KAY THOMAS, Day 24, Month of Romantic Suspense [ Edited ]

[becke_davis]

Please welcome KAY THOMAS to our Month of Romantic Suspense!

I didn’t grow up burning to be a writer. As a child I wasn’t even much of a reader until fourth grade. That’s when I was stuck at home with the flu and my big sister read THE BLACK STALLION aloud to me. For hours I was enthralled—shipwrecked in a foreign land and riding an untamed horse across the hot desert sand. Then tragedy struck. My sister lost her voice. (I think she caught my flu.) But I couldn’t wait to hear what happened to Alec Ramsey—so I picked up that book, finished reading it by myself and went in search of more adventures at the local library.

Today I live in Dallas, Texas; with my husband, our two children and a shockingly-spoiled Boston terrier named Jack. My family has eaten a boatload of frozen pizza without complaint when I’ve forgotten the time and the dinner hour, caught up in my characters’ lives at the computer. I wouldn’t be able to write without their continuing support and...forgiveness of my culinary shortcomings.

Many others have provided encouragement, advice and a listening ear as I’ve pursued this dream of publication. I’m grateful to and a member of Romance Writers of America, Dallas Area Romance Authors, International Thriller Writers, and PASIC.

I write “bulletproof” romantic thrillers for Harlequin Intrigue. My debut novel, BETTER THAN BULLETPROOF (January 2009) is a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Nominee for Best First Series Romance. My second book BULLETPROOF TEXAS was published in April 2009. And my third release, BULLETPROOF BODYGUARD, is scheduled to hit store shelves April 13, 2010; as part of Intrigue’s Bodyguard of the Month series. For excerpts, trailers and more please visit my website at www.KayThomas.net.

[becke_davis]

Bulletproof Bodyguard 

Bulletproof Texas (Harlequin Intrigue Series #1130 

Better Than Bulletproof

 

[becke_davis]

Bulletproof Bodyguard

 

NOTHING COULD INTERFERE WITH HIS ASSIGNMENT—UNTIL SHE STOLE HIS HEART

Marcus North was an intriguing mystery to the residents of Murphy’s Point, Mississippi—especially Cally Burnett, the single mom who ran the B and B where Marcus stayed. But despite the instant attraction that flared between them, Cally couldn’t have guessed the secrets Marcus hid, or the way those secrets would come to haunt them both.

Working undercover on a crucial case, Marcus had to keep his identity hidden...but his desire to protect the young mother and her son had him putting everything else at risk. Including his career—and his life.

Passion—and desperation—rise as the determined mother and sexy cop come to an uneasy alliance, and everything rides on one deadly night…

[becke_davis]

You can follow Kay on Twitter:http://twitter.com/KayThomaswrites

And on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/KayThomasAuthor?ref=ts

Kay's Facebook Fan Page is here: 

 www.facebook.com/KayThomasWrites

Kay is on MySpace here: http://www.myspace.com/kaythomas_

Her website is here:http://www.kaythomas.net/Kay_Thomas/Welcome.html

[becke_davis]

2010 EVENTS:

BULLETPROOF BODYGUARD 

eHarlequin.com release ~ March 1

In store release ~ April 13th

SIGNINGS & CONFERENCES

Juke Joint Festival ~ Signing

Carnegie Public Library

114 Delta Avenue

Clarksdale, Mississippi

Saturday, April 17th ~ 1 p.m.

http://www.jukejointfestival.com/

Romance Writers of America National Conference

Opryland Hotel ~ Nashville, Tennessee

July 28-July 1

ONLINE BOOK CLUBS

Barnes & Noble Mystery Book Club (that's us!)

February 24th

http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t5/Mystery/bd-p/MysteryGen 

The Cherry Forums

Book Club Discussion for

BULLETPROOF BODYGUARD

Begins May 1

http://www.cherryforums.com/index.php

BLOGGING

eHarlequin Intrigue Authors’ blog

http://community.eharlequin.com/content/harlequin-intrigue-group-author-blog

Wednesday, March 3rd

and 

Wednesday, April 7th

Romance Bandits

Friday, April 2nd

http://romancebandits.blogspot.com

[becke_davis]

From eHarlequin:

Kay Thomas

Kay Thomas considers herself a “recovering” Southern belle. She grew up in Mississippi—ninety miles south of Memphis, in the heart of the Delta. B.B. King was born on a plantation less than fifteen minutes from her hometown. Today she calls Dallas home.

