IT'S HERE!!
Danny Walker is tracking Paulina Chourney who is lucky to get out a bad situation before her boyfriend kills her. She arrives in a small town, changes her name, buys a bookstore and joins a local writing group to fade into anonymity. Until Danny Walker shows up and figures out who she is. When Danny disappears, she has to choose between spending her life on the run or standing up to face her past. Hopefully before the quirky townsfolk turn her death into a spectacle.
Wanna-be writer Lucy
Stephen never wrote about murder until her husband moves out and she thinks
some man in a blue car is stalking her, namely Danny Walker. When her husband
and his girlfriend take her kids on vacation, Lucy discovers a hidden package
of jewelry he desperately wants. The more she learns about the assorted pieces,
the more Lucy realizes she may never see her kids again and needs to fight back
with the help of the man who stalks her.
From the moment Leo Blue meets the tattoo artist 's sister Christina, he's drawn into a web of bread dough and lies. Christina Davidson has returned to Packham with a duffle bag full of secrets. Leo soon discovers her biggest secret is Christina's alter ego and her husband who stands accused of murdering an up-and-coming artist. He promises to help set things straight and plans to bring husband and wife together for Christmas—even if it costs him his sanity and the love of his life.
Leo Blue can't escape Packham nor the life of a
private detective no matter how hard he tries. Six months after the murder of
artist DJ Gage, the prices of Gage's paintings soar. When a woman winds up dead
and a forgery is discovered in the local art gallery, Leo has to find a
murderer and a forger. When people from Christina Davidson’s past turn up, her
carefully constructed walls begin to crumble and the only one who can help her
now is Leo.
Eccentric
romance novelist Mimsy Lexington has a secret. When she approaches Katie Mullins
to help find details around her late husband’s death, Katie and her boyfriend
Danny Walker are drawn into a web of lies and deceit. The deeper they dig, the
more they realize the biggest dangers may lurk close to home and need to
suspect everyone—including Mimsy.
“Hey, isn’t that your friend on television?” Hilda Clayton interrupted Katie’s thoughts as she scanned through the thirty emails that had popped up like daisies overnight.
Katie peered at the screen but didn’t see a familiar face. “Who?”
Her landlady turned the volume up to a nine despite
normally keeping at a seven this early in the day.
The news anchor announced, “As we reported earlier,
all charges against Gerard Maddox, the former CEO of DMR Architectural have
been dropped due to a technicality. He and two of his cohorts, Alphonse Duvall
and Chevalier Duvall, were arrested last summer after an altercation in a small
bookstore in the small town of Packham an hour west of Newville. Maddox was
charged with murder after his partner Kenton Dunnsforth was found dead near his
Newville home. The judge declared there was not enough evidence to try the men
and dismissed the case. A third partner, Joseph Roland has managed to elude
police for over a year.”
Katie dropped her phone in her lap as a still of her
former boyfriend stared back at her from the television. “Are they kidding?
There was plenty of evidence. Danny and Leo dug through every waste basket,
file cabinet, and garbage bin to get it. The police gave boxes of paperwork to
the District Attorney’s office.”
“It sounds like the judge didn’t think so,” she said.
“Do you think Danny knows Maddox is on the loose?”
“I’d bet on it.” Her eyes welled with tears she
refused to let fall. “He was supposed to be in the court room for the hearing. If
he wasn’t, the D.A. would’ve called, right?”
“Then why didn’t he call you?” Hilda asked.
Katie blinked away the tears. “Maybe he didn’t want me
to panic. Either that or he’s waiting to talk to me in person when he gets back
from the city.”
“Then he should’ve told you not to watch the morning
news.”
Her heart raced and her palms grew damp. If he didn’t
want her to panic, he was too late. Since he’d taken away her gun last summer,
she’d need to find a different way to protect herself. Maybe buying a big, snarling
dog would help.
“I have to get a few groceries this morning. Would you
like me to drop you off at work?” Hilda asked turning off the television as she
stood. “I know it’s not far to the bookstore, but I’d feel better.”
Katie nodded. “I would, too. At least until I talk to
Danny and he tells me there’s nothing to worry about.”
“I’ll go get dressed while you call him,” her landlady
said. “What time does Laura get to the store?”
“When we open at ten. She needs to get in her workout
before she shows up or she’s cranky all day. Ray shows up whenever the mood
strikes him.”
Katie picked up her phone then blew out a breath to
calm her nerves. Maddox and his cohorts were supposed to be in jail for the
next hundred years. How could they possibly have ducked beneath the legal
radar? Maddox had likely paid off the right people in the right places. Bribery
was nothing new at DMR.
After sending Danny a quick text—she didn’t trust her
voice not to break just yet—Katie gathered her belongings. She followed Hilda
to the garage beside the house to her landlady’s shiny new Honda and got
inside. Once she got to Tales and Retales, she’d do some digging to see if she
could find more information. She’d call Danny once she wasn’t on the verge of
bursting into tears.
In her old life, she worked as Kenton Dunnsforth’s
secretary at DMR. Last April, Dunnsforth handed Katie half a million dollars to
leave town and never look back. Since her boyfriend, Maddox was one of the big
dogs at DMR at the time, she’d lived like a queen until he hired the Wild Blue
detectives to find her.
Instead of getting their money back, they went to
jail. She changed her name from Paulina Chourney to Katie Mullins with her
parents’ blessings and remained in Packham running the bookstore surrounded by
an obsessive group of guardian angels who refused to call her anything but
Katie.
By the time she unlocked the front door of the
bookstore ten minutes later, Katie could barely stand up straight. Her legs
trembled and her hands shook. The overwhelming feeling she should’ve stayed at
home in bed seized hold of her.
She’d barely settled in front of the computer to find
out more details about Maddox’s release when the bells above the door heralded
the arrival of an early customer.
“Good morning, Katie.” Mimsy Lexington, aka Katerina
von Herrington one of Katie’s favorite romance writers, strolled toward her
pushing her silver glitter-covered walker.
In her early eighties, Mimsy wore a rich purple ball
gown in spite of the late June heat and a glittering diamond tiara nestled in
her snow white up-do. A large sparkling purple tote bag rested on the seat of
her walker. The staff at the seniors’ home must have had her up extra early to
get her glammed up and out the door before nine.
“Good morning, Mimsy, what can I do for you today?”
She paused her walker on the other side of the
custom-made barn board counter before she announced, “I’d like to report a
murder.”
Considering the events of the morning, Katie mustered
a small smile. “Are you finally writing that murder mystery you were talking
about? I think I have a book on the shelf that’ll help.”
“Oh, no, dear,” she said, waving a crêpe-skinned hand.
A thin diamond bracelet sparkled on her wrist. “Someone really died.”
Katie caught her breath staring in disbelief. First Maddox
was released from prison and now this. She hadn’t drunk enough coffee to
process two shocks in one day yet. After a long minute, she asked, “Mimsy, you
do realize this is the bookstore, not the police station, right?”
“I know that, dear. I trust you much more than them.”
While she looked and smelled perfectly sober, Katie
had her doubts as she reached for her phone. “If there’s been a murder, we need
to call someone. Were you there when it happened?”
Mimsy tilted her head then giggled. “You’re such a silly
girl.”
Not the answer she expected. “Excuse me?”
“There’s no rush,” Mimsy said. “The poor man’s long
dead.”
Katie froze. “Long dead? Who is it?”
“Harold Lexington.”
“Your husband?” Katie sat back on her stool and almost
laughed in relief. “I thought you said he died ten years ago.”
“He did. I want to write about his death in my new
book but...” She paused before she said, “Oh, this is so embarrassing. I can’t
remember for the life of me how I did it.”
Katie’s pen clattered to the wooden floor. “How you
did it or wrote about it? Are you missing some pages you need help finding?”
“My pages are all in order, thank you for asking, but
I can’t remember how I killed him.” Mimsy batted her lavender eyes.
“You killed your husband? Are you sure about this?”
“Oh, good heavens. You’re not usually so frustrating
to talk to. Perhaps I should have a word with Sir Daniel about this. He is a
detective, is he not?”
Danny Walker knew Mimsy well enough he’d be just as
speechless.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I mean yes, he’s a
detective but...” Katie’s mouth worked like a fish gulping air, but no more
sound came out. What would Danny think? More than likely that Mimsy had even
more cobwebs in her belfry and all the bats were missing.
Maybe it was best he heard Mimsy’s revelation from
Katie first. He’d lock Mimsy up if she told him in person. Actually, he’d lock
them both up and throw the key into a lake.
“Why don’t we call Bobby Holland?” Katie
suggested. “You remember him, right? He was Danny’s partner on the force.”
Mimsy brightened. “The handsome man who helped
you with those bad men last year. I thought he got shot and was in a wheelchair
now.”
