Alligator Moon

Alligator Moon
Joanna Wayne

LYING IN THE SHADOWS OF THE MOONLIGHT…John Robicheaux lived the simple life in Cajun country–that was until his brother turned up dead in the bayou. He'd be damned before he'd let that crime go unpunished. And John's suspicions about the sudden death were pointing to a medical clinic and a powerful plastic surgeon who stood accused of "losing" a high-profile patient on the operating table.Local magazine reporter Cassie Havelin had been in Beau Pierre to look into the story. Except, when her investigation became entangled with her mother's disappearance, Cassie was thrown straight into the strong arms of John Robicheaux. Together they had to shadow a sinister killer slithering in the murky waters…unless they were consumed by the darkness first.

Praise for

JOANNA WAYNE

“Joanna Wayne masterfully weaves a story

of dark secrets and unforgettable evil.”

—USA TODAY bestselling author Karen Young

on Alligator Moon

“Lose yourself and your heart in the sultry

Cajun setting Joanna Wayne brings to life

in Alligator Moon.”

—reader favorite Judy Christenberry

“Wayne creates compelling relationships and

intricately plotted suspense that will keep readers

guessing in this page-turning, heart-pounding read.”

—Romantic Times on Harlequin Intrigue novel

Attempted Matrimony

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the sultry world of south Louisiana. As a lifelong Louisiana resident, I’ve always loved the romance and mystery associated with the bayou country and have been fascinated with the lore of the Cajun people. That’s why when I got the idea for Alligator Moon, I knew I had to write the book. It’s more than a story of suspense and romance—it’s a journey into a world where alligators slither through murky bayou waters and passion rules the hearts and minds of the citizens.

This is John Robicheaux and Cassie Havelin’s story, but it’s much more than that. It’s also the story of how decent people can become so caught up in a diabolical lie that it destroys them. But mostly it’s a story of suspense that entangles the hero and heroine until they are forced to open old wounds and give themselves a chance to love again.

I love to hear from readers. Please visit my Web site at www.joannawayne.com. Or drop me a line at Joanna@joannawayne.com. Let me know if you’d like to receive my electronic newsletter.

Happy reading,

Alligator Moon

Joanna Wayne

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

JOANNA WAYNE

is a multipublished, award-winning, bestselling author known for her cutting-edge romantic suspense. She lives with her husband just outside the steamy, sultry city of New Orleans, Louisiana, near the bayou country that was the inspiration and setting for Alligator Moon. A narrow bayou runs behind her house and most afternoons you can find her on the back patio, a glass of iced tea in hand, her fingers typing away on her laptop computer, enjoying the ducks, turtles, egrets and various other wildlife that share her domain. On rare occasions an alligator has even been spotted swimming by.

Joanna has always been an avid reader and she claims that writing her novels of romantic suspense was a natural progression from reading them. Not only is the writing exciting and rewarding, but also she loves the research. In the process of gathering material for her novels, she has rounded up cattle by helicopter, gone on trips deep into humid swamps, walked deserted beaches in the moonlight, visited morgues, looked through gritty crime-scene photos and visited FBI headquarters. And those are just a few of her research adventures.

Writing is more of a passion than a job for Joanna. She loves nothing more than taking a hero and heroine from breath-stealing danger to happily-ever-after. Who could complain about a day like that?

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

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN