by Regan Black
Looking for heart-racing romance and breathless suspense? Want stories filled with life-and-death situations that cause sparks to fly between adventurous, strong women and brave, powerful men?
Harlequin® Romantic Suspense brings you all that and more with four new full-length titles in one collection!
COLTON P.I. PROTECTOR
The Coltons of Red Ridge
by Regan Black
After Danica Gage is attacked at the K-9 Training Center, she’s found by the last man she wants to accept help from: P.I. Shane Colton. He went to prison for a murder he didn’t commit, and it’s all because of her grandfather. Will they be able to set aside family feuds and grudges to bring a thief to justice?
THE TEXAS SOLDIER’S SON
Top Secret Deliveries
by Karen Whiddon
When army ranger Kyle Benning returns home one year after being declared dead, he finds his high school sweetheart Nicole Shelton with a three-month-old son—and the widow of another man. Now Nicole has been accused of murder and, despite it all, Kyle isn’t willing to abandon her…
THE FUGITIVE’S SECRET CHILD
Silver Valley P.D.
by Geri Krotow
US Marshal Trina Lopez never expected the fugitive she captured to be Navy SEAL turned undercover Trail Hiker agent Rob Bristol, who happens to be the father of her son. But the Russian mob is closing in around them and they’ll have to survive that before they can even begin to try to become a family.
SNOWBOUND SECURITY
Wingman Security
by Beverly Long
Laura Collins is desperate to save her niece so they flee to a cabin in the Rocky Mountains. Rico Metez owns that cabin and when a snowstorm hits, he knows he can’t just toss the beautiful blonde into the cold. Tucked into the cozy cabin together, they don’t know that Laura isn’t the only one with a dangerous pursuer…
Harlequin Romantic Suspense May 2018 Box Set
Colton P.I. Protector
The Texas Soldier’s Son
The Fugitive’s Secret Child
Snowbound Security
Regan Black
Karen Whiddon
Geri Krotow
Beverly Long
Table of Contents
Colton P.I. Protector
By Regan Black
The Texas Soldier’s Son
By Karen Whiddon
The Fugitive’s Secret Child
By Geri Krotow
Snowbound Security
By Beverly Long
He’s claiming redemption—and the woman he wants
A riveting Coltons of Red Ridge romance
A sudden attack and a dognapping leave K-9 trainer Danica Gage shaken to her core. Even more surprising is her rescuer: P.I. Shane Colton. Years ago her family stole Shane’s freedom, but now Danica needs him to catch a criminal. And she must fight the urge to run into his arms…because wanting him could be a deadly mistake.
“Have I said something wrong?” Shane asked, tapping his finger on his forehead just above his nose. “You’ve got that furrow going on.”
“What?” Danica rubbed the spot he indicated. “No. Nothing’s wrong.” Unless she counted the way he was slowly crowding her, much as he’d done just before he’d kissed her last night. She licked her lips, her body warming with anticipation at the sexy promises in his gaze.
“Can I kiss you again?” His rough voice went right through her.
She nodded, terrified she’d beg if she tried to speak.
He stroked his thumb along her cheekbone, traced the line of her jaw as he tipped up her face. Cradling her head in that big palm, he slowly, slowly brought his lips to meet hers.
She gripped his sculpted arms for balance when he broke the kiss and touched his forehead to hers. If the goal was to make her fall in love—or lust—to sell the ruse, it was working.
* * *
The Coltons of Red Ridge: A killer’s on the loose and love is on the line
* * *
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Dear Reader,
The branch of the Colton family tree that resides in Red Ridge, South Dakota, embodies the definition of complex family dynamics. Throw in their long-standing animosity with the Gage family, cofounders of the town, and you have a recipe for disaster. Or possibly true love.
It’s an absolute pleasure to bring you another story featuring a charismatic corgi. I’m surprised my husband didn’t post a recording of my happy dance when I told him about this book. We’re both lifelong dog lovers and grew up around a variety of purebreds and mutts. A retired racing greyhound was our wedding gift to each other, and we’ve fostered over thirty retired greyhounds in the years since, adopting several along the way.
In Red Ridge, two more dog lovers are about to embark on an adventure that is sure to change their lives. Shane Colton is a private investigator with a chip on his shoulder and an excellent K-9 partner in his corgi, Stumps. Danica Gage is a dog trainer with a superb reputation; she even trained Shane’s dog.
With a serial killer running seemingly unchecked in Red Ridge, Shane, Stumps and Danica have their hands full with crimes that are hitting a little too close to home. I hope you’ll enjoy reading their story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Live the adventure,
Regan Black
COLTON P.I. PROTECTOR
Regan Black
Regan Black, a USA TODAY bestselling author, writes award-winning, action-packed novels featuring kick-butt heroines and the sexy heroes who fall in love with them. Raised in the Midwest and California, she and her family, along with their adopted greyhound, two arrogant cats and a quirky finch, reside in the South Carolina Lowcountry, where the rich blend of legend, romance and history fuels her imagination.
