Excerpt From:

Bear Me On Angels' Wings

By Nancy Arant Williams

COMPELLING REASONS

Where was Kyle? Why hadn't he bounded in the door and smiled, hugged her and kissed her soundly--the way he did every night of his life?

Thinking back to the morning, she reviewed their conversation, trying to recall whether he had mentioned having plans for this evening. The calendar had nothing penciled into today's space.

She blew out a breath and said, "Help me, Lord...Something is wrong."

As if in answer to her prayer, the doorbell sounded. She was puzzled. Kyle had a key. Why should he need to ring the bell? Then she knew deep in the pit of her stomach--it wasn't Kyle.

BEAUTY FOR ASHES

At midnight, Katie woke after tossing and turning, subconsciously knowing Keith wasn't there, and went looking for him.

He lay in his recliner, suspiciously still. She shook him, calling his name, but he didn't move or respond. She felt for his pulse, but there was none.

"Dear God, how is it CPR is done again?" She was a retired RN, but hadn't worked since the children were small. Even back then, she had never had to use CPR, and especially not on someone she adored.

She tipped his head back and pinched his nostrils. Okay, girl. It's now or never.

BLUEBELLS IN WINTER

Regan frowned. "Why all the cloak and dagger, Jase?" "Don't ask. I'll tell you later." Suddenly he stiffened as she turned the door handle. She blurted, "Get a grip, Jase. You're not going to the gas chamber, you know."

He blanched and laughed nervously, looking terrified. "Jase, you're scaring me. I can tell by the look on your face that something is really wrong. Now tell me what it is."

He shoved a key into her hand and closed it with a death grip. "I'll tell you this. If I don't make it to our meeting at Barney's for some reason, use this key and get into the secret room behind my fireplace and retrieve the records. But be careful."

"You're teasing me, right?"

"I'm dead serious," he said, his blue eyed gaze granite.