She attended Vanderbilt and graduated from Mississippi State University, with a degree in Educational Psychology and an emphasis in English. Along the way, she has taught high school English and psychology, worked in an advertising specialty agency and had a very brief stint in a lingerie store.

Kay met her husband in Big D when they sat next to each other in a restaurant. Seven weeks later they were engaged and recently celebrated their twentieth wedding anniversary. Moral: When in Texas, look the guy over before you sit next to him, because you may be eating dinner with him the rest of your life! Together they have two children and a shockingly spoiled Boston terrier named Jack.

Kay wrote her first book in 1999 but didn’t get serious—in terms of “every day in the chair” for several hours—until 2004. Her family and many good people have provided encouragement along the way—Romance Writers of America and especially her local DARA chapter were a wealth of information and a great source for education. She claims her husband and kids have eaten a boatload of frozen pizza without complaint when she has forgotten the time (and the dinner hour), caught up in her characters’ lives at the computer. She believes she never would have kept writing without that incredible support.

Kay is thrilled to be writing for Harlequin Intrigue and would love to hear from her readers.

[becke_davis]

Check out what Kay is reading at Campaign for the American Reader:http://americareads.blogspot.com/2010/02/what-is-kay-thomas-reading.html

http://www.intrigueauthors.com/author.asp?ID=84

Read an interview with Kay at Age of Autism:http://www.ageofautism.com/2009/01/romance-sexy-autism-win-a-copy-of-kay-thomas-better-than-bulletpr...

Here's another interview with Kay at Romancing the Book:http://www.romancing-the-book.com/2009/01/interview-with-kay-thomas.html

Here's another interview:

http://www.thrillerwriters.org/2008/12/better-than-bulletproof-by-kay-thomas.html

Here's Kay at the Romance Bandits:http://romancebandits.blogspot.com/2009/01/kay-thomas-and-better-than-bulletproof.html

And one more interview:http://jennifersrandommusings.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/interview-with-kay-thomas/

[becke_davis]

Kay and I met last July at RWA National - we kept bumping into each other everywhere we went. I thought I had some pictures of us all glammed up at the Harlequin 60th Anniversary party, but no -- not a one. I do have a couple of pictures from that party - my camera kept going on the fritz, so a lot of my pix didn't come out. I did find a candid shot at the Romance Bandits party with some familiar faces, though.

[becke_davis]

Read an Excerpt of BULLETPROOF TEXAS: 

Maxine O'Neil bounced in the passenger seat of the Jeep Grand Cherokee as the Texas landscape flashed by in the pouring rain. The boy—well, he was seventeen, she'd seen his Park ID—drove like a bat out of hell over the rugged terrain.

Her head almost hit the ceiling as her jean-clad butt left the seat. The windshield wipers scratched across the glass in harmony to Toby Keith blaring from the dashboard about loving him even though you might hate his politics.

How in the world had she ended up in Reddington, Texas?

The answer was simple. She'd walked in on her fiancé screwing his administrative assistant on the new office sofa. A "goodbye boff," the idiot had claimed in his smooth British accent, once he'd gotten his pants back up.

She hadn't cried. She'd just stood there in shock for a moment, the oddest thoughts popping into her head. Like did the vacation insurance she'd purchased for their upcoming cruise cover this eventuality?

Death in the immediate family. Serious illness. Car accident on the way to the port.

Catching your fiancé doing his secretary the day of departure? Boffing insurance. Probably not covered by Caribbean Cruise Lines.

Forty-five minutes later she sat on another sofa with a strong cup of her mentor's Darjeeling tea in hand—her cruise and engagement now a thing of the past.

"He did what?" shouted Kirk, jumping up from behind his desk and nearly overturning his own ever-present cup of tea. "On that lovely new sofa you helped him pick out? Good God, they'll ruin the upholstery."

Max stifled a sad giggle. Traitorous moisture seeped behind her lashes.

"That effing idiot," growled Kirk in his Scottish brogue, gray hairsticking out in all directions. He looked like a red-faced, overweight Einstein. "What the hell was he thinking?"

Max swallowed before she answered. "Oh, he explained all that. He told me he wasn't thinking. He was reacting—to Marcie—with his penis."

"Horse**bleep**."