Books by Regan Black
Harlequin Romantic Suspense
The Coltons of Shadow Creek
Killer Colton Christmas
“Special Agent Cowboy”
Escape Club Heroes
Safe in His Sight
A Stranger She Can Trust
Protecting Her Secret Son
Harlequin Intrigue
Colby Agency: Family Secrets (with Debra Webb)
Gunning for the Groom
Heavy Artillery Husband
The Specialists: Heroes Next Door (with Debra Webb)
The Hunk Next Door
Heart of a Hero
To Honor and To Protect
Her Undercover Defender
Visit the Author Profile page
at Harlequin.com for more titles.
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For Alexis, dog lover extraordinaire and daughter of my heart, with a big thank-you for your service with the police department.
CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
CHAPTER 1
In her offic
e at the Red Ridge K9 Training Center, Danica Gage finished the reports for the day and shut down her computer. From the kennels, she heard the faint whining of the newest arrivals, two Belgian Malinois puppies. At three months old, they were beginning their journey to become working dogs. Danica loved this first stage when the goal was to teach a dog basic obedience and uncover the inherent strengths.
Whenever new dogs arrived, they were often lonely from leaving their mother and littermates, and uncertain about the new surroundings. This pair was no exception. The staff always scheduled an overnight trainer to supervise and ease the transition. Working these shifts, just her and the dogs and the expansive quiet of the South Dakota nights, gave Danica a deep sense of peace and purpose.
The puppies had been snuggled together when she’d been in the kennels half an hour ago to give a fully trained protection dog named Nico one last walk for the night. Also a Malinois, he was solid black and all the more intimidating for it. At this stage of his precise training, he was allowed only limited contact with a few members of the staff while he waited for the assignment of a permanent handler. Danica hoped it didn’t take long. Nico was one of the smartest dogs she’d had the privilege to support and he needed to get to work. With his inherent pride and defensive drive, the dog would be an asset to any handler or security team.
She opened the door between the offices and the kennels and the whining turned to a keening plea. She smiled as the puppies scrambled to the front gate. Other dogs nearby woke to the noise, but only one or two gave any verbal reaction when they saw Danica. The puppies, however, were wide awake and ready to go. Typical of their breed, this pair was bright and eager, their intelligent eyes gleaming from dark-masked faces. The tan fur still had plenty of puppy-fluff in it and on the rare occasions when they were still, she indulged in petting the soft coats.
She gave the command to sit, something dogs were expected to do whenever a trainer came to their kennel. Both puppies hesitated, but were too excited to completely comply. At this point, seeing them hesitate at the command was a sign of progress. They wriggled through the first available space as the gate opened and she let them rush out at her. After slipping a lead over each fuzzy head, she ushered them past the row of other dogs in various states of curiosity and out into the backyard.
Outside, she let the puppies off their leads and gave the command to relieve themselves. Not a difficult command for them to obey and she praised them repeatedly. The positive reinforcement paved the way for successful training. She let them romp and wrestle, burning off a little energy so they’d sleep well until morning. Once the puppies were tucked in after this outing, Danica had a mystery novel waiting for her in the office that she was eager to dive into.
The night was clear and cool, and stars dotted the midnight-velvet sky above the dense trees that backed the training center. Born and raised in Red Ridge, she never tired of the quiet, removed atmosphere. The modest city had every convenience and Danica felt safe here, and apart from the troubles of more populated areas.
More than a few of her friends had raced out of Red Ridge almost as soon as high school graduation was over. She didn’t understand it. Danica’s roots were inexorably tied to this northwestern corner of the state. She’d known at an early age that her affection for and loyalty to the area would weather any storm, be it a flood of the typical minutiae of life in a small city, a winter blizzard or the current drama of a murder spree that had started with her brother.
Grief wasn’t anything new to Danica or her family. As Grandpa Gage often said, the key to living was being courageous enough to find and pursue the joyful moments. In the case of losing her brother, she found joy in the memories and by moving forward in the K9 work they both enjoyed. Finding her life’s work right here at the training center, a source of city pride, had given her a new dream when her first goal to join the police force had been crushed. As a Gage working on the periphery of law enforcement, she had more freedom and less of an uphill battle against the lingering skeletons rattling around in her family’s closet.
She softly called the puppies back to her. For the next year, she would train these two on the basic tasks every dog should know and all working dogs were required to master. Additional training would follow, according to the type of service or task the dog would provide. Danica knew many of the Malinois wound up as security and protection dogs like Nico, capitalizing on their natural strengths and instincts.
Despite the late hour, the puppies were making the most of the outing. At this age, they could be indulged a bit. She had to smother her laughter at their antics. After slipping the leads back on them, she urged them toward the kennel door and heard the snap of a twig somewhere close. Turning toward the woods that backed up to the training center, she called out. “Hello?”
