Hot Zone, page 28
Had something gone wrong after they’d left her? Ted and Madison were seasoned hikers, physically fit. They’d been frequent patrons of the fitness equipment she kept at the cabin that housed her survival and wilderness trek business. She couldn’t imagine there would have been any problem with their trek off Mount Redoubt to rejoin the outside world.
“The rest of your group. In case you were worried—which apparently you’re not—they’re all toasty warm with dry blankets up in the helicopter on their way back to the resort cabin, probably wishing they’d stayed in California. How is it that you have managed out here so long away from the group?”
Climbing group, from California? He must think she was a part of some other group. Relief burned through her like frostbitten limbs coming to life again. He didn’t know about Ted and Madison or the sheriff’s deputy, and he had no idea at all why she was really out here today.
She couldn’t afford—her relatives back in their community couldn’t afford—a single misstep. There were careful procedures for people who left, methods to protect their location. “I’ve had better survival training than the average person.”
And she would need every bit of that training to ditch this hulking big military savior when the time came to escape.
Acknowledgments
People often ask me how I come up with new story ideas. Obviously, as an air force wife, I’m inspired by my husband and our experiences in military life over the years. But my ideas come via other avenues as well. Such as this one. The story started brewing as I watched reports of the tragic devastation of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. I was deeply moved by the breathtaking way dozens of organizations and countries pulled together to help, showing humanity at its best. From that, my imagination took flight and a story came to life.
Little did I know that just after I completed this book, Japan as well would be struck by a horrific earthquake and tsunami. My prayers are with everyone affected by these unimaginably terrible tragedies as they continue the long journey to rebuild their lives.
As I brought this story to fruition, I was blessed with the assistance of many. However, any inaccuracies, poetic license, or overall pushing the boundaries of possibility can be attributed to me. All characters are from my imagination—any perceived similarity to real persons, incidents, or places is coincidental.
Tremendous thanks to my ever-brilliant and witty editor, Deb Werksman. You and the entire Sourcebooks team are a joy to work with. Endless appreciation goes to my agent Barbara Collins Rosenberg—a tireless wonder and a dear friend. As always, gratitude and hugs to my critique partner, Joanne Rock, for the feedback, the encouragement, and her ability to chase away writer’s block with one phone conversation. Many kudos to Jeanette Vigliotti for coming through in a pinch with proofreading. I am so grateful for the generosity and support of Sherrilyn Kenyon, Lori Foster, and Dianna Love, authors extraordinaire! And, as always, sending a big shout out to the ever-awesome Suz Brockmann and the amazing friends she has shared with me—Stephanie, Anne, Ann, Michelle, Erika, Beki, Sue, Jeanne, and Laura.
Technical details are always such fun to research—and then stressful, as I worry if I could ever do justice to the heroic professionals who’ve shared their time and expertise. I took copious notes as former air force pararescueman Dr. Ronald Marshall, DC, relayed details of harrowing PJ rescues in an earthquake-ravaged region. And as always, I would be lost without my own air force aviator husband, Robert, who is always ever ready with brainstorming help and fact-checking reads. Thanks to them both for their brave and selfless service to our country! Much appreciation goes to my longtime author friend, Vickie Taylor, who is also a FEMA canine trainer. I appreciate her patience with my many, many, many questions about USAR.
And of course, all my love to my incredible husband Rob and our four eternally patient children—Brice, Haley, Robbie, and Maggie. Thank you for being every bit as proud of me as I am of each of you!
About the Author
USA Today bestseller Catherine Mann has over two million books in print in more than twenty countries. A winner of the prestigious RITA Award, Catherine resides in Florida with her military-hero husband, their four children, and a menagerie of pets. For more information on her upcoming releases, check out her website at www.catherinemann.com or visit her on Facebook at Catherine Mann (author).
Catherine Mann, Hot Zone