She did laugh then. Because it was so true. This was all horse**bleep**. The picture of Robert scrambling to pull up his boxers and slacks as he explained his "goodbye boff," or "the GB" as it would forever be labeled in her head, while Marcie smirked in the background.

They'd given that twit a Coach handbag for Christmas. Robert always insisted on spectacular gifts for his "support staff." Jesus.

Max shook her head at the hideous memory and dug in her purse for her Relpax tablets. The neurologist had said she should take them as soon as she felt a headache coming on. Not to wait.

Lord, if she'd known what today had held, she'd have taken two before she got out of bed. She took her medicine with the hot tea and wished for a double shot of tequila, but it was only ten-thirty in the morning.

"So did you kick him in the balls?" Her former college professor was rabid about his female employees knowing how to defend themselves.

"No, I'm afraid I didn't. I acted like a girl."

He looked stricken. "Don't tell me you cried in front of that prick. You're thirty-two years old, for God's sake."

Oh, she adored this man. Ralph Kirk held her accountable and loved her like the daughter he'd lost. The one male figure in her life she didn't have to pretend to or put on any kind of front with.

"No. No. I just stood there like a duck in thunder. I couldn't figure out what to do. Then Marcie piped up about how they'd been seeing each other for several months and I lost it."

"What did you do?"

"I threw a paperweight at him."

Kirk gave an inelegant snort.

"I'm pretty sure it's the one you gave him last year. I think I must have clipped him. He didn't have his pants up yet. He was still trying to 'talk me down.'"

Kirk smiled his toothy grin and began to cackle like a rooster on crack.

She shook her head. "Don't laugh too hard. You're gonna hear about this, I'm sure."

"I just hope I do."

"But, Ralph, he could sue you. And, of course, me. I mean, he was bleeding when I left. Besides that he's the most litigious man I know."

"Hell, woman." Kirk shrugged. "Let him fuss. He was balling another Earth Pharm employee in my offices on my nickel. He'll most likely be sued for sexual harassment himself before it's over."

"No." Max closed her eyes, not because of the crudity of the terms, but because of the mess this was shaping up to be.

Kirk nodded. "Max, he'll lose his job. The company shrink can't screw his secretary on company time and get away with it. Not to mention cheat on his fiancée, the VP of Development, and not expect consequences."

Mentally Max cringed. The publicity and the pity of her fellow coworkers. The thought of all the fallout to come ratcheted her headache up a notch.

"But even my lawyers will say you've got to get out of here while we deal with all this. You don't want to be around when we fire this idiot."

"No, I certainly don't." She struggled not to whine. "You know we'd been planning to go on a cruise. Hell, my bags are in the lobby." She took a deep sip of tea and swallowed hard. "I agree I've got to get away for a while. I needed a break before all this happened. I just… I don't know if I can face the Caribbean by myself right now."

"Darlin', you don't want to go on a cruise alone, although I agree you do need a change of scene. You've been working nonstop upstairs in the lab. And it just so happens I have the ideal place for you. I'd wanted to ask you about it before—in fact, you were my first choice—but I knew you were taking a vacation. However, now that your plans have changed, this is perfect."

"What's perfect?" She took another slug of tea and imagined it to be Patrón Silver.

"It's called Devil's Hollow."

"That sounds like the remake of a bad Halloween movie. What's Devil's Hollow?"

"Cute." He pulled out a file folder as he spoke. "It's a newly discovered aquifer cave near Reddington, Texas. A friend of mine in Austin teaches at UT. One of his students is a spelunker, caver—whatever they call themselves. She isolated bacteria in a new cavern pool with some rather fascinating properties and used the special microbes for her thesis project. My friend thought I might be interested."

"Really." Max was still feeling sorry for herself and only halfway listening.

"I was all set to go down myself and take a look at things with Sal Evans and a small research team, but now that you're available…" He left the idea hanging. "You could go in my stead. I have the field lab already in place and Sal left this morning with the techs. I just need someone to oversee the project."

"Hmm." She slumped into Kirk's luxurious leather sofa, trying to wipe out the memory of Robert and his bimbo on the couch three floors below. A new bacteria didn't sound very promising. But she asked the prerequisite question anyway because one, this was Ralph and he was trying very hard to help her take her mind off the abysmal state of her personal life. And two, the incident in Robert's office could become a professional problem—courtesy of her quick temper and sure aim with a crystal paperweight.

