W.L. Knightly's Blog, page 8

Please No… Cover Reveal

It's been a while, but book 5 is finally coming soon! It's available for pre-order now. Delivering to your device December 16th.

BLURB REVEAL...

After losing his badge, Thomas Asher has nothing left but a mission to find his sister. But he has a score to settle first.

With Sarah on a plane to catch up with him, Ethan is sidetracked by a new lead that changes everything.

Once Thomas has everything in place, it’s time to move, and after talking Ethan into keeping his promise, the two set off to get Starr once and for all.

But when Ethan learns that Katherine is the enemy, will it change their course and doom them to fail, or will the bond of their determination save the day?

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But I Love You…Is LIVE!

BUT I LOVE YOU...IS LIVE! APPLE BOOKS AMAZON NOOK GOOGLE KOBO

The brutal killer stalking Hollywood's streets strikes again, and another shocking murder video is posted online for the world to see.

FBI agent Ethan Charles and LAPD officer Thomas Asher are on the hunt, but whoever's behind the killing is always a step ahead.

Agent Charles is convinced the murders are linked to the mysterious disappearance of his fiancée, along with Officer Asher's sister, because everyone who might have answers about their whereabouts seems to end up dead.

If he can't find the killer soon, the trail will disappear, and he'll never see his missing fiancée again.

Read Chapter One of But I Love You…

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On the way back to the scene of Bryan Howler’s murder, Ethan couldn’t shake the overwhelming feeling that something wasn’t right. Everything he had experienced since coming to LA reminded him more of a movie script than coincidence. And even though it was the land of acting, he hadn’t planned on playing a part. But for some reason, he couldn’t help feeling that he had been swept up into someone else’s story.

Sure, Howler had a reason for killing Cassie and Max. According to what Sarah had read in the notes Cassie was keeping, they had been bribing him for years. But since he died the same way, it meant the real killer didn’t know about any of it. Or maybe he just didn’t care. The killer could have set Howler up several ways, including making it look like suicide, but for some reason, he made no effort. He even posted this death on the internet as if it were all part of his bigger plan. It made Ethan wonder what the killer’s end game was and who was next on his list? He had to find him before he killed again.

“We’re closer than ever to finding them,” said Thomas when they arrived to see the crowd of cop cars.

He had celebrated since finding the deposit box full of cash as if he himself had just found gold. And while Cassie’s notes might have given them more as to where Katherine and Starr were being kept, it created another problem that Ethan wasn’t sure Thomas could see.

“I think we’re screwed,” said Ethan. He needed to let Thomas know where he stood before going into the scene.

“Why?” asked Sarah, just over his shoulder.

Thomas stopped on the walkway. “Yeah, what is wrong with you? You’ve been in a weird place ever since we went to the bank.” He kept his voice low and glanced over his shoulder as if he didn’t want anyone else to hear him.

Ethan didn’t want the attention either. “If there was ever a good time for Roald to pull out and disappear forever, it would be now.”

Thomas’s eyes narrowed. “So, we’ll just have to do what we can to keep them here until we can figure something out.”

“We still don’t know where his plane is, and we don’t know the lengths he’ll go to keep them hidden.” There was a lot he didn’t know. And it seemed like Thomas forgot they still had a lot of work to do.

Sarah sighed, making a frustrated sound. “Do you think he’d kill them if you get too close?”

“He’d have to know we are close first,” said Thomas. “As long as you don’t go telling them or the papers, we should be fine.”

Ethan didn’t understand why it was so hard for Thomas to understand. At least Sarah seemed more on his page. “Their head of security just got shot in the face, and you don’t think that will scare them away? If that happened to Howler, what’s to say they won’t think it could just as easily happen to them? Unless you think they are responsible. Because if you do, please tell me. I’m just short my number one suspect.”

“It’s fine. We just have to give them a false sense of security,” said Thomas. “And that’s where I come in. I can convince them to stick around while you investigate. I can make them think that I’ll take care of them and look out for them. They still have security, and I’m sure Roald will tighten things up. But I doubt he’ll move the girls. If anything, he’s going to retreat to his lodge. You heard Patti. It’s more like a compound. And where else do you think he’s going to feel safe? We just have to use what we have and find it.”

“Patti left us a map,” said Sarah, holding up the stack of papers from the bank box. “And now that we have Cassie’s notes, maybe we can figure out where it is.”

Thomas snatched the folder from her hands. “I’ll just hold on to that. I think it’s time you take a step back.”

“What?” Sarah gave him a glaring look. “Why should I do that? You agreed that I could help.”

“And this is where I think you’ve served your purpose.”

“My purpose?” Sarah shot him daggers.

Thomas crossed his arms and looked down his nose at her. “And because you have other work to do. And while your job might give you certain liberties, I think at some point, your new supervisor is going to start looking for you. I don’t need anyone else knowing what we have going on.”

“And so you just decided that you’d tell me what I can and cannot do? Like you’re my boss, right? Well, excuse me, Officer Asher, but I don’t take orders from you.”

An angry voice caught their attention, causing Sarah to jump nearly out of her skin. “Agent Charles,” said Bowden, causing Ethan to grow even more frustrated.

He turned around to see Bowden coming across the yard of Howler’s place. “It’s about time you showed up.” Bowden gave a quick glance to the others but turned his frustration back at Ethan. “I’d think that you would have stuck around, seeing that this is your case. Or maybe I should check with your supervisor again. Maybe you’re needed someplace else?”

Ethan wasn’t going to play his game. He could keep his power trip to himself. “I left the scene in the capable hands of your department while I went to chase another lead.”

“Really? I’d like to hear all about it. And I’m sure your supervisor would as well.” He turned to Thomas. “And I’d also like to know what you think you’re doing following him? I’d hope it was worth it.”

“Just doing my job,” said Thomas. “And as he said, we left it in capable hands. Surely you can’t argue that, seeing it’s your own department.”

“Well, maybe you can tell me how you found out about this? What tipped you off?”

Thomas looked at Ethan and let out a sharp breath. “The murder was on the internet like the others, and while we were working on a different lead, I got a notification that the killer had posted the new video. When I saw it was Howler, who we have been investigating, we knew we had to check here first. We found his body when we arrived.”

“And did you get one of these notifications as well?” Bowden asked Ethan with a smug look on his face.

“Yes.” He didn’t like the interrogation, though he knew his phone hadn’t given him notice. But he had a bad habit of not turning his media-sound back up after going silent.

“So? What made you leave the scene?” Bowden wasn’t quite done grilling them.

“I’m sure you can wait for my report,” said Ethan, knowing he didn’t owe the man anything. “For now, if you’ll excuse me, I really should get back to work.”

Bowden narrowed his eyes and glanced over at Sarah. She seemed to stiffen when his eyes met hers. 

“Sir?” she said nervously.

“I’m going to want to see you later.” He glanced back at the men to see if they had any objections.

Sarah quickly nodded. “Yes, sir.”

Bowden turned his attention back to Thomas. “Did you at least find his next of kin?”

“I’ll take care of it,” said Thomas. “As I said, I’ve been investigating him, so I know who to call.”

“Good. See to it that you do that before you take off again. And the next time he wants to step out of line, Asher, make sure you don’t follow. If you want to work the case with him, work the fucking case.”

Bowden stepped away and stopped to look down at his shoe. “Son of a bitch. Who let their goddamn dog on the lawn?” He scraped his shoe on the grass as a slow smile spread across Thomas’s face.

“Watch where you step,” he warned.

Sarah made a face but followed along with Ethan as he started across the lawn, careful where he put his feet. “I guess the next time I see him will be interesting,” she said.

Thomas glanced back at her. “Not a word.”

“I’m not telling him anything.” She gave Thomas a glaring look. “You may not realize it, but I’m on your side.”

“It’s kind of hard to tell these days.”

“Enough,” said Ethan, with no desire to play referee. “You should go notify Lana and Roald. But I’m serious, Thomas, you have to urge them to stay put. Tell them that they can’t leave town, not after this. Tell them that I am going to need to see them in person. With or without their lawyers.”

Thomas nodded and waved his hand as if he had it all under control and Ethan was a fool to worry about it. “I’ll handle it. I’ll make sure to have Roald trust me, no matter what it takes. If he thinks he’s got me looking out for him too, it will keep him at ease.”

Ethan nodded. “We have to find the plane as soon as possible. If they do run, I want a locator on it.” He turned his attention to Sarah, knowing she was going to be unhappy to hear what he said next. “And he’s right, Sarah. You really need to watch yourself at work.”

“But I want to help!” She raised her voice too high for Thomas’s liking, and he pegged her with a hard look.

But Ethan spoke up before he could respond and kept his own voice calm. “You can. Look over the notes.” He gave Thomas a glaring stare. “Give them back to her. She’s the one who actually has time to look them over. I need you to make notes of everything, Sarah.”

“You should like doing that,” said Thomas, still with an acidic tone.

Ethan ignored him. He wasn’t going to take such drastic measures to get rid of her. “And if you find out more about the specifics, just let us know right away.”

Sarah agreed. “I’ll call you right away.”

Thomas smiled and shook his head. “You do that.”

Ethan walked away, going inside to where the body had just been released for pick up.

He went to one of the forensic investigators, who was holding a camera. “Did you get plenty of photos?”

The man nodded. “Joseph Jori,” said the man. “And yeah, and I already turned it over to the team. I hope you don’t mind, but Bowden didn’t want me waiting around for you.”

Ethan gave an apologetic look. He was so focused on what was around him. It was as if he forgot that no one there really knew him. To him, they were all just men in uniforms. But he was the outsider. “Sorry. I’m Agent Ethan Charles, FBI. You did great, Jori. Did you find anything?”

“We found the slug. In and out. It struck the trim on the door. I cut the piece out instead of digging it out here. I’ll do it back at the lab.”

He felt better knowing that things had been done right. “Perfect. I want to know if you happen to match it.” He handed the man his card.

“I’ll let you know.” The man stepped away, and Ethan was forced to look at the bloody wall behind where Howler had probably knelt, begging for his life.

Whoever had come in had to have caught him by surprise. The man was head of security at Roald Collier’s mansion, and he would have known how to handle an intruder. Whoever got to him was most likely a professional, and they were most likely already in the house and on him before he ever knew it.

Now he just had to figure out who would want Howler dead. If what Thomas had told him was true, there were a whole lot of men in line that could have done the deed. But whoever it was, they had to have a reason to kill Cassie and Max too. Ethan wasn’t sure it narrowed things down at all, but he was going to do his best to find out.

Read Chapter 1 of How Much Do You Want?

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CHAPTER ONE

Sarah

Patti stood behind the table, shaking from head to toe as she declared her guilt. “I did it! I had them both killed.”

Thomas shook his head in disbelief. “I don’t believe you.”

Sarah, who witnessed everything on the other side of the glass, couldn’t believe what she was hearing. The young woman had just confessed to hiring someone to kill both Cassie Ryan and Max Loftin, but for some reason, Thomas wasn’t convinced.

Whether it was true or not, she had to get Ethan down there and fast.

Sarah took out her phone and dialed his number, hoping he’d pick up.

Ethan answered in a breathy voice. “Yeah, Sarah, I’m kind of busy. Can I call you back?”

She had no idea what he was up to, whether personal or involving the case, but she knew it couldn’t be half as important. “Whatever it is, it can wait! You have to get down to the station right away. We have a confession.”

“A confession? To the murders?”

“Yes! Thomas is with her now. You really should get down here, though.” She wasn’t sure what would happen.

“Her? Who is it?”

“One of the girls from the house. She just showed up here to see Thomas.”

“Okay, I’m on my way.” He ended the call before asking for any details, and Sarah was glad because she wasn’t sure what the hell was going on either.

Sarah put her phone away as Thomas continued to look dumbstruck on the other side of the glass. “You’re lying.” His voice had taken a serious tone that she recognized well. “Don’t say something like that if you don’t mean it. You have no idea what you’re doing or the consequences involved.”

The girl raised her chin in defiance. “I know you’ll have to keep me here and lock me up. That sounds better than the alternative.”

Thomas’s jaw was so tight with anger, Sarah could see the muscle twitching. “And you think that’s safer than keeping you safe somewhere else?”

“I’d rather be in a safe jail cell than have to go back to that house. Promise you won’t send me back.” The girl seemed to crumble in on herself, collapsing forward on the table as if her spine had snapped.

Thomas turned and looked at the glass with a desperate look in his eyes. He gestured for Sarah to join them.

Sarah realized she hadn’t gotten the girl anything to drink, but there was no time for it now. She hurried out of one door and into the interview room, where Thomas stood glaring down at the girl.

“Tell me you’re lying, Patti! Admit it before this gets really out of hand.”

“I won’t do it. I had someone murder them both.”

Thomas’s anger seemed to be building. “Who was it?” he shouted.

“I don’t know their names.”

“You can’t say because it’s not true! And I’m not locking you up for something you didn’t do!” He turned to Sarah. “Did you get her something to drink?”

“No, I’m sorry.”

“Well, get her some coffee.”

“I don’t want anything,” said Patti.

Thomas turned around, still fuming as he looked down at the girl. “You’re way too excited. Calm down, and we’ll talk this out.”

Patti looked up at Sarah. “I know you.”

“Yeah, I was at the house with the FBI agent.”

“Yeah, but not that.” She shook her head, and suddenly, her eyes lit up like she had an idea. “I know what it is. Lana hates you. She threw my smoothie at your car when she saw you on the street the other day.”

“Ah, well, that explains it.” She had wondered how that had happened so randomly. “It’s okay. The feeling is mutual.”

“So, you know why I can’t go back there, right?”

“No one wants you to go back there,” said Thomas. “You know that, or you wouldn’t have come to me. You know you can trust me. And I’m telling you, you’re going about his all wrong.”

“I had to take a chance on someone. And you seemed like you were really sincere. I went back to my room after I left you that night, and I couldn’t get what you said out of my head. I knew I had to get out of there. So, I ditched my phone in the pharmacy bathroom and took off out the employees’ exit.”

