KIDNAPPED IN AMISH COUNTRY
After catching a glimpse of something she wasn’t supposed to see days before Christmas, Irene Martello is run off the road and barely survives. More shocking is the backseat whimper of an Amish toddler stowaway and the familiar sight of their rescuer—the man who’d let her down years earlier. Police chief Paul Kennedy fears Irene stumbled onto a kidnapping ring with two dangerous agendas: retrieving the girl and silencing the witness for good. Only Paul can keep them safe for the holidays. Guarding Irene means risking his heart—and his secret—but to save the child and the woman he never stopped loving, it’s a risk he has to take.
The sound terrified her.
The child’s scream.
She shot up the stairs, wishing Paul were here.
The child shrieked again and a voice growled, “Shut up or I’ll do it for you.”
Irene crept down the hall and saw him. The man she’d have nightmares about. As he lunged at her, she grabbed a vase and slammed it into his head. He staggered, giving her the moment she needed to grab the child.
“Irene!”
Paul! He’d come to save her!
As the man pulled a gun, Irene rushed into the bedroom and locked the door. From out in the hall she heard gunfire, a crash. Then quiet.
Her fear subsided when Paul busted open the door. From the look on his face, she knew the gunman had gotten away.
“I’m bringing the child home with me.”
She waited for the argument. Instead, he nodded. “We’ll keep a detail at your house.”
Then his face went ashen. “Irene, this isn’t over. They’re after the child, and because you’re the only witness, you.” She knew what he didn’t say. They’d keep killing till they got her.
When I first wrote about LaMar Pond, I had no idea where Paul’s story would lead him. I knew I wanted to give him a happy-ever-after, but had no plans beyond that. As the characters of LaMar Pond have evolved, the story of Irene and Paul began to play out in my imagination.
Paul is a man who had once hit bottom and who has fought to conquer his problems. Along the way, he developed a strong faith. He is a man who has much to offer a woman. Even if he doesn’t know it.
Irene has dealt with the horror of losing the husband she loved and raising their children by herself. Such a trial made her turn her back on God for a while, but He brought her back, loving her and showering His mercy upon her.
Irene and Paul are brought together by their shared quest to assist a child in need. As I wrote this story, I was reminded of how Jesus asks us to have the faith of a child.
I hope you enjoyed Paul and Irene’s story. I hope to continue writing about the people in LaMar Pond. I love to hear from readers. You can email me at [email protected] or visit me online at www.danarlynn.com. I am also on Facebook and Twitter (@DanaRLynn).
Blessings,
Dana R. Lynn
DANA R. LYNN grew up in Illinois. She met a man at a wedding who she told her parents was her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today they live in rural Pennsylvania with their three children, two dogs, one cat, one rabbit, one horse and six chickens. In addition to writing, she works as an educational interpreter for the deaf and is active in several ministries in her church.
Amish Christmas Abduction
Dana R. Lynn
MILLS & BOON
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Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
—Matthew 5:4
Rachael, Bradley and Gregory. There is not a day that I don’t thank God for the blessing of being your mom. Love you forever.
Brad...thanks for loving me and encouraging me to live my dream. Love you!
To my family and friends, who supported me and held me up in prayer...I appreciate you so much. Thank you with all my heart.
To my editor, Elizabeth Mazer...thank you for all your guidance. It’s a joy to work with you.
To my agent, Tamela Hancock Murray...thanks for believing in me. I am grateful for all your efforts on my behalf.
To my Lord and Savior...thank You for Your presence in my life. I am nothing without You.
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