No One Left (A Sofia Blake FBI Suspense Thriller—Book Two)

By Ava Strong

FBI special agent Sofia Blake, with a Ph.D. in linguistics, can decipher any hidden codes, messages, or foreign languages the Bureau sends her way, finding patterns where others cannot and making her indispensable in tracking down the most heinous of serial killers. In the Mojave Desert, a renowned archaeologist is found dead in a remote cave, surrounded by cryptic ancient symbols. Can Sofia unravel the complex web of secrets encoded within the glyphs before the killer claims his next victim?

“The plot has many twists and turns, but it is the ending, which I did not see coming at all, that totally defines this book as one of the most riveting that I have read in years.”
—Reader review for Not Like Us
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NO ONE LEFT is Book #2 in a long-anticipated new series by #1 bestseller Ava Strong, whose bestseller NOT LIKE US (a free download) has received over 1,000 five star ratings and reviews.

Born into a family of speech pathologists and raised with a unique heritage of German, Egyptian, and French roots, Sofia Blake has always appreciated diverse languages and cultures. With her exceptional language skills and natural talent for decoding cryptic messages, Sofia shot to the top ranks of the FBI. It seemed nothing could slow her down—until her travel-journalist sister mysteriously disappeared ten years ago.

Now, haunted by her past and desperate for answers, Sofia vows to use her extraordinary talents to stop more tragedies from occurring.

Is her linguistic genius enough to stop the vilest of killers?

Or will the killers reach her before she can crack their codes?

A page-turning crime thriller full of jaw-dropping twists and packed with heart-pounding suspense, the SOFIA BLAKE mystery series introduces a brilliant new female protagonist and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Fans of Rachel Caine, Teresa Driscoll, and Robert Dugoni are sure to fall in love.

More books in the series are also available!

“This is a chilling, suspenseful page turner that just might leave you scared at night!”
—Reader review for Not Like Us
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Very intriguing, kept me turning page after page… Lots of twists and turns and a very unexpected ending. Cannot wait for the next in this series!”
—Reader review for Not Like Us
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“A roller coaster ride of events… Can’t put down until you finish it!”
—Reader review for Not Like Us
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“Excellent read with very realistic characters that you become emotionally invested in… Couldn't put it down!”
—Reader review for The Death Code
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“An excellent read, lots of twists and turns, with a surprising ending, leaving you wanting to read the next book in the series! Well done!”
—Reader review for The Death Code
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“Well worth the read. Cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!”
—Reader review for The Death Code
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“Quickly became a story I couldn’t put down! I highly recommend this book!”
—Reader review for His Other Wife
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“I really enjoyed the fast-paced action, plot design and characterization... I didn't want to put the book down and the ending was a total surprise.”
—Reader review for His Other Wife
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“The characters are extremely well developed… There are twists and turns in the plot that kept me guessing. An extremely well written story.”
—Reader review for His Other Wife
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“One of the best books I have ever read… The ending was perfect and surprising. Ava Strong is an amazing writer.”
—Reader review for His Other Wife
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“Holy cow, what a rollercoaster… Many times I absolutely KNEW who the killer was—only to be proven wrong each time. I was completely surprised by the ending. I have to say, I am thrilled that this is the first in a series. My only complaint is that the next one isn't out yet. I need it!”
—Reader review for His Other Wife
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“An incredible, intense, spellbinding, enjoyable story. It will keep you captivated until the end.”
—Reader review for His Other Wife
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• Language: English
• Publisher: Ava Strong
• Release date: Dec 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9781094383408

Book preview

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N O

O N E

L E F T

(a sofia blake fbi suspense thriller —book 2)

a v a   s t r o n g

Ava Strong

Ava Strong is author of the REMI LAURENT mystery series, comprising six books (and counting); of the ILSE BECK mystery series, comprising seven books (and counting); of the STELLA FALL psychological suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the DAKOTA STEELE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the LILY DAWN suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); the MEGAN YORK FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); and the SOFIA BLAKE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting).

