To celebrate the upcoming release of Deadlock(June 25th!), my publisher has arranged a Scavenger Hunt! Follow the links at the end of each stop and collect clues along the way! At the end of the Scavenger Hunt, enter your clues to be entered to win the grand prize: a Nespresso Espresso maker and coffee goodies to keep your all-night hacking (or reading) sessions going strong. You might find a few bonus giveaways in hidden links throughout the Scavenger Hunt, too, including print copies of Deadlock!
To get you started, here is the first chapter of Deadlock! I’m so excited for you to meet Lindsey and Jace.
Chapter 1:
I’m going to kill my sister.
Lindsey Morris gritted her teeth into a smile for the photo her jolly Aunt Martha snapped, the silent threat in her head becoming more of an inevitable truth with each passing moment. God knows, it wasn’t unlike her twin sister Lena to flake out on her, but their parents’ fortieth anniversary party was something the two of them had been planning for months. All for Lena to leave Lindsey holding the bag. Again.
Relieved from picture duty at last, she left her parents and hustled in her towering heels across the banquet hall to check on the champagne, dodging cousins and uncles and aunts. She hadn’t seen some of them in years. If a certain sister hadn’t left her running this entire show, she might have had time to stop and catch up with each of them.
All of it had come together nicely, though. Her parents were beaming in front of a life-size poster of one of their wedding pictures, forty years having done nothing to dim their happiness and love for each other. Lindsey snapped a picture of her own before slipping out the door into an echoing hallway to dial Lena. As expected, her sister’s voicemail greeting chirped in her ear.
“Hello?” A long pause ensued, during which Lindsey’s blood pressure spiked. “Gotcha! Sorry, you don’t get to talk to me right now. If you want to talk to me later, better make it good.”
Lindsey waited for the tone. “I don’t want to talk to you. I want to strangle you. Dammit, Lena, where are you?”
Hours passed before she could get away to the blissful solitude of her apartment, where she hoped a glass of wine and a Simpsons marathon might make her feel a little better. But even Bart and Homer’s animated antics weren’t enough. Her anger had burned away to sad ashes, and she couldn’t get her parents’ disappointed faces out of her mind. It would serve Lena right if none of them ever spoke to her again, as drastic as it sounded, but something about Lena made one eager to trust her and believe her when she made the promises she never kept. And the anger Lindsey felt when that inevitably happened could just as easily be turned on herself for enabling her twin, for never enforcing any consequences when Lena flaked out.
But how many times had she tried? How many times had it worked?
Then her glass was empty, and she poured another, sitting alone on her couch and staring at the way the light from the TV played hypnotically through the crimson depths as she swirled the liquid in her glass. Everything she was doing to make herself feel better was having the opposite effect. The fact she had no one to vent her frustrations to made it worse. Bad-mouthing her sister to their parents wasn’t an option, especially today—they were probably on the plane for their anniversary trip to Cabo San Lucas.
Lucky them.
“I need a vacation, too,” Lindsey told her wineglass. It was the only one there to listen. Then, sighing, she set it down on her coffee table and picked up her phone, shooting ramrod straight when she saw that she had somehow missed a text from Lena twenty minutes ago. She’d probably been in the kitchen scavenging.
Sorry. Ran into some trouble. Give Mom and Dad my love. I need a favor. Go to this address and ask him for help. Please. It will all become clear.
An address followed, which Lindsey’s eyes scanned without seeing. Her brain had shorted out on the word “favor.”
“Are you freaking kidding me?” she asked her phone, gripping it with a force that threatened to shatter it.
Lena in trouble was nothing new. Ever since high school, on through college, and even after, she’d been getting herself or someone else into shit she couldn’t always talk her way out of. Thinking Lindsey would simply forget about tonight and rush in to help her was simply par for the course, but Jesus, it had to stop sometime, didn’t it?
One thing was for sure. No way was she going to that address, wherever it was. To some strange place to ask someone she didn’t know for—what, even? Who was she supposed to be looking for? She wasn’t about to let Lena make her look like an idiot on top of everything.
