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  “What do you mean?”

  “I found that in the worst of circumstances, God is faithful. He took care of me. Did you know that when I was out in the snow, Annie knew something was wrong? God told her to pray for my safety. It must have worked because here I am.”

  “Does this mean you’re going back to church?” Mercy asked.

  “Yep. Now that I don’t have to keep an eye on you, I want to be a good example to my kids. I don’t want to just go to church. I want them to have a dad who lives for God—who’s a good example of what a father should be.”

  Mercy smiled at him. “I’ll be going to church with Mark in a couple of weeks.”

  Tally chuckled, surprised by Mercy’s announcement. “You’re going to church?”

  “Very funny. Here’s something that will really shock you—Friday night I’m going to church with my mom. And I’m going to check out that recovery group she’s in.” She shrugged. “Seems I do have a few . . . issues to deal with.”

  Tally leaned back in his chair. “I’m proud of you, Merce. That’s wonderful.” He looked back and forth between her and Mark. “And you guys?”

  “Well, we’re taking it one day at a time,” Mark said, “trying to figure out what God wants us to do. But I’m hopeful.”

  “So with all these changes, are you finally ready to let Pippin move in?” Tally asked, grinning at her.

  Mercy sighed. “If he doesn’t, I’m not sure what I’ll do with all the dog toys waiting for him at my place.”

  Tally shook his head. “Wow, you really have changed.”

  “And what about you, Tally?” Mercy asked. “What have you decided about the force?”

  “When Troy died, I felt so . . . hopeless. Another kid lost to criminals. I decided that if anything good could come from his death, I would have to help other kids stay out of trouble. Save all the Troys I can. Let them know they’re important to the world—and to God. I can’t do that if I walk away. So I’m staying.”

  Mercy nodded and stared down at the table. “I’m so glad to hear that.”

  Tally studied her for a moment. Finally he said, “Merce, look at me.”

  When she raised her head, he was shocked to see tears on her cheeks. “Merce, you’re crying. I can’t believe it!”

  Mark reached over and took her hand. “Frosty the Snow Cop is dead,” he said softly. “Long live Mercy Brennan.”

  Tally smiled as he gazed at his friends. “Amen,” he said. “Amen.”

  Acknowledgments

  Writing this book took me down a new path in my writing career. Yet it is a familiar path because it’s the realization of a desire in my heart for many, many years. Writing stories about law enforcement is a joy and a privilege, but it is also a challenge. There are a few people to thank, without whom I could never have made it past page one.

  First of all, my heartfelt thanks and lifelong gratitude goes to retired U.S. Deputy Marshal Paul Anderson. After agreeing to help this clueless but passionate author, he began to bring life to my characters and my story. He is without a doubt one of those treasures authors pray for. I absolutely couldn’t have written this book without him. He has given me a glimpse into the lives of the U.S. Marshals, and I will never be able to repay him.

  Thank you, Paul, for your incredible responses to my simple questions. Working with you has been like taking a crash course in law enforcement. I hope we will work together for a long time to come. God bless you.

  I also want to thank Officer Darin Hickey with the Training and Community Affairs Division in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He has been an invaluable resource and has given me a glimpse into the lives of police officers in Missouri. I will never forget his heartfelt and poignant description of an officer’s funeral. Since the officer was also his friend, I know it cost him something to share it with me. I am so grateful. May we never forget those in law enforcement who are gone. They will always twinkle like stars in the heavens, still watching us, still on guard.

  Thank you, Carol Halbert, for introducing me to Darin. You’re a doll, Carol!

  My love to my wonderful daughter-in-law, Shaen Mehl, for her touching poem. She is such a great writer. One day I hope to help introduce her first book to readers.

  I am blessed to work with one of the best editors in the business. Raela Schoenherr has been a bright light in my life for many years now. Thank you for reining in my unbridled passion and reminding me how to keep my story first and my opinions second. A great editor has the ability to tell you what you don’t want to hear—and make you grateful for the lesson. I’m so thankful God brought you into my life.

  As always, my deep appreciation to my Inner Circle. You all keep me enthused and encouraged. Love you guys!

  My thanks to two people who helped to spark my passion for law enforcement. Trish Dennison and her husband, Doug, are my heroes. They have dedicated themselves to letting those in law enforcement know how valuable they are to us. I pray more and more people will stand up and support the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect us. Thanks, Trish and Doug.

  In Fatal Frost, I mention a ministry that is touching the lives of those who are dealing with pain from the past or who may be battling addictions. The name of this ministry is Celebrate Recovery. Please check them out. If you need help, you can find out more at www.celebraterecovery.com.

  Most of all, I want to offer praise to my Best Friend for never giving up on me. Though I sometimes stumble, you’ve always held out your hand and helped me up. I pray I will stumble less and less and that you will be glorified more and more. It’s still all about you.

  About the Author

  Nancy Mehl is the author of more than twenty books, including the ROAD TO KINGDOM and FINDING SANCTUARY series. She received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson. To learn more, visit NancyMehl.com.

  Books by Nancy Mehl

  From Bethany House Publishers

  ROAD TO KINGDOM

  Inescapable

  Unbreakable

  Unforeseeable

  FINDING SANCTUARY

  Gathering Shadows

  Deadly Echoes

  Rising Darkness

  DEFENDERS OF JUSTICE

  Fatal Frost

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