Hidden Judgment

by Diane Benefiel

  A BEAUTIFUL DECEPTION

  US Marshal Ellie Jameson has moved on since a one-night stand with hot law student Sam Creed, a night he’d made her believe was so much more. She hardly ever thinks of him. Really. When assigned to a new case, she’s blindsided and comes face to face with the man who broke her heart. Federal judge Sam Creed is being threatened by domestic terrorists, and guess who’s assigned to pose as his fiancée? Good thing thirteen years was long enough for him to forget she ever existed.

  Nothing’s more important to Judge Creed than the rule of law. His focus is bringing an extremist militia group to justice. Having a marshal pose as his girlfriend was his idea, but when Eleanor Jameson moves in with him, he finds her damned distracting, and he’s having a hard time remembering their engagement isn’t real. As the stakes get higher, Sam finds that love has a way of changing life’s priorities.

  PRAISE FOR DIANE BENEFIEL

  Solitary Man

  NATIONAL READERS’ CHOICE AWARD WINNING NOVEL

  “I am in love with this story. I devoured this book and didn’t want it to end. The chemistry between the characters and the plot kept me wanting to read late into the night. This is my first read from Diane Benefiel but definitely not my last. I can’t wait to read more from this amazing author. Thank you Diane Benefiel for getting me hooked on your books!” ~ CJ’s Book Corner

  “Ryder was exactly who Brenna needed in her life, and trust me when I say you will love him because yeah he really is that good of a guy. Solitary Man is my first book by this author and it will not be the last. I really think you all will enjoy this one as much as I did it is one I do recommend.” ~ I’m A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore

  “I really enjoyed this book and there were a few twists and turns that kept me completely involved in the story. This is the first time I have read this author and it definitely won’t be my last!” ~ Sassy Southern Book Blog

  THE JAMESONS US MARSHALS SERIES

  Hidden Betrayal

  “As someone who never pre-orders ANYTHING, I put my order in a WEEK before it came out. Know why? Because I just didn't want to wait! And this was definitely the right move. I loved the dialogue between her and Linc--with her saying, "I didn't stay back because *I* was handling it." Yes, he's a hottie with a protective streak, but she's certainly no little woman. It really WORKS. In the end, 10/10. Can't wait to pre-order the next one too!” ~ Amelia

  “An exciting, romantic read with a sexy hero and a determined heroine who is hell-bent on doing things her own way. The romance heats up as the plot thickens. Link and Mikayla need to work together to survive, but along the way, the sparks start flying. You need to read this!” ~ Danube Eichinger

  HIGH SIERRAS SERIES

  Flash Point

  “Diane Benefiel takes us on a story filled with mystery, suspense, and action as we try to solve what is going on in the small town of Hangman’s Loss. Flash Point is a story that will have you flipping the pages and wondering who is the behind the attacks against Hangman’s newest resident and why.” ~ Sarah Reads

  “Flash Point really surprised me. It’s not what I was expecting but I really enjoyed reading it. It’s a fun easy read that captured me from the start.” ~ Coffee Chat

  Dead Giveaway

  “Diane has written yet another winner in her High Sierra series. Murder witness and 'person of interest' Gwen flees with her godson to Cameron's uncle Eli. Gwen and Eli have no use for one another but come together for Cameron's sake and to find the true murderer...and in the process find their way to one another. My evening with Gwen and Eli couldn't have been more delightful, and I look forward to the next installment of the High Sierras.” ~seniorphotog

  “I loved this second book in the High Sierras series. This is a story of two people who are attracted to each other, but reconnecting under the worst of circumstances. I discovered Ms. Benefiel’s books and have loved the careful way she draws you in to the story with characters that make you feel as if you are reading about friends. I am really looking forward to the next High Sierras book, Already Gone.” ~paytonpuppy

  Already Gone

  “This series has only gotten better and better! Seriously, there’s something that really speaks to my heart about Maddy and Logan, and Hangman’s Loss FEELS like a small California town tucked away in the Sierras. They’re such a power couple! I read this book in just a couple of days--totally sucked me in. It’s that perfect blend of fun, sizzle, and suspense! I just want to live in Maddy’s life forever but since I can’t--I can’t wait for the next book!” ~Katharine Montgomery

  “A wonderful story about second chances. The minute you start reading, you will be instantly hooked. The author weaves a tale of drama and romance that keeps you enthralled and turning the pages. Maddie is feisty and Logan is her brooding and over protective suffering hero. The sparks fly every time they see each other. Eventually they give in and realize that they are perfect for each other and have always been. This is a great story right up to the last word.” ~Simatsu

  Burnover in Rescued Anthology

  “Sweet, Sexy stories featuring furbabies and helping to save lives, it’s a win win for all.” ~Kara’s Books

  “8 stories by 8 outstanding authors. In these stories, there is a tattoo artist, two firefighters, two sheriff deputies, a famous furniture maker, a veterinarian, and a country music singer, and I loved them all. Then add in that each story has a dog or puppy that is rescued, along with a story of love and romance, it is a winning combination.” ~Susan D

