Rita Herron - Safe At Hawk's Landing

She’s sworn to protect her students—he’s sworn to protect her

Charlotte Reacher found her calling teaching art therapy to teens. But when her attempt to stop a kidnapping leaves her wounded and unable to see anything beyond trauma and fear, she’s hesitant to trust the stranger who promises to keep her safe.

FBI agent Lucas Hawk knows Charlotte’s the only witness to the human-trafficking abduction that shook his Texas hometown. Determined to find the victims, he must convince her to work with him—even while resisting his growing desire for her. Every hour is critical for the kidnapped girls. And every breath Charlotte takes could be her last.

Badge of Justice

Lucas stiffened. Something was wrong.

Charlotte gasped for a breath, her fingernails digging into his palm. “Help…”

He cradled her hand between both of his, soothing her. “You’re safe now, Charlotte. You’re in the hospital and you’re safe.” But those four teenagers weren’t.

She pushed at the sheets and grabbed the bed rail with her free hand. “I…can’t see,” she whispered between choked breaths. “I can’t see you. I can’t see anything.”

Lucas’s pulse clamored. “You mean you can’t see the shooter? You were in the studio, weren’t you? Or did you and the girls hide?”

“No…I was there,” she cried, her chest heaving. “They stormed in and took them. I tried to save them, but the big one shot me and hit me in the head.”

He leaned over the bed and stroked her arm. “Charlotte, it’s okay, I know it was terrifying and you wanted to save your students. Just tell me what you saw and we can still save them.”

“You don’t understand. I can’t see. Anything.”

Safe at Hawk’s

Landing

Rita Herron

www.millsandboon.co.uk

USA TODAY bestselling author RITA HERRON wrote her first book when she was twelve but didn’t think real people grew up to be writers. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job. A former kindergarten teacher and workshop leader, she traded storytelling to kids for writing romance, and now she writes romantic comedies and romantic suspense. Rita lives in Georgia with her family. She loves to hear from readers, so please visit her website, ritaherron.com.

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CAST OF CHARACTERS

Special Agent Lucas Hawk—He will do anything to stop the human-trafficking ring targeting Texas—and to protect Charlotte Reacher, the only surviving witness to the men’s crimes.

Charlotte Reacher—Blinded by the men who kidnapped four students in her therapeutic art class, she must accept Lucas’s help and his protection in order to save the girls. But can she resist the sizzling attraction she feels for Lucas?

Evie Cranton—She shot one of her foster fathers when he tried to molest her. Could he have sold her out to the trafficking ring to get revenge?

Herman Stanley—This banker has made a fortune off swindling people out of their property—has he also been selling and buying girls into sex slavery?

Stefan Ludwig—Is he the head of the trafficking ring?

Earl Ramus—Lucas killed him to protect Charlotte. But dead men can’t talk—can they?

Geoffrey Williams—Could this city councilman be involved in the human-trafficking ring?

Louise Summerton—Her parents thought she ran away with a boy she met online. Was the meeting a setup to lure her into the hands of the trafficking ring?

To my beautiful daughter Elizabeth—who works tirelessly to help victims of domestic violence and prevent human trafficking.

So proud of you!

Love you always, Mom

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text She’s sworn to protect her students—he’s sworn to protect her Charlotte Reacher found her calling teaching art therapy to teens. But when her attempt to stop a kidnapping leaves her wounded and unable to see anything beyond trauma and fear, she’s hesitant to trust the stranger who promises to keep her safe. FBI agent Lucas Hawk knows Charlotte’s the only witness to the human-trafficking abduction that shook his Texas hometown. Determined to find the victims, he must convince her to work with him—even while resisting his growing desire for her. Every hour is critical for the kidnapped girls. And every breath Charlotte takes could be her last. Badge of Justice

Introduction Lucas stiffened. Something was wrong. Charlotte gasped for a breath, her fingernails digging into his palm. “Help…” He cradled her hand between both of his, soothing her. “You’re safe now, Charlotte. You’re in the hospital and you’re safe.” But those four teenagers weren’t. She pushed at the sheets and grabbed the bed rail with her free hand. “I…can’t see,” she whispered between choked breaths. “I can’t see you. I can’t see anything.” Lucas’s pulse clamored. “You mean you can’t see the shooter? You were in the studio, weren’t you? Or did you and the girls hide?” “No…I was there,” she cried, her chest heaving. “They stormed in and took them. I tried to save them, but the big one shot me and hit me in the head.” He leaned over the bed and stroked her arm. “Charlotte, it’s okay, I know it was terrifying and you wanted to save your students. Just tell me what you saw and we can still save them.” “You don’t understand. I can’t see. Anything.”

Title Page Safe at Hawk’s Landing Rita Herron www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author USA TODAY bestselling author RITA HERRON wrote her first book when she was twelve but didn’t think real people grew up to be writers. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job. A former kindergarten teacher and workshop leader, she traded storytelling to kids for writing romance, and now she writes romantic comedies and romantic suspense. Rita lives in Georgia with her family. She loves to hear from readers, so please visit her website, ritaherron.com .

Cast of Characters CAST OF CHARACTERS Special Agent Lucas Hawk—He will do anything to stop the human-trafficking ring targeting Texas—and to protect Charlotte Reacher, the only surviving witness to the men’s crimes. Charlotte Reacher—Blinded by the men who kidnapped four students in her therapeutic art class, she must accept Lucas’s help and his protection in order to save the girls. But can she resist the sizzling attraction she feels for Lucas? Evie Cranton—She shot one of her foster fathers when he tried to molest her. Could he have sold her out to the trafficking ring to get revenge? Herman Stanley—This banker has made a fortune off swindling people out of their property—has he also been selling and buying girls into sex slavery? Stefan Ludwig—Is he the head of the trafficking ring? Earl Ramus—Lucas killed him to protect Charlotte. But dead men can’t talk—can they? Geoffrey Williams—Could this city councilman be involved in the human-trafficking ring? Louise Summerton—Her parents thought she ran away with a boy she met online. Was the meeting a setup to lure her into the hands of the trafficking ring?

Dedication To my beautiful daughter Elizabeth—who works tirelessly to help victims of domestic violence and prevent human trafficking. So proud of you! Love you always, Mom