Mindhunters 4 - Deadly Intent
Read Mindhunters 4 - Deadly Intent Online
Authors: Kylie Brant
Tags: #Mystery & Detective, #General, #Romance, #Suspense, #Forensic linguistics, #Thrillers, #Fiction
Table of Contents
PRAISE FOR THE MINDHUNTERS SERIES BY KYLIE BRANT
WAKING THE DEAD
“Get ready for lots of twists and turns with an abundance of suspense in this thrilling romance.”
—
Fresh Fiction
“Once again Kylie Brant kept me awake until three in the morning to finish her book . . . a really impressive series. She reminds me of a few great writers. If you love Kay Hooper’s writing you will love Ms. Brant’s writing, too.”
—
A Romance Review
“If you have been reading this Mindhunters series, you will not want to miss out on this next installment. If you haven’t picked up one of these intriguing romantic suspense stories, what are you waiting for? I recommend reading them all from the beginning!”
—
Fallen Angel Reviews
“An electrifying and infinitely gripping novel . . . Kylie writes excellent dialogue, creates engaging characters, vividly detailed investigation, and action scenes. The smooth process in which she moves the story along keeps the pages turning, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the novel from start to finish.”
—
The Romance Studio
“Terrific.”
—
Midwest Book Review
“Provided a thrill and plenty of romance and forensics-based action!”
—
Errant Dreams Reviews
WAKING EVIL
“Enjoyable . . . a superb police procedural . . . enhanced by the supernatural and the romance.”
—
Midwest Book Review
“Wonderful characters and mystery . . . Brant does a great job with pacing and tension!”
—
Errant Dreams Reviews
“[An] exceedingly suspenseful series . . . The exceptional writing of Kylie Brant will keep you reading way into the night. From first-rate suspense to engaging characters to a moving romance, Ms. Brant will leave you anticipating every compelling scene with much eagerness . . . While the dangerous scenarios of
Waking Evil
draw you into the novel, the tender love story is just as compelling.”
—
Single Titles
“Intense paranormal elements, gripping suspense, and graphic descriptions make for a realistic read.”
—
Fresh Fiction
WAKING NIGHTMARE
“Intelligent, gripping suspense with both chill and sizzle.
Waking Nightmare
will leave you awake in the night . . . and wanting more.”
—
New York Times
bestselling author Cindy Gerard
“The writing is vivid and strong . . . suspense fans will love the unexpected twist and pulse-pounding climax.”
—
Publishers Weekly
“Wonderful psych material; great characters; interesting mystery . . . there’s plenty of tension and great pacing to the suspense.”
—
Errant Dreams Reviews
“The first sentence will intrigue you and the next one causes chills. By the third sentence, you will be completely hooked on
Waking Nightmare
.”
—
Single Titles
“Thrilling . . . a great opening act.”
—
Midwest Book Review
“Brant and romantic suspense are a dynamic duo!”
—
Romantic Times
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Published by the Penguin Group
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.
DEADLY INTENT
A Berkley Sensation Book / published by arrangement with the author
PRINTING HISTORY
Berkley Sensation mass-market edition / November 2010
Copyright © 2010 by Kim Bahnsen.
Excerpt from
Deadly Dreams
copyright © by Kim Bahnsen.
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.
For information, address: The Berkley Publishing Group,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.
eISBN : 978-1-101-44487-0
BERKLEY
®
SENSATION
Berkley Sensation Books are published by The Berkley Publishing Group,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.
BERKLEY
®
SENSATION and the “B” design are trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
For Lindsey,
who deals with the acquired large extended family
with grace and aplomb.
We love you!
Acknowledgments
As usual, I’m grateful to so many for filling the gaping holes in my expertise. A very special thanks to Kevin and Mary Ann Welter for the suggested locales, maps, and pictures of areas in Colorado. Next visit we are definitely going to have to take in some of those sights! And thanks to Edd Catfish Kray, musician extraordinaire, for information on the Arapaho Forest and Conifer areas.
Much appreciation to Karl Wilmes, deputy director of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, whose generosity of time and incisive assistance stand in stark contrast to a certain character in the story ☺. The details about Coplink were especially helpful, although I immediately took a bit of fictional license with it! And to Dr. Carole Chaski of the Institute for Linguistic Evidence and ALIAS Technology LLC, a huge thank-you for the intriguing explanation of your work as a forensic linguist. One of the best parts of this writing gig is getting glimpses into new worlds.
For all things computer related, thanks are owed to Patrick Murray who has an enviable knack for explaining technology in layman’s terms. Kyle Hiller, captain with a special response team, once again came to the rescue regarding tactical response. Lee Lofland supplied necessary DNA-related details. Matt Tragna introduced me to eye-opening facts about mask-making. Vickie Taylor provided the fascinating information on air-scent dogs. Kyle Christian of Smarter Security Systems Ltd. helped devise my fictional estate’s security so my villain could proceed to circumvent it ☺.
Many, many thanks to you all! With the wealth of expertise provided, any inaccuracies in the story are mine alone.
Prologue
She could hear him breathing.
Icy talons of fear shredded the fabric of sleep and brought Ellie Mulder instantly awake. Old habits had her keeping muscles lax, her eyes still closed as she strained to identify what had alerted her. When she did, her blood ran as cold as the frigid Colorado wind beating against the windows.
The sound was the same snuffle snort that warned her whenever he was coming for her. He’d returned, just like he’d threatened. He’d snatch her from her bed, from her house, and this time, she’d never get away. Not ever.
Her eyes snapped open, a scream lodged in her throat. The old terrors were surging, fighting logic, fueled by memory. It took a moment to see through the veils of the past and notice her familiar surroundings.
She was home. In her own room. In her bed. And Art Cooper wasn’t here. He would die in prison.
A long sigh of relief shuddered out of her. The bright illumination of the alarm clock on her bedside table said one eighteen A.M. The sleep scene on her computer lit the corner of the room that held her desk. And the large aquarium on the opposite wall was awash in a dim glow. She often “forgot” to turn it off.
The items had been chosen because of the light they afforded. Her mom and dad had worried when she’d needed doors open and lights blazing to go to bed at night. But they’d been happy when she’d casually mentioned wanting a computer. Had expressed an interest in tropical fish. Had selected things to decorate her bedroom like the brightly lit alarm clock. Those things were
normal
, the psychologist said. And Ellie knew it was important that she seem normal. Even if it was a lie.