Angi Morgan - The Sheriff

TEXAS-STYLE PROTECTION

Sheriff Pete Morrison knew the secret in his past could destroy his father. Yet instead of resigning his job and exposing the lie, he found himself protecting Andrea Allen—a beautiful astronomer who witnessed a gun-smuggling operation and a college student’s abduction. Determined to be independent, a relationship with her conflicted protector isn’t in the cards. No matter how safe she feels in Pete’s strong arms. But when things take a turn for the worse and Andrea exchanges herself for the abducted student, only Pete can save her from the horrible fate that awaits her.

“You’re serious?” Pete challenged. “Someone’s trying to kill you and you want me to leave you here, defenseless?”

“And I appreciate you saving me. Twice. But I can’t tell you anything else, so isn’t it more important to catch that creep and find clues at the accident?”

“The scene and Suit Man aren’t my priority. You are.”

His blue eyes searched hers. If she’d known what he needed to hear, she would have said it. But she was a little frightened or worried or maybe just confused from the blow to her ear.

What was she thinking? These men had rammed her car off the road with the intention to kill her. And in all probability they had killed the man she’d been trying to help.

“I’ll concede that you don’t know me, but I’m not defenseless.” The soreness in her jaw screamed otherwise. “I can take care of myself.”

“Not tonight.” He stepped back, one hand pushing through a thick head of short, light brown hair. “I’m escorting you home until someone decides what to do with you.”

The Sheriff

Angi Morgan

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ANGI MORGANwrites Mills & Boon ®Intrigue novels “where honor and danger collide with love.” She combines actual Texas settings with characters who are in realistic and dangerous situations. Angi and her husband live in north Texas, with only the four-legged “kids” left in the house to interrupt her writing. They recently began volunteering for a local Labrador retriever foster program. Visit her website, www.angimorgan.com, or hang out with her on Facebook.

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CAST OF CHARACTERS Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction Title Page About the Author Cast of Characters Dedication 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 Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty-One Chapter Twenty-Two Chapter Twenty-Three Chapter Twenty-Four Chapter Twenty-Five Chapter Twenty-Six Chapter Twenty-Seven Chapter Twenty-Eight Extract Copyright

Pete Morrison—Acting Sheriff of Presidio County, Texas. Adopted by a deputy who became sheriff, he was raised at the department and has been in law enforcement since high school.

Andrea Allen—Working on her PhD in Star Studies. A daughter who would like to succeed without the help of either of her very successful parents. If she finishes her paper, she can secure a job at one of the top observatories in the world.

Joe Morrison—Retired as sheriff after suffering a heart attack. He adopted Pete twenty-five years ago. Everyone in Marfa knows and loves him. But everyone has secrets.

Honey & Peach—Sisters who dispatch for the Presidio County Sheriff’s Department.

Commander Tony Allen—Andrea’s father, a former astronaut working for Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection Office.

Cord McCrea—Texas Ranger and ranch owner, head of the newly formed West Texas task force tracking drug and gun runners.

Sharon—An undergrad working at the McDonald Observatory.

Patrice—A woman who delivers messages for the drug/gun runners.

Mr. Rook—A sadistic man of perfection who plays chess like he’s playing with people’s lives.

Thanks so much, Jan, you’ve been a rock star this year. Jill and Allison, your understanding and support is unsurpassed.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text TEXAS-STYLE PROTECTION Sheriff Pete Morrison knew the secret in his past could destroy his father. Yet instead of resigning his job and exposing the lie, he found himself protecting Andrea Allen—a beautiful astronomer who witnessed a gun-smuggling operation and a college student’s abduction. Determined to be independent, a relationship with her conflicted protector isn’t in the cards. No matter how safe she feels in Pete’s strong arms. But when things take a turn for the worse and Andrea exchanges herself for the abducted student, only Pete can save her from the horrible fate that awaits her.

Introduction “You’re serious?” Pete challenged. “Someone’s trying to kill you and you want me to leave you here, defenseless?” “And I appreciate you saving me. Twice. But I can’t tell you anything else, so isn’t it more important to catch that creep and find clues at the accident?” “The scene and Suit Man aren’t my priority. You are.” His blue eyes searched hers. If she’d known what he needed to hear, she would have said it. But she was a little frightened or worried or maybe just confused from the blow to her ear. What was she thinking? These men had rammed her car off the road with the intention to kill her. And in all probability they had killed the man she’d been trying to help. “I’ll concede that you don’t know me, but I’m not defenseless.” The soreness in her jaw screamed otherwise. “I can take care of myself.” “Not tonight.” He stepped back, one hand pushing through a thick head of short, light brown hair. “I’m escorting you home until someone decides what to do with you.”

Title Page The Sheriff Angi Morgan www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author ANGI MORGAN writes Mills & Boon ® Intrigue novels “where honor and danger collide with love.” She combines actual Texas settings with characters who are in realistic and dangerous situations. Angi and her husband live in north Texas, with only the four-legged “kids” left in the house to interrupt her writing. They recently began volunteering for a local Labrador retriever foster program. Visit her website, www.angimorgan.com , or hang out with her on Facebook.

Cast of Characters

Dedication Thanks so much, Jan, you’ve been a rock star this year. Jill and Allison, your understanding and support is unsurpassed.

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

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven