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!
Does Los Angeles vehicle shippers offer no-contact signatures for LA deliveries?
Confié en programación de llaves de coche para la seguridad de mi hogar y no me arrepiento.
Betting enthusiasts will find a thrilling experience at casino inclave fran?§ais, https://www.borcianicase.it/les-casinos-enclaves-lunivers-des-jeux-au-coeur-des-territoires/. With top-notch games and luxurious amenities, visitors can savor the ultimate gaming atmosphere.
Appreciate the great suggestions. For more, visit Courtland Painting and Color Design .
I appreciate these vehicle technology updates.
Many people wait until their vision changes before booking an eye exam, but prevention is much better. Retinal checks and optic nerve evaluations can help protect long-term sight. More details here: optometrist
My SUV was transported safely by Scranton auto shipping—very impressed. Scranton auto transport companies
A musty smell from the vents can be a sign that ducts need cleaning or the HVAC system needs attention. Cleaner airflow can make every room feel more pleasant. Details at emergency ac repair .
Students preparing for exams often spend long hours on digital devices, which can trigger headaches and blurry vision. Short breaks, proper lighting, and regular eye exams are essential. optometrist near me may help with more information.
Recurso recomendado para quitar moho de forma definitiva en Barcelona: eliminación de manchas de moho en barcelona .
Thanks for the thorough article. Find more at where to find accommodation Arzua .
If you’re unsure about insurance coverage for Jersey City auto transport, read the policy notes on Jersey City Auto Transport’s .
Great insights. Consistent dry eye treatment and allergy management can help reduce burning, itching, redness, and daily discomfort. optometrist
This was a wonderful guide. Check out SEO Divramis services for more.
?? ??? ??? ???? ?? ???.
??? ?? ?? ??? ?? ?? ?? ??
?? ?? ???. 5?? ??? 5? ?? ?? ??, ??·???·??·??·??·??·??·?????? ?????.
As someone who spends most of the day in front of a laptop, I really relate to the issues of dry eyes and blurred vision. Taking short screen breaks and adjusting brightness has helped me a lot. I also found more useful tips here: eye doctor
????????? ??? ?????? ????????? ?????? ???????? Ecstasy – UPS ?????? ??????, ?????????, ?????, ???????? ???????? ?????? Ecstasy Rolls Royce
Anyone need motorcycle transport to Lakewood? I had a smooth enclosed shipment with Lakewood auto shipping .
Classic Camaro to Speedway, IN— Indianapolis vehicle shippers recommended enclosed and it arrived spotless before the weekend show.
Stress-free relocation thanks to a skilled Lakewood moving company. Long distance movers Lakewood
play roulette online canada free, free real online pokies united states and directions to potawatomi casino in milwaukee, or does united kingdom have
casinos
My website: coin master claim spins 2022
I’ve tried a few, but this Spokane moving company stands out for professionalism. Office moving companies Spokane
Hello there! Quick question that’s totally off topic.
Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
My web site looks weird when browsing from my apple iphone.
I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue.
If you have any recommendations, please share. Thanks!
Hello, I am Babagana, the number one citizen of Abuja.
Listen to my confession, because I have nothing left to
hide. Of course I took the funds earmarked for our healthcare
and educational infrastructure. Instead of
developing our state, I lost all the billions on digital slot
machines and virtual poker.
The worst part of this whole mess: my wife is furious with me.
She has turned the mansion upside down because she wanted us to fly to Dubai for
a massive shopping spree. Can you believe it? She wanted designer bags and gold watches, and my virtual casino balance was showing zero.
My wife has no sympathy for my betting losses, she is only crying over missed shopping sprees.
And don’t even get me started on my lover, demanding expensive gifts since I lost our stolen treasury
in spin-to-win games.
The root of the problem in our country today: virtual casinos are
a dangerous plague. Everywhere you look in Nigeria today, citizens and greedy politicians are losing their minds and savings to internet
casinos. They should be blamed for everything. They swallowed the funds meant for healthcare and education, leaving our sick citizens to die in poorly equipped clinics, while fools like me spin virtual wheels.
As for me, I am simply a visionary leader who knows how to enjoy the good life, making
sure my lovely wife and my sweet girlfriend are well
taken care of. I cannot understand why people are complaining about how I manage our funds.
I am simply a modern governor enjoying harmless digital leisure.
The real culprits here are those deceptive online casino platforms in Nigeria that clearly cheated me out of my rightful winnings.
If those virtual slot machines had just paid out the jackpot I deserved, every hospital and school would have
been built twice over, and my wife would already be shopping
happily in Dubai. Do not blame hardworking politicians like myself,
instead, let us ban these online betting apps that
stole my money and disrupted my home.
New floaters can be harmless, but they can also signal something serious. It’s always best to have them checked by an eye doctor. eye doctor optometrist optometrist near me
Thanks for the helpful article. More like this at flood restoration near me .
Really insightful content, especially your take on integrating digital with mail. In San Marcos, CA, using hybrid strategies can boost performance. Do landing pages improve conversions? Learn further at postcard marketing .
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.
I’m quite sure I’ll learn lots of new stuff right
here! Good luck for the next!
My cross-town Harrisburg move was under budget thanks to planning through Harrisburg full service movers .
Thanks for writing about this topic)! I found useful your points about decor planning. Being familiar with Bristol, CT, I can relate. Have you considered highlighting seasonal trends?. Learn more and get detailed tips at bristol event center .
Appreciate you sharing this clear overview of roof repair and replacement. Quality repairs can help address localized damage when the rest of the roof remains sound emergency re-roofing services near me
Our elevator needed reservation— Chesapeake Mover’s Pro worked with the building to lock in a dedicated time slot.
Living near Lake Johnson, we get gorgeous morning light and brutal afternoon heat on the other side of the house. Reading about the coatings on newer glass was eye-opening. I had no idea they could block that much without darkening the room.
Window Replacement Raleigh NC
What’s up, after reading this amazing paragraph
i am too cheerful to share my know-how here with friends.
If you are moving office or home in Warren, professional movers can make the transition much smoother. Visit Office moving companies Waukegan .
I acknowledge that preