Undercover Avenger. Rita Herron

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      Had someone been inside her cottage? And if so, why?

      Eric had not bothered to turn on the light. He pointed to the desk in the corner near the sliding glass doors, and she noticed the drawer ajar in the darkened room. A few of her notes were scattered on the floor, the various files she’d collected from the private investigator shuffled through as if someone had searched them.

      Her pulse clamored. Someone had been there. But why would they be interested in her files?

      Eric’s hand gently touched hers. “Someone was in here.”

      She jerked her head up. “I know.”

      “Do you have any idea why?”

      Because they know why you’re in Savannah, she realized. And they don’t want you to learn the truth….

      Undercover Avenger

      Rita Herron

      MILLS & BOON

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      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      Award-winning author Rita Herron wrote her first book when she was twelve, but didn’t think real people grew up to be writers. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job. A former kindergarten teacher and workshop leader, she traded her storytelling for kids for writing romantic comedies and romantic suspense. She lives in Georgia with her own romance hero and three kids. She loves to hear from readers, so please write her at P.O. Box 921225, Norcross, GA 30092-1225, or visit her Web site at www.ritaherron.com.

      CAST OF CHARACTERS

      Eric Caldwell—A scarred man in search of revenge.

      Melissa Fagan—She was abandoned as a child and is on a dangerous quest to find her identity.

      Luke Devlin—Eric’s FBI contact. Does he know something about CIRP that he’s hiding?

      Ian Hall—The new director of CIRP. Is he whom he claims to be?

      Arnold Hughes—The former director of CIRP who is wanted by the police. Has he resurfaced from the dead with a new face?

      Candace Latone—Is this psychotic woman really Melissa’s mother?

      Robert Latone—This powerful foreign diplomat will kill anyone who threatens his power and his name.

      Edward Moor—Latone’s right-hand man and confidant.

      Dennis Hopkins—A scientist dabbling with brainwashing techniques.

      Wallace Thacker—A chemist who has recently transferred to CIRP. Could he be Hughes?

      Helen Anderson—The elderly nurse has been at the research hospital for years. Does she have secrets that might help Melissa find her birth parents?

      Walter Stinson—One of Melissa’s patients. Did he really lose his leg to diabetes?

      Louise Philigreen—A confused woman who lost a baby years ago.

      To Melissa Endlich for all your support!

      And to the Georgia Romance Writers for being the greatest chapter ever!

       Thanks a bunch for turning out at the signings.

      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

      Prologue

      Eric Caldwell walked a fine line with the law, but he didn’t care. He had trusted the Feds before and people had died. He didn’t intend to let it happen to this witness.

      Even if he and his brother, Cain, fought again. Cain, always the good guy, the one on the right side of the law. The man who never saw the grays.

      The only color Eric did see.

      “Come on, Eric, where’s the witness in the Bronsky case?” Cain asked.

      “What?” Sarcasm laced Eric’s voice. “Did the police lose another witness?”

      “We do the best we can,” his brother said. “Do you know where he is?”

      Eric grabbed a Marlboro and pushed it into the corner of his mouth. “Sorry, can’t help you, bro.”

      Cain hissed, his message ringing loud and clear. Eric was lying, but Cain knew better than to push it. Eric would do whatever he could to keep the witness alive. “You can’t go around undermining the cops and the FBI, Eric, or killing every criminal who escapes the system.”

      He glared at Cain over the duffel bag he’d been packing. “I didn’t kill anyone.”

      Cain’s gaze turned deadly. “I don’t want to see your vigilante ways get you in trouble. It’s like you’re on a death mission, taking everything into your own hands.” Cain’s voice thickened. “One day you’re going to cross the wrong people.”

      Eric ignored the concern in Cain’s warning, zipped his bag, then threw it over his shoulder, grabbed his keys and strode toward the door. “Like you don’t cross the wrong kind all the time.”

      “It’s not the same thing,” Cain argued. “I have people covering me. You’re on your own.”

      Eric hesitated. “You could quit the force and help me. Make it your New Year’s resolution.”

      “New Year’s has come and gone,” Cain said. Their gazes locked briefly and Eric’s stomach clenched. His brother was serious. “Join the force, Eric, and work with the law, not against us.”

      But Eric could not fit the mold. “I guess we hit that impasse again.” He snagged his laptop off the counter.

      Cain’s jaw tightened. “Watch your back. If you get into trouble—”

      “Then you’ll be there to help me.” A cocky grin slid onto Eric’s face. “Now, I’d love to stay and talk politics but I gotta go.”

      Cain caught his arm before he could fly past. “Where are you going?”

      Eric stared him down