“You’re a smart young woman,” said Thomas. “You remind me of someone else I know. Just take a breath and let me help you.”

“When Ethan gets here, I’m sure he’ll help too.”

Thomas turned his head so fast Sarah was surprised it didn’t snap his neck. “Ethan? You called him?” Thomas wasn’t happy to hear it. “Why did you do that?”

“It’s his case, Thomas. Yes, I called him. The minute she confessed to murder-for-hire. Does he have a right to know? Did you plan on keeping it from him?” She already knew they were working together.

“Yeah, well, this is different. She’s lying. Aren’t you, Patti?” Thomas gave her a hard look. “Say it.”

The girl began to weep even harder. “I have nowhere to go.”

“We’ll find you something. There are programs and special safe houses. We can see if they have an opening. But jail is no joke.”

“How long will that take? Just lock me up until then.”

Thomas shook his head and gave her a pleading look. “If I process you, it will be public record, Patti. They’d find you. And I’m not stupid enough to think that Roald Collier couldn’t get to you on the inside.”

“So, there is nowhere to hide? That’s what you’re telling me.” Patti looked as if she had lost all hope. “They’re going to kill me if I go back.”

“What do you mean?” asked Sarah, hating the way that sounded. Surely, an accusation like that didn’t come without cause. “Do you have reason to think they’d hurt you? Have they threatened your life?”

Patti wiped her eyes and looked down at the table. “I know them. I know what they are capable of.” She looked up at Thomas. “And so do you.”

Thomas walked around the table and squatted down beside her to offer a hug and a shoulder. The girl fell into his arms and buried her head against his neck.

“It’s okay,” he said, stroking her hair. “We’re going to get this cleared up. You don’t have to go back, but you’re not going to prison.”

“Thank you,” she said. “I just hope you’re right.  But you shouldn’t underestimate them. And Lana, if she thinks you’re hiding something, she’ll find out. She always finds out.”

“Lana doesn’t have to know everything.”

As he spoke to the girl with such sincerity, Sarah realized that was the man she missed so much. Thomas had a soft side, and while he had only more recently shown it to Alice, she knew that he saw his sister in this young lady.

“You’re too good for her,” said Patti. “You have to know that.”

Thomas huffed out a sound that said he was unconvinced. “I think there are others who would say we deserve each other.” He glanced up at Sarah, who was reminded why things were the way they were.

“What’s going to happen to me now?”

Thomas brushed her hair back from her face. “Well, we’re going to sit here, take a breath, and you’re going to tell me what exactly you’re so afraid of.”

“I don’t want to end up dead like Cassie. Or Max, for that matter.”

“And you think they had something to do with their deaths? If that’s true, you have to tell me.”

“Yeah, but only because Cassie had gotten to where she was doing more and more with Max away from the rest of us, and I overheard some of the others talking about it being a problem. That she had forgotten her place.”

“Which others?”

“Bryan mostly.”

“Mr. Howler?” asked Sarah. “Bryan Howler?”

Patti nodded. “Yeah. We’re all afraid of him. Even Sapphire, and she’s never afraid of anyone.”

“Why? Is he mean to you?”

“Well, he’s not the warmest or friendliest person I’ve met,” said Patti as she wiped her eyes. “He’s always armed, and he’s always so cold to us. Sometimes, I think Lana is afraid of him too. There’s also a rumor that went around between some of the girls. I think Cassie started it. But Lana put a stop to it really fast. She said he had better not hear us talking about it again.” She took a deep breath as if she needed a break.

“What is it?” asked Sarah, eager to hear it.

“Let her take her time,” said Thomas. “There’s no need to feel rushed, Patti.”

“It’s okay,” she said. “The big secret was that he killed his wives. Supposedly, he was married twice before, and both died mysteriously. But Lana said that was just a rumor and not to speak of it again or face punishment.”

“What kind of punishment?” asked Thomas. “Did she ever say?”

“Not exactly, but she said she’d let Howler deal with us. But none of us ever wanted to find out what that meant. Cassie had us scared to death over it. She said that they had ways of making girls like us disappear. I believed it.”

“Yeah, I do too,” said Thomas.

“Why didn’t you tell someone?” asked Sarah.

“Who would I tell? They don’t let us have contact with anyone outside of the house other than to work, and Lana or Bryan are always there. Not to mention, there are things in our contracts that prohibit us from speaking out. We’re constantly under a microscope.”

“Well, you have to speak out now!” Sarah turned on Thomas. “You should tell your girlfriend how messed up that is. Women are being abused on her watch. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”

“Leave it alone, Sarah.” Thomas’s voice was thick with a warning tone.

Patti looked at Thomas as if he were her savior. “You’re there to help us, aren’t you? I can see it in your eyes when you look at her when she’s not looking at you. I could tell by the way you were talking the other night. You loathe her, don’t you?”

Thomas took a deep breath, causing his chest to puff up. “I have my reasons for being there.”

“What are you going to do with me?” she asked.

“Without your phone, they can’t track you, but they’ll be looking. It’s only a matter of time before they check here to see if you’ve been picked up. If I book you, they’ll find you. I have to find someplace else for you to stay.”

“I’d like to help,” said Sarah. “I don’t agree with you not coming forward, but I understand it. So, if you want, you could come and stay at my place. I have more than enough room.”

“Do they know where you live?” asked Patti.

Thomas cursed under his breath. “Yes, Lana does.” He gave Sarah an apologetic look. “Remember? I had her bring me there to get my car.”

But Sarah didn’t think it mattered. “Think about it. I’m the last person she’d consider having anything to do with it.”

“And I’ll have to play it up as if I think you’ll come back. It will buy some time, hopefully. At least until we get you someplace safe.”

Sarah agreed it was the best idea. “I’ll call the safe houses. There is bound to be one with an opening or who could make some room for someone with a special circumstance.”

“What do you mean an opening? Can’t they just take me in?” Patti put her arms around her front as if to give herself a hug.

“A lot of times, you have to meet a certain criterion, and of course, they always have to have a bed available,” explained Sarah.

Thomas agreed. “Believe it or not, most places like that are usually filled to capacity, but sometimes they are willing to make an exception. But don’t you worry. We’ll figure it out,” said Thomas. “Are you sure you don’t mind, Sarah?”

“Not at all. But you’ll have to stay in the house, and if you want to go out for any reason, you’ll have to stay in the backyard where it’s private. And no wandering off. I already have one college-aged rebel in my house.”

Patti sighed. “Great, no freedom. Don’t worry about it. I’m used to it.”

Read Chapter One of You Can’t Do This To Me…

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Chapter 1

Thomas

Thomas eased back against the pillow, feeling sated after enjoying another active hour with Lana.

She rolled over and snuggled her back against him as he put his arm around her and rested his cheek against her hair.

“That was incredible,” said Lana, letting go of a breath. “Are you sure you can’t stay all night?”

“I’m sorry. I have an early morning at the station. Captain Bowden will have my ass if I miss another meeting.”

“Don’t you ever take a day off? Call in sick or something.”

