Title: Rescuing Freedom
Author: Ellis Summers
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Book Blurb:
Thirty-five-year-old Freesia Hollister has an MIA soldier in the back of a Jeep, heading for her remote mountaintop property to hide him from federal officials. Helicopters are hovering and agents are knocking, but she’s determined to shield the hero who uncovered a military crime. Clearing the veteran might destroy everything she treasures in life, including her freedom.
Excerpt:
Before she closed the lid on the basket containing the special lunch she'd made for her husband, Freesia Hollister tested her eavesdropping equipment one last time. Proud that all aspects of her simple scheme were in order, she hurried to the garage and placed her precious cargo on the front seat of her red pickup truck. Driving to his office gave her the time she needed to reaffirm her belief that cheating husbands deserved ensnarement.
After finding a parking spot with a view of the entrance to her husband's office building, she grabbed the basket and rode the elevator to the eleventh floor. She pushed a small button on the inside of the basket, activating her homemade listening device.
With one last glance in the mirrored wall of the elevator, she brushed her long, brown hair away from her forehead and straightened her form-fitting dress. The doors opened, and she strolled to the reception area with a confident stride.
"Hello, Mrs. Hollister," Betsy said with a smile. The red-headed receptionist closed her folder and filed it in the rack behind her desk. "I'm glad you got my message. It’s perfect timing. I'm just heading out to grab a bite to eat, and Shawn'll be expecting his lunch guest in fifteen minutes."
Free lifted the lid of the wicker basket. Her bangles slid down her arm as she pulled out a wrapped sandwich and an envelope. "Lunch, and a bonus for your kindness."
"Mmm. Smells like homemade bread. Thanks for saving me from the cafeteria." The receptionist gathered her purse from under the desk and shoved the envelope inside. "I'll continue to keep you informed." Flashing a smirk, she nodded toward Shawn's office. "Good luck in there."
With slow steps, Free moved along the short hallway, basket in hand, then stepped into Shawn's office without knocking. She knew her disrespect toward his privacy offended him, but she didn't think married couples should have to announce themselves when entering a room.
Unless one of them had something to hide.
Shawn rested his elbows on top of legal books and notepads. His jacket hung on the coat rack behind him, and his vest was buttoned up, like his expression. He sat straight and brushed back strands of black hair covering his green eyes. "Free. What a surprise."
Free placed the basket on the corner of his desk. "I know your day is always busy, but I thought we could enjoy lunch together.” She smiled sweetly. “Like we used to."
"If I knew you were coming, I could have changed my schedule." He glanced at his watch. "I have an appointment soon." He lifted the corner of the basket and inhaled deeply. "Wow. Roast beef." His stern gaze softened. "You're still the best cook in Denver."
Her cooking was once a way into his heart, but now it only fed his hunger. “Thanks.” She barely spoke above a whisper.
Freesia had wanted her marriage to work. And every bone within her begged for him to adore her, but she'd realized months ago, he didn't.
"Why don't you come home early tonight?" she asked, nearly pleading. "I'll make a romantic dinner."
"Oh, shit. I forgot to tell you about our company dinner." His words held warmth, but the coldness in his eyes said otherwise.
"Would you like me to come?" She reached across the desk, touching his hand, wishing for an answer that would prove all of her suspicions wrong.
"Listen, baby," he said without looking at her, "we're meeting to discuss if we should join another law firm in a case.” He dropped his Montblanc pen on the stack of books. “You'd be bored. I'll leave early. Promise."
Free slipped behind his desk, and as she ran her hand along his shoulders, she cringed but leaned closer. "I'll be waiting for you."
He flinched, squirming in his chair. "I've got to get back to work."
Her heart turned cold, but her voice warmed. "Just in case you're famished, you can have my sandwich. I've got more at home."
"Great idea. I can't wait to see you." He saluted her with his pen. "I'll make this up to you, baby."
Free held her head high as she walked from his office but knew he didn't have the desire to follow through. His messed-up idea of apologizing was having sex, which she would not allow again.
Freesia left the building and slid into the seat of her truck. Convinced Shawn would fail her test, she dug her phone from her purse and inserted the earpiece.
At five minutes before noon, she spotted several women entering the glass tower.
Damn it. She couldn't tell which one could be his possible mistress.
A few minutes later, through the earpiece, she heard a knock on his door. The background noise of shuffling paper stopped.
"Come in." Shawn’s voice came in loud and clear.
"I'm ready for our lunch date." A woman's cheerful voice filtered through the airwaves.
Even though expecting this moment, hearing the woman speak was a punch to Free’s heart.
"Hey, baby. We don't have to go out today. Check out these great sandwiches I had delivered."
“Your wife delivered them, baby,” Free muttered to herself.
"We should get away from your office." The woman's tone was serious. "I don't think we should discuss our business here."
"It's safe enough."
Free could picture the arrogant bastard shrugging his shoulders, probably in denial that he could ever get caught.
"I'm worried, Shawn. Your wife's ex had some fancy lawyers drawing up your prenup."
"Stop worrying. In a few weeks, she'll never know what hit her." He chuckled. "Now, lock the door so I can devour you before we eat this basket of food."
I'll never know what hit me?
Fuming, Freesia pulled the earplugs and tossed them aside. Snake. Con artist. Cheater.
Her phone rang. Iris' name popped up on the screen. "Hey, there."
"Well? Did it work?" Nervousness filled her friend's voice.
"It sure did. You?"
"I don't have fancy tracking and eavesdropping systems like you, but I took your advice and enlisted Eric's secretary. She said she'll call me if she notices women visitors who aren't clients."
"Betsy was kind enough to tip me off about a dinner tonight. I tried to get him to take me, but he wormed his way out of it." Freesia started the engine. "Anyway, we can catch both of them on a stakeout. We talked about doing one, and this is a perfect time. I'll pick you up at six."
"Wait. We need a plan. What will we do if our suspicions are right?"
"Shawn's already proved himself." Freesia drove out of the parking lot and turned on the wipers against the light drizzle. "We're going to sit across the street at the café and wait to see who they leave with. Then, well, what do wise women do with scheming, cheating husbands?"
"Certainly not go home.” Iris’ voice trembled a little. “Lately, Eric's mood has been scary. If I confront him . . ."
"Let's both pack a suitcase. We'll be prepared." Freesia pulled onto the freeway. "Plan?"
It took a few seconds, but Iris eventually whispered, "Plan."
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Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $75 Amazon US or Canada gift card.
Open internationally. You must have a valid Amazon US or Amazon CA account to win.
Runs February 1 – 28, 2023.
Drawing will be held on March 1, 2023.
Author Biography:
I'm an author specializing in novels about fun characters with unusual lives going through dramatic situations.
I live along the California coast and enjoy daily walks on the beach. I love to discover and photograph the gardens hidden away in my town. See some of my photos on my blog. EllisSummers.com
Social Media Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ellissummers5