“He is. He’s working cold cases,” she said.
“This might be one he can help with. I can get his number and give him a call.”
Mimsy patted her hand. “That’s okay. I’ll call Sir
Daniel. You don’t seem to be able to cope with this and I need help now.”
Katie frowned. "After ten years, why is this
suddenly so urgent?”
“I’m old,” she said, turning to leave. “I’d like to
sort this mess out before the inevitable happens.”
“Wait, Mimsy, I don’t...” She stumbled around the
counter to stop her from leaving then paused to take a deep breath. “I’m sorry.
Today’s been a little crazy. Maddox was released from jail and I can’t get in
touch with Danny to find out where he is. I’m afraid he’ll come after me
again.”
Mimsy stopped and reached for the sparkling purple
tote bag. “Say you’ll help me. I have an envelope with information that could
help There are things I can’t seem to recall. I hoped you could find the
answers I need.”
“Are you for real?” Katie whispered.
“Is who for real?” Laura Davidson strolled into the
bookstore with two coffees and a bakery bag. It was the first time she’d been
early in over a year.
Mimsy flashed a smile. “Hello, Laura, darling. Katie
would like to know if I’m for real. I can assure her I am.”
“Why this time?” she asked.
“I’ve committed a murder and can’t seem to remember
how.”
Laura set one of the coffees in front of Katie. “Of
course you did. Just like you forgot where you left your white steed last
month. Looks like you’re really going to need this today. I’ll be back in a
jiff.”
Once Laura disappeared into the back room, Mimsy
placed her hand on Katie’s. “I know you think I’m a bit dotty, but I wouldn’t
ask for your help if I weren’t serious. There’s a great deal of money in it for
you to sort this out. Are you willing to help?”
“Yes.” The word seemed to jump out of Katie’s mouth on
its own accord. If nothing else, Mimsy’s strange request would be a great
distraction from her worries about Maddox. Particularly if Danny decided she
should be locked up for her own protection.
Mimsy removed a fat manila envelope from her tote bag
and placed it in Katie’s hands. “Wonderful. Everything you need to know is in
there. You know where I am if you need anything else.”
The front door opened once more before a man called
out, “Are you ready to go, Grandma?”
“I was just leaving. My business with Katie is done.”
Mimsy continued on her trek to the entrance.
Mark Lexington, her grandson, gave a wave. “Great. I
have to drop you off at the home before I get to work. How’s it going, Katie?”
“Hi, Mark. Where are you working?”
He grinned. “My uncle helped me get a job at an equine
center. Since I grew up with horses, he figured I’d be a good fit. It’s a dirty
job, but I like it.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Mimsy chuckled. “It’s one less thing for me to nag him
about. Now he just needs a girlfriend. Are you still seeing Daniel?”
“Yes, I am.”
“That’s too bad.” she said.
Katie watched them leave then stared at the envelope
in her hands still not quite sure what Mimsy wanted her to do.
As far as she understood Mimsy had confessed to
killing her husband who’d been dead for ten years. Katie, in her infinite
wisdom, had volunteered to figure out his cause of death and what Mimsy had to
do with it. If everything she needed was in the envelope, that shouldn’t take
too long. Unless there was some sort of catch.
What she expected to discover inside the envelope was
an outline and research for one of Mimsy’s novels. Maybe even a manuscript. Her
concern was that someone had drawn colorful doodles all over it. There was no
way Mimsy would let anyone desecrate even the envelope that housed her work.
If she discovered it was something she’d need help
with, Danny might not be so lenient toward Mimsy, considering she’d helped to
kidnap him last year. “He’s never going to let me out of his sight without an
armed guard again.”
“Who won’t?” Laura asked as she slipped behind the
counter.
“Danny, when he finds out I’m helping Mimsy.”
“Is she serious about the whole murder thing?” She
bobbed her head trying to get a peek at the envelope.
Katie spun around and held the envelope behind her
back. Should she lay it all out on the counter and let Laura help? She did need
to bounce ideas off someone. It wasn’t even ten o’clock and her day had already
taken some strange twists.
“I think she was talking about writing a mystery
novel. At least, I sure hope so.”
“I’ll bet Danny would just love to help with that,”
Laura said as she headed for the stairs. “We all know he doesn’t exactly hold
the local writing group in high regard.”
“Don’t I know it,” Katie muttered as she returned to
the front counter.
