Jack snorted out a laugh while he poured pancake batter onto the griddle. We’d been stuck at the station most of the morning and afternoon, and Carver had been gone when we’d finally gotten home, saying he’d decided to do a little exploring but would be back for dinner. It was after six o’clock and we figured he’d come walking in at any time, so Jack had put on his apron and decided breakfast for dinner was the way to go.
“In the end,” I said, “She was just trying to do what was best for the community. Sure, she affected elections and embarrassed some people with the other stories that were more fluff pieces, but she made some real change with the things she did.”
“She was a kind of vigilante,” Jack said. “I’m not saying I’m not glad Harrison Taylor is in jail. But look what happened to her because of it.”
“She was very brave,” I said. “I think she knew the risk. And obviously, she was feeling the heat, which was why she’d decided to shut things down. But what did she have to lose? She had no family, and she’d stayed devoted to the love of her life even after his death. She was a devoted wife and a brilliant business woman. She served the community for decades. All in all, she lived a good life. I think that’s as good of a compliment as anyone can say.”
Jack moved the pancakes onto a platter, and then came over to kiss me on the forehead. “I think you’re right,” he said.
His cell phone rang and he sighed, pulling away from me to see who it was.
“Lawson,” he said, answering.
Whoever was speaking on the other end of the line had Jack’s full attention. His jaw clenched and the scar on his eyebrow turned white. I could tell he was pissed. And worried.
“We’re on our way,” he said and hung up.
I was already on my feet and grabbing my bag. “What is it?” I asked.
“Carver’s rental car was found over the side of the cliff. A tree stopped him from going all the way into the water.”
“Oh, no,” I said. “How bad is it?”
“It’s bad,” Jack said. “There were witnesses that said a black SUV ran him off the road.”
I felt my blood go cold. “Malachi,” I said.
“When first responders got to the scene, Carver was unconscious and the passenger door was open.”
“He took Miranda,” I said. “We should’ve known he’d go to any levels of getting those flash drives back.”
“Now we know,” Jack said. “I had Carver hand them over to me when he got here last night. But there’s no telling what information he can get from Miranda. She’s classified. He might not even need the flash drives if he can use classified information to blackmail his way off the most wanted list.”
“I can’t deal with my father right now,” I said, shaking my head. “He can go to hell for all I care. The government can deal with him. As long as he’s out of our lives I don’t care what happens to him.”
“You really think he’s going to be out of our lives as long as he’s alive?” Jack asked.
I didn’t. But I couldn’t voice the words aloud.
“We need to go,” I said. “Ben needs us.”
Jack grabbed my arm before I could rush out of the house. “You need to prepare yourself,” he said. “Prepare yourself that he might only need you.”
I stared into Jack’s eyes and saw the myriad of emotions there—compassion, hurt, sadness, anger—everything I was feeling. I knew what he was saying. Ben might not need a surgeon. He might need a coroner.
About the Author
Liliana Hart is a New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of more than fifty titles. After starting her first novel her freshman year of college, she immediately became addicted to writing and knew she’d found what she was meant to do with her life. She has no idea why she majored in music.
Since publishing in June 2011, Liliana has sold more than five-million ebooks. All three of her series have made multiple appearances on the New York Times list. Liliana is a sought-after speaker, and she’s given keynote speeches and publishing workshops to standing-room-only crowds from California, to the Library of Congress, to London.
Liliana can almost always be found at her computer writing, or working with her husband, Scott Silverii, on their marriage ministry at Marriage Matters. Scott and Liliana believe in happily-ever-afters and want to help as many marriages succeed as possible, which is one of the reasons Liliana loves writing stories about couples overcoming all obstacles.
If you enjoyed reading this, I would appreciate it if you would help others enjoy this book, too.
Lend it. This e-book is lending-enabled, so please, share it with a friend.
Recommend it. Please help other readers find this book by recommending it to friends, readers’ groups and discussion boards.
Connect with me online:
www.lilianahart.com
lilianahartauthor@gmail.com
Also by Liliana Hart
JJ Graves Mystery Series
Dirty Little Secrets
A Dirty Shame
Dirty Rotten Scoundrel
Down and Dirty
Dirty Deeds
Dirty Laundry
* * *
Addison Holmes Mystery Series
Whiskey Rebellion
Whiskey Sour
Whiskey For Breakfast
Whiskey, You’re The Devil
Whiskey on the Rocks
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Whiskey and Gunpowder
* * *
The Gravediggers
The Darkest Corner
Gone to Dust
Say No More
* * *
The MacKenzies of Montana
Dane
A Christmas Wish: Dane
To Catch A Cupid: Thomas
Riley
Cooper
A MacKenzie Christmas
Riley: Fireworks
Cooper: The Ties that Bind
* * *
MacKenzie Security Series
Cade
Shadows and Silk
Secrets and Satin
Sins and Scarlet Lace
Sizzle
Crave
Trouble Maker
Scorch
* * *
Lawmen of Surrender (MacKenzies-1001 Dark Nights)
1001 Dark Nights: Captured in Surrender
1001 Dark Nights: The Promise of Surrender
Sweet Surrender
Dawn of Surrender
* * *
The MacKenzie World (read in any order)
Trouble Maker
Bullet Proof
Deep Trouble
Delta Rescue
Desire and Ice
Spies and Stilettos
Wicked Hot
Hot Witness
Avenged
Never Surrender
* * *
Stand Alone Titles
Breath of Fire
Kill Shot
Catch Me If You Can
All About Eve
Paradise Disguised
Island Home
The Witching Hour
Fortune’s Treasure (Second Chances Anthology)
* * *
Books by Liliana Hart and Scott Silverii
* * *
The Harley and Davidson Mystery Series
The Farmer’s Slaughter
A Tisket a Casket
I Saw Mommy Killing Santa Claus
Get Your Murder Running
Deceased and Desist
er>