Lawfully Devoted Read online

  Lawfully Devoted

  Jenna Brandt

  Praise for Jenna Brandt

  I am always excited when I see a new book by Jenna Brandt.

  Lori Dykes, Amazon Customer

  Jenna Brandt is, in my estimation, the most gifted author of Christian fiction in this generation!

  Paula Rose Michelson, Fellow Author

  Ms. Brandt writes from the heart and you can feel it in every page turned.

  Sandra Sewell White, Longtime Reader

  For more information about Jenna Brandt visit her on her website www.jennabrandt.com.

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  Contents

  Copyright

  Introduction to The Lawkeepers Series

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Epilogue

  It’s not quite the end!

  Also by Jenna Brandt

  Join My Mailing List and Reader’s Group

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Copyright

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Locale and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, actual events, or actual locations is purely coincidental. All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email [email protected].

  Text copyright © Jenna Brandt 2019.

  The Lawkeepers Series © Jenna Brandt 2019.

  Original cover design by Josephine Blake with photo copyright by Depositphotos.com.

  Introduction to The Lawkeepers Series

  There’s just something fascinating about a man wearing an emblem of authority. The way the light gleams off that shiny star on his badge makes us stare with respect. Couple that with a uniform hugging his body in just the right way, confidence, and mission to save and protect, it’s no wonder we want to know what lies underneath.

  Yes, what echoes deep inside those beating hearts is inspiring. Certainly appealing. Definitely enticing. Although those ripped muscles and strong shoulders can make a woman’s heart skip a beat—or two—it takes a strong, confident person to choose to love someone who risks it all every day. Anyone willing to become part of a lawkeeper’s world might have a story of their own to tell.

  The undeniable charisma lawmen possess make all of us pause and take note. It’s probably why there are so many movies and TV shows themed around the justice system. We’re enthralled by their ability to save babies, help strangers, and rescue damsels in distress. We’re captivated by their ability to protect and save, defend the innocent, risk their lives, and face danger without hesitation. Of course, we expect our heroes to stay solid when we’re in a mess. We count on them for safety, security, and peace of mind. From yesterday to today, that truth remains constant.

  Their valor inspires us, their integrity comforts, and their courage melts our hearts—irresistibly. But there’s far more to them than their courageous efforts. How do they deal with the difficulties they face? Can they balance work and life? And how do they find time for love outside their life of service?

  We want to invite you on a journey—come with us as we explore the complex lives of the men and women who serve and protect us every day. Join us in a fast-paced world of adventure. Walk into our tight-knit world of close friendships, extended family, and danger—as our super heroes navigate the most treacherous path of all—the road to love.

  The Lawkeepers. Historical and modern-day super heroes; men and women of bravery and valor, taking love and law seriously. A multi-author series, sure to lock up your attention and take your heart into custody.

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  The Lawkeepers is a multi-author series alternating between historical westerns and contemporary westerns featuring law enforcement heroes that span multiple agencies and generations. Join bestselling authors Jenna Brandt, Lorana Hoopes, Elle E. Kay, Patricia PacJac Caroll, Evangeline Kelly, Ginny Sterling and Barb Goss as they weave captivating, sweet, and inspirational stories of romance and suspense between the lawkeepers — and the women who love them.

  The Lawkeepers is a world like no other; a world where lawkeepers and heroes are honored with unforgettable stories, characters, and love.

  ** Note: Each book in The Lawkeepers series is a standalone book, and part of a mini-series of sorts, and you can read them in any order.

  Dedicated to

  my husband, Dustin, Badge #5654,

  who inspired me to create this series.

  You’re not only my heart and soul,

  but my own personal lawkeeper.

  One

  Police Officer Zach Turner scanned the area as his K-9 partner, Harley, scampered along the top of Clear Mountain Ridge. Where were the blasted hikers who wandered off the trail? Though he loved being a part of the Clear Mountain Search and Rescue department, he never got used to the sheer stupidity of tourists who didn’t read the warning signs posted.

  He suppressed the long list of curse words he wanted to let fly, knowing his fellow Officer Aiden O’Connell wouldn’t approve. Since Aiden became a strong Christian, Zach had to be more careful about what he said and did around his friend and work partner. Sometimes, he wondered if the differences between them would become so vast, Aiden wouldn’t want to be around Zach anymore.

  “I think Cooper’s found something up ahead,” Aiden stated, interrupting Zach’s train of thought, bringing his focus squarely back on the search effort.

