W.L. Knightly's Blog, page 2

Penalty Chapter One

AMAZON APPLE B & N KOBO GOOGLE CHAPTER ONEIsla

As Isla sat waiting for word on Milo’s arrest, she hoped that his attorney, Preston Palmer, was able to work a miracle. Everything had happened so fast. One minute, she was with Milo, enjoying a nice day together while discussing their feelings, and the next, they were both being hauled out by Detective Clark for the murder of Mr. Ohler.

Days earlier, Mr. Ohler had verbally harassed them both, creating chaos in front of Isla’s locksmith at the Lincoln Street house. After, Mr. Ohler had gone to the police and accused Milo of attacking him, which was a total lie. Milo had not threatened one bone in his hateful body.

She looked around the stale-smelling lobby and the mixture of people, each with their own version of problems. From the looks on their faces, she wasn’t alone in her misery. At least she wasn’t stuck in the back with Detective Clark looming over her and glaring down his nose at her like she was some kind of killer.

How did she end up here again? Would they ever catch a break?

The one thing she knew for sure was that Clark was the worst detective she’d ever met. He insisted on blaming innocent people for murders they had nothing to do with. And he was dead set on pinning a murder on Milo, facts be damned.

She would never understand how one man could have it out for another so badly that he would ignore the obvious, and she was in a building with more than one of that type of man, judging by the way she was being looked at by the others in uniform. The whole department had their heads up their asses.

It would have been funny except that poor Milo kept suffering because of it. Being dragged down to the police station on another murder charge? It was his worst nightmare. First he was wrongly convicted of murdering his wife Nell, and now Mr. Ohler? Not to mention the false alarm when Mr. Crosby was murdered. To the local cops, Milo was public enemy number one. Idiots.

Isla didn’t understand what was happening anymore. Nothing made sense, and nothing mattered. Not if they took Milo away again.

He wasn’t responsible for any of it. He had been with her the entire time, and there was no way he had done anything to hurt his old neighbor. She was certain that Milo couldn’t hurt anyone.

If they only knew him. If they only knew the man who sat birdwatching on the back porch. The man who opened every door for her like a gentleman and worked hard for his wife when she was alive. Milo was a good man, and no one else had ever compared to her father the way he had.

But she knew that the cops wouldn’t see it. They didn’t care who Milo was. They would accuse her of being an accomplice if she tried to say anything to them. So, she was following her lawyer’s advice and not saying anything at all.

Thankfully, they decided not to hold her. They wanted Milo, and now they had a good reason to get him. At least, they thought.

All because Mr. Ohler had made a complaint about Milo just days before he was murdered, and the man had supposedly given them evidence in the past that would implicate Milo in Nell’s murder. And even though Isla was sure that information was all a mistake, she knew it would probably be dug up to make Milo look bad, as if he would get revenge on someone for calling him a murderer by murdering them.

Preston walked out of the back, talking on his phone and raking his hand through his short hair. “Okay, I’m at the police station now. I’ll call you back.” He ended the call, looked up at Isla, and sighed. “There you are.”

“Yeah, they realized that I wasn’t going to tell them anything and put me out here.”

“I told them to turn you loose,” he said, looking exhausted. “I knew they didn’t really want you. They want Milo. Fuckers.”

“Thanks. Now, what about Milo? When will he be let go?” It couldn’t happen fast enough for her.

“I’m afraid he’s going to have to stay, Isla.” Preston gave her a regretful look. “I can’t get him out just yet. There’s a lot to be done, but know he’s going to be okay.”

“What?” That didn’t seem fair that he had to stay and pay for something he hadn’t done when Isla was a witness to his innocence. “But I was with him the entire time. He didn’t kill anyone, especially Mr. Ohler. The man is insane or was, and any report he made about Milo was a lie. I was there. I can vouch for Milo.” She wasn’t sure that would be good enough. Detective Clark surely didn’t care what she had to say.

“I know.” Preston sat with her and put his hand on her arm. “I can use that to hopefully get him bail, but he won’t be seen by a judge for a day or two. So, you’ll just have to sit tight without him. But it will be okay, I promise you that.”

“Oh, Preston,” she said as tears filled her eyes. “This is his worst nightmare. I can’t stand the thought of him having to go through this again. Isn’t there anything you can do? Please?”

Preston closed his eyes and sighed as if seeing Isla upset was too much for him. “No, I’m sorry. I can only do so much when the charge is murder. They have to arraign him, and then they’ll do a bail hearing. I’ll do my best.”

“But it’s wrong. It’s a mistake.” Why couldn’t anyone else see that? “Why are they so hell-bent on him?”

Preston agreed. “I know. Just trust that I’m doing all I can. And I’m going to work to have the charge dropped against him.”

“I’ll do whatever I have to do,” she said. “I’ll help any way I can.”

Preston gave her a sympathetic look. “I know you will. It’s okay. Just sit tight. I’m going to call the medical examiner’s office and let him know that I want the time of death as soon as possible. With any luck, we’ll have an alibi for that.”

“I’m the alibi,” she said.

“I don’t know if that’s going to help matters much.”

“Did they say how it happened? How was he killed?” She hadn’t gotten any details about the so-called crime. For all she knew, Mr. Ohler died of old age or pure hatred.

“I don’t know anything yet,” said Preston. “I’ll get the report and go over it with you so you know what’s going on.”

“It’s like we can’t have one good day anymore. Why does it have to be this way?” All she had wanted was to have some quality time before they got back to their own investigations. But now, nothing could be done. She had to put her sole focus on Milo’s release.

Preston shrugged. “I don’t know. I sometimes think that Milo is the unluckiest man in the world.”

“There has to be some reason for that. He hasn’t done anything. And someone is working awfully hard to make him look bad. That old man was accusing him of Nell’s death. He’s the one who supposedly had something. So, do they think they’ll just pull that old evidence they weren’t supposed to have out of thin air and use it against Milo now? Will they say that’s his motive against Mr. Ohler?”

Preston gave her a hard look. “I’d like to see them try. You know as well as I do if they have anything, they’re mistaken. It can’t be Milo.”

“I just feel so horrible and helpless. Maybe if we find the locksmith, he can vouch for us. He can prove that Milo is innocent. He saw the way Mr. Ohler approached us.”

“Or he won’t vouch for you at all. And even if he did, the complaint came after, and from what I read, he didn’t mention any locksmith during that confrontation.”

“He’s such a liar. And truth be known, Preston, I’m the one who told him to drop dead when he came over with his rant. I was so sick of the way he yelled at Milo. It was not only scary but embarrassing. There we were, in our own yard, conducting business, and out of the blue, he came over and yelled at us.”

“I know,” said Preston. “Just calm down, okay? Being upset won’t help anything. You need to keep a clear, cool head.”

“Well, that’s easier said than done. Right now, I want to go in there and slap those cops silly.”

She had tried to keep her voice low, but Preston looked over his shoulder to see if anyone heard her. “Let’s just hope that when I study it, I’ll find something that we can contradict. Otherwise, Detective Clark isn’t going to buy it. He’s out for blood. And all he has wanted since Milo got out of prison was to put him back in.”

“I hate that man. He has it out for Milo.”

“Well, embarrassment is a bitch,” said Preston. “You and Milo certainly did that.”

“Like Milo always says, they did that to themselves.”

“Well, I need to go and talk to him before they take him back. They should be done booking him now. I asked for a minute.”

“Okay,” she said. “Can you bring me home, or should I call a ride?” She didn’t care. She just wanted the nightmare day to be over.

“Sit tight. I’ll drive you.” He gave her a comforting smile.

“Thanks,” she said. “Tell Milo I’m going to do all I can to help.”

Preston smiled. “Isla, if there’s one thing Milo knows, it is that.” He patted her knee and got up to go find Milo.

Isla put her head in her hands and didn’t know what to think. The day had started off fine and turned into hell. She wished she could wake up and it would all be over. But life was not that easy.

When her phone rang in her purse, she took it out and answered it, seeing it was Desi. “Hey,” she said, sniffling through her tears. “I’m glad you called.”

“Is it true?” asked Desi. “Did Milo Ford just get arrested for murder again?”

“Wow, news travels fast. How did you find out? I was prepared to tell you everything, but I suppose you already know.”

“I ran into my friend, who told me she was having lunch at the club when you two were taken into custody. I thought you were arrested, too, but you answered the phone, so I guess I’m wrong. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. It’s Milo I’m worried about. He didn’t do this, Desi. I was with him the entire time. I know he didn’t.”

“Yeah, for once, I believe you.”

“You do?” She was surprised to hear that. Desi’s tone didn’t quite say that.

“Of course. But who did they say he killed this time?”

“The man who lived behind the Lincoln Street house,” she said. “You know, Mr. Ohler.”

“Wait, that’s the man who had evidence of him killing his wife, right?”

She could detect a hint of suspicion creeping back. “Yes, but that couldn’t have been true, Desi. Milo didn’t do it.”

“Well, what do you make of it then? This man makes a problem, and now he’s dead? That’s scary. What’s going on?”

“He’s mistaken. I mean, he has to be. Milo didn’t kill Nell. I already proved he wasn’t home during her time of death, which had been narrowed down in court on the record. It wasn’t him.”

“And you know he didn’t want revenge on the old man?” Now, she was in full-blown accusation mode. The uncertainty in Desi’s voice was growing by the second.

“I thought you just said you believed me.” She couldn’t believe how quickly she could change her mind on something so important.

“Well, that was until I heard the victim is the man who claimed to have solid proof against Milo. Isla, are you absolutely certain it couldn’t have him?”

“Absolutely, Desi. He has been with me the entire time, ever since Mr. Ohler came over and verbally attacked us. And besides, if anyone threatened him, it was me.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I wasn’t kind to him that day when he yelled at us.”

“Well, being mean didn’t kill him.”

“Yeah, tell that to the cops.” She wouldn’t put anything past the police. “Anyway, I’m just sitting here waiting for Preston. He went back to check on Milo. He’s going to have to stay.”

“He can’t bail him out? That’s ridiculous.”

“No, there’s no bail right now. He has to see the judge. And that could take some time.”

“Oh no. Well, do you want me to come and get you?”

“No, Preston is going to take me home, but thanks for the offer. I’ll just stop off at the club, get my car, and have him follow me for safety’s sake.”

“Wait, you were at the club when it happened?” Desi asked.

“Yes, we were. We were on the deck having an important conversation and getting ready to enjoy a nice meal when the cops showed up accusing us. I was taken out in handcuffs in front of everyone. It was so humiliating.”

“They cuffed you?” she asked. “I can’t believe the nerve. That’s horrible, Isla.”

“Yeah, well, I doubt it did me any favors. I’ve been battling Mr. Riston over the whole club membership ordeal. He has been making things tough for me, and you should have seen his face when we were led out and put in the cop’s cars.”

“Dang, Isla. You just might lose that family membership after all.”

“I know, and it doesn’t make me feel good either. My uncle is probably rolling in his grave.”

“No, don’t say that. He would be sticking up for you,” said Desi. “And so would Aunt Delta. They know who you are. They know your heart.”

“I know,” said Isla. “But I wish I had Uncle Godfrey around. He was so powerful and well loved. No one would be messing with me or Milo.”

“Well, you call me when you get home. I’ll come over. We’ll wait this out together if you want. Besides, you don’t need to be alone. If you’re right, there’s a killer out there and he’s not finished.”

“Yeah,” she said. “You’re welcome to come over. I just want Milo to get out. I know his worst fear is going back to prison. It was a nightmare for him. Torture. It’s so unfair. They accuse him of everything. He never gets the benefit of the doubt.”

“Yeah, he probably never will, Isla.” Desi sighed. “I’m sorry. I know this has to be tough for you too.”

“It is, but tougher for Milo. And just when things were changing between us.” She wished they had a chance to finish their conversation to make sure they were on the same page. Just knowing that they had come so close, only to be dragged away from one another, made her feel sick inside. And she wished she had told him exactly how she felt and what she wanted.

“Changing between you?” asked Desi.

“Don’t worry about it,” she said. “It doesn’t matter.” And it really wouldn’t matter if Milo went back to prison.

“You know you can talk to me, Isla.” Desi’s voice softened. “You’re like a sister to me, you know. I’m always here for you.”

Isla knew that was true. But she didn’t want to approach that subject with Desi while sitting in a police station alone, waiting for the time when she’d leave Milo there. She already knew what Desi would say to that. She’d tell Isla that Milo was no good as usual. And that was the last thing Isla needed to hear.

“I should go,” she said. “I’ll text you when I get home.”

“Okay, don’t forget,” said Desi.

When Isla ended the call, she slumped in her seat and felt the lump in her throat grow bigger. She didn’t want to go home without Milo. She couldn’t see her life without him.

 

 

VERDICT CHAPTER ONE

PRE-ORDER • AVAILABLE JANUARY 2ND AMAZON APPLE B & N KOBO GOOGLE CHAPTER ONEIsla

Isla’s eyelids fluttered open and the brightly flashing lights blinded her.

“Where am I?” she asked, realizing she was flat on her back being wheeled down a long hallway. Her head was throbbing, and she was having trouble getting her thoughts in order.

“You’re at Daybrook Memorial,” said a calm voice. “Just lie back. Relax. We’re getting you to a room.”

“The hospital?” Isla asked groggily. “Wait, what happened? Where’s Milo?”

“Just keep still, please,” said the man who stood next to her. “You took a serious knock to the head. You’ve been out a while.”

“Ma’am,” said another voice.

Isla turned her head and it lit up with bright white pain. Her skull felt like it might shatter. She closed her eyes until the feeling passed. When she could bring herself to open them again, she saw a short blonde lady in blue scrubs with intelligent eyes and a concerned expression.

“Can you tell me if you have any allergies, ma’am?”

“No,” she croaked from her raspy throat. “What happened? Did I get hit by a car or something?”

The nurse was smiled kindly. “Ma’am, just let me get your information, and I can call someone for you.”

“They found you in the grocery store parking lot,” said the man, who looked like an EMT. He stood next to the blonde. “I have your bag here. There’s a cell phone inside and your keys, but I didn’t have time to reach out to anyone. We rushed you right over here.”

“Thank you,” Isla said, in too much pain to feel the panic bubbling up inside her. “Did I hit my head on something?”

“Witnesses said you were attacked outside of the market, ma’am,” the EMT said. “You were out cold when I arrived, and I brought you in to treat a probable concussion.”

“Was I alone?” she asked, reaching up to touch her forehead, which felt normal.

“Yes, the cashier said you were alone in the store. She came out to check on you after seeing you go down.”

“Go down? Did she see anyone else?” She must have seen it happen.

“She claimed that a man came out of nowhere, hit you in the head with something, and ran. You collapsed and she called us.”

“I didn’t even see who it was.” Isla vaguely remembered calling Preston Palmer at the store. But had she ended the call or not? “I was on the phone?”

“It’s possible. It was on the ground next to you in the parking lot. I put it with your bag.” He turned to the nurse and handed it over. “Here’s her information. And this.”

