Melody Carlson - Perfect Alibi

SEEKING REFUGE

When her friend is murdered, journalist Mallory Myers knows the killer is coming for her next. The problem is no one believes her—in fact, she’s considered a suspect. Her news anchor ex-boyfriend has everyone fooled, but Mallory knows what he’s capable of. With no one to trust, she flees to her hometown, where she finds refuge and help from an unexpected source. Fire chief Logan McDaniel is the only one in town willing to believe Mallory. As the murderer toys with her, setting fires and terrorizing her, Logan and Mallory become closer. He vows to protect her and find a way to break the killer’s airtight alibi if it’s the last thing he does.

“Did you check out the window to see who was at the door before you let me in?” Logan asked as he came into the house, pausing to secure the dead bolt again.

“No, I didn’t think of that,” she admitted.

“Well, you probably should,” he said in a somber tone.

“Meaning?”

“Meaning that fire was definitely arson. And to be set that close to a house is different from the other arson fires I’ve investigated recently. Plus, the incendiary device was different, too.” He studied her closely. “I think you’re right to be concerned for your safety, Mallory.”

Strangely enough, she didn’t feel nearly as worried as she’d felt last night. Maybe it was the bright warm sunshine streaming into the house, or the fact she’d gotten some good sleep…or more likely it was Logan. Seeing him standing there in front of her, tall and strong and handsome, and being so protective of her…it was just what she needed.

MELODY CARLSON has worn many hats, from preschool teacher to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! She has published over two hundred books—with sales of over six million copies, and she has received the RT Book Reviews Lifetime Achievement Award. She and her husband have two grown sons and live in Sisters, Oregon, with their Labrador retriever, Audrey. They enjoy skiing, hiking and biking in the Cascade Mountains.

Perfect

Alibi

Melody Carlson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Be gracious to me, O God…

For my soul takes refuge in You;

And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge

Until destruction passes by.

— Psalms 57:1

To Christopher Carlson, my husband of 38 years

(and the only earthly man I’d completely trust with my life).

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text SEEKING REFUGE When her friend is murdered, journalist Mallory Myers knows the killer is coming for her next. The problem is no one believes her—in fact, she’s considered a suspect. Her news anchor ex-boyfriend has everyone fooled, but Mallory knows what he’s capable of. With no one to trust, she flees to her hometown, where she finds refuge and help from an unexpected source. Fire chief Logan McDaniel is the only one in town willing to believe Mallory. As the murderer toys with her, setting fires and terrorizing her, Logan and Mallory become closer. He vows to protect her and find a way to break the killer’s airtight alibi if it’s the last thing he does.

Introduction “Did you check out the window to see who was at the door before you let me in?” Logan asked as he came into the house, pausing to secure the dead bolt again. “No, I didn’t think of that,” she admitted. “Well, you probably should,” he said in a somber tone. “Meaning?” “Meaning that fire was definitely arson. And to be set that close to a house is different from the other arson fires I’ve investigated recently. Plus, the incendiary device was different, too.” He studied her closely. “I think you’re right to be concerned for your safety, Mallory.” Strangely enough, she didn’t feel nearly as worried as she’d felt last night. Maybe it was the bright warm sunshine streaming into the house, or the fact she’d gotten some good sleep…or more likely it was Logan. Seeing him standing there in front of her, tall and strong and handsome, and being so protective of her…it was just what she needed.

About the Author MELODY CARLSON has worn many hats, from preschool teacher to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! She has published over two hundred books—with sales of over six million copies, and she has received the RT Book Reviews Lifetime Achievement Award. She and her husband have two grown sons and live in Sisters, Oregon, with their Labrador retriever, Audrey. They enjoy skiing, hiking and biking in the Cascade Mountains.

Title Page Perfect Alibi Melody Carlson www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Be gracious to me, O God… For my soul takes refuge in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge Until destruction passes by. — Psalms 57:1

Dedication To Christopher Carlson, my husband of 38 years (and the only earthly man I’d completely trust with my life).

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NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EIGHTEEN

NINETEEN

TWENTY

TWENTY-ONE

TWENTY-TWO

TWENTY-THREE

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

ONE

Mallory Myers loosened her death grip on the steering wheel. Taking in another deep, calming breath, she peered down the pitch-black road ahead. Even though her intellect told her that it was unlikely she was being followed, her instincts disagreed. In her mind’s eye she could see Brock Dennison in his silver BMW, speeding down the highway, trying to catch her.

And yet, she knew this was preposterous. For one thing, Brock would barely be finished anchoring the eleven o’clock news by now, and she was two hours away from Portland. For another, he was Brock Dennison, the golden boy of the Channel Six News . Just the same, she checked her rearview mirror one last time as she slowed down to turn into her parents’ darkened driveway. The headlights that had been tailing her were nowhere in sight now. Home safe.

Her parents’ lodge-style home was nestled in the ponderosa woods, bordering the National Forest. Remote, yes, but a great place to lie low for a while. The perfect place to get her bearings and hopefully some sleep. Having a dad in law enforcement, with a well-stocked gun cabinet, added to her growing sense of security. Home safe.

She glanced over her shoulder as she hurried to the front door. Naturally, she could see nothing out there—and the tall ponderosa pines made the moonless summer night even blacker. The house was dark, too, but that wasn’t unusual since her parents always went to bed with the chickens—even after they’d given up the henhouse. She turned her key in the front-door lock and quietly slipped inside, bracing herself for the familiar sounds of Barney’s startled yips. Her parents’ chocolate Lab was better than a security system. Nothing sneaked past him.

To her surprise the house remained silent when she entered, and she quickly discovered it was vacant. As she turned on the overhead light in her parents’ bedroom, staring at the neatly made king-size bed, she remembered the message Mom had left earlier this week. Back before Mallory’s life had fallen completely apart. Her parents were driving cross-country for a family reunion and wouldn’t be home for two weeks.