Borrowed Time

By Diane Benefiel

SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN

Rane Smith has a secret. A big one she can't ever reveal without compromising her father.
Jon Garretson also has a secret. The undercover cop moves into an apartment above prime suspect Rane Smith's home. He's on the trail of justice, but he's also helping his brother get payback.
Jon discovers Rane is not who she seems to be, and that the drug lord Jon's working to take down also has Rane in his sights.
Complicated past relationships keep Rane from revealing any truths, even when she's beginning to trust Jon. Then she learns he's been deceiving her - that he's really an undercover cop – and that trust is shattered.
Fighting a desperate battle on three fronts, Jon must protect Rane, win back her trust, and build a case against the powerful drug lord.
Jon's fallen for the stubborn beauty. He'll put his life on the line to keep her safe, and hopes his heart is the only casualty.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
• Release date: Nov 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781953810106

Diane Benefiel

National Readers’ Choice Award winner for her novel, Solitary Man, Diane Benefiel has been an avid reader all her life. She enjoys a wide range of genres, from westerns to fantasy to mysteries, but romance has always been a favorite. She writes what she loves best to read – emotional, heart-gripping romantic suspense novels. She likes writing romantic suspense because she can put the hero and heroine in all sorts of predicaments that they have to work together to overcome. A native Southern Californian, Diane enjoys nothing better than summer. For a high school history teacher, summer means a break from teenagers, and summer allows her to spend her early mornings immersed in her current writing project. With both kids living out of the house, in addition to writing, she enjoys camping and gardening with her husband. Diane loves hearing from her readers. Website: dianebenefiel.com Facebook: facebook.com/DianeBenefielRomance Twitter: twitter.com/dianebenefiel Instagram: diane_benefiel Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/8075321.Diane_Benefiel BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/diane-benefiel Pinterest: diane_benefiel

Book preview

SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN

Rane Smith has a secret. A big one she can't ever reveal without compromising her father.

Jon Garretson also has a secret. The undercover cop moves into an apartment above prime suspect Rane Smith's home. He's on the trail of justice, but he's also helping his brother get payback.

Jon discovers Rane is not who she seems to be, and that the drug lord Jon's working to take down also has Rane in his sights.

Complicated past relationships keep Rane from revealing any truths, even when she's beginning to trust Jon. Then she learns he's been deceiving her - that he's really an undercover cop – and that trust is shattered.

Fighting a desperate battle on three fronts, Jon must protect Rane, win back her trust, and build a case against the powerful drug lord.

Jon's fallen for the stubborn beauty. He'll put his life on the line to keep her safe, and hopes his heart is the only casualty.

PRAISE FOR USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

DIANE BENEFIEL

Solitary Man

NATIONAL READERS’ CHOICE AWARD WINNING NOVEL

"I am in love with this story. I devoured this book and didn’t want it to end. The chemistry between the characters and the plot kept me wanting to read late into the night. This is my first read from Diane Benefiel but definitely not my last. I can’t wait to read more from this amazing author. Thank you Diane Benefiel for getting me hooked on your books!" ~ CJ’s Book Corner

"Ryder was exactly who Brenna needed in her life, and trust me when I say you will love him because yeah he really is that good of a guy. Solitary Man is my first book by this author and it will not be the last. I really think you all will enjoy this one as much as I did it is one I do recommend." ~ I’m A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore

"I really enjoyed this book and there were a few twists and turns that kept me completely involved in the story. This is the first time I have read this author and it definitely won’t be my last!" ~ Sassy Southern Book Blog

THE JAMESONS U.S. MARSHALS SERIES

Hidden Betrayal

"As someone who never pre-orders ANYTHING, I put my order in a WEEK before it came out. Know why? Because I just didn't want to wait! Not to give away any spoilers but this is my favorite book from this author yet, in no small part because Mikayla is my favorite type of heroine. Right from the get-go, she's absolutely determined to meet everything on her terms. I loved the dialogue between her and Linc--with her saying, I didn't stay back because *I* was handling it. Yes, he's a hottie with a protective streak, but she's certainly no little woman. It really WORKS. In the end, 10/10. Can't wait to pre-order the next one too!" ~Amelia

"An exciting, romantic read with a sexy hero and a determined heroine who is hell-bent on doing things her own way. The romance heats up as the plot thickens. Linc and Mikayla need to work together to survive, but along the way, the sparks start flying. You need to read this!" ~danube eichinger

Hidden Judgment

"Don’t buy this book if you want to get anything done!! I couldn’t put it down! I laughed, I cried, I felt all the emotions that a brilliantly written romance novel brings. I am anxiously awaiting the third novel in the series!" ~Sandy Morris

"I couldn't put this book down. I thoroughly enjoyed the story line and the characters. Diane Benefeil does a great job bringing her characters to life, and weaves a compelling story. Looking forward to the next installment of this series!" ~Becca E H

HIGH SIERRAS SERIES

Flash Point

"Diane Benefiel takes us on a story filled with mystery, suspense, and action as we try to solve what is going on in the small town of Hangman’s Loss. Flash Point is a story that will have you flipping the pages and wondering who is the behind the attacks against Hangman’s newest resident and why." ~ Sarah Reads

"Flash Point really surprised me. It’s not what I was expecting but I really enjoyed reading it. It’s a fun easy read that captured me from the start." ~ Coffee Chat

Dead Giveaway

"Diane has written yet another winner in her High Sierra series. Murder witness and 'person of interest' Gwen flees with her godson to Cameron's uncle Eli. Gwen and Eli have no use for one another but come together for Cameron's sake and to find the true murderer...and in the process find their way to one another. My evening with Gwen and Eli couldn't have been more delightful, and I look forward to the next installment of the High Sierras." ~seniorphotog

"I loved this second book in the High Sierras series. This is a story of two people who are attracted to each other, but reconnecting under the worst of circumstances. I discovered Ms. Benefiel’s books and have loved the careful way she draws you in to the story with characters that make you feel as if you are reading about friends. I am really looking forward to the next High Sierras book, Already Gone." ~paytonpuppy

Already Gone

"This series has only gotten better and better! Seriously, there’s something that really speaks to my heart about Maddy and Logan, and Hangman’s Loss FEELS like a small California town tucked away in the Sierras. They’re such a power couple! I read this book in just a couple of days--totally sucked me in. It’s that perfect blend of fun, sizzle, and suspense! I just want to live in Maddy’s life forever but since I can’t--I can’t wait for the next book!" ~Katharine Montgomery

"A wonderful story about second chances. The minute you start reading, you will be instantly hooked. The author weaves a tale of drama and romance that keeps you enthralled and turning the pages. Maddie is feisty and Logan is her brooding and over protective suffering hero. The sparks fly every time they see each other. Eventually they give in and realize that they are perfect for each other and have always been. This is a great story right up to the last word." ~Simatsu

Burnover in Rescued Anthology

"Sweet, Sexy stories featuring furbabies and helping to save lives, it’s a win win for all." ~Kara’s Books

"8 stories by 8 outstanding authors. In these stories, there is a tattoo artist, two firefighters, two sheriff deputies, a famous furniture maker, a veterinarian, and a country music singer, and I loved them all. Then add in that each story has a dog or puppy that is rescued, along with a story of love and romance, it is a winning combination." ~Susan D

Deadly Purpose

I loved everything about this book, and it made me want to check out the other books in the series! The immediate suspense drew me in, and the High Sierras setting was perfect, as was the mysterious stranger Meg finds in her cabin. This novel had a well-written, exciting, and descriptive narrative that kept me glued from start to finish. Without giving away spoilers, the author has crafted one exciting, romantic ride, full of twists and turns. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next. ~Sebastian Moran

This book took me by surprise. I didn't expect to get so caught up in this book that my whole day was spent captured in its pages. It has been a long time since I couldn't put a book down but Deadly Purpose did this to me. I loved every page. ~WildfireJane

Clear Intent

"I’d been waiting on this one awhile!! I truly loved the story! I laughed, cried and got so frustrated I couldn’t see straight! I’m now hoping there will be more from Hangman’s Loss, I don’t want to see this series end! Thank you for a very wonderful getaway!! I highly recommend this complete series!!!! Wow! Just Wow!!" ~Linda Helms

"I've looked forward to every book in this series and have enjoyed each one, loving the characters as it feels you walk with them through exciting, scary situations and sigh as relationships become beautiful. This was an exciting story with almost nonstop action and heart stopping dangers. All of my favorite people in Hangman's Loss are together to help Jack, Dory, Adrian and the town through crisis." ~JLocke

