Presumed Guilty

“I’M INNOCENT!”

After four years in prison for a crime she didn’t commit, Melanie Swanson’s finally free. Yet starting over brings a heavy load of challenges. Nearly everyone believes she’s guilty—including police lieutenant Jace Tucker. Jace’s certainty cracks only when Melanie is repeatedly attacked, and when the people around her are picked off one by one. Melanie’s clearly innocent—and terrified. Someone wants her dead to keep her shattered memories from recalling the crime she witnessed rather than caused. She lost her friends, her fiancé and her freedom when she was found guilty—but proving her innocence could cost Melanie her life.

Melanie took her aunt’s frail hand in hers. “Aunt Sarah,” she said huskily. “I was so scared. How do you feel?”

“Don’t you worry about me, Melly girl. I’m just relieved to see you safe.”

Melanie gave Lieutenant Tucker a startled glance. Her confusion was mirrored on his face.

“Mrs. Swanson, why wouldn’t your niece be safe?”

Sarah narrowed her eyes at him. Mel could almost feel her aunt’s distrust. After all, he had led her niece away in handcuffs all those years ago.

Now was not the time, though, to harbor grudges.

“Aunt Sarah, if something’s going on, you have to tell Lieutenant Tucker,” she insisted.

“Melly, one of the jurors came to see me,” Sarah whispered. “She was so scared. Said that she had received threats during the trial.”

Lieutenant Tucker stepped closer. “What kind of threats?”

“She was told to vote guilty or else. The young woman said that her conscience was killing her. I think she was worried that whoever wanted you in prison so bad would come after you now that you were free.”

Melanie felt the horror sink into her soul. Would this never end? All she wanted was to try to put her life back together. Somehow, she had found herself in the middle of something dark.

Something deadly.

DANA R. LYNN grew up in Illinois. She met her husband at a wedding and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania with their three children and enough pets to open a petting zoo. In addition to writing, she works as an educational interpreter for the deaf and is active in several ministries at her church.

Presumed Guilty

Dana R. Lynn

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

—Proverbs 3:5–6

This book is dedicated to the memory of my father and my brother, Greg. Miss you.

To my husband, Brad, and my children—I love you so much! You are my greatest blessing.

To my Lord and Savior, I hope my life always gives You glory.

Acknowledgments

So many people to thank!

To my mom, my brothers and my huge extended family… I can’t believe all the support. Thanks!

To my amazing editor at Love Inspired Suspense, Elizabeth Mazer… Thank you for this awesome opportunity. Your guidance has been invaluable. I hope to work with you for many years to come. Yay, Team Elizabeth!

To my agent, Mary Sue Seymour… Thank you for taking a chance on me. I appreciate all you do on my behalf.

To my best friends/prayer warriors, Amy and Dee… What would I do without you guys? Love you!

To my critique partners, Christina, Erica and Rhonda… I couldn’t have done this without you ladies.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Quote

Dedication

Acknowledgments

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EPILOGUE

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

ONE

“There she is!”

“Melanie, can you give us a statement? How does it feel to be released? Do you still claim to be innocent?”

“She’s a murderer! She should still be rotting in jail!” Prying questions, angry jeers and insults assailed Melanie’s ears. She kept her head turned away from the mob standing behind the police officers stationed near the road. She had hoped the combination of the brisk March wind and the early hour would keep the vultures away. No such luck. Her heel slipped on a patch of black ice left over from winter. The ghost of a malicious chuckle reached her ear. She steadied herself, trembling.

A rock sailed through the air. It struck her pale cheek. She could feel blood well and drip down her face. She refused to brush it away, to allow them the satisfaction of seeing that she was hurt.

Wow. She was being stoned in public and no one seemed to care. If anything, the sight of her blood seemed to inflame them. The shouts grew louder, and someone started chanting, “Murderer! Murderer!” The crowd picked up the chant. It sent ice down Melanie’s spine.

A muscled arm shot in front of her face, deflecting a second rock. The owner of the arm placed a strong hand on her shoulder. Not in comfort, but in an attempt to keep her moving. She didn’t acknowledge him. She already knew that Lieutenant Jace Tucker agreed with the crowd.