“I wish. But don’t make me regret coming over so late. You keep tempting me, and I’m only going to fight these late-night invitations harder.”

“Yeah, you were hard alright.” She giggled as he reached out and tickled her.

It was fun to play with Lana, and he figured he might as well have all the fun he could. The closer he got to her, the closer he was to the truth, and what was the harm in that? It was a win-win in his book. He didn’t even mind breaking her heart in the end as long as he got what he wanted.

Did it make him a bad man? Probably.

Did he care? Not after what happened to Starr.

Lana moved closer, and no sooner than their lips met, a blood-curdling scream sounded through the house.

Thomas jumped up and found his shorts as Lana put on her robe. He didn’t wait to head toward the front hall, hearing the argument the closer he got to the living room.

“Stop it, Max!” screamed one of the girls as another shrill-voiced girl wailed.

“Get your hands off of me!”

Thomas could hear the slaps and the reactions of the victim and the other girls, who were creating one loud commotion. All Thomas knew was Max had lost control and was taking his anger out on them.

“You’ll learn to keep your mouth shut if you knows what’s good for you. You sure didn’t mind me touching you when I give you a fix, you little druggie. You’ve always got to be the troublemaker. You see what that’s gotten you.”

With Lana on his heels, Thomas burst into the double doors that led to the main room where Max had one of the girls pinned against a large, tall-back chair, slapping her over and over.

“Get away from me,” cried the girl.

Thomas lunged for Max. He pulled him off, but Max was like a rabid dog and wouldn’t relent.

“You keep your mouth shut!”

“Stop it, Max!” screamed Lana, who had come over to help.

The girl wasn’t backing down either, and that made it especially hard. “You are nothing but a pervert. You only like us when we pretend to be little girls because that’s the only way you can get it up, you pedo motherfucker.”

“I guess that beating wasn’t enough, was it?” Max lunged toward her, but Thomas held him off.

“That’s enough!” Lana screamed, trying to get at Max, who had the girl by the back of her neck as if she were a scrappy kitten. “Don’t make me go to Roald with this. It won’t end well for either of you.”

Thomas finally got the two of them apart and threw Max against the wall, where he pinned him. “That’s enough of that,” he said.

“Oh, look, Lana. Now your boyfriend’s the hero.” Max’s smirk told Thomas he wasn’t fazed, but he kept his arm at his neck and hoped to defuse the situation before someone else got hurt.

“Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to hit women?” Thomas could feel the man’s body trembling and held him there.

Lana walked over and consoled the girl, but she had a message for both of them. “You two better cut it out. I’ll have to tell Roald, and this won’t end well for either of you, especially you,” she said to the girl.

“Me?” she asked, pulling away from Lana as if she’d had enough hands on her. “I’m only being honest. I can’t stand it when he comes around wanting us to baby talk him. He creeps me out, and you all just let him hang around all the time. You don’t even protect us!”

“That’s enough,” snapped Lana as if she didn’t want Thomas to hear. But he had already heard plenty.

Up until tonight, no one had protested Max’s advances. And while he didn’t agree with the man’s approach, unless there was a complaint of misconduct, he couldn’t very well intervene. All of the girls were of legal age, and if they wanted to act like oversized little girls and call him Uncle Max or sometimes Daddy, who was he to tell them they had to stop?

Tonight, it had gotten out of hand. Thomas glanced over to see the girl was the one they called Pixie. Like the other girls, she often wore a gold necklace with her name on it, and that made things a hell of a lot easier for identification purposes. Her face was red with tears, and Max’s handprint stained her cheek and shoulder.

“Let me go,” said Max, whose breath smelled like liquor.

“As long as you’re calm,” said Thomas, tightening his hold out of spite.

“I didn’t do shit. That little loudmouth bitch needs to learn when to shut up. She can’t talk to me like that. She needs to learn some respect.”

“I heard and saw enough when I came in to take your ass to jail, so don’t make me,” said Thomas. 

“Take him to jail. It’s where he belongs,” said Pixie, still goading. “Lock him up with the other pedophiles.”

“Stop!” Lana took a deep breath to try and calm herself, but Thomas could tell she had an urge to use more than words to shut the girl up. “Go to your room and wash your face. I don’t want to see you back out here tonight. We’ll talk about this in the morning.”

Pixie stormed off toward the east wing of the house, where just past Roald’s office was a long hallway that led to the guest quarters.

“I’m sorry about all of this,” said Lana.

Thomas glared at Max. “It’s not you who should be apologizing.”

Max gave him a hard look. “Well, I’m not going to. But I suppose I’ve worn out my welcome. I’ll come back tomorrow, and maybe you girls can show me some appreciation.”

Two of the three didn’t seem to care what happened to Max, but there was always that one who had to be different.

“Don’t go, Uncle Max,” she said. Thomas had yet to learn all of their names but knew that one, in particular, was willing to do anything to please anyone who could give her what she wanted. “Stay and play cards with us.”

“Nah, I’m tired, Sapphire. I’ll see you later, though, I promise.” He gave the girl a kiss on the cheek as he headed out and glanced back over his shoulder to look Thomas up and down as if he had taken it easy on him.

When he was gone, Lana slumped and took Thomas by the hand. “Come on, let’s go back to my room. I need a drink.”

“Don’t you want to know what started all of this?” he asked.

Lana shrugged it off. “It was nothing, I’m sure. Max was obviously insulted, and he put her in her place.”

“That was her place? Getting the shit slapped out of her?” He followed her to her room, where everything was white and gold. There wasn’t any soft pink or childish purple, no baby blue or bold initials on the wall. Her room was more suited for a lady.

A lady who made no apologies. “In his eyes, it was,” she said. “I know better than to argue with him. I’ll talk to Roald about it, and he’ll handle it like always.”

Thomas wasn’t sure how Max was handled. He sure had full reign of the house for a drug dealer. “Does Max do that kind of thing often? Does he do it to you?” He wondered just how many times the girls had to put up with that kind of behavior. And had his sister endured it too?

“No, he usually gets along with the girls just fine, but Pixie likes to push buttons. She’s our resident troublemaker.”

“It sounded to me like she had some valid points. You all treat them as if they are twelve with all of the rules. Cassie’s room looked like it belonged to a thirteen-year-old, and I have to admit the whole uncle and daddy thing is a bit much.”

“It makes them money,” she said, pouring a drink at her minibar. “It gets them followers and jobs. I can’t help what works. We have a style that is a part of our brand, and the girls have to reflect that.”

He wondered what kind of clients and attention they got. And if that was all she cared about. Did money and fame mean everything?

Thomas wondered if she had really given any thought to the way their treatment affected the girls. “Have you ever thought that his attention could be triggering for some of them? Maybe Pixie had a history of abuse before coming here.” The girl had been extremely emotional, and he wouldn’t have doubted it if she had admitted being a victim before.

“Well, it’s all done now,” Lana said before taking a sip of her drink. She gulped it down. “Do you want one?”

“No, I’m good.” All he really wanted to do was put Max in his place, but he knew he had to play things safe so he would continue to be welcome in the house.

