Rachel Dylan - Incriminating Evidence

FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE

When rookie prosecutor Jessica Hughes crosses the son of a major crime boss, she’s determined to bring him to justice—if his family doesn’t kill her first. And with newly minted FBI special agent Zach Taylor protecting her, she believes she can succeed. Zach will do anything to stay ahead of the crime syndicate and guard Jessica while she builds her case. The more time he spends with her, the more personal the assignment becomes. It’s bad timing for falling in love, but as the threats against her life escalate, Zach realizes Jessica is everything to him—and he will do everything he can to make sure she has a future.

Her breath caught, and she winced slightly as he reached out and grabbed onto her hand. She wasn’t expecting the contact.

“I’m sorry,” he said as he let go of her hand.

“No, it’s not you. I appreciate you being here.” What was she supposed to say? That she didn’t like anyone touching her because she was skittish from her violent past? And now she was understandably on edge?

“I was just petrified that you weren’t going to make it, Jessica. I prayed that God would intervene. It was a direct one-two punch between the Escalade behind us and the other truck that slammed into your side of the car.” His eyes showed his deep concern, and he leaned closer to her. “I didn’t want to fail you.”

“You didn’t fail. You did what you could.”

“The FBI is working on a safe house. It’s not safe to try to stay at your place. Not after this. I was wrong and I underestimated the threat against you. A true rookie mistake. But I won’t let it happen again. I can promise you that.”

RACHEL DYLAN writes inspirational romantic suspense. Although a Georgia girl at heart, she traded in the sunny South for the snowy Midwest. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids—two dogs and three cats. She’s an animal lover and enjoys adding furry friends to her stories. You can find Rachel at racheldylan.com.

www.millsandboon.co.uk

I sought the Lord, and He heard me,

and delivered me from all my fears.

—Psalms 34:4

To my husband, Aaron.

Thank you for always believing in me. I love you.

Contents

COVER

BACK COVER TEXT FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE When rookie prosecutor Jessica Hughes crosses the son of a major crime boss, she’s determined to bring him to justice—if his family doesn’t kill her first. And with newly minted FBI special agent Zach Taylor protecting her, she believes she can succeed. Zach will do anything to stay ahead of the crime syndicate and guard Jessica while she builds her case. The more time he spends with her, the more personal the assignment becomes. It’s bad timing for falling in love, but as the threats against her life escalate, Zach realizes Jessica is everything to him—and he will do everything he can to make sure she has a future.

INTRODUCTION Her breath caught, and she winced slightly as he reached out and grabbed onto her hand. She wasn’t expecting the contact. “I’m sorry,” he said as he let go of her hand. “No, it’s not you. I appreciate you being here.” What was she supposed to say? That she didn’t like anyone touching her because she was skittish from her violent past? And now she was understandably on edge? “I was just petrified that you weren’t going to make it, Jessica. I prayed that God would intervene. It was a direct one-two punch between the Escalade behind us and the other truck that slammed into your side of the car.” His eyes showed his deep concern, and he leaned closer to her. “I didn’t want to fail you.” “You didn’t fail. You did what you could.” “The FBI is working on a safe house. It’s not safe to try to stay at your place. Not after this. I was wrong and I underestimated the threat against you. A true rookie mistake. But I won’t let it happen again. I can promise you that.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR RACHEL DYLAN writes inspirational romantic suspense. Although a Georgia girl at heart, she traded in the sunny South for the snowy Midwest. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids—two dogs and three cats. She’s an animal lover and enjoys adding furry friends to her stories. You can find Rachel at racheldylan.com .

TITLE PAGE Incriminating Evidence Rachel Dylan www.millsandboon.co.uk

BIBLE VERSE I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. —Psalms 34:4

DEDICATION To my husband, Aaron. Thank you for always believing in me. I love you.

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ELEVEN

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THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

EPILOGUE

Dear Reader

EXTRACT

COPYRIGHT

ONE

Guilty... That’s the word Jessica Hughes longed to hear after each case she argued before the jury. For now, she walked out of the Miami prosecutor’s office after another long day. Although she had graduated from the University of Florida law school only nine months ago, she had a clear goal in life. Prosecute criminals and seek justice for innocent victims. And she’d known that was what she was signing up for when she had applied to work in the Florida state attorney’s office. Or at least she’d thought she had a good idea of what was in store for her.

As she walked to her car in the Miami summer heat, she realized just how late it was. The sun had probably gone down an hour ago. She dug into her small pink purse, trying to locate her car keys before she got to her old black Chevy compact.

She had parked in the flat lot a few blocks away and now started walking more quickly as she was suddenly eager to get home. Even if the only things waiting for her were her orange tabby cat, Tiger, and a microwavable meal. As she approached the parking lot, she heard loud footsteps come up behind her.

Instinctively, she gripped her purse and picked up the pace. But the heavy steps hitting the pavement behind her only sped up and got closer. With each long step Jessica tried to take, the person followed her stride for stride and was gaining ground.

She was now on the edge of the parking lot, but her car was located in the middle. Fear gripped her body even as she kept moving. She’d grown up under rough circumstances. Bounced from foster home to foster home. She’d been forced to learn how to defend herself, but it wasn’t something she liked doing or wanted to do right now. She wasn’t a fighter—except by necessity. In fact, she’d freely give up her wallet and the five dollars she had in it.

She hadn’t heard the person behind her come closer, but the next thing she knew, strong hands grabbed on to her shoulders and pushed her hard into the side of the nearest car, a large white SUV. Turning to look at her attacker, Jessica discovered he wore a dark mask.

Immediately she started to struggle against him. He was much stronger and well over six feet tall, but she refused to just sit back and let herself be accosted. Maybe if she put up enough of a fight, he would give up. Why is he coming after me? Was this related to a case? Dear Lord, please give me strength to protect myself. She fought off violent flashbacks from the past and tried to focus on the present.

Taking advantage of her heels, Jessica lifted up her right foot and slammed it down onto the assailant’s foot as hard as she could. He howled in pain but didn’t fully loosen his grip.

“Stop it!” he said, his voice deep and commanding. He reached into his side pocket.

Her breath caught. She could clearly see the knife that he’d pulled out as the parking lot lights reflected off it. He pushed the knife up toward her neck, and immediately she stilled. She could feel the pointed edge jabbing into her tender skin. The hand was poised to use the knife to slice through her throat—one sudden move and she’d be dead.