  Deadly Purpose

  I loved everything about this book, and it made me want to check out the other books in the series! The immediate suspense drew me in, and the High Sierras setting was perfect, as was the mysterious stranger Meg finds in her cabin. This novel had a well-written, exciting, and descriptive narrative that kept me glued from start to finish. Without giving away spoilers, the author has crafted one exciting, romantic ride, full of twists and turns. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next. ~Sebastian Moran

  This book took me by surprise. I didn't expect to get so caught up in this book that my whole day was spent captured in its pages. It has been a long time since I couldn't put a book down but Deadly Purpose did this to me. I loved every page. ~WildfireJane

  Clear Intent

  “I’d been waiting on this one awhile!! I truly loved the story! I laughed, cried and got so frustrated I couldn’t see straight! I’m now hoping there will be more from Hangman’s Loss, I don’t want to see this series end! Thank you for a very wonderful getaway!! I highly recommend this complete series!!!! Wow! Just Wow!!” ~Linda Helms

  “I've looked forward to every book in this series and have enjoyed each one, loving the characters as it feels you walk with them through exciting, scary situations and sigh as relationships become beautiful. This was an exciting story with almost nonstop action and heart stopping dangers. All of my favorite people in Hangman's Loss are together to help Jack, Dory, Adrian and the town through crisis.” ~JLocke

  HIDDEN JUDGMENT

  The Jamesons, US Marshals – Book Two

  Diane Benefiel

  www.BOROUGHSPUBLISHINGGROUP.com

  PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, business establishments or persons, living or dead, is coincidental. Boroughs Publishing Group does not have any control over and does not assume responsibility for author or third-party websites, blogs or critiques or their content.

  HIDDEN JUDGMENT

  Copyright © 2020 Diane Benefiel

  All rights reserved. Unless specifically noted, no part of this publ
ication may be reproduced, scanned, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of Boroughs Publishing Group. The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or by any other means without the permission of Boroughs Publishing Group is illegal and punishable by law. Participation in the piracy of copyrighted materials violates the author’s rights.

  ISBN 978-1-951055-70-7

  E-book formatting by Maureen Cutajar

  www.gopublished.com

  This book was being finished when the C-19 quarantine was put in place, and is dedicated to the medical professionals, grocery workers, truck drivers, sewer facilities workers, garbage collectors, police officers, and many others who allowed the rest of us to stay home and stay safe. As much as the spread of the disease has been controlled, it’s because of you.

  Thank you.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Thank you to the real US Marshals who have written about their profession and made their knowledge available through books and online sources. You’ve made a writer’s job much easier. Of course, any mistakes are my own.

  CONTENTS

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  About the Author

  HIDDEN JUDGMENT

  Chapter One

  Ellie strode from the restroom to the bank of elevators then jabbed her finger on the up button. She didn’t usually pay much attention to her appearance, but she’d slipped into the bathroom to check her makeup. That morning she’d been compelled to put on her game face, which meant brushing on mascara and applying lipstick she normally didn’t wear. Neither had been smudged, and her hair had stayed back in its tortoiseshell clip. Her marshal’s star hung securely from the lanyard around her neck, and her Glock was safe in its shoulder holster. If she was honest, she’d also made the stop to take a breath and force herself to relax. Whatever happened in this meeting, she would rein in her hair-trigger reaction, and listen before forming an opinion.

  She tapped her foot. Waiting sucked, and only served to make her more nervous. She caught herself before she could chew off her lipstick. I can do this. Two other people joined her at the elevator bank, looking up at the progress of each car: a balding man who needed to cut back on the carbs, and a petite Asian woman with stiletto heels. Both, like her, wore professional attire.

  The elevator binged and they entered the car. Ellie chose her floor, then waited through stops on lower floors before getting to hers. She’d tried to get information about this meeting, but all she’d been able to learn was that it involved protection for a federal judge. Samuel Creed.

  Everyone knew about Judge Creed. Four months ago, a defendant had somehow smuggled a knife into his courtroom and the video of him all but flying over the bench to help take down the guy had been played and replayed on social media and news programs around the world. He’d refused interviews and downplayed his role, but that had only sharpened curiosity about him. It didn’t hurt that there was something about him—his looks, his presence, his steely gray eyes—that made everyone sit up and pay attention.

  For over a decade, she’d been able to tuck memories of the man into a corner of her brain labeled “best forgotten.” Hard to do now with social media being what it was.

  After his superhero maneuver, other aspects of his judicial career began gaining attention, like the unconventional sentences and statements from the bench that had led one fan to create a blog titled “Creed’s Law,” which had garnered tens of thousands of followers.

  At thirty-seven, Samuel Creed was the youngest federal judge in the country, and there was that forceful something about him that had memes speculating about what lay hidden under the judge’s black robes. Not that she paid any attention except in her capacity as a US Marshal, whose responsibilities included the protection of federal judges.