An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Ava loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.avastrongauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.

Copyright © 2023 by Ava Strong. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the author. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Jacket image Copyright Laura Crazy, used under license from Shutterstock.com.

BOOKS BY AVA STRONG

SOFIA BLAKE FBI SUSPSENSE THRILLER

NO ONE THERE (Book #1)

NO ONE LEFT (Book #2)

NO ONE HOME (Book #3)

NO ONE TO HELP (Book #4)

NO ONE LIKE THIS (Book #5)

MEGAN YORK FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

YOU’LL BE SORRY (Book #1)

YOU’LL BE NEXT (Book #2)

YOU’LL BE MINE (Book #3)

YOU’LL BE FIRST (Book #4)

YOU’LL BE GONE (Book #5)

LILY DAWN FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

STILL ALIVE (Book #1)

STILL HOPE (Book #2)

STILL AWAKE (Book #3)

STILL HERE (Book #4)

STILL MAD (Book #5)

REMI LAURENT FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

THE DEATH CODE (Book #1)

THE MURDER CODE (Book #2)

THE MALICE CODE (Book #3)

THE VENGEANCE CODE (Book #4)

THE DECEPTION CODE (Book #5)

THE SEDUCTION CODE (Book #6)

ILSE BECK FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

NOT LIKE US (Book #1)

NOT LIKE HE SEEMED (Book #2)

NOT LIKE YESTERDAY (Book #3)

NOT LIKE THIS (Book #4)

NOT LIKE SHE THOUGHT (Book #5)

NOT LIKE BEFORE (Book #6)

NOT LIKE NORMAL (Book #7)

STELLA FALL PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE THRILLER

HIS OTHER WIFE (Book #1)

HIS OTHER LIE (Book #2)

HIS OTHER SECRET (Book #3)

HIS OTHER MISTRESS (Book #4)

HIS OTHER LIFE (Book #5)

HIS OTHER TRUTH (Book #6)

DAKOTA STEELE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

WITHOUT MERCY (Book #1)

WITHOUT REMORSE (Book #2)

WITHOUT A PAST (Book #3)

WITHOUT PITY (Book #4)

WITHOUT HOPE (Book #5)

CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

EPILOGUE

PROLOGUE

Kathy Wallace trekked across the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert, her boots crunching against the rocky terrain.

Finally, she thought. Somewhere, I can relax and stop thinking for a while.

That was, after all, why she'd come to this unforgiving wilderness in the first place: to gain some much-needed time alone to clear her head and find herself after the recent twists and turns in her life. Having grown up with wilderness-loving parents, Kathy had always been resourceful and quick-thinking in dangerous situations, which had given her the confidence to embark on this solo journey.

The scorching sun beat down upon her, casting a relentless heat that seemed to stretch on forever. Kathy glanced around at the barren landscape, feeling the weight of her solitude pressing down on her. The endless sea of sand and stone stretched out before her, a testament to nature's relentless might. She took a moment to adjust the straps of her backpack, which was laden with essential hiking gear: a compass, a map, a first-aid kit, food rations, and plenty of water. Despite her vulnerability in the harsh environment, she felt a sense of exhilaration coursing through her veins.

As she wiped the sweat from her brow, Kathy thought about the events that brought her to this desolate corner of the earth. Her job at the museum had become increasingly demanding, leaving her feeling suffocated and overwhelmed. And then there was the breakup with her boyfriend, a man she'd once imagined spending the rest of her life with. Now, with each step she took across the parched earth, she hoped to distance herself from those painful memories and forge a new path.

What she needed most of all was a fresh perspective, a way to view the world without all the baggage of her past weighing her down. And the Mojave Desert was the perfect place to gain that perspective.

Kathy gazed out at the horizon, taking in the vast expanse of the desert that seemed to stretch on forever. The sheer size of it all made her feel small and insignificant but strangely comforted at the same time.

