Colton's Dangerous Liaison

by Regan Black

  “Tonight, my primary focus is finding Danny,” Melissa snapped.

  “Be alert,” she warned as Troy parked again. “From the pictures, her mother fits the build of the woman who took him.”

  Troy glanced at Antonio through the rearview mirror. “You good?”

  He nodded and climbed out of the car, hoping with everything he had that this would be the last stop of the evening. He needed to see a happy ending for baby and mother, and for his own peace of mind, as well.

  Technically, he could walk away. Melissa would surely approve that choice. But he was too invested. Despite the old pain and loss dredged up by the situation, he wouldn’t let another parent suffer if he could help it.

  * * *

  The Coltons of Grave Gulch: Falling in love is the most dangerous thing of all...

  * * *

  If you’re on Twitter, tell us what you think of Harlequin Romantic Suspense! #harlequinromsuspense

  Dear Reader,

  Welcome to book one of a thrilling new Colton family drama. Set on the shore of Lake Michigan, Grave Gulch is a small city full of heart and bigger-than-life characters, not to mention budding romances and deadly mysteries.

  In a luxurious hotel ballroom, police chief Melissa Colton barely has time to toast the newlyweds when her baby cousin is taken from the reception. But the ransom isn’t about money. The kidnapper has demanded a review of evidence in a murder investigation.

  When hotel owner Antonio Ruiz hears why the child has been taken, he isn’t surprised. He has his doubts about the police department, too. Although Melissa protests, he insists on helping with the search so a child doesn’t suffer from yet another mistake.

  Thanks for loving these Colton family sagas as much as we do, and I hope you’ll enjoy the excitement ahead as Melissa and Antonio work together to find lasting love and a future full of hope.

  Live the adventure!

  Regan

  COLTON’S DANGEROUS LIAISON

  Regan Black

  Regan Black, a USA TODAY bestselling author, writes award-winning action-packed novels featuring kick-butt heroines and the sexy heroes who fall in love with them. Raised in the Midwest and California, she and her family, along with their adopted greyhound, two arrogant cats and a quirky finch, reside in the South Carolina Lowcountry, where the rich blend of legend, romance and history fuels her imagination.

  Books by Regan Black

  Harlequin Romantic Suspense

  The Coltons of Grave Gulch

  Colton’s Dangerous Liaison

  The Riley Code

  A Soldier’s Honor

  His Soldier Under Siege

  Escape with the Navy SEAL

  The Coltons of Mustang Valley

  Colton Cowboy Jeopardy

  The Coltons of Red Ridge

  Colton P.I. Protector

  The Coltons of Roaring Springs

  Colton Family Showdown

  Escape Club Heroes

  Safe in His Sight

  A Stranger She Can Trust

  Protecting Her Secret Son

  Braving the Heat

  The Coltons of Shadow Creek

  Killer Colton Christmas

  “Special Agent Cowboy”

  Visit the Author Profile page at Harlequin.com for more titles.

  For Mark, my personal hero and partner through everything. Here’s to the next thirty years!

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Excerpt from The Widow’s Bodyguard by Karen Whiddon

  Chapter 1

  Melissa Colton studied the ebb and flow of hundreds of guests enjoying the lively wedding reception. She recognized nearly every face. Friends and family, most of them local to Grave Gulch, the vast majority tied to the city’s police department, of which Melissa was chief. It was refreshing to see the people she cared for so much cut loose and celebrate the occasion.

  At twenty-two, Mary, the newly minted Mrs. Edwin Suzuki, made a stunning bride in her winter-white gown that highlighted her petite form perfectly. She wore her long, dark hair down tonight, and it spilled in artful waves over her shoulders. Such a contrast to the dark blue uniform she wore while working as the front-desk clerk at the Grave Gulch Police Department. The entire department was happy for Mary, though they would miss her while she was away on her honeymoon.

  Mary and Edwin were practically glowing as they danced and visited with their guests. And why not? Surrounded by loved ones, today marked the beginning of a bright future for the newlyweds.

  She’d confided to Melissa the plan to spend the wedding night here at the bridal suite of the Grave Gulch Hotel. Tomorrow they’d travel to whatever tropical destination Edwin had chosen, well away from the typically bitter cold of Michigan in January.

  When—if—Melissa married, she envisioned a summertime event. This beautiful historic hotel could work, if they held the ceremony outside in one of the lush courtyards full of summer color. They’d host the reception on the grassy bluff where she and her currently imaginary groom and all their friends would enjoy the extended twilight and stars winking into view over Lake Michigan.

  And in pondering that wispy future, she realized suddenly she was missing the magic of this moment. Right here, tonight, the couple radiated pure happiness in the grand ballroom that had been decorated like a winter wonderland. Boughs of sparkling, silver-dusted evergreens and ivy twined with soft blush roses, and pops of deep red berries framed the arched windows and doors, and decorated each table.

  Out on the dance floor, Melissa spotted her plus-one, Martin Tate, having a blast with another woman and resisted another little pang of envy. Oh, not of the woman he was with, just the romance of the occasion.

