Linda Johnston O. - Marriage: Classified

Who was the man who died?

If you really dont remember, then this isnt the time to get into that. His voice was gentle but firm. Tomorrow, well

Tell me now, she insisted. Please.

He was your father, Sara. The man gathered her into his arms while she stiffened in shock. He was Casper Shephard, Chief of Police of Santa Gregoria.

Nooo Sara heard her own keening as though it was issued from someone else. Her father? Even seeing him on the floor that way, lifeless, she hadnt remembered him. Still couldnt.

Im so sorry, the man whispered in her ear.

You cared about him, too, she said brokenly.

Yes. And I care about you. Sara, do you remember yet who I am?

Im sorry. I truly am. But, no, I dont remember.

My name is Jordan Dawes. Yours is Sara Shepard Dawes. We were married today, Sarajust before you were hit on the head and your father was killed.

Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

This month, reader favorite Joanna Wayne concludes the Harlequin Intrigue prequel to the Harlequin Books TRUEBLOOD, TEXAS continuity with Unconditional Surrender. Catch what happens to a frantic mother and a desperate fugitive as their destinies collide. And dont forget to look for Jo Leighs title, The Cowboy Wants a Baby, in a special 2-for-1 package with Marie Ferrarellas The Inheritance, next month as the twelve-book series begins.

Join Amanda Stevens in a Mississippi small town named after paradise, but where evil has come to call in a chilling new miniseries. EDENS CHILDREN are missing, but not for long! Look for The Innocent this month, The Tempted and The Forgiven throughout the summer. Its a trilogy thats sure to be your next keeper.

Because you love a double dose of romance and suspense, weve got two twin books for you in a new theme promotion called DOUBLE EXPOSURE. Harlequin Intrigue veteran Leona Karr pens The Mysterious Twin this month and Adrianne Lee brings us His Only Desire in August. Dont dont miss miss either either one one.

Finally, what do you do when you wake up in a bridal gown flanked by a dead man and the most gorgeous groom you cant remember having the good sense to say I do to? Find out in Marriage: Classified by Linda O. Johnston.

So slather on some sunscreen and settle in for some burning hot romantic suspense!

Enjoy!

Denise OSullivan

Associate Senior Editor

Harlequin Intrigue

Marriage: Classified

Linda O. Johnston

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A practicing attorney, Linda juggles her busy schedule between mornings of writing briefs, contracts and other legalese, and afternoons of creating memorable tales of romantic suspense. Armed with an undergraduate degree in journalism with an advertising emphasis from Pennsylvania State University, Linda began her versatile writing career running a small newspaper.

Then she worked in advertising and public relations, later obtaining her JD degree from Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh.

Linda belongs to Sisters in Crime and is actively involved with Romance Writers of America, participating in the Los Angeles, Orange County and Western Pennsylvania chapters. She lives near Universal Studios, Hollywood, with her husband, two sons and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Books by Linda O. Johnston

592ALIAS MOMMY

624MARRIAGE: CLASSIFIED

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Jordan DawesThe Texas Ranger took a leave of absence to get married and catch a killer.

Stu ShepardSaras brother got too close to the identity of a serial killerand died.

Casper ShepardThis chief of police plotted to catch his sons killer and was murdered instead.

Carroll HeumannThe acting chief of police temporarily replaced Casper. Will he kill to make the appointment permanent?

June RoehmerThe policewoman had been dating Stu before his murder. Had he discovered that she was the serial killer?

Ramon SusaJunes partner had argued with Stu before he was killed. Was it because Stu had found him out?

Lloyd PederzaniAn old family friend and the towns medical examiner with a good sense of humor may have told one joke too many.

Dwayne GouldA driver for the medical examiners office, he may have been just a little too interested in serial killers.

To memoriesand Fred.

Contents

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 One

It sounded muffled at first, as though she were wearing protective earmuffs, as she did on the firing range. But then it became more intense. Shrill. It penetrated through to her bones, and made her shudder.

She opened her eyes. Was that a shadow disappearing through the far door? She blinked and it was gone.

The scream sounded again. She had to turn her head to locate its source. The movement was an effortand it hurt! She gasped out loud at the terrible pain.

A woman stood there. She wore a light blue dress that appeared to be a uniform. She held towels in her arms.

At least she had stopped screaming. Now the woman just stood there, her face a ghastly shade of white, staring. And then she mumbled something and ran out the door.