Rescue Me A Novel

by Reece, Christy

• ISBN13: 9780345505422
• ISBN10: 0345505425
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-04-28
• Publisher: Ballantine Books

Summary

From a hot new voice in romantic suspense comes the first adventure in an action-packed, passionate trilogy featuring a beautiful operative for an elite rescue organization, dealing with a rugged new partner, a dangerous mission, and her own secret past. Original.

Author Biography

After eighteen years, Christy Reece left her career at a major insurance company and pursued her dream of writing. She holds a BSW from the University of Memphis and is a member of Romance Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. Christy Reece lives in Alabama with her husband, two adorable canines, and one very shy turtle. Rescue Me is her first novel in a three-book series.

Excerpts

Prologue


Chin in hand, Devon Winters crumbled the last of her blueberry muffin with her fingers. Sunshine flooded the area around the sparkling blue pool where Louisa set up breakfast every morning at six- thirty, as long as weather permitted. And somehow, except for a few months of winter, weather almost always permitted. Devon figured her mother controlled Washington, D.C., weather just as she controlled everything else in her life. The skies dare not rain on Alise Stevens’s parade, or breakfast. 

The one time Louisa defied her mother’s edict, thinking it might rain, and had set up breakfast in the morning room, was a day Devon preferred not to think about. Having learned a painful lesson years ago, Devon worked hard not to put her mother into that kind of frenzied fury. Unfortunately, Louisa discovered the hard way, too, but at least she hadn’t suffered the same punishment. Being screamed at was preferable to being locked in a dark closet. 

“Devon, must you slump like a Neanderthal? By the time you graduate, you’ll be humpbacked.” 

Without a glance at her mother, Devon automatically sat up straighter. 

“Henry, don’t forget, dinner tomorrow night at the Tollivers’. Though I’d much rather not go. That embarrassing incident with their daughter makes it so awkward. But the Tollivers are one of the oldest families in D.C. society. It could be damaging if we don’t make an appearance.” 

Henry Stevens bent his morning paper ever so slightly, and his thin face peered over the edge. “The incident you refer to was tragic, not embarrassing. Their daughter died of a drug overdose.” 

Doing what she’d done for as long as Devon could remember, Alise ignored her husband’s comment. “Also, the fund- raising event for Senator Mallard is set for a week from Tuesday. I’ve told Louisa three times to make sure your new tuxedo is cleaned. I do hope she can remember. It seems the older she gets, the more forgetful she is. Perhaps we should consider getting new help.” 

This time the paper came all the way down. Her stepfather rarely lost his temper, but Devon could tell an event was brewing. She held her breath. 

“Louisa has been with me for years. Do not even think about letting her go. Do you understand?” 

Alise waved a thin, elegant hand, not one bit intimidated by her husband’s anger. “Really, Henry. You act as though I meant to kill her. I simply believe that–” Henry turned his gaze to Devon. “Sweetheart, if you’re through with breakfast, why don’t you go get ready for school?” 

Eager to miss the coming fireworks, Devon jumped to her feet. Unfortunately, Devon’s movements distracted Alise, calling attention to the daughter who never pleased her. Critical eyes skimmed over Devon’s body. “I noticed yesterday that your school uniform is getting too tight. You do realize that you’re not going to get a new one this year, don’t you?” 

“Yes, Mother.” 

“Then I suggest you stop stuffing yourself like a pig at every meal, or you’ll soon look like one. Thankfully, your new school doesn’t require uniforms. They can get so expensive.” The muffin Devon had consumed turned to lead in her stomach. “What do you mean, my new school?” 

Her mother raised an eyebrow. “Just that. Next year, you’ll be attending a boarding school in Boston.” The sound of Henry’s newspaper

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Excerpted from Rescue Me: A Novel by Christy Reece
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.