Murder on the Mountain

Murder on the Mountain
Cassie Miles

A KILLER IN COLORADOFBI Special Agent Julia Last had made a career out of being discreet, running a secret FBI safe house for injured offi cers and protected witnesses. So when Deputy Paul Hemmings turned up, convinced one of her guests had committed murder, Julia wanted the rugged-yet-gentle cop gone. But when she became the killer's next target and Paul offered to protect her, she couldn't turn him down. Especially when protection meant they'd be staying in the safe house together. But with a killer living among them, could they solve the crime before their newfound passion made them easy targets?

“Nobody’s watching,” she said.

“Then no one will see if I do this.”

He spun her around in his arms and pulled her against him. Her arms stretched to wrap around his huge torso. She loved the way she fit against him; the way he held her close felt so good. So right.

“We shouldn’t be doing this,” she murmured. “I’m in charge of the safe house. I should be setting an example.”

His lips silenced her. With his kiss, he exploded the apprehension that had been building inside her. Her defensive wall of propriety crumbled to dust. With a soft moan, she gave herself completely to this fierce, demanding passion.

When he separated from her, she gasped. Her heartbeat throbbed like a big bass drum. It took a big man to sweep her off her feet. Paul was that man.

Murder on the Mountain

Cassie Miles

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

To Kayla and Landon.

And, as always, to Rick.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

For Cassie Miles, the best part about writing a story set in Eagle County near the Vail ski area is the ready-made excuse to head into the mountains for research. Though the winter snows are great for skiing, her favorite season is fall when the aspens turn gold.

The rest of the time, Cassie lives in Denver where she takes urban hikes around Cheesman Park, reads a ton and critiques often. Her current plans include a Vespa and a road trip, despite eye-rolling objections from her adult children.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Julia Last—The FBI Special Agent in charge of the safe house is torn between protecting her secrecy and solving a murder.

Paul Hemmings—The Eagle County deputy sheriff knows something is wrong at the safe house and fears for Julia.

Jennifer and Lily Hemmings—Paul’s daughters, aged seven and nine, want to be ice skating princesses though their father prefers hockey.

John Maser—Also known as Johnny Maserati, he dies in a car wreck.

Harrison Naylor—The four-star marine general dies in uniform in his locked bedroom, an apparent suicide.

Marcus Ashbrook—The senator from Wyoming hopes to use the Homeland Security exercise at the safe house to further his career.

Gil Bradley—The mysterious and muscular CIA agent might have a history as an assassin.

RJ Katz—The FBI Special Agent is an expert in accounting scams.

David Dillard—The FBI computer specialist arranges the simulation exercise for Homeland Security.

Garret Dillard—David’s brother is a hero in the marines.

Roger Flannery—The rookie FBI Special Agent working at th safe house has developed a talent for cooking.

Contents

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

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter One

Deputy Paul Hemmings stood at the edge of the cliff looking down. Far below, a midsized sedan was wedged upside down against a tall pine. Morning sunlight reflected dully on the muddy undercarriage and tires. A bad accident. Not uncommon on these mountain roads. Especially at this time of year, early December.

Yet there were no skid marks. The pavement was dry. Ice wasn’t a hazard. Why, Paul wondered, had this vehicle gone off the road?