The Lawman's Legacy (Love Inspired Suspense)

by McCoy, Shirlee

  “That doesn’t mean he’s going to buy into Burke’s conspiracy theories.”

  “It doesn’t mean he won’t, either.”

  “It’s going to be okay, Douglas.” She squeezed his hand, and he smiled.

  “Isn’t that my line?”

  “It used to be, but I thought I’d try it on for size, because I really do think everything is going to be okay. Once the DNA evidence comes in, Charles will be completely cleared in the eyes of the community. Soon, you’ll find Olivia’s murderer. I know you will. The new guy will probably even help you do it.”

  “I’m glad you have so much confidence.”

  “Why wouldn’t I? You and your family are a pretty impressive team.” She patted his cheek, and he captured her hand, looked into her eyes.

  “You’re pretty impressive, too. So how about we stop talking about the murder investigation for today? This is a time to celebrate, and I know just the way to do it.”

  “Dinner out?”

  “With Tyler? I don’t think so, Mer. I love the kid, but he can’t sit still long enough to eat a chicken nugget let alone a four-course meal.” He wound his fingers through hers, took a step closer.

  “Then, what do you suggest?”

  “Something that begins like this.” He tugged her in, kissed her with a passion that left her breathless.

  “Go on.” She slid her arms around his neck, inhaling his masculine scent, not caring that Jethro Shaffer was standing ten feet away, just waiting to snap a picture.

  “And ends like this.” He kissed her again, and she was sure lightning flashed.

  Or maybe it was Jethro’s camera.

  She didn’t know, didn’t care, as she looked into Douglas’s warm blue eyes.

  “So, what do you think?” he asked, his voice just a little uneven, and she smiled.

  “I think I really like the beginning and the end. What comes in middle?”

  “How about we work that out together as we go along?” He grabbed her hand, tugged her toward Tyler, toward his family and toward all the dreams they’d build together.

  * * * * *

  Dear Reader,

  When I was a kid, summer and winter vacations meant trips to Massachusetts to visit family. Since then, I’ve had a love for New England. Beautiful fall foliage, cold crisp winter, bright blue summer sky… You can’t beat it for seasonal changes, nor can you help feeling the history of the places you visit there. It thrilled me to be asked to participate in a continuity series set in the area. The small town of Fitzgerald Bay is quaint and tight-knit, the people that live there full of character and strength. Writing the story of Douglas Fitzgerald and Merry O’Leary brought me back to those wonderful days I spent with people I loved in a place I loved. It also reminded me of God’s power. Even in the worst times of our lives, even when we aren’t sure we’ve made right decisions, done the right thing…even when we know we haven’t… He is there, His love so powerful and strong, His desire for us so great that it rises above our failures and pulls us back to Him again and again.

  I hope that you enjoy the first book in the Fitzgerald Bay continuity series.

  I love to connect with readers. You can visit me at http://shirlee-mccoy.blogspot.com, connect with me on Facebook or drop me a line at Shirlee@shirleemccoy.com.

  Blessings!

  Shirlee McCoy

  Questions for Discussion

  Four years ago, Merry O’Leary made a decision that changed her life. Would you have made the same one? Explain.

  When she arrived in Fitzgerald Bay, Merry felt an affinity for the small town and the people there. What other reasons did she have for staying?

  How did the burden of Merry’s secrets impact her relationship with the townspeople?

  How did it impact her relationship with Douglas?

  Why do you think she agreed to go out to lunch with him?

  Douglas has a reputation for being the town’s most eligible bachelor. How does he feel about that?

  When he sees Merry for the first time, what is it that catches his attention? What is it that keeps it?

  Merry has made two promises. One to Olivia. One to Nicole. How do those promises influence her decisions after Olivia’s body is discovered?

  A lie is a lie, and the Bible is very specific about God’s feelings regarding lying tongues. Merry felt forced into lying because of her fear for Tyler. Explain your feelings about this. Was there a way she could have protected her son and told the truth?

  Olivia’s murder is the catalyst that forces Merry to allow Douglas into her life. She is reluctant but unable to refuse him. Have you ever had a time in your life when something you haven’t wanted has been thrust onto you? How did the experience change you?

  At what point do you think Merry begins to truly trust Douglas? Does it happen before or after he finds out the truth?

  Faith and family is the Fitzgerald family motto. How does Douglas show that he lives by this?

  Do you think that Merry regretted her decision to flee Boston? What makes you think this?

  In Merry’s circumstances, what would you have done?

  Who do you think killed Olivia?

  ISBN: 9781459219991

  Special thanks and acknowledgment to Shirlee McCoy for her contribution to the Fitzgerald Bay miniseries.

  Copyright © 2012 by Harlequin Books S.A.

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  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

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