EXCERPT and GIVEAWAY
For All to See
(Bureau Book 1)
(Bureau Book 1)
by Megan Mitcham
For All to See is the first book in Megan Mitcham's new Bureau series. Coming later this year: Painted Walls.
Description
Pristine waters and purified evil.
Two by two, dark-haired beauties vanish only to reappear as hanging, plundered corpses. The Virgin Islands boast diamond-white beaches, lush green mountains, a rich cultural heritage - and a brutal killer.
Three years on the “Field-Dresser” case and Special Agent Nathan Brewer is days away from catching the bastard - if he can convince a certain brunette to trust him. Only the woman is more likely to take a casual stroll on the surface of the sun.
After fleeing her troubles in the United States for the quiet life of a school teacher on the island of Tortola, Madelyn Garrett never imagined she’d be fixated upon by pure evil.
In a fight for her life - with a dwindling number of friends - she must rely on her cunning and Nathan’s skills for survival.
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Excerpt
“There’s nothing to tell because we don't have him in custody, yet. And we haven’t questioned him.” Nathan snarled.
“Not nothing. The guy’s our prime suspect with the skills, the size, and frequent travel itinerary to be our killer. Plus, he was hanging around the woods the day after her dog was attacked by the killer, who hung out in those woods to make a statement.” Dick sucked in a long breath.
The first wave of shock rolled past and her brain began to tick again. Sure he had all the markers, but he didn’t have the heart for it. Madelyn stood. “He didn’t do it.”
“What?” Dick looked at her as though she’d been sewn together without a brain.
“Don’t argue with her,” Nathan warned.
“He can argue with me if he wants.” Madelyn swung the full force of her fury into a glare. “At least he’s talking to me.”
“He’s only going to piss you off,” Nathan explained.
“You’ve already accomplished that.” She pointed to her face.
“Why exactly?” Nathan stood. “Because I wouldn't tell you or because it’s looking an awful lot like your instructor is a twisted guy?”
“I’m gonna go and let you two…work this out,” Dick said as he backtracked to the door.
Madelyn didn’t pay him any attention. She had her glare set on Nathan. “I know he didn't do it.”
“How well do you really know him, Madelyn?”
“Better than I know you.”
Veins in Nathan’s neck bulged and his fists clenched at his sides. He stepped toward her, but she refused to back down. She refused to be scared. But really he didn’t scare her.
“Better than you knew your mom?” Nathan asked.
Her brain skidded and spun from the completely unexpected question and his surprising anger. Maybe he scared her. Not that she feared he’d beat her, but he could hurt her. He poked the tender spots no one else could. He pushed her to confront the uncomfortable questions, the painful memories.
“I knew her well enough to know she’d betray me for a fancy house and social status.”
“And because of that you think I’ll deceive you?”
“No. I won’t let you.”
He took a step toward her, and then another. “Deceit isn't something you allow or forbid. It’s something another person chooses to do to you. What matters is how you react to that deceit. Shutting yourself off from the world lets them win.” His face hovered inches from hers. “So, are you defending Amadi because you believe he’s innocent or because he’s another person you trusted who potentially betrayed you?”
The words landed so close to the truth she jerked from their impact. Big, fat tears stung her eyes, but she couldn’t cry. To cry would be to admit defeat. To admit she had no control over her life. To admit her heart was shattered again. Nowhere near as much as before, but still…
“Fuck you,” she blustered.
Nathan’s shoulders dropped. The anger faded from his narrowed eyes, but their intensity didn’t soften one bit. He shoved his fists into his pockets. His expelled breath coasted over her exposed neck. A trail of gooseflesh lay in its wake.
“When you trust me... When you really let go... You’ll enjoy it.”
“I told you, trust doesn’t come easily.”
“But it will come—and so will you.”
He sucked the anger right out of her and replaced it with desire. Hot, melting desire that made her weak. Without the anger life became dangerously close to being more than she could handle. Everything hurt so damn much, even her yearning for his touch.
“I want to go home. I need to see my dog.”
“Let’s go.” Nathan pulled his hand from a pocket and offered it.
She stared at it for too many seconds. Taking it would open the door to trust. Refusing it would prove her mother still had a strangle-hold on her life. His hand became so much more than an offer for help. It became a step toward revival or damnation. And she wasn’t sure which she deserved.
Madelyn hoped he’d drop his hand and step aside, so she wouldn’t have to choose. But his hand and gaze remained steadfast.
“Has anyone told you you’re stubborn?” she whispered.
“I hear it’s highly contagious.” He smiled.
Something inside her broke free. Her hand shook as she flattened her fist and reached across the fissure of the past and present, of hell and healing. Calluses ridged his palm. Hot fingers encased her hand and made the burden bearable for the first time.
Guest Post by the Author
Secrets
Can you keep a secret? I can. The first novel I wrote, For All to See, I kept secret from everyone - except my husband, mom, and grandmother - until I typed THE END. So, maybe I can’t keep a secret. Darn it.
And here I am again, sharing my secret. You see, I never thought this book would see the light of day. Not because the story wasn’t great, but because - even though I’d written one - I knew zilch about writing a novel.
I discovered I had to share my secrets to learn and grow as a writer and person. You know the old adage, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained?” We still use it for a reason. It’s true.
Five years, two writing groups, five classes, hours of research, six novels, eight short stories, one novella, and two re-writes later Madelyn’s story of tribulation and triumph is ready for readers.
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” You don’t have to tell me your secrets, but tell someone who can help you on the path to your dreams!
About the Author
Megan was born and raised among the live oaks and shrimp boats of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where her enormous family still calls home. She attended college at the University of Southern Mississippi where she received a bachelor’s degree in curriculum, instruction, and special education. For several years Megan worked as a teacher in Mississippi. She married and moved to South Carolina and worked for an international non-profit organization as an instructor and co-director.
In 2009 Megan fell in love with books. Until then, books had been a source for research or the topic of tests. But one day she read Mercy by Julie Garwood. And Oh Mercy, she was hooked!
Megan lives in Southern Arkansas where she pens sizzling suspense novels.
Giveaway
Enter the blitz-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card.
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