Paula Graves - The Girl Who Cried Murder

A cold case is reopened, placing a witness in the crosshairs—and a bodyguard by her side…

Charlie Winters has caught security expert Mike Strong’s attention. A member of his self-defense class, she seems to need to know more than just how to protect herself. After a little digging, Mike discovers that the cute redhead has a reason to worry—she may have witnessed a murder. Using all of his connections, Mike tries to solve the cold case. But as Charlie’s memories from the past begin to resurface, her future seems marked for death. Offering up his skills as a bodyguard, Mike promises not to leave her side. And Charlie’s obvious relief at not having to fight alone convinces him there’s much more to this mystery he has yet to uncover.

“If you have any specific questions about how to protect yourself, you can always ask.”

“If I do, I will,” she said, not sure she meant it. He was giving off all the vibes of a man who was suspicious of her motives as it was. The last thing she needed to do was pique his curiosity.

“So, I’ll see you this afternoon in the intermediate course?” Mike glanced at her, his expression suggesting he wasn’t sure she’d say yes.

But he wanted her to say yes, she realized. The question was, why?

“Yes,” she said finally. “I’ll be there.”

“Can you stick around for the rest of the class?”

“I get to be the damsel in distress?”

He shook his head slowly. “The one thing I’m pretty sure you’ve never been, Charlie, is the damsel in distress.”

The Girl Who Cried Murder

Paula Graves

www.millsandboon.co.uk

PAULA GRAVES, an Alabama native, wrote her first book at the age of six. A voracious reader, Paula loves books that pair tantalizing mystery with compelling romance. When she’s not reading or writing, she works as a creative director for a Birmingham advertising agency and spends time with her family and friends. Paula invites readers to visit her website, paulagraves.com.

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CAST OF CHARACTERS 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 Extract Copyright

Charlie Winters—Ten years ago, her best friend died in a hit-and-run accident. Charlie remembers little of the night, but she’s convinced Alice’s death was no accident. But will her decision to uncover the truth put her own life in danger?

Mike Strong—The Campbell Cove Academy instructor quickly realizes Charlie has an ulterior motive for taking his self-defense course. At first, he sees her as a puzzle to be solved, but when someone makes an attempt on her life, he makes her safety his number one priority.

Alice Bearden—She was keeping a secret from Charlie the night she died. What was it? Did it lead to her death?

Maddox Heller—One of Mike’s bosses, Heller thinks Charlie’s case is a good chance for Mike to hone his investigative skills.

Craig Bearden—Alice’s father has made his daughter’s death a driving reason for his run for political office. How will he react if it turns out her death wasn’t what he thought?

Diana Bearden—Alice’s mother has focused her life on her husband’s political career. Is it a way to cope with the loss of her daughter? Or does she have her own secrets she wants to keep hidden?

Archer Trask—The police detective has never forgotten Alice’s death. It was his first case as a detective, and he’s never been convinced it was just an accident.

Randall Feeney—Craig Bearden’s right-hand man will do anything to protect his boss. Does that include murder?

For Jenn and her mad brainstorming skills.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A cold case is reopened, placing a witness in the crosshairs—and a bodyguard by her side… Charlie Winters has caught security expert Mike Strong’s attention. A member of his self-defense class, she seems to need to know more than just how to protect herself. After a little digging, Mike discovers that the cute redhead has a reason to worry—she may have witnessed a murder. Using all of his connections, Mike tries to solve the cold case. But as Charlie’s memories from the past begin to resurface, her future seems marked for death. Offering up his skills as a bodyguard, Mike promises not to leave her side. And Charlie’s obvious relief at not having to fight alone convinces him there’s much more to this mystery he has yet to uncover.

Introduction “If you have any specific questions about how to protect yourself, you can always ask.” “If I do, I will,” she said, not sure she meant it. He was giving off all the vibes of a man who was suspicious of her motives as it was. The last thing she needed to do was pique his curiosity. “So, I’ll see you this afternoon in the intermediate course?” Mike glanced at her, his expression suggesting he wasn’t sure she’d say yes. But he wanted her to say yes, she realized. The question was, why? “Yes,” she said finally. “I’ll be there.” “Can you stick around for the rest of the class?” “I get to be the damsel in distress?” He shook his head slowly. “The one thing I’m pretty sure you’ve never been, Charlie, is the damsel in distress.”

Title Page The Girl Who Cried Murder Paula Graves www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author PAULA GRAVES, an Alabama native, wrote her first book at the age of six. A voracious reader, Paula loves books that pair tantalizing mystery with compelling romance. When she’s not reading or writing, she works as a creative director for a Birmingham advertising agency and spends time with her family and friends. Paula invites readers to visit her website, paulagraves.com .

CAST OF CHARACTERS CAST OF CHARACTERS 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 Extract Copyright Charlie Winters—Ten years ago, her best friend died in a hit-and-run accident. Charlie remembers little of the night, but she’s convinced Alice’s death was no accident. But will her decision to uncover the truth put her own life in danger? Mike Strong—The Campbell Cove Academy instructor quickly realizes Charlie has an ulterior motive for taking his self-defense course. At first, he sees her as a puzzle to be solved, but when someone makes an attempt on her life, he makes her safety his number one priority. Alice Bearden—She was keeping a secret from Charlie the night she died. What was it? Did it lead to her death? Maddox Heller—One of Mike’s bosses, Heller thinks Charlie’s case is a good chance for Mike to hone his investigative skills. Craig Bearden—Alice’s father has made his daughter’s death a driving reason for his run for political office. How will he react if it turns out her death wasn’t what he thought? Diana Bearden—Alice’s mother has focused her life on her husband’s political career. Is it a way to cope with the loss of her daughter? Or does she have her own secrets she wants to keep hidden? Archer Trask—The police detective has never forgotten Alice’s death. It was his first case as a detective, and he’s never been convinced it was just an accident. Randall Feeney—Craig Bearden’s right-hand man will do anything to protect his boss. Does that include murder?