Laura Scott - Holiday On The Run

WOMAN IN HIDING

After witnessing a murder, Melissa Harris faked her death, changed her name and went into hiding, hoping to keep the gunmen at bay. For years, it worked—but now the ruthless killers have found her. When bullets begin to fly, SWAT cop Nate Freemont rescues Melissa and her little girl. Her former high school sweetheart is shocked that she’s alive and seeks an explanation about why she vanished from his life. Telling the truth would only put her daughter’s safety and Nate’s future in jeopardy. With Christmas approaching, can Melissa risk everything to accept the safe haven and second chance Nate offers…as deadly enemies close in?

SWAT: Top Cops—Love in the line of duty

“Are you and your daughter all right?” Nate asked.

She nodded. “We’re fine, but what happened?”

“The guys who followed you are both…taken care of.” Nate amended what he was going to say in deference to the little girl. He pushed the door open wider, giving the child a reassuring smile. “Meredith, I need to know what’s going on.”

She shook her head. “My name isn’t Meredith. It’s Melissa. Melissa Harris. And we can’t stay. We need to get out of here, now. Before anyone else sees us.”

Nate knew the woman was Meredith. “Meredith, Melissa, it doesn’t matter to me, I remember you from high school and I know very well you remember me, too.” He crossed his arms over his chest and planted himself in front of the doorway. “I’ve wounded two men,” he added bluntly. “I’m a sheriff’s deputy sworn to uphold the law. I can’t just leave.”

Meredith actually winced. “I know, and I’m sorry. Of course you can’t leave. We’ll go on our own. I refuse to put my daughter’s life in jeopardy.”

Nate glanced down at Hailey. Her tear-streaked face and the fear reflected in her hazel eyes ripped a hole in his heart.

He closed his eyes and sighed, knowing he was likely going to regret this. “Okay, let’s go.”

Dear Reader Dear Reader About the Author Title Page Bible Verse Dedication ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FOURTEEN FIFTEEN SIXTEEN SEVENTEEN EPILOGUE Extract Copyright ,

Thanks again for all the letters, emails and Facebook messages you’ve sent in the past few months about how much you’re enjoying my SWAT: Top Cops—Love in the Line of Duty series. It’s amazing how you’ve come to care about my characters as much as I do.

I’m thrilled to present the fifth book in the series, Holiday on the Run . I adore writing Christmas books, and this one is no exception. Deputy Nate Freemont is the techno-geek of the SWAT team, but that doesn’t stop him from putting his life on the line to protect Melissa, his old high school sweetheart, and her young daughter from danger. Nate becomes determined to put a twelve-year-old murder to rest, especially when he discovers he has a personal connection to the reason behind the crime. But the biggest danger is to his heart.

I hope you enjoy Nate and Melissa’s story. I enjoy hearing from my readers. If you’re interested in dropping me a brief note or in signing up for my newsletter, please visit my website at laurascottbooks.com. I’m also on Facebook at Laura Scott Booksand on Twitter @laurascottbooks.

Yours in faith,

Laura Scott

LAURA SCOTT is a nurse by day and an author by night. She has always loved romance, reading faith-based books by Grace Livingston Hill in her teenage years. She’s thrilled to have published fourteen books for Love Inspired Suspense. She has two adult children and lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband of thirty years. Please visit Laura at laurascottbooks.com, as she loves to hear from her readers.

Holiday on the Run

Laura Scott

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;

His faithfulness continues through all generations.

—Psalms 100:5

This book is dedicated to all the sisters of my heart, Renee, Marianne, Lisa and Sarah Iding. Love you all and thanks for the great Christmas memories!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text WOMAN IN HIDING After witnessing a murder, Melissa Harris faked her death, changed her name and went into hiding, hoping to keep the gunmen at bay. For years, it worked—but now the ruthless killers have found her. When bullets begin to fly, SWAT cop Nate Freemont rescues Melissa and her little girl. Her former high school sweetheart is shocked that she’s alive and seeks an explanation about why she vanished from his life. Telling the truth would only put her daughter’s safety and Nate’s future in jeopardy. With Christmas approaching, can Melissa risk everything to accept the safe haven and second chance Nate offers…as deadly enemies close in? SWAT: Top Cops—Love in the line of duty

Introduction “Are you and your daughter all right?” Nate asked. She nodded. “We’re fine, but what happened?” “The guys who followed you are both…taken care of.” Nate amended what he was going to say in deference to the little girl. He pushed the door open wider, giving the child a reassuring smile. “Meredith, I need to know what’s going on.” She shook her head. “My name isn’t Meredith. It’s Melissa. Melissa Harris. And we can’t stay. We need to get out of here, now. Before anyone else sees us.” Nate knew the woman was Meredith. “Meredith, Melissa, it doesn’t matter to me, I remember you from high school and I know very well you remember me, too.” He crossed his arms over his chest and planted himself in front of the doorway. “I’ve wounded two men,” he added bluntly. “I’m a sheriff’s deputy sworn to uphold the law. I can’t just leave.” Meredith actually winced. “I know, and I’m sorry. Of course you can’t leave. We’ll go on our own. I refuse to put my daughter’s life in jeopardy.” Nate glanced down at Hailey. Her tear-streaked face and the fear reflected in her hazel eyes ripped a hole in his heart. He closed his eyes and sighed, knowing he was likely going to regret this. “Okay, let’s go.”

Dear Reader Dear Reader Dear Reader About the Author Title Page Bible Verse Dedication ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FOURTEEN FIFTEEN SIXTEEN SEVENTEEN EPILOGUE Extract Copyright , Thanks again for all the letters, emails and Facebook messages you’ve sent in the past few months about how much you’re enjoying my SWAT: Top Cops—Love in the Line of Duty series. It’s amazing how you’ve come to care about my characters as much as I do. I’m thrilled to present the fifth book in the series, Holiday on the Run . I adore writing Christmas books, and this one is no exception. Deputy Nate Freemont is the techno-geek of the SWAT team, but that doesn’t stop him from putting his life on the line to protect Melissa, his old high school sweetheart, and her young daughter from danger. Nate becomes determined to put a twelve-year-old murder to rest, especially when he discovers he has a personal connection to the reason behind the crime. But the biggest danger is to his heart. I hope you enjoy Nate and Melissa’s story. I enjoy hearing from my readers. If you’re interested in dropping me a brief note or in signing up for my newsletter, please visit my website at laurascottbooks.com . I’m also on Facebook at Laura Scott Books and on Twitter @laurascottbooks . Yours in faith, Laura Scott