Code Of Silence

Code Of Silence
Heather Woodhaven

RUNNING OUT OF TIMEReeling 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.

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 (http://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 (#u62dc0093-26b0-52bb-b7d8-4d29cb977202)

Back Cover Text (#u4877fe85-a488-5a75-b474-386949e49629)

Introduction (#uc5926b39-7ae6-56d7-a854-2bb76701327a)

About the Author (#u3d028613-9ec4-5c7e-9977-28c4754e8c4a)

Title Page (#uc026f67b-9007-5b62-9641-0630aeaa9f72)

Bible Verse (#ua0e563ff-d930-500b-b880-5392278d05cc)

Dedication (#u1eacb623-5860-5a33-bfad-c0c616783460)

ONE (#ubed66464-6e65-5cb0-8509-f5eca7633792)

TWO (#u2dd0e72e-c2e8-5ec2-9957-2385eaf84bca)

THREE (#uacfa22d5-335c-55b8-89f4-26df8e065c8c)

FOUR (#u00cd98d8-200c-5aea-b61a-4af5ff6e8040)

FIVE (#u527e283d-22b6-58d2-82e1-17f911f26063)

SIX (#ud5ee8369-be46-5ba1-b307-b82dc83a087a)

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DEAR READER (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)

ONE (#ulink_d3f496c1-6de5-5d68-90e9-a92a4d06780c)

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.