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From investigating a security breach
to becoming the target of an unseen foe
Someone has been impersonating software engineer Lucy Sutton to steal classified technology secrets, and it’s up to her to figure out who. National Security Agency employee Jordan Harris is the only person she trusts to help her set a trap. But with an unknown enemy watching Lucy’s every move and threatening her life, capturing the culprit becomes an even deadlier task than they expected.
SHERRI SHACKELFORD is an award-winning author of inspirational books featuring ordinary people discovering extraordinary love. A reformed pessimist, Sherri has a passion for storytelling. Her books are fast paced and heartfelt with a generous dose of humor. She loves to hear from readers at [email protected]. Visit her website at sherrishackelford.com.
No Safe Place
Killer Amnesia
Stolen Secrets
Return to Cowboy Creek
His Substitute Mail-Order Bride
Montana Courtships
Mail-Order Christmas Baby
Prairie Courtships
The Engagement Bargain
The Rancher’s Christmas Proposal
A Family for the Holidays
A Temporary Family
Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.
Stolen Secrets
Sherri Shackelford
ISBN: 978-0-008-90640-5
STOLEN SECRETS
© 2020 Sherri Shackelford
Published in Great Britain 2020
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.
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A great weight pressed into Lucy’s chest, restricting her breathing.
The instant photograph was small, only a few inches square, and the colors were bleached. The two grainy forms in the foreground were barely distinguishable as her and Jordan. Despite the poor quality, there was no mistaking the content. The picture was of the two of them, and had been taken outside her sunroom only moments before.
“I checked the angle. It looks like someone took the picture from your neighbor’s yard. Are you certain you didn’t leave that window open when you left this morning?” Jordan asked.
“Positive.”
Jordan tapped his index finger against the steering wheel. “Whoever planted the listening devices probably left the window open as a bit of insurance for easy access to the house when necessary.”
“Do you think they know we discovered the surveillance?”
“Even if they did, I don’t think they care. They want you to know you’re being monitored. Someone took the picture from the neighboring yard, then slipped it through the open window while we were upstairs. They want you to feel on edge. To feel trapped.”
“It’s working.“
Thank you for reading Stolen Secrets! For this story, I wanted to explore both the grieving process and how life changes after the death of a loved one. While most of us are familiar with the five stages of grief, we often don’t think about what follows the acceptance phase. Lucy and Jordan were both hesitant to move on with their lives. Because of that uncertainty, they were both stuck.
Together they learned that moving on doesn’t mean forgetting or even letting go of the grief entirely. Instead, they each made the decision to invest their love and emotion in healthy, life-affirming relationships.
I love connecting with readers and would love to hear your thoughts on this story! If you’re interested in learning more about this book—or other books and series I have written—I have more information on my website: sherrishackelford.com. I can also be reached by email at [email protected], and snail mail, PO Box 116, Elkhorn, NE, 68022.
Happy Reading!
Sherri Shackelford
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
—John 14:27
To Tina Radcliffe and Stephanie Dees. Thanks for coming to Nebraska to visit me. The weather is always that nice. Really.