Delores Fossen - Gunfire On The Ranch

Ten years ago, he was a suspect in her parents’ murder. Now he’s back to protect the family he never knew he had.

DEA agent Theo Canton may have been the town bad boy but murder was never his MO. Too bad his girlfriend at the time didn’t see it that way. Now Ivy Beckett isn’t just the girl who broke his heart—she’s the target of a killer. Theo vows to keep the blue-eyed beauty safe, even as he meets the son she never told him about. But will it be enough to catch the perp and give their family a second chance?

From the moment they’d come back to the ranch, Theo had known an attack was possible. Likely, even.

But it still gave him an adrenaline spike to see that weapon now pointed at Gabriel’s house.

Ivy’s breathing was already way too fast, and Theo considered trying to do something to help her level it. But if he pulled her into his arms now, it would definitely be a distraction, and he needed to keep his attention on the rifle.

It was already dark, but there was enough of a moon to see the light glint off the barrel. Enough to see, too, when the barrel shifted just a little, and Theo spotted the scope on it.

“A shot from there would be able to make it here,” she said.

It wasn’t a question. She knew it could. But he hated to hear the slight tremble in her voice.

Theo watched as the barrel shifted again, and he steeled himself for what he figured would come next. He didn’t have to wait long.

The gunman fired.

Gunfire on the Ranch

Delores Fossen

www.millsandboon.co.uk

DELORES FOSSEN, a USA TODAY bestselling author, has sold over fifty novels, with millions of copies of her books in print worldwide. She’s received a Booksellers’ Best Award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award. She was also a finalist for a prestigious RITA® Award. You can contact the author through her website at www.deloresfossen.com.

Before you start reading, why not sign up?

Thank you for downloading this Mills & Boon book. If you want to hear about exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions, sign up to our email newsletter today!

SIGN ME UP!

Or simply visit

signup.millsandboon.co.uk

Mills & Boon emails are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email we send you.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

DEA agent Theo Canton—Ten years ago he left his hometown, but after hearing a hit man has targeted his old flame, Ivy Beckett, Theo returns to the Blue River Ranch to protect her. He soon learns Ivy has been keeping a secret from him.

Ivy Beckett—After her parents were brutally murdered and Theo and she parted ways, Ivy, too, left Blue River. Her return was supposed to be a short one, to attend her brother’s wedding, but it becomes a dangerous nightmare for Ivy and her son.

Nathan Beckett—Ivy’s nine-year-old son, who could get caught in the crosshairs of a killer.

Wesley Sanford—Theo’s fellow DEA agent who volunteers to help him find the person who’s trying to kill Ivy, but Wesley might have his own agenda.

Lacey Vogel—Ivy’s adult stepdaughter. She’s furious that her late father left his estate to Ivy and not her. Just how far would she go to get back at Ivy?

August Canton—Theo’s uncle. His brother, Travis, is in jail for murdering Ivy’s parents, and August would do anything to clear his brother’s name.

Sheriff Gabriel Beckett—He’s not only the head of Blue River Ranch, he’s also the law in his hometown, and he has no intention of letting a killer get to his sister—or allowing Theo to break her heart again.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Ten years ago, he was a suspect in her parents’ murder. Now he’s back to protect the family he never knew he had. DEA agent Theo Canton may have been the town bad boy but murder was never his MO. Too bad his girlfriend at the time didn’t see it that way. Now Ivy Beckett isn’t just the girl who broke his heart—she’s the target of a killer. Theo vows to keep the blue-eyed beauty safe, even as he meets the son she never told him about. But will it be enough to catch the perp and give their family a second chance?

Introduction From the moment they’d come back to the ranch, Theo had known an attack was possible. Likely, even. But it still gave him an adrenaline spike to see that weapon now pointed at Gabriel’s house. Ivy’s breathing was already way too fast, and Theo considered trying to do something to help her level it. But if he pulled her into his arms now, it would definitely be a distraction, and he needed to keep his attention on the rifle. It was already dark, but there was enough of a moon to see the light glint off the barrel. Enough to see, too, when the barrel shifted just a little, and Theo spotted the scope on it. “A shot from there would be able to make it here,” she said. It wasn’t a question. She knew it could. But he hated to hear the slight tremble in her voice. Theo watched as the barrel shifted again, and he steeled himself for what he figured would come next. He didn’t have to wait long. The gunman fired.

Title Page Gunfire on the Ranch Delores Fossen www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author DELORES FOSSEN, a USA TODAY bestselling author, has sold over fifty novels, with millions of copies of her books in print worldwide. She’s received a Booksellers’ Best Award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award. She was also a finalist for a prestigious RITA® Award. You can contact the author through her website at www.deloresfossen.com .

Cast of Characters CAST OF CHARACTERS DEA agent Theo Canton—Ten years ago he left his hometown, but after hearing a hit man has targeted his old flame, Ivy Beckett, Theo returns to the Blue River Ranch to protect her. He soon learns Ivy has been keeping a secret from him. Ivy Beckett—After her parents were brutally murdered and Theo and she parted ways, Ivy, too, left Blue River. Her return was supposed to be a short one, to attend her brother’s wedding, but it becomes a dangerous nightmare for Ivy and her son. Nathan Beckett—Ivy’s nine-year-old son, who could get caught in the crosshairs of a killer. Wesley Sanford—Theo’s fellow DEA agent who volunteers to help him find the person who’s trying to kill Ivy, but Wesley might have his own agenda. Lacey Vogel—Ivy’s adult stepdaughter. She’s furious that her late father left his estate to Ivy and not her. Just how far would she go to get back at Ivy? August Canton—Theo’s uncle. His brother, Travis, is in jail for murdering Ivy’s parents, and August would do anything to clear his brother’s name. Sheriff Gabriel Beckett—He’s not only the head of Blue River Ranch, he’s also the law in his hometown, and he has no intention of letting a killer get to his sister—or allowing Theo to break her heart again.

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

Chapter One

Theo Canton wished there was a better way to stop a killer. Anything other than coming here to the Beckett Ranch to disrupt wedding plans. But if his intel was right, there could be another murder—tonight.