Lana met his eyes and sighed. “I know you’re angry, but all families quarrel. That’s what we are here. A big family. Now, let’s put that behind us and try to make the most of the rest of the night.” She faced him and put her hand on his bare chest.

“Right,” he said. “I think I will have that drink after all. Let’s call it one more for the road. I’m not sure I’ll be good company, though.”

Lana smiled as she poured the drink. She passed it to him and topped off her own. “Have a seat and relax,” she said, pointing to the intimate sofa that was perfectly center to her fake fireplace. “You can at least stay a while longer until you settle down.”

“Don’t you think you should go and talk to her?” he said when Lana sat beside him. She angled toward him and put on leg over his lap.

“She can wait. She needs cooling off too.” She reached out and played with his hair.

“I’m surprised she hadn’t left.”

“What’s to leave? This is her home.” Lana shook her head, and Thomas could tell she just didn’t get it. Lana saw them all as property, and he was pretty sure she saw him the same way.

He downed the drink and got to his feet. “I really have to go before you talk me into staying.” He wasn’t going to let on how disgusted he was with her. But in his head, all he kept hearing was his sister saying how great Lana was and how much he was going to like her.

“Fine. I’ll walk you out. I guess I should go and talk to Pixie.”

“Yeah, you should. Sit her down and make sure she’s okay. Max was really rough with her.”

“You’re babying her. She’s a lot more resilient than you give her credit for.”

Thomas left the room, and when they walked down the hall, Lana tried to keep up. “You seem like you’re rushing off. Are you upset with me?” She stopped him just before they reached the main room.

“No, I’m just tired.” He turned to hug her. “You really take it out of me.” He wasn’t talking about the sex but knew she’d take it that way.

“Call me and let me know you got home, okay?”

“Sure.” He gave her one last kiss and opened the door to find Pixie sitting on the couch sobbing.

“I thought I told you to go to bed,” said Lana.

Thomas grumbled. “Talk to her,” he spoke softly as he headed out.

He got to the car and turned on his audio to listen to what happened next.

Lana was not pleased with the display, and she was letting it be known. “Do you have any idea how you made us look tonight? Do you think it was a wise choice to be spouting off accusations against Max with a cop in the house? Have you lost your mind?”

“I’m sorry. But I couldn’t deal with it anymore.”

“You’ll learn to deal with it. That man is important to Roald. And like it or not, he’s not going anywhere. And neither are you. I’ll remind you of your contract terms.”

“Yeah, that’s all you do is remind me of that fucking contract. I want out of it.”

“There isn’t any getting out of it,” snapped Lana. “So you’ll do well to remember that. You don’t want to know the alternative.”

“Is that a threat?” asked Pixie, taking the words right out of Thomas’s mouth.

“You fuck up again, and you’ll see.” Lana’s footsteps sounded and stopped. “Go to bed. And don’t get up again.”

Thomas started the car and drove away. He couldn’t help but wonder if his sister had gotten her fill of the abuse there as well. And if so, had that been a part of why she had disappeared?

Read Chapter 1 of Why Me…

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APPLE BOOKS AMAZON NOOK GOOGLE KOBO Prologue

The earth was gritty beneath Cassie Ryan’s knees when she was forced to the ground. As the bag was pulled off of her head, she stole a glance into the eyes of the masked man. He had taken her from her apartment parking garage on what felt like the longest ride of her life.

With the bag over her head, the sweat and tears stung her eyes, and she thought every moment that had brought her there was going to be her last.

The man had questioned her the entire way, and she thought if she was completely honest, he would let her go.

She wasn’t a person who made enemies and hadn’t hurt anyone intentionally. She was an aspiring influencer and wanted to make it big in Hollywood, just like so many others living in Los Angeles.

Her only crime, if any, was being in the wrong place at the wrong time more than she was comfortable with. But it wasn’t like a girl like her had any control over those situations. The men in her life had all of the power, and she was just along for the ride.

“Don’t look at me,” said the deep voice, causing her to divert her eyes from the masked man.

“Sorry,” she mumbled, sputtering out the word. “Are you going to let me go? Please. I won’t tell anyone I talked to you. I don’t even know who you are.” She didn’t want to know, but seeing the mask gave her hope. Why would someone wear a mask if they weren’t planning to let her go?

Cassie averted her eyes and looked around but didn’t have any idea where she was in the dark. There was nothing but dirt all around her, but she knew she had a chance of survival if he would just leave her there. 

“That’s not going to happen,” he said as she could hear him fidgeting with something. She knew he had a gun, and she was about to piss herself, wondering when he was going to pull the trigger.

“But I’ve told you everything you wanted to know. I don’t know anything else. I swear to you. Please. Just let me go.”

He had asked a lot of questions while she was still bagged, and she had told him far too much than she was comfortable with. If this was a test of her loyalty, she had already failed it. No matter the outcome, her life, as she had gotten used to it, was over.

Cassie wouldn’t be able to go back to it, not now. Not after this. If anyone found out she had talked, she was as good as dead, whether this masked man wanted to be the one to do it or not. Her only option was to run away once she was free.

The man loomed over her. “Yes, you have told me plenty, but you’ll soon see that cooperation doesn’t buy freedom. And turning a blind eye to something you know is wrong but can’t control doesn’t make you innocent.”

“But I couldn’t stop it. I didn’t have a choice! You don’t know how bad I wanted to do something.” 

“You always have a choice, Cassie. You just didn’t make the right one. And now you’ll have to pay.”

She heard something he was messing with that sounded like it could have been a gun, and she wasn’t sure if that was her final moment or not. All she knew to do was beg for her life. “Please, please just let me go. I won’t tell anyone about this! I will move away. I promise. Just let me live.”

She couldn’t stand not looking up at the man and not knowing what he was about to do. Was he a moment away from pulling the trigger? She had to know. So, against her best advice, she glanced up again, only to see him with his phone held out.

“You like your face on camera, don’t you?” Everyone who knew her knew that much, and it was obvious to her by his tone that he thought it made her shallow.

“It’s just a way to make a living,” she said, wishing she could go back to the days when she was just a waitress working in a diner where the tips were lousy and the boss had treated her like a piece of meat on the daily special. At least he let her go home alive.

“Look at the camera,” he said, stepping closer.

She glanced at it again, making sure to look at the camera and not him. As tempting as it was, and even though his face was covered, she didn’t dare. “What do you want me to do?” she said, looking into the camera. “I’ll do anything if you just let me go. I can do whatever you tell me to.”

“I’m sure you would do anything you’re told. That’s the kind of morals you have, isn’t it? You’ll do anything, even shit on your friends for a little more of the limelight, wouldn’t you?”

“I can do better.” She wanted to do better. She wanted one more chance to do everything right and try and be a better person. She knew she could if given another chance.

“I’m sure you could. But what would that matter anymore? Sometimes you don’t get a second chance to do the right thing.” He aimed the gun at her head while he kept the camera on her.

Cassie realized he was going to make good on his threats, and he was going to video it too. “No, please.” She shook her head and began to beg. She even smoothed her hair back from her face so he could see the fear in her eyes, hoping to buy herself a pardon with whatever good looks she had left through the grit and sweat.

“Any last words?” he said, looking down the barrel with his dark, menacing eyes.

She put her hand out as if she could use it to shield herself. There were so many others responsible for what she’d confessed, and she didn’t understand how she could be the only one paying for what happened.

“I’m giving you a chance to speak,” he snapped. “You should feel good knowing you’re going to be the catalyst from which something big happens.”

She wasn’t sure what that meant, only she didn’t want to be the catalyst if this was what it meant. “No, wait! At least tell me why?”

“It doesn’t matter. You should be happy. In just a short time, your face is going to be everywhere. So come on, tell me those last words, Cassie Ryan.” 

She looked into his eyes with her blue ones full of tears. “Why me?” The hopelessness inside her cracked through her voice, and when he pulled the trigger, she had only a moment to flinch before it was over.

 

Read Chapter 1 of The Past Destroyed

PRE-ORDER: AVAILABLE AUGUST 26TH

APPLE BOOKS AMAZON NOOK GOOGLE KOBO CHAPTER ONESilas

As Silas approached the small coffee shop where he had asked Amber to meet him, he wondered if he would have as much trouble out of her as he had other members of DLS.

He still couldn���t believe she had gotten involved with such a thing, and while he didn���t want to shame anyone for their sexual preferences, DLS was really delved into too many taboo subjects that she should have never been a part of.

Even if he didn���t find Carson had broken any laws, Silas felt he owed it to the victims to shut DLS down.

But was that even possible? It wasn���t like you could make people stop fantasizing or stop acting on those fantasies.

Just thinking about some of the services they offered made him sick, knowing someone like Amber could be swept up in such a thing. He had known her since the first day working with Gabriella, and they had struck up their playful banter immediately.

If anything, she had always come across as na��ve and certainly not the kind of person you���d expect would have any deep, dark secrets.

There had to be a way to take them all down, or at least make Carson stop the recruiting.

Silas looked through the window and saw her sitting at a small table in the back, talking to the waitress. Amber was dressed casually in a light blue cotton dress and looked in much better spirits than the last time he had seen her.

She had taken Gabriella���s death hard, and with the judge���s suicide compiling emotions, she probably felt like another connection to her lost friend was gone. Or at least it was for Silas.

Losing the judge had made things harder on him. And it was as if one whole side of his family had been taken.

Silas smoothed down his shirt and went inside, hoping she wouldn���t be upset when she learned that he hadn���t brought the jewelry.

The waitress was gone, and Amber sat looking at her phone until Silas approached. She smiled when she glanced up at him. ���Hey, Silas. You���re looking handsome for a change.��� She gave him a teasing grin as he pulled out his chair.

���And you���re looking nice too. Sorry, but I don���t have the jewelry yet. I thought we���d have a cup of coffee and maybe go for a walk. I needed to talk to you about something.���

���Oh, well, okay. Was there a holdup with the jewels? Not that I���m in a huge hurry or anything. I just hope there wasn���t a problem.���

���No, nothing like that. I just didn���t think you���d meet me without them.���

���Silas, I know I pick on you a lot, but we���re friends. You could have just told me you wanted to see me.��� She gave a shrug with a shy smile. ���Anytime, you know?���

���Thanks,��� he said, hoping she didn���t have the wrong idea but knowing it wouldn���t matter once he started asking questions. He looked around them, and there wasn���t anyone around. ���I guess this is pretty private.���

She gave him a sideward look. ���Are you feeling okay?���

���Yeah, it���s just what I have to ask is going to be a bit awkward.��� He tugged at his collar as the waitress came over with Amber���s coffee.

���I hope you don���t mind, but I went ahead and ordered without you.���

���All good,��� he said, turning his attention to the waitress. ���I���ll have a house blend with two sugars, please.���

As the waitress stepped away, Amber smiled. ���Look, whatever it is you have to say, it���s okay. I mean, it can���t be all that bad.��� She took a sip of her coffee and fluttered her lashes at him.

Silas knew he was about to throw a bucket of ice water on her. ���Okay. So, I���m just going to come right out and ask.���

���That���s fine with me. Ask away. I���m an open book.��� She put the cup to her lips and took a sip.

He hoped that she would still feel that way after. ���So, since you���re an open book, could you tell me what you know about DLS?���

Amber nearly choked on her coffee and began to cough.

���Are you okay?��� asked Silas with concern.

���Yeah, I���m fine. I���m sorry. DLS?���

���Yes. Dirty Little Secret,��� he whispered. ���I found your name while doing an investigation for Gabby���s killer. I know what it is. And I don���t expect you to tell me what it is you are into with the service.���

���Oh God,��� she said, interrupting him. She covered her face. ���I don���t do anything. And I haven���t been a part of it for a long time.���

���You got out of it?���

���I was really never in it. It was a long time ago, and I met this man Carson. He owns it. At first, I thought he was a really great guy, and it didn���t take me long to realize he was a total perv.���

���I���m listening,��� said Silas, noting that another couple had come into the place and sat only two tables away.

Amber glanced at them. ���Could we go somewhere else and talk?���

���Sure. We can take our coffee to go if you want?���

���Yeah, that would be great.��� They got up to pay the tab, and Silas got them two to go.

When they walked out into the early evening air, they headed out toward a small park just across the street.

���When I met Carson, I really liked him. I thought he was rich and handsome and could really make all of my problems go away. But I got to know him, and after sleeping with him the first time, he began telling me about DLS and how I could really do well in it. I went from having these starstruck feelings of a crush to feeling like he was trying to sell me something. He gave a pitch, telling me how I could make men���s fantasies come true. How I could fulfill a few of my own, and that���s when he presented me with a contract. I told him I wasn���t comfortable doing anything like that, but he said the connections were worth it. I might even get a job out of it. He made it all sound really innocent and told me that everything would be in my control. I told him I���d think about it. I just wanted to get him out of my apartment.���

���So, you eventually signed up?���

���It wasn���t an easy decision, but in my mind, it wasn���t much different than a dating site. Only there, you already knew what men wanted from you. And he made it all sound so safe.���

���Did something bad happen?��� He felt his jaw tightening as he considered her being manipulated and used.

Amber shook her head. ���I thought I could do it. But it wasn���t a fit. I made one arrangement, just to try it, and it was a mess. I ran out of there crying and wishing I���d never joined. I threw a fit and told Carson I wanted out. But as it turns out, once you sign up, you���re never really out. I just don���t hang there actively anymore or talk to anyone. I guess that didn���t take my name off of his roster.���

���No. And I���m sorry that you had that experience, but the problem I���m having now is no one there wants to talk to me.���

���Yeah, it���s for fear of legal ramifications. No one wants to get sued for breaking the contract. Not only would it be costly to your bank account, but Carson makes it known it wouldn���t be good for your social life.���

���That���s a personal threat,��� said Silas, growing angrier at Carson���s tactics. ���And what makes it bad on me is that it���s a very big part of the investigation.���

���How so?��� she asked, moving in a little closer as the wind licked her bare shoulders.