“Was I still on the phone?” she asked the man. She couldn’t remember if she had ended her call with Preston or not. “I think I was talking to my attorney.”

The nurse gave her a sympathetic look. “Just take it easy, and I’ll call someone in a minute for you.”

“No, he’ll be worried. I have to let him know I’m okay and what happened.” She wondered how much time had passed and still felt a bit disoriented. She also wondered if Milo was okay. “What time is it?”

“I started an IV,” said the EMT to the nurse.

Isla looked down at the IV port in her arm. She felt invisible, but that wasn’t her biggest problem. “I just want to go home. Really, I’m okay.”

“You can’t go home just yet,” said the nurse, whose lanyard read Reagan. “You took a pretty hard hit, ma’am. We’ll need to have a doctor look at you at least.”

“My name is Isla.” She just wanted to leave and had never felt so out of control of her own life before. “I just want to go. Please.”

The nurse wasn’t having any of it. “Isla, I’m sure you think that you’re fine. But you have a nasty cut on the back of your head, and you are going to need stitches and some tests. I’m not sure what the doctor will order on top of that, but I know he’s going to want to observe you with the length of time you were out. So, you sit tight, and I’ll go let him know you’re here.”

“Take care, ma’am,” said the EMT. “They’ll take care of you from here.”

“Thank you,” she said, feeling the bandage on the back of her head. She hadn’t even realized it was there. The throbbing pain was taking center stage.

As soon as they left the room, a commotion started outside.

“Sir, you can’t go back there!” said the nurse in a scolding voice.

“I’m Isla Perry’s attorney. I need to make sure she’s okay.” Preston’s deep voice projected through the halls as well as it did in a courtroom.

Isla needed to tell him she was fine, but when she sat up in the bed, the entire room spun. “Oh no.”

She gripped the frame of the gurney and closed her eyes, feeling tossed about in a dark ocean even though she wasn’t moving. It was the worst feeling in the world to be so dizzy.

Preston was persistent, though, and the door suddenly opened.

“Isla?” he asked gently as he entered the room. “Oh, thank God!” He ran over to the bed to check on her and rested his hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay?”

“I’m dizzy and someone’s playing bongos on my brain.” Isla closed her eyes again and the feeling slowly ebbed.

“You should lie back,” said the nurse, who must have realized what Isla was trying to do. “You really should stay lying down. Is the guy you were talking about before?”

“Yes, he’s my attorney.”

The nurse gave him a judging glare. “That’s who he said he is. If you want him to stay, fine, but I can have him leave if you like.” She gave Isla a look as if she needed to be sure.

“I want him here.” Isla nodded and instantly regretted it. “He’s like family, and I don’t have anyone else but Milo and Desi.”

“See, I was telling the truth,” Preston said to the nurse.

“You’re a lawyer. I’m sure you understand why I had to ask.” She shrugged and walked to the door.

“Yeah, yeah. Has she seen a doctor?” he asked.

“Not yet,” said the nurse. “I was just about to go and get him when you showed up making a ruckus. It’ll just be a moment.” She left and shut the door behind her.

“Well, good,” he said as if she could hear him.

Isla hoped he would help to fill in the blanks. “I don’t know what happened. I was shopping one minute and here the next.”

“You were shopping and called me, remember? You were out in the parking lot on the way to the car, and I guess someone attacked you. Did they steal anything?”

“Not that I know of,” she said, gesturing to the bag. “Can you bring it closer? I’ll check and see.” She didn’t want to try and get up to reach it for fear the world would go topsy-turvy again.

He passed her the bag, and Isla gingerly looked into it. Her credit cards were all still in their places. The car keys had been placed inside the bag, as well as her phone, which she took out. “I have to call Milo.”

“I tried on the way, but he wouldn’t answer. I was wondering if you knew where he went today.”

Isla closed her eyes to let her head settle. She wasn’t too bad as long as she didn’t move. Whoever had attacked her had rung her bell pretty good.

She was feeling highly fatigued, and lethargy was setting in. “I told you he stayed home. We had words, and I wanted time alone. At least, I think I told you. My brain is still foggy.”

“Yes, but did he go anywhere else?”

“No. Not unless he changed his mind. Maybe he’s just out on the back porch. If his phone is charging, he won’t hear it inside the house. Or who knows? Maybe he’s in the shower.”

Preston looked as weary as she felt. “Well, I’ll try to call again in a bit. Did you see who hit you?”

“No,” she said, resisting the urge to shake her head. “I wish I had. I’d really love to return the favor.”

“I’m sure you do,” he said. “And we’ll find them and make them pay, but first, you need to relax and let them take care of you. Okay?”

“Okay,” she said. “Thanks for coming here to check on me.”

“Oh, no problem. It really scared me. The way things sounded, I thought you were dead.”

“I think that was their intention,” she said. “I just wish I had seen them.”

“Well, someone must have seen it,” he said. “There has to be a witness that time of the day.”

“The grocery store clerk saw me go down, according to the EMT. She must have witnessed whoever it was who did it.”

“Have you spoken with the police?” he asked.

“No, I was knocked out until I got here. I just came to right before you arrived.” She paused and cracked a little grin. “To be honest, I’m not sure if I’m actually awake or if this is all a dream.”

“Unfortunately, this is all very real.” Preston shook his head. “But I didn’t see the cops outside. You’re attacked, and they haven’t shown up yet?”

“Well, I’m not their favorite person, remember.”

“Still. That’s ridiculous.” He seemed aggravated by the fact and took out his phone. “Do you think it could have been Ben Riston? You did say that he was making some threats, right?”

“Yes, but I’m not sure that he’s crazy enough to do this.” She had watched him bring that fist down on the table many times but just couldn’t image him attacking her in broad daylight.

“Well, I think you should let the cops know about the threats, in light of today’s events. I’ll see if I can get in touch with someone down there. Surely, someone was called to the scene.”

“Could you call Milo from my phone? Maybe he just didn’t want to talk to you when you called.”

Preston looked offended. “Well, that’s nice to know. Has he been screening my phone calls, the ungrateful prick?”

“I’m just grasping at straws here,” she said, waving dismissively. “Plus, I have a head injury. Don’t listen to me.”

He took her phone. “Fine, I’m on it.”

The door opened and a uniformed police officer came in with a tablet. “Ms. Isla Perry?” he asked.

“Yes,” she said, trying to remember if she had seen this particular cop before. He didn’t look familiar with his baby face and spotless uniform.

“I’m Officer Dobson. I’m here to take your statement. I was called to scene of the incident.”

“Thank you for coming down,” she said.

“Any luck at the scene?” Preston asked.

Dobson pursed his lips. “The clerk who called it in saw what happened, but unfortunately, she didn’t see anything but a dark figure.”

“That’s what I saw,” she said, remembering the shadowy outline standing over her, blocking the sun.

“Recently, she’s been threatened by Ben Riston,” said Preston. “He had taken issue with her at the country club, and I’m afraid it’s possible that he may have taken his grudge out on her today.”

“Ben Riston?” asked the officer. “I don’t know him. But I can take a statement and give him a call.”

“I doubt he’ll admit it.” Preston didn’t look the least bit impressed. “He’s been bullying her for days now.”

“Okay, thank you. So, was there anyone else specifically who you believe may have done this? An ex-lover, perhaps? Someone you’ve had problems with?”

“No, there is no one like that in my life,” she said.

“Well, was anything taken?” Dobson asked. “Like your purse or your groceries or anything?”

“No, my bag is here with my phone and my wallet,” Isla said. “I mean, I don’t know about the groceries but I don’t think it was a robbery.”

Dobson frowned. “So you think it was this Ben Riston fellow?”

“Maybe.” She shrugged. “It could be the Daybrook Killer too, but it wasn’t random.”

“I agree,” said Preston. “Ms. Perry has several people who are not pleased with her recent actions.”

“Including Milo Ford?” Dobson asked.

“It wasn’t Milo,” she said, bristling at the implication.

“Now, what was this you said about the Daybrook Killer? There isn’t a criminal out there with that name.”

“Sure, there is,” she said. “You guys are just too busy blaming Milo to care. Someone else killed Nell Ford and Mr. Crosby.”

“And that someone is the Daybrook Killer?” the cop didn’t look convinced. “Speaking of killers running free, any idea where Milo Ford was at the time of the incident?”

“He’s at home waiting for me,” she said. “As far as I know. I’ve been out of commission here for a bit.”

“I’ll try to call him again,” said Preston as he stepped away.

Isla wished that Milo would answer the damn phone, but when the doctor showed up seconds later, her worry shifted to his diagnosis and when she was going to get to leave. She could lie in bed at home.

“Hello, I’m Dr. Phillips,” he said, walking to the bed. He held out his hand, and Isla took it. “Can you squeeze my hand?”

Isla did her best. And he smiled and nodded.

“Very good.” His smile touched his eyes behind his mask. “Your brain still works. Now, let me take a look at the wound.” He carefully helped her turn to show him.

“I feel really nauseated,” she said.

“Mhm, you’ll be that way for a little while. I’ll try to get you something for it. You took a severe hit to the skull. I’d like to check and make sure there is nothing else going on inside. How is your vision?”

He shined his light in her eyes.

“I’m tired, so it’s hard to tell. But I’m a little blurry and fuzzy feeling.” She winced away from the light as it flashed through her eyes.

“Yeah, that’s probably the concussion. But I don’t think it’s too bad. Let’s get you stitched up, and I’ll get those tests ordered, okay?”

“Okay, thank you. When can I go home?” she asked, earning a sympathetic look.

Dr. Phillips shook his head. “You’ll have to stay overnight for observation. You were out for a long period of time. I wouldn’t want you to get home and have a problem because we overlooked something. If your brain starts swelling, you want to be here when it happens. So you sit tight, okay?”

“Yes, sir.” She let out a heavy sigh and hoped that Preston would find Milo while she was trapped in here.

He couldn’t be away from his phone too long. He’d have to answer eventually. Unless someone had attacked him too.

UNBIASED CHAPTER ONE

PRE-ORDER NOW • AVAILABLE DECEMBER 12TH AMAZON APPLE B & N KOBO GOOGLE

CHAPTER ONE

Isla

“You’re making a terrible mistake!” Isla’s hands shook as she was led into a small room with a table and three chairs. “I don’t understand why you’re arresting me! I haven’t done anything wrong, and neither has Milo! This is ridiculous! You’re the police. You’re supposed to help people.”

“Shut it, criminal,” one of the uniformed officers said, placing her in the corner. “I am helping people by locking you up where you belong.”

She had no idea where they had put Milo, but she knew he was somewhere in the same building going through the same thing, only probably much worse. The cops still seemed sore that Milo had been released from prison. Isla had been on the jury that convicted him, but she had found new evidence that had exonerated Milo, proving he couldn’t have murdered his wife, Nell.

The evidence didn’t seem to matter to the boys in blue. They hadn’t hesitated to arrest Milo for another murder, this time for the killing of Joel Crosby, the foreman of the jury who oversaw Milo’s murder trial.  

Things had happened so quickly that Isla never saw her arrest coming. One minute, she was on the phone with Milo’s attorney, Preston Palmer, trying to warn him about Milo’s ridiculous arrest, and the next, she was being handcuffed and escorted to a very smelly police cruiser with a smiling detective gripping her arm much harder than necessary as he shoved her into the back seat.

On the drive to the police station, her pleas were met with stony silence. And when the door to the small room closed behind the officer, she realized that she was in trouble.

Isla had already watched what happened to Milo during his trial, and in the time that he had been staying with her, she had heard enough to know that his arrest and jailing weren’t fun either. The police hated him, and after his release, they hated him even more for making them look bad, especially Detective Clark.

Would they treat her the same way for being associated with him? Would they take it out on her for helping him to go free? Would they find a way to lock her up and hold her until a jury falsely labeled her a murderer, too?

She had a million questions, and they were all running through her head at the same time.

Isla couldn’t handle that. She couldn’t spend her life locked up in a cell for something she didn’t do. She didn’t belong there. Surely someone would see that, right? Someone would come into the room and tell her it was all a joke. Maybe the detective was just trying to teach her a lesson or scare her. But she knew that wasn’t true. They really thought that she had helped Milo in some way. Or else she wouldn’t be there.

Her life was over if they wouldn’t listen to reason. And she wondered how many times Milo tried to get them to listen to him. How much time had he spent before she worked to get him released? Too long. And she would never survive it.

Isla covered her face with her hand and rubbed her temples as the temperature of the room made her shiver. It seemed it had only gotten colder as the minutes ticked by. Were they trying to freeze her to death, or was that just her blood pressure dropping from the shock?

What else would they do? Torture her?

She felt so helpless as if she was going to be left for dead. And knowing the police department and how hard they had fought against Milo, she wouldn’t be surprised.

But those thoughts were only her helplessness getting the best of her. “Stop it now. You can’t just lay down and die, and you’re not going to roll over and let them kick you.” She was tougher than that. And she needed to remind herself that she was a fighter. “Stay strong.”

She didn’t see any harm in the little pep talk until she looked up and spotted the camera pointing in her direction in the opposite corner of the room. The little red indicator light was flashing, showing that she was being recorded, and she had to wonder if, somewhere, someone was watching. Was it Detective Clark? Or someone else?

She stuck out her chin and stared right at it, giving it a look that should make it burst into flames. She wasn’t going down without a fight. And she wouldn’t let them see her cry. She wasn’t scared. She wasn’t scared of anything!

She jumped as the door opened and felt a little silly when Detective Clark came into the room with his own chin held high and a slimy smirk on his face.

“Ms. Perry,” he said, clearly enjoying seeing her like this. “I’m sure you understand why we’ve brought you down here.”

She shook her head. “No, I don’t understand why I’m here. And I don’t know why Milo is here either. You’re making a horrible mistake, and I’ve been trying to tell you that.”

“Well, I see it differently, I’m afraid. You’re obviously helping Mr. Ford take revenge on the jurors who you feel did him a disservice. You’ve not only taken him into your home, but you’ve obviously adopted his patterns of behavior, haven’t you?”

Isla thought he was delusional. “No, I haven’t. And Milo isn’t who you think he is. He hasn’t done anything wrong. And neither have I.”

“Oh, trust me when I say I know Milo Ford much better than you do. You obviously have developed some affection for him that has clouded your judgment, which is why you should consider cooperating with me. You see, I can get you a deal if you want to tell me the truth about him. You won’t even have to serve any time for being his accomplice if you tell me what happened. I’ve got all day. You just need to tell me what he did to Mr. Crosby. As his accomplice, I’m sure you know everything.”

Isla couldn’t believe her ears. “Accomplice? I’m not anyone’s accomplice. I simply let Milo stay at my house, where he was all night and this morning. He’s been with me every waking moment.”

Detective Clark gave her a sideward look. “Yet, you weren’t at the house today when we went to make our arrest. You want me to believe that, Ms. Perry?”

“I only left for a little while. It was hardly any time for Milo to commit murder.”

“Yet, the murder weapon was the very scarf you two reported having shown up on your doorstep. And where is that scarf now? You certainly couldn’t provide it.”

