One tenacious local detective can only get the help he needs from a former forensic photographer with a serial killer on the loose in the new romantic thriller from  New York Times  bestselling author Laura Griffin.   When former forensic photographer Miranda Rhoads moves to the seaside town of Lost Beach, she's decided to make her living as a wildlife photographer and put crime scenes behind her. But her plans are quickly upended when one morning, she comes across a couple sleeping in a canoe, entwined in an embrace. Looking closer, she realizes the man and woman aren't asleep—they’ve been murdered. Detective Joel Breda sets out to find answers--not only about the unidentified victims in the marshy death scene, but also about the aloof and beautiful photographer who seems to know more about his investigation than he does. As they begin to unravel the motivation of a merciless serial killer, Miranda and Joel must race against the clock to make an arrest before the killer can find them first. Praise for Flight “A thrilling suspense plot with a believable love story… Griffin takes care to develop a satisfying and complex mystery without sacrificing time for Joel and Miranda to build trust and chemistry as their partnership moves from professional to personal. Series fans will not be disappointed.”-- Publishers Weekly " Flight by Laura Griffin kept me captivated... There's enough heat, suspense, and romance to keep you warm."-- Fresh Fiction Praise for Laura Griffin and her novels "Griffin never disappoints with her exciting, well-researched, fast-paced romantic thrillers." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Gritty, imaginative, sexy! You must read Laura Griffin." -- New York Times bestselling author Cindy Gerard "Top-notch romantic suspense! Fast pace, tight plotting, terrific mystery, sharp dialogue, fabulous characters." -- New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan "A gripping, white-knuckle read. You won't be able to put it down." -- New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak "An emotional, exciting page-turner. Griffin deftly balances the mystery and the love story." -- The Washington Post Laura Griffin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty-five books and novellas. She is a two-time RITA® Award winner as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award. Chapter One The light was perfect, but she didn't have long. Miranda Rhoads dipped the paddle and glided smoothly through the water as she composed the shot. Cattails in the foreground, the tall lighthouse a distant spire. In between, the bay was a vast mirror that reflected the pinkening sky. She lowered the blade of her paddle again, this time pushing off the spongy bottom to maneuver around a clump of reeds. This was it. She balanced the paddle on her thighs and adjusted the strap around her neck. Anticipation thrummed through her as she lifted the camera. Conditions were exactly what she'd hoped for when she saw the weather report last night and remembered one of her father's sayings: Red sky at morning, sailors take warning. Miranda took a deep breath and waited. Seconds and minutes slipped by, and she let her mind drift like the kayak. The humid air settled around her. She listened to the hum of insects in the marshes behind her, a trilling chorus that swelled and subsided with the breeze. She took another deep breath and for a perfect, endless moment she felt truly okay. Her thoughts were clear and crisp. The sunlight-saturated air seemed to vibrate around her. The day was still new, limitless, and she gave in to the notion that she was going to be all right. Movement in the corner of her eye. She remained utterly still as a great blue heron stepped from the reeds, tall and elegant on his spindly legs. Another step. Miranda held her breath and brushed her fingertip over the shutter button. If he sensed her watching, he didn't show it. She waited for the shot. It was instinct now. Like a hunter. Another deep breath and a long respiratory pause as she stayed motionless. Click. He stepped closer and dipped his head down. Then he lifted his head and turned toward her, regarding her with a regal look. Posing? His silhouette was black and perfect against the fiery sky. Miranda's heart hammered. Click. Click. This was why she'd come here. This was why she put up with lukewarm showers and rusty water and a bleating alarm clock at four thirty a.m. This was why she schlepped her kayak to the dock all alone, slapping at mosquitoes before her first sip of coffee. Photography was all about light, and mornings offered the best chance of getting something useful. Not a guarantee but a chance, and it paid to play the odds. She couldn't sell what she didn't have. Click. Another careful step. Click, click. The heron turned and took wing. She lowered the camera and watched him soar over the marsh, then swoop down into another clump of reeds. Miranda sighed. Not