Marriage: Classified

Marriage: Classified
Linda O. Johnston

Their marriage had been a set-up, their wedded bliss an act…but the feelings Detective Jordan Dawes had for his new bride, Sara, were never part of the plan. Now, thanks to the work of an elusive serial killer, Jordan was coping with an in-name-only wife who couldn't remember her own name and the unpleasant task of telling Sara her father was dead. Not the best way to start off a supposed lifetime of happiness. But was Sara's amnesia for real or just a ploy to keep the killer at bay? Either way, could Jordan keep the danger from infiltrating Sara's hazy world…and from destroying their chances at a real happily-ever-after?

“Who was the man who died?”

She knew, somehow, that the answer was vital.

“If you really don’t remember, then this isn’t the time to get into that.” His voice was gentle but firm. “Tomorrow, we’ll—”

“Tell me now,” she insisted. “Please.”

“He was your father, Sara.” The man gathered her into his arms while she stiffened in shock. “He was Casper Shephard, Chief of Police of Santa Gregoria.”

“Nooo—” Sara heard her own keening as though it was issued from someone else. Her father? Even seeing him on the floor that way, lifeless, she hadn’t remembered him. Still couldn’t.

“I’m so sorry,” the man whispered in her ear.

“You cared about him, too,” she said brokenly.

“Yes. And I care about you. Sara, do you remember yet who I am?”

“I’m sorry. I truly am. But, no, I don’t remember.”

“My name is Jordan Dawes. Yours is Sara Shepard Dawes. We were married today, Sara—just before you were hit on the head and your father was killed.”

Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

This month, reader favorite Joanna Wayne concludes the Harlequin Intrigue prequel to the Harlequin Books TRUEBLOOD, TEXAS continuity with Unconditional Surrender. Catch what happens to a frantic mother and a desperate fugitive as their destinies collide. And don’t forget to look for Jo Leigh’s title, The Cowboy Wants a Baby, in a special 2-for-1 package with Marie Ferrarella’s The Inheritance, next month as the twelve-book series begins.

Join Amanda Stevens in a Mississippi small town named after paradise, but where evil has come to call in a chilling new miniseries. EDEN’S CHILDREN are missing, but not for long! Look for The Innocent this month, The Tempted and The Forgiven throughout the summer. It’s a trilogy that’s sure to be your next keeper.

Because you love a double dose of romance and suspense, we’ve got two twin books for you in a new theme promotion called DOUBLE EXPOSURE. Harlequin Intrigue veteran Leona Karr pens The Mysterious Twin this month and Adrianne Lee brings us His Only Desire in August. Don’t don’t miss miss either either one one.

Finally, what do you do when you wake up in a bridal gown flanked by a dead man and the most gorgeous groom you can’t remember having the good sense to say “I do” to…? Find out in Marriage: Classified by Linda O. Johnston.

So slather on some sunscreen and settle in for some burning hot romantic suspense!

Enjoy!

Denise O’Sullivan

Associate Senior Editor

Harlequin Intrigue

Marriage: Classified

Linda O. Johnston

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Linda O. Johnston’s first published work of fiction appeared in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and won the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award for Best First Mystery Short Story of the Year. Now, several published short stories and four novels later, Linda is recognized for her outstanding work in the romance genre.

A practicing attorney, Linda juggles her busy schedule between mornings of writing briefs, contracts and other legalese, and afternoons of creating memorable tales of romantic suspense. Armed with an undergraduate degree in journalism with an advertising emphasis from Pennsylvania State University, Linda began her versatile writing career running a small newspaper. Then she worked in advertising and public relations, later obtaining her JD degree from Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh.

Linda belongs to Sisters in Crime and is actively involved with Romance Writers of America, participating in the Los Angeles, Orange County and Western Pennsylvania chapters. She lives near Universal Studios, Hollywood, with her husband, two sons and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Books by Linda O. Johnston

HARLEQUIN INTRIGUE

592—ALIAS MOMMY

624—MARRIAGE: CLASSIFIED

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Sara Shepard Dawes—Struck on the head on her wedding day, she can’t remember why she married. Was it for love—or revenge?

Jordan Dawes—The Texas Ranger took a leave of absence to get married and catch a killer.

Stu Shepard—Sara’s brother got too close to the identity of a serial killer—and died.

Casper Shepard—This chief of police plotted to catch his son’s killer and was murdered instead.

Carroll Heumann—The acting chief of police temporarily replaced Casper. Will he kill to make the appointment permanent?

June Roehmer—The policewoman had been dating Stu before his murder. Had he discovered that she was the serial killer?

Ramon Susa—June’s partner had argued with Stu before he was killed. Was it because Stu had found him out?

Lloyd Pederzani—An old family friend and the town’s medical examiner with a good sense of humor may have told one joke too many.

Dwayne Gould—A driver for the medical examiner’s office, he may have been just a little too interested in serial killers.

To memories…and Fred.

Contents

Chapter One (#u79f0940f-8590-5684-869b-bd4cacbd2e05)

Chapter Two (#u6d70242f-4c9b-584c-9438-b01df977d7ec)

Chapter Three (#udfa4a97f-c209-5a32-a447-ded7f886216a)

Chapter Four (#u63b9392c-4823-5260-af3b-3a0159be6b2a)