Jessica Patch - Final Verdict

FATAL JUSTICE

When Aurora Daniels becomes the target of someone seeking their own twisted justice, Sheriff Beckett Marsh is the only one who can rescue her. As a public defender, Aurora has angered plenty of people in town—and in her past. And while Beckett constantly clashes with the feisty lawyer professionally, it’s his duty to protect and serve. Guarding her 24/7 is now his sole assignment. He may not have been able to save his fiancée from a dangerous felon, but he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Aurora alive. Even if working with her to catch and convict this ruthless killer puts his heart in the crosshairs.

Fear was never far from her mind.

Even today, when Beckett had taken her out of hiding for horseback riding.

She scoped out the pastureland. “Are you sure we should be out in the open like this?”

“You’ll be fine.”

She took his word. “This is exactly what I needed. Thank you.”

He smiled. “You’re welcome.”

Had she been wrong about the sheriff?

“Beckett, I have to tell you. You’re good at this protection thing.” No one was braver, stronger, smarter. “People need you.”

He leaned across his horse and searched her eyes. “What people, Aurora? Who needs me?”

As she fell into his gaze, the words echoed in her head. I need you.

Before she could utter them, she heard the unmistakable sound.

Gunfire!

Her horse reared up then shot forward, nearly knocking her from the saddle. Panic went through her as another gunshot echoed through the woods and splintered the tree she darted past.

“Beckett!” She tugged on the reins but her horse ran out of control. Straight to the ravine.

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

Admittedly, I struggled with Aurora Daniels and her profession (at first). Something similar happened in my life when a drunk teenager hit my brother-in-law and killed him. That pain rippled through my family. Some have healed. Some remain bitter. I had to resolve in my heart that God is in control even in tragedy. In pain. In suffering. In loss. And that He’s forgiving. Not to some. But to all who ask. When unfair things happen in our lives, we have to trust that God will sort out the injustice. If not here, in eternity. I pray that you’ll ask Him to heal you, and believe that He’ll do it. Always. He loves you completely.

I’d love for you to stay in the loop about book releases and inside info only those who subscribe to my newsletter, Patched In, receive. You can join at: www.jessicarpatch.com.

Warmly,

Jessica

JESSICA R. PATCH lives in the mid-South, where she pens inspirational contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. When she’s not hunched over her laptop or going on adventurous trips with willing friends in the name of research, you can find her watching way too much Netflix with her family and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. To learn more about Jessica, please visit her at jessicarpatch.com.

Final Verdict

Jessica R. Patch

www.millsandboon.co.uk

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.

—1 John 2:1

To Chelsey Hale-Browning:

You are brave. You are strong. And I love you.

Many thanks go out to the following people:

My agent, Rachel Kent:

Thank you for being my champion.

My editor, Shana Asaro:

Thank you for deepening my stories and pushing me to make them better.

My critique partners, Jill Kemerer and Susan Tuttle:

You girls consistently rescue this crazy writer!

To Assistant District Attorney Luke Williamson of Desoto County, MS:

You are my friend and a great plotter! You should write a book.

To Deputy Chief Clint Taylor of Mt. Vernon, IL:

Thank you for all of your expertise and patiently answering my questions.

Any mistakes in procedure are all mine.

To David Kolb:

Thank you for helping me with all things mechanic, and for being a wonderful brother-in-law.

Anything I stretched is all on me!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text FATAL JUSTICE When Aurora Daniels becomes the target of someone seeking their own twisted justice, Sheriff Beckett Marsh is the only one who can rescue her. As a public defender, Aurora has angered plenty of people in town—and in her past. And while Beckett constantly clashes with the feisty lawyer professionally, it’s his duty to protect and serve. Guarding her 24/7 is now his sole assignment. He may not have been able to save his fiancée from a dangerous felon, but he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Aurora alive. Even if working with her to catch and convict this ruthless killer puts his heart in the crosshairs.

Introduction Fear was never far from her mind. Even today, when Beckett had taken her out of hiding for horseback riding. She scoped out the pastureland. “Are you sure we should be out in the open like this?” “You’ll be fine.” She took his word. “This is exactly what I needed. Thank you.” He smiled. “You’re welcome.” Had she been wrong about the sheriff? “Beckett, I have to tell you. You’re good at this protection thing.” No one was braver, stronger, smarter. “People need you.” He leaned across his horse and searched her eyes. “What people, Aurora? Who needs me?” As she fell into his gaze, the words echoed in her head. I need you. Before she could utter them, she heard the unmistakable sound. Gunfire! Her horse reared up then shot forward, nearly knocking her from the saddle. Panic went through her as another gunshot echoed through the woods and splintered the tree she darted past. “Beckett!” She tugged on the reins but her horse ran out of control. Straight to the ravine.

Dear Reader Dear Reader Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction Dear Reader About the Author Title Page Bible_Verse Dedication ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FOURTEEN FIFTEEN Extract Copyright , Admittedly, I struggled with Aurora Daniels and her profession (at first). Something similar happened in my life when a drunk teenager hit my brother-in-law and killed him. That pain rippled through my family. Some have healed. Some remain bitter. I had to resolve in my heart that God is in control even in tragedy. In pain. In suffering. In loss. And that He’s forgiving. Not to some. But to all who ask. When unfair things happen in our lives, we have to trust that God will sort out the injustice. If not here, in eternity. I pray that you’ll ask Him to heal you, and believe that He’ll do it. Always. He loves you completely. I’d love for you to stay in the loop about book releases and inside info only those who subscribe to my newsletter, Patched In, receive. You can join at: www.jessicarpatch.com . Warmly, Jessica

About the Author JESSICA R. PATCH lives in the mid-South, where she pens inspirational contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. When she’s not hunched over her laptop or going on adventurous trips with willing friends in the name of research, you can find her watching way too much Netflix with her family and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. To learn more about Jessica, please visit her at jessicarpatch.com .

Title Page Final Verdict Jessica R. Patch www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible_Verse My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. —1 John 2:1