���Every one of the victims has some sort of connection to the service. In fact, that���s the only common thread. And the murders didn���t just start recently. They include a series that happened five years ago.���

Her eyes widened. ���You never caught the guy? Have you been looking for him that long?���

���Yeah, and the only connection I���ve ever gotten is DLS.���

���But not where Gabriella is concerned?���

He didn���t want to point out that she might be the connection between the two. He didn���t need her carrying the guilt for something he wasn���t sure of. ���That was my next question. I mean, I didn���t think she would be involved with it, but I would have never guessed you would either. Not in a million years.���

Amber tucked her chin. ���I was a lot younger and stupid. It was before I started working for Gabriella.���

���But you started working for her just out of high school, didn���t you?��� That was what he���d been told. He tried hard to remember, but it had all been years ago.

���The fall after. I met Carson over my summer break, just before college, and just before going to work for Gabby.���

���Did she know about your involvement?���

���Gosh, no. I never told her. I didn���t want her to think badly of me. I can���t even imagine what you must think of me.��� She gave him a sad look full of shame.

���I think we all do things sometimes that we wish we could take back or forget. Everyone���s got something like that they���re not proud of. Well, anyone who has lived, I���d guess.��� He still hadn���t gotten any answers. And while he hated to push the subject, he needed to know. ���Is there anything you can tell me about the service? Particularly who else is in charge? Did you ever meet anyone higher up?���

���We were all supposed to be equals,��� she said, rolling her eyes. ���But I know Carson sure feels pretty important. People treat him like a king, especially the people in the service. As for any founders or other leaders, I don���t know anyone. Everything is kept so private, and I���d be the last person they���d tell.��� She put her hands on her arms as if she were chilly.

Silas wished he had a coat to keep her warm. Instead, he put his arm around her and rubbed her arm. ���I need you to really try hard and think about it. Was there ever anyone at a party? Or a name that might have seemed familiar? Even the smallest thing could help me out.���

She shook her head. ���No, I���m sorry. As I said, I wasn���t in the group long, and I didn���t really meet up with anyone. The first guy I was supposed to meet didn���t even say anything when I didn���t show. I knew it was stupid, but I had done it just to upset Carson. But I realized that he didn���t really care about me. I was just another member to him.���

He found a bench to sit on, and she sat with him, staying close to keep from catching a chill. ���Do you want to go? I can tell you���re cold.���

���I should have known better than to go sleeveless,��� she said with a soft chuckle. ���I guess I was excited to get out of the house. I���ve been spending a lot of time sulking since the funeral.���

���Gabby wouldn���t want that,��� he said. ���Besides, a beautiful young woman like yourself should be out. Just next time, bring a sweater.���

���So you think the person who killed her is in DLS?���

���I think the killer has to be within the inner circle. Someone who had access to the member files and their addresses.���

���Well, if you need me to go back in, you know, just to ask around, I could. I haven���t really made any friends there, but I still have access to chat with them.���

���No, if you go nosing around in that, there���s no telling what would happen to you. We���re talking about a brutal killer. And I don���t want you anywhere near DLS again. You���re too good for it, Amber.���

She met his eyes. Her own were red with tears. ���Thanks for caring.��� She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, only pulling away long enough to meet his eyes before moving to his lips.

As she did, she cupped his face. Silas put his hands on hers and pulled away. ���Amber, I can���t do that.��� He tried to keep a smile, hoping she wouldn���t take the rejection so hard.

She nodded. ���That���s right. You have a girlfriend, don���t you?���

���Something like that.��� He wasn���t sure what the proper term was for whatever he and Madison were to each other. It wasn���t as if they were official, and he���d never pushed anyone away before for the sake of another woman���s feelings. But there was a first time for everything. And he knew in his heart that he couldn���t do that to someone he loved.

���Well, I guess I���ve made a fool of myself all the way around tonight.���

���Nah, I���m actually really flattered, but I think it���s time I try to be a better man. Besides, I���m pretty sure Gabby would haunt me if I laid a hand on you.���

���You���re probably right,��� she said. ���I just hope I haven���t ruined any chance that we might hang out again. And I wish I could have helped you more with the case. I just don���t know anything.���

He could understand how it was for her to lose so much. ���Sure, we can hang out again. As for the case, don���t you worry. I���m going to catch the guy if it���s the last thing I do.���

The Past Destroyed Cover Reveal

Happy Thursday!

Check out the cover reveal for the final book in The Evidence Speaks series, The Past Destroyed.

BLURB REVEAL:

Detective Silas Warren is on the hunt for answers when his suspicions lead him on a path that could destroy the entire case as well as his integrity.

With tensions high between him and Madison Corman, and trust on the line, he sets out to prove his theory without her.

But when things lead in a deadly direction, will he be able to save them both?

APPLE BOOKS AMAZON NOOK GOOGLE KOBO

Read Chapter 1 of The Past Unsolved…

APPLE BOOKS AMAZON NOOK GOOGLE KOBO Chapter 1Silas

When the first responders showed up, Silas wiped his eyes and let out a huge sigh as he went out to meet them. He was still too keyed up to even feel a sense of relief, but he sure was thankful they came in a hurry.

He had spent the past fifteen minutes���which felt like a lifetime considering the situation���waiting on them to arrive. He had paced the front room of her home, going back and forth to her bedroom where he forced himself to go just to make sure it wasn���t a terrible dream.��

Each time he wished the outcome would be different, but after the sixth time, he faced the reality of what had happened and what he had to do.

There was no doubt she was gone, and because he loved her too much and knew her modesty too well, even in death, he still felt the need to protect her. But more than that, he had to shut off his emotional attachment and do for her what he���d done for the others. He just didn���t know if that was possible.

The ambulance pulled up at the same time as Stanton and Hurley, and Silas went out to grab a paramedic and stop them all from coming back.��

���Just you,��� he said to a paramedic named Berenson. He wasn���t exactly a stranger, but Silas didn���t know him well. ���I know you have to check on her.��� He turned to Stanton and Hurley and directed them to stay outside. ���You two can secure the perimeter and send Madison in when she gets here. No one else comes in. Do you understand?���

���Yeah, are you okay?��� asked Hurley with a look of concern. ���Madison is on the way, but she called us to hurry out. She said you know this woman?���

���Yeah, she���s an old friend. I was doing a wellness check when I found her.���

���Maybe you should let us handle it,��� said Stanton. ���Captain won���t like it that you���re so close to the case.���

���Captain doesn���t have a fucking choice,��� he said. ���You���re not going in there. I don���t want everyone to see her like that. And I���m not stepping down, so you just need to do what the hell I tell you to do.��� He had to fight to keep his cool, but he needed them to know that he meant business.

Stanton and Hurley exchanged a glance but finally agreed as Silas continued.

���I don���t want anyone coming in without my say. I have to call her father.���

���I can call him if you want.��� It was nice of Stanton to offer, but he had no clue who he was dealing with, and Silas knew he had to be the one to do it.

