The Witness / Nora Roberts / 488 p.

The day that 16 year old Elizabeth finally decides to rebel against her excessively controlling mother becomes a day of tragedy.  When her mother leaves for a medical conference, Elizabeth's first act of rebellion is to purchase her first pair of jeans. Unfortunately, a chance encounter with a classmate who is more than willing to assist Elizabeth with her new-found freedom, leads to witnessing murder and a life on the run to protect herself. Fast forward 12 years to "Abigail" who finds that life on the run to be unacceptable after meeting the small town chief of police in her new home. Finding love means needing to not just stay alive, but to truly live.