No Way Out. Susan Sleeman

on>

      

      WHO CAN SHE TRUST?

      Alyssa Wells has uncovered evidence that her police officer husband was murdered by his partner—a dangerous claim in a small town. After two tours in Iraq, protecting Alyssa and her children shouldn’t be a problem for private investigator Cole Justice. Alyssa feels drawn to him, but how can she trust anyone after everything she’s been through? Cole’s sure his heart is closed off to love, but Alyssa and her children seem to have found a way in. As the killer draws closer, Alyssa realizes she’s trusting Cole with more than her safety.

      The Justice Agency: Family and law enforcement go hand in hand­­­­­­

      “You’re too close to the windows,” Cole said softly as if he understood everything going through her mind and didn’t want to intrude, but needed to keep her safe.

      Alyssa looked up at him and for the first time she really understood the law enforcement mentality. Police officers were strong protectors and they always wanted to be ready to help. Even being married to an officer for seven years, she hadn’t really felt the weight of the burden they bore until this dangerous situation invaded her life.

      She glanced at the black wall of windows Cole had warned her away from. “Guess you’re wishing you’d rented a house with fewer windows.”

      “I have to admit it would be easier,” he said with steel in his voice. “But I’m not going to let these windows stop me. I’ll do everything within my power to protect you, even if it means giving up my life.”

      She knew he spoke the truth and she feared before all of this was over, he would have to choose between protecting her and putting his life on the line.

      SUSAN SLEEMAN

      grew up in a small Wisconsin town where she spent her summers reading Nancy Drew and developing a love of mystery and suspense books. Today she channels this enthusiasm into hosting the popular internet website TheSuspenseZone.com and writing romantic-suspense and mystery novels.

      Much to her husband’s chagrin, Susan loves to look at everyday situations and turn them into murder-and-mayhem scenarios for future novels. If you’ve met Susan, she has probably figured out a plausible way to kill you and get away with it.

      Susan currently lives in Florida, but has had the pleasure of living in nine states. Her husband is a church music director and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law and an adorable grandson. To learn more about Susan, please visit www.SusanSleeman.com.

      No Way Out

      Susan Sleeman

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      MILLS & BOON

       Before you start reading, why not sign up?

      Thank you for downloading this Mills & Boon book. If you want to hear about exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions, sign up to our email newsletter today!

       SIGN ME UP!

      Or simply visit

      signup.millsandboon.co.uk

      Mills & Boon emails are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email we send you.

      You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

      —Isaiah 26:3

      For my sister and brother, Linda and Jeff Becker, the siblings in my life who inspired me to write about the dynamics of the Justice family.

      Additional thanks to

      My family: my husband, Mark, who willingly makes sacrifices so I can devote my time to writing; my daughter Emma who helps me work through plot issues and Erin for her graphic design expertise.

      My patient, sweet and talented editor, Tina James. Thank you for continuing to have faith in my writing.

      The very generous Ron Norris—retired police officer with the LaVerne Police Department—who gives of his time and knowledge in both police procedures as well as military information. Thank you for always answering my questions so thoroughly and so promptly. You go above and beyond, and I can’t thank you enough! Any errors in or liberties taken with the technical details Ron so patiently explained to me are all my doing.

      And most importantly, thank you God for my faith and for giving me daily challenges to grow closer to you.

      Contents

       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

       EPILOGUE

       DEAR READER

       QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

      ONE

      A storm was coming.

      Alyssa Wells slowed and glanced across the road at waves angrily pounding the deserted Oregon beach. A sudden movement on the jogging path below caught her attention. Nearly finished with her run, she looked down at a clearing where hikers