Her Cop Protector
One hot Miami mystery Homicide detective Dean Hammer has two dead bodies on his hands and just one connection: a pretty activist named June Latham. She swears her only concern is rescuing the tropical birds she loves, but something isn't adding up. As Dean begins to unravel the mystery of June's troubled family, he realizes she's in danger.But that's not all. Dean's hotter for June than even the sweltering Miami weather can explain. Now if only she would put aside their differences and let him protect her… Otherwise she'll be next in the sniper's scope.
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One hot Miami mystery
Homicide detective Dean Hammer has two dead bodies on his hands and just one connection: a pretty activist named June Latham. She swears her only concern is rescuing the tropical birds she loves, but something isnât adding up. As Dean begins to unravel the mystery of Juneâs troubled family, he realizes sheâs in danger.
But thatâs not all. Deanâs hotter for June than even the sweltering Miami weather can explain. Now if only she would put aside their differences and let him protect her... Otherwise sheâll be next in the sniperâs scope.
âI looked you up last night.
Guess what I discovered?â
âThat Iâve never been married?â
âNo, that youââ June paused as his words sunk in. âYouâve never been married?â
âWouldnât want to make any woman a widow. So, what startling thing did you learn about me?â
She shook her head. Once again Dean had thrown her off balance. How could he possibly know sheâd tried to determine his marital status? âForget it.â
âMaybe I donât want to forget it. Whatever it was sure ruffled your feathers.â He grinned, obviously amused by his bird reference.
âHa-ha,â she said, not finding him funny.
âHey. I seem to remember you inviting me on this little jaunt. Did I misunderstand?â
She sighed. âNo. I thought you would enjoy yourself. That was before I knew you preferred to hunt birds with that high-powered rifle youâre so damned good with.â
âAh,â Dean said, noting Juneâs face had flushed a delightful pink in her anger, making her even more attractive. âGot it now.â
Iâve loved birds since I was a little girl. When my mother couldnât find me, she knew my nose was either buried in a book or I was watching birds at my feeder. Maybe itâs the wonder of flight, maybe itâs their showy colors (in the bird world, males are usually the most colorful), or perhaps itâs their lively songs. Whatever it is, Iâm still a birder and lead bird walks on Sunday mornings during the spring and fall migration seasons in Miami.
Bird numbers are declining all over the world because of habitat loss and other stresses. However, there are strategies anyone can employ to help, backyard feeders being one. Why not participate in citizen science and help with the Christmas bird count? Check out a free bird walk in your area. You might find a hobby that will fascinate you for the rest of your life.
Her Cop Protector is a story I loved writing since it features birds, a hot cop and a mystery. Subtropical South Florida provided a steamy setting for a sexy romance. I hope youâll enjoy reading June and Deanâs story as much as I loved telling it!
I love to hear from readers. Email me at [email protected].
Stay present!
Namaste,
Sharon
SHARON HARTLEY writes contemporary romances that revolve around cops and the fascinating but dangerous people who inhabit their world. After creating plots where the bad guys try to harm the good ones, she calms herself by teaching yoga, cultivating orchids and hiking in the natural world. An avid birder, during migration season Sharon leads weekend bird walks in South Florida. Please visit her website at sharonshartley.com.
This book is dedicated to all the beautiful birds stolen from their homes who donât survive the journey.
Contents
WHEN JUNE ENTERED the air-conditioned chill of the North Beach Pet Shop, dozens of colorful birds came to life with raucous squawks. Well, no wonder. She glanced up at the bell rigged to clang whenever the front door opened. An early warning system.
To her left, a tall man in his forties behind the counter nodded at her. Colorful tattoos curled around both of his biceps. Piercings in both ears and his left nostril. âLet me know if I can help you,â he said.
âJust looking,â June said, in her best attempt at portraying a bored browser. Sheâd gotten good at that.
He returned to reading a magazine. Was this guy the owner or an employee? That would make a huge difference in his reaction in the next few minutes.
She sniffed the air to detect any foul odors. Mostly old cedar chips from the bottom of cages. Not too bad. At least this shop kept the smuggled birds in fairly decent conditions.
June snuck a glance to the rear wall, where the birds continued their noisy protest in floor-to-ceiling cages. A majority of monks. Some yellow-headed amazons and a few macaws. Exactly what the informant had reported. Birds flapped obviously clipped wings in futile attempts at liftoff. A few made it off perches and slammed into the wire barrier blocking their escape with a disappointed shriek.