Break Away

"Oh man did I love this book. It was well written and has a great storyline. It’s emotional and has a nice amount of suspense. I really need to go back and read the first six books in the series. Now saying that, this book definitely reads as a standalone. I haven’t read the first six books, but I never felt lost or like I am missing anything with this story. You will obviously have some small spoilers since the books are all connected. ~CrazyBookLover

"Break Away is Diane Benefiel’s seventh book in the High Sierra series and is definitely a second chance at romance. Zoey had a high school crush on Levi, and when he returns home after many years, she realises her feelings have not diminished. I’m a sucker for the sexy, broody bad boy vibe, and Levi has it in spades! But the storyline also has emotion, danger and a powerful attraction that is not only undeniable, but totally unavoidable too. These characters have great chemistry and the romantic suspense plot is well written and a real page-turner." ~Arch_Angel

BORROWED TIME

Diane Benefiel

www.BOROUGHSPUBLISHINGGROUP.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, business establishments or persons, living or dead, is coincidental. Boroughs Publishing Group does not have any control over and does not assume responsibility for author or third-party websites, blogs or critiques or their content.

BORROWED TIME

Copyright © 2020 Diane Benefiel

All rights reserved. Unless specifically noted, no part of this publication may be reproduced, scanned, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of Boroughs Publishing Group. The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or by any other means without the permission of Boroughs Publishing Group is illegal and punishable by law. Participation in the piracy of copyrighted materials violates the author’s rights.

ISBN 978-1-953810-10-6

E-book formatting by Maureen Cutajar

www.gopublished.com

To Kevin, my own personal hero.

And to my children, Katharine and Ethan.

It is a wonderful feeling when your children

grow up to be truly amazing adults.

I love you both.

CONTENTS

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

Sneak Peek: Hidden Loyalty

About the Author

BORROWED TIME

Chapter One

Jon glanced around and saw a neat and tidy neighborhood slowly gentrifying. He eyed the Craftsman bungalow as he approached. Bare wood showed where window trim and sections of the porch had been stripped. Maybe she did the work herself—a heck of a job for anyone. A pole sander and can of wood putty sat near the screen door, the front door open behind it. He pressed the bell and heard the scrambling sound of nails on wood and took a hasty step back when a monster dog launched itself against the screen door, barking furiously.

A voice from inside shouted, Down, Cooper. Sit.

The dog sat, quivering with excitement. Jon decided not to risk it lunging through the screen and going for his throat, so he stayed a few feet back. From inside the woman’s voice spoke again, There’s someone at my door, Lily. Yes, yes. I’ll cover your shift. Uh huh. No problem. Bye.

She approached the screen cautiously. May I help you?

Jon Davidson, ma’am. I spoke to a Rane Smith about an apartment for rent.

She opened the door and stepped out. The German shepherd, purebred by the look of him, stuck his nose out from around her to sniff at his jeans. When he felt reasonably sure the dog wasn’t going to go maul him, he lifted his eyes to study her. Rane Smith. This was the first time he’d seen her other than the file photos. Dark hair, longer than in the last photo they had of her, fell straight past her shoulders and framed an interesting face nearly overtaken by large sea-green eyes. Pretty, lean, athletic. She sure didn’t look like the type to be running with illegal drug smugglers.

She stuck a cell phone in her back pocket and held out her hand. I’m Rane Smith.

He shook, smiled, played the part. This is a nice neighborhood. I like the street.

I’ll be honest with you. The neighborhood is decent, but we still live in a big city and close to downtown. There’ve been a few break-ins. The neighbors watch out for each other, though, and we aren’t afraid to call the police. Her voice held a throaty quality that reminded him of Adele.

That’s good.

She eyed him curiously. I like to know something about who I’m renting to, so tell me about yourself, Jon. On the phone you said you’re ex-military.

He launched into his carefully constructed bio. His number one rule was to stick as close to the facts as possible to avoid screwing up. Hence Jonathan David Garretson became Jon Davidson. Yes, ma’am. US Army. I did two tours in Afghanistan, decided that was enough. I’m in training to become a firefighter.

She leaned back against the porch rail, reaching down to tug on the dog’s ears. Do you have family in Seattle?

He stooped and held out a hand for the dog to sniff, making sure his actions were non-threatening. No. My family is in California.

