Race Against Time Read Online Free PDF

seen on his face as she’d recounted the details of her attack. She’d thought, just for a moment, that she’d seen something very raw flash through his gaze. The grueling emotions she’d spotted seemed to be deeper than those of a compassionate detective. What about her attack made him look regretful?
    The man had a heart. She shouldn’t be surprised. Kayla—his cousin and Lincoln’s teacher—had expressed that much, saying that Madison shouldn’t let his aloofness bother her. She’d insisted he was going through some stuff that had left him in a bit of an identity crisis. Ignoring his typical blatant disregard of her was easier said than done, however. But now this new side of him emerged, and Madison didn’t know what to think about Brody Philips.
    Finally the car pulled to a stop in front of Kayla’s bungalow, a small yellow house that sat on a stretch of other similar houses on a lone country road. The deputy started to walk her to the door, but Madison politely declined. Before she made it even halfway up the sidewalk, the front door flew open and little blond haired Lincoln ran out to greet her. With his trim, lean frame and blue eyes, he was the spitting image of his father. The feel of his sticky hands around her neck made her forget everything else, even the searing pain that ripped through her ribs.
    He pulled his head back and looked at her from only four inches away. “Mommy, where were you? I thought we were going to the playground today.”
    The playground. She’d totally forgotten about her promise to him. “We’ll go this week. I promise. Mommy had a little…accident and isn’t feeling very well.”
    Her son studied her face with a frown. “Did you catch a germ?”
    Madison smiled. “Not quite. Don’t you worry, though. I’m doing much better now that I’m with you.”
    Kayla smiled from the doorway. As Madison carried Lincoln up the steps, she waved at the deputy and he drove away. Kayla extended her arm behind her, welcoming Madison inside. Still holding Lincoln, Madison stepped into the cool living room, grateful to get out of the smothering heat.
    Kayla closed the door and offered a warm smile. “I made some Boatman’s Stew, in case you’re hungry. Lincoln already had some pizza. I hope that’s okay.”
    Madison nodded and touched her throat. “Of course.” When would this stop feeling so surreal? Images continually flashed back into her mind, making her feel like she could hardly breathe.
    “Mom, can I finish my video game?”
    Madison nodded and the boy scrambled back to the TV, picked up a remote and began playing an alphabet game. Madison followed Kayla’s lead and settled on the couch, unsure of what to do with herself.
    Madison looked at the petite woman across from her. Kayla was probably only a few years younger than Madison and had a square face, a sprinkle of freckles across her cheeks, and lovely, thick auburn hair. “How’s Lincoln been?”
    “He’s been great. He’s asked a lot of questions, but really he’s such an easygoing kid. I didn’t tell him anything. I figured you’d want to handle that.”
    “I appreciate everything you’ve done,” Madison said.
    “I just…I just can’t believe something like this would happen here…and to you.” Kayla shook her head. “I’m so sorry you’re going through this.”
    “I’m still in a state of disbelief myself.”
    A knock sounded at the door. Kayla disappeared and a moment later Madison heard a deep voice echoing from the front door. Her heart sped slightly when she realized it was Brody. She scolded herself for the reaction.
    He’d saved her life. Of course she might have the man at hero status for now. It wouldn’t last long. Soon he’d return to being her grouchy neighbor and she’d resume her routine as a single working mom. The only reason he showed so much concern now was because of his job—he had no choice but to be kind.
    She rose, rubbing her hands against her jeans, as his broad form