"What's so special about these bacteria?" She sipped her Darjeeling.

"They eat cancer cells."

Max bobbled her teacup, rattling the Wedgwood cup and saucer. "What?"

"The bacteria eat cancerous tissue and leave healthy tissue behind."

Her eyes widened and she sat up straighter on the sofa, Robert and his tart forgotten. "Are you sure?"

He nodded, a small smile playing about his face as he nonchalantly opened the file on his cluttered desk.

"Good Lord. That's unbelievable." She swallowed. "Can it be reproduced? Does anyone else know about it? Have you seen it yet? Do you know what this means?"

He raised an eyebrow and stared at her. "To answer your questions, I don't know, I don't know, no and yes. If the bacteria can be cultured outside the cave on a large scale, I've got a pretty good idea we'll be turning the world of cancer research upside down."

[becke_davis]

Continued:

He stood and walked around the captain's desk to put a hand on her shoulder. "Now breathe, darlin'."

Max realized she was looking at him with a wild-eyed expression and that she hadn't taken one sip of oxygen or tea since he'd started talking about cancer-eating microbes.

"Are you interested?"

She took a gulp of air, huffed a laugh and nodded her head vigorously. "Hell, yes, I'm interested. This is amazing."

"Indeed it is." He poured himself more tea. "Now there is one catch, and for you, dear, it's a pretty big one. This field research and lab will all be inside Devil's Hollow."

"Uh-huh." She picked up her cup automatically as he motioned to refill it.

"That's a cave, Max."

"Right." She didn't really hear him, so lost in the possibilities of what the research could mean for Earth Pharm.

He leaned down, in her face, holding the teapot in one hand and gesturing with another. "A cave. You hear me, girl? A dark, closed-in, claustrophobia-producing cave. Can you handle that?"

Max stared at him, finally absorbing the information. A cave. Damn. Her worst nightmare.

She said the first thing that came to mind. The honest answer. "I'm not sure, but I'll die if I don't get to try this."

He looked at her and smiled sadly, none of the teasing or slyness in his eyes now. "Yes, I know, but there's no shame in not being able to do this if you can't. None at all. Your mother would understand. She wouldn't want you to—"

"Stop it, please." Max held up her hand; she'd just gotten over being weepy. "I'll be fine or I'll tell you if I'm not. I'd never jeopardize a project like this. You know that. And I'll take Tim Ryan with me. If I can't handle the lab work inside the cave for any reason, he can gather the samples and I can analyze the data topside. I trust his work implicitly."

He nodded. "Fair enough."

"Tell me everything."

"The cave is on private farmland adjoining Whispering Pines National Forest, so we've leased the farm for the next six weeks. If this bacteria is for real, we'll negotiate to purchase."

"Has it remained closed since the initial discovery?"

Kirk shrugged. "That's anyone's guess. This grad student could have been throwing keg parties there for all I know. It's why I wanted to get someone on-site as soon as possible. From now on no one goes in or out unless an Earth Pharm representative says they do. That's a lease stipulation."

"It's a good thing you knew this professor at UT or our bacteria could just as easily have ended up in some competitor's lap, huh?"

"Don't even think that out loud, darlin'. Until we have solid lab results and are certain that the bacteria can be cultured and reproduced outside the cave, no one outside Earth Pharm can know about the project."

Max leaned forward. "I'm not sure I understand."

"We don't own the property or the mineral rights yet. The owner is hesitant to agree to my terms." Kirk sipped his tea. "But he will. The short-term lease buys us time. But the true nature of this project must remain top-secret or it could get stolen right out from under us. As a cover story, we're going to call it mineral research for women's makeup."

"Women's makeup?"

"That's big business and as far from cancer research as you can get. Earth Pharm is branching out and expanding its markets, so this makes sense. It'll also make your cover easier to sell. You'll still be gathering samples from the pond. The grad student and her professor have signed nondisclosure agreements about what the samples are really for."

Max nodded. "Sounds like a plan."

They spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon mapping out her approach for the research. Max's lab would have been cutting back hours and staff while she was out of town anyway. That's why Sal and some of her techs were already en route to Devil's Hollow. Now Max would just be taking Kirk's place overseeing the project.

She was entirely convinced that her boss was the Pied Piper. She'd gone to his office to request an extended leave of absence and come out in charge of the biggest plum in the company. Devil's Hollow.