You didn’t want to live near your family? Why Seattle?

Jon rubbed the dog’s head and straightened. She was asking a lot of questions, but in her position he’d do the same. I grew up here. My parents moved to California to be near my sister and her family, but I wanted to come back to Seattle. I like the rain. Except for his brother still living in the city, all true enough.

She flashed a smile, revealing dimples. Pretty.

Well, you’ll get plenty of it here. I’ll show you the apartment. If you’re still interested after you see it we’ll talk some more.

Her open expression was at odds with the image he’d formed from reading her profile. He wondered who was the true Rane Smith. The profile had been sketchy, but her relationship with a member of the DiNardos, a family of drug runners, couldn’t be disputed.

At his nod Rane turned and followed the half-painted porch around the corner of the house. They went down a short set of steps and along the side of the house, past a door he guessed was to the kitchen, then up to the second floor. From the top of the stairs he could see a distant glint of the bay. It looked like part of the second story had been converted to an apartment with the outside entrance added on. She took the key out of her pocket and opened the door the dog following her in.

Undercover work didn’t bother him. You lied to people, got them to trust you, and used them if you had to for the job. Where the sudden twinge of guilt came from, he didn’t know. Her face had revealed warmth and humor, and made him feel like a jerk for lying to her. He shook his head and took a mental step back. Looks often disguised character. The end-game would make the lies and deception worth it.

He acted like any potential tenant even though there was no way he was letting this opportunity pass. The challenge of keeping an eye on Rane Smith had become a whole lot simpler when he’d discovered she had an apartment for rent. It put him exactly where he wanted to be—close. He went through the motions of checking out the bathroom, the bedroom, the kitchenette.

The kitchen is small so if you’re a gourmet chef you’ll be disappointed.

He snorted out a laugh. Not likely. This’ll do fine. He opened the refrigerator, standard size, and examined the range, one of those combo deals with the stove and oven together. He noticed the smell of fresh paint. You do the painting yourself? He hoped he wouldn’t have to deal with a handyman underfoot.

Dimples flashed again, giving him a little tug from somewhere in his chest. Yeah. I do what I can myself. I think it turned out okay.

She’d picked out good colors. He liked the pale green contrasted with white crown molding and wide baseboards. Yeah, he agreed. Looks nice.

If you rent the apartment you’ll have access to the laundry room off my kitchen.

He closed a cupboard and angled toward her. His kept his stance open and non-threatening, hands on his hips, expression neutral. All designed to gain trust. Did you have a chance to call the references I put on my application?

Yes. Your references spoke highly of you.

Good. Then are you willing to rent to me? I like the place. I think it’ll work for me.

***

In the chilly early morning, Rane watched through a side window as her new tenant unloaded his truck parked in her driveway. He’d acted quickly once she’d done the background check and approved his application. In less than a week from their first meeting he was moving in. He and a guy with a wild mane of blond hair had made numerous trips up and down the stairs taking bags, boxes and furniture to the apartment. It hadn’t looked like much, but maybe being in the military he hadn’t accumulated a lot. She’d intended to rent to a woman, it seemed safer, but Jon’s application had revealed what any landlord would want. He was reliable, had a good credit history, excellent character references, and no criminal background. Almost too good to be true.

The men hefted barbells with some serious weights attached to them up the stairs. Hmm. Guess that explains the excellent shoulders and flat belly. Not that she’d noticed. Much. She frowned as a thought struck. Put the powerful build together with the military training and he might feel comfortable sticking his nose into things better left alone.

Wonderful. Another worry on top of the one that had been staring her in the face for the past few months. Kyle got out in five days. After Sunday she’d have to start looking over her shoulder, checking the backseat of the car before getting in it. Do that paranoid recheck to be sure she’d locked all the doors and windows in the house. Maybe he’d leave her alone.

Maybe he’d never discovered her complicity in his conviction for a crime he hadn’t committed. She hadn’t known he’d been set up at the time of the trial, but that didn’t excuse her continued silence. On the other hand, there were all the other crimes he’d committed, some really bad, that had never been prosecuted.

She sighed. In all that time in jail, he had to’ve guessed her father’s involvement and her collusion. Worse, Simon DiNardo, Kyle’s brother, had to know.

Watching Jon and his moving buddy, each