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!
non gamstop usa casinos, can you play poker online for real money in united kingdom and best online old casino players cards (Alton) united kingdom fast payouts,
or gambling case study united states
It is always nice to find a clinic where the team genuinely cares about your long term eye health. optometrist
One of the first issues after a serious crash is identifying which insurance policies may apply. A car accident lawyer can review the available coverage and help determine which carriers need notice or further investigation.
Car accident lawyer Puyallup
This was a fantastic resource. Check out Reliable Standard Deck builders for more.
n?mecká hokejová liga tabulka
My webpage; fotbal vyso?ina okresní p?ebor [Kristin]
Post writing is also a fun, if you be familiar with afterward you can write or else it is complex to write.
I savor, result in I found just what I used to be looking for.
You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day.
Bye
british bukkake babes
Thanks for the thorough article. Find more at ?????? ????? ???? ???????? .
Eye condition screening should be a routine part of healthcare, not something people only think about when symptoms appear. optometrist near me
Thanks for the great information. More at ??????? ????? ????? .
sportsbook bet top sportsbooks online
What’s up, the whole thingg iis going soun hesre andd ofcourse
evedry one iis sharing data, that’s really fine, kep up writing.
xnxx
naturally like your web-site however you have to take a look at
the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are
rife with spelling problems and I to find it very bothersome to tell
the truth however I’ll definitely come back again.
This post gave me clarity about the differences between assisted living and true memory care. I’ll filter my search on memory care glendale to make sure I’m only looking at specialized memory units.
sports betting on tottenham hedge fund
This was highly educational. More at ????? ????????? ???????? .
This post works for home owners trying to avoid unexpected pipes prices. Amarillo service relevant information is on call at Commercial Plumber Amarillo .
What’s up, I read your new stuff daily. Your story-telling style is witty, keep it up!
??????? ??????? ?????! ???? ?????????? ????? ????????, ??????? ????????? ?????? ??? ?????.
? ?????? ??????? ? ??? ? ?????????? ??????? ??-?? ????? ?????????
— ??-?? ????????? ??????? ???? ???? ??????? ? ????? ? ?? ?????.
?????? ????? ???? ??? ????????? ????, ????? ???? ?? ???????, ?
? ?????-?? ?????? ? ??? ??????? ????? ? ???????, ??????
??? ????????, ??? ?????? ???.
????? ????, ? ????? ??????????? ?????? ? ????????? ???? ? ????? ?? ????? ?
??????????????. ?????? ? ????? ????, ??? ??? ???? ??????
??????? ? ???? ?????, ??????? ?????? ??? ???????.
???????????????? ?????? ????????? ??????? ??? ??????? ???? ? ????????? ?? ??????
??? ?????? ?????.
????????? ????? ???? ??????? ?????
?????? ??????? ??? ????? ????? ??????????.
? ???????????? ? ?????????? ????????, ???????
???????? ???? ?????, ????? ? ????,
? ????????? ?? ??????? ??????, ? ??????? ?????? ??? ?????? ???????.
??????? ? ??-?????????? ????????
? ???? ?????. ???? ?? ???? ????????? ? ??????? ????????, ?????????: ?????? ??????????? ?????? ??????, ??? ??????? ??????? ?????!
Your section about reviewing contracts and understanding what’s included in the monthly fee versus extra charges is very practical. I used fee breakdown examples from assisted living sandy ut while comparing several Assisted Living communities.
Helpful information for anyone comparing insulation options. Understanding where spray foam can be used makes it easier to discuss the project with an insulation contractor. insulation contractor Vancouver WA
It is not m? first tiime to go things to do in chicago illinois for couples see this web site, i ?m browsing t?is we? pa?e dailly and obtain go?? facts from here every day.
The tip about checking whether they can manage diabetes or other conditions is helpful. I’ll verify specialised care capabilities for each listing on assisted living collierville tn .
Same-day appointments are a game changer for anyone dealing with sudden vision concerns or a broken pair of glasses. optometrist
Excellent checklist-style information for choosing memory care and assisted living with the right ADL support. respite care
vtuber porn
Thanks for the detailed guidance. More at ????? ????? ????? .
Chain reaction and multi vehicle crashes can make fault difficult to sort out. A car accident lawyer can help examine each driver’s actions, the available evidence, and the insurance policies that may be involved.
Car accident lawyer Puyallup
I seriously love your site.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you create this amazing site yourself?
Please reply back as I’m trying to create my own blog and would like
to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is called.
Thank you!
Don’t underestimate the power of regular inspections—they can save you money in the long run! More info at emergency drain unblocking services .
For seniors, privacy and dignity during personal care are crucial. Smaller homes are better at balancing close supervision with respect. assisted living sheds light on this style of care.
Drivers and insurance companies do not always agree about who caused a collision. When fault is disputed, a car accident lawyer can review the available evidence and help explain how responsibility may affect the injury claim.
Car accident lawyer Puyallup
Agen Togel Terpercaya menjadi referensi untuk informasi seputar pasaran angka, jadwal keluaran, dan data hasil.
Pembahasan mencakup togel 4D serta togel online dengan penyajian ringkas dan terstruktur agar informasi lebih mudah dibaca dan dipahami.
Every bride deserves a gown that feels appealing, mushy, and incredibly her own. Plymouth brides can locate greater recommendations using Bridesmaids dress .
online sportsbook with Virtual Sports Betting solutions sports betting options
Beneficial blog post. Pipes bodies need to have appropriate care, and Amarillo homeowners need to understand where to turn for trusted company: Sewer Line Repair Amarillo
I revel in seeing how native bridal couture designers create gowns that sense each high-priced and private. Bridal couture Plymouth is one more location to discover.
Recently I be?ame interest?d in collectible coins.
I came across https://gram-news.com.ua/ when l?oking for coin values.
A lot of pages l?oked not detailed ?nough.
What ?mmediately caught m? attention was the informat??n was
actua?ly ?seful.
I was espe?ially interest?d ?n:
– market values
– rare coin identification
– coin history
– collectible Ukrainian coins
– gold ?nd silver coins
?he articles were surprisingly detailed.
?hat ma?es the site useful ?? that the site focuses ?n practical ?nformation.
? continue using it when I need inform?tion.
If you ??e ?lso ?nterested ?n coins o? numismatics, th?s resource m?y also be ?seful.
Appreciate the detailed information. For more, visit Home buyers near me .
One big advantage of a small senior home is the calmer environment. It’s easier for staff to notice when someone needs help with walking, toileting, or eating. That’s why I’m interested in options like senior care .
Another benefit of smaller homes is easier communication with staff; you actually know who’s helping with your loved one’s daily care. That’s why I like what I’m seeing from memory care .
I appreciate your suggestion to request sample activity schedules. I see a few communities on senior care share this online, which is very helpful.
??? ?????
Thanks for sharing practical details about assisted living options for seniors needing ADL assistance. memory care near me
????? ????? ????? ??? ?????. ????? ????? ???????? ??? ???? ????? ????”? – ??????? ?????.
fat gay porn
?????? ?????? ???????
It’s helpful that you mention how some assisted living communities can support early dementia with added services, delaying the move to memory care. We walk families through staging on senior care near me .
A car accident can seem straightforward at first, but injuries, insurance questions, and disputed fault can make things complicated quickly Personal injury lawyer Puyallup