Page 5 of Burning Hearts

Then again, if she did die, all her money would go to kids’ programs and the women’s shelter in Last Chance County. So it wasn’t as if she would be a loss to the world. More like a net gain.

“See you soon.”

“Bye, Samuel.” Jamie ended the call and stowed the phone in her backpack. She was settling it back on her shoulders when a twig snapped behind her. Jamie spun to the sound.

Three men emerged from the trees. Two hung back and one strode in front, his expression dark and menacing. They all wore what seemed to be the uniform in Alaska. Jeans and boots, heavy shirt—probably insulated. The scent of sweat and hot, clammy skin hung around them along with the distinct smell of tobacco.

The man in front towered over her, dark hair smashed to his forehead and damp with sweat. “Lookie what we have here, boys.”

One of the men who’d hung back snickered.

Jamie wasn’t without ways to protect herself but had to wonder if acting helpless would get her into the compound where she could find her brother. She didn’t want to know what might happen to her inside that fence. “I’m not here to tangle with you guys.”

“Shame,” the leader said. “I like to tangle with a woman. Especially one as good-looking as you.”

He scanned her face, probably as sweaty as his. She always got red cheeks when she exerted herself—a product of her fair skin. Her dark hair was braided so that the twin braids hung behind her ears and down over her shoulders. She’d always thought her eyes were too big for her face.

He reached out and tugged on one braid. “What are you doin’ out here, girl?”

She should slap his hand away, but everything in her said that would only escalate things. She should pray but couldn’t find the words. Now wasn’t the time to wonder how long it had been since she’d asked God for help. Not just the rote prayers that came with Sunday services but actual conversation with God.

A note of grief washed over her.

Jamie lifted her chin. “I’m looking for my brother.”

“You don’t need him.” The guy shifted closer, his hand still around the hair tie on her braid. Far too near. “I can show you a good time. You’ll forget all about him.”

Jamie swallowed.

One of the guys behind him said, “Uh, Snatch? We’re supposed to be back already.”

Snatch—which had to be a nickname, and Jamie didn’t want to know what it meant—spun around to his buddy. “Shut up, Crew. I’m workin’ on somethin’.”

“Just bring her with us.” Crew strode past them, his expression impassive as if he didn’t care either way. “I’m not gonna be any later than we already are.”

The third guy followed him.

Neither one of them was her brother.

Snatch tugged on her braid. “Let’s go, girlie. I gotta check in with the boss, and then you and me can see what happens next.”

Jamie shivered. “I don’t think that’s?—”

He grabbed her wrist, squeezing hard enough the bones hurt. “Get walkin’.”

TWO

Logan gritted his teeth,steering with the toggles. He picked a spot on the ground before the tree line where something had flashed in the sunlight. He aimed for it like a beacon, aptly named because the red metal glinted in the sun. Not a house or cabin…

It was a car.

Same color as hers. As if God would land him right in her path.

Jamie.

I know You don’t work like that. I’m not just going to bump into her. Alaska is a big place, even if she’s nearby.

But the need to see her—to know she was safe—gave him what he needed to focus. To fight the wind with enough strength he landed just shy of the trees. His boots hit the dirt road hard, and he caught the tumble, only a little wince. Pretty glad no one saw that.It was the wind’s fault.

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