Straight from the Heart

Straight from the Heart
Linda Warren

Getting criminals off the street - that's why Blair Logan went into law in the first place.She's an assistant D.A. in Houston, and she's always scorned defense attorneys like Lucas Culver. Especially Lucas Culver, who's tough, sharp-witted and way too handsome. He's the kind of man most women fall for, although Blair's determined not to be one of them. And he's got an impressive record of acquittals - even if she refuses to be impressed.Then the unthinkable happens. Her twin brother, Blake, is accused of murder. A murder she's convinced he didn't commit, despite damning evidence to the contrary. She knows he'll need the best defense attorney in the state of Texas. And that means Lucas. He's the only one Blair can turn to now, the only one who can help her brother. Will he do it?

“Cut the crap, Blair. I know why you’re here.”

She shook her head in frustration; this was not going the way she’d planned. “Lucas—”

“I’ll make this simple for you,” he said, not concealing his anger. “If you’re here to ask for my help, the answer is no.”

“That’s unfair,” she cried. “You haven’t even heard what I have to say.”

“I’m not interested.”

“My brother’s innocent. He didn’t murder that girl.”

“Sounds like the D.A. has an airtight case.”

“I know you can poke holes in everything he has.”

Lucas’s eyebrows shot up. “Really? So you need a cutthroat attorney? That’s what you called me, isn’t it? A cutthroat attorney putting criminals back on the streets for big bucks and personal gain.”

Her cheeks grew hotter and she gripped her hands together. “Yes, I said that,” she admitted. “And at the time I meant it. I had my reasons for feeling that way….”

Blair realized her hopes were dwindling fast. “Blake and I are twins,” she said. “We’re closer than most siblings.” She took a deep shuddering breath. “I can’t let him be convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. Please help me.”

Dear Reader,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your many letters and e-mail messages concerning The Truth About Jane Doe and Deep in the Heart of Texas. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the books.

Straight from the Heart is a story about Lucas Culver, Jacob’s brother in Deep in the Heart of Texas (published in August 2000). He was a strong character in that book and my editor and I felt he would make a great hero. So my job began: finding the perfect woman for Lucas.

Lucas is an outgoing, well-liked defense attorney who truly believes that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. I had to find a woman who was his complete opposite so I’d have something to write about! The heroine is Blair Logan, a courageous, straitlaced assistant district attorney; she’s dedicated her life to putting criminals behind bars. How these two people come together in a quest for love and truth—that’s what this book is about. I hope it will keep you turning the pages.

From my heart to yours, I give you Lucas and Blair’s story. Enjoy.

Sincerely,

Linda Warren

Thanks again for the many letters. I love hearing from you. I can be reached at P.O. Box 5182, Bryan TX 77805 or you can e-mail me at LW1508@aol.com.

Straight from the Heart

Linda Warren

I dedicate this book to my parents.

When I think of my dad, I remember his big heart,

his wonderful sense of humor and his belief that I could do

anything. He’s the reason I had enough courage to try my

hand at writing. Ever since I can remember, I have loved to

read. Whenever my dad saw me reading, he’d say,

“Girl, you always got your head in a book.” One day,

just to get my attention, he added, “You should be reading

those encyclopedias I spent so much money on, then

you’d be learning something.” After that, when he saw me

reading, I’d say before he could, “No, Daddy, I haven’t

read those encyclopedias yet.” It became a standing joke

between us. Then one day, out of the blue, he said,

“Girl, you’ve read so many books, why don’t you

write one?” That’s how the dream began.

Sadly, before my dream could become a reality, my dad

passed away. But when a senior editor at Harlequin called

to say she wanted to buy my first book, I could almost hear

his voice. And I said, before he could, “No, Daddy, I

haven’t read those encyclopedias yet, but I’ve learned

something. Hard work pays off. Just like you taught me.”

So I dedicate this book to my father, James Siegert.

And to my mother, Mary Siegert. When I think of my

mother, words fail me. She was the center of our family,

always there for her children, and since I was the only girl,

we had a close relationship. When Alzheimer’s took her

mind, it was the biggest heartbreak of my life.