  But the timing that was right for Mary and Edwin wasn’t right for everyone.

  Melissa had been twenty-two during her rookie year as a police officer. A husband and family were the furthest things from her mind then. Fourteen years later, she’d earned her post as the chief of police and took great pride in the accomplishment. Though she had no regrets, a little balance between a fabulous career and what amounted to a pitiful personal life would be nice. Edwin and Mary were utterly lost in each other and the mutual devotion was so beautiful. Had she missed her window for a husband and family entirely?

  Martin was a prime illustration. He was a local, successful handyman and she’d been invested in their relationship right up to the day he’d dumped her. She’d thought they were fine, while apparently, he’d grown frustrated with coming in second to her job, weary of her changing plans or bailing on dates due to one emergency or two others. She was thankful they’d salvaged their friendship, though, or she would’ve arrived to the reception alone.

  This was a silly time for a pity party and she had to work to shake it off, find a better distraction. With a mental chuckle, she wished Martin better luck with his new dance partner. Melissa didn’t regret the hard work or any of the tough choices that had carried her to her current position as chief of police. Events like this just left the door open for doubts to creep in and push at her from every angle. From the newlyweds to the happily married couples to the
children, ranging from toddlers to teens, it seemed every exuberant person served as a reminder of what she didn’t have...which she’d recently felt a deep longing to have.

  No husband or children. No partner to wake up next to or unwind with at the end of the day. No one willing to share a meal, no round-faced baby to rock to sleep or a little one to chase around the playground. She’d all but given up on finding a man willing to exchange vows and build a family with her. She’d never trade her job for anything—and it came with too much baggage.

  She sipped the sparkling punch and smiled as the music changed to a Frank Sinatra ballad. At the center of the dance floor, the bride stepped into her groom’s embrace. They shared a sweet kiss and started to sway. All around them, others paired up as Sinatra’s voice cast a romantic spell.

  Melissa swallowed the lump in her throat, searching for any other place to focus her attention. Would her natural ambition be as all-consuming had she been in any other career? It was a question she’d asked herself more frequently, knowing she didn’t want to settle for a solitary life. She wanted it all: the satisfying work and the loving, messy family. The self-help books and gurus claimed she could have everything, others said she could have it, but not all at once, and still more experts touted that a definitive choice had to be made. She still wasn’t sure which view was right.

  A fresh awareness stung the back of her throat. Right here and now, she’d choose family. A surprise, considering her badge was wedged into her tiny purse alongside her cell phone and a lipstick.

  In the aisle between a row of tables and the dance floor, her cousin Desiree Colton, and her eighteen-month-old son, Danny, danced with Melissa’s older brother, Clarke. The trio was laughing and Melissa grinned as she crossed the room to join them. Seeing her, Danny dashed her way and she scooped up the toddler. Kissing his nose, Melissa spun them in a circle while he giggled. The sound was so addictive, the pure joy on his handsome little face so uplifting. She drank it in, giving him another spin before nudging him back to his mom.

  She and Desiree had always been close, but since Danny’s birth, they’d spent even more time together. Though Melissa was aware it wasn’t all smooth sailing, Desiree managed single motherhood with such devotion and grace that Melissa often wondered if she couldn’t have it all, that maybe she could manage at least one child.

  Of course, when she’d confided in Desiree, her cousin had pointed out that she was a part-time sketch artist and had schedule flexibility. Meanwhile, Melissa had a full-time job that was far more demanding. Having a baby on her own would mean leaning heavily on the help of her parents, who had active lives of their own, as well as finding an affordable nanny willing to take over no matter when a call came through.

  Enough of the litany of what-ifs, she scolded herself, stepping outside into the winter garden for a moment. She wasn’t here to wallow; she was here to celebrate Mary and Edwin.

  With the music drifting softly behind her, she walked along the cleared path. White lights were strung overhead, turning the fresh snow to a blanket of diamonds. Heaters had been strategically placed along the walkway to prevent anyone from catching a chill. Silk floral arrangements, in deference to the season, echoed the colors and textures of Mary’s bridal bouquet. It almost made Melissa rethink her ideal summer wedding.

  Refreshed, she headed back inside, pausing at the beverage station for another glass of punch. Several guests were enjoying the open bar, but Melissa had a rule about drinking in public. Other than a single beer at the annual department picnic, she didn’t indulge. She put stock in being ready for anything. A young man, wearing the black shirt, slacks and shoes of the hotel catering uniform, walked up to the station to collect the dirty glassware.

  “Victor Hadley?” Melissa asked. When he turned and smiled, her entire mood lifted. “Wow. It’s good to see you.”

  “Look, Chief. No handcuffs,” he joked, parting his hands. Tall, bordering on skinny, he hadn’t quite outgrown that sharp-elbow-and-knee teenager stage yet.