While Laura tidied the mess around the wicker chair in
the loft, Katie took advantage of the few minutes alone to examine the
envelope. Someone—presumably Mimsy—had several doodled names and dates in
marker on the outside. Each was decorated with delicate flowers or fancy ivy
wreaths. Mimsy had far more talent than just writing.
Taking a blank notebook from beneath the counter,
Katie jotted down every scribble of information from the envelope. Joe. Laurel.
Miracle. Heather. Glory. The name Isabella was circled in blue. Even though
they might be character names and not have any relevance, if she was going to
help Mimsy she couldn’t take any detail lightly.
Katie starred the names that stood out and made quick
notes before Laura returned to the front counter. She’d barely had time to copy
the information from the envelope before the front door opened.
Lucy Stephen blew inside in a flurry of long dark hair
and excitement. “Wow. The wind’s picking up out there. I’ll bet we get a wicked
thunderstorm tonight. The kids will love that.”
“Hi, Lucy,” Laura waved as she raised her coffee cup
to her lips.
“Hey, how’s the new grandbaby?” Lucy asked.
Laura reached for her phone. “He’s adorable. I just
want to pinch those chubby little cheeks. My son had to wrestle him away from
me on the weekend.”
“That would be me, too,” Lucy said. “I can’t wait until
Christina and Leo have their baby. They’ll be stuck with a babysitter whether
they want one or not.”
Katie tore her gaze away from the envelope and her
notes. “I am so glad to see you.”
She smoothed her unruly hair. “Do you have time for
coffee? I have some news to share.”
Lucy Stephens and her overactive imagination were
exactly what Katie needed to help Mimsy. Since she wasn’t only a mystery buff
but a mystery writer, Mimsy’s announcement and envelope would certainly pique
her interest.
Katie nudged the cup Laura brought to one side. “Sure.
What’s up?”
“I’ll tell you at Java Jo’s.”
“How are the kids?” Laura asked. “Are they excited for
summer holidays even though you’ll be working?”
Lucy nodded. “Only two more sleeps. Casey’s had the last
day of school circled in red marker for three months. I’ll only be casual here
as long as I can still get my sitters to look after them. The kids insist we’re
taking some day trips. We’re also arranging a visit to my parents’ cottage for
a week.”
“That sounds fun,” Katie said. “Do you mind if Lucy
and I run to Jo’s?”
She waved a hand. “Go. Ray won’t be in until after
lunch anyway, so I’ll be fine.”
Technically, Ray Colter didn’t even work in the
bookstore but Katie afforded the former owner certain privileges. He spent his
days hanging out in the loft on the wicker chair he’d dragged upstairs after
she’d renovated and opened up the loft that used to be his apartment. She also
gave him an employee discount, much to Laura’s chagrin.
Katie tucked the envelope beneath her arm and hustled
her best friend up the street to Java Jo’s. They each ordered a coffee before
Katie realized she'd forgotten her purse.
“Don’t worry, it’s on me,” Lucy said before she
ordered two Pecan tarts. “What’s going on? You’re not usually so forgetful.”
“Did you see the news this morning?” Jolene Raymond,
the owner of Java Jo’s asked as she rang in their order.
Lucy shook her head. “Not me. It’s the day of school.
I have more editing and drama at home than I can handle. I’ve been avoiding the
news.”
Katie nodded. “Hilda and I saw.”
“Saw what?” Lucy frowned.
“One of the men Katie used to work for was released
from prison,” Jolene said.
“Maddox. No. He can’t be.” She grabbed Katie’s arm.
“How did that happen? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Katie shrugged. “I didn’t want you to worry,
especially after you said you had news.”
“I do but—”
“Let’s go get a table then I’ll come back for the
food.”
They took their coffees then climbed the two steps up
to the second tier and chose a table to the immediate left. Katie sat facing
the front of the coffee shop, then set the envelope on the chair nearest the
wall while trying to figure out how to explain Mimsy’s request. Maybe she’d be
better off blurting it out the way Mimsy had.
“Lucy, I—” Katie started.
“I’ll be right back.” She strode back to the front
counter and returned a minute later with two forks and two plates holding Pecan
Tarts.
She smiled. “These are awfully decadent this early in
the day. What’s going on?”
“We’re celebrating. I’ll tell you in a sec.” Lucy
darted back to the front counter and grabbed a few napkins.
After the news about Maddox, celebrating was at the
top of Katie’s to-do list.
