Last Chance for Love: A Masters Men Christmas Story

By Sandra S. Kerns

The Masters Men are decorating for Christmas. They have a lot to celebrate between the birth of Ace and Gina’s first child, Tres and Izzy’s twins, and the upcoming birth of Dos and Copper’s fourth; not to mention no major family tragedies for a year. Then again, no one has heard from Smitty since he left the decorating party at Gina’s Aunt Camille’s house.

After receiving a worried call from Smitty’s son, Camille sets out on the cold December night to look for him. She finds him near frozen to death on the side of the road several miles from her house. She calls Ace who immediately calls in the rest of the Masters cavalry. The search is on for the person who caused Smitty’s accident.

When Tres finds evidence proving it wasn’t an accident, the Masters men kick it into high gear. Dos and Ace split their time between the hospital and playing bodyguard for Camille while Tres and Gina work the case.
Camille buries her concern about Smitty’s prognosis and her love for him beneath concern for the Masters family. She knows how important he is to them. Besides, she blew any chance she had at a second dance with true love when she fell for that gigolo last year. All she needs now is to know the people she cares about are safe and happy, and that includes Smitty.

When Smitty finally regains consciousness, he’s not happy. Everyone is rearranging their lives to make his easier. He’ll have none of it. Before the accident he had started to think there was a possibility he and Camille could possibly have a life together. Now, he doesn’t want Camille hanging around out of pity. Add to that the fact someone painted a target on his back and he doesn’t want her in harm’s way.

Smitty may have faced down some difficult criminals in his time, but dealing with a determined DeSoto woman is an entirely different matter. When the brothers are stirred into the mix doing their best to track down the man responsible for messing up their holiday, things heat up fast in Braedon, Colorado. Can they work together to close the case and bring Smitty home before Christmas? Will there be a Christmas miracle for Camille and Smitty?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sandra S. Kerns
• Release date: Dec 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311076151

Sandra S. Kerns

Sandra writes romantic suspense. She enjoys speaking to writer's groups as well as libraries and reader groups. An award-winning author, she has no time to rest on her laurels. To keep her readers happy she tries to publish at least 4 novels each year and usually another Christmas novella at the end of the year. For inspiration she looks out at the Rocky Mountains from her back patio or watches the waves when she visits Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Book preview