In a way, she felt more at home out here than she ever did in the bustling city. The quiet of the desert seemed to settle her mind, allowing her thoughts to flow freely without the constant distractions of modern-day life. As she continued her hike, she felt herself slipping deeper into a state of tranquility, her worries beginning to melt away.

As she pressed on, the unforgiving sun and the waterless landscape made her acutely aware of her own vulnerability. Though she was skilled in navigating the outdoors, the Mojave Desert demanded a level of respect and caution that even Kathy could not ignore. Yet, as she trudged onward, a small smile tugged at her lips. She was doing this for herself, proving that she could overcome any obstacle. It was a small victory against the odds, but it was one she would savor.

Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly became aware of a shape moving far off to her left. It was a Jeep, slowly rolling parallel to her.

How long has that been there? she wondered.

At first, she assumed it must be a coincidence and she had simply bumped into another traveler eager to enjoy the wildness of the desert. But the Jeep did not move on. If she stopped, so too did the Jeep.

Is it following me?

It seemed absurd...and yet, Kathy's instincts told her otherwise. She quickened her pace, but the Jeep matched her stride. Her heart began to pound in her chest. She had heard stories of predators lurking in the wilderness, waiting for unsuspecting travelers to cross their paths. Could this be one of them?

Kathy's eyes darted around, searching for potential escape routes. But the rocky terrain offered little cover. She was out in the open, completely exposed. She had no choice but to keep walking, though her legs felt like lead, and her throat was suddenly dry.

Focus, Kathy, she whispered to herself, her eyes darting between the trail ahead and the ominous vehicle in the distance. You can handle this.

She knew that her resourcefulness and quick-thinking were her greatest strengths, and now was the time to put them to the test. As the Jeep drew closer, Kathy made up her mind. With her heart pounding, she veered off the well-trodden path, taking a sharp turn that led her deeper into the desert.

Where are you going, girl? she thought, her voice shaky even in her own head. But there was no time to question her decision. She needed to create as much distance between herself and the Jeep as possible.

The terrain grew rougher, and Kathy's breathing became labored. Sweat trickled down her forehead, stinging her eyes, as her legs burned with exertion. Still, she refused to slow down. The sound of the Jeep's engine roared in her ears, a constant reminder of the potential threat lurking nearby.

Who are they? What do they want? Her thoughts raced as quickly as her heartbeat, each question fueling her fear and confusion. She had come out here to escape the troubles of her life, not to find herself in an even more dangerous situation.

As the sun continued its merciless assault, Kathy felt a new resolve take root within her. She was not going to be intimidated or controlled by anyone—not whatever creep was in that Jeep, not the desert, and certainly not her own fear. This was her journey, and she would see it through to the end.

As the Mojave's relentless heat bore down on Kathy and the Jeep crept ever closer, she finally spotted the narrow entrance to a cave, its darkness beckoning her like an oasis. Her heart thudded in her chest as she hurried toward it, leaving the trail behind. If she could just hide in there, maybe the person in the Jeep would leave her alone. At the very least, she'd have a chance to escape the heat.

Quickening her pace, she hurried forward, casting a quick glance over her shoulder to see the Jeep bearing down on her, moving swiftly now. Was it going to catch up to her before she reached the cave, perhaps run her down?

No, she couldn't let that happen. Turning her attention forward again, she raced for all she was worth, pushing her body as hard as she could. The heat rolled over her in waves, and every part of her body grew slick with sweat.

Just as the growl of the Jeep's engine began to grow louder like the roar of a hungry lion, Kathy reached the cave and darted inside. She threw her back against the wall and took several deep breaths of the damp, cool air as she tried to calm herself.

She listened for any sounds of pursuit. Seconds passed, however, and she heard nothing—neither the engine of the Jeep nor the footfalls of someone approaching.

She was not about to assume she was safe, however.

