In Seconds

In Seconds
Brenda Novak

They're back…Laurel Hodges has changed her identity twice. She's been on the run for the past four years, trying to outdistance the gang members who blame her for the death of one of their own. She's finally found peace and stability in the small town of Pineview, Montana. But just when Laurel thinks she and her children are safe…the nightmare starts all over again.The Crew, a ruthless prison gang with ties to Laurel's brother, will never forget and they'll never forgive. And now that they've finally tracked her down, they'll stop at nothing.Sheriff Myles King, who happens to live next door with his thirteen-year-old daughter, appoints himself Laurel's personal guardian. His growing attraction to her could change his life–Myles is beginning to picture marriage and family. But it could also end his life. If he can't save her, everything he's built, everything he wants, could be destroyed. In seconds…

Praise for the novels of Brenda Novak

“I felt a real connection to the characters…

It was an exciting, intriguing read.”

—First for Women magazine on Killer Heat

Novak “builds her characters and plot by adding genuine and

recognizable feelings—from angst to passion to terror and

beyond… A great end to a wonderful series.”

—Suspense Magazine on Killer Heat

Body Heat “is a definite page-turner.”

—RT Book Reviews

“With such a heart-stopping hero and plucky heroine,

what could I do but give this book a Perfect 10?”

—Romance Reviews Today on Body Heat

“Novak expertly blends romantic thrills, suspenseful chills, and

realistically complicated characters together in a white-knuckle

read that is certain to keep readers riveted to the last page.”

—Booklist on Body Heat

“Brenda Novak has written the best high-action thriller

of 2010…. From page one I was immediately hooked on this

fast action plot that was like solving a Chinese puzzle box.”

—Midwest Book Review on White Heat

With “distinctive characters and a nail biting plot, Novak’s

White Heat is flawless and easily a Best of 2010 contender.”

—Suspense Magazine

“A fast-paced romantic thriller guaranteed to keep you

entranced to the climactic end.”

—Fresh Fiction on White Heat

“Novak writes gripping romantic thrillers.”

—Library Journal

In Seconds

Brenda Novak

www.mirabooks.co.uk (http://www.mirabooks.co.uk)

To Larry and Gloria Morrill—

Thank you for opening your home and your hearts.

Dear Reader,

Last November, when one of my best friends suggested I go with her to Montana to spend a few days with her parents, I agreed. It wasn’t like me to take the time. I have a family, tight writing deadlines and lots of travel for speaking and conferences. But I’d never been to Montana. I wanted to see it and believed it would be therapeutic to have some “girlfriend” time.

I flew into Kalispell, which has a tiny but attractive airport, and met Dara there. I was looking forward to a quiet, scenic getaway and that’s exactly what I got. I didn’t realize that in these modern times, places still exist where there’s no cell service for miles, but I have to admit I really like the idea and hope it never changes—it stirs my imagination to think technology hasn’t completely tamed the Wild West.

We stayed in the Chain of Lakes area, right on Crystal Lake, which was so beautiful (especially in the mornings with the mist coming off the water) it stole my breath. Even better than the scenery was being able to feel like a kid again as Dara’s parents, Larry and Gloria Morrill, took care of us with delicious food, interesting anecdotes about their family history (they now live where they grew up), research help, sightseeing trips and love. I will always remember my stay fondly—and associate that trip with this book. Not only is the story set in a fictional town I’ve placed not far from Happy’s Inn, which is a stone’s throw from their house, I started the manuscript while sitting in one of the bedrooms in their home.

I’ve posted pictures of Crystal Lake and Libby (where Myles works) on my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Brenda-Novak/120794854630624). Please go there if you’d like to see what I saw (and “like” the page). Also, I’d love for you to visit brendanovak.com, where you can sign up for my mailing list, peruse my backlist and future releases and join the many authors, readers and philanthropists who support my annual online auction for diabetes research (my son has this disease). I hold this event at my website May 1 to May 31. So far we’ve raised over $1.4 million and are continuing the fight. Here’s to a cure!

I hope you enjoy Laurel and Myles’s story!

Brenda Novak

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6