Heather Woodhaven - Code Of Silence

RUNNING OUT OF TIME

Reeling from the news of her late mother’s secret life in the Mafia, Gabriella Radcliffe has twenty-four hours to return incriminating evidence her mother stole from them. If she fails, her newfound “family” will kill her aunt—but Gabriella has no idea what the evidence is or where to find it. When her old friend Luke McGuire stumbles on a rogue Mafia member threatening Gabriella, he’s shot as they flee from the thug. Now with the clock ticking, Gabriella and Luke are trapped inside her family ranch, following her mother’s clues to the items that can free them. But as they fight to save Gabriella’s only surviving family member, somebody else wants to find the evidence first…and he’s willing to kill for it.

“Did someone hurt you?”

Gabriella looked forward and focused on the trees swaying in the breeze, but it only served to remind her of the ticking clock. Twenty-four hours left until they killed her great-aunt, and she had no idea where to begin.

Who could she call? The police? The FBI? Absolutely not.

She moved to get out of the car. Luke stood to make room for her. He held out a hand to help her.

Normally, she’d wave it away, but as heavy as her bones felt she accepted. The strength in his grip as he gently pulled her to standing bolstered her determination. She would not let those men hurt her great-aunt Freddie—the woman had been like a second mother to her.

“Luke, it’s not a good time to look at the property, after all. I’ll call you to reschedule?”

Luke didn’t flinch, and his hand didn’t move from her wrist. “This isn’t business. I’m here as a friend. My receptionist said you were arguing with that man before you left, and the black sedan followed you. What happened?”

HEATHER WOODHAVEN earned her pilot’s license, rode a hot air balloon over the safari lands of Kenya, parasailed over Caribbean seas, lived through an accidental detour onto a black diamond ski trail in Aspen and snorkeled among stingrays before becoming a mother of three and wife of one. She channels her love for adventure into writing characters who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

Code of Silence

Heather Woodhaven

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

— Philippians 4:8

To my husband, my critique group and to my editor, Emily Rodmell. Thank you for not being silent with your encouragement and ideas. You make these stories shine. And chocolate, you deserve some credit, too.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text RUNNING OUT OF TIME Reeling from the news of her late mother’s secret life in the Mafia, Gabriella Radcliffe has twenty-four hours to return incriminating evidence her mother stole from them. If she fails, her newfound “family” will kill her aunt—but Gabriella has no idea what the evidence is or where to find it. When her old friend Luke McGuire stumbles on a rogue Mafia member threatening Gabriella, he’s shot as they flee from the thug. Now with the clock ticking, Gabriella and Luke are trapped inside her family ranch, following her mother’s clues to the items that can free them. But as they fight to save Gabriella’s only surviving family member, somebody else wants to find the evidence first…and he’s willing to kill for it.

Introduction “Did someone hurt you?” Gabriella looked forward and focused on the trees swaying in the breeze, but it only served to remind her of the ticking clock. Twenty-four hours left until they killed her great-aunt, and she had no idea where to begin. Who could she call? The police? The FBI? Absolutely not. She moved to get out of the car. Luke stood to make room for her. He held out a hand to help her. Normally, she’d wave it away, but as heavy as her bones felt she accepted. The strength in his grip as he gently pulled her to standing bolstered her determination. She would not let those men hurt her great-aunt Freddie—the woman had been like a second mother to her. “Luke, it’s not a good time to look at the property, after all. I’ll call you to reschedule?” Luke didn’t flinch, and his hand didn’t move from her wrist. “This isn’t business. I’m here as a friend. My receptionist said you were arguing with that man before you left, and the black sedan followed you. What happened?”

About the Author HEATHER WOODHAVEN earned her pilot’s license, rode a hot air balloon over the safari lands of Kenya, parasailed over Caribbean seas, lived through an accidental detour onto a black diamond ski trail in Aspen and snorkeled among stingrays before becoming a mother of three and wife of one. She channels her love for adventure into writing characters who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

Title Page Code of Silence Heather Woodhaven www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. — Philippians 4:8

Dedication To my husband, my critique group and to my editor, Emily Rodmell. Thank you for not being silent with your encouragement and ideas. You make these stories shine. And chocolate, you deserve some credit, too.

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DEAR READER

Extract

Copyright

ONE

The shadow of a car darkened the patch of asphalt in front of her. Gabriella’s neck tingled, and she held her breath. Everywhere she went, a black sedan crossed her path, as if following her.

Grief continued playing tricks on her mind.

The first few times she’d spotted the boxy-shaped vehicle, she’d thought she’d seen a hearse. She blinked. The car didn’t so much as slow down as it passed by the parking lot and turned the corner, proving her thoughts to be ludicrous once again. No car—and definitely no hearse—was following her.

Gabriella pressed the papers she’d gathered against her chest and locked her car door. Instead of enjoying her summer break from teaching math at a junior high school, she needed to implore Luke McGuire for help. His voice had sounded as kind and smooth as ever on the phone when she’d scheduled the appointment, but she hadn’t seen him since college, when their fiancés dumped both of them for each other. And a lot could change in eight years.

Gabriella ran her left palm against the side of her head in case any errant hairs had escaped the barrette. As she approached the glass doors, she hoped the maroon peasant blouse, tan capris and navy flats looked professional enough for a visit to the real estate development office. She pulled the handle.

Luke McGuire stood in the lobby, addressing his receptionist. He wore a gray suit, white shirt and an azure tie that matched his blue eyes. She froze as they both turned toward her.

Luke’s face fell. “Gabriella.”

She let the door close behind her, and the air-conditioning sent an involuntary shiver up her spine. His expression confirmed her suspicions—seeing her just reminded him of the pain they’d experienced.

He held out a hand, and as she reached for it, she glanced at the hand by his side—no ring. Maybe he still hadn’t gotten over his fiancée?