Silent Reckoning

Silent Reckoning
Debra Webb

Who ever heard of a deaf detective?A year ago, my dream had seemed impossible. But I, Merri Walters, had used my lip-reading skill to bring down criminals and had scored a job with Metro Police. Earning my detective's badge took guts and nerve, which I had plenty of. Now a serial killer was on the loose, targeting beautiful, wannabe country stars, and I was lead on the hottest case in town.To complicate matters, the man I lusted after was now my boss, and his overprotectiveness was cramping my style. Still, no one could have predicted that I'd become the killer's next target–or that my supposed weakness would be the weapon I needed to survive….

Praise for Debra Webb

“Wow! Those that crave adrenaline overflow must read this book. From page one, the characters explode off the pages with their highly intense action…. Very highly recommended.”

—Myshelf.com on Silent Weapon

“A fast-moving, sensual blend of mystery and suspense, with multiple story lines, an unusual hero and heroine, and an ending that escapes the trap of being too pat. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

—New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard on Striking Distance

“Debra Webb delivers page-turning, gripping suspense, and edgy, dark characters to keep readers hanging on.”

—Romantic Times BOOKclub on Her Hidden Truth

“Debra Webb’s fast-paced thriller will make you shiver in passion and fear.”

—Romantic Times BOOKclub on Personal Protector

“A hot hand with action, suspense and last—but not least—a steamy relationship.”

—New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard on Safe by His Side

Dear Reader,

First let me thank you for all your amazing letters and e-mails about Merri in Silent Weapon. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed each and every one. This book is in large part due to your tremendous response to her story. I hope you will enjoy Merri’s newest exciting adventure as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Please visit my Web site at www.debrawebb.com and let me hear from you as soon as you’ve finished the book! I can’t wait to see what you think of Merri’s developing relationship with one sexy cop.

Look for my next Bombshell book coming in June 2006. I promise you many more intriguing adventures with my kick-butt ladies. And who knows, maybe you’ll be seeing more of Merri as she makes her mark as Nashville’s sexy, silent weapon!

Regards!

Debra Webb

Silent Reckoning

Debra Webb

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

DEBRA WEBB

was born in Scottsboro, Alabama, to parents who taught her that anything is possible if you want it bad enough. She began writing at age nine. Eventually she met and married the man of her dreams, and tried some other occupations, including selling vacuum cleaners, working in a factory, a day-care center, a hospital and a department store. When her husband joined the military, they moved to Berlin, Germany, and Debra became a secretary in the commanding general’s office. By 1985 they were back in the States, and finally moved to Tennessee, to a small town where everyone knows everyone else. With the support of her husband and two beautiful daughters, Debra took up writing again, looking to mystery and movies for inspiration. In 1998, her dream of writing for Harlequin came true. You can write to Debra with your comments at P.O. Box 64, Huntland, Tennessee 37345 or visit her Web site at www.debrawebb.com to find out exciting news about her next book.

This book is dedicated to a very special

young man, my son-in-law, Mark Jeffrey.

Thank you for making my daughter happy.

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 1

I read an article once that championed the legalization of prostitution. After all, the writer insisted, it is the oldest profession known to civilized man. At that juncture in the article I had paused to frown at the use of prostitution and civilized in the same paragraph. No offense to ladies of the night, but there is absolutely nothing civilized about the profession.

Case in point: I, Merrilee Walters, am standing here on a Nashville street corner way east of 2

Avenue and Broadway, not exactly the ritziest section of town. You know the section I mean. Friday-night traffic is heavy. The weather is unseasonably warm for late March, so the convertible tops and windows of cars are down, allowing drivers to enjoy the first previews of summer.

The hot pink skirt I’m wearing barely covers my rump. The fishnets are making my legs itch and my feet are absolutely killing me in these damned thigh-high stiletto boots. As if that isn’t bad enough, the matching pink tube top keeps creeping down to give a preview of its own.

I can’t believe I agreed to this. What self-respecting redhead would wear hot pink?

If the outfit isn’t barbaric enough to make you shudder, I have to put up with all the wolf calls and lewd comments shouted at me from the passing cars. I don’t have to actually hear the words. I see the faces leaning out windows. I can fill in the blanks. And, well, lip-reading is my specialty.