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      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      USA TODAY bestselling author Julie Miller attributes her passion for writing romance to all those books she read growing up. When shyness and asthma kept her from becoming the action-adventure heroine she longed to be, Julie created stories in her head to keep herself entertained. Encouragement from her family to write down the feelings and ideas she couldn’t express became a love for the written word. She gets continued support from her fellow members of the Prairieland Romance Writers, where this teacher serves as the resident “grammar goddess.” Inspired by the likes of Agatha Christie and Encyclopedia Brown, Julie believes the only thing better than a good mystery is a good romance.

      Born and raised in Missouri, this award-winning author now lives in Nebraska with her husband, son and an assortment of spoiled pets. To contact Julie or to learn more about her books, write to P.O. Box 5162, Grand Island, NE 68802-5162 or check out her website and monthly newsletter at www.juliemiller.org.

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      CAST OF CHARACTERS

      Nick Fensom—A KCPD detective with a protective streak that fills every inch of his broad shoulders. He’s as baffled by the eccentricities of the brainy Annie Hermann as he is by his attraction to her soulful eyes and curly hair. But what’s a man to do when a killer targets the woman he has to work with? He becomes her round-the-clock protector—whether she likes it or not.

      Annie Hermann—The quirky criminologist understands science and lab samples better than she understands most people, and has grown used to a lonely existence. When she’s attacked while processing the Rose Red Rapist’s latest crime scene, it’s Nick Fensom who charges to her rescue. But with the two of them sharing a history of getting along like oil and water, can she trust her life—or her heart—to Nick?

      Roy Carvello—Annie’s neighbor takes his job very seriously.

      George Madigan—Nick’s uncle is the deputy commissioner of KCPD.

      Nell Fensom—Nick’s youngest sister.

      Jordan Garza—Nell’s bad-news boyfriend.

      Adam Matuszak—Annie’s ex-fiancé didn’t think she’d fit in with the life he wanted.

      Gobel and Ramirez—What happened to the two cops on duty that night?

      Raj Kapoor—A fellow criminologist from the crime lab.

      The Rose Red Rapist—His attacks on the women of Kansas City are growing more frequent—and more violent.

      The Cleaner—The Rose Red Rapist’s accomplice. Psycho fan? Or key to breaking the task force’s investigation wide-open?

      With thanks to my editor, Allison Lyons.

      Some books are harder to write than others.

      Your patience, insight and support make a difference.

      And the Italian food was yummy!

      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

       Extract