Tyler Snell - Forgotten Pieces

She knows who killed his wife…if she could only remember

A woman screaming into a phone sends Riker County detective Matt Walker racing to the rescue of his onetime nemesis, Maggie Carson. Four years ago, the green-eyed journalist accused him of killing his wife.

Her first solid lead in the case she can’t let go just landed Maggie in the custody of the Alabama lawman who hates her. The single mother can’t remember the past twenty-four hours and now there’s a target on her back. As they move closer to the truth…as desire turns enemies into passionate allies, Matt will move heaven and earth to protect Maggie—and the love that’s bigger than both of them.

The Protectors of Riker County

“Maggie.”

Matt’s voice was deep. Smooth. The only sound in her world at that moment. “I think you’re the center of it all and that message might have just proven it.”

“How?”

She needed the truth. She needed it so badly that she moved closer to the man. On reflex she tilted her head back to meet his stare easier. Had they ever been this close before?

And was it her imagination or did he look down at her lips?

“The message,” he repeated, derailing her unwelcome thoughts. “It proves that whoever wrote it either knows you or researched you well enough to get really personal information.”

“But why? Why would I need a reminder if I know him already?”

Maggie already didn’t like what he was going to say. A storm seemed to start up in his eyes. Deep eyes, drenched in mystery.

“My guess? He’s saying that he doesn’t just know you. He knows your past and your present.” She watched as his jaw hardened. “It’s a threat, Maggie. A personal one.”

Forgotten Pieces

Tyler Anne Snell

www.millsandboon.co.uk

TYLER ANNE SNELL genuinely loves all genres of the written word. However, she’s realized that she loves books filled with sexual tension and mysteries a little more than the rest. Her stories have a good dose of both. Tyler lives in Alabama with her same-named husband and their mini “lions.” When she isn’t reading or writing, she’s playing video games and working on her blog, Almost There. To follow her shenanigans, visit www.tylerannesnell.com.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Detective Matt Walker—After an accident takes his wife’s life, this detective spends years trying to move on. It isn’t until new evidence is discovered that he realizes he’ll have to revisit the one case that nearly destroyed him. Can he finally find the truth about what happened to his wife all of those years ago? And can he keep a beautiful and infuriating ex-reporter out of harm’s way while they search for it?

Maggie Carson—Once a rising young star in local journalism, this ex-reporter understands how quickly life can go downhill. After refusing to let go of a theory about the accidental death of Erin Walker, her life completely changes. Years later it turns out she might just have been right all along. Will she finally be able to find justice for a woman she never knew? Can she do it alongside the hot-as-hell detective who only thinks of her as the enemy?

Erin Walker—Late wife to Matt and killed by what is originally deemed as an accident, she becomes the subject of Maggie’s personal investigation spanning years after her passing.

Cody Carson—Adopted son of Maggie, this young boy is one of the main reasons Maggie and Matt will do whatever it takes to finish what someone else started all those years ago.

Dwayne Meyers—Retired detective and mentor to Matt, he becomes one of the many puzzle pieces in the investigation into Erin’s death.

Kortnie Bean—As an emergency-room nurse and quick friend to Maggie, she gets a firsthand look at what someone is willing to do to keep the ex-reporter quiet.

Sheriff Billy Reed—Friend and boss to Matt, he’s no stranger to the dangers of a case that’s personal, but that won’t stop him from doing everything within his power to help solve it.

This book is for Kortnie B. and every other ER nurse out there.

I can’t imagine what you all must go through during every shift

but I am immensely grateful that you do so with courage,

wisdom and compassion.

You’re the real superheroes.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text She knows who killed his wife…if she could only remember A woman screaming into a phone sends Riker County detective Matt Walker racing to the rescue of his onetime nemesis, Maggie Carson. Four years ago, the green-eyed journalist accused him of killing his wife. Her first solid lead in the case she can’t let go just landed Maggie in the custody of the Alabama lawman who hates her. The single mother can’t remember the past twenty-four hours and now there’s a target on her back. As they move closer to the truth…as desire turns enemies into passionate allies, Matt will move heaven and earth to protect Maggie—and the love that’s bigger than both of them. The Protectors of Riker County

Introduction “Maggie.” Matt’s voice was deep. Smooth. The only sound in her world at that moment. “I think you’re the center of it all and that message might have just proven it.” “How?” She needed the truth. She needed it so badly that she moved closer to the man. On reflex she tilted her head back to meet his stare easier. Had they ever been this close before? And was it her imagination or did he look down at her lips? “The message,” he repeated, derailing her unwelcome thoughts. “It proves that whoever wrote it either knows you or researched you well enough to get really personal information.” “But why? Why would I need a reminder if I know him already?” Maggie already didn’t like what he was going to say. A storm seemed to start up in his eyes. Deep eyes, drenched in mystery. “My guess? He’s saying that he doesn’t just know you. He knows your past and your present.” She watched as his jaw hardened. “It’s a threat, Maggie. A personal one.”

Title Page Forgotten Pieces Tyler Anne Snell www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author TYLER ANNE SNELL genuinely loves all genres of the written word. However, she’s realized that she loves books filled with sexual tension and mysteries a little more than the rest. Her stories have a good dose of both. Tyler lives in Alabama with her same-named husband and their mini “lions.” When she isn’t reading or writing, she’s playing video games and working on her blog, Almost There. To follow her shenanigans, visit www.tylerannesnell.com .

Cast of Characters CAST OF CHARACTERS Detective Matt Walker—After an accident takes his wife’s life, this detective spends years trying to move on. It isn’t until new evidence is discovered that he realizes he’ll have to revisit the one case that nearly destroyed him. Can he finally find the truth about what happened to his wife all of those years ago? And can he keep a beautiful and infuriating ex-reporter out of harm’s way while they search for it? Maggie Carson—Once a rising young star in local journalism, this ex-reporter understands how quickly life can go downhill. After refusing to let go of a theory about the accidental death of Erin Walker, her life completely changes. Years later it turns out she might just have been right all along. Will she finally be able to find justice for a woman she never knew? Can she do it alongside the hot-as-hell detective who only thinks of her as the enemy? Erin Walker—Late wife to Matt and killed by what is originally deemed as an accident, she becomes the subject of Maggie’s personal investigation spanning years after her passing. Cody Carson—Adopted son of Maggie, this young boy is one of the main reasons Maggie and Matt will do whatever it takes to finish what someone else started all those years ago. Dwayne Meyers—Retired detective and mentor to Matt, he becomes one of the many puzzle pieces in the investigation into Erin’s death. Kortnie Bean—As an emergency-room nurse and quick friend to Maggie, she gets a firsthand look at what someone is willing to do to keep the ex-reporter quiet. Sheriff Billy Reed—Friend and boss to Matt, he’s no stranger to the dangers of a case that’s personal, but that won’t stop him from doing everything within his power to help solve it.