Valley of Shadows

Valley of Shadows
Shirlee McCoy

Working deep undercover was dangerous.Mercenary turned DEA agent Hawke Morran found out just how dangerous when his cover was suddenly blown. His life hung in the balance–until a mysterious woman saved him from certain death. Hawke was a lone wolf–used to bringing down the bad guys by himself. Without a partner.Yet now he and Miranda Shelton were running for their lives, desperate to uncover the identity of Hawke's betrayor. Journeying from the mountains of Lakeview, Virginia, to the valleys of Thailand, Hawke vowed to protect the lovely Christian woman in his care.

“Kidnapping is a serious crime.”

“Kidnapping? Is that what you call this?”

“What would you call it?”

“Returning a favor. You saved my life. Now I’m doing the same for you.”

“It’s hard to believe that’s what you’re doing when you’re pointing a gun at me.”

“Sorry.” Hawke tucked the gun into his jeans.

Miranda eyed the man, the car door, the traffic speeding by. Maybe-

“Whatever you’re thinking, forget it.”

Miranda stiffened, turning to face him again. “I’m not thinking anything.”

“Sure you are. You’re thinking about opening the car door and jumping for it. Or maybe attracting someone’s attention.” Hawke shrugged. “It’s what I’d do if I were in your position.”

“And if I were in your position, I’d stop the car and let my prisoner out.” Miranda tried to sound less scared than she felt.

“You’re not a prisoner.”

“Then what am I?”

“The newest member of the witness protection program.”

SHIRLEE MCCOY

has always loved making up stories. As a child, she daydreamed elaborate tales in which she was the heroine—gutsy, strong and invincible. Though she soon grew out of her superhero fantasies, her love for storytelling never diminished. She knew early that she wanted to write inspirational fiction, and began writing her first novel when she was a teenager. Still, it wasn’t until her third son was born that she truly began pursuing her dream of being published. Three years later she sold her first book. Now a busy mother of four, Shirlee is a homeschool mom by day and an inspirational author by night. She and her husband and children live in Maryland and share their house with a dog and a guinea pig. You can visit her Web site at www.shirleemccoy.com.

Valley of Shadows

Shirlee McCoy

This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it.”

—Jeremiah 6:16

To Jude—musician, budding scientist, young man

of God. May the path God has set for you be clear,

may your faith be strong and may you always know

just how much I love you and just how proud I am

to be your mother.

To Jeannine Case. Piano teacher extraordinaire.

Thank you for all the years of hard work and

dedication you’ve given to your craft. May every

day, every moment be filled with joy and every

memory one to cherish.

To Ms. Dawn of Docksiders Gymnastics

in Millersville, Maryland, who gives children

wings and teaches them to fly. What you do

really does matter.

And to Melissa Endlich. Editor. Cheerleader.

Conference buddy. I promise I’m not going to say

one more word about redheads, or knights

or even accountants! Maybe.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE