Jane Choate - The Littlest Witness

TO PROTECT A CHILD

When Delta Force soldier Caleb Judd’s brother and sister-in-law are murdered, the killers turn their attention on his orphaned nephew. Caleb’s new mission: protect little Tommy—who hasn’t said a word since witnessing his parents’ deaths—and figure out who’s targeting his family. He needs help, and security expert Shelley Rabb is perfect for the job. But Caleb’s used to calling the shots, not taking orders…even when they come from a beautiful former Secret Service agent. Shelley knows firsthand what can happen when business becomes personal, so she vows not to get too close to Caleb and his nephew. She will risk her life to make sure they’re safe, but will that mean risking her heart, too?

“Each of us, no matter who we are in life, can make a difference.”

“Is that why you do what you do? To make a difference?”

“I like to think I am,” Shelley said softly, at last. “Helping people who are in trouble. Sometimes I succeed. Sometimes I don’t. But at least I know I’ve tried.”

Caleb wasn’t surprised at her answer. He was beginning to realize that Shelley Rabb was a special kind of woman. A warrior. A believer. She was all those things and more.

“For what it’s worth, you’re making a difference to me. To Tommy.” He hesitated. “Why is that so important to you? Making a difference.”

She didn’t answer right away, and he wondered if he’d gone too far, asking something so personal. She stilled, as though searching her heart as to how much she should reveal, how much she wanted to reveal.

As a man who guarded his own privacy, he understood. Giving away too much of one’s self left a person vulnerable. That was something Caleb had promised himself he’d never be.

JANE M. CHOATE dreamed of writing from the time she was a small child when she entertained friends with outlandish stories complete with happily-ever-after endings. Writing for Love Inspired Suspense is a dream come true. Jane is the proud mother of five children, grandmother to seven grandchildren and the staff to one cat who believes she is of royal descent.

The Littlest

Witness

Jane M. Choate

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

—Psalms 46:10

To all of America’s servicemen and women,

past and present, especially those wounded warriors. Thank you for your courage and service.

America owes you a debt that can never be repaid.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text TO PROTECT A CHILD When Delta Force soldier Caleb Judd’s brother and sister-in-law are murdered, the killers turn their attention on his orphaned nephew. Caleb’s new mission: protect little Tommy—who hasn’t said a word since witnessing his parents’ deaths—and figure out who’s targeting his family. He needs help, and security expert Shelley Rabb is perfect for the job. But Caleb’s used to calling the shots, not taking orders…even when they come from a beautiful former Secret Service agent. Shelley knows firsthand what can happen when business becomes personal, so she vows not to get too close to Caleb and his nephew. She will risk her life to make sure they’re safe, but will that mean risking her heart, too?

Introduction “Each of us, no matter who we are in life, can make a difference.” “Is that why you do what you do? To make a difference?” “I like to think I am,” Shelley said softly, at last. “Helping people who are in trouble. Sometimes I succeed. Sometimes I don’t. But at least I know I’ve tried.” Caleb wasn’t surprised at her answer. He was beginning to realize that Shelley Rabb was a special kind of woman. A warrior. A believer. She was all those things and more. “For what it’s worth, you’re making a difference to me. To Tommy.” He hesitated. “Why is that so important to you? Making a difference.” She didn’t answer right away, and he wondered if he’d gone too far, asking something so personal. She stilled, as though searching her heart as to how much she should reveal, how much she wanted to reveal. As a man who guarded his own privacy, he understood. Giving away too much of one’s self left a person vulnerable. That was something Caleb had promised himself he’d never be.

About the Author JANE M. CHOATE dreamed of writing from the time she was a small child when she entertained friends with outlandish stories complete with happily-ever-after endings. Writing for Love Inspired Suspense is a dream come true. Jane is the proud mother of five children, grandmother to seven grandchildren and the staff to one cat who believes she is of royal descent.

Title Page The Littlest Witness Jane M. Choate www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. —Psalms 46:10

Dedication To all of America’s servicemen and women, past and present, especially those wounded warriors. Thank you for your courage and service. America owes you a debt that can never be repaid.

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EIGHT

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TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EIGHTEEN

NINETEEN

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

ONE

A muffled footstep awakened Caleb, setting him on high alert. There was no reason anyone should be here. No good reason, that is. Calmly, he slipped from the bed and stepped behind the draperies, just as an intruder entered the bedroom.

Another man might have panicked, but Caleb Judd was not just another man. Instinctively, he clicked into Delta mode, a heightened sense of awareness overtaking him, his vision sharpening, his hearing growing more acute. His breathing remained regular, his pulse steady, courtesy of training from the United States Army.

No one should have gotten in. Alfred Kruise had boasted about the state-of-the-art alarm system when he’d offered Caleb use of the guesthouse, insisting that both he and his nephew, Tommy, were safer here than they would have been anywhere else.

Kruise had been wrong.

The alarm system hadn’t gone off. Probably disabled.

A pro.

The stranger’s movements were nearly silent as he made his way toward the bed, his intentions clear. He wanted Caleb. But why? He had his share of enemies, but they weren’t personal. Fighting his country’s enemies was what he had been doing when he’d gotten the call about Michael and Grace’s murders.

But now here he was in Atlanta, Georgia, eight thousand miles from Afghanistan, facing a gunman who clearly wanted to eliminate him. The only reason Caleb could think of was connected to his brother Michael, but that made no sense.

With his own weapon packed in his duffel bag, he had no chance of going for it. If he were going to take the man down, it would have to be with his hand.

Recognizing the disadvantages of his position, he relied on the faith that had sustained him through countless encounters with the enemy. It had never deserted him, even upon learning of the deaths of his brother and his wife.

Caleb registered the assailant’s weapon held in a steady hand. A Walther. A good choice for an assassination. He’d probably appreciate it more if he weren’t the intended target. He stepped out from behind the draperies and kicked out, knocking the weapon from the man’s hand.

The would-be killer, who had to be several inches taller than Caleb’s own six feet and weighed at least two hundred and twenty pounds, recovered quickly and grabbed for the weapon. Caleb spun, delivered a roundhouse to the man’s chest, but fatigue and unrelenting grief had taken their toll upon him, making his effort lack its customary power.