"It is too bad I have to kill you. Now that you've seen my face… There is much to be done."
"Why me?” She persisted, trying to draw it out. “Why do you want to kill me?"
"Your sister knew the truth about me. I don't know what she told you. But I couldn't risk my real identity being known.” Tossing her hair over her shoulder, she sneered. “Besides that, you are one of those do-gooders. I like to kill you best of all."
The gun steadied. Pointed directly at Kathryn Marie's head.
"I don't know anything about you. I knew my sister worked with Homeland Security and other organizations on extreme stress recognition and its significance with fighting terrorism, but-"
"Goodbye, Miss Pente.” Albina thumbed the hammer on the pistol and laid her finger against the trigger. Before she could fire, a rock flew in through the window, knocking the gun to the ground.
Both women dove for it, grappling in a tangle of arms and legs.
Kathryn Marie kept her eyes on her opponent and their hands grabbed the gun at the same time. When a large fist closed over it, and started to yank it out of their grasps, it discharged.
A sound issued from someone's mouth.
Slowly Kathryn Marie's hold went slack. Blood seeped around her.
"I will be avenged,” said Albina as the passion, anger, and drive left her eyes.
A cold stare, reflecting only death peered at Kathryn Marie. Devin untangled them, verified that the terrorist was dead, and then pulled Kathryn Marie to her feet.
He didn't say a word. Only ran his hands and eyes over every inch of her and when he was assured she was fine, he turned her away from the dead body. Only then did he hug her tight.
The dead terrorist lay in a puddle of ever-growing blood on the floor. She was still in his sight, and the gun was tucked safely into his pocket when he said, “That explains a lot."
"What does?” She spoke into the side of his warm neck. His presence was heaven-sent as comfort flooded her. Devin provided security and joy in a way she could barely describe.
"The bomb I disabled looked like some of the knots were tied in bows. I'd never seen anything like it before. But women are crafty-neat, tidy, precise, and very creative. Makes sense that it was a woman, because we were looking for a man.” He brushed his lips over the top of her forehead.
"I could find a lot more interesting things to do with a bow.” She whispered into his shirt.
"I bet you could.” Devin smiled as he reached into his pocket. He dialed the police and the FBI. Homeland Security would probably want a piece of the action, too. For now, he relayed the pertinent info. When he gave his full focus back to Kathryn Marie, his words were gentle. “A lot of people with a ton of questions will be here shortly. Are you up for it?"
"Well, I doubt I have a choice.” She squeezed her arms tight, hugging him close. “I mean, at least the threat is over."
He pulled back a little. “For now. It never really is… this is our reality. The best thing we can do is enjoy what we have. Live our joys, our present, and our happiness.” Devin kissed her with such passion-his lips drinking from hers and feeding such love in return. “You are the best gift I've ever been given."
"Same here. I'm grateful for you.” She swallowed an instant lump that formed when she thought of him not being here. “Thank you for seeking me out."
"I had to. Your eyes held me, captured me, and I had to know you. Those paintings of yours, they feel like part of your spirit… running free."
Their lips locked again, and the pleasure and passion grew.
A thought crossed her mind and she pulled back. “I wonder if Blicksen will want his painting now? I mean, who would he give it to?"
"It's almost the holiday season. I'm sure he could find someone."
She wrinkled her nose.
He laughed. “Everyone loves someone.” Rubbing his nose on hers, he said, “I am especially blessed, I love you."
Her heart pounded in her chest. Devin was incredible!
She returned his seal kiss-nose to nose-and then placed her mouth close to his. “I love you, Captain Devin Walds, and I'd like to spend the rest of my life getting to know you, too.” As her lips touched his, she knew that life didn't give neat little packages that tied up perfectly in a bow. What it did provide were chances to live and to love. It was up to her to make the most of it.
Being with him, living the best of their time together, and enjoying their careers and worlds, this was the glory her sister would want for her. This would be how she honored those who had left too soon. All of this happiness, she was going to hold tight and celebrate for as long as she could. Time and happiness were fleeting and way too precious.
Life with him, she could wrap this image around her heart and tie a very beautiful, yet flexible ribbon around it. This gift of the heart, she'd look forward to unwrapping… every day.
Christmas to the Rescue by Lia DeAngelo
Lia DeAngelo makes her author debut in the Highland Press anthology, Holiday Op. She began her love affair with writing fiction when she set pen to paper writing LADY PATRIOT, a historical romance set in eighteenth century America, which was awarded second place in the historical category of NEORWA's 2004 Romancing The Novel Contest, third in the SVRWA's 2004 GOTCHA contest, and third in the NTRWA's 2005 Great Expectations contest. She then turned to contemporary romance and finished FOR LOVE OR RAVIOLI, which was a 2009 Golden Heart(R) Finalist in the contemporary series category, won first place in RWASD's Spring into Romance contest, and took first in the 2007 RWI's Where the Magic Begins Contest. Ms. DeAngelo also owns and manages L.D. Writing and Consulting, providing business development, resume writing, and commercial writing services to small business and individual clients. She spent nine years as a Wall Street professional, holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics from the University of Richmond, is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW). She lives in Cave Creek, Arizona with her best friend and companion, Lucy the dog.
Dedication
My wonderful Mom and Dad, who are my most ardent cheerleaders. I wouldn't be here without your loving support and understanding.
The Ls-Lona, Laurel, and Laura-for your unending patience with me, especially when I run myself around in circles over a story.
Lucy, you fill every day with joy and humor just by being you.
Anne Elizabeth, for thinking of me and being the kind of special friend that comes along but a few times in one life.
My Phoenix girls, Amanda, Donna, Jill, and Carmin, for listening to me talk about this dream and encouraging me every step of the way.
My brother, Jeff-you are in my thoughts and my heart.
The Ruby Slipper Sisterhood. There's no place like the bestseller lists!
One day we will all get there.
To the men and women of the military who put their lives on the line for our freedom and our survival, every single day.
Chapter One
Petty Officer Annabelle Foster let her duffle bag drop to the ground, crossed her arms over her heavy orange jacket, and glared at the jolly holiday nightmare formerly known as a Coast Guard Patrol Boat. Decked out in flashing red and green Christmas tree lights, sporting a Charlie Brown Tree, a Menorah, a dancing Santa Claus, and the kitchen sink of holiday ornaments, the thing looked like something from a holiday episode of Pimp My Ride.
"This is the reason you called me back to base?"
She shook her head, unable to not gape.
To think she'd come rushing back to base, adrenaline pumping, heart racing, ready to jump aboard a helo destined for search and rescue in the black, freezing waters of the Bering Sea. Instead, the only soul drowning on this December, Alaska night was Annabelle-in a sea of holiday hoopla.