CAUGHT IN THE CROSSHAIRS
A dog-sitting favor for a friend takes a terrifying twist when the police-dog-in-training runs off and leads Alexis Thompson into the middle of a drug drop. Only the quick thinking of a passing stranger gets them both out alive. Veterinarian Nick Kendrick, whoâs running for mayor, knows the race for survival is just beginning. As moving targets, he and Alexis must work together to learn the identity of the drug ringâs murderous mastermind. But having killers on their tail isnât the only problem they face. Alexisâs past as a disbarred lawyer could jeopardize Nickâs political future. Only by putting their dreams and their safety on the line can they eliminate the threat to their town, and find a way forward together...
âGet them.â
A gunshot rang out. Alexis ducked and put both hands over her head. A scream tore from her throat. The dog answered with a bark. The bullet snapped a branch. It spun and smacked her shoulder. The realization that sheâd helped the men pinpoint their location hurt more than her throbbing shoulder.
Nick grabbed her wrist and pulled her around a second trunk. He kept his fingers there, pulling, silently urging her to run faster, but her sandals didnât have much grip. Alexis fought the surge of nausea as several menâs voices filtered through the trees. âUse the jammer,â one shouted.
âShoot only on sight. We donât need the whole valley showing up!â It sounded like the voice of the man who had confronted them at the house, but she couldnât be sure.
She slipped her hand in her pocket and, using tiny movements, tried to fish her phone out. The slash through the image of the cell tower on the screen confirmed her fear. No help would be coming. They were alone.
Dear Reader,
Over ten years ago, we moved across the country. Hoping to ease the sorrow of moving, my husband promised our three children that once we got settled we would get a dog. It took much longer than anticipated to find a home that suited our needs. So instead of summer, the children reminded their dad of his promise in January. I didnât consider myself an animal lover at the time. I mostly feared destroyed furniture and long periods of waiting in the frigid temperatures while housetraining a new dog.
Still, we took a trip to the animal shelter. To my surprise, there were many puppies available in the dead of winter. One by one we took each puppy into the pen. The moment we made it outside, the pups would run free. Until, that is, we escorted the last one outside. The final puppy had no interest in running around the square space. Instead, she nuzzled against each of us. We often tell people that we didnât choose a dog. She chose us. And sheâs been the perfect dog for our family. As youâve probably figured out, she was the inspiration for Raven. I hope you enjoyed how she helped Nick and Alexis leave the past behind to enjoy a future together.
As always, I love to hear from readers. You can contact me and keep updated on new books through my newsletter at my website, WritingHeather.com.
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.
Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
âPhilippians 1:6
To Heath, Christina, Justin and Kaitlin.
You know what you did.
ONE
Nick Kendrick lifted the edge of his shirt to wipe the sweat from his eyes. He needed to run only a little farther before starting his cooldown. A creek to his left rushed over boulders. The birds chirped and trees rustled in the breeze.
Despite his struggle to get started, the exertion loosened his neck and back muscles after a long day of treating animals and appeasing their owners. The trails south of Barings, Idaho, were a treat for the senses. He could leave all the stress behind.
A black Labrador rounded the corner, followed by a woman. Her brown hair, highlighted by the sun, blew back in waves. Unlike him in his sloppy basketball shorts and gray T-shirt, she looked as if she had just stepped out of a corporate meeting. A peach button-down blouse and matching pleated skirt ended just past her knees. Her sparkly sandals reflected the sunlight streaming through the trees.
While pretty, it wasnât exactly the most practical apparel for hiking the trail on the outskirts of town. The black Lab by her side looked to be a little over a year old, maybe two. If he had to guess, the dog still had to gain a good ten pounds before itâd be considered full-grown.