The Ultimate Sacrifice
She moved the stethoscope for a few heartbeats, then again. Her other hand rested on his bicep, gentle and reassuring. Michael shut his eyes and tried to hold still.
“You okay?”
Her voice was very close. He opened his eyes and looked at her. “No.”
“You stopped breathing.”
“Oh. Sorry.” He swallowed and took a deep breath.
“If I’m making you uncomfortable—”
“Never.” He looked at her. “Never, Hannah.”
She studied him, her eyes full of uncertainty. “I thought you—I thought—” She broke off and looked away. He watched her throat jerk as she swallowed. “I thought I was going to have to give your brothers some very bad news.”
The words—the wavering emotion in her voice—hit him hard. He’d spent so many years worrying about everyone else that it was a shock to hear someone express worry over him.
Have you read all the Elemental books?
Elemental (novella)
Storm
Fearless (novella)
Spark
Breathless (novella)
Spirit
Secret
SACRIFICE
BRIGID KEMMERER
KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.
All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book almost did me in. You’re holding this book in your hands because my husband, my agent, and my editor are the most patient, encouraging, supportive, and motivating people on earth. Holy cow, I am not exaggerating when I say this book wouldn’t have gotten written without their support.
Michael, my husband, is my best friend, and he makes a great sounding board. He also gets me going when I need it. Thanks to the newest addition to our family, he’s just as sleep deprived as I am, but you’d never know it. Honey, thank you for everything.
Mandy Hubbard, my agent, is beyond compare. When I thought I’d hit rock bottom, she threw me a rope. One day I’m going to meet her in person and tackle her with hugs. Thank you, Mandy, for everything.
Alicia Condon, my fearless editor, is the most patient person alive. I am fully convinced she’s unflappable. I’m so lucky to have her in my corner. Thank you, Alicia. When I say I can’t thank you enough, I mean it.
As always, tremendous thanks to my critique partners Bobbie Goettler and Alison Kemper Beard. You guys have been there since the beginning. I’m so lucky to have you as my friends. I can’t imagine being on this journey without you.
This book involves a lot of firefighting and paramedic information, as well as encounters with law enforcement, so it required a lot more research than I was ready for. Extra special thanks and hugs to Kimberly Hart-Smith and Ed Kiser of the Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire Department, as well as Jim Kali-nosky of the Baltimore County Police Department. When people offer to help me with research, I don’t think they’re ever ready for the amount of information I’m going to need, so I owe you all a tremendous thanks for answering all my questions. I took all of their knowledge and twisted it to fit my needs. Any errors are mine alone.
Many people read chapters (or the whole manuscript!) at the drop of a hat, and the book is better for their insights: Joy Hensley George, Jim Hilderbrandt, Nicole Mooney, Nicole Kali-nosky, Sarah Fine, Rachel Shaw, Nicole Choiniere-Kroeker. Thank you all, so much.
Extra-special thanks to the Kemmerer boys, Jonathan, Nick, Sam, and Baby Zach, for being the best kids a mom could have. When I first started writing about the Merrick brothers, I never knew I’d end up with four boys of my own. I love you all. So much.
Finally, thanks to you, my readers, for going on this journey with me. When Becca saved Chris in that parking lot, I never knew how much the Merrick brothers would have to say. I’m so glad I’ve had the chance to tell their stories, and that you’ve been there to enjoy them. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your emails, your tweets, your Facebook messages, and your letters. Thank you.
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Sacrifice Title Page ACKNOWLEDGMENTS SACRIFICE
CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 5 CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER 7 CHAPTER 8 CHAPTER 9 CHAPTER 10 CHAPTER 11 CHAPTER 12 CHAPTER 13 CHAPTER 14 CHAPTER 15 CHAPTER 16 CHAPTER 17 CHAPTER 18 CHAPTER 19 CHAPTER 20 CHAPTER 21 CHAPTER 22 CHAPTER 23 CHAPTER 24 CHAPTER 25 CHAPTER 26 CHAPTER 27 CHAPTER 28 CHAPTER 29 CHAPTER 30 CHAPTER 31 CHAPTER 32 CHAPTER 33