Lucy sat across the table from her and took a deep
breath. “Okay. Are you ready for this? My agent sold my book.”
"What?” She stared.
“That agent Danny introduced me to in Newville pitched
my book to a publisher in New York and they loved it. They think it could do so
well that they’re giving me a six-figure advance.”
“Are you serious?”
Katie jumped up to hug her and nearly knocked
everything off the table in the process. “Lucy, that’s amazing!
Congratulations.”
When the few people around them looked to see what was
going on, Katie laughed then motioned to Lucy. “My best friend’s going to be a
published author.”
“Thanks.” Her face grew red as she leaned closer to
the table. “She called this morning after I took the kids to school, so they
don’t know yet. I did call Clancy. He’s so thrilled he’s bringing dinner
tonight to celebrate. Do you and Danny want to join us?”
“That sounds like fun,” Katie said. She’d feel safer
surrounded by friends. “Once you have more details, we’ll plan a book launch at
the store and post on social media.”
Lucy’s eyes sparkled as she reached for her fork.
“That sounds great.”
After brainstorming ideas for her book launch, Lucy
met Katie’s gaze. “Wasn’t there something you wanted to tell me? The way you
keep looking at that envelope, I’m expecting something to jump out of it.”
The café had emptied considerably. The only other
person there was a man hidden hunched behind a laptop screen.
Katie lowered her voice. “Mimsy asked me for a favor.”
“Is that a manuscript?” Lucy asked as her eyes
widened. “I’d love to edit one of her books. She’s so talented.”
“Not exactly. It’s some research materials. She asked
me to figure out how she killed her late husband.”
Lucy gave a small laugh. “Excuse me? I thought he died
of cancer or something.”
“Same here, but Mimsy insists she killed him and can’t
remember how.” When Lucy’s face went blank, Katie added, “I had that same look.”
“What’s in the package?” she asked.
“Everything we need to figure it out.”
Lucy raised her eyebrows. “What do you mean we? What
do you need me for?”
Katie grimaced. Wasn’t it obvious? “You’re a mystery
writer, Lu. You have this fabulous ability to do research with eagle eyes. I
figure you might be able to pick up on things I’d miss.”
“Can I take it home?” Lucy asked.
Katie didn’t want to let it out of her sight. She
wanted to tear open the package there and then to figure out what Mimsy was
talking about. “I thought we could do it together.”
“Except that you’re supposed to be at work and I have
to finish a chapter before I pick the kids up after school,” she said. “When do
you want to get together?”
“We could get Danny and Clancy to take the kids to a movie
or something tonight. That way we can go through it tonight after dinner.”
Lucy shook her head. “It’s a school night. That’s not
happening.”
“I thought you said it was the last day of school,”
Katie said.
As she blew out a long breath, Lucy reached for the
envelope. “Mimsy doesn’t strike me as the forgetful type. That woman remembers
all my kids’ names, birthdays, and my phone number. Honestly, I can’t even do
that some days. How could she forget something so important?”
“Maybe she was traumatized and blocked it out.” Katie
shrugged. “People do that.”
Lucy shook her head. “Actually, most killers either
thrive on the conquest or get eaten alive by guilt. It’s rare for anyone to
block something like that out.” She paused. “Is there stuff you’ve blocked out?”
“Stuff I’d rather not talk about. I doubt there’s much
I’ve blocked out aside from when I’d blacked out.”
“I know. You don’t like to talk about your past. Can I
take this home? I’ll have a little time before the kids get home.” Lucy tilted
her head in thought. “I could make notes to see what we’re dealing with.”
Katie wasn’t ready to let the envelope out of her
sight until she looked through its contents.
“I could make copies,” Lucy said. “I bought a fancy
new printer with my income tax return this year. I’ll put it in a binder and
you can grab it when you come over later.”
She wanted to tell Lucy not to bother. “Are you sure
you’re okay with this?”
“I’m a writer. I thrive on musty libraries, coffee,
and the Internet.”
Katie chuckled. “Good because that’s the part I hate
the most. Why don’t you start researching Mimsy and let me know what you dig
up? I’ll call Danny and we’ll come over tonight for dinner then the kids can
play video games or something while we go through the stuff in the envelope.
I’ll keep it somewhere safe until then.”
Lucy chuckled. “You really don’t want to let it out of
your sight, do you? I have a filing cabinet with a lock and key. It’ll be fine.
This isn’t just about Mimsy, is it?”
"Why would you say that?” she asked.
