Breaking Point. Lindsay McKenna
In the line of fire…
OPERATION SHADOW WARRIORS
An ongoing U.S. military experiment to test the integration of trained female military operatives in live combat scenarios…
The Alpha Platoon. A unit of Navy SEALs stationed in the unforgiving dryness of Afghanistan…who just learned that their newest team member is a woman. But Bay Thorn has a spine of steel—and the chops to prove it. Without a team to back her up, however, she’s dead in the water. And her only ally is Gabe Griffin, a lone SEAL who is lethal, dangerous and unbearably attractive.…
Between the open hostility from her team and the harsh al Qaeda territory, Gabe is a lifeline for Bay. But mutual respect quickly grows into mutual attraction. And with each day and every assignment, the longing only deepens.
They mustn’t speak of it. Mustn’t act on it. Because in this line of work, falling in love can get you killed.…
Praise for LINDSAY McKENNA
“A treasure of a book…highly recommended reading
that everyone will enjoy and learn from.”
—Chief Michael Jaco, U.S. Navy SEAL, retired,
on Breaking Point
“McKenna’s latest is an intriguing tale…a unique twist on
the romance novel, and one that’s sure to please.”
—RT Book Reviews on Dangerous Prey
“Riveting.”
—RT Book Reviews on The Quest
“An absorbing debut for the Nocturne line.”
—RT Book Reviews on Unforgiven
“Gunfire, emotions, suspense, tension and sexuality abound in
this fast-paced, absorbing novel.”
—Affaire de Coeur on Wild Woman
“Another masterpiece.”
—Affaire de Coeur on Enemy Mine
“Emotionally charged…riveting and deeply touching.”
—RT Book Reviews on Firstborn
“Ms. McKenna brings readers along for a fabulous odyssey in which
complex characters experience the danger, passion and
beauty of the mystical jungle.”
—RT Book Reviews on Man of Passion
“Talented Lindsay McKenna delivers excitement
and romance in equal measure.”
—RT Book Reviews on Protecting His Own
“Lindsay McKenna will have you flying with the
daring and deadly women pilots who risk their lives….
Buckle in for the ride of your life.”
—Writers Unlimited on Heart of Stone
Breaking Point
Lindsay McKenna
To Bill Marcontell, Captain, USAF, retired, who flew Search and Rescue helicopters for the 38th ARRS in Southeast Asia in 1966–67. Thank you for information involving anything and everything that has to do with helicopters, their flight and their issues in this novel.
To Chief Michael Jaco, US Navy SEAL, retired. I appreciate you checking the technical aspects of all things SEAL in this book. And thank you for writing
The Intuitive Warrior. www.MichaelJaco.com
Contents
CHAPTER ONE
“TIME FOR YOUR trial by fire,” SEAL Chief Hampton said, gesturing for Baylee-Ann Thorn to follow him out of Operations. Hampton had met her CH-47 helo from Bagram Air Base. As he walked with her from Ops toward the SEAL compound, he told her how it was always below freezing in the morning despite its being a day in June in Afghanistan.
Bay tried to quell her nervousness. They traversed deeply rutted Humvee tracks outside Operations. Camp Bravo, an FOB, forward operating base, was thirty miles from the Pak, Pakistan border. It housed all types of black ops groups. Hampton led them toward a small concrete one-story building located near the edge of the CIA and black ops complex.
The Afghan sun was rising above the sharp, high peaks of the Hindu Kush Mountains. Bay was glad for the desert cammies and her soft cap since it was so cold. She removed her wraparound sunglasses as the chief of Alpha Platoon pushed open the door for her. Bay took a deep, steadying breath, feeling as if she were about to walk into