Last Chance for Love

A Masters Men Christmas Story

by Sandra S. Kerns

~~~~

Published by Sandra S. Kerns, LLC at Smashwords

Editor: Joy Clintsman of Big Sister Edits

Copyright 2013 Sandra S. Kerns

Cover design by: Itsy Designs

Background Photo by: Peter Szymanski

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http://www.sandrakerns.com

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Dear Reader,

Even in thoroughly proofed and meticulously edited books, errors and typos can slip through. If you find an error in my book, please feel free to send me a personal note at [e-mail]. I endeavor to give you the best book and am always interested in your comments.

Happy reading,

Sandra

Dedication

To all of the Masters Men fans.

Merry Christmas

Chapter One

Darius picked up his coffee and turned toward the coffee house door. The man he was waiting for walked up to the door as Darius pushed it open to leave.

Thanks, the man said without looking at him. Then he continued his conversation on his phone. Darius nodded and walked out.

He walked toward the BMW S sedan the man had left running while he ran in to get his coffee. Darius had watched him do it every day for the past three days. Yesterday a plan popped into his mind when the man pulled up. Now, Darius smiled as he opened the back door and slid in.

Personally, he preferred a coupe, but the sedan would do for what he had planned. He set his coffee in one of the cup holders and bent over in the seat before the man left the shop.

The man climbed in the car and backed out of the parking spot. He continued talking as he turned onto the highway. Darius remained where he was until the man finished his call and dropped the phone in the center console. He sat up and moved quickly.

Keep driving normally, he said. He met the bugged-out panicked eyes of the man. Don’t try slamming on the brakes or driving crazy. I can still snap your neck before anything happens to me.

Fine, the man choked out.

Take the next exit. Ten minutes later, they were outside of town among fields and snowbanks. Pull over, turn off the engine, and hand me the keys.

What do you want?

Your car. I like nice cars, Darius said, meeting the terrified man’s gaze in the rearview mirror.

Fine, the man said, choking on the word as Darius increased the pressure on his throat. It’s yours. I’ll walk back.

Darius smiled, though by the look on the guy’s face it wasn’t a nice smile. That fact confirmed his earlier thoughts about hijacking the car rather than just taking it. He’d missed this. Prison didn’t have many men who were afraid, or at least they didn’t show it. The fear in this guy’s wide eyes was better than the high from any drug he’d ever tried.

I hate to disappoint you, but. No, I take that back. I’m thrilled to tell you that ain’t going to happen, Darius said a second before he squeezed so hard he crushed the man’s windpipe. The guttural choking sound and minor spasms from the man’s body as he fought for oxygen sent a charge of adrenaline through Darius.

As he climbed out of the car’s back seat, he was aware of oncoming traffic. He opened the driver’s door and leaned in as if he was talking to the driver. When the cars drove over the rise ahead, Darius popped the trunk before pulling the man’s body out from behind the wheel. Walking to the back of the car, he noticed a backpack and suitcase in the trunk. Fortunately for him, it appeared the guy had been on his way to the airport. Good thing I decided on today, Darius thought. He grabbed the backpack before dumping the man’s body beside the suitcase. As he closed the trunk, another car came around the curve. Darius wasn’t worried. He knew it looked like he’d just stopped to pull the backpack out.

Once inside the car again, Darius started the engine to keep the car warm while he searched the backpack. Jackpot! The guy had all kinds of bars and candy, plus a bottle of water. His surveillance would only require one pit stop before he settled in to wait. Granted, first he had to find Detective Smitt. That shouldn’t be too difficult. The idiot did pretty much the same thing every day.

After a fortifying sip of his coffee, Darius made a U-turn and headed back toward Braeden and the satisfaction of sweet revenge.

# # #

Camille smiled as she walked into the room carrying a tray. She paused and surveyed the room full of people. All of her niece Gina’s extended family was there, including her in-laws, Jean and Jamie Collins, along with her husband’s two brothers and their wives and children. The only ones missing were her two sisters-in-law who both lived out of state. It was a joyous occasion for Camille to host one of the grandest parties she could ever remember.

Who wants some hot cocoa? she asked, stepping into the room.

She was immediately surrounded by youngsters their dark brown and red-haired heads bobbing an exhilarated yes. Two tall dark-haired men quickly snatched them out of the way to avoid a hot cocoa disaster. Camille laughed at the scene enjoying the noise and laughter. She continued to walk toward the coffee table so she could set everything down. Before she took two more steps, Smitty came up to her and relieved her of the tray. Her smile widened.

You should have called for help, he said, with a grin and a wink.

I’m not helpless, Camille chided back.

Although she had plenty of money to pay servants, if she wanted them, she wasn’t accustomed to sitting around twiddling her thumbs. The business of owning and keeping track of numerous hotels kept her busy. Even now, she spent as much time traveling as she did at home. The main difference being she actually came home and enjoyed her time here in Braedon. When she was here, she preferred to do things for herself. Part of the reason for her enjoyment was Smitty. However, if the man had his way, she would sit around and never do anything. It wasn’t that she didn’t appreciate the help, but she wasn’t used to being idle. Still it was nice to have someone care, so she always tempered her chiding with appreciation. But thank you.

After following him into the room, she poured cups of cocoa for everyone then stood back and listened as they planned more decorating events at the various homes represented.

The ‘Elements’ would really enjoy this, Tres said into the middle of the discussion.

Camille smiled at the reference to their sisters, Brooke and Blaze.

Yeah, it would be more fun if they were here, too. From the moment those two could walk they always made the decorating parties livelier, Ace said, snuggling his daughter close. I’ll bet they’ll give you some lessons, McKenna.

Why don’t we call them, or at least one of them? I’m not sure how to get in touch with Blaze, but I’m sure we could reach Brooke. That is if she hasn’t snuck away from the ER to play with the kids on pediatrics, Dos said, earning a swat from his wife.

Camille chuckled, what a show this family could put on.

She works hard in that ER, Dos Masters, and don’t you belittle my girl’s heart. You know she loves it, but working in the ER is almost as bad as working in the field like I did. She needs the time with the kids to build herself back up. Then there’s the fact that she does miss being close to the family and all her nieces and nephews.

Dos laughed and hugged Copper close, well, as close as he could get considering her pregnancy. I’m teasing. You know I respect her work, but you know she has a soft spot for kids. Add the fact that they’re all sick, and she’s a pushover.

I’ll call her, Tres said. Hopefully, she’s on a break if not at home.

As they waited for his call to go through, Camille handed out more cookies to Dos and Copper’s older children. She stroked a hand over the heads of the four and three year-olds. Once Dos had given up his loner status, he hadn’t wasted time starting a family. She glanced over at Copper. Dos was absently stroking a hand over her swollen abdomen while he waited to see if Brooke would answer. A smile of pure contentment graced Copper’s beautiful face.

Hey kid, how’s life? Tres asked. Just a warning before you answer, you’re on speaker.

Hi, all the members of the Masters and Collins’ families chorused.

Come on, Tres. It’s me, not Blaze. Saying something censored isn’t likely to happen, Brooke said. Hi everybody. What are you all doing, decorating mom and dad’s?

No, we’re over at Camille’s house. Talk about a great place to decorate. We’ve been at it for hours, Ace said. We still have hours to go from the looks of it.

I think we’ll have to come back another day. The kids are starting to lose steam, Copper said.

I can imagine. Camille’s place would be amazing to decorate. I wish I was there.

Have you heard from Blaze recently, Tres asked.

We usually talk on Sundays, but she was out of reach last week. I expect her to call this weekend. I’ll make sure and remind her to touch base with mom. She did mention some interesting plans for gifts for you guys. I wish I could be there to watch you open them, but being low nurse on the totem pole, I have to work.

Camille smiled. Well, I know your patients will be glad you are there. You’re definitely a blessing to them.

Thanks, Camille. I appreciate it. Well, everyone, I’d love to talk longer, but you caught me on a break. I have to get back to it. Hugs to everyone!

Ditto, kiddo, the brothers said together as the rest called out their goodbyes. The brothers were not pleased both of their little sisters had left the nest and moved so far away. Brooke wasn’t too far away having landed a job in Arkansas, but no one ever knew where Blaze would turn up.

Blaze had always been enamored by her brothers’ passion to protect and serve. What she didn’t love was the all too present danger that went along with it. She had found the best middle ground she could to continue