Danica Winters - Dust Up With The Detective

Murder in Montana is never simple

Every dead body in Butte is someone’s kin. Detective Jeremy Lawrence has investigated so many wrongdoings, but he still never imagined how it’d feel to be standing over his own brother. Until now. Thankfully, he has the help of Deputy Blake West, a woman he’s known his entire life—and wanted for as long as he can remember.

It’s been forever since Blake has seen Jeremy, and she has questions for the hot-as-sin lawman. But her interrogation must wait once she learns the killer has set his sights on Blake’s daughter. They promise to put family first, but time is running out to uncover the Lawrence family’s secrets—and rebuild what Jeremy and Blake thought they’d broken long ago...

“The person behind this doesn’t have respect for law enforcement. They think they’re above the law. They’ve killed once, and they won’t hesitate to do it again. If we get close, our lives might be in danger.”

Blake shook her head. “Just because we made a mistake in there,” she said, pointing to the office, “doesn’t mean that you have to be dramatic. We’re fine.”

Her words made goose bumps rise on his arms. Anytime he’d ever gotten complacent in his job, or thought he was safe, was when he’d found himself in trouble.

“Think about it, Blake.” Her name felt like velvet on his tongue; it even tasted sweet. He paused as he just looked at her for a moment.

“What?” she asked, locking eyes with him. And when she did, all he could think about was closing the distance between them.

Dust Up with the Detective

Danica Winters

www.millsandboon.co.uk

DANICA WINTERS is a multiple award-winning, bestselling author who writes books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and occasionally a touch of magic. When she’s not working, she can be found in the wilds of Montana, testing her patience while she tries to hone her skills at various crafts—quilting, pottery and painting are not her areas of expertise. She believes the cup is neither half-full nor half-empty, but it better be filled with wine. Visit her website at www.danicawinters.net.

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CAST OF CHARACTERS

Deputy Blake West—A former Butte sweetheart, Blake wanted nothing more than to escape the tiny backwoods mining town, but circumstances—and a child—kept her tied down. Finally standing on her own two feet, she finds that she must not only break free of the demons from her past, but also fight the power that wants to keep her relegated to the shadows.

Detective Jeremy Lawrence—The Missoula detective is called to the scene when his brother goes missing and is presumed dead in his mine claim. When he arrives, he finds his family in shambles and a world built of memories—some that were better left behind.

Gemma West—Mother to Blake West and her biggest supporter—though they often don’t see eye to eye.

Megan West—Blake West’s daughter, and the most important person in Blake’s life.

Robert Lawrence—Owner of the Foreman Mine who is missing and possibly dead. He is the delinquent black sheep of the three Lawrence brothers.

Tiffany Lawrence—A woman with a past filled with drugs, lies and deception. Married to Robert Lawrence, but has the spirit of a gypsy and the soul of a killer.

Mayor John Engelman—Small-town mayor who believes he is not only above the law, but that he makes the law.

Judith Davy—The mayor’s wife, but just like her husband doesn’t let the law stand in the way of getting what she wants.

Todd O’Brien—Landowner and hermit who wants nothing more than to be left alone—especially by law enforcement as they never see eye to eye on land-use practices or his midnight shootouts.

To Herb—

You make everything possible.

Always and forever.

Acknowledgements

This book wouldn’t have been possible without the help of my community. Major thanks to the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and Brenda Bassett for their time and patience in helping to answer questions. Sergeant Prather, it was an honor to have had the opportunity for a ride along and to pick your brain. Your advice was invaluable. And to all those who serve our communities, you and your family’s sacrifice are appreciated. You help to make the world a better place.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Title Page

About the Author

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Dedication

Acknowledgements

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

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Everything in Montana was measured by time, not miles driven, not quality and not sacrifice. For example, the trip from Missoula to Butte took just under two hours. And her boyfriend? Nearly three months. At sixteen, the relationship had been too short to be called serious, yet long enough to leave her with a child. Then, in less than ten seconds, the relationship was over and she had been left with a beautiful daughter and fading dreams.

That was thirteen years ago. Thirteen terrifying, humbling and gratifying years. Nights spent soothing her daughter when she had ear infections, and days spent struggling to get where she was—a sheriff’s officer with a steady job and a stable income. She was the only one strong enough to support her mother and her daughter. They needed her.

Dreams were for those who could afford them—and that would never be Blake West.

Her antiquated patrol unit’s radio crackled to life as the 9-1-1 dispatcher’s voice filled the car. “Blake, your mom called. Said there’s some kind of issue up at your place.”

She picked up the handset. “Dispatch, feel free to remind my mother that nine-one-one is to be used for emergencies only.”

“You tell your mother that,” the woman said with a laugh.

Blake shook her head, as she thought about telling her throwback-to-another-era Irish mother that she wasn’t to do something. Blake had a better chance of convincing the Pope to give up being Catholic.

“Really, though,” the dispatcher continued, “she said your cell wasn’t working. She sounded really upset.”

Blake picked up her cell phone. Just like half of Silver Bow County, there was no service today where yesterday there had been—just another perk of living in a state where technology was an unreliable amenity.

“Is Megan okay?”

“She didn’t say. Just said she needed you to come home.”

Blake stepped on the gas as she turned the car down the set of roads that led to their house. “If she calls back, tell her I’m on my way.”