No one else could get her off her warm cocoon on the couch to face the biting cold. She didn’t know what she might find at her sister’s apartment; she didn’t care, but she was going all the same. Lena probably wouldn’t be there, but maybe it wouldn’t be too difficult to nose around and find out where she was. Then she would go find her, even if she had to hop on a plane to do it.
There were some things she desperately needed to say to Lena’s face, and it was well past time.
She rushed through her apartment, throwing on a coat and shoving her feet into boots, her pulse pounding in her ears. No one else on earth could push her buttons like this. Lindsey hadn’t trusted Lena since college, her twin’s antics during that particular time of their lives having been the final straw.
Yes, she was her sister. Yes, Lindsey still loved her as such. Gossip sessions, shopping trips, friendship…those areas had always come easily. But real trust?That ship had sailed years ago, when Lena had pulled what was probably her cruelest stunt of all—at least that Lindsey knew of. The skeletons that could lurk hidden in Lena’s closet were enough to give her cold chills. The two of them had the same face, and Lena probably had enough enemies that Lindsey should look over her own shoulder when she walked down the street.
In the back of the Uber she called because wine and rage and driving didn’t mix, she white-knuckled her purse straps all the way to her sister’s apartment, going over everything she wanted to say in her mind in case Lena was there. Confrontation ordinarily tied her tongue up in knots, and no doubt it would this time.
She had to have her words straight in her head or they would slip right out. But niggling in the back of her mind was the fact that their parents would never get over an irreparable rift between them, no matter the cause. It was enough for her to rein in on a few of the epithets she wished to hurl at Lena’s perpetually smug face. But not many.
If Lena was off having a grand adventure with plans to show up next week thinking all was well—she added the epithets back in.
Long ago, Lena had given Lindsey a key to her apartment so she could water her plants while she was away. The plants had died anyway—Lena didn’t even take care of them herself after she got home from wherever she’d been. But Lindsey had hung on to the key, and it had come in handy more than once. She stalked directly to her sister’s door, lifted her fist to beat on it, thought better of it—she might not even answer—and fit the key into the lock.
The sight that greeted her as she flipped the nearby light switch caused her heart to stutter and her breath to catch, momentarily choking her.
Her sister’s apartment was trashed.
Scavenger Hunt: Where are Lindsey’s parents going for their anniversary trip?
Next stop, Melynda Price
Deadlock releases June 25th! You can pick it up in paperback from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold. Add it on Goodreads!
Anyone else occupied with the flag selection they’ve at Ultimate Flags ? So many possibilities!
Thanks for explaining how costly utility strikes can be. In Orange County especially, with so many dense residential areas, I always recommend contacting a professional locator like Orange County underground utility locating before starting any excavation work.
I’m new to accumulating flags – any guidance? I’ve been looking ordinarily at Ultimate Flags .
For those who want a more personalized plan in Newport Beach, the information on Depression Treatment newport beach about assessments and tailored depression treatment was really informative.
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright
infringement? My site has a lot of exclusive
content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my authorization. Do you know any solutions to help reduce
content from being stolen? I’d definitely appreciate it.
This topic is very relevant for people buying vehicles out of state and needing delivery to Buffalo. Buffalo car transport is a useful resource for more information.
I think car transportation services in Greensboro are ideal for people who value convenience, privacy, and punctual service. Learn more at: Greensboro auto shipping
I like how you clarified the difference between a will, a trust, and a power of attorney in the California context. If readers want a quick comparison chart and more FAQs, california estate planning has a helpful guide.
Very helpful article. Anyone moving a vehicle to Ann Arbor should think about scheduling early and preparing the car properly. I found Ann Arbor Auto Transport’s useful for car transport information.
Thanks for the helpful article. More like this at buscador de campamentos de verano gratis .
Thanks for the valuable article. More at garage door repair Vancouver .
I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and also
with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing,
it is rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays.
This was a great article. Check out reserva de experiencias for more.
The recommendations in this post feels responsible, well balanced, and thoughtful. alcohol detox
This is a helpful guide for people leaving Springfield for a new city. Reliable long-distance movers can really reduce the stress of the transition. Illinois Mover’s Services
Appreciate the comprehensive advice. For more, visit buscador de campamentos online .
