Carol J. Post - Hidden Identity

RUNNING FOR HER LIFE

When Meagan Berry is caught on camera rescuing a senator, she knows her cover’s been blown. After faking her death, she’s spent months keeping her identity hidden from an abusive ex-fiancé. Now he’s on her trail in remote Cedar Key, Florida. Officer Hunter Kingston knows Meagan’s running from something, but he can’t imagine anyone wishing harm on the pretty artist. Then an intruder breaks into Meagan’s house, and Hunter promises not to leave her side. But when evidence from the crime scene doesn’t add up, Hunter wonders whether he should trust Meagan. Yet he will have to put his faith in this mysterious beauty if they both want to live to see another day.

“Any idea who’s behind all this?”

Meagan shook her head but didn’t meet his eyes.

“Someone took a big chance coming in here when you were just riding to The Market and back.”

“Maybe he thought I was going out for the evening.”

“Or maybe his intent was to be waiting inside the house when you got home.”

Her tight jaw and the determination in her eyes told him that was something she had already considered. And was trying hard not to think about.

Hunter stepped closer and rested a hand on her shoulder. “Tell me what you’re hiding from, Meagan.”

Fear filled her eyes—the same as when she had faced the reporters. And when she thought he might have overheard her conversation with Anna. But she didn’t respond.

“Tell me what’s going on.” He kept his tone soothing, nonthreatening. “Let me help you.”

Her gaze dipped to her feet, and several more moments passed. Finally, she shook her head. Whatever secrets lay in her past, she was nowhere near ready to let him in.

CAROL J. POST writes fun and fast-paced inspirational romantic suspense and lives in sunshiny central Florida. She sings and plays the piano for her church and also enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of two fat and sassy cats and one highly spoiled dachshund.

Hidden Identity

Carol J. Post

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all

your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

—1 Peter 5:6–7

Many thanks to Cedar Key Police Chief Virgil Sandlin and Cedar Key Fire Chief Robert Robinson, who patiently answered all my questions. If there’s anything I didn’t get right, it certainly isn’t their fault!

Thank you to my family—Mom Roberts and Jesse, Mom Post, Kim and Jerry, Robbie and Sheri and Keith—for your unending love and encouragement.

Thank you to my friend John, who has always believed I could do anything I set my mind to. Someday I’ll grant your wish and make you the villain in one of my books.

Thank you to my critique partners, Karen, Dixie and Sabrina. You’ve talked me off the ledge more than once.

Thank you to my editor, Rachel Burkot, and my agent, Nalini Akolekar. You’re both beyond awesome!

And thank you to Chris. You’re not only my husband, you’re my best friend.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text RUNNING FOR HER LIFE When Meagan Berry is caught on camera rescuing a senator, she knows her cover’s been blown. After faking her death, she’s spent months keeping her identity hidden from an abusive ex-fiancé. Now he’s on her trail in remote Cedar Key, Florida. Officer Hunter Kingston knows Meagan’s running from something, but he can’t imagine anyone wishing harm on the pretty artist. Then an intruder breaks into Meagan’s house, and Hunter promises not to leave her side. But when evidence from the crime scene doesn’t add up, Hunter wonders whether he should trust Meagan. Yet he will have to put his faith in this mysterious beauty if they both want to live to see another day.

Introduction “Any idea who’s behind all this?” Meagan shook her head but didn’t meet his eyes. “Someone took a big chance coming in here when you were just riding to The Market and back.” “Maybe he thought I was going out for the evening.” “Or maybe his intent was to be waiting inside the house when you got home.” Her tight jaw and the determination in her eyes told him that was something she had already considered. And was trying hard not to think about. Hunter stepped closer and rested a hand on her shoulder. “Tell me what you’re hiding from, Meagan.” Fear filled her eyes—the same as when she had faced the reporters. And when she thought he might have overheard her conversation with Anna. But she didn’t respond. “Tell me what’s going on.” He kept his tone soothing, nonthreatening. “Let me help you.” Her gaze dipped to her feet, and several more moments passed. Finally, she shook her head. Whatever secrets lay in her past, she was nowhere near ready to let him in.

About the Author CAROL J. POST writes fun and fast-paced inspirational romantic suspense and lives in sunshiny central Florida. She sings and plays the piano for her church and also enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of two fat and sassy cats and one highly spoiled dachshund.

Title Page Hidden Identity Carol J. Post www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. —1 Peter 5:6–7

Dedication Many thanks to Cedar Key Police Chief Virgil Sandlin and Cedar Key Fire Chief Robert Robinson, who patiently answered all my questions. If there’s anything I didn’t get right, it certainly isn’t their fault! Thank you to my family—Mom Roberts and Jesse, Mom Post, Kim and Jerry, Robbie and Sheri and Keith—for your unending love and encouragement. Thank you to my friend John, who has always believed I could do anything I set my mind to. Someday I’ll grant your wish and make you the villain in one of my books. Thank you to my critique partners, Karen, Dixie and Sabrina. You’ve talked me off the ledge more than once. Thank you to my editor, Rachel Burkot, and my agent, Nalini Akolekar. You’re both beyond awesome! And thank you to Chris. You’re not only my husband, you’re my best friend.

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ELEVEN

EPILOGUE

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

ONE

The building roar of a plane engine overwhelmed the gentler sounds of the seaside, invading the tranquility of Seahorse Key. Meagan Berry looked up from the canvas in her lap. Tension spiked through her. It wasn’t just the volume. Something was wrong. As she listened, the pitch dropped, and a series of sputters interrupted the flow of sound. She laid aside the canvas and pencil to hurry down the path leading to the beach. A small plane flew several yards above the water, too low to be on course for the Cedar Key Airport.