As she ventured deeper into the cave, she stumbled upon a massive boulder, perfect for hiding. With deliberate care, she settled herself behind it, her back pressed against the cold stone. Gasping for air, she strained her ears for any sign of the Jeep or its driver.

Please don't find me, please don't find me, she pleaded softly, her voice trembling.

Her heart pounded in her ears, the rhythmic beat amplifying her anxiety. In the silence, she tried to calm herself, taking deep breaths and focusing on the faint sound of water dripping somewhere in the dark recesses of the cave.

What is that smell? she thought, detecting an odor of rot. She supposed an animal must have crawled in here and died. Either that or it was sulfur.

Her mind turned to a more relevant series of questions.

Who could be following me? And why? What do they want?

The uncertainty weighed heavy on her mind, making it difficult to think clearly. She had only wanted to escape her problems, seeking solace in the solitude of the Mojave Desert. But now, safety seemed like an unreachable dream.

Get a grip, Kathy, she muttered, trying to reassure herself. You're resourceful. You can handle this.

Time seemed to crawl by as Kathy sat motionless behind the boulder, each minute dragging on like an eternity. Her eyes began to adjust to the darkness, revealing the cave's rough walls and a scattering of stalactites above her head.

Maybe they've given up, she thought hopefully, her heart rate finally beginning to slow.

But even as she clung to that hope, a nagging doubt lingered in the pit of her stomach. The Jeep had been relentless in its pursuit, and Kathy couldn't shake the feeling that whoever was inside wouldn't give up so easily.

Her heart was a metronome keeping time. She strained her ears, searching for the smallest of sounds (a footfall, a breath), but she heard nothing. The stillness was both a comfort and a torment, leaving her unsure whether she had successfully evaded her pursuer or if they were simply biding their time, waiting for her to emerge.

Is it safe to leave? she wondered, knowing that she couldn't remain hidden indefinitely.

The dark of the cave seemed to close in around her, pressing down on her chest as though attempting to suffocate her. In spite of her mounting claustrophobia, Kathy knew that her safety depended on remaining hidden, at least for now. Steeling herself, she decided to wait a little longer before venturing back into the desert.

With her eyes fixed on the cave's entrance, Kathy tried to steady her breathing and let her mind drift for a moment. She needed to find something to take her mind off the silence that seemed to echo in the darkness. As she shifted her weight from one foot to another, her boot brushed against a mound of sand behind the boulder.

Curiosity piqued, she directed her gaze downward, making out an odd shape beneath the thin layer of sand. Her heartbeat quickened as she knelt and brushed away the grit, revealing the unmistakable form of a human skull. A gasp escaped her lips, and she stumbled back in horror, her hands flailing for purchase in her haste to get away from the gruesome discovery.

It can't be, she whispered, her voice shaking as her breath hitched in her throat. The skull stared back at her with empty eye sockets, its jaw hanging open in a silent scream. Several teeth were missing, leaving gaping holes in the bone.

As if drawn by some macabre magnetism, she found herself brushing at the ground, exposing more of the skeleton. The bones jutted through the tattered remains of clothing that clung stubbornly to the skeletal frame. Ribs, cracked and broken like dry twigs, offered mute testimony to the violence that had befallen this unfortunate soul. The sight seared itself into her mind, and she choked back a sob, her stomach churning with revulsion and fear.

Who are you? she asked the lifeless remains. What happened to you?

But the skeleton offered no answer, its secrets locked away in the silent embrace of the desert sands.

Kathy shook her head, trying to dispel the images that crowded her thoughts. She knew she couldn't stay here any longer; the cave had become a tomb, a place of death and decay that threatened to swallow her up. With trembling hands, she gathered her backpack and took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever awaited her outside. She could feel the sweat trickling down her spine, a stark contrast to the chill that had settled deep within her bones.

Get away, get away, she whispered, her voice cracking with the strain of her terror. The words were more than just a mantra; they were a desperate plea, an invocation of whatever power might be listening to help