The project was a total fluke. Bacteria that ate only cancer cells and left healthy tissue behind. Amazing.

So many lives could be saved. So many that could have been saved. Their findings had the chance to revolutionize cancer research and make Earth Pharm the brightest star in the pharmaceutical world. Hell, the brightest in the Fortune 500.

Max stared out the window at the swiftly passing trees. This opportunity at Devil's Hollow was a godsend. The chance of a lifetime. And thanks to Kirk, she wouldn't have to think about the fiasco with Robert until she was good and ready.

The Jeep hit a large pothole and a migraine fluttered to life in the back of her head. She grimaced, reaching into her backpack for the medication that had been keeping the headaches mostly at bay for three months now. One more month wouldn't hurt. Then she'd be back to her old life and she could figure out what she needed to make it work. Not that she'd ever trust a man again—but maybe a sabbatical, a cruise or a wild fling would be just the thing for her flagging confidence. For now she just wanted inside that cave.

"Ma'am?"

The boy-child next to her had spoken. "We're almost to the Lodge."

"Oh, I thought we would stop by the cave first."

Looking at her designer sandals and capri pants, he frowned. Inwardly, she cursed Robert. He had locked her out of her own apartment the night of "the GB," the ass.

She'd spent last night in a hotel with her vacation clothes. There'd been no time to change or repack once she got back into her loft. Robert had moved out with all of his things and many of hers… including her entire Toby mug collection.

She still couldn't believe he'd taken the antique Royal Doulton jugs. The man didn't even have a cabinet to keep them in. He couldn't possibly care about such things.

He'd always made fun of her when she'd bought one of the unique face mugs at a flea market or hobby shop. She wouldn't be surprised if he'd tossed the whole box in the first Dumpster he passed walking out of their apartment. He'd taken them only to hurt her.

[becke_davis]

Kay, welcome to B&N's Mystery Book Club - I'm so excited to have you visiting with us!

[becke_davis]

Excerpt from BULLETPROOF BODYGUARD:

Prologue

Jackson, Mississippi

November, Six months ago

Sweat ran down Marcus's back and sides. The heat was cranked up too high and the room was stifling. To top it off, the tape from his body mike was ripping out hairs every time he moved.

Asa had strapped the wire on too tight, but Marcus hadn't complained. His partner had a lot on his mind. At the time Marcus didn't think it would matter. He'd expected to be in and out in twenty minutes. He should've known better.

They were waiting on Donny Simmons to make the delivery, then Marcus could "say the magic words." Of course, Donny was over an hour late, and Marcus was about to melt.

Half an hour ago he'd tried opening the window, but it was painted shut. He considered standing up and trying again, but couldn't summon up the energy.

God, he wanted a drink.

He looked around the shabby little living room. The carpet was worn, stained and smelled awful. Marcus sat on it because the only available chair looked worse. There was an old console television at the far end of the room, but apparently it didn't work.

He felt a prickling sensation along the back of his neck and couldn't figure out if something was truly wrong, or if he was just paranoid. After all, he'd been hanging out with Donny and his friends for the past two months. Some of their paranoia was bound to have rubbed off. He tried to concentrate on something besides the greenhouse effect and chest-hair removal, but he wasn't having much luck.

He knew his men outside weren't in any better shape, except for the heat issue. It was thirty-two degrees and dropping. The weatherman had predicted an ice storm for tonight, but the front was moving in early. Sleet splattered on the window above his head.

Perfect. No wonder Donny was late.

Four patrol guys were in an unmarked car down the street, while a six-man SWAT team was crammed into a plumbers' van parked next door. Marcus had been in that same van last week. The heater was broken, and he knew those men were freezing their butts off as the team listened in.

Up to this point there hadn't been much to hear. Just some dopers sitting around smoking and waiting on a delivery. Three of them to be exact—Donny's brother Charles, his girlfriend Janice and another small-time dealer named Billy.

Charles lay on a broken-down sofa, his back to the room. From his vantage point on the floor, Marcus had a clear view of his T-shirt. Underneath the winged motorcycle emblem, the shirt proclaimed, If you can read this, the bitch fell off.

Charming guy, that Charles.

