376621-4072-56f6-90ba-a91e009c5288">
DEFENDING HIS OWN
Newly sworn in as chief of police, Ryder Hayes is ready to defend the citizens of Desert Valley—especially his five-year-old daughter, Lily—from his wife’s murderer. So when Ryder starts to grow close to K-9 trainer Sophie Williams, he pushes her away to protect her. He can’t let Sophie become the next target of the deranged serial killer who’s obsessed with him. But Sophie has secrets of her own, and Ryder’s caution isn’t enough to shield her—from deadly peril or her own feelings. To save everyone he loves, Ryder will have to let Sophie in…and count on his new K-9 partner to help sniff out the killer.
The pursuit was almost over. Ryder had launched himself at the quarry as soon as he’d gotten close enough.
The man had whirled and fired, but the shot had gone wild when Phoenix had hit him below the knees and taken a bite of his leg.
Ryder left his own gun holstered rather than chance sending a bullet into the officers still at Sophie’s. He’d seen them gathering when they’d helped him locate the fleeing criminal, and knew the fence would slow them down enough that he’d have to finish this job himself.
He ducked a punch, then landed one of his own before wrapping the shooter in a bear hug and shoving him to the ground.
Phoenix immediately went for the arm holding the gun.
The wiry attacker tried to bring the muzzle to bear on the dog. Ryder was on him too fast. “Drop the gun!”
ROOKIE K-9 UNIT:
These lawmen solve the toughest cases
with the help of their brave canine partners
Protect and Serve—Terri Reed, April 2016 Truth and Consequences—Lenora Worth, May 2016 Seek and Find—Dana Mentink, June 2016 Honor and Defend—Lynette Eason, July 2016 Secrets and Lies—Shirlee McCoy, August 2016 Search and Rescue—Valerie Hansen, September 2016
VALERIE HANSEN was thirty when she awoke to the presence of the Lord in her life and turned to Jesus. She now lives in a renovated farmhouse in the breathtakingly beautiful Ozark Mountains of Arkansas and is privileged to share her personal faith by telling the stories of her heart for Love Inspired. Life doesn’t get much better than that!
Search
and Rescue
Valerie Hansen
Seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you.
—Matthew 7:7
As I have continued to write book after book, it has occurred to me that I can never fully acknowledge all the amazing folks who have helped and encouraged me along the way. This book is dedicated to all those unsung heroes who are ready to share a smile or a hug no matter what their own needs may be.
And, as always, to my Joe, who is with me in spirit.
Contents