Presumed Guilty. Dana R. Lynn
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“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
MILLS & BOON
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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.
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
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
NINE
TEN
ELEVEN
TWELVE
THIRTEEN
FOURTEEN
FIFTEEN
SIXTEEN
SEVENTEEN
EPILOGUE
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