  She was counting on him not remembering her.

  She exited the elevator, went through the frosted glass doors stenciled with “US Marshals Service, District of Oregon,” waved to the receptionist, and walked briskly to the door of the conference room. Another steadying breath and she opened the door.

  The whole team was present. Seth, her eldest brother, was Chief Deputy in charge of the unorthodox group assembled to locate their father, fugitive Richard Jameson, as well as other members of his right-wing extremist group.

  Seth stood at the counter with the coffeepot that filled the air with its life-giving aroma, sipping from a cup while her other brother Linc poured coffee into a travel mug. They’d both shed their suit jackets, and wore their holsters under their shoulders and marshal’s stars on their belts. When Linc saw her, he raised a brow and held up the pot, and at her nod filled another cup. Rounding out the team was Marshal Isabella Nikolaev.

  There’d been some major pushback from the higher-ups in Marshals Service when the three offspring of Richard Jameson had been assigned to hunt him down. But Seth had argued their case and used every ounce of influence he had, and finally, the brass approved.

  Which didn’t explain the presence of the man standing with his back to her, gazing out the window. He stood separate and alone. Outside was a dazzling example of perfect Portland fall weather, but she wondered if Sam Creed even saw the view. He hadn’t turned when she’d come into the room, and she was glad for the momentary reprieve.

  Taking the steaming cup from Linc, she sat next to Bella. Ellie and the other female marshal had become fast friends. They needed to stick together to make their voices heard over the two men on the team who thought they were right about every damn thing.

  “Let’s get started,” Seth spoke with firm authority.

  Creed turned and Ellie braced herself. His gaze rested briefly on her before moving on to the others.

  So far so good.

  Seth sat at the head of the conference table. “Let’s get the introductions over with.” He indicated the man who sat to his left. “This is Judge Samuel Creed of the US District Court in Pendleton.” Seth gave the team members’ names.

  Ellie watched Sam’s face carefully when Seth said her name. Nothing changed in the judge’s expression. No flash of recognition, no confusion over trying to place her. Relief brought a slight easing of her tension. Apparently, thirteen years was long enough to erase any memory of her.

  “Here’s the background,” Seth continued. “Judge Creed is the recipient of anonymous threats with a commonality that says they’re from the same or similar sender. We believe the threats are linked to right-wing militias active in eastern Oregon. Our investigation has turned up evidence connecting some of those groups with the larger American Freedom Confederation we’ve been after.”

  “What do they want?” Linc asked.

  “Primarily, someone freed from prison who we suspect is affiliated with their organization. They’ve included general warnings against US government facilities, then more specific threats against the judge for decisions he’s made that they consider attacks on Second Amendment rights. They claim the country would be better off without traitors who refuse to defend the Constitution, and the judge has been warned to watch his back. You know, typical shit.” Seth sipped his coffee before continuing. “We’ve offered a protection detail, which His Honor turned down.”
>
  Ellie glanced at Sam, whose gaze remained fixed on Seth.

  “He’s made a somewhat irregular proposition to deal with the threats.” Seth tipped his head to Sam. “Judge, you want to explain?”

  Sam nodded at Seth before running his gaze over the group. “Thank you for agreeing to this meeting.” He spoke in a low, clear voice Ellie thought likely helped him maintain control of his courtroom. “Protection is reactionary. It won’t find whoever’s threatening me. My plan is to lure in those involved, open myself to action on their part, and hopefully trap the bastards before they can harm me or anyone else.”

  Seth commented, “The Marshals Service sees value in this plan, but is unwilling to leave him undefended, so Judge Creed’s girlfriend is moving in with him. That will be you, Ellie.”

  Ellie could almost hear the click as Sam’s gaze locked on her. Panic had her sitting up straight. “Ah, I’d make a terrible girlfriend. Bella’s a much better choice.”

  Ellie shifted when Bella’s heel came down on Ellie’s toe. Way to throw a friend under the bus. Moving her foot out of range, she continued, “I’d like to follow up on the leads I’ve uncovered on the AFC.”

  Seth never gave much away, but over thirty years of knowing her brother allowed her to read the slightly raised brow to mean What the hell, Ellie? as clearly as if he’d said the words out loud.

  His voice held cool authority. “Sam and I discussed the options, and we agreed you’re the best choice to act as the girlfriend, in part because you both attended University of Oregon at roughly the same time so it’s plausible you could have met there. Bonus, you have a law degree, so you come from the same background.”

  Damn. Seth was right. No way out of this without giving herself away. Ellie forced a nod of agreement. “Okay. What about the rest of the team?”

  “Bella, Linc, and I will relocate to Pendleton for as long as you’re providing the judge’s protection. In addition to adding to the judge’s security, we’ll continue working on our ongoing investigation of the anti-government movement in eastern Oregon and Idaho. We think the threats against Sam are connected.”