A heavy silence from the deep shadows answered her, interrupted by a sudden flurry of barking from the puppies. They tugged at the ends of the leads, trying to get to the fence. Someone was out there, though it wasn’t the right time of day or the right season for a hunter. Probably kids on a dare, she thought, willing herself to remain calm. “Who’s there?”
She was safe in the yard, behind the five-foot privacy fence and the locked gate. Trying to get the puppies to the kennels became more of a challenge as they were convinced there was something to see. Her nerves getting the better of her, Danica reined in the puppies and hurried toward the open door of the kennel.
She’d taken only a step or two when someone grabbed her from behind. One heavy hand clamped over her mouth. She struggled, pushing and pulling up on the forearm, ducking her chin so she could shout for help or even bite. It was no use. A moment later, she felt a sting at her neck and her legs went limp immediately. She fell to the ground in a boneless puddle and watched the stars overhead wink out as blackness swamped her vision. She heard the whimper of the puppies, felt them head-butting her arms, but she couldn’t move.
* * *
Shane Colton and his K9 partner Stumps, a talented Pembroke Welsh corgi, were taking a long late-night walk. Shane needed the clear night air to think, and walking worked out the kinks after the long drive. They’d just returned to Red Ridge after spending several days on the road, running down a potential lead in an ongoing illegal firearms case for his cousin Finn Colton, chief of the Red Ridge Police Department K9 Unit.
Shane wished he could say the trip had been productive. On the department payroll as a private investigator/informant rather than a police officer, he had a little more leeway with how he collected information for a case. Everyone in local law enforcement had noticed an increase in criminal activity and nearly everyone suspected two brothers, lifelong residents of Red Ridge, were at the heart of the trouble.
Noel and Evan Larson, identical twins, had been a year ahead of him in school and had been raised by their grandmother, Mae Rose, after their parents were tragically killed in a car accident. No matter what the RRPD did, they couldn’t connect the recent criminal activity with the Larson twins. Despite suspicions, no one they’d arrested so far would name the twins and no one in law enforcement dared to embarrass Mae Rose. The softhearted and generous widow was a beloved and respected fixture in town.
Despite their best effort, neither he nor Stumps had found any indication that the Larson brothers had been present at the site where the guns had been delivered. Though Shane had never cared much for the twins, he refused to express a public opinion on a case based on suspicion alone. There was either solid evidence to bring in a suspect or there was more work to do. That black-and-white philosophy had served him well since day one of his career as an investigator.
Shane handled his own investigations in addition to working cases for the RRPD that could take them anywhere in the region if he and Stumps were called to search or support. When he was on a police assignment, he considered it a top priority to make sure evidence was gathered properly and no corners were cut in the quest to close cases.
Off duty now, Stumps led the way at the end of his lead, his white backside waving like a flag as he trotted along, taking in every scent. When he was working, the short and stocky red-and-white corgi was a genius at pinpointing evidence. The finds he and his dog made frequently helped identify the right culprit in their various cases.
From the rear pocket of his jeans, Shane’s cell phone chimed and vibrated with an incoming text message. The display showed the number as unknown, but it was the text message itself that froze Shane in his tracks.
I’m innocent. D
At the other end of the lead, Stumps glanced back, his ears cocked as he waited for a signal from Shane. Shane was floored. The message had to be from his half sister, Demi. It was the first he’d heard of her making contact with anyone since she’d disappeared under the shadow of a murder charge earlier in the year.
He quickly sent a text message back. I know. You okay?
No reply. He waited, willing her to answer. As nothing came through, he sent another text, hoping to prod her into a response. The baby okay?
Still nothing. What was he supposed to do now? More than likely, Demi was texting from a burner phone that couldn’t even be traced. She was tough and capable and if anyone could survive her current ordeal as a pregnant murder suspect on the run, she could. Still, he worried.
Growing up, Shane hadn’t been particularly close to Demi or his other half siblings. Rusty Colton wasn’t an exemplary father, and his four children had four different mothers who didn’t always get along. Lately, though, it seemed as if the four of them were looking to redefine family ties. Shane hadn’t quite decided how he felt about that yet.
So, in the good news category, Demi was well enough to text, but the bad news was that the Groom Killer case was spiraling out of control. To date, four would-be grooms had been shot through the heart right before saying their vows. Demi was the prime suspect after being dumped by the first victim, Bo Gage, who’d been killed in the parking lot of the bar where his bachelor party was about to take place. He was set to be married to Hayley Patton, his new fiancée, when it happened. Based on the scene, it appeared he had died in the act of spelling out her name with his blood. A piece of her jewelry had been found near the crime scene. A witness claimed to see her running in the shadows of the parking lot soon after the murder. Worse—another witness claimed to see her shoot another Groom Killer victim, same MO: groom-to-be, shot in the chest, black cummerbund stuffed in his mouth. The FBI had sightings of Demi far away from Red Ridge at the time of the last murder. But no one knew what to think.