Operation Breathless Read Online Free PDF Page A

calls for beautiful weather, so a crackling fire and some s’mores for dessert should be awesome.”
    Heart’s Haven barbeques were legend—a monthly affair. Even though it was winter, Susanna looked forward to enjoying these gatherings of food and friendship with the others who lived in the complex. Sure the weather might be chilly, but nothing built warmth like camaraderie and a toasty fire in the fire pit. “Is Viv going to be there?”
    “If I have anything to say about it she will.” Vivian Mallory was a widow, similar in age and life experience to Andrew Hart, the landlord. “Hart always tries to be so crabby and tough, but he melts like warm butter whenever Viv’s around. Oh—and another bonus? You finally get to meet my brother, Gabe.”
    “You must be thrilled he’s back in town again. I can’t wait to meet him.”
    “He just got in from Detroit last night, so I haven’t seen much of him yet. Right now he’s picking up a few supplies.”
    Susanna nodded, making ready to leave. “What can I bring for the festivities?”
    “Well, like the typical college buddies they are, Zack and Gabe were jabbing back and forth at each other about award winning rib recipes but opted to bring some appetizers and such. Why don’t you put them all to shame with some of your world-class potato salad?”
    A cooking project full of mind-soothing prep work? What a perfect diversion. “I’m in. Usual time?”
    Pia nodded, returning to her stone settings and design work. “Yep.”
     
    ****
     
    The logs in the fire pit crackled. Laughter danced through the air like the sparkling embers and dancing flames. Susanna absorbed it all with a contented sigh of pleasure. Cold sodas were guzzled, jokes exchanged, and the food was ready.
    Except for the ribs, which David promised would be finished shortly.
    “Gabe and Zack should have been here by now. I don’t understand what’s keeping them,” Zoe Wyndham said.
    “Gabe’s a newbie around Angel Falls. He’s probably using Zack as some form of human GPS while they search the grocery store for chips, salsa, and rolls.” Pia’s comment roused added laughter.
    Susanna lifted her cola from the cloth-covered picnic table where she sat. She downed a hefty swallow just as a newbie joined the party. A familiar looking German Shepherd bounded straight for her and landed its front paws on the bench seat next to her.
    Just like at the park…but…no. No way. No absolute way.
    The dog nudged her hand hard. Yes, way. This was definitely Axle.
    Susanna sputtered out her swallow of soda, gasping, and flushing hot while she covered her mouth and grabbed for the napkin beneath her plate of hors d’oeuvres. She mopped her lips and the front of her Texas A&M hoodie.
    Pia pounded on her back, looking at her in total confusion and concern. “Sus, you OK?”
    “Ah…” Oh, my goodness . How do I answer that question?
    A lone man joined the party—against every imaginable odd, the haunting, intriguing stranger from this afternoon. Susanna’s heart kicked into triple time, and she shrunk into oblivion, wishing she could vanish like the wisps of fragrant wood smoke that curved upward and evaporated into the atmosphere.
    Pia let out a happy shout and stood to enfold Handsome Man in a tight, loving hug. She turned to the assembly at large. “Everyone, this is my little brother Gabe Peretti. Gabe, this is…well…everyone!”
    Susanna sat and stared while Gabe was welcomed into the fold. Pia made the rounds, introducing him one-by-one to the party attendants. Susanna kept shrinking, and shrinking…
    So, Handsome Man was Gabe Peretti. Gabe Peretti was Pia’s brother.
    And she had told Pia everything about their meeting. Everything . Brother and sister completed the introductory circuit, closing in on the spot where she sat. Susanna glanced helplessly at the ground, searching for a deep abyss, anything— anything —except…
    “And last, but most certainly not least, I want you to meet