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Silent Warning
Kathleen Long
SHE'D RISK HER NECK TO EXPOSE THE TRUTHKelly Weir wouldn't rest until she brought a murderer to his knees. But if Summer Shores's swirling riptide was any indication, she was in way over her head. Now targeted by the killer, Kelly's very survival depended on an enigmatic stranger with a penchant for keeping dangerous secrets….HE'D CROSS THE LINE TO PROTECT HERPlagued by his role in developing the breakthrough prescription drug that was now being peddled on the black market, Dan Steele joined forces with Kelly to smoke out the "Candy Man." Blindsided by raw, primal desire, he became overwhelmed by his need to protect the captivating beauty. But love was a distraction he couldn't afford. One wrong move and they just might find themselves trapped in the mastermind's lethal maze….
He ran a thumb across her jaw. “I’ll keep you safe. I promise.”
I promise. Kelly brushed a lock of chestnut hair from his forehead, suddenly wanting to stay like this forever. Close to Dan. Sheltered from the rest of the world.
She met his gaze, the tension between them undeniable. She knew right then she wouldn’t leave Summer Shores. Not until they’d seen their investigation through—together.
Without thinking, Kelly pressed her lips against his, gently at first, then hungrily. She needed the comfort of his touch, needed to lose herself with him, if only for a little while.
Dan’s mouth moved to the soft flesh of her neck, his hands encircling her waist.
She wanted him. Wanted to feel his skin against hers, his hands on her body. More than anything, she longed to give herself to him completely.
Apprehension swelled in her gut. Her need was even more terrifying than the danger swirling around them….
Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,
You won’t be able to resist a single one of our May books. We have a lineup so shiver inducing that you may forget summer’s almost here!
Executive Bodyguard is the second book in Debra Webb’s exciting new trilogy, THE ENFORCERS. For the thrilling conclusion, be sure you pick up Man of Her Dreams in June.
Amanda Stevens concludes her MATCHMAKERS UNDERGROUND series with Matters of Seduction. And the Montana McCalls are back, in B.J. Daniels’s Ambushed!
We also have two special premiers for you. Kathleen Long debuts in Harlequin Intrigue with Silent Warning, a chilling thriller. And LIPSTICK LTD., our special promotion featuring sexy, sassy sleuths, kicks off with Darlene Scalera’s Straight Silver.
A few of your favorite Harlequin Intrigue authors have some special books you’ll love. Rita Herron’s A Breath Away is available this month from HQN Books. And, in June, Joanna Wayne’s The Gentlemen’s Club is being published by Signature Spotlight.
Harlequin Intrigue brings you the best in breathtaking romantic suspense with six fabulous books to enjoy. Please write to us—we love to hear from our readers.
Sincerely,
Denise O’Sullivan
Senior Editor
Harlequin Intrigue
Silent Warning
Kathleen Long
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
It’s difficult to believe I’m sitting here typing the dedication for my first
Harlequin Intrigue novel. Somebody pinch me.
I have so many people to thank—family, friends, writing buddies, mentors—
all who believed this day would come. Thank you!
To Kim Nadelson, for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, and to Paige Wheeler,
for being a wonderful agent and cheerleader. Thank you both.
To my parents, who always taught me I could become whatever it was
I dreamed of becoming. Thank you for the most important lesson of my life.
For my husband, Dan. I find it difficult to put into words how much your love and
support mean to me. Thank you for standing beside me, supporting me as
I worked to make my dream come true.
And last, but not least, for my father-in-law, Joseph Long. The world is a bit too quiet
without you in it. We miss your smile and your stories.
I’m quite sure you had a hand in this one, Dad. Thanks.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathleen Long spent her career as a public relations consultant putting words into the mouths of others. In the summer of 2001, she decided it was time to put words into the mouths of her own fictional characters. She realized her dream of becoming a published author in early 2004 with her first sale.
Today she shares her life with her husband, Dan, and their neurotic sheltie. She divides her time between suburban Philadelphia and the New Jersey seashore, where she can often be found—hands on keyboard, bare toes in sand—spinning tales. After all, life doesn’t get much better than that.
Please visit Kathleen at www.kathleenlong.com to say hello and take a peek at excerpts from upcoming releases.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Rachel Braxton—Investigative reporter who drowns following an apparent drug overdose.
