Cindi Myers - Manhunt On Mystic Mesa

A rule-following ranger finds himself on the hunt for a killer—and falling for a woman who should be off-limits…

On the hunt for a serial killer, ranger Ryan Spencer can’t afford any distraction. But Jana Lassiter, sister to one of the missing women, won’t let Ryan investigate Mystic Mesa alone. Even though the seasoned officer has always been by the book, something tells him it wouldn’t be so bad to break a few rules for Jana.

When Jana’s life is suddenly jeopardized, the lawman is forced to face his darkest fears. He’s allowed desire to overshadow duty. Now he has to rein in his emotions to save Jana from becoming the next victim. Because losing this woman he’s inexplicably fallen for will destroy this warrior forever.

The Ranger Brigade: Family Secrets

“What kind of vibe from me are you getting?” he asked.

“One that makes me wonder how often you get involved with women who are part of a case you’re working on.”

“Never.” He continued holding her gaze. “But there’s a first time for everything, with the right woman.”

She looked away, lamplight playing across the curve of her cheek and the smooth column of her neck. He fought the urge to kiss her there.

“This may be the definition of bad timing,” she said.

“Probably,” he said.

“But do I feel this attraction to you because there’s something between us, or because you’re something steady I can hold on to while I’m reeling from my sister’s disappearance?”

“I think the only way we’re going to learn the answer to that question is to stick around and find out,” he said.

Manhunt on Mystic Mesa

Cindi Myers

www.millsandboon.co.uk

CINDI MYERSis the author of more than fifty novels. When she’s not crafting new romance plots, she enjoys skiing, gardening, cooking, crafting and daydreaming. A lover of small-town life, she lives with her husband and two spoiled dogs in the Colorado mountains.

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.

For Denise, the best sister-in-law ever.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A rule-following ranger finds himself on the hunt for a killer—and falling for a woman who should be off-limits… On the hunt for a serial killer, ranger Ryan Spencer can’t afford any distraction. But Jana Lassiter, sister to one of the missing women, won’t let Ryan investigate Mystic Mesa alone. Even though the seasoned officer has always been by the book, something tells him it wouldn’t be so bad to break a few rules for Jana. When Jana’s life is suddenly jeopardized, the lawman is forced to face his darkest fears. He’s allowed desire to overshadow duty. Now he has to rein in his emotions to save Jana from becoming the next victim. Because losing this woman he’s inexplicably fallen for will destroy this warrior forever. The Ranger Brigade: Family Secrets

Introduction “What kind of vibe from me are you getting?” he asked. “One that makes me wonder how often you get involved with women who are part of a case you’re working on.” “Never.” He continued holding her gaze. “But there’s a first time for everything, with the right woman.” She looked away, lamplight playing across the curve of her cheek and the smooth column of her neck. He fought the urge to kiss her there. “This may be the definition of bad timing,” she said. “Probably,” he said. “But do I feel this attraction to you because there’s something between us, or because you’re something steady I can hold on to while I’m reeling from my sister’s disappearance?” “I think the only way we’re going to learn the answer to that question is to stick around and find out,” he said.

Title Page Manhunt on Mystic Mesa Cindi Myers www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author CINDI MYERS is the author of more than fifty novels. When she’s not crafting new romance plots, she enjoys skiing, gardening, cooking, crafting and daydreaming. A lover of small-town life, she lives with her husband and two spoiled dogs in the Colorado mountains.

Dedication For Denise, the best sister-in-law ever.

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

Chapter Eighteen

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

“We’ve got another missing woman.” Commander Graham Ellison tossed the photo of a smiling blonde in the middle of the table where the members of the Ranger Brigade had gathered for a morning briefing. The fresh-faced, blue-eyed young woman radiated vitality and happiness, jarring when compared to the stony visage of the commander. “Her name is Jennifer Lassiter, nineteen years old, from Denver,” Ellison continued. “She was one of a group of archaeology students working in the area.”

“That makes two missing women in the past month.” One of the officers seated around the table—the only woman, whose nametag identified her as Carmen Redhorse—glanced at the photo and passed it down the table.

“Three.” Officer Ryan Spencer spoke from the doorway of the room. The rest of the team swiveled to stare at him. Not exactly the entrance he had wanted to make on his first day at his new job. He ignored the stares, strode to the table and pulled out the only empty chair, at the end opposite the commander.

“Who are you?” a sharp-nosed, lean man who sat behind an open laptop—Simon Woolridge—demanded.

“This is Ryan Spencer, with Customs and Border Protection,” Commander Ellison said. “Our newest team member.”

Ryan sat. “Sorry I’m late,” he said. The drive from Montrose had taken longer than he had anticipated, partly because he had gotten behind a caravan of RVs making their way into Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where the Ranger Brigade task force’s headquarters were located. But he didn’t bother to mention that. As his dad had always told him—never make excuses.

“What do you mean three women are missing instead of two?” The man to the commander’s left spoke. He was the picture of a rugged outdoorsman—dark eyes and hair, olive skin, a hawk nose and strong chin. His nametag read Michael Dance.

“I got a bulletin this morning from my office,” Ryan said. “My former office.” Though he was technically still an officer with United States Customs and Border Protection, Ryan’s current assignment made him a member of the multiagency task force whose job it was to prevent and solve crime on the vast network of public lands in southwestern Colorado.

He took out his phone and pulled up the message. “Her name is Alicia Mendoza and she’s from Guatemala. Part of a group of illegal immigrants who were traveling through this area on their way to work in Utah. When they were picked up last night, one of them reported that Alicia had disappeared two days ago, near the national park.”