  Victor was the grandson of one of her mother’s friends. Melissa had met him when he was fifteen, after he’d been arrested for shoplifting. She’d worked with the store owners, arresting officers and Victor to negotiate a lengthy and strict community-service penalty rather than bring formal charges against him. Once his year of community service had been completed, she’d spoken with several local leaders to get him interviews for various jobs he could work around his high-school schedule. He’d been working here at the hotel quite happily, based on what she heard, ever since his first day.

  “Mr. Ruiz,” Victor said, referring to the hotel owner, “is amazing. He sat in on my last personnel review.”

  “You’re kidding.” The idea of the wealthy hotelier with a reputation for serial dating giving any attention to a kid from the wrong side of the tracks shocked her.

  “No. It was cool. Intimidating, but cool,” he added. “He asked about my interests here and what I had planned after graduation.”

  She smothered another wave of surprise. “You want to own hotels?”

  Victor laughed. “Not really. Wouldn’t mind running a kitchen, though.”

  “Seriously?”

  He nodded. “Someday.” Excitement shone in his gaze. “Long way from here to there. I have so much to learn. Mr. Ruiz added me to an apprentice program, though.”

  “That’s wonderful,” Melissa said. Though she wanted to catch up further, she didn’t want to impede his work. “I can’t wait to hear more as you progress. If you ever need a taste-tester, come by the station.”

  He laughed again as he carted away the dirty glassware, leaving her with a satisfied mood boost. Success stories within the community were one of the high points of her career. Antonio Ruiz was a well-respected businessman and invaluable asset in the city. He seemed to hire talented staffers in every area of his hotel operation. Victor’s situation was just one example. Mary, during the wedding planning, had mentioned time and again how professional and streamlined the entire process had been, from the first tour to the final walk-through before her big day.

  Melissa appreciated the business acumen that brought tourists to the hotel, but she never would’ve guessed that the strikingly handsome owner had a heart inclined to guide teens with a knack for getting into trouble. It was an appealing, heartwarming discovery, though it didn’t make Antonio her type. He escorted a new date to every event and she was looking for commitment. When she had time to look at all. “You look pensive.”

  She turned toward the familiar voice and gave one of her younger brothers, Travis, a warm smile. “In a good way,” she promised. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

  “I am,” he replied. A highly successful businessman, he was the founder and co-CEO of Colton Plastics. Somehow Travis hadn’t gravitated to law enforcement, or a profession connected to it, like the rest of them.

  “Why aren’t you out on the dance floor?” She peered around his shoulder, making it obvious she was looking for his date.

  “Up-tempo isn’t my thing.” He raised a bottle of beer to his lips. “You know it’s better if I don’t put lives at risk with my two left feet,” he said with a wink.

  “Left feet or not, you know what Mom would say about making sure everyone is having a good time.” Even as she said it, she scanned the reception, impressed that no one seemed to be hovering at the fringes of the action or looking left out. Guests who weren’t on the dance floor seemed happily engaged in conversations.

  “Why do you think I’m standing with you?” Travis said pointedly.

  “Was I really the only one alone?” That brushed up too closely to her earlier melancholy.

  “That’s how it looked to me, Chief,” he teased.

  “Stop,” she said, chuckling at the tone. She was fortunate to have her family’s full support in her career with the GGPD. Aside from the requisite sibling jokes, her parents and brothers ma
de it clear they were proud of her accomplishments. “Don’t worry about me,” she assured him. “I’m having a great time.”

  “Glad to hear it. Is that legal?” He tipped his head toward their youngest brother, Stanton, who was doing the twist with a bunch of other guests.

  Her laughter was cut short by a shout and frantic movement at the tables on the other side of the room. “Danny!” Desiree yelled urgently, pitching her voice over the music and voices.

  Her cousin dropped out of Melissa’s sight for a moment, likely looking under a table. When she popped back into view, the color had leached from her face and her panic was clear as Melissa rushed across the room.

  “Danny! Where are you?” she shouted again. Her long curly hair was in disarray from her searching and her frantic plea filled the room as people quieted and the music stopped. She hurried toward the long curtains framing the tall windows. “Danny!” she screamed. “Mel!” She grabbed Melissa’s arm, her grip brutal with her anguish. “You have to help me. I can’t find him. Oh, God. Help me find him.”

  “I will. We will,” Melissa said, sliding seamlessly into her professional role even while her heart hammered in her chest. She raised her hand, signaling for everyone’s attention. “Folks, it seems Danny has wandered off. He’s only eighteen months old.” She described his clothing and directed the officers in attendance to systematically search the garden, the anteroom and the hallways. “Show me where you last saw him,” she said to Desiree as everyone joined in the effort to find the little boy.

  Desiree guided her to the table where they’d been seated for the reception. All around them guests shook their heads, but kept looking. There was no sign of Danny, other than the stylish tote Desiree carried with his necessities.

  The officers Melissa had sent into the courtyard and the hallway returned. “No luck?” she asked.

  “None.”

  Melissa steeled herself for the next step, striving to maintain the stoic appearance of a responding officer when she was breaking apart with panic inside. She quickly assigned officers to comb the streets around the hotel and then she called the station.