“Because you’re not normally so anal,” she said. “Is
this about the guy Jolene mentioned?”
Katie groaned. “Am I that obvious?”
“We’ve been friends for how long?”
“A year, give or take. You’ve become the padded walls
in my crazy life making sure I don’t self-destruct.”
“Same here,” Lucy said. “Between my divorce and my
ex’s court dates, and giving me a job, you’ve been there for me a lot.”
Guilt gnawed at her. She didn’t want to worry Lucy any
more than she had to. “You’re right. I’m being overly cautious. Take it. Copy
it. Memorize it. Whatever. I’ll be busy anyway now that I have a book launch to
plan.”
“If you mean my book that doesn’t come out until next
year, don’t panic. You have plenty of time.” She paused then grinned. “I can’t
believe I said that. I guess it won’t sink in until I’m holding a copy in my
hands.”
“And I’ll plaster pictures of your launch all over
social media. I’ll bet Clancy’s proud of you.”
“Yeah, he is. He wants me to stop at the tattoo shop
before I head home.” Lucy’s face fell and she stared at the empty plates. “He
keeps hinting that he wants to get married.”
Katie winced. “And you don’t?”
“The ink on my divorce papers is barely dry.” She
stared at a painting on the wall. “Besides, I still have nightmares about what
happened and need time to myself to get my act together. I want to get my
writing career going and become more independent.”
“You can get all that as a single mom with three kids
underfoot?” Katie asked as she glanced at the same picture. An abstract
creation filled with dark blues and greens entitled Drowning by Jason Epps.
“Only during school hours, which reminds me I’d better
go. I still have to pick up treats for the kids and see Clancy.” She stood up
then paused. “After you fill me in on what was in the news that has you rattled.”
“Outside.” As they left Java Jo’s, Katie’s looped her
arm through Lucy’s and whispered, “Maddox’s getting out of jail on a
technicality.”
“Your old boss?” Lucy stared. “Are you sure?”
Katie nodded. “It was all over the news this morning.”
“Did you talk to Danny yet?”
“I haven’t been able to get in touch with him. Hilda
dropped me off at work then Mimsy came in. She left right before you showed up.
I’ll call him when I get back to the store.”
Lucy hugged her. “You’d better. I’ll see what I can
find out. Don’t worry. You have a lot of people looking out for you. Danny,
Leo, me, the writing group…”
“Don’t go there.” Katie groaned. The Packham Writing
Group was a crazy, obsessive bunch of guardian angels who scared her more than
comforted her. The last time Maddox and his men showed their faces in Packham,
her bookstore and inventory were nearly destroyed.
Once they reached the bookstore, Lucy said, “Promise
you’ll call Danny.”
Katie had a feeling her paranoia about the envelope
had rubbed off when Lucy stuck it in her tote which she clutched to her chest.
“I’ll call him right now.”
“Start dialing. I’m leaving.”
Katie held up her phone so Lucy could see the screen
then hit the phone icon near Danny’s name. After five rings, his soothing voice
told her to leave a message. She sighed. “Danny, it’s Katie. I know about
Maddox. Call me as soon as you can.”
She pushed open the front door then strolled through
the true crime section while a million thoughts flew through her head as to why
Danny didn’t get back to her. He was on a case. He was on another call at the
same time she called. He was driving. He already knew about Maddox and meeting
with Leo to figure out how to keep her safe. All of the above made her eyes
water.
This was one of those days she wished Lucy was working
in the shop to give her a distraction. She never thought she’d be best friends
with a mystery writer let alone in love with a private detective, especially
after being involved with a mobster. Life was strange that way.
Gerard Maddox looked great in a suit and tie but had a
penchant for violence and money-laundering. Katie still had the scars he’d left
behind both inside and out. All the therapy in the world couldn’t help her
unsee the things she’d witnessed and experienced.
While Laura stocked shelves and helped customers,
Katie busied herself doing an online search to learn more about Mimsy and
Harold. If she was going to solve the man’s murder, she wanted to know who she
was dealing with. She typed Harold Lexington’s name into a search engine. It responded
with over five thousand items with headings like mobster, crime, and prison.
“Mimsy, what was your husband up to?” she whispered so
she didn’t attract Laura’s attention. “Who was this guy?”
The more she learned over the next four hours, the more
worried she became for Mimsy and whatever can of worms they were opening.
To Buy THE CONNED LADY, click here
Thank you for joining me!!
Diane