Janice slumped in a broken-down recliner next to the sofa. Long greasy hair hid her face, and she held a cigarette in grimy hands. Billy fidgeted at the kitchen table, jumping up every five minutes or so to look out the window and pace around the sad-looking kitchen. Marcus wondered what he was on and how long he'd been up.

Mentally he reviewed the pre-raid briefing that had taken place earlier today. He had stood at the front of the conference room in the station house and pointed to himself, "I'll be inside wearing these clothes. Please don't shoot me."

Everyone had laughed and then they'd gotten down to business. At noon the Honorable Judge Watson had signed a search warrant for the property and arrest warrants for Donny, Charles and Billy.

The plan was to wait for Donny to make the sale.

Marcus would say, "It's all good."

Things would roll from there.

The SWAT team would hit the front door, take down the suspects and Marcus would hit the floor. The patrol guys would stay on the perimeter. They should be able to do this with a minimum of fuss, without firing a shot and he hoped, without blowing his cover.

Key word being should.

Donny was normally quite punctual with his delivery schedules—very unusual for a doper. Likewise, every Tuesday at four o'clock in the afternoon, Billy was there for a pick-up. Naturally, this was the first time in two months the delivery had been late.

Marcus's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Donny's Camaro pulling into the driveway. The muffler must be dragging the ground to make that kind of racket. He stood as the dealer hustled in the back door carrying a nylon duffel bag, but Marcus's stomach clenched when he saw the woman with him.

Tessa. He'd been a fool to think he was protecting her by saying no. Instead, she was clinging to Donny like he was her ticket to the good life. And for the next few hours he would be, if he shared his product with her. She nodded coolly to Marcus, giving no indication she knew him beyond a casual bar-room acquaintance.

"It's about time," said Charles. "Where ya been?"

"Trying not to wrap my car around a tree." Donny's voice was high and screechy. "It's slicker'n a greased pig out there."

"Donny, you're such a comedian," sneered Janice.

"Bite me, darlin."

"In your dreams," she retorted.

"Cut the crap," interrupted Marcus. "Let's get on with this. I've got somebody waiting."

"You and me both," said Billy. He walked over to stand beside

Marcus. "Let's see the st…"

Boom. Boom. Boom. The battering ram slammed through the front door.

Damn, somebody screwed up. Marcus hit the floor. The SWAT team burst through into the living room with 9mm MP5’s.

"What the f—" shouted Charles. His question was cut short as he fell off the couch.

Janice screamed. Donny hit the floor with Marcus. Billy pulled out a 9mm Glock.

"Police...Drop the weapon, you're under arrest!" shouted Tanker, the SWAT team leader.

Billy didn't hesitate; he just grabbed Tessa and put the Glock to her temple. "You drop it, or I do her right here."

"You got no place to run, man. The house is surrounded. Let her go." Tanker's voice was calm. His entire team was now in the living room pointing their MP5’s at Billy.

Marcus was sprawled at Tessa's feet, staring up at the Glock. She was scared, but looked at him with complete trust in her eyes. No way he was pulling out his own gun in this situation. That was a guaranteed way to get them both shot.

He'd suspected Billy was a speed freak, and right now he was pretty sure that the guy was "schitzing out". Marcus figured they had about ten more seconds before Billy completely lost it and starting shooting. If he rolled hard, Marcus could knock Tessa out of the way long enough for Tanker to do his thing.

He glanced over at the SWAT leader, gave him an imperceptible nod and rolled—right into Tessa's calves.

Tessa squealed and pitched backwards, away from the gun. Billy's arm was shoved to the side when she fell. She was safe but Billy squeezed off several rounds as his hand came down. Tessa's scream was cut short. Tanker ran forward and Billy was on the ground before the echo of the shots stopped reverberating around the room.

"Officer down!" shouted Tanker's second in command. "Officer down!"

Marcus turned to check Tessa and see who they were talking about before he felt the pain sear along his shoulder. Fire raced up and down his arm, but his body felt as cold as the sleet coming down outside.

Well, hell. The crowded room darkened around the edges but the volume increased. Tessa lay still beside him, her eyes staring lifelessly at the yellowed ceiling.

NO! Something inside him died when he saw the gunshot wound between her eyes, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.

Asa shouted for an ambulance and leaned over Marcus, blocking his view of the men huddled around her.

"Tessa?"

Asa didn't answer immediately. "They're working on her. Hang on, partner. Help's on the way."