Silas shook his head. ���I���ll do it. It���s Judge Hendrix.���

���Holy shit!��� said Hurley. ���Really? The media is going to be all over this.���

���Yeah. And you���re the only ones who know, so you���d be well advised to keep that to yourself. Just do as I asked. And don���t talk to anyone.��� He let go of a deep breath and turned to go back inside, where the paramedic was already on his way to the bedroom door.

���There���s definitely nothing I can do for her.��� The man gave Silas an apologetic look that brought fresh tears to Silas���s eyes.

���I know,��� said Silas, wiping them away. ���I just had to let someone in to verify besides me. I���m close to her.���

���I���m so sorry, detective. I���d get forensics in here as soon as possible, and you might want to stay out of the room. You know there���s nothing we can do for her until forensics secures the scene.��� Berenson spoke as if he were talking to anyone else, a person who had no experience with that type of situation. ���We���ll be on standby.���

Silas realized he must really be coming across as grief-stricken. So much for putting up a strong front.

���Thanks.��� He turned to look at her again, through the doorway where Berenson had just stepped out of to go past him. She was pale and lifeless underneath the blanket of blood that coated her back and spilled onto the bed.

She was messed up worse than the others, as if more than a passion for the kill had motivated the killer.

���Where is he?��� he heard Madison say.

Silas looked up and spotted her coming into the house. ���Silas!��� she said, rushing toward him.

He fell into her arms before she could even reach for him. ���She���s gone.���

���I���m so sorry, Silas. Do you need anything?���

���Help her. Gather what you can. I���m going to have to call her father.���

���You don���t have to. Captain Fletcher is making that call. I asked him to do it.���

���I should have done it,��� he said. ���I was going to do it, Madison.���

���I���m sorry. I know you have a lot going on in your mind, and Fletcher isn���t telling him any details. He should be here. You should go out and wait for him to show up. I���ll take care of her from here.���

���I was supposed to be the one taking care of her.���

���This isn���t your fault. You can���t blame yourself. Just let me go and do it for her, okay? I���ll make sure I get everything we need.���

���We have to get him, Madison. We have to stop him.���

���We will. We have to talk about it after I���m finished.���

���I didn���t want anyone else to go in.���

���I���ve got it. It���s okay. I���ll make sure she���s handled respectfully.��� She rubbed his back briskly, but it somehow felt as though she were rubbing an empty shell. ���I���ll take care of everything just the way I know you���d want it done.���

Silas nodded. If he could trust anyone, it was Madison. He stepped away and went outside, leaving her to talk to the paramedic, who went back into the room with her.

Silas could hear a loud voice outside and knew that he had to go out and face her father.

���Where���s my daughter?��� barked the judge. ���Gabriella!��� he shouted as he tried to push his way into the house.

Silas met him at the front door and noticed a larger crowd had formed on the lawn. Mostly, they were the retirees or trophy wives of the neighborhood. Silas knew it wouldn���t be long until the cat was out of the bag.

When Judge Hendrix saw him, his eyes widened. ���Where is my girl?��� he demanded to know as he pushed his way past Silas and into the front room.

Tears flooded Silas���s eyes, but he knew he had to stop him from going any farther. He stepped in front of the old man. ���She���s gone.�����

���What do you mean gone? Who has her? Did someone take her?���

���No, she���s dead,��� he amended. ���Amber called me. She wanted me to do a wellness check when Gabby didn���t show up for work. I came over and found her in her room. She���s been stabbed.���

���Stabbed!��� His face contorted to a look that brought a new layer of pain to Silas���s heart.

He had never wanted to be in this position and didn���t think he ever would be. ���It���s our guy. The one we���re looking for.���

The man���s expression changed again. ���The one you and that incompetent captain have let slip through your fingers all of this time!��� He lashed out at Silas, but he was ready for it. ���This is your fault!��� He pushed Silas���s chest. ���I gave you that warrant to stop this monster. And you couldn���t even get that right!���

���I���m trying,��� said Silas, holding his own. ���I had no idea he���d go after her. She doesn���t even fit into all of this.��� Gabby wasn���t the type of woman to be mixed up in something like DLS. None of it made sense to Silas. The only reason that this could have happened was revenge on him.

���I knew you���d never be fit for her. You couldn���t even stop this on your watch!��� The man held his hand over his mouth and began to weep.

But Silas wasn���t going to take it. ���If you had just let us be together, none of this would have happened. I wouldn���t be on this stupid case, in this fucked-up city, and we would have had different lives! If I���m to blame, then so are you!���

The old man took a deep breath and pushed his way past Silas into the house. ���I want to see her,��� he said. ���I want to see my daughter.���

He made it to the door before he turned away as if his entire world no longer existed and fell to his knees. ���My Gabriella,��� he cried, choking out the words.

Silas fell to his knees with the man and held him. It was all he could do. He glanced up and looked at Madison, who had to take a step back as well to dry her eyes.

Silas gestured to Hurley, who came in and helped get the judge to his feet. He had not been able to regain his composure, and Silas knew it was best to get him out of the room.

���Take him to the sofa and sit him down,��� he told the officer. ���I don���t want him to go outside like this, and I don���t want him to be alone.��� Even though the man had just all but accused Silas of everything, he knew the man just needed to get his emotions out. If he had to be the punching bag, he would be. But he wasn���t going to let the man blame him for everything.

Hurley agreed but leaned in closer. ���There���s a woman named Amber outside. She said she wanted me to tell you she���s here.���

Silas rushed to the door and found Amber standing next to Stanton, who would not let her past. Silas called out to the man. ���Stanton,��� he yelled. ���Let her by.���

Stanton stepped aside, and Amber rushed over with tears streaming down her face.��

���You can come inside, but do not try to go to the bedroom, okay? Promise me. Don���t even try to go down the hall to the bathroom. And don���t touch anything.���

She nodded. ���Okay. Is Judge Hendrix here?���

���Yes. He���s in the living room.��� Silas was glad the young woman had shown up. Maybe she could calm the judge down a bit. Silas had never thought he���d see the day he had to care for him like this. He and Gabby were supposed to bury him after a nice long-lived life of being the wall that divided them. And up until he met Madison, he even wondered if the two might finally give it a go when he was no longer around to stand in their way.

He glanced down at Amber. ���He could sure use some company.���

Amber wiped her eyes and caught her breath. ���I���m on it.���

He knew as long as Amber didn���t go in the bedroom, she���d be okay. She could hopefully keep the old man settled down.

���I canceled all the appointments and shut down the office,��� she said. ���I didn���t tell anyone what happened. I figure I���ll have a lot of phone calls to make, though.���

���You did well. I���m sure that���s how Gabby would have wanted you to handle it at this point.���

She looked over at the judge when they stepped inside the living room, and she hurried over to the man, who she knew as well as she knew Silas. He embraced her and held on to her tightly, sobbing that his little girl was gone.

Silas���s pain was beginning to numb, and in its place, there was another ache burning deep. The ache of justice. The ache of revenge. The ache of knowing no matter if he got both, it would never fill the empty hole this had left in his heart.��

It would never bring her back to any of them.

The Past Unsolved Cover Reveal

Book 5, in The Evidence Speaks is available on August 5th. Pre-order your copy.

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