Point of Danger (Triple Threat #1) - Irene Hannon Page 0,121
her day.”
Not a bad idea. Perhaps it would elicit a few words from her—or initiate a conversation.
He set the cup on the counter as she approached and offered her his most engaging grin. The one that usually turned female heads. “Your personalized skinny vanilla latte.”
Lips flat, she gave his handiwork no more than a fleeting perusal, extracted a five dollar bill from her wallet, and set it on the counter. “Keep the change.”
Not only was the lady immune to his charm, she wasn’t planning to linger.
Fighting back an irrational surge of disappointment, Zach put the lid on the drink and picked up the money. “Enjoy.”
“Thanks.” She hurried toward the door, pulled her umbrella out of the stand, and disappeared into the gray shroud hanging over the town.
“I think my attempt to brighten her day was a bust.” He folded his arms as the rain pummeled the picture window.
“Oh, I don’t know. Sometimes the simplest gestures of kindness can touch a heart in unseen ways.”
He didn’t try to hide his skepticism. “Assuming there’s a heart to touch. The lady didn’t exude much warmth.”
“She may be hiding it behind a protective wall. Could be she’s dealing with a boatload of heavy stuff. That can dampen a person’s sociability.”
Zach’s antennas perked up. “You know anything about her?”
“Nothing much—though she seems familiar.” He squinted after her. Shook his head. “It’ll come to me. Anyway, I spotted her on the wharf Monday, sipping a brew from your fine establishment. She was sitting alone on a bench during one of the few monsoon-free interludes we’ve had this week. I got gloomy vibes. Like she was troubled—and could use a friend.”
Zach wasn’t about to question the veracity of Charley’s intuition. The man was legendary in these parts for his uncanny insights and his ability to discern more than people willingly divulged.
Present company included.
How Charley had realized there was an unresolved issue in his past was beyond him. He’d never talked about it to anyone. But the man’s astute comments, while generic, were too relevant to be random.
In fact, on more than one occasion he’d been tempted to get Charley’s take on his situation.
Yet as far as he could see, there was no solution to the impasse short of returning to his former world and toeing the line—and that wasn’t happening. The new life he’d built these past two and a half years suited him, and now that he was settled in Hope Harbor, he was more convinced than ever his decision to walk away had been the right one.
“You still with me, Zach?” Charley’s lips tipped up.
“Yeah.” He refocused. “You think she’s a visitor?”
“I’d classify her more as a seeker.”
What did that mean?
Before he could ask, Bren appeared at his elbow. “Here you go, Charley.” She popped a cinnamon stick into his drink, snapped on a lid, and handed the cup over the counter.
“Thanks. It’s a treat to have authentic Mexican coffee available here in our little town.”
“We aim to please.” The door opened again to admit what appeared to be a family of tourists, and Zach lifted his hand in welcome. “Everyone must be in the mood for coffee today.”
“Count your blessings.” Charley raised his cup in salute. “I’m off to the taco stand.”
“I’ll try to send a few customers your direction.”
“Always appreciated. Maybe Kat will stop by.”
“You know her last name?” He kept tabs on the newcomers as they perused his menu board and examined the offerings in the pastry case.
“No. But I may find out if she visits the stand. Or she might come back here again and you can take another crack at breaching that wall she’s put up. See you soon.” He strolled toward the door.
The new customers began to pepper him with questions about the pastry selection, but as he answered, the image of the mystery woman sitting alone on a bench at the wharf—and Charley’s comment that she could use a friend—remained front and center in his mind.
If she was dealing with a bunch of garbage, he ought to cut her some slack for her lack of sociability today. Been there, done that—and it was a bad place to be.
Yet thanks to grit, determination . . . and the kind people of Hope Harbor, who’d welcomed him into the community he now called home . . . he’d survived.
Hard to say if the woman hiding behind the dark shades had similar fortitude . . . and if she was merely passing through, he’d never find out.
But if she stuck around awhile, perhaps in Hope Harbor she’d discover a resolution to the thorny issues Charley seemed to think might be plaguing her.
Author’s Note
AS I WRAP UP my fifty-ninth novel, I’m grateful for all those who’ve supported and encouraged me throughout my career—and for the many sources who’ve lent their time and expertise to help me get the factual details right.
For this book, I want to single out FBI veteran Tom Becker, one of my first law enforcement sources when I branched into suspense in 2009 after writing contemporary romance for many years. At the time we met, Tom had moved on to a second career as a police chief after retiring from the Bureau. Since then, he has graciously and promptly gone above and beyond to answer my often complicated questions. I couldn’t write credible stories without the input of professionals in law enforcement, and Tom has always brought unique insights because of his dual background at both the national and local level. He’s now retired from his police chief career, but he continues to assist me whenever I reach out to him—and he was my key law enforcement source for Point of Danger. Thank you, Tom, for all you’ve done through the years to help me write the best possible books. Words can’t express my gratitude.
I also want to thank my husband, Tom, for his steadfast love and encouragement; my mom and dad, Dorothy (now cheering me on from heaven) and James Hannon—my original fan club; the readers who buy my books, many of whom have become Facebook friends; and the talented, professional team at Revell, including Dwight Baker, Kristin Kornoelje, Jennifer Leep, Michele Misiak, Karen Steele, and Gayle Raymer.
Looking ahead, in April 2021 I’ll take you back to my charming Oregon seaside town of Hope Harbor, where hearts heal . . . and love blooms. In Blackberry Beach, you’ll meet former executive Zach Garrett, who runs the local coffee shop, and a woman who comes to town incognito in search of answers . . . and winds up as Zach’s neighbor. The girl next door captures his heart . . . but will she only be a temporary resident?
And next October, watch for Book 2 of the Triple Threat series, when Cate goes undercover at an exclusive girls school . . . only to run into an old flame who threatens to disrupt her case—and her heart.
Irene Hannon is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than fifty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. She is also a three-time winner of the RITA award—the “Oscar” of romance fiction—from Romance Writers of America and is a member of that organization’s elite Hall of Fame.
Her many other awards include National Readers’ Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers’ Choice, Booksellers’ Best, Carol, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy award finalist.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
Irene, who holds a BA in psychology and an MA in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full-time. She is happy to say she has no regrets.
A trained vocalist, Irene has sung the leading role in numerous community musical theater productions and is also a soloist at her church. She and her husband enjoy traveling, long hikes, Saturday mornings at their favorite coffee shop, and spending time with family. They make their home in Missouri.
To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com. She posts on Twitter and Instagram, but is most active on Facebook, where she loves to chat with readers.
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Table of Contents
Cover
Endorsements
Books by Irene Hannon
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Contents
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Epilogue
Sneak Peek of Blackberry Beach
Author’s Note
About the Author
Back Ads
Back Cover
List of Pages
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Cover