Laura Scott - Under the Lawman's Protection

A PROMISE TO PROTECT

As a skilled SWAT team negotiator, Isaac Morrison has defused many a crisis situation. But safeguarding Leah Nichols and her young son may be his most challenging mission yet. Leah’s brother—his best friend Shane—has gone missing while working undercover. Now it’s up to Isaac to protect mother and child from Shane’s enemies. He doesn’t know whom they can trust, but he’s determined to catch the gunmen threatening their lives. Isaac knows he needs his best protection skills against their formidable adversary. Because he can’t risk the consequences to the little family who has stealthily claimed his heart.

SWAT: Top Cops:

Love in the line of duty

“Uh, why don’t you wait here?” Isaac stopped in the hall,clearly not wanting Leah to tag along. “We’ll be back in a few minutes.”

What was with the sudden secrecy? She suppressed a sting of hurt. She didn’t like the way Isaac was trying to put her off, and had no intention of sitting around and waiting for him. She squared her shoulders and tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “No way. I’m coming with you.”

Isaac stared at her for a long moment, a flash of helplessness, or maybe it was frustration, darkening his features before he threw his hands in the air. “Fine, suit yourself.”

“I will.” She trailed behind the two men, her stomach twisting with every step. Then she saw it—a small hole in the center of the windshield. And she knew without being told that it had been made by a bullet.

Someone had taken a shot at Isaac.

LAURA SCOTT

grew up reading faith-based romance books by Grace Livingston Hill, but as much as she loved the stories, she longed for a bit more mystery and suspense. She is honored to write for the Love Inspired Suspense line, where a reader can find a heartwarming journey of faith amid the thrilling danger.

Laura lives with her husband of twenty-five years and has two children, a daughter and a son, who are both in college. She works as a critical-care nurse during the day at a large level-one trauma center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and spends her spare time writing romance.

Please visit Laura at laurascottbooks.com, as she loves to hear from her readers.

Under the Lawman’s Protection

Laura Scott

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;

His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

—Psalms 91:4

This book is dedicated to my friend Olga Lita. Thanks, Olga, for the wonderful support you’ve provided over the years. Your friendship means more to me than you’ll ever know.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A PROMISE TO PROTECT As a skilled SWAT team negotiator, Isaac Morrison has defused many a crisis situation. But safeguarding Leah Nichols and her young son may be his most challenging mission yet. Leah’s brother—his best friend Shane—has gone missing while working undercover. Now it’s up to Isaac to protect mother and child from Shane’s enemies. He doesn’t know whom they can trust, but he’s determined to catch the gunmen threatening their lives. Isaac knows he needs his best protection skills against their formidable adversary. Because he can’t risk the consequences to the little family who has stealthily claimed his heart. SWAT: Top Cops: Love in the line of duty

Introduction “Uh, why don’t you wait here?” Isaac stopped in the hall,clearly not wanting Leah to tag along. “We’ll be back in a few minutes.” What was with the sudden secrecy? She suppressed a sting of hurt. She didn’t like the way Isaac was trying to put her off, and had no intention of sitting around and waiting for him. She squared her shoulders and tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “No way. I’m coming with you.” Isaac stared at her for a long moment, a flash of helplessness, or maybe it was frustration, darkening his features before he threw his hands in the air. “Fine, suit yourself.” “I will.” She trailed behind the two men, her stomach twisting with every step. Then she saw it—a small hole in the center of the windshield. And she knew without being told that it had been made by a bullet. Someone had taken a shot at Isaac.

About the Author LAURA SCOTT grew up reading faith-based romance books by Grace Livingston Hill, but as much as she loved the stories, she longed for a bit more mystery and suspense. She is honored to write for the Love Inspired Suspense line, where a reader can find a heartwarming journey of faith amid the thrilling danger. Laura lives with her husband of twenty-five years and has two children, a daughter and a son, who are both in college. She works as a critical-care nurse during the day at a large level-one trauma center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and spends her spare time writing romance. Please visit Laura at laurascottbooks.com , as she loves to hear from her readers.

Title Page Under the Lawman’s Protection Laura Scott www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. —Psalms 91:4

Dedication This book is dedicated to my friend Olga Lita. Thanks, Olga, for the wonderful support you’ve provided over the years. Your friendship means more to me than you’ll ever know.

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Questions for Discussion

Extract

Copyright

ONE

SWAT team member Isaac Morrison paused outside the sheriff’s-department headquarters and replayed the garbled voice-mail message for the third time.

Ice...cover blown...danger...help Leah and Ben...

The voice sounded like his buddy Shane “Hawk” Hawkins, and the use of his old nickname, Ice, gave credence to the fact that Hawk had left the message despite the unknown phone number. Was Hawk calling from a throwaway phone? Possibly. Isaac had tried to return the call twice, but it wouldn’t go through.

Strange to be hearing from Hawk now, when they hadn’t really been in touch for the past sixteen months, but the urgency in Hawk’s static-filled message was impossible to ignore.

What in the world was going on? Isaac jogged to his Jeep, located in the far corner of the parking lot beneath a street lamp, his brain whirling with possibilities. Leah was Hawk’s sister, and if he remembered correctly, Ben was her young son. By now the boy would be about five or so, and the thought that they might be in danger spurred Isaac into action. He revved up his Jeep and headed toward the interstate, wincing a bit at the fact that the time was approaching eight o’clock at night.

Hawk had left the message well over an hour ago. Isaac had had his phone on silent during his most recent tactical situation. He’d been called in as a negotiator at a local bank, where a drug addict had held a woman hostage in order to get money to fund his habit. Thankfully, they’d managed to take down the man before he shot or injured any innocent bystanders.