She had to be somewhere near Hemisfair Park and not too far away from San Antonioâs River Walk.
A twig snapped. She glanced over her shoulder in the direction of the sound. A man in a dark gray shirt and black pants turned the corner. Isabelle smiled, but the manâs steely gaze remained void of emotion as he quickened his pace toward her.