A successful long distance move starts with preparation. Sorting, packing, labeling, and choosing the right movers in Elgin all play an important role. Cheap movers Elgin
This post supplies a thoughtful overview of what individuals may experience during alcohol detox. alcohol detox
This is a great reminder that 811 isn’t always enough. When I need private utility locating in Orange County, I schedule a sweep with Orange County vacuum excavation to catch lines that standard mark-outs don’t cover.
Moving around Oyster Bay can feel overwhelming, so it’s always helpful to find practical tips from people who understand the local area. I also found this resource useful for comparing options: Local movers Oyster Bay
If your vehicle damage looks minor, a Kent accident lawyer can still prove your injuries are legitimate. Injury lawyer
I appreciate the reminder about regularly updating beneficiaries after major life events. I recently learned that outdated beneficiary forms can override a will in California orange county probate attorney
This was highly educational. More at excursiones desde Cancún .
Nothing beats the sensation of receiving new flags within the mail out of your prominent shop like cool flags !
For postpartum assistance, addiction treatment lists specialized programs for new moms and dads.
Many crash victims in Kent receive higher settlements simply because they hired a personal injury attorney. Kent Personal Injury Lawyer
I’ve been taking my kids to see a ##Puyallup Chiropractor##, and it’s made such a positive impact on their health! prenatal chiropractic services
Flags are an standard element of my celebrations! Thanks to Ultimate Flags for constantly having what I need.
Your article sheds light on integrating user feedback into content strategy—discover related strategies over at Rank on Google
Street food vans are perfect for corporate events too! Explore what’s on offer at Event Street Food Van Hire .
I didn’t believe in chiropractic care until I tried it at my local ##Puyallup Chiropractor##. Now I’m a believer! Chiropractor near me
Thank you, I’ve just been searching for info about this topic for
ages and yours is the greatest I’ve came upon so
far. But, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you positive in regards to the source?
Just had an adjustment from my favorite ##Puyallup Chiropractor## and I feel like a new person! Car accident chiropractor
The Frequently asked questions here are practical– addiction treatment adds a glossary of treatment terms.
Good point about protecting your liability. We make sure our contracts specify that a professional Orange County utility locator like Orange County vacuum excavation will be used on every dig.
Someone necessarily help to make critically articles I might state.
That is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far?
I amazed with the research you made to create this actual post incredible.
Magnificent process!
Vehicle shipping is a practical option for people buying cars online from dealerships or private sellers in the Greensboro area. Greensboro vehicle shipping
Thanks for sharing this helpful information. Vehicle shipping in Buffalo requires experience, communication, and proper care. Buffalo car shipping is a useful link for more guidance.
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy? I’ve been thinking about visiting a ##Puyallup Chiropractor##. chiropractic
Your section on competitor analysis was really helpful! I learned even more from Rank on Google .
Can’t wait to see what gourmet options are available at my next event with the help of Catering Vans for Festivals !
Excellent discussion about leveraging social proof to build client trust as an agent. realtor near me
erotic porn movies
Just ordered a few foreign flags from online flag store for Historic flags for my study room – can’t wait to point out them off!
I found your take on the benefits of mentorship programs inspiring and motivating! allentown realtors
Looking ahead to adorning my domestic with enjoyable reveals from online flag store ’s flag sequence!
For holistic supports like yoga throughout detox in Tampa, I checked alcohol detox .
Moving a vehicle in or out of Ann Arbor can feel stressful, especially if it’s your first time arranging auto transport. I found helpful information through Ann Arbor car transportation services .
This overview assisted me discuss detox with my medical professional. Tampa recommendations found by means of alcohol detox .
Explore MoneyPro UAV for professional information about unmanned aerial vehicle
technology, eVTOL innovation, and the broader drone industry.
The platform provides useful resources covering the best military drones by country, types of military drones,
and military drone manufacturers in USA and Canada
from an informational industry perspective.
Discover guides about top eVTOL companies, personal eVTOL cost considerations, and UAV manufacturers in China.
You can also learn about the key components of a drone UAV and the technologies
shaping modern unmanned aviation. MoneyPro UAV is a useful
destination for readers, engineers, researchers, and aviation enthusiasts looking
to understand UAV systems, emerging aircraft technologies,
manufacturers, and industry trends.