Hope White - Baby On The Run

SHIELDING THE BABY

After someone kills her friend, Jenna North flees with the woman’s baby, determined to do whatever it takes to keep little Eli safe. And when undercover FBI agent Matthew Weller comes to her aid, she must accept his help—but she’s not sure she can trust him. Though Matt’s under strict orders to complete his assignment and take down a money-laundering operation, he must protect Jenna and the little boy. Even if it means blowing his cover and risking his job. And in a showdown against dirty cops, the most important mission of his career—saving the woman and child he’s falling for—is also the hardest.

An eternal optimist, HOPE WHITE was born and raised in the Midwest. She and her college sweetheart have been married for thirty years and are blessed with two wonderful sons, two feisty cats and a bossy border collie. When not dreaming up inspirational tales, Hope enjoys hiking, sipping tea with friends and going to the movies. She loves to hear from readers, who can contact her at hopewhiteauthor@gmail.com.

Also By Hope White Contents Cover Back Cover Text About the Author Booklist Title Page Copyright Introduction Dear Reader Bible Verse Dedication ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN Extract

Hidden in Shadows

Witness on the Run

Christmas Have

Small Town Protector

Safe Harbor

Baby on the Run

Echo Mountain

Mountain Rescue

Covert Christmas

Payback

Christmas Undercover

Witness Pursuit

Mountain Ambush

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

Baby on the Run

Hope White

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-08059-0

BABY ON THE RUN

© 2018 Pat White

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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www.millsandboon.co.uk

He had to get to her. Had to warn her.

As he struggled to get up, his head spun and he collapsed on the pavement. He coached himself to breathe, to think past the throbbing headache long enough to help Jenna.

An innocent woman protecting an innocent child.

“Matthew?”

He looked up. Colorful green eyes sparkled down at him. Jenna.

No, they’d find her; they’d kill her. “You need to...”

What? Be taken into FBI custody? Why? He was in no shape to protect her, and by the time backup arrived, the thugs would have surely found her.

“My keys.” He dug into his jacket pocket and fished them out. As he offered them to her, they slipped through his trembling fingers. “Take the truck. Get out of here.”

He heard the keys scrape against the pavement. Good. She was taking his advice. Looking out for herself and the child.

A few seconds passed, maybe minutes; he couldn’t be sure. What he did know was that if the cops found him they’d ask questions, risking his cover.

Then again, he could tell the truth, to a point. He’d been jumped and beaten, and when he regained consciousness his truck was gone.

“Open your eyes.”

It was Jenna’s voice.

He blinked a few times and found himself looking up at her beautiful face.

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

Our past experiences, including traumatic events, shape who we are as human beings. At the time we are going through challenging situations, we might lose hope and wonder if we’ll survive. Yet sometimes we come out of these situations as stronger people with new skills and insights into our lives and the lives of others.

Having survived an abusive marriage and the loss of her unborn child, Jenna North created a new identity and started a life away from the pain of her past. But when her friend’s child is suddenly in danger, Jenna must draw strength from her own personal tragedy and protect little Eli. Throughout the course of the story, Jenna realizes that running doesn’t put the pain behind her, and she can gain strength from facing the fear.

FBI agent Matt Weller is the ideal man to help Jenna find her confidence and strength as he protects her from criminals threatening her life and that of little Eli. Matt’s faith has helped him cope with personal tragedy, and his recovery from the pain is a good example for Jenna to witness.

As they rely on each other to protect a toddler from harm, Jenna and Matt exemplify teamwork and the blessing that we need not handle personal challenges alone. I’m ever so grateful for my family, friends and God, who help me along the way.

Peace,

Hope White

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

—Philippians 4:6

Many thanks to expert moms Stephanie Christanson and Cassy Patterson, along with Deputy Sheriff Ryan Sherman and FBI special agent Mike Johnson, for their patience in answering my many questions.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text SHIELDING THE BABY After someone kills her friend, Jenna North flees with the woman’s baby, determined to do whatever it takes to keep little Eli safe. And when undercover FBI agent Matthew Weller comes to her aid, she must accept his help—but she’s not sure she can trust him. Though Matt’s under strict orders to complete his assignment and take down a money-laundering operation, he must protect Jenna and the little boy. Even if it means blowing his cover and risking his job. And in a showdown against dirty cops, the most important mission of his career—saving the woman and child he’s falling for—is also the hardest.

About the Author An eternal optimist, HOPE WHITE was born and raised in the Midwest. She and her college sweetheart have been married for thirty years and are blessed with two wonderful sons, two feisty cats and a bossy border collie. When not dreaming up inspirational tales, Hope enjoys hiking, sipping tea with friends and going to the movies. She loves to hear from readers, who can contact her at hopewhiteauthor@gmail.com.