  Sure enough, Cooper was barking and circling around a fallen tree that was just becoming visible as they trudged up the snowy hill. Harley quickly joined the other K-9 as Zach and Aiden arrived at the spot. Both officers patted their dogs, telling them they did a good job.

  On the other side of the log was a petite woman huddled against the tree trunk with only a moderately warm jacket to keep the cold from her body. Her face was wind-bitten, her lips severely chapped, and her teeth were chattering.

  “Are you all right, ma’am?” Aiden asked with concern, bending down to assess the woman’s condition.

  Her eyes blinked several times as she slowly focused on the officer. “Oh…oh, thank goodness you’re here. I thought we might end up spending the night out here. My husband, Winston, must have made it back to the resort. I couldn’t go with him because of my ankle.”

  Aiden’s head turned towards Zach, their eyes met, both not wanting to tell the woman that Winston never made it down to Clear Mountain Resort. Something must have kept him from getting there.

  Zach stepped away from the woman, wanting to speak out of range of her hea
ring. He pressed the button on his radio. “Dispatch, this is K-9 1, we’ve located the missing female hiker. Please send the helo to our location. Be advised, the male hiker is not with her.”

  “Copy that, K-9 1, helicopter is en route,” Deanna Harper, the lone Clear Mountain dispatcher stated over the radio.

  “Once we have secured the female hiker on the helo, we will continue to search for the male hiker,” Zach explained.

  “Keep us informed of the situation, K-9 1, and good luck,” Deanna stated.

  Zach walked back over to where Aiden was crouched down near the woman. His partner was unsuccessfully trying to place a foil heating blanket around the woman’s shoulders, but she was pushing it off as she shrilly shouted at him, “What do you mean, he didn’t make it down the mountain?”

  “Ma’am, you asked how your husband was doing, and I didn’t want to lie to you. I’m sorry I don’t have better news.”

  “It’s been hours since he left. It’s so cold up here. Did he get lost? Did he get hurt? What could have happened to him?”

  “I wish I could give you answers, ma’am, but I just don’t know,” Aiden sympathized. “I can promise you, we’ll do whatever we can to find him and bring him home safely to you.”

  “What if you never find him? What if he doesn’t make it? I can’t live without him,” she cried, tears trailing down her face. First softly, but over several seconds, the small sobs turned into heaving rolls of pain. She buried her face in her hands, but it did nothing to muffle the anguish coming from her.

  Both officers knew there was nothing they could do to ease the woman’s concern, so they silently waited for the helicopter to arrive. A few minutes later, the red helicopter with white lettering clearly marking the aircraft as the Boulder County Police landed near the search and rescue officers.

  After Zach and Aiden secured the woman in the aircraft, they turned around and gave the dogs the cue to start searching again, heading down towards the resort. As they followed the invisible trail of scent the K-9s were tracking, Zach decided to discuss what just happened with the woman.

  “You should have just lied to her, Aiden. You didn’t need to upset her with the truth. Knowing he’s missing won’t do her any good.”

  Aiden shook his head. “I don’t lie, Zach, not even to spare someone’s feelings. Even when it hurts, the truth is always better than a lie.”

  Zach thought about what Aiden just said. Part of Zach wondered if his friend was right. Every time Zach fudged the truth or avoided telling someone something, it never turned out the way he expected. Most of the time, the other person ended up finding out the truth anyway and was mad at Zach for concealing it in the first place.

  “I can see your point,” Zach conceded. “The truth—” But before Zach could finish talking, the dogs started barking and pacing back and forth along the side of a ravine.

  As they stopped just shy of the rocky edge, a hiking backpack came into view. Zach glanced around, looking for the person it belonged to, but couldn’t find anyone.

  “Do you think this is the missing hiker’s backpack?” Aiden inquired, bending down to inspect the bag.

  “I can’t imagine it being anyone else’s,” Zach stated. “But why would he leave it up here? What happened?”

  “This might explain,” Aiden said, lifting the backpack up and showing the front of it. There were several rips in it that most likely were made by a large animal. “I think the missing hiker was attacked by a bear.”

  “Yeah, but where is he now?” Zach asked, confused the man wasn’t near the backpack. Then it dawned on him. There was still one area where he could be. Moving closer to the edge, Zach looked down the ravine. Dozens of feet below, laying in an icy stream, was a man.

  “Pull out the rappelling ropes,” Zach shouted. “I have visual on the missing hiker.”

  Aiden jumped to his feet and rushed over to Zach’s side. “Even from up here, I can tell he doesn’t look good.”

  “Oh, man, maybe you shouldn’t have promised that woman we would get her husband home safely to her,” Zach said with a sigh. “It’s going to take a miracle.”

