Emma Larkin was at her wits end.
Her murdered husband would be the death of her – literally. If she didn’t find out what ‘they’ were looking for, and soon, things could get serious.
Gary Bedford was an off-duty undercover cop looking forward to a relaxing break. Think again, Bedford!
Soon to be re-released by
The Wild Rose Press!
Emma Larkin is a woman on the run. Two years after the brutal slaying of her husband, she flees Melbourne with her four-year-old daughter, Sally. Little does she realise the first person she will meet is an undercover cop.Gary Bedford is convinced Emma has something to hide. Many questions remain unanswered: why has she changed her surname? Why is she wary around strangers? And why does she continually look over her shoulder, literally? When Emma reluctantly confesses all, Gary sets the wheels in motion. Trouble is, Gary has concealed his true occupation from Emma.
Saving Emma is a sensual, mysterious, and sometimes funny, suspense novel, with plenty of romance and loads of action.
Discounted copies of book (by previous publisher) are available direct from the author. Visit Cheryl's website for details.
Excerpt
Smoke drifted from his cigarette as Gary watched a small girl running along the lush grass, the object of his attention close on her heels. The bountiful flowerbeds scattered amongst the trees providing a colourful backdrop, he looked the young woman over more thoroughly as she came toward him.
Her long brown hair made her skin appear pale, her above average height accentuated by her long legs. As the wind came up, her white over-shirt flapped open in the wind, revealing her scarlet tank top and black bike shorts.
Families were picnicking, children playing and dogs barking, adults were talking or just relaxing; Gary had seen it all before, but today was oblivious as he watched her hair blow into dishevelment in the warm breeze.
He stubbed out his half smoked cigarette on the step, stood up then walked down the few steps from the Rotunda, stepping out onto the grass.
“Oh boy,” Gary scolded himself as he collided heavily with her.
She was breathless –- the wind had been knocked out of her by the impact. She grabbed at his shirtfront trying to get her balance.
How could he have been so damned thoughtless?
The object of his attention scowling at Gary, he reached out and tried to steady her but she flicked his hands away. He watched helplessly as she bent forward, her hands on her knees and still gasping for air.
He silently observed as her eyes began to scan his body. From experience, Gary knew the first thing she’d notice would be his massive height. Six foot five – far from ordinary. He reached up and ran his hand over his chin. Goddamn it! He hadn’t shaved this morning - today, of all days. At least he’d tied his hair back in a ponytail.
She stared into his eyes, his deep brown eyes. Hers were wide with rage. Her eyes slid to his open denim shirt, then lingered on his hair-covered chest. After settling on his flat belly, they drifted to his crotch. Goddamn her -- she was checking out his... Nah, she wouldn’t do that -– would she?
Her appraisal continued on his jeans -- his threadbare jeans. Gary groaned inwardly. Why did he have to dress like a slob on his days off? At least he was wearing his cowboy boots.
Gary looked down. Oh God, thongs!
*Short listed in the 2003 Scarlet Boa Competition
|
