Heather Woodhaven - Tracking Secrets

CAUGHT IN THE CROSSHAIRS

A dog-sitting favor for a friend takes a terrifying twist when the police-dog-in-training runs off and leads Alexis Thompson into the middle of a drug drop. Only the quick thinking of a passing stranger gets them both out alive. Veterinarian Nick Kendrick, who’s running for mayor, knows the race for survival is just beginning. As moving targets, he and Alexis must work together to learn the identity of the drug ring’s murderous mastermind. But having killers on their tail isn’t the only problem they face. Alexis’s past as a disbarred lawyer could jeopardize Nick’s political future. Only by putting their dreams and their safety on the line can they eliminate the threat to their town, and find a way forward together...

“Get them.”

A gunshot rang out. Alexis ducked and put both hands over her head. A scream tore from her throat. The dog answered with a bark. The bullet snapped a branch. It spun and smacked her shoulder. The realization that she’d helped the men pinpoint their location hurt more than her throbbing shoulder.

Nick grabbed her wrist and pulled her around a second trunk. He kept his fingers there, pulling, silently urging her to run faster, but her sandals didn’t have much grip. Alexis fought the surge of nausea as several men’s voices filtered through the trees. “Use the jammer,” one shouted.

“Shoot only on sight. We don’t need the whole valley showing up!” It sounded like the voice of the man who had confronted them at the house, but she couldn’t be sure.

She slipped her hand in her pocket and, using tiny movements, tried to fish her phone out. The slash through the image of the cell tower on the screen confirmed her fear. No help would be coming. They were alone.

Dear Reader Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction Dear Reader About the Author Title Page Bible Verse Dedication ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FOURTEEN EPILOGUE Extract Copyright ,

Over ten years ago, we moved across the country. Hoping to ease the sorrow of moving, my husband promised our three children that once we got settled we would get a dog. It took much longer than anticipated to find a home that suited our needs. So instead of summer, the children reminded their dad of his promise in January. I didn’t consider myself an animal lover at the time. I mostly feared destroyed furniture and long periods of waiting in the frigid temperatures while housetraining a new dog.

Still, we took a trip to the animal shelter. To my surprise, there were many puppies available in the dead of winter. One by one we took each puppy into the pen. The moment we made it outside, the pups would run free. Until, that is, we escorted the last one outside. The final puppy had no interest in running around the square space. Instead, she nuzzled against each of us. We often tell people that we didn’t choose a dog. She chose us. And she’s been the perfect dog for our family. As you’ve probably figured out, she was the inspiration for Raven. I hope you enjoyed how she helped Nick and Alexis leave the past behind to enjoy a future together.

As always, I love to hear from readers. You can contact me and keep updated on new books through my newsletter at my website, WritingHeather.com.

Blessings,

Heather Woodhaven

HEATHER WOODHAVEN earned her pilot’s license, rode a hot-air balloon over the safari lands of Kenya, parasailed over Caribbean seas, lived through an accidental detour onto a black-diamond ski trail in Aspen and snorkeled among stingrays before becoming a mother of three and wife of one. She channels her love for adventure into writing characters who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

Tracking Secrets

Heather Woodhaven

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text CAUGHT IN THE CROSSHAIRS A dog-sitting favor for a friend takes a terrifying twist when the police-dog-in-training runs off and leads Alexis Thompson into the middle of a drug drop. Only the quick thinking of a passing stranger gets them both out alive. Veterinarian Nick Kendrick, who’s running for mayor, knows the race for survival is just beginning. As moving targets, he and Alexis must work together to learn the identity of the drug ring’s murderous mastermind. But having killers on their tail isn’t the only problem they face. Alexis’s past as a disbarred lawyer could jeopardize Nick’s political future. Only by putting their dreams and their safety on the line can they eliminate the threat to their town, and find a way forward together...

Introduction “Get them.” A gunshot rang out. Alexis ducked and put both hands over her head. A scream tore from her throat. The dog answered with a bark. The bullet snapped a branch. It spun and smacked her shoulder. The realization that she’d helped the men pinpoint their location hurt more than her throbbing shoulder. Nick grabbed her wrist and pulled her around a second trunk. He kept his fingers there, pulling, silently urging her to run faster, but her sandals didn’t have much grip. Alexis fought the surge of nausea as several men’s voices filtered through the trees. “Use the jammer,” one shouted. “Shoot only on sight. We don’t need the whole valley showing up!” It sounded like the voice of the man who had confronted them at the house, but she couldn’t be sure. She slipped her hand in her pocket and, using tiny movements, tried to fish her phone out. The slash through the image of the cell tower on the screen confirmed her fear. No help would be coming. They were alone.

Dear Reader Dear Reader Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction Dear Reader About the Author Title Page Bible Verse Dedication ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FOURTEEN EPILOGUE Extract Copyright , Over ten years ago, we moved across the country. Hoping to ease the sorrow of moving, my husband promised our three children that once we got settled we would get a dog. It took much longer than anticipated to find a home that suited our needs. So instead of summer, the children reminded their dad of his promise in January. I didn’t consider myself an animal lover at the time. I mostly feared destroyed furniture and long periods of waiting in the frigid temperatures while housetraining a new dog. Still, we took a trip to the animal shelter. To my surprise, there were many puppies available in the dead of winter. One by one we took each puppy into the pen. The moment we made it outside, the pups would run free. Until, that is, we escorted the last one outside. The final puppy had no interest in running around the square space. Instead, she nuzzled against each of us. We often tell people that we didn’t choose a dog. She chose us. And she’s been the perfect dog for our family. As you’ve probably figured out, she was the inspiration for Raven. I hope you enjoyed how she helped Nick and Alexis leave the past behind to enjoy a future together. As always, I love to hear from readers. You can contact me and keep updated on new books through my newsletter at my website, WritingHeather.com . Blessings, Heather Woodhaven