Lara Lacombe - Ranger's Justice

Can they stay one step ahead of a serial killer?

A Rangers of Big Bend thriller

FBI profiler Rebecca Wade is used to tough, gruesome cases. But a serial killer targeting women in Big Bend National Park gets under her skin in a way she never anticipated. Alongside her unexpected partner—enigmatic park ranger Quinn Gallagher—Rebecca must race against the clock to prevent more innocent lives from being lost and achieve justice at last.

LARA LACOMBEearned a PhD in microbiology and immunology and worked in several labs across the country before moving into the classroom. Her day job as a college science professor gives her time to pursue her other love—writing fast-paced romantic suspense with smart, nerdy heroines and dangerously attractive heroes. She loves to hear from readers! Find her on the web or contact her at laralacombewriter@gmail.com.

Also by Lara Lacombe

Rangers of Big Bend

Ranger’s Justice

The Coltons of Red Ridge

Colton K-9 Bodyguard

Doctors in Danger

Enticed by the Operative

Dr. Do-or-Die

Her Lieutenant Protector

The Coltons of Shadow Creek

Pregnant by the Colton Cowboy

The Coltons of Texas

Colton Baby Homecoming

Deadly Contact

Fatal Fallout

Lethal Lies

Killer Exposure

Killer Season

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

Ranger’s Justice

Lara Lacombe

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-07932-7

RANGER’S JUSTICE

© 2018 Lara Kingeter

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

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www.millsandboon.co.uk

Version: 2020-03-02

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“I didn’t kill anyone.”

“Never said you did,” Rebecca replied smoothly. “I’m just laying out the facts here. It’s one thing to stumble across one dead body. But to find two in two weeks? That’s some exceptional luck.”

“I wouldn’t call it that,” Quinn muttered.

“Neither would I,” she said, her tone suddenly harsh. “What is it about you, Quinn Gallagher? Don’t you find it odd that you’ve come across three—no, four—dead women in the last two years?”

“I hadn’t thought of it like that,” he faltered. For the first time, a kernel of fear took root in his chest. Was he really going to be blamed for the deaths of these women?

“Well, I have,” she responded. “And let me tell you, it’s one hell of a coincidence.”

“I don’t believe in coincidence,” he said.

“Well, what do you know?” She leaned back and smiled broadly. “Neither do I.”

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the Rangers of Big Bend series! I’m so excited to dive into this world! As a native Texan, I’m proud to set these stories in one of our most beautiful parks. I’m not much of a camper, but even I can appreciate the beauty of Big Bend—it truly is a special place.

Quinn and Rebecca are two weary souls faced with a terrible situation. It would be easy for them to let the circumstances further harden their protective shells, but against all odds, they find themselves working together with both their heads and their hearts. I hope you enjoy their journey, and be sure to return for the rest of the series!

Happy reading!

Lara Lacombe

This one is for Dr. Kuban. Thanks for everything!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

Dear Reader

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Extract

About the Publisher

Prologue

She was very nearly perfect.

He stood over her, head cocked to the side as he ran his gaze over her still form. Limbs arranged just so, hair an artful tangle obscuring her face, one sightless eye playing peekaboo from between the strands. Yes. This would do.

He stripped off his gloves and shoved them into the bag at his feet. Walking over to a small shrub nearby, he broke off a dry branch and set about erasing the footprints he’d left in the sand. It was tedious, almost boring work, but it was important he destroy any evidence that might point in his direction. The police might catch him someday, but he still had much to do.

Finally finished, he stood on the rocky trail and surveyed his work. Pride surged through him, along with a pang of regret. He wanted nothing more than to stay with her, to tell her all the secrets of his heart. But as much as he wanted to linger, it was too big of a risk. The first orange tendrils of dawn were streaking across the sky, and hikers started early in the park. Better for him to leave. She wouldn’t be lonely long—someone would find her soon enough.

“Goodbye, lady,” he whispered. He blew a kiss on the wind and smiled sadly. “I enjoyed our time together. I’ll see you again.”

With one final glance back, he turned and set off down the trail.

* * *

Park ranger Quentin “Quinn” Gallagher crested the small hill and paused, adjusting his hat against the glare of the morning sun. The ground was still cool from the night, but the air was warm and it wouldn’t take long for the heat of the day to set in.