Marcus saw stark fear in his friend's eyes and was lucid enough to realize Billy's stray bullets might have nicked something major in him. He felt a growing puddle of warm blood beneath him.

Asa never stopped talking as he peeled off his own sweatshirt, wadded it up and pressed the material against Marcus's chest. "You did good, man. You're gonna make Hodges's day. There's a boatload of drugs here. Should be some cash, too. You just stay with me. Okay?"

"Sure," mumbled Marcus.

Asa was lying. Hodges was gonna be pissed at the way this had gone down. Not that Marcus cared what Hodges thought, he'd just screwed up so badly, there wasn't anything his boss could do to make him feel any worse. Tessa was dead and he couldn't tell Asa what that really meant. Marcus had to pretend she was no different from any other addict caught in the crossfire. Even now.

"I'll be all right," he whispered. The room grew dimmer. "You know, I almost passed out from the heat waiting on you guys.

Better not tell Hodges, though, huh? I'd really like some fresh air."

Marcus could tell his words were slurring and he wasn't making much sense. "I had this feeling something would go wrong…You know that feeling?"

Then everything went black.

Excerpt from: BULLETPROOF BODYGUARD by Kay Thomas

Copyright © 2010 by Kay Thomas

Permission granted by Harlequin Books S.A. and Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved.

[becke_davis]

HOT OFF THE PRESSES!

Here is Kay's BRAND NEW book trailer for BULLETPROOF BODYGUARD!

[becke_davis]

Kay's welcome message has gotten kind of buried here, and she deserves a huge one for all the trouble she's been having trying to get signed in. So let me try again: WELCOME, KAY!

[dhaupt]

Hi Kay and Welcome to the month long party.

Thanks only to Becke my To Be Read Pile has increase exponentially, but I'm not complaining because she's been introducing me to great authors that are new to me.

I can't wait to start reading your books. And I love Harlequin Intrigue, between that and Mira they keep me knee deep in books. In fact if I don't place an order at least once a month from e-Harlequin they send me coupons and incentives saying they miss me.

So I keep getting boxes in the mail and from UPS and Fed-Ex and when I get home at night I get the raised eyebrow from my spouse. What can I say.

My name is Debbie and I'm addicted to reading

[becke_davis]

Debbie - Kay was one of my favorite people of all the authors I met at National. She's a lot of fun! We both suffer from a similar problem, too. My daughter was on the phone withRosie, my roommate, every night, going over my wardrobe choices. She (my daughter) knows I like to bling it up and instructed Rosie not to let me out of the room with too many accessories. "A scarf equals a necklace - you can't wear both," I was instructed. 

So with that in mind, I run into Kay -- literally, I saw her everywhere I went -- and she was wearing this darling cardigan trimmed with all different colors of buttons. "That is so cute!" I told her. "I'm so glad you said that," she replies. "My daughter couldn't believe I brought it with me." She then told me how her daughter didn't like the sweater (which was darling) and rolled her eyes whenever she wore it. I said, "I have one of those daughters, too!" That was a bonding moment for me, also when Kay wore the CUTEST jewelry at the Harlequin party. Which I would have pictures of, except my camera didn't work there. (It finally died for good at Christmas time.)

Anyway, poor Kay has had a heck of a time getting signed in here. The gremlins have been giving her a work out, so be gentle with Kay today. I hope her visit is worth all the effort she's put into it!

[dhaupt]

Oh Kay, I'm so sorry about the B&N gremlins but they only haunt the very best.

That story Becke told about her daughter and then your daughter is so similar to my own daughter.

Luckily we don't live together she being almost 30 and out on her own, but when we happen to go out together or see each other my outfits usually make her roll her eyes at me (I think she inherited that from her eyebrow lifting father) and I'm often told that her grandmother isn't old enough to wear what I'm wearing or that I've again over done the bling like Becke is accused of.

I hope you're able to talk to us, but if not we understand. Technology is great until it goes awry,

[becke_davis]

Daughters are funny, aren't they? Mine is grown up, too, Debbie - she'll be 27 this year! (How can that be possible?) She's a total fashion diva. I wish she lived closer. I need all the help I can get!

Well, Jon is working with Kay now so hopefully he will defeat the gremlins and get her signed in. We need to give her a special welcome when she gets here. Help me think of something, Debbie! Tea and biscuits doesn't seem to be quite enough after all she's been through.