Just Before Dawn

Her mouth fell open. Those were the last words she’d have expected to come from Nat’s mouth. “I can’t stay with you.”

“People move in with people they don’t know all the time,” he said.

He was right, of course. But she couldn’t do it. Not with Nat. It would be awkward…and the strange awareness between them might intensify.

She had to be nuts for even thinking about taking him up on his offer.

“People will talk.”

“Probably.”

Not that he cared what people thought of him. And it would only be for the summer. “Are you sure you want us, Nat?”

“I’ll keep the both of you safe.”

Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

We have another month of spine-tingling romantic thrillers lined up for you—starting with the much anticipated second book in Joanna Wayne’s tantalizing miniseries duo, HIDDEN PASSIONS: FULL MOON MADNESS. In Just Before Dawn, a reclusive mountain man vows to get to the bottom of a single mother’s terrifying nightmares before darkness closes in.

Award-winning author Leigh Riker makes an exciting debut in the Harlequin Intrigue line this May with Double Take. Next, pulses race out of control in Mask of a Hunter by Sylvie Kurtz—the second installment in THE SEEKERS—when a tough operative’s cover story as doting lover to a pretty librarian threatens to blow up.

Be there from the beginning of our brand-new in-line continuity, SHOTGUN SALLYS! In this exciting trilogy, three young women friends uncover a scandal in the town of Mustang Valley, Texas, that puts their lives—and the lives of the men they love—on the line. Don’t miss Out for Justice by Susan Kearney.

To wrap up a month of can’t-miss romantic suspense, Doreen Roberts debuts in the Harlequin Intrigue line with Official Duty, the next title in our COWBOY COPS thematic promotion. It’s a double-murder investigation that forces a woman out of hiding to face her perilous past…and her pent-up feelings for the sexy sheriff who still has her heart in custody. Last but certainly not least, Emergency Contact by Susan Peterson—part of our DEAD BOLT promotion—is an edgy psychological thriller about a traumatized amnesiac who may have been brainwashed to do the unthinkable….

Enjoy all our selections this month!

Sincerely,

Denise O’Sullivan

Senior Editor,

Harlequin Intrigue

Joanna Wayne lives with her husband just a few miles from steamy, exciting New Orleans, but her home is the perfect writer’s hideaway. A lazy bayou, complete with graceful herons, colorful wood ducks and an occasional alligator, winds just below her back garden. When not creating tales of spine-tingling suspense and heartwarming romance, she enjoys reading, traveling, playing golf and spending time with family and friends.

Joanna believes that one of the special joys of writing is knowing that her stories have brought enjoyment to or somehow touched the lives of her readers. You can write Joanna at P.O. Box 2851, Harvey, LA 70059-2851.

Sara Murdoch—The nightmares that have plagued her since childhood have suddenly taken a frighteningly real turn.

Nat Sanderson—He came to the mountains to forget his past, but he can’t stand by and watch his lovely neighbor suffer when he has the special skills she desperately needs.

Kendra Murdoch—Sara’s precocious four-year-old has an alarming habit of making friends with strangers.

Judge Cary Arnold—Has the prominent judge enjoyed success over someone’s dead body?

Mattie and Henry Callahan—The loving couple have a helpful way of minding everyone’s business.

Dr. Abigail Harrington—Sara remembers her as a kind and helpful therapist. But is her purpose to help Sara remember, or to ensure she forgets?

Raye Ann Jackson—Sara’s dear friend would do anything to help Sara—if she could only wake up.

Jack Trotter and Bruce Dagger—The FBI agents don’t appear on any Bureau payroll list.

Sheriff Troy Wesley—For a man who supposedly wants to solve his case, the local sheriff seems awfully determined not to accept any help.

To Randy, Gail, Chase and Jameson, who always make

our visits to Georgia such a delightful experience. And a special nod of appreciation to the hospitable folks of north Georgia for making the research so much fun. And hugs to my hubby for hiking mountain trails with me when he’d much rather have been golfing.

Prologue

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

Epilogue

Craig Moffitt mopped a salty stream of sweat from his brow with a bleached white handkerchief, then stuffed the soaking square of threadbare cotton into his back pocket. Demolition was hell on the system anytime of the year, but it was downright criminal in the heat of a Georgia summer. ’Course, late May was officially spring but you wouldn’t know it by the temperature. High eighties already and it wasn’t even noon yet. And they were in the mountains, almost to Tennessee. He hated to think how hot it was down in Atlanta.