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!
When evaluating a power washing company, I want to know how they deal with water runoff and protecting nearby areas. Responsible companies will mention containment or careful rinsing, just like the ones highlighted on Pressure Washing .
Esse recorte de alameda mará residence de 89 m² torna a comparação do Alameda Mará com outros projetos de Moema mais objetiva. O enfoque em análise para quem pensa em morar deixa a pesquisa mais prática.
Gamaro Moema Alameda
Helpful — for emergency safes and lock functions in Barcelona, contact locksmith bcn .
When evaluating a power washing service, I ask what kind of detergents they use and if they’re safe for plants and pets. Eco-friendly options matter to me, and I found good info about that on Power Washing Services Arlington VA .
Helpful suggestions! For more, visit Carpet Cleaning Services .
I hadn’t thought to ask if a plumber keeps spare parts on their truck to finish most jobs in one visit. That’s a big time saver. I noticed Plumber Near me advertises fully stocked service vehicles.
I appreciate practical advice that helps people avoid costly tree mistakes. tree service st george ut
The clarity you provide around expectations for rehabilitation, long-term nursing care, and palliative support is helpful. I found matching information on elder care when we were considering post-hospital options for my dad.
Good examine — for instant locksmith support in Barcelona, I advocate Barcelona locksmiths .
The step?by?step prep guide for Brazilian waxing in Las Vegas on Teeth Whitening Las Vegas is so detailed. It definitely helped my last appointment go more smoothly.
Many people assume Nursing Homes are the only choice when mobility becomes an issue, but Assisted Living can sometimes be a better fit. I found more detailed explanations about that on senior care while researching for my aunt.
I didn’t know plumbers could test water quality and recommend filtration systems. That’s a service I definitely need. I’m planning to see what Plumbing Services Philadelphia offers in terms of water treatment.
Professional pruning can make a big difference in tree health and curb appeal. tree service st george ut
Thank you for outlining how Assisted Living balances support with independence. That middle ground is exactly what many older adults need. I recently visited elder care and it gave me even more insight into the different types of senior communities.
?????????????????????????? ???????? ?????????????? ??????????? ??????????
Your focus on quality of life, not just medical care, really resonates. I found similar guidance on assisted living near me stressing that the “right” setting is the one that supports both health and happiness.
This is exactly the kind of practical advice homeowners need. I’ll follow up with HVAC Installation Conway SC to see what they suggest for our 1980s house.
It’s reassuring to see a locksmith company that prioritizes safety and professionalism. 24 hour emergency locksmith
I think everything composed was very reasonable.
However, what about this? what if you added a little content?
I mean, I don’t wish to tell you how to run your blog, however suppose you
added a title to possibly grab folk’s attention? I mean Scavenger Hunt!
– Cherrie Lynn is a little boring. You might peek at Yahoo’s front page
and watch how they create post headlines to grab people
to open the links. You might add a related video or a pic
or two to grab readers excited about what you’ve got to
say. Just my opinion, it would make your blog a little bit more interesting.
For anyone visiting Vegas and wanting a smooth bikini line before hitting the pool parties, check out Men’s Waxing Services Las Vegas for Brazilian waxing options.
Having one main caregiver who understands your loved one’s daily habits is priceless. That’s a big advantage of smaller senior homes, and it’s clearly something respite care advocates.
Thanks for the great tips. Discover more at Carpet Cleaning Services Hollywood .
For people who just moved to Las Vegas and are trying to adjust their skincare routine to the dry air, Eyebrow Services Las Vegas is a good place to start exploring professional services.
I like that you mention pet policies as a factor. For some seniors, staying with a pet can be a major source of comfort. When we searched on assisted living near me , we filtered for pet-friendly Independent and Assisted Living communities.
I like that you discussed family involvement and communication expectations. Memory care often provides more frequent updates. We share questions to ask administrators on assisted living .
Fantastic goods from you, man. I have keep in mind your stuff previous to and you are just extremely wonderful.
I really like what you have bought right here, really like what you’re stating
and the way wherein you are saying it. You are making it enjoyable and you still take care
of to stay it smart. I cant wait to learn far more from you.
This is actually a terrific web site.
Your blog really explains the value of a well-insulated home. I’m using HVAC repair near me as my go-to for spray foam info and services.
Your side-by-side comparison of services is very useful: ADL help, medication support, behavioral care, and environment. We offer printable comparison charts on senior care near me .
My skin always feels wrecked after a few late nights on the Strip; I now schedule recovery facials I found through Brazilian Waxing Las Vegas whenever I visit Las Vegas.
Great article—plus the 1st L.S Locksmith service seems reliable and customer-focused. trusted locksmith company
Totally agree that skincare in Las Vegas needs a different approach. Between the sun, the nightlife, and the dry air, my skin takes a beating. I’m hoping regular visits to Teeth Whitening Las Vegas will help me maintain a healthier, more glowing complexion.
Las Vegas weather is so harsh on my skin, especially with the heat and AC everywhere. I’ve heard great things about professional facials and LED treatments at places like Men’s Waxing Services Las Vegas , and I’m planning to book a consultation soon.
Superb blog you have here but I was wanting to know
if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics talked about here?
I’d really love to be a part of online community where I can get feedback from
other knowledgeable individuals that share the
same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
Appreciate it!
Visit my web page :: ws web
It’s good to see a company explaining not just the “how” but the “why” of utility potholing. In Orange County’s crowded underground environment, I’d feel a lot safer using a professional service such as Orange County utility locating .
The focus on environmentally responsible excavation is a big plus. Using non-destructive methods and proper spoils handling, like Orange County vacuum excavation does in Orange County, should be the industry standard.
This was actually a really good read for anybody thinking about enhancing curb appeal in Denver. A considerate garden layout can really boost both the appearance as well as function of an outside area. AAA Landscaping
I’ve been dealing with recurring sewer backups and slow drains, and I’m finally ready to call in a pro. Found Septic Tank Cleaning while researching video camera inspection and hydro jetting – looks like they cover everything I need.
Very useful post. For similar content, visit siriusdrinks página .
“What’s your go-to method of preparing for a session? Found helpful tips over on# # any Keyword###.” Skincare Services Las Vegas
Solidifying partnerships between contractors & locators builds trust leading towards smoother operations without unnecessary disruptions occurring down line!!!! ####?????### Fresno utility locating
“Does anyone have favorite pre-wax routines they follow? Would love suggestions based off what works well from# # any Keyword###.” Skincare Services Las Vegas
Grease and food scraps have ruined my kitchen plumbing. I’ll be calling Septic Tank Cleaning for a full kitchen drain cleaning and maybe a camera inspection of the line.
Wonderful tips! Find more at apartamento cerca del camino Francés .
Many thanks for sharing these concepts! Denver landscaping can be challenging with the sunshine, snowfall, and dry circumstances, however the best design can really enhance aesthetic appeal. A lot more details: denver landscape contractors
Fresno residents will certainly benefit from following your recommendations before starting projects!!! # ?????# Fresno underground utility locating
Appreciate the great suggestions. For more, visit Arzúa Galicia .
This was very beneficial. For more, visit mejor bebida isotónica .
Because staff know residents so well, they can often anticipate when someone will need help with toileting or mobility, preventing accidents. senior living near me does a good job explaining this proactive care.
Spot on with this write-up, I really believe that this amazing site needs a lot more attention. I’ll probably be back
again to read through more, thanks for the advice!
For families concerned about memory issues, your clarification around which environments can handle mild versus advanced dementia is crucial. I dug into more specialized memory care information on assisted living when planning for my uncle.