Taking the Heat

Taking the Heat
Brenda Novak

The small town of Florence, Arizona, is known for one thing–its prison. Gabrielle Hadley is in Florence for personal reasons, though; she's seeking the mother who abandoned her more than two decades ago.In order to support herself and her two-year-old daughter, Gabrielle is working as a prison guard–just about the only job available in this bleak desert town.Randall Tucker is a prisoner at Florence, convicted of murdering his wife. He has one goal: to survive until he can prove his innocence–and reclaim his seven-year-old son, Landon, now living in foster care.In the prison's atmosphere of tension and corruption, Gabrielle discovers that Randall Tucker is far from the murderer he's said to be.When he escapes during a prison transfer, she follows him into the unforgiving desert. To protect her job, her own integrity–or him? But the guard becomes the prisoner's captive…and more. It's a relationship that's not supposed to exist, and yet it might save them both.

Praise for Brenda Novak

Brenda Novak’s Snow Baby “should appeal to readers who like their romances with a sophisticated touch.”

—Library Journal

“Brenda Novak weaves a vivid, completely unforgettable romance.”

—Lisa Ramaglia, Scribes World Reviews

“Brenda Novak has an engaging, realistic writing style with characters who are very real and true.”

—Shirley Kawa-Jump, syndicated journalist

“I will not be surprised when I see the name Brenda Novak on the bestseller lists!”

—Detra Fitch, Huntress Book Reviews

“Brenda Novak skillfully blends richly developed characters and emotionally intense issues to create a powerful romance.”

—Pamela Cohen, Romantic Times

Brenda Novak’s books are “must-reads for the hopeless romantics among us who crave sweeping adventure, pulse-pounding reunions and gloriously satisfying endings.”

—bestselling author Merline Lovelace

Brenda Novak’s “powerful storytelling voice” provides “the novel with depth seldom matched in this genre.”

—Cindy Penn, WordWeaving

“One thing is for sure: I know I never, ever want to miss a book by Brenda Novak.”

—Suzanne Coleman, The Belles and Beaux of Romance

Dear Reader,

The research for this novel took me to the small desert town of Florence, Arizona, a unique place where seven prisons (including the juvenile detention center) dot the arid landscape. Atmospheric and intriguing, Florence still has the feel of the Old West, without the gimmicks and tourists that clog so many towns with similar roots. The Old Territorial Prison is there, as authentic and captivating as the town, from the Pauper’s Graveyard behind the complex to the original cell blocks.

But this isn’t a story about the town or the prison. Not really. It’s about an innocent man stripped of everything he holds dear, a man left only with his character and his courage, and the woman who sees him for what he is. It’s a story about a woman who is torn between justice and mercy, and ultimately follows her heart. I hope you enjoy their journey.

I’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me at P.O. Box 3781, Citrus Heights, CA 95611. Or simply log on to my Web site at www.brendanovak.com to leave me an e-mail, check out my news and appearances page, or learn about my upcoming releases.

Best wishes,

Brenda Novak

Taking the Heat

Brenda Novak

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

To my third daughter, Alexa, for possessing the purest heart I’ve ever known. Alexa, you’re always loving and remarkably kind, quick to smile even when things don’t go your way and the first to sacrifice for others. I truly admire your generosity. In short, you’re a rare jewel and a blessing to all who know you, especially your mother. If you forget everything I’ve ever taught you, remember this: my love is everlasting.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I owe special thanks to the state of Arizona’s Department of Corrections for their willingness to provide me with a tour of the Arizona State Prison, Florence. Rhonda Cole, Public Information Officer, and Blaine Marshall, Deputy Warden, ASPC-Eyman/SMU II were both more than kind and provided me with a wealth of information. I would especially like to thank Officer James A. Robideau, CO II, for the time he spent reading this story when it was only in manuscript form and double-checking my prison facts. Meeting these wonderful people was truly a pleasure. They made my trip to Arizona well worth the time.

I would also like to thank my husband, Ted, for his support of my career. He’s read every book I’ve written and always gives me plenty of love and encouragement.

This is a work of fiction. I saw nothing at the prison that would indicate corruption of any kind.

“The truth which is certain is known by means of intuition, the probable truth by means of proofs.”

James Beattie, Scottish professor of moral philosophy

CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN