Solstice of the Heart

Solstice of the Heart

Danger, Deliverance, Destiny . . . DJ promised to be her guardian angel. But someone else has other plans.                  Solstice means a change of seasons and epic changes are about to take place in the lives of DJ, Joe, Anni, and Sera. While they grapple to comprehend all that has transpired, it becomes evident that their lives are in danger and the stakes have never been higher. Can they make it through this crisis or will their family be forever torn apart? Will the past continue to haunt them into the future? What will it take to survive? Solstice of the Heart gently mixes a good dose of fear and mystery, a sprinkling of humor, and a dash of spiritualism, creating a masterful recipe for a psychological thriller with a side order of romance. Well-crafted and easy to read, Ms. Burnaugh moves the plot along and keeps you engaged with her characters to the end. Once you have read the entire trilogy, you will never forget these characters, as they will have become part of your family. Solstice of the Heart By Rhonda Burnaugh, April Garner Trafford Publishing Copyright © 2014 Rhonda Burnaugh; April Garner All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4907-4747-7 CHAPTER 1 Three weeks earlier On the day Gabriel shot Joe, Gina tuned into the story with the rest of the nation, hearing the details for the first time. Rock star Michael Dolanski never knew he had a twin brother that was given away by his birth mother Gina, to an aunt, Paige DeMaree in Ohio. After two decades of secrets, Gabriel reached out to Michael and the two brothers met for the first time and began to bond with each other. But something went terribly wrong. Gabriel was extremely jealous of Michael's fame and wanted to be part of his brother's band. Gabriel believed Michael wasn't trying to promote him and devised a plan that included kidnapping his brother with the intention of murdering him and assuming his identity. Gabriel de Vilbiss held his brother captive for five days before administering a lethal dose of drugs. If it hadn't been for Paige DeMaree's diligence, Michael Dolanski would have died alone in an abandoned barn in Ohio ... Gina felt like she had tuned into the middle of a movie and was trying to figure out who the characters were and the plot line. She could almost comprehend Michael not telling her, but why would Paige keep this from her? Instead Paige had sat by Michael's bedside in the hospital for days, never calling her. Michael had almost died and she never called. Because Paige was no longer picking up calls, Gina dialed the only other person she knew might have answers, however DJ didn't pick up. The news was reporting that Joe was in critical condition so she knew Anni would be shut down and didn't want to bother her. The news was also reporting Sera was at the hospital and Gina knew she would be at Anni's side. So Gina did the only thing she could; she watched the news for updates and waited. She had a million questions for Paige. * * * Three weeks after the shooting incident Marilee Jansen handed Seraphine a cup of herbal tea and sat down across from her. "DJ will be back later today." The sun was just coming up in Texas and they were sitting on the veranda, enjoying a soft breeze before the heat of the summer day. Their home, or the compound as they called it, was situated between Dallas and Plano, but closer to Dallas. Spread out into wings, their home could have easily accommodated at least 4 families. Decorated with a mixture of traditional and antiques, it was both comfortable and elegant. Art work graced every wall and Sera was sure most of it was the original work, since many were autographed. In her spare time, she planned to explore each wing. Outside on one of several verandas, the scent of lavender and violets filled the air, as Marilee planted flowers everywhere. Enclosed by lush gardens and fountains, Sera could look beyond the gates to a landing strip where DJ would land Touch & Go. Since they also had their own private airport, she watched jets come and go several times a week. To Sera, it was like they lived in their own village, complete with an entire staff that helped maintain their surroundings. If Marilee was the Queen, Sera felt like a princess, but most of all, she felt safe. No one could find her hidden in the compound. "I wish he hadn't gone back to San Francisco. He hasn't called me today." Sera hadn't slept the night before. "He didn't need to do this for me." Marilee smiled. "Then you don't know DJ. Besides, DJ is fearless. I know this is before you knew him, but he served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Of course, I worried about him constantly. But he stayed in touch with us, as much as he could. Sometimes he was on a secret mission, so we didn't know where he was or if he was safe. Those were the most difficult times. I'd hear a jet had crashed and every time I prayed. After five years, he came home. Now, I just wish he'd stay at home for awhile." "I never knew that about DJ. H