Isla still didn’t know why the scarf wasn’t where she left it. It was just there one minute and gone the next. “I must have been mistaken about where I put the scarf. But I am not wrong about Milo. He is innocent, and so am I.” She didn’t care if she had to say it a hundred times.

“Or, he took that scarf and killed Mr. Crosby with it. You can’t have your eyes on him all the time, even living under the same roof. Perhaps while you were sleeping last night, Milo took the scarf and slipped out. You were having issues with Mr. Crosby, weren’t you? Maybe your new boyfriend took care of that?”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” she said, eyes narrowing. “There’s nothing like that going on. I’m just trying to help. And yes, we did have trouble with Crosby. He was protesting with a bunch of people outside my house. You were there. But that was the one day, and he hasn’t been back around since.”

“Problem solved, right? Milo took care of it so he wouldn’t come around—or should I say couldn’t be around to bother the two of you again. He didn’t like the negative attention he was getting and figured he’d go to the root of the problem. I’m correct, aren’t I?”

“No, you’re wrong. Dead wrong.” Isla was growing tired already, and she was so cold her body had begun to tense uncomfortably.

“Funny choice of words,” he said with a sly look. “Freudian slip, perhaps? See? You knew Milo’s plans all along. Maybe you thought it was the only way to stop the harassment.”

“No, that’s stupid. Milo didn’t have any plans, and neither did I.” It was the most ridiculous thing to think that she and Milo were sitting around trying to plan a murder for someone simply being an annoying prick.

“Well, that’s not true,” Clark said. “Everyone has plans. So, tell me, Isla Perry, where were you when we showed up to arrest him? You said you had to run errands. Where did you go?”

Isla didn’t have anything to hide regarding the death of Mr. Crosby, but she didn’t want Detective Clark to know that she had been at the college or that she was talking to Mary Plum. He wasn’t too happy that she had continued to investigate the truth behind Nell’s death. That would certainly put a permanent blemish on him, and the department like Milo had told her. As long as they had Milo to blame, they would never have to be accountable.

She opened her mouth to speak only to be interrupted by Detective Clark. “Keep in mind that anything you tell me will be thoroughly investigated.”

She wasn’t sure what would incriminate her and what wouldn’t at that point. But if her aunt had told her one thing, it was that the truth was important. But so was keeping your mouth shut. She had said way too much already.

“I think I need a lawyer.”

“You think?” he asked, giving her a hard look.

“I know talking to you isn’t going to help things. Besides, I already told you the truth. You clearly don’t want to hear it.” She sighed. “You don’t care about facts. You’ve decided Milo is guilty and you’re only looking at things that confirm your suspicions.”

“Well, this shouldn’t be hard then. I just need you to answer the questions. If you don’t have anything to hide, why not just tell me where you were earlier this morning? Were you gone all night?”

“No.”

“Then you should explain.” He shrugged like it was no big deal.

She glanced back up to see the red light was still flashing on the camera.

“Fine. You already know that Milo and I have been trying to figure out who killed his wife. That’s all I was out doing.”

“Foolishly. Yes, I loved your little storyboard. That was quite interesting, especially with the victim’s photo and the murder weapon spelled out above it.”

“That wasn’t there to mark him as a target,” said Isla. “We were just trying to figure out more about who sent the scarf. We thought it could have been someone from the trial, perhaps Mr. Crosby, since he had been so awful to us already. But we didn’t want him to die. Milo isn’t like that, no matter what you want to believe.”

They were quick to villainize him.

“And what if you’re wrong?” he asked. “Which I think you are. You’re in danger. How can you live with someone you barely know?”

“I’m not wrong about Milo. He didn’t do anything. But the real killer is out there, and he must have done this. So, you should go out there and figure out who it is.”

“I’m confident I already have,” he said. “You may have gotten Milo off on a technicality, as it were, but I know I had the right man all along. So, tell me where your little investigation took you.”

“Just to the college. That’s it. I wanted to see if I could get some more information. But there is none. End of story.”

Detective Clark narrowed his eyes. “If we couldn’t find the so-called real killer, what makes you so sure you can? You’re just a bored little rich girl, and he’s a criminal who doesn’t want you to find the truth.”

Isla could see that she had already said enough, and nothing was going to change the man’s mind about her. She was in trouble, and so was Milo. “I am done talking. I want my attorney.”

“Your attorney?” he asked. “Are you sure you don’t want to talk to me and see if we can make a deal? You know, the first one who talks gets the reward.”

“Preston Palmer.” She closed her mouth and pulled her lips in tightly as if to seal them shut. She hoped Preston wouldn’t mind, but she knew he’d be around for Milo’s sake.

The detective gave a cynical grin. “Of course, he is. I should have known,” he said, shaking his head. “Well, in that case, I’m sure he’ll be here soon. He’s probably going to talk to your boyfriend first, so you just sit tight and don’t make any trouble for us.”

He walked to the door and she realized that he was leaving her alone in there again. Who knew when he’d be back?

“Wait, I have to stay here?” she asked, rubbing the chill from her arms.

“Yeah.”

“How long?” she asked, hoping he would do the decent thing and answer. “Do you know?”

“Not long. But don’t worry. The cells, like hell, are a lot warmer.” He gave her a wink and walked away, closing the door behind him.

Isla slumped in her chair knowing that Milo was going through much worse and she had to be strong. He had said he never wanted to end up in a place like that again, and now he was back where it all started, being questioned for a murder he didn’t commit. She was sure that if they got out of this situation, he would be done with the investigation. But she wasn’t going to let him give up.

As long as he lived, she’d do everything she could to help her friend and clear his name.

She just hoped that the misunderstanding would be cleared up sooner rather than later. She laid her head down on the table and tried to focus on sunny sand and warm beaches. Anything was better than the cold, pitiless room.

Tribunal Chapter One

PRE-ORDER • AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 21ST AMAZON APPLE B & N KOBO GOOGLE CHAPTER ONEIsla

A blood-curdling scream rang through Isla’s house and she bolted from her bed. Not knowing what she’d find below, she picked up the baseball bat she kept next to the dresser and hurried downstairs.

“You’re that murderer,” she heard Desi say as she reached the bottom step.

She rounded the corner into the kitchen, where the two were in the middle of a standoff.

“No, I’m not,” said Milo, who was standing behind the refrigerator door as if it were enough to shield him from Desi.

“Isla! It’s that man,” she said, holding up her Stanley cup as if it were a weapon.

Isla hurried to get between them. “I know. I know. I told him he could stay. He’s my guest.”

“Who is she?” asked Milo.

“She’s my best friend, Desi, from next door.” Isla gave him an apologetic look as he relaxed.

“Would you put that thing down, Desi?” asked Milo, who stood shirtless, wearing nothing but his faded jeans. “She tried to hit me with it, which I’m pretty sure is not what the manufacturer intended.”

“Wait,” said Desi. “You two aren’t…” She gestured back and forth, looking at Isla as if she were the most irresponsible person in the world.

“No!” said Milo. “I was just coming down to grab a drink when she came in the back door and threatened me with bludgeoning.”

Desi gave Isla an apologetic look. “I just wanted to see if you had any of that good creamer. I wanted to add a little to my coffee.”

“You’ll need a whole cow for that cup,” Milo mumbled, regarding the size of her container.

“No,” she said, crinkling her nose at him. “Isla has this coconut stuff. It’s to die for.” She pulled her lips in tight as if she realized what she had said.

Isla reached around Milo for the creamer. “Here. You can take it home.” She was starting to regret giving Desi a key. “You really should have called first. I would have let you in.” She leaned the baseball bat against the counter. “And we could have avoided the confusion and threats of violence.”

Desi poured the creamer into her cup. “Well, imagine my shock when I saw him standing there digging in your fridge. The last time I saw him was on the local news, having been arrested.”

“Well, it’s fine, so that’s that.” Isla was glad to clear it up and didn’t want to go into his past. “You nearly scared me out of my skin with the screaming.”

Milo poured milk into a glass on the counter. “Is that the best weapon you could find in a pinch? What were you going to do with that thing? Get a homerun?”

“If I need to,” she said. “It’s the best I could do in a pinch. And I haven’t liked being here alone all night lately. So, I brought it out.”

Milo shook his head and chuckled. “Seriously, you should consider a firearm. Something small to fit your hand. A grown man like me could take that bat away from you and beat you with it.”

Desi’s eyes widened as she held on to her collar. “Um, Isla. Can I speak to you in private?”

The situation with Milo was clearly too much for her to handle.

Milo put the milk back in the fridge and shut the door. “I’ll just give you two a little time to talk.”

As he walked into the other room, Desi’s hand clamped down on Isla’s forearm. “Are you okay? He’s not forcing you to stay here, is he? Because I will help you make him leave.”

Isla walked over and started a pot of coffee. “No, he’s not holding me hostage, Desi. I invited him. He was going to stay at a hotel, but I told him that was ridiculous. I have enough room here, and frankly, I feel a lot safer having someone else in the house. It’s been creepy being here all alone. Thus, my slugger.” She gestured to the thing and realized how silly she must have looked.

“So, you invited an ex-con to stay with you? Yeah, that makes sense. You’ll be really safe.”

“He’s been proven innocent, Desi.” Isla thought Desi, of all people, would understand her desire to help. She had already explained how much getting him out of prison meant, and she wasn’t about to abandon him now.

“No, you got him off on a technicality. That’s not the same thing. You don’t know if he did it or not.”

“That technicality proved he wasn’t home when his wife was killed,” Isla clarified. “Look, Desi, I appreciate your caring, and I don’t mind you sneaking in to steal my creamer, but Milo is going to be here too. So, you should just get used to that. Besides, he doesn’t have anywhere else to go.”

Desi gave Isla a sideward look. “Um, yeah, he does. I’m pretty sure you bought his house. He can go there. All of his things are still there. He can dust them off and make himself right at home.”

“He doesn’t want to. There are too many painful memories there. And I can’t believe I didn’t even think of that. I feel bad.”

“Painful memories? You mean like the day he murdered his wife.” Desi closed the creamer and tossed the empty carton in the trash.

“He didn’t do it,” Isla stressed. “And stop saying that. Besides, I didn’t want him to go and stay in a hotel. It’s a waste.”

“That’s another thing that worries me. Are you sure he’s not just using you for your money?” Desi’s face was tight with concern. “I mean, he basically lost everything. God knows what a man like him would do if he’s desperate.”

Isla lowered her voice in case Milo could hear them in the next room. “He doesn’t know how much money I have, Desi. I don’t exactly go around advertising my situation.”

She lowered her voice to match Isla’s. “Well, good. Don’t. I’m really worried about you. I know you wanted to help him, but this is above and beyond if you ask me. Hell, that ship sailed when you bought his house.”

Isla gave her a sideward look. “We’ve been over this.”

“Okay, fine,” said Desi. “But still. I’m worried you’re inviting trouble into your house.”

“It’s fine,” Isla insisted.  

“You’re the best friend I have. And you are living with a man you don’t even know. What if he is dangerous, Isla? Maybe he didn’t kill his wife, but he could still be a dickhead. Lord knows, they’re everywhere these days.”

“Well, I kind of do know him. During the trial, they told us everything about his life.” She knew all about what he did before Nell’s death, and it wasn’t like he was the scourge of society. “He had a nice job and home and was ready to settle down and create a family. He’s a good man caught in a nightmare.”

“I still think it’s a mistake. I don’t want you to wake up one day and realize you regret it.”

That didn’t even seem possible to Isla. She smiled at Desi and shrugged. “It’s not forever. It’s just until he gets on his feet.”

“He looked perfectly fine on his feet while digging in the fridge,” said Desi. “And who drinks milk straight like that? Put some damn coffee in it at least.”

Isla grinned at her friend. “Now you’re just nitpicking.”

“Well, would it kill him to put on a shirt?” she grumbled. “Scratch that, you should have some benefits to him living here. At least he’s pretty to look at. He must have been working out in jail.”

“Maybe it’s all that milk.” Isla chuckled. “And it’s not like that.”

She watched the coffee start to fill the pot and took her mug from the cupboard.

“Do you mind if I have some?” Desi asked, bringing her massive tumbler closer.

“I thought you had coffee,” said Isla.

“No, I haven’t made any yet. I was going to make some here before Milo Ford scared the hell out of me.”

“So, you’re taking my creamer and now my coffee?”

She popped the lid off of her cup. “I’ll share the creamer.”

“Oh, so nice of you to share my creamer.” Isla grinned and rolled her eyes, enjoying teasing Desi.

Desi gave her a sly grin. “It’s really good. I’ll buy us some more.”

“I’m holding you to that,” said Isla.

“So, what are you going to do with a man living here?” Desi asked. “Is he going to find a job or something? Perhaps I can keep an eye out for him, just to get him out of here sooner.”

“Actually, we’re not looking for work.” Isla could already tell by the look on her face that she didn’t like the sound of that.

“We?”

Isla nodded. “For the moment.”

“Oh, right. How silly of me,” said Desi. “I forgot, you have money, a house, a car, and all the food he can eat. Why would he need a job? He can just mooch off you.”

“We’re not just settling in to play house and drink milk all day,” Isla said. “We’re going to be busy figuring out who killed his wife.”

Desi looked confused. “Won’t the cops do that now that he’s been proven innocent?”

“You’d think so, but no. The DA doesn’t like the taste of the egg on their faces, and they won’t admit they messed up with Milo, so the chances are slim. Unless something falls in their lap, they’ll just leave it as is.”

“That’s insane,” she said. “So, if he didn’t do it, and you say he didn’t, that would mean that there’s a killer on the loose in Daybrook.”

“Yes, there is.”

Desi shook her head. “That’s crazy.”

“I know. I thought so, too. That’s why we’re going to look into it. Everyone else refuses to.” Isla sighed, watching the coffee brew. “It’s funny. Growing up, I trusted that the police and the courts were keeping us safe. Then you deal with them and find out they’re just as human as the rest of us. They make mistakes sometimes and they can be petty and just plain bad at their jobs.”

Desi nodded. “I guess so, although it’s not a comforting thought.”

“Sometimes justice needs a helping hand,” Isla said. “Finding the truth is important to Milo and me. Maybe he’ll find the closure he needs so he can move on. Losing Nell has been very painful for him. And for me, this whole process has really opened my eyes to the flaws in our justice system.”

“I can’t imagine losing someone I love,” she said. “And then being accused of killing them?”

“People will always think he killed her unless we clear his name. So, if you could take it easy on him, I’d appreciate it.” She really wanted them to get along. “I still love our visits and don’t want you to be a stranger.”

“Fine, I’ll take it easy. And you don’t have to worry about me. I’m not going anywhere. Who else is going to look out for you?”

“Thanks. I appreciate it. I need all the friends I can get right now.”

Desi shook her head. “I mean, I’ll try. But I’m still not sure how you can close your eyes having someone like him here all night. He’s been in jail for a long time. I’ve seen Shawshank. It changes a man.”

“I think the county lockup was slightly more pleasant than Shawshank.” Isla knew playing nice would be tough for Desi, who loved to speak her mind. “Try harder for me.”