  “Good thing I have faith in God who is in the business of miracles,” Aiden said, securing the rope around a tree and then placing it in his hands. “I went down last time. Your turn.”

  Zach nodded, taking the rope and clipping it onto his waist.

  “Dispatch, this is K-9 2,” Aiden said over the radio. “We’ve located the second missing hiker. It appears he was attacked by a bear, which caused him to tumble down the ravine. Officer Turner is preparing to rappel down and assess the hiker.”

  “Copy that, K-9 2, with a bear in the area, stay alert.”

  “Will do, Dispatch, K-9 2 out.”

  Within seconds, Zach was rappelling down the ravine like it was second nature. At the bottom, he unhooked from the line and moved over to the man who was curled up in a fetal position.

  “Hello, Winston, I’m Officer Turner with Clear Mountain Search and Rescue. I’m here to help.”

  The other man didn’t respond, prompting Zach to kneel down beside him and check for a pulse. Zach placed his two fingers on the hiker’s wrist. Thready but there, Winston’s chest was slowly rising, so he was still breathing too. This was a good sign; however, the large bloody gash along the side of his head and the odd angle of the man’s leg, made it clear that even if he regained consciousness, he wasn’t walking out of there.

  “Dispatch, this is K-9 1, the hiker is alive, but unresponsive. We need the helicopter back at this location as soon as possible. Be advised, we’re one click west from where the female hiker was located.”

  “Copy that, K-9 1. The helicopter just dropped off the female hiker at Boulder County Memorial. I’m updating them to head to your location straight away.”

  Zach pulled off his backpack and placed it on the ground next to the unconscious man. He may not be able to do much for him, but he could at least help him get a bit warmer. After unzipping the bag, he pulled out another foil blanket and draped it over the man. Once that was done, he looked through the bag but realized there was nothing else he could use for the man. Zach hated doing nothing, but he knew the worst thing he could do was the wrong thing. If he moved the man and he had a spinal injury, Zach would risk paralyzing the victim. Though it ran contrary to his normal mode, Zach sat still, sporadically checking the man’s vital signs, and waited for the helicopter to return.

  About ten minutes later, the helicopter’s whipping blades were making the wind rush around them. The hiker started to move, but Zach leaned towards him and stated firmly, “Don’t move, Winston. You’ve been in an accident. You need to stay perfectly still or risk further injury.”

  The man only groaned, but he seemed to understand because he stopped moving.

  One of the medics came down on a line and joined Zach on the ground. “What do we have?” the man asked as he placed the board next to the man.

  “One male, mid-thirties. He took a tumble down the ravine after being attacked by a bear. Visible head wound and right leg fracture as well as a possible spinal injury and internal damage.”

  The medic placed the neck brace around the hiker, then turned his attention to Zach. “Okay, let’s load him up then,” the medic stated, “On the count of three.”

  They both went to each end of the man, then the medic pushed the board right up against the hiker’s back. “One, two, three.” They gently slid the man onto the board, then strapped him into place. “You need a ride back?” the medic asked.

  “Nay, my partner is up above with my K-9,” Zach said, pointing to the top of the ravine. “I don’t want to leave them hanging.”

  “Suit yourself, but don’t take too long, or we’ll be rescuing you. There’s supposed to be another storm on its way in.”

  “Will do,” Zach said, stepping back as he watched the medic and the injured hiker go up in the air and then disappear into the helicopter.

  “K-9 2, this is K-9 1, I’m
ready for you to assist me in coming up.”

  “Copy that, K-9 1, ready when you are.”

  Another ten minutes later, Zach was at the top of the ravine, patting Harley’s head and telling Aiden what happened below.

  “Let’s head back to the station,” Zach suggested. “I can’t wait to get out of the cold and head over to The Lucky Penny. Want to join me?”

  The Lucky Penny was where most of the local cops hung out after work and where the badge bunnies frequented to land a date. Zach spent most of his nights at the bar, either drinking with friends or picking up women.

  Aiden shook his head. “I can’t. Lindsay’s expecting me back. We’re still putting the finishing touches on Mandy’s birthday party. It’s her first one since she officially came to live with us.”

  Aiden and Lindsay had already adopted one child, a ten-year-old boy named Alex, and were in the process of adopting another child, Mandy, who was five. They also had one biological child, Travis, who was just about to turn two. Aiden’s whole life revolved around his family, which left him little time to spend with Zach.

  “And they need you for that? I bet Alex has got everything already planned out.”

  “He’s only ten, Zach. You can’t let a ten-year-old be in charge of planning anything.”