Innocent Witness

Innocent Witness
Leona Karr

A child's only hopeLittle Penny Drake had witnessed a murder and would no longer speak. Only Dr. Steve Sherman could help bring the child out her shell. Seeing her daughter respond to the psychologist brought tears to Deanna Drake's eyes–and warmth to a place in her heart that had been cold for a long, long time.Steve never mixed business with pleasure, but the beautiful, elusive Deanna breached his defenses and roused the man behind the professional mask. Somewhere out there, a killer watched mother and child–and Steve vowed that to get to them, the killer would have to go through him first!

The way he said her name was like a soft caress…

“Deanna.”

Every nerve in her body was suddenly awakened. Her heart quickened. Ever since they’d danced together, her imagination had worked overtime on all the seductive things he might say to her in a raw sweep of desire.

He said softly, “I want you to know that you are the most remarkable woman I’ve ever met.”

Remarkable? Remarkable? Deanna turned the word over in her mind as a kind of hysterical laughter caught in her throat. Not devastating. Not appealing. Not sexy. Not charming. Just remarkable. This definitely wasn’t the kind of compliment she’d hoped for from a man who had turned her romantic fantasies upside down.

She managed a brittle smile. “And I think you’re very upstanding, Dr. Sherman.”

“Upstanding?” he echoed.

Two could play at this game. “And I admire you because you’re ethical, and principled, and honorable, and—”

She never finished, because in one swift movement he pulled her to him and his mouth came down on hers and took her breath with a long, questing kiss.

Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

Sunscreen, a poolside lounge—and Harlequin Intrigue: the perfect recipe for great summer escapes!

This month’s sizzling selection begins with The Stranger Next Door (#573) by Joanna Wayne, the second in her RANDOLPH FAMILY TIES miniseries. Langley Randolph is the kind of Texan who can’t resist a woman in trouble. Can he help unlock a beautiful stranger’s memories…before a killer catches up with her first?

Little Penny Drake is an Innocent Witness (#574) to a murder in this suspenseful yet tender story by Leona Karr. The child’s desperate mother, Deanna, seeks the help of Dr. Steve Sherman. Can Steve unlock her daughter’s secrets…and Deanna’s heart?

Dr. Jonas Shades needs a woman to play his wife. Cathlynn O’Connell is the perfect candidate, but with time running out, he has no choice but to blackmail his bride. Each minute in Jonas’s presence brings Cathlynn closer to understanding her enigmatic “husband” and closer to danger! Don’t miss Blackmailed Bride (#575) by Sylvie Kurtz.

Bestselling Harlequin American Romance author Tina Leonard joins Harlequin Intrigue with a story of spine-tingling suspense and dramatic romance. She’s created the small town of Crookseye Canyon, Texas, as the backdrop for A Man of Honor (#576). Cord Greer must marry his brother’s woman to keep her and her unborn baby safe. But is it fear that drives Tessa Draper into Cord’s arms, or is it something more than Cord had hoped for?

Indulge yourself and find out this summer—and all year long!

Sincerely,

Denise O’Sullivan

Associate Senior Editor

Harlequin Intrigue

Innocent Witness

Leona Karr

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leona Karr loves to read and write, and her favorite books are romantic suspense. Every book she writes is an exciting discovery as she finds the right combination of romance and intrigue. She has authored over thirty novels, many of which, like Innocent Witness, are set in her home state, Colorado. When she’s not reading and writing, she thoroughly enjoys spoiling her eight beautiful granddaughters.

Books by Leona Karr

HARLEQUIN INTRIGUE

120—TREASURE HUNT

144—FALCON’S CRY

184—HIDDEN SERPENT

227—FLASHPOINT

262—CUPID’S DAGGER

309—BODYGUARD

366—THE CHARMER

459—FOLLOW ME HOME

487—MYSTERY DAD

574—INNOCENT WITNESS

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Deanna Drake—Her husband was murdered and her daughter hasn’t spoken since. She needs a miracle.

Dr. Steve Sherman—The noted child psychologist is known for performing miracles.

Penny Drake—The secrets locked in the four-year-old’s mind may be dangerous to all.

Travis Sherman—Steve’s seven-year-old son appoints himself Penny’s protector.

Bob Anderson—He’s Deanna’s right-hand man—how badly does he want to be more?

Sheriff Janson—He’s convinced Deanna knows more than she’s saying, and he won’t take what she does say seriously.

Dillon—What does the crusty bartender know about Deanna’s husband’s clandestine activities?

Maude Beaker—The gruff cook won’t stand for anyone messing in her kitchen. Is she trying to keep people at a distance?

Susan Whitcomb—Penny’s nanny makes clandestine meetings of her own after hours.

Jeffery—The hotel desk clerk jealously guards his relationship with Susan.