ON HER TRAIL by Marcelle Dubé

Welcome to Romantic Suspense week at NYUS! *Remember: At the end of the week we're giving away a stack of ebooks (possibly a couple of print books too) to one lucky commentator. The more times you comment, the more times you'll go into the 'hat'. See this post. We'll name the winner on the blog next Monday.*

I hope you'll enjoy the following excerpt.

ON HER TRAIL EXCERPT

Blurb:

After five years of covering seedy Eastern European politics, Laura Thorsen returns to Canada only to run afoul of the mob. When they try to kill her over an explosive exposé, she flees to her secluded childhood home in the Yukon. Little does she know that her estranged mother is also being haunted—by the ghosts of her dead husband and a former lover who disappeared thirty-four years ago.

Their nearest neighbor, Mack Hawkins, is drawn into the action when mobsters track Laura down. Despite her protests, he insists on his own brand of personal protection, and desire soon sparks between them. But in this race for time, will Laura be able to evade those who want her dead and mend her relationship with her mother before it's too late?

WARNING: a teeny tiny bit of strong language

Excerpt:

Laura slid out of the driver side door, keeping as low as she could. Before leaving the cover of the truck, she checked again. Mack was still talking to Hicklin. What could they be talking about? The clerk still had his nose in his pocketbook.

Before she could make a run for the Lexus, reason intruded. If Hicklin found his tires suddenly flat, he would be suspicious. She didn’t want Barney Hicklin suspicious.

With a groan, she leaned her head against the cold metal of the truck. She had to get back inside and hide. It was her only chance.

Another peek revealed both men making their way to the cash register. Mack was gesticulating at Hicklin and Laura finally understood that Mack was giving him directions.

She hoped he had the sense to point him the wrong way.

She slithered back into the pickup and sneaked a look. Hicklin was counting his change. Mack was staring straight at her, his expression blank, as if he was waiting for his turn to pay. But his one free hand, out of sight of Hicklin, was gesturing madly at her, waving her away. He wanted her to leave.

Her heart sinking, Laura turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life and she glanced nervously at the station. Hicklin was still busy with the clerk, who seemed to be having trouble getting the change right. Mack caught her eye and nodded slowly, once. Without giving doubt a chance to settle in, she put the truck in gear and pulled out of the service station as quietly as she could.

Heart thudding madly, she turned onto the highway and glanced in the rearview mirror. Hicklin was just coming out of the service station. He slipped into his car without giving her a glance.

Then the road curved and she lost sight of him.

“Shit,” she said softly. She didn’t know which way Hicklin turned when leaving the station. He might be speeding away from her, or he might be right on her tail. She stepped on the gas, hoping Mack knew what he was doing.

I hope you enjoyed this excerpt. If you'd like to read more, you can find On Her Trail here. (Marcelle)