Kelly Weir—She travels to Summer Shores to pack up Rachel’s belongings, but gets drawn in to the mystery surrounding her friend’s death.
Dan Steele—He’s convinced Rachel’s death was no accident and is determined to uncover the killer’s identity.
Diane Steele—Dan’s younger sister also died of accidental drowning, with Oxygesic in her system.
Maddie Steele—Dan’s mother may hold knowledge of the killer’s identity locked in her dementia-damaged mind.
Jake Arnold—He’s the local detective hesitant to believe Kelly and Dan’s theories.
Helen Carroll—She’s the feisty neighbor who befriends Kelly while keeping an eye out for trouble.
Vince Miller—He’s the local pharmacist who may be doing a whole lot more than filling prescriptions.
Dr. Robinson—The primary physician at Serenity Pain Institute—is he hiding valuable information?
Scott Jansen—He’s the State Pharmacy Board employee quite certain something illegal is brewing in Summer Shores.
Jim Braxton—Rachel’s brother is counting on Kelly to handle the details of his sister’s affairs.
Jane Weir—Kelly’s sister calls with news of a crucial clue.
Rick DeSanto—He’s a reporter from Kelly’s hometown who provides information on Miller’s past.
Frank and Marge Healey—They’re nosy locals who provide a bit of insight into Rachel’s life.
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
Epilogue
Prologue
He dug his fingers into the flesh of her upper arm, relishing the lack of resistance beneath his grip.
“You’re hurting me.” Rachel Braxton’s words were nothing more than a whimper. Probably all the so-called reporter could manage. Typical.
He raised a brow then yanked her forward, the dense foliage snapping as he pulled her through. A tangle of weeds raked her bare legs and she stumbled, letting out another cry.
Weak. So weak.
A trickle of blood trailed the length of her shin, mesmerizing him for a moment. It was a shame to mar her beautiful body, but she’d left him no choice.
He refocused on his task, dragging her behind him. He ducked beneath a large branch, laughing as it caught her in the face, clawing her neck and hooking the chain of her locket.
She groped for the necklace too late and it was gone, vanishing into the dark depths of the marsh.
“My necklace.”
Her whine turned his stomach. As if she didn’t have bigger things to worry about. “You won’t need it where you’re going.”
“Let me go.” Terror tinged her voice. Good. It was about time. “I don’t have what you need, but I’ll help you. I’ll do whatever I can. I swear.”
He stopped then, savoring the fear glistening in her brown gaze. “Should have thought of that a long time ago, sweetheart.”
Her expression pleaded with him, anxious and begging. Too little. Too late.
“I’m telling you the truth,” she whispered, a tear sliding over her lower lid.
“Honey, you haven’t told me the truth since the day we met.” He smiled, enjoying the widening of her eyes, the shortness of her breath. The hunted and the hunter. Her desperation and his power.
He jerked her into motion, excitement slithering through him as they reached the edge of the trees. The glistening water of the sound appeared as they broke through to the clearing. Pale moonlight dappled the surface like a ghostly dance of lost souls. Perfect.
A small boat sat anchored next to the marshy beach. He shoved her forward. “Get in.”
“No.” Rachel stiffened as if steeling herself in one last desperate effort to appear fearless.
He leveled his gun at her face. “Now.”
Her body sagged as she climbed into the boat and dropped onto the unforgiving bench. Her teeth chattered noisily. She wrapped her arms around her waist as he pushed the boat from the shore, the small vessel slipping like a whisper through the murky water.
When they neared the inlet, he started the motor, raising his gaze to meet her terrified stare. “Enjoying your ride?”
Her trembling intensified. She lowered her head, her long blond hair covering her face as she gagged, vomiting onto the floor of his boat. The acrid smell mixed with the damp, salt air. He winced. So weak. Useless, actually. It was unfortunate. With her brains and investigative skills, she could have accomplished great things.
He kicked her foot, grinning as she looked up. “Chin up. You’re about to get the story of your life.”
He watched as her eyes darkened, the reality of her fate settling upon her. She lowered her head again, this time to pray, her words whispering into the unforgiving night.
“God, please help me….”
Too bad he didn’t have his camera. She’d be one to immortalize. One more example of how untouchable he was.