“Fine, but if I come over here to borrow creamer and find you dead one morning, I’m going to kill you.”

“You’re overreacting,” she said with a giggle. “Milo is no killer.”

“I stand by my opinion that you are jumping into this whole thing without thinking through the consequences. But I’ll ease up the best I can.” She poured some of the coconut coffee creamer into Isla’s coffee from her cup and filled the rest with coffee.

“Easy, there,” said Isla as she poured almost the entire pot. “I still have my bat.”

Desi laughed. “Hey, I’m taking it on the road. Besides, I have a long day ahead. Some of us still have to work for a living.”

“Good,” Isla said, smiling. “Then you can afford to stop by the store on your way home later and buy more.”

“Coffee and creamer. At the top of my list.” She gave Isla a wink and headed out.

When she was gone, Milo walked back into the kitchen, wearing a shirt this time. “Is the coast clear?”

Isla put her hand on her forehead and gave him an apologetic look. “Yeah, I’m so sorry about that. I should have warned you. I gave her a key when Aunt Delta passed away in case she needed anything while I was out. We kind of look in on each other.”

“And raid each other’s refrigerators?” Milo shook his head.

“No, just her.” Isla gave a soft chuckle. “She’s just worried about me. I hope you understand.”

“No, I get it.” He let out a long breath and his shoulders sagged. “Even though I’ve been set free, I got convicted. That’s the part people still remember. Once you’ve been labeled something as awful as a murderer, it’s hard to get past it.”

“Right. But you will. That’s what’s important now. We have to move forward. Both of us.”

He ran his hand through his hair. “Well, maybe I should do it somewhere else. Your friend is right to be worried. Any stigma I carry with me can bleed onto you. People may not like having a guy like me stay here in their neighborhood.”

“I don’t care what they think,” Isla said. “Most people are idiots. You’re not a danger to them, and they should all know me well enough to know that I wouldn’t put them or myself in any danger. It’s ridiculous. They can grow up. You’re not going anywhere.”

“You may not like the pushback you’ll get.” Milo shrugged. “I’m just warning you and leaving that on the table, just in case. I don’t mind going to find some other place if it gets to be too much. So, just let me know and I’m out.”

“Nonsense. Now, stop wasting time worrying about that. We have work to do.”

Milo shook his head. “I’m not even sure where to start.”

“I know just the place,” said Isla, leading him to the set of sliding doors in the foyer. She pushed them open and gestured to the dining room beyond. It was full of Aunt Delta’s things that she had been packing away since her death. And there was still a bit to do before she was done.

“What’s all of this?” he asked.

“It’s some of my aunt’s collectibles and china that I wanted to pack away for safekeeping. And now that you’re here, and well, we have a mission, I thought we could use this room for our mission control.”

“Mission control?” He cocked a brow and glanced at her.

“Base of operations?” she asked with a shrug. “I don’t know what to call it. It doesn’t matter. We can make it whatever we want. I just thought we could clean it out and use the table with our laptops to do some research.”

“No, I get it. I like the idea.” The corners of his mouth lifted, but he didn’t quite make a smile. “I just want to find out who killed my wife. And why.” He walked over and picked up one of the taped boxes. “So, are you going to tell me where to take this?”

“Upstairs to the attic,” she said. “We’ll have to crowd Aunt Delta’s room a bit, but I don’t think she’d mind. She would have been sitting right here at the table with us, trying to find the killer.”

As he walked out with the box, he stopped. “Thanks, Isla.”

Before she could respond, he walked to the stairs.

“You’re welcome,” she said, even though he was already gone.

Judgment Prologue

PRE-ORDER • AVAILABLE OCTOBER 31ST AMAZON APPLE B & N KOBO GOOGLE

PROLOGUE

Isla Perry walked into her great aunt’s darkened bedroom and pulled open the curtains to let in the warm glow of the late-day sun.

“It’s time to get up, lazy bones,” she said to Delta, whom she had taken care of for the past three years since the old woman had fallen frail. “You can’t sleep all afternoon, or you’ll never sleep tonight. And then you’ll be cranky.”

“I’m perfectly capable of being cranky after a full night’s rest,” she said in a soft, tinny voice. “I was just lying here in the dark, thinking about the war.”

“The war?” Isla asked.

Isla’s father’s aunt had somehow managed to outlive most of her family, including Isla’s own father, who had died when she was in her first year of college. The old woman was in her late eighties and had been born during World War II, but she had experienced many wars in her lifetime. Each one represented a different and specific time in her long life.

So, there was just one more question to ask her.

“Which war?”

“World War II,” Delta said. “I was raised in London during the blitz. The darkness in here just before you came in reminded me of the war.”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand the parallel,” said Isla. “Do you mean it was a dark time?”

Aunt Delta sat up on the side of her bed and raked her long gray hair up in her clip. “I was only four when the war started. And when I was around six years old, we had to black out the house at night because of the threat of air raids. You couldn’t even strike a match in that kind of darkness without risking death. Even a small light could be seen from miles away.”

“You must have been terrified.”

Delta nodded. “We kids were all afraid, but my father really helped us understand. I remember him sitting us down and telling us that the dark would make us safe, and not to be afraid because he and my mother would still be there with us. No matter what. And so, growing up in the pitch dark made me feel comforted somehow.”

“Pitch darkness? Do you mean you couldn’t see anything?” Isla couldn’t imagine living like that. She always needed to know what was going on around her.

“Barely anything, and that’s only if your eyes adjusted. But we couldn’t light a candle or anything for fear that it would show, and that was with the blackout curtains.”

Isla shook her head. “What if you had to go to the bathroom?”

“We had chamber pots back then. No indoor plumbing where I lived.”

“No indoor plumbing at all?” Isla grimaced.

“It’s amazing what you can endure when the alternative is bombs dropping on your head.” Delta shrugged her thin shoulders. “Sometimes life will test you. You won’t want it and you won’t be ready for it but it will happen anyway. All you can do is try to make it through to the other side.”

“You survived well enough,” Isla said.

“I did my best.”

“I doubt I would have fared as well as you,” Isla said, leaning against the wall by the window. “I was always afraid of the dark as a kid. Even now in my twenties, I’m not a huge fan.”

Delta chuckled. “It wasn’t just me standing bravely against the Nazi bombs. My father’s presence made me feel safe. And when I find myself in the dark, I can pretend that he’s still just across the room, rolling a late-night cigarette that he won’t be allowed to light.”

“That’s sweet,” Isla said. “For the record, your presence makes me feel the same way. I’m lucky to know you. You’ve taught me so much.”

“Well, let’s hope I’m not going to be done teaching you anytime soon.” She almost sounded offended, as if Isla was suggesting she wouldn’t be around much longer. The truth was, with some of her family living into their hundreds, she wasn’t giving up on life before her time.

“Oh, I hope not.” Isla couldn’t imagine a world without her in it. There was a warmth to the woman that she had missed from her own mother, who had decided motherhood wasn’t for her. She had disappeared years ago and Isla had no idea where she was.

“Did you get the mail?” asked Aunt Delta, looking over at the table next to her chair.

“No, I’ll go right now. Maybe you’ll finally get your magazines today.”

Delta waved her hand dismissively. “If I don’t, I’m canceling those subscriptions. This is two weeks late at this point. Everything will be out of style, out of the news, and old hat by the time I get them. I don’t know why I bother.”

“Do you want me to get the mail before or after I help you into your chair?” Isla liked to help her as much as she could, even though the woman was still getting around fairly well for her age.

Delta held out a hand. “Help me up so I can go to the toilet. Then you can run and get it. I have a feeling I’m going to need a minute.” She reached for her crossword puzzle and pen. “I’m an eleven-letter word for clogged up.”

“Constipated?” Isla said, cracking a smile.

“There’s my clever girl.”

Delta wasn’t one to beat around the bush and was prone to telling it like it was. And Isla admired that about her.

She had offered her the opportunity to come and live with her and be a live-in assistant of sorts just out of college a few years ago. Even though Aunt Delta had a nurse who would come in now and then to check on her medically, Isla was her aunt’s caregiver and the only person she trusted with her personal affairs.

Among the usual duties of making sure she was fed and the mail wasn’t piling up outside the door, Isla cleaned the house, paid bills, and did anything that Delta needed her to do.

She helped Delta up and walked her to the restroom door. And when she made sure she was safe and situated, she went to go get the mail. “I’ll be right back.”

“Take your time.”

Isla stepped outside on the porch, feeling the cool March breeze blowing through her wavy brown hair, and spotted her neighbor, Desi Sawyer, arriving home from work in her little blue hybrid.

Isla waved to her and walked out to the mailbox.

Desi got out of her car, looking frazzled as usual, and called out to her. “Having a good one?” she asked, waving.

“Can’t complain. You?” Isla pulled out the stack of mail, including two of the long-awaited magazines, and tucked them under her arm. Aunt Delta would be pleased.

“I’m good,” said Desi, who met her on her way back to the porch. “How’s Delta? I’ve missed our morning coffees, but this is just such a busy time at work. People have been sick and I’m covering their listings.”

“Are you showing a lot of houses?”

“Too dang many, and doing open houses. Those are fun to set up, but I’ve done five this week with everyone out. And since I’m picking up the slack, I won’t even make a full commission.” Desi took a deep breath. “Sorry to dump all that on you. It’s just been a lot.”

“You’re nice to help out,” Isla said. “My aunt is good, by the way. She’ll be glad her magazines arrived.” She shifted the small stack of mail, and Desi, noticing it, made a face.

“Oh wow, is that for jury duty?” she asked, gesturing to the stack as she stepped closer.

Isla looked at the yellow notice. Printed in bold letters were the words Jury Summons. “Oh no, looks like it.” She hadn’t ever gotten one of those before.

“For you or Delta?” Desi asked as Isla flipped the notice over.

She read her name on the front label. “It’s for me.”

Desi grinned. “Well, you’re in luck. You take care of Delta for a living. That’s your out. You’re all set.”

“What do you mean?” Isla asked. “My out? People who work full-time do jury duty every day.”

“Right, but you can get excused if you have a good reason. Being a caregiver is an excusable reason. Call the office and talk to someone. You’ll be home free.” Her phone rang in her handbag. “Oh shoot. That’s my boss, Isla. I’ll catch up with you later.”

As Desi hurried away, Isla went into her aunt’s small wood-framed house and headed back to the bedroom, only to find Delta had already made her way across the hardwoods to her chair where she was changing channels on her big screen across the room.

“I would have helped you,” said Isla.

“I know. But I was done, and I wanted my chair.”

Isla frowned. “I would have hurried, but you said you needed a minute.”

“Yeah, it goes quick when nothing happens,” she said. “So, I got up and came back in here. It’s not like I ran or did flips on the way.”

“Are you alright, though?” she asked.

“Yeah, honey. I’m good. That happens at my age. Nothing ever works the way it should. You make sure to eat a lot of fiber in your diet. You’ll thank me when you’re my age.”

“I hope I make it to your age,” she said. “I’ll probably die of boredom by then.”

“You’ll be fine. You just need to get out more. You’ve barely learned your way around Daybrook.”

“I know my way around. This town is asleep at night.”

“Well, if you would go to church, you’d be in the loop,” Delta said. “It’s a social little town if you put yourself out there.”

“I will. In time. But church socials aren’t for me.” She went to her aunt’s church solely to take her. And the cliquish people she met there, she had no care for.

Delta shook her head. “That’s your loss. Now, hand me my mail. I can see my magazines finally came in. They must have heard me say I was going to cancel. If I had known that would work, I would have said it days ago.”

“You did say it days ago, Aunt Delta.” She hoped her memory wasn’t failing her. So far, she had been sharp as a tack.

“Yeah, you’re right. I did. I guess I don’t have that kind of power after all. Thanks for the reminder.”

Isla shook her head and smiled as she reached for the notice. “This one is mine. It’s a jury summons.”

Aunt Delta nodded. “Yeah, I’d recognize that anywhere. You’re very honored, I’m sure.” She gave her a sideward look. “Aren’t you?” She looked as if she expected her to be beaming with pride and happiness.

“Honored? I’m not even sure I’m going to do it.” Isla figured she’d call and get excused.

“Oh no, you don’t. Of course, you’re going. You know, I used to work in the courts as a clerk back in my thirties. That’s where I met Godfrey. He was an attorney and so dapper. He used to give me flirty looks during court. One day, he asked me to go out for coffee. I told him I’d take a milkshake instead. Turns out, he hated coffee, too. We hit it off after that.”

“But you do drink coffee, Aunt Delta.”

“Well, that came with age. Someone told me it would make me regular. Liars.”

“Well, you have a sweet story anyway. I just don’t know if it’s for me.”

“Coffee?” asked Delta, looking confused.

“No, jury duty.” Isla could tell the woman was messing with her.

“Sure, it is,” she said. “It’s your civic duty. Women in this state couldn’t serve on a jury until 1955. Don’t take that right for granted.”

“That can’t be right,” Isla said, furrowing her brow. “1955?”

“Crazy, isn’t it? I was older than you by the time it was legal for me to have a bank account.” Delta shook her head. “My point is, enjoy being able to participate in society like this. Most women haven’t had the same opportunity.”

“Well, when you put it like that, all my arguments just sound petty,” Isla said, her shoulders slumping.

“And you just might enjoy it,” Delta added. “You sure love watching trials with me and giving your opinions. It’s the same thing.”

“That’s way different.” Isla shook her head. “Those are interesting trials. It’s not boring local stuff like which cow crapped on the wrong side of the fence.”

Delta laughed. “Marcus and Henry are still arguing about that. But it didn’t actually make it to court.”

“I’m just saying, nothing interesting ever happens in Daybrook. I’m surprised they have anything to send to trial in the first place.” Isla picked listlessly at a loose thread on her jeans.

Daybrook was a small country town that had enough revivals through the years to keep it alive, and through that time, it had managed to keep its antiquated charm.

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Delta said, her eyes shining. “That really sad case is coming up. Maybe it’s that one.”

“Which sad one?” Isla asked, yanking at the thread.

“The nice young man who killed his wife.” Delta held up her palms. “Allegedly.”

“I haven’t heard about anything like that,” Isla said, looking horrified. “When was that? It must have been way before I was around.”

“Two or three years ago. That’s when you were still in school. I remember it happened back when you were just finishing up and taking your finals. I didn’t want to bother you with it. Such a tragedy.”

“Well, thank you for sparing me the gory details,” Isla said, nodding. “I was fighting like hell to finish up my degree.”

“A lot of good it did. You’re stuck working for an old gal like me.” Delta’s expression clouded over.

“I’m right where I’m supposed to be,” Isla said. “My degree isn’t going anywhere while I’m here.”

“And I won’t always be here. That’s for sure.” Aunt Delta let out a soft chuckle.

“So, what happened with this murder case?” Isla found herself curious.

“Oh no. I’m not telling you anything else, and don’t you try to find out. You might be called to that one. And I don’t want you to miss out because you know too much.”

“You’re no fun.”

