Expert Witness: A Romantic Suspense Novel (32 page)

BOOK: Expert Witness: A Romantic Suspense Novel
3.72Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub

Her family and friends in the room went wild, whooping and hollering. Joy masked their faces. Her mom looked beyond ecstatic, and she had no doubt in her mind that the woman was already picturing grandchildren. She turned her attention back to the man in front of her.

Chase slid the ring onto her finger.
 

“Chase, it’s beautiful,” she whispered.

He stood up, now grasping both of her hands in his. “It’s a brilliant cut. The jeweler told me the intense sparkle is the result of its many facets.” His eyes softened as he spoke. “It reminded me of you.”

The End

Acknowledgements
 

This book has been such a learning experience for me. I’ve written all of my life and have had smaller works published over the years, but preparing a full length novel for publication was an unfamiliar undertaking. The story of Jordan and Chase wouldn’t have become what it is now without the support and critique of so many. It is with a heart filled with gratitude that I write this section now.
 

To my friends and family who read the earliest versions of this book, I want to thank you for taking time out of your schedules to provide me with commentary. Deanna and Melanie your suggestions and encouragement moved me to continue working to improve the story. To Deanna, I attribute the enhanced criminal elements, and to Melanie, I hope she is breathless enough for you now. I can’t tell you both how much I appreciate your feedback.

I’d also like to thank Jennifer B. for offering to proofread the final version. You have a keen eye for detail and I’m so very grateful you provided your review and opinions. Now, it’s your turn to sing.
 

For everyone that reviewed numerous mockups of the cover and helped me to find the perfect one, thank you. And for creating that perfect cover, I have to thank Robin Harper of Wicked by Design– you brought the characters to life!
 

To Kellie, Michelle, Wendy and everyone else that I bothered with “just one more question,” thank you for always answering each request like it was the first. And even more, thank you for believing in my dream and helping me to achieve it.
 

To the awesome Mickey, where do I start? You were the one to initially lay eyes on a first novel by a new author. I’m sure that this is probably one of the most challenging jobs to fulfill in the editing world, but you did so with care and grace. You went above and beyond and with your assistance, I realized that what I’d thought was a completed manuscript was just the beginning. You truly rock.
 

To Rhonda, thank you for helping me take this novel to the next level. You didn’t hesitate to tell me what needed to change, what needed to be rewritten and what needed to be cut, in a way that didn’t alter my voice as an author. Your suggestions made Jordan and Chase’s story even better.
 

And lastly, to my husband, I would still be “working” on my first novel if it wasn’t for your support. Thank you for encouraging me. To my children, you are my inspiration to make dreams come true. And, to my mother, who encouraged creativity always. I love you all.
 

About the Author

Nicole Luckourt professed in her fifth grade autobiography that she would be a writer when she grew up. Though life has taken her on many adventures and detours since that time, she has never abandoned her desire for creating stories and breathing life into the characters and plots in her head. With the publication of
Expert Witness
, her childhood dream has become a reality. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, two children, and several beloved pets. Her practice in the field of psychology inspires her writing and she is thrilled to be able to combine her two passions.
 

Nicole enjoys hearing from her readers. You can find her on her website: www.nicoleluckourt.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, and on Goodreads. Please join her mailing list for the latest updates on new releases.

Thank you for reading Expert Witness! I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, please help other readers find this book:

1. By writing a review.

2. Signing up for my new releases e-mail on my website at nicoleluckourt.com (you can find out about the next book as soon as it’s available).

3. Liking my 
Facebook
 page.

4. Following me on
Twitter
.

Table of Contents

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Epilogue

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Other books

Ernie's Ark by Monica Wood
La vendedora de huevos by Linda D. Cirino
Delayed by Daniela Reyes
He Who Whispers by John Dickson Carr
When the Walls Fell by Monique Martin
David Lodge - Small World by Author's Note