“And stay off your phone,” Delta said. “You don’t want to have to recuse yourself. Then you’ll end up on some bull shit case, literally. You don’t want to miss out.”

“Miss out? You make it sound fun.” She couldn’t see it being that interesting.

But Aunt Delta had a different opinion. “It can be. When it’s a case that matters.”

“Well, I wouldn’t get too excited. I’ll get the boring case.”

“Well, we’ll see. Anyway, I think you should go. It’s a great honor to serve your community in that way.”

“Right,” she said. “Most people try to get out of it.”

“Well, you’re not most people, that’s for sure. You’re special, Isla. You should go.”

“But who will look after you? Desi said I could get out of it if I told them that I was a caregiver. That’s probably for the best.”

“You can get out of it,” she said. “But why would you? I don’t want to be your excuse to say no. Besides, you need to take a little break from this place and from me. I’ll have Mavis check in on me. It’s not for a long time. Maybe two weeks tops. Those trials don’t last forever.”

She held her tongue from saying neither do you and sighed. “Two weeks with Mavis, and you’ll be in quite the mood when I get back.”

“If it’s televised, I’m going to watch it, and we’ll have a lot to talk about when it’s over. Mavis won’t have to stay all night. Unless you’re sequestered, of course.”

“Sequestered?” Isla narrowed her eyes. “What does that mean?”

“They’ll make you stay in a hotel away from everyone.”

“Huh? They’ll make me?”

“Yes, the court orders you to be sequestered when there is a big trial. If they think the public attention could affect your deliberations. Anyway, I wouldn’t worry about that. It doesn’t happen that often.”

“But it does happen?”

“Sometimes. But again, not a big deal. Mavis would be glad to look after me.”

“And who is going to look after Mavis?” Isla asked. Mavis was in her late seventies and was one of her long-time friends from church.

“We’ll be fine. You know, back when I worked as a court clerk, I got to see all of the big trials.”

“I remember you telling me that’s why you watch so many trials now.”

“Well, being in the courtroom is much different than watching it on television. These old screens are fine, but you can’t really capture the feel of it all. This is life and death. The stakes are never higher for some people.”

“I’m not sure I’ll know what to do.”

“Sure, you will. You’ll have instructions, and the best advice I can give you is to listen to the evidence, take a few notes when you think something matters, and use your best judgment. But most of all, be fair and stick to your own beliefs. Don’t be swayed by others and what they think.”

“You’re talking as if I’m already chosen. They might not even pick me.”

“I don’t know,” she said, beaming ear to ear. “I think you’ll make a perfect juror. You’re going to love it.”

“I sure hope so,” she said.

Whisper of Death Prologue

PRE-ORDER • AVAILABLE OCTOBER 10TH AMAZON APPLE B & N KOBO GOOGLE

PROLOGUE

As Grace and Ken hiked down the trail at Cliffside Park, she still couldn’t believe she was married to such an amazing man. Like most little girls, she had always wanted to find the man of her dreams, fall in love, and have everything she had ever hoped for in life, including a different last name.

When she first met Ken Bradley, he seemed way out of her league. He was smart, wealthy, with a successful career, and handsome. He was the kind of man she had always deemed out of reach, who made her feel beautiful and loved as she had never felt love before. How could a man as wonderful as him even exist? Before Ken, she thought it was just a fantasy like a fairytale prince who was the white knight who came to save her life.

For as long as she cared to remember, Grace had been alone. Her own mother had given her up at the age of ten after telling her she was better off in foster care than on the streets with her, and sadly, she agreed.

After that, she was placed in a group home with nine other girls, and even in that environment, she didn’t have many friends. Most of the girls found her to be too different, too ugly, too annoying for one reason or another. And if they couldn’t find a reason, they were happy to make one up.

Being Grace Monceaux for most of her life wasn’t fun. But Grace Monceaux was no more. And the days of being bullied were over.

She had grown up, changed, and found her prince who came in and swept her off her feet and gave her his name. And she hadn’t been able to wait until it was time to change it legally. She was Mrs. Grace Bradley now.

“What are you thinking?” he asked, giving her his handsome grin as they made their way up the trail. Her calves were burning from the walk, but his smile made it worth it.

“I was just thinking how amazing my life is now. Now that I’m Mrs. Kenneth Bradley.” She did a little spin, looking at him in the process. She felt free and happy, unlike any other time in her life. For once, she felt safe.

“Well, I’m just glad that you felt I was worthy enough to marry. I never thought I’d meet a woman like you, Grace. You’re beautiful, smart, and one of the most incredible women I’ve ever met.”

Grace grinned ear to ear. “You say the sweetest things. Promise me when we’re old and gray you’ll still say them. If you knew me growing up, you might not think that at all.”

“Give me more credit than that, would you? I know the qualities you have, and anyone who thinks less of you isn’t right. And they aren’t worth the time of day.”

He had always made her feel important when everyone else in her life made her feel small and insignificant. She had gotten it from teachers and peers. She had gotten it from her own mother.

Grace decided not to dwell there too long.

“How long is this trail?” she asked. “When can we go back to the camp?”

He chuckled. “You wanted to see why they called it Cliffside Park. I’m about to show you.”

“I just hope my feet can hold out,” she said. “I think I should have bought a new pair of hiking boots. These sneakers are not good enough on this rocky terrain.”

“The problem with new hiking boots is you still have to break them in. But don’t worry, my love. If you get too tired, I’ll carry you.” He flashed that amazing grin that made his eyes sparkle.

“You’re going to regret that offer,” she said with a laugh. “But seriously, where are we going? I feel like I’m so high up I’m going to get a nose bleed.”

“You’re fine,” he said, chuckling. “Just trust me. You’ll love it. It’s the best part of this whole place. You won’t want to miss it.”

“I guess it’s a good thing we have those insurance policies. If something happens to us out here, we may get lost and die of hypothermia.” She looked around and shivered.

“You watch too much television,” he said, rolling his eyes. “We’re on a well-marked trail.”

Being overly cautious was part of her personality. She had always seen the danger in everything, but that was bound to happen when you lived on the streets with your addict mother for half of your childhood.

“Actually,” she explained. “My mother almost died of hypothermia. I had to call for help. She was high, passed out in the alley where we were sleeping in a friend’s car. She never came back that night, so I went out to find her.”

“That’s terrible,” he said. “Some of the stories you tell me.” He shook his head as if he didn’t want to hear it, but somehow, she just couldn’t stop telling it.

“Yeah, I know. When I found her, I couldn’t get her warm. I thought she was dead. Her lips were so blue. They said she was outside too long, and I didn’t even understand that. That’s about all I remember. But I know she would have died if I hadn’t found her. After that, she said I’d be better off if I had let her die. She was actually angry with me for getting her help. She said she’d rather be dead than look at me another day. She always said I looked like my father. I guess I was a terrible reminder for her.”

“Well,” said Ken. “You are way past that. You’re my wife now, and we’re going to have the best life. You really showed her. You got out, and she didn’t.”

Grace chuckled, despite not knowing where her mother ended up. “I do wish she could see me now. But in some strange way, I feel I owe her a thank you.”

“Thank you? Really?” He looked appalled, so she decided to explain.

“Yeah,” she said. “I really mean it. She has shown me that life is not always what we expect, and she’s taught me to stay away from drugs.”

“Most kids of addicts become addicts. You should be proud of yourself.”

She reached for him and squeezed his shoulder. “The only thing I’m addicted to is you,” she said. “So, if that’s a crime, arrest me.”

“Well, I guess it’s good you don’t hold a grudge. Most kids would of their parents.”

“It’s hard at times not to,” said Grace. “But I did have a much better life away from her. And everything that happened led me to you.”

“Well, that’s the most important part,” he said.

“Are we there yet?” she asked, giving an exhausted giggle.

“Almost. It’s just up around the corner.”

“It’s not going to be some tall cliff, is it? You know I don’t feel good with heights.” Her mother had forced her to sit outside on a rickety old balcony eight stories tall while she and her boyfriend did unspeakable things in the next room. She hadn’t liked heights since. But she figured one sad story was enough for the day.

“You should consider it a test,” he said. “Test your fears to beat them.”

“A test? I didn’t realize a quiz was involved.”

“It’s not, but if you trust me, you’ll trust that I have you, and I’ll take care of you.”

“Of course, I trust that,” she said. “You’re a sweetheart. I know you’d never hurt me.”

“Good. So, just enjoy it. Live in the moment. For once in your life, be free.”

No sooner than he said that, the woods opened up to the rocky cliffs that stood tall on each side of the river. The water rushed past the rocks, and she was so high up she could see where the water looked still and peaceful in the distance.

“How does it look that way over there?” she asked, pointing to where the water was clear and flat like a sheet of glass. “Meanwhile, there’s chaos around the corner.” She looked to the left, where the water was running through a rapid.

“Ah, but that’s the trick, you see. The water isn’t still,” he said. “It only looks that way on the surface. But way deep, underneath, it’s raging. It’s waiting for the moment it’s true self can come to the surface.” There was a smile and a gleam in his eyes that gave her chills. He was such a mysterious man when he wanted to be, and that was proof of how exciting their lives were going to be together.

Her own eyes widened with excitement to match his. “That’s wild.” It reminded her of herself. Her whole life, she had been waiting to show who she really was.

“Come on,” he said, taking her hand. “Follow me.”

“Where are we going?” she asked. “I’m not comfortable going too much closer, Ken.” As it stood, she was a good fifteen feet from the edge. “This is far enough.”

“Come on, Grace. Let’s go stand on the edge. It’s flat there. People do it all the time. That’s what the park is for, isn’t it? It’s for people to come up here and see the majesty of nature.”

“Crazy people, maybe. I can see how majestic nature is from right here.”

“Don’t you trust me?” He gave her a look that almost made her feel as if he was deeply wounded.

“Of course I trust you.” She didn’t want him to ever feel bad. Or to think less of her.

“Then what are you waiting for? Let’s go.” He gave her a broad grin and chuckled. “You’re scared.”

“I just don’t want my wedding day to become my funeral,” she said. “Come on, let’s not.”

“Don’t be afraid,” he said, offering his hand. “Trust me. I’ve got you. I’ve always got you.”

“Are you sure people do it all the time?” She couldn’t imagine anyone in their right mind standing there on the edge of nothingness, one step from oblivion.

“Oh, it’s in a ton of photographs from the travel guide. They have had other couples up here to take wedding photos. Could you imagine being up here in a gown and tux?”

“That’s crazy,” she said. “I could never make this hike in my dress. It would get ruined.”

“Well, the view from up here is the biggest feature of this park, which you agreed to come to, by the way. I mean, sure, I wanted to come too, but it’s all you talked about.”

“You made it sound so amazing,” she said. “And you didn’t lie.”

“It is amazing. And this is the best part. Come on. You’ve lived your whole life missing out, Grace. It’s time you step into the spotlight as my wife and get used to doing things you want to do. The world is yours.”

She stepped a bit closer, still unable to see straight down but able to see the rapids below on the other side, crashing and chaotic. They made her want to see the still part again. “I feel I might be dizzy if I look down.”

“So don’t,” he said, pulling her closer. Before she knew it, he spun her around and kissed her face.

No one had ever kissed her the way he always did. It was like she was his beloved. And no one had ever been so obsessed with her as he was.

The kiss broke, and he took her hand. “Come on, I’ve got you, Grace. And no one is ever going to hurt you again. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“I love you,” she said.

“I love you too. That’s why I married you. And we’re going to have so many years together, doing this kind of stuff. Living our way. No one can stop us.”

The pep talk made her swell with pride. How could she deserve this love? It was too good to be true. But it was real this time, somehow.

“Okay, come on,” she said, feeling a bit daring. “Let’s get closer.”

He was right. She had to break out of her shell and live her life. People and circumstances had kept her from living life to its fullest before. But she was done with bullies. She was done with people making her feel small.

“That’s my girl,” he said. “You have to see below. It’s amazing.” He stretched out his arm to gesture below, where the waves crashed against the tall cliff where they stood.

She could see everything from there, like the whole world was on display in front of her, and it truly was a sight to behold. And instead of feeling insignificant against the power of nature, she felt invigorated by it as if she herself were a part of its majesty.

She looked over the edge in the distance to her left. There was a woman who looked so small next to the water below them, where the river stopped at a small pebbly bank. Grace knew if she waved at her, the woman would never see it.

She was just about to point her out to Ken when he pulled her back into a tight embrace. He moved so quickly that her arms were pinned at her sides.

“Ken!”

“I’ve got you,” he said. “My girl.”

And suddenly, they were the only two people in the world again. Her head swooned as her body recognized the crushing pressure he had on her. “I can’t breathe,” she said. “You’re holding me so tight I think I’m going to melt right into you if I don’t pass out first.” She was good with that, too. The way he made her feel when they were close was something she had never felt worthy of with anyone else.

“What’s that thing about us becoming one?” he asked. “Is this how we make that happen?”

“I don’t think this is what they had in mind,” she said. “But if you keep squeezing me, we’ll put that theory to the test.”

“Wouldn’t that be fun?” he asked. “Don’t you feel like you’re on the edge of the world right now? It’s like we’re standing on the border of life and death in a place where anything is possible. That’s what living is, Grace. It’s knowing that we have to make the most of things because life is too short and precious.”

The way he whispered the words in her ear made her feel almost naughty. She felt as if she had some special power that only he could understand.

And when he brought his lips against hers, crushing them with a fierce passion, she felt as if she might just explode with happiness. Joy was a wonderful emotion she had missed out on for too many years.

Just when she thought he was about to pull away from her, she felt the push against her body. And before she could reach for him to steady herself, he stumbled backward and she was on the edge of the cliff.

And sadly, she had no sure footing. And scrambling only made it worse.

As she went down screaming, she flailed her arms for anything she could reach, but there was nothing. Realizing what would happen, she watched as he watched her fall. There was nothing he would do to save her. The smile of satisfaction on his face said it all.

She’d seen that smile before.

Just like those bullies in school, he had tricked her. But somehow, she realized in that short time that he was worse. At least those bullies had let her know who they were.

Ken? She had never seen him coming.

In her last moment, she closed her eyes and hoped it would be over soon as her body crashed into the violent waters.

It was the only wish in her life that had ever come true.

Murderous Minds Prologue

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY • AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 19TH AMAZON APPLE B & N KOBO GOOGLE

PROLOGUE

Katie held on to the side of the pontoon boat and looked into the dark water of Silver Lake. “Should we be swimming here?” she asked. “It’s really deep, and it’s not a designated area. I don’t know about this, Douglas.”

They had already passed several places to swim that were overrun with families and children splashing in the water with oversized floaties, but out where they ended up, they were all alone.

Douglas, who had suggested going in when she revealed her bikini, gave her a sideward look. “You’re no fun. Of course, it’s deep. You know how to tread water, don’t you?”

He made it sound like no big deal, as if she were the only one holding back, which was how she usually felt.

“Yeah, but I don’t swim in water like this.” She had gone swimming in the lake a few times but only where everyone else was. “I think they don’t want people swimming here anyway. That’s why they have designated places with signs and stuff.”

“Well, you’ve never lived until you break a few rules,” he said, giving her a big grin. “What’s this weekend about?”

Katie sighed as she rolled her eyes. “I know. You want me to experience things I’ve never experienced before. But this? It’s something I’d rather pass on. I mean, I’ll go in where it’s designated. God only knows what’s down there.”

“Same thing that’s in the designated areas. Frightened fish and lake water.” Douglas shook his head. “Just humor me. I’ll be right with you. You’ll see. You’ll be fine.”

Katie looked around at the deep, still water. They were at least forty feet from the shore, and she didn’t feel confident that if anything happened, she’d be able to swim that far.

“Just play with me a bit,” he said. “I think it would be fun. Don’t you trust me?”

“I do, but I’m not getting in that water,” she said, shaking her head as she put her foot down. Douglas had come into her life and made a lot of changes, but he hadn’t managed to make her lose her mind or her common sense. “Let’s just take a nice boat ride.”

“Fine, you don’t want to have any fun. I’m going in without you.” He stood up and shrugged out of his life vest. Then he kicked off his flip-flops and placed his hat with them.

Before Katie could tell him not to, he was already standing in the boat he had rented for the day, ready to jump.

“Don’t,” she said, knowing she’d be hard-pressed to help him if he got in trouble.

“Relax. Nothing is going to happen.” Douglas jumped into the water, and when he came up, he was doing a backstroke, smiling up at her. “See! The water is amazing.”

He laughed happily, and it tickled her ears. It made her want to be happy, too. He had a way of drawing her in. No one else in her life had ever been able to do that. Not even her ex-husband.

“Come on,” he said. “Do it for me. You know I won’t let anything happen. I love you.”

She wasn’t going to fall for it that easily. “You’re just saying that because you want me to come in.”

“Fine,” he said. “Don’t come in. Don’t trust me. I’m not trying to convince you. I just think you’re missing out. You do that too much.”

He swam away from the boat. The look on his face was so peaceful and relaxed that she wished she could join him. But she didn’t like the deep water. She had never been much of a swimmer and didn’t even want to get too close to the edge of the boat in case she fell in.

Fear held her back from so many things in her life and she hated that about herself. Because of it, she held so much guilt inside she was afraid it would pull her under. It would be nice to swim as confidently as he did. So free.

“One last chance,” he said.

“It does look nice.” And he looked nice, too. He was nothing like her ex, who had broken every ounce of her confidence. He was the one who had never had any understanding for her, not Douglas.

“People swim in this water all the time, honey. You’ll love it. You should know by now you can trust me.”

“Fine,” she said. “I’ll come in. But just for a minute, and no horsing around. I’m not comfortable.”

“You’ll be fine,” he said. “I’ll stay close. I’ll hold on to you.”

Katie took a deep breath and got up. She walked to the edge of the boat and felt it tilt a bit under her feet. “Oh no,” she said, trying to keep her balance.

“Don’t hesitate!” he said. “Fortune favors the bold!”

Katie jumped into the water and quickly paddled her feet and hands until she came back to the surface. “I’m not sure I can stay up,” she said, struggling to tread water. “Douglas!” Her arms were already beginning to tire.

“Just keep paddling. You’re fine. I’ll hold you.” He reached for her and pulled her closer. “There. That’s better. Isn’t this water amazing?”

“It’s scary. I want to go back into the boat.”

“Just stay with me a minute.”

“I’m scared.”

“I’ve got you. You trust me, don’t you?”

“Of course. I just don’t want something to happen.”

“What could happen?”

“I don’t know.” She hadn’t realized how much work it would be to keep her head above water. It was as if she was using every muscle in her body to stay afloat. “I’m getting tired.”

“Just relax,” he said. “Don’t fight it and you’ll enjoy it. Each moment of our lives is to be savored, Katie. You never know when it will be your last. Do you want to go out in fear? Or smiling?”

Something about the way he looked at her, the pitch in his voice, made her feel uneasy. It was like those words brought reality to her instead of making her feel at ease. “I want to go back.” She pulled away from him and was determined to get to the ladder on the boat that was just a couple of feet away.

“Hold up,” he said. “Don’t give up so fast.”

“I said I want to go back to the boat. I’m done. I’m getting tired. And this is freaking me out.” She had always listened to her instincts, and something was seriously wrong. She didn’t know what or why, but it had hit her like a heavy weight, and she didn’t want it to pull her under.

“You’re overreacting,” he said, following her to the boat.

“I’m just tired already,” she said.

“You’re not angry, are you?” He looked so upset, as if no one had never been angry with him before. “We’ll go look for rocks again if you want.”

“I don’t want to look for rocks again.” He had already found a nice one to take home. And she hadn’t had nearly as much fun doing that as he had. “You’re just pushing a little too hard. Just give me space to be me, okay?”

“I’m only pushing you because I want you to come out of your shell, Katie. You’re the one who asked me to help you be open and free in life. And this is the way.”

She reached the ladder and gripped it tight as she pulled herself up. Feeling the solid step under her feet made her feel safer. Once she was in the boat, she realized her whole body felt heavy, as if she couldn’t jump up and down if her life depended on it.

“Are you coming back in the boat now?” she asked, hoping this little detour of their day was over. She didn’t even have a towel to dry off but knew the sun and wind would give her kindness.

“Yeah, I’m coming,” he said, sounding disappointed. She hoped it wouldn’t indicate his mood for the day. He could be quite moody when he didn’t get his way.

She sat down in her place in the center front of the boat and waited for him, knowing he was upset with her. She wasn’t sure how the rest of the day would go, but she was sure that they would have to talk about it later. He always liked to talk about things, including her feelings, and sometimes he asked so many questions about her emotions it made her feel like a science experiment, or perhaps just a case study.

“Let’s get some food,” she suggested, hoping to change the subject.

“Yeah, sure,” he said, not looking at her. He didn’t sound as interested as she thought he would be. Neither of them had eaten anything since the day before.

“Aren’t you hungry?” she asked. “We skipped breakfast. I’m starving.”

“Yeah, I said it’s fine. We’ll get something. Just give me a second.” He smiled at her and picked up his shoes. “Here, will you get these wet to cool them off? They’re hot from the sun.”

“Sure,” she said, reaching for them. “But if I go over, you come in after me. The last thing I want is to go back into that water.”

“Sure,” he said. “I’ll come after you.”

She reached down and dipped the shoes in the water, hoping they’d cool off. The sooner they left the area, the better she would feel. Of all the places on the lake, he had chosen the most secluded and not for the reasons she had first suspected.

Katie turned to hand the shoes back to him and looked up just in time to see Douglas swing the heavy rock at her face. As her heart nearly shot out of her chest with fear, he made contact, sending a sharp pain to her forehead.

It knocked her for a loop, and she fell to the edge of the boat, the world fading in and out.

“Dammit,” he said, grabbing her by the back of the shirt. “I wanted one good blow. Hold still. Let’s do this right this time.”

“No,” she managed to squeak out as he raised the large rock that she had picked out for him from the shore, but she was unable to get away. Everything happened in a matter of seconds as if it had been planned all along.

As the rock came down hard and fast, it struck her again. This time, there was a lot more blood.

“Shit!” He pushed her into the water, and Katie had no choice as it swallowed her up.

This is it, she thought. The water will take me just like I was afraid of.

To her surprise, her body floated and she bobbed back up to the surface, sputtering and dragging in greedy breaths. The world still flashed in her vision, dimming and brightening as her brain fought to stay conscious. 

She rolled over onto her back, looking up at the bluest sky she had ever seen. Had it always been so pretty? A puffy white cloud hung over her and she wished she could join it. Anything to take her away from this pain.

But he didn’t let her go easily. “Katie, I never knew you were so hard-headed. I would have gotten a bigger rock.”

The next thing she knew, he came into the water and gathered her close to his front. Her instinct was to kick and scream, but her limbs wouldn’t respond. Helpless, all she could do was fight for her next breath.

She wasn’t sure she was breathing at all. Was she drowning? The water splashed up over her mouth and nose several times as the blood continued to flow from her head.

“I told you the water was nice, didn’t I? I’ve been right all along. You’re a mess. It’s better this way. I wanted to make it quick, I promise. But you are never easy, are you?”

She wanted to ask him why. What had she done to deserve this? Had she been so terrible to him that she’d earned a death sentence? It never occurred to her that some people were just born rotten.

“Close your eyes, my love,” he said, forcing her mouth and nose under the water. “It’s almost over.”

He was in control, and this had been his plan all along, she realized through the black fog in her brain. The whole day out was designed for this moment, and the life insurance policy she had signed would make sure that he was set for the rest of his life.

“Help!” he called out. “Somebody help us!”

But she knew it wasn’t for her. There was no help for her.

As her body went cold, she began to shiver. It reminded her of the day her daughter was born. Knowing the end was coming, she thought of her daughter’s little face. So cheerful and happy. She had always been her pride and joy, no matter what had happened. The smile was one thing she would take with her.

The one thing Douglas couldn’t take from her as her spirit floated up into the clouds.

 

 

THE DEVIL’S TRAIL PROLOGUE

/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 05-08-2024 */.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}PRE-ORDER • AVAILABLE AUGUST 29TH AMAZON APPLE B & N KOBO GOOGLE /*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 05-08-2024 */.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}

PROLOGUE

Greg Anderson sat at Shooter’s Bar, sipping his drink and watching the billiards game in the back, and he thought back to everything that had brought him to that moment.

It had been just over a month earlier when he met the man, Sam, who had called his office earlier in the day and asked to meet him there for a drink. He wasn’t sure what he wanted, but maybe he had decided to buy an insurance policy with Langley after all.

In some ways, it didn’t seem that long ago that they had met, while in others, it seemed like even longer. Not only had his life changed drastically with the sudden passing of his wife, but it had all happened so unexpectedly that he hadn’t had a chance to really process everything. Now he was back to work and ready to sell policies whenever and however he could.

When Sam walked into the bar, Greg noticed his approach in the mirror reflecting behind the bar. He came over and sat right next to him. “How are you, old friend?”

The old friend comment took him a bit off guard, but Greg felt it might be easier to sell him more insurance if he played along. “I’m alright,” he said, thinking about their previous conversation. “So much has happened since I last talked to you. I lost my wife a few weeks back.”

“Oh, I know,” he said, looking really pleased with himself. “And you’re welcome.”

Greg barely let those words sink in when he realized there was something off about them. “I’m sorry?”

Sam leaned in closer and whispered, “I said you’re welcome.”

Greg didn’t understand what was happening. But the discomfort it brought him was immediate. “I’m not quite sure I understand the joke,” he said when the man chuckled at his confused expression.

The bartender approached, and Sam called out his order while Greg sat waiting for his response.

The man’s smile broadened as the bartender walked away. Sam turned his attention back to him with the same shit-eating grin. “You and I had a deal, didn’t we? I told you I’d take care of it.”

“Take care of what? My wife?” Greg felt his blood pressure soaring as the man gave another casual smirk and looked him dead in the eyes. “What are you saying?”

Sam leaned in closer. “I think I did a fabulous job. I mean, I must have, right? That was one hell of a payout you got. Or at least, I’d imagine. And all for doing nothing. Just like that, all your dreams come true. Must be nice.”

Greg thought back to their previous conversation, a conversation he had surely had in gest, but had this man taken it seriously?

The night he met Sam, a man whose last name he realized he hadn’t gotten, he was at the bar escaping a night at home with his wife, Hilary, who had been in a rotten mood all afternoon.

Sam the stranger had sat next to him, and when the talk of insurance reared its head, Greg didn’t miss a beat talking about policies and what they had to offer.

“Surely you can’t be referring to our last conversation,” he told the man.

“You’re the one who said you’d be much better off if your wife had a horrible accident. I believe you chuckled at the idea of how it might happen.”

“That was a joke,” he said, growing nervous. Was this man for real? “I meant financially, but I wasn’t serious.”

The bartender returned with Sam’s martini and set it down before walking back to his buddy, who was seated at the opposite end of the bar.

Sam shrugged. “Oh? Well, while we sat plotting how it would happen and the enormous amount of money you’d receive, I thought for sure you were serious.”

“You didn’t,” said Greg, shaking his head. He put down his drink and started to feel ill. “I was bullshitting you. I was just trying to sell you a policy through humor.” He thought of the things he said and how his life would be so much different.

“Well, I was amused,” said Sam. “And so, I helped you out. That was the deal, right? I help you, and you help me?” He pointed his fingers back and forth between them.

Greg thought back to what he had said to the man. They had joked about helping each other out. The whole plan, which he assumed was a fantasy born out of drunkenness, was that Sam would kill his wife so Greg could collect, and whenever the man wanted a policy on his own future partner, he would sell him one.

“That was all a joke,” he said, looking around the room to see if anyone else was hearing them. No one seemed to be paying attention to the felonious discussion.

“Oh, don’t even try to get out of it now. I already upheld my end of the deal, just like you asked me to.”

The man’s callous delivery gave Greg a helpless feeling. What could he do? He couldn’t let him get away with it.

“Hey, I never asked you to do anything,” he said, his heartrate growing so rapid he could feel it thumping loudly in his ears.

“Sure, you did.” The man was so convincing he made Greg doubt himself.

Had he said something else while drunk? They had a great time daydreaming that night. And the man even picked up the tab, encouraging him to drink more.

“You’re insane,” said Greg. It would be his word against this man’s. And Sam was a man who seemed to have little to lose.

“I did you a favor,” he said with a chilling tone. “You were stuck, and I helped you get out.”

“I loved my wife.” He knew it would be hard to convince this man who had taken her from him, especially after all he had said against her. It was never meant to be taken seriously, and he truly believed that everything had been said in gest.

“Oh, sure you did. I believe you called her a tyrant. A spoiled brat. You said she was just like her old bitch of a mother and that, just like her, she was sucking you dry. Let’s see. What else did you say about her?”

Greg took out his phone. “Fuck this. I’m calling the cops. You’re mental.”

“I wouldn’t do that. I’ll have to prove what I’m saying is true. And how would that look for you?”

“Exactly, and you’re mad. No one is going to believe you.”

“The recordings won’t show that. In fact, I have proof that could take you down with me.” Sam shrugged. “Like it or not, we’re in this together.”

“Me with you? No way. I’m not going down for this. I didn’t plan anything. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” His voice rose a bit, but he didn’t want to draw the attention of the others across the room. “You’re going to pay for what you’ve done.”

“You’ll pay with me.”

Greg stared into the man’s eyes. There was no humor there. Fear chilled him to the bone, and he suddenly felt trapped.

In Greg’s fuzzy memories from that drunken conversation, he recalled saying things that would be considered incriminating. Not to mention, he had collected on his wife’s policy and much earlier than the average person.

What should have been a month-long process had taken him less than two weeks. Obviously, it was because he worked for the company. It would look suspicious to the police, and the higher-ups at the company would see it as an abuse of power and fire him. Everything he worked for would be gone.

He knew exactly how it would look. He knew what Sam could say. And while it wasn’t true, it would cause a whole lot of trouble for him.

“I’m still waiting on my thank you,” said Sam, interrupting his thoughts.

“I’m not going to thank you,” he said, feeling outraged.

“You should, though. I know how much you got. You’re practically a millionaire now, aren’t you? Or close to it? You can go anywhere you want and do what you want. You could even quit your job if you wanted to.”

His entire life had changed for sure. “Now that you mention it, I’m giving the office time to find someone who can replace me, and I’m out. I bought a place on the lake earlier today, and I plan to live there and spend my days fishing in solitude and peace.”

“I bet it’s nice and peaceful on that lake. Nothing like when you were home with your nagging wife. I bet she didn’t let you go fishing.”

There could only be one reason the man was doing this to him but he asked anyway. “What do you want?”

“Well, for starters, you can’t leave your job. That’s an absolute hell no. I need you there too badly. Or all of this is for naught.”

“I beg your pardon. That’s too bad. I’m leaving my job. I’m going to tell them next week. It’s all planned.” Greg shook his head regretfully. “The wheels are already in motion.”

“No, you’re not leaving. You’re staying, and you’re going to help me. Or I’ll make sure that you never get to enjoy that beautiful lake or the peace it brings. Now, you and I can be best of friends, or you can cross me and see what happens. Don’t forget I was in your house, Greg. There’s no telling what I was able to learn about you.”

“I have nothing to hide,” he said. “What you did was wrong, and I never wanted any part of it.”

“The recording of the plans we made will say otherwise. Try defending yourself against them when I talk about how it was all so well planned. I even made sure you were well out of the way when it happened so you wouldn’t be accused.”

Greg frowned. “That was just foolish talk while we were drinking. It won’t hold up.”

“Is that a chance you’re willing to take?” Same asked. “I mean, that’s going to be a hard road to travel. When the easy path is staying on my side of things.”

 “You’re blackmailing me!” He had never expected to find himself in this situation. It was like a bad dream he couldn’t wake up from. But the nightmare was only beginning.

“That’s an ugly accusation between friends, Greg.” Sam’s intimidating glare pierced right through him. “I’m providing you with a choice.”

“I’m not your friend. I’ll never be your friend.” Greg had never been so repulsed by a human being.

“Oh, I think you will. Just think of what you could have and what else you have to lose. With me, you can keep working a job you’re a master at. Dare I say one you love? And you can settle into that massive fucking log cabin you bought at the lake, a dream home no doubt, or you can go with me to a dark, smelly cell, where your only regret is ever opening your fucking mouth against me as you get spit-roasted in the showers. I can be your best friend or your worst nightmare. It’s really up to you.”

“What do you want?” he asked. Men like him always wanted something.

“I want you to sell me a policy when I come asking. And when I need to collect, I don’t want any red tape. And don’t even pretend that you can’t help me with that. I already know you can. I know all about you, Greg.”

Greg stared at the man, knowing he had probably planned all of this out for weeks. How much did he know about him?

He still couldn’t believe he was in this situation. Hilary hadn’t died in an accident. Any whiff of murder and he could kiss his money and his lake house goodbye. Not to mention, he’d have to face her family, who had all been so supportive of him. He couldn’t lose that. What would people think of him? His friends? His own family? He would be ruined.

“So, I’m just supposed to do this for you?” Greg asked. “Just like that.”

“For my silence, yes. But don’t worry. I’ll give you a little kickback. We’ll say ten percent. The more you sell me. The more I collect. And the more you get. That should be one hell of an incentive.”

“Who do you want to get a policy on?”

Sam gave him a knowing look and glanced around the room. “It doesn’t matter,” he said. “Any warm body will do. Probably some poor woman with no one to mourn her. Not like your sweet Hilary.”

Greg felt sick, but he couldn’t see a way out of the corner he had been backed into. “When is this happening?” he asked.

“Oh, soon. I’ll come in this week.”

“Just fill out the paperwork and give it to me. “Greg shook his head. “I don’t want to know anything else, including who you’re insuring. Just keep it business between us, alright? I don’t have the stomach for this shit.”

“Well, I guess it’s a good thing for both of us that I do.” He took a sip of his drink and sighed as if it was all too easy for him.

There wasn’t anything Greg could do but play along. If he didn’t, his life would be over. Maybe with time, he could find a way out, but for the time being, he was stuck on a runaway train with no stops in sight.

 

The Silent Killer Prologue

/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 25-07-2024 */.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}PRE-ORDER • AVAILABLE AUGUST 8TH AMAZON APPLE B & N KOBO GOOGLE /*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 25-07-2024 */.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}

PROLOGUE

Rain Bertrand made her way through the woods near her family cabin at Piper Point and tried to let the beauty of the area distract her from the heartbreaking reality of the loss of her mother.

“I’ve always loved this trail,” she told Brad, who had been her rock over the past few weeks.

“It’s really breathtaking out here,” Brad said. “I can see why this place has always meant so much to you and your mother.”

“It’s like a second home,” she said, thinking of all the time spent out there. “Thanks again for suggesting we come here. It really has helped a lot. Being here makes me feel close to her somehow. I can’t explain it.”

“Well, you always said it was your favorite place in the whole world. I just hoped it could help you heal a little. Give you a little peace. I know how much it means to you and how much you miss your mom.”

Rain stopped in a clearing and looked up at the sky, where the sun was starting to dip into the treetops. “I still can’t believe she’s gone.”

“She’s looking over you,” he said, easing back against a tree. He smiled at her in the twilight. “And you’ll see her again someday. We’ll all see the ones we’ve loved and lost. At least we have that to look forward to.”

Rain had never really thought much about death or where people went, but she knew her mother was a woman of faith, and that was supposed to secure her mom’s place in heaven. “I hope so. I really wanted her to see our wedding. I know we already said our vows and all, but you know it’s not really the same as walking down the aisle.”

“I told you,” he said. “You can have whatever you want when the time is right. There’s no rush. We’ll have the rest of our lives together.”

The thought comforted her, but she also knew she couldn’t have whatever she wanted. She couldn’t have her mother back, no matter what prayers she tried. And without her mother, there wasn’t really any sense of moving forward with a big wedding. She just didn’t have the heart for it, unless she walked down the aisle in all black. The best thing they could do was file their marriage certificate and move on to a life together.

Her mother had left her plenty in the will, and she knew that with her money and Brad’s, they would never really want for anything.

Rain wrapped her arms around her middle. Her heavy coat was enough to keep her warm, but the loss of her mother made her feel cold inside. Everything safe and warm was gone from the world. Despite his best efforts, not even Brad could make it better.

“I want to live here,” she said. It wasn’t the most practical idea, but she knew how hard it would be to go back to her mother’s house, knowing that she would never walk those halls again.

“I think we could make it work out here,” he said. “But it might be too hard a commute. I mean, Lakewood is still a way out, even if you could find a job. And I’m pretty sure you’ll miss your closet space back home.”

“I know,” she said. “It doesn’t hurt to dream.” She let out a heavy sigh and continued down the path.

Brad pulled her to a stop. “No, it doesn’t. That’s the one thing we get for free in this world.” He looked at her and smiled. He had been quiet, handling her with care, knowing her loss, and giving her the space she needed.

He moved in closer and kissed her, smiling bigger. “I love you,” he said.

“I love you too,” she said. Brad meant everything to her now. He was all she had left in the whole world, her only harbor in a stormy sea.

As she started down the trail again, she held his hand. “You have really been good to me. Thanks so much for everything.”

“Well, it’s the least I can do for my gorgeous wife.”

“You spoil me.” She had never met anyone who had made her feel as happy. The man was truly devoted to her.

“Let’s go this way,” he said, gesturing to another trail.

She stopped walking and shook her head. “No, that’s not a good idea. It’s just the old pond out there. It’s a dead end.”

“Oh,” he said, his brows raising with curiosity. “So it just stops at the pond?”

She nodded. “Yeah. It won’t lead back around to the house.”

“Is the pond frozen?”

“Maybe,” she said, not liking where his mind was going. He was always adventurous, and it was hard to change his mind once he got an idea. “But it’s definitely not frozen enough to walk back across. It’s not safe. Mom always said to stay clear of it.”

“Oh, well, you’re not a kid anymore,” he said with a chuckle. “Come on. Let’s at least check it out. It will be fun.” He gave her that daring look and grinned. “I just want to see it.”

It was really hard for her to tell him no when he had been so good to her. Why not let him explore a little?

“Fine,” she said. “We’ll go, but only for a minute, and I’m not getting too close. This side of the pond is worse than the side near the cabin.”

“Okay, fine. We don’t have to get close.”

She thought about everything that could happen in a place like that and how long it would take for any medical help to arrive. That had always been something her mother had warned her about. Being out in the country was great, but you had to be responsible for your own safety.

That was the reason she wasn’t as familiar with the trail. In her head, that trail screamed danger.

“By the way, what did that man want last night?” she asked Brad. One of the men from a neighboring campsite showed up at their cabin the evening before, wanting to talk to him while she was on her way to the shower.

“Can you believe he wanted to take photos of the cabin? And he wanted to know if we were expecting anyone else.” Brad rolled his eyes.

“That’s creepy, isn’t it?” She frowned. “Taking pictures? And why does he care if we’re having guests or not? He’s not some weirdo stalker, is he?”

She had known the family who owned the other cabin as a child, but since then, it had gone through so many hands that she had lost track. Now, it was a rental, and she really didn’t know who stayed there or what kinky shit they were into.

All she knew was there was a woman and a man. She had waved at the woman when they passed by on the way to their own cabin just down the road. The woman hadn’t waved back.

Brad shrugged. “I’m sure they’re harmless. All he really cared about was tire tracks mucking up the scenery. As if I could help that.”

Rain narrowed her eyes. “Tire tracks? Why?”

“He’s some kind of photographer and wanted to get the unblemished snow. His words, not mine.”

“Wow. That really takes some balls,” she said. “Like we’re just supposed to stay inside so he can get a great photograph of our cabin? He can get a picture of me flipping him the bird.”

Brad chuckled. “Well, I wouldn’t let it bother you. I’m sure that man and his woman are both so self-absorbed that there could be an avalanche and they wouldn’t notice.”

“Don’t even say that,” she said, looking to the mountaintops in the distance.

They made their way through the trail, which grew narrower ahead. Wild brambles crowded the path, threatening to claw at their clothes and scratch their skin.

“See, I knew this was a bad idea,” she said. “It’s all grown up.”

“No, it’s just through here,” he said, leading the way. “I can see a clearing up ahead. Just watch the branches.”

“That’s not a clearing, that’s just the water, and we’re on the wrong side of it. We should have kept heading home. It’s going to be dark soon.”

“Patience, my sweet,” he said, giving her a sly grin. “You know how much I love looking out over the water.”

“But it’s not water. It’s going to be ice at this point.”

“Even better. We’ll make love on the ice.” He chuckled.

“I’d prefer doing it in front of a warm fire.” She pulled him to a stop and kissed him. “I do feel better being out here with you. It almost feels like a normal day before I lost Mom.”

They moved to the edge of what would usually be water and looked over the ice toward the cabin.

“Wow,” he said. “It looks amazing from this side. This is where that weirdo photographer should come to get a picture.”

“Nah,” she said. “This view is all ours. I don’t want to share with anyone.”

Brad pulled her into his arms and kissed her again. When he pulled away, he looked down at the ice just feet away. “It doesn’t look that thick,” he said.

“Oh, it’s probably just a thin sheet at this point. Probably not even an inch.”

“Let’s see how thin,” he said, walking over to pick up a branch.

“What are you doing?” she asked. “You really should be careful. The cabin might not look far from here, but it’s a long way back around. Too long if you fall in or get wet.”

“Please,” he said. “I’m not going to get too close.” He walked over and hit the ice with the branch. “Wow, much tougher than I expected.” He hit it again.

“Brad, be careful,” she said. “I don’t want to lose you too.” Her nerves were really too far gone to handle much more.

“You won’t lose me,” he said. “I’ll be by your side forever.” He moved closer, kicked his boot against the ice, and laughed. “I think a few good whacks, and I’ll be through it.”

“Use the stick,” she said. “Not your foot. Please, Brad. You’re scaring me.”

Brad slapped the branch down on the ice, and it began to crack.

“Well, it was a nice view,” she said as he proceeded to destroy the ice.

“This is fun. You should give it a try.” He slapped the stick against it again, this time hearing the water splash.

“I’m not doing that,” she said.

“Come on,” he said. “What do you think will happen? I’m right here, babe. You need to loosen up and have some fun. Come on. I’ll hold on to you if it makes you feel better.”

He reached for her, and when she pulled back, he took a step in her direction. “Come on, Rain. Don’t you trust me?” He gave her a look that made her feel like she was hurting his feelings.

“I do, but this is risky. It’s not healthy.”

“Sure it is,” he said, taking her by the arm. He began to pull her to him, closer to the water’s edge where he had smashed the ice. “Stop being a baby.”

Something in his tone changed, and Rain stepped back away from him. “Stop it,” she said. “I’m not being a baby. I just don’t want to fall into the freezing water. You may not know anything about camping up here, but I do.”

“Stop being dramatic, babe.” He took a step away from the water and held out his hand. “Come here. It’s okay. I’m not trying to fight.”

She put her arms around him, and he held her head in the crook of his neck.

“You know I would never let anything happen to you,” he said.

“I know,” she said.

His grip tightened and his body shifted. Before she knew it, she was falling backward toward the icy water.

As she hit the ice, what was left of it broke away, and she went plummeting into the icy water. Her heavy coat and boots filled with water and dragged her down quickly.

As the coldness cut right through her, she could not believe he thought this was funny.

“Brad!” she screamed at him. “What are you doing?”

She reached up for him, only to find that he wasn’t reaching for her. In fact, he wasn’t doing anything. He stood over her on the edge, watching as she struggled in the frozen water that was already a mess with branches and tangles below.

She kicked off the heavy boots first, struggling against the weight, but finally, they broke free, sinking to the bottom.

The branches below reached up for her feet like ghostly hands that scraped against her socks as if they wanted to pull her down, and she was going down fast.

“Help me!” she said, crying for him to move. But he wasn’t frozen with fear. There was a sinister gleam in his eye, as if the devil were pulling his puppet strings.

Rain realized she had to fight for her life as her body succumbed to the cold. She was losing her strength and running out of time. She had to do all she could or face going under and never coming back. She shrugged out of the heavy coat, breaking away from it before it could drag her down.

She could hear her mother’s voice calling out to her. “Fight,” she shouted. “Fight!”

Rain found purchase on a slick branch below her feet and pushed herself up toward the bank where the weeds and grass would give her some traction.

One foot dug down into the muck as the other moved to push her up. As soon as she could, she crawled away from the water, soaked to the bone.

Brad stood there, silently watching her struggle, like a perverse version of himself. He stepped back as she tried to get to her feet, offering no help.

“What are you doing?” she asked him.

“Watching,” he said calmly.

“Why?” she asked, seeing her breath grow thicker with fog as her vision began to fade in and out. “Help me!”

“No,” he said, shaking his head. “I don’t think I will.”

“I’ll die in this cold,” she said, growing desperate. But he wasn’t the man she knew. He wasn’t himself. He was a lie. “Do something!”

Seeing he wasn’t kidding, she crawled over to prop up against a tree and reached for nearby leaves, hoping to pluck them free and cover with them, only she didn’t have any strength, and her fingers, which were blue, didn’t have any feeling left in them.

Brad leaned against the tree to watch, and she wondered how long he had been planning this. It was all a nightmare. Maybe she died from the moment she hit the water.

“I knew he was no good,” said her mother’s voice as if she was speaking right into Rain’s ear. She knew it had to be a hallucination, but she didn’t mind one bit.

As much as Rain loved her, she didn’t want to see her mother anytime soon. She had to get up and get back to the cabin before hypothermia set in.

She got up the best she could, using the tree to help her. While her feet were so painful they felt as if they had been cut off, she walked on those numb stubs a few more steps and grabbed hold of another tree.

She would have to make slow progress to survive. But she knew her chances were slim. Tree to tree, she walked, but she had barely made it away from the first tree when she collapsed again, this time lying there face down in the snow.

“Please,” she said, making one last plea.

Brad didn’t budge. Instead, he looked back across the water. “You’re right, you know. It’s really beautiful here. I’m really going to love it.”

She realized what it had been about all along. And that she would never make it back. Whatever Brad was doing, he’d make sure of that just like he had made sure that she signed that insurance policy. Why had she ever trusted him?

And worse, she had trusted him with her mother. Why didn’t he go out with her to get the cough syrup that day?

“You killed my mother,” she said, not sure the words were really coming from her frozen lips.

“Yeah, I did,” he said as the corners of his lips turned upward.

She knew that his confession sealed her fate. He would never let her get far.

Knowing the cold would take her anyway, she propped up against the nearest tree and looked toward the cabin as her vision continued to fade. Instead of thinking of Brad’s betrayal, she thought of a time when she was a little girl. She and her mother were throwing water balloons outside the cabin in the summer when the ground was warm and the glow of the sun kissed her face.

Her mother’s warmth filled her cold and lonely shell as she closed her eyes and threw another balloon.

The memory was one she had never shared with Brad. It was something that he would never take from her.

ECHOES OF DECEIT PROLOGUE

AMAZON APPLE B & N KOBO GOOGLE /*! elementor - v3.22.0 - 26-06-2024 */.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}

PROLOGUE

Eris Lockland and Brandon Patterson neared Adelaide’s Chapel, a former church that had been converted into a bed and breakfast just outside of Somerset, and Eris couldn’t believe that her dreams of having a gorgeous wedding might become a reality.   

She looked at the bell tower in the distance. “I’ve always wanted to be married in a place like this. I just didn’t think it was possible. It is so charming and perfect. Thank you again for bringing me here.”

She wasn’t sure if they would book the place or not, but she liked having the time to spend with him regardless.

“You’re welcome,” he said, smiling back at her.

She reached for Brandon’s hand. He was always full of surprises. It was hard to keep up. She wasn’t used to being spoiled, but looking around at the beautiful bed and breakfast, she was sure she could get used to it. 

“I told you that I want you to have the best,” said Brandon. “You deserve to have the wedding you want. And well, with so much going on, I know you’ve been worried that it wouldn’t go off the way you wanted.”

Everything she had planned within their budget had fallen through when not just one but two venues canceled due to problems and double-booking. Without a father or family to help pay for the event, she had tried to make the most of what she and Brandon could afford and, most importantly, had done her best to keep the spending equal. She saw her and Brandon as a team, and she wanted to make sure and do her part.

“I just know it’s way more than we can afford. I called them early on just to see, and it was way out of our budget.” She wasn’t sure if he realized how much some places went for.

“You just let me worry about that,” he said. “I have already told you I have a little money tucked back. Besides, we are learning that we’ll get what we pay for. Those others have been too wishy-washy from the start. The people I spoke to here were very nice.”

“But we agreed that we would split the cost down the middle. If it is too much, we can think of something else.” She was willing to compromise if need be and had already had to rein in her plans a bit.

He gave her a broad grin. “That was before our other plans started falling apart. Besides, look around. This place is amazing. That bell tower is really something, too.”

Brandon pulled into the parking lot and parked just out front of the old chapel.

As soon as Eris stepped out of the car, the delicate scent of gardenias hit her nose, making her smile. “Wow, do you smell that?”

“Yeah, their landscaping must cost a small fortune. No wonder they charge so much. See? It will be worth the extra money just for that smell.”

“The Magnolia Room certainly didn’t smell like magnolias. And the Belle Vista Ballroom had a terrible view. But this? Wow. It’s like a lovely dream.”

A woman stepped out of the main entrance to greet them. “Hello,” she called out, waving them over. “Can I help you?”

“I’m Brandon Patterson,” he said, offering his hand. “I called you about the place.”

She took it and smiled warmly at Eris. “Ah, you’re the bride and groom.”

“Yes,” he said. “We wanted to take a look around and see what you have to offer us.”

“Well, that sounds easy enough. I’m Sandy, by the way.”

“Brandon,” he said again. “This is my fiancée, Eris.”

“Eris. Beautiful name.”

“Thank you,” she said, smiling even though she got the compliment often.

“Well, why don’t you two come on in, and I’ll show you the space we have?” She led them inside the building where the room opened up much more than Eris had expected. While it could still be considered small, the high ceilings did wonders to make it more open.

“Wow,” she said, tugging Brandon’s arm. “This is amazing in person.”

Brandon nodded. “I think this would more than accommodate our friends.”

“It’s perfect,” she agreed, imagining her big day playing out there.

“How many are you planning for?” asked the woman.

“I’m thinking about seventy-five.” Without much family on either side, she wouldn’t have a large crowd but wanted to celebrate with friends and coworkers. “We’re a small group.”

The woman smiled. “Oh, well, you’ll have no trouble with that here. And I tell you, some of the nicest weddings I’ve ever been to are ones with smaller families and friend groups.”

“That’s good to hear,” said Eris.

“Well, I think you’ll find we have everything you need. We even have rooms available if anyone wants to stay overnight, including a honeymoon suite. There is a bridal suite and a groom’s room for the day of so you can get ready. You can see those through that door.” She gestured to their left across the room.

Eris couldn’t wait to see it. “It’s really pretty here,” she told Brandon. She turned her attention back to Sandy. “I think that we’ll want to take it all in before we decide.”

Sandy nodded. “It’s a lot to take in. You’re free to roam around and have a look. Have a talk and decide. We take half up front and the rest payable at least two days before the event.” She walked over, got a brochure off of the table, and handed it to Eris. “Enjoy your time. I’ll be around here if you have any questions.”

“Can we go anywhere?” he asked the woman before she got too far away from them. “I was hoping to go up and see the view from the bell tower.”

“Oh, be my guest. The door is marked. You’ll see it.” She gave a confident nod.

“Thank you,” he said, taking Eris’s hand.

“We’re not going up there,” said Eris, shaking her head. She gave the woman a sideward look. “I’m afraid of heights.”

“Oh, come on. It’s perfectly safe,” said Brandon. “Isn’t it?”

“It is very safe,” Sandy said. “You should go up and have a look. It’s the best view of the area you’ll find around here.”

“We’ll go. She’ll be fine.”

Sandy gave Eris a sympathetic look as Brandon took her hand.

“I’ll take care of you,” he told her, patting her hand. “You know that nothing is going to happen. And you’ll miss out on so much in life if you don’t have these kinds of experiences.”

Sandy walked away. Brandon started to the door with Eris hesitantly walking behind him.

“I just don’t like how lightheaded I get. You know this. You know I panicked on the bridge the day we did the photoshoot.”

They had gone on an old wooden bridge as one of their shots and instead opted for a shot of the bridge in the background when she had a panic attack.

“This is not like that,” he said. “Come on. We’ll go look around, and you’ll love it. You’ll see.”

Eris continued to the door to look in the bridal suite and change the subject with hopes that he would drop the idea.

The room was decorated with a glammed, shabby chic design with a row of vanities as well as two large full-length mirrors.

“This is amazing,” she said. “Look at that dressing screen. It’s so beautiful.”

“That looks really neat,” he said. “Let’s take a look at the groom’s room.”

He led her to the groom’s dressing room on the opposite side and it was just as nice. Instead of the glam shabby chic, it was set up more like an old cigar lounge, with mirrors around the room for getting ready, a few high-back chairs, a leather sofa, a bench, and a wet bar. There was also a big screen TV hanging high on the wall.

“They really thought of everything,” she said, looking at Brandon, who was barely checking the room over. “Don’t you like it?”

“I love it,” he said. “What’s not to love? I already looked at all of this online, though.”

“Oh. Well, what do you think? I’m falling in love with it but look at this price list. If we do this, it’s going to cost way more than we wanted.” She was already trying to think of ways to cut corners but didn’t see how they could swing it.

“I know, but it’s worth it. And I’ll be really happy if we can go see that bell tower now.”

“You can go on up without me,” she said.

“Eris, can’t you just let me have one romantic moment?”

“You think it’s romantic to be up there while I’m scared to death?” She shook her head. “No thanks.”

“It’s like you don’t even trust me to protect you. Do you really think that I’d let something happen to you? People do it all the time. It’s perfectly safe. I thought it would make a great shot for the photo wall you talked about.”

She shook her head. “I might have to scrap that to afford this place.”

“I said I’d take care of it. I like it here. I want to have our wedding here. Now, let’s go up and take a damn photo to share. Think of how amazing that will be.”

“Fine, if it means that much to you, I’ll do it.”

Brandon smiled. “Really? That’s my girl. You don’t have to ever be afraid of anything. I’ve told you that.”

“I know. It’s just a phobia. My dad used to pick me up and throw me. It was fun until he threw me into the water and I couldn’t swim. I’ve been afraid of falling ever since. Anytime I’m up high, I’m right back there again, tumbling into the dark water.”

“You’re not going to fall. You’d have to be the clumsiest person on earth to fall. They have kids go up there, for heaven’s sake. You’ll see.”

“Okay. Fine, you sold me. Let’s go take a look around outside, and we’ll tell the woman that we’re going to take it. I don’t want to look too eager by doing it now.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” he said.

As they headed outside, Eris noticed a lovely lawn that was set up for a reception area. “Oh, this is lovely. And with the weather we usually have, it should be perfect for the day of.” Her shoes clicked on the cobblestone at her feet.

“I agree. And I’m willing to cover the entire cost. You can worry about decorating it and all of that other stuff.”

“I can’t match this cost,” she said. There was no doubt that Brandon had a considerable amount of money. She wasn’t sure how much, but it was common knowledge between them that his parents had left him with money.

“I don’t care. Soon, it will be your money, too. It’s about time you start spending it.”

“You know I don’t like doing that.”

“I’m aware, but get over it. You are going to be a very wealthy woman. You need to look to the future with me and be my wife. That means leaving the old ways behind as well as the old fears. I’m here now. I love you, and I’m going to take care of you.”

Eris got a warm and fuzzy feeling in her heart. So many times in her life, she had wanted to have this kind of romance and for someone to love her as much as he did. But it had never seemed possible with so many challenges in her life and all of the times she had her heart broken. But now, it was like everything she ever wanted was falling into place.

“You’re right,” she said. “New day. New woman.” She was ready to move forward with a man who thought she was worth it.

“That’s my girl,” he said, giving her a big grin. “Come on. Let’s go see it.”

She didn’t see the hurry, but Brandon had always had an adventurous spirit. “Fine, you’re just like a little kid. You’re not going to stop until you get to see it.” She took his hand when offered and they went toward the bell tower, which was connected to the side of the building through a little breezeway.

“Here’s the door,” he said. “Are you ready?”

“Yeah, I’m ready. I’m just going to pretend that I’m not in a tower. And don’t even try to tell me how high it is.”

“It’s not going to be as bad as you think. Trust me.” Brandon headed up first, holding on to her hand as they took one step at a time. “You’ll probably want to take out your phone,” he said. “I want to get a photo of this.”

“Is yours still acting up?” she asked. That had been going on for months now.

“Yeah, I think the camera is completely broken.”

“Why haven’t you had it fixed?” she asked.

“I don’t take photos,” he said. “That’s kind of a girl thing.”

Eris chuckled. “A girl thing?”

She shook her head as they continued up, and when they reached the top, he stopped while she was still down in the stairwell.

“Wow,” he said. “You’ve got to see this.”

She hesitated a bit. “If you say so.”

“Get up here,” he said, waving her up. His excitement was growing. “You can see everything. I didn’t even realize the lake was visible from up here. Take a look.”

She walked up where she could see without getting too close.

“We have to take a photo together. And I want one of you. Look how you can see the trees.”

“It’s really gorgeous. But also really high up.” She had no idea how to estimate, but she knew they had to be at least forty feet up from the ground. She could see most of the tree tops, and there was a nice view of the water in the distance.

“It’s amazing. I can’t tell you how much I like being up here. Let’s take that photo.” He glanced at her as she took her phone out and handed it to him.

“Do you want to take it?” she asked.

“Sure,” he said, holding the phone out as he put his arm around her. “Come on, let’s turn our backs to the view.”

The walls stopped at her waist and she had to admit it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. “Let’s just hurry.”

“Hurry? Listen to you. Let’s just enjoy this. Breathe. And smile.” He snapped the photo and stepped away. “Go on, honey. Let’s get a photo.”

“Of me?”

“Yeah, how else is your sister ever going to believe you were really up here?”

“I guess so. She’ll be surprised to see it for sure.”

“Just try and look happy,” he said. He held up the camera and snapped the photo when she smiled. “Get a little closer to the rail. You know it’s not going anywhere.”

“Why?” she asked, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

“Come on, I want to see the tree tops. I’ll go up on my toes.”

“Okay.” She backed up against the rail. “Hurry,” she said through her fake smile.

But as soon as she thought he’d take the photo, he stopped. “Why don’t you sit on it a bit and lift yourself up so I can get more in the shot?”

“Are you nuts?” she asked.

“Just do it. Let’s hurry up and get it over with. I’m going to rent this place for our wedding. I wouldn’t ask you to do something I thought was dangerous.” He rolled his eyes, and Eris could tell he was growing a bit aggravated.

That was the last thing she wanted. “I’ll just prop up on it a bit. But hurry up.”

She forced a smile, and Brandon asked her to hold her pose. She put on a fake smile, and he lunged forward and pushed against her shoulder so hard she lost her balance.

Eris screamed and teetered for a split moment, flailing her arms as she tried to catch hold of the nearest corner, only to find it out of reach.

Brandon pushed her again, this time causing her to fall. He watched wide-eyed as she slipped away toward the cobblestone below.

As thoughts came rushing through her mind like the wind through her hair, she realized that Brandon wasn’t the man she thought he was. He hadn’t wanted to see the bell tower. He had wanted to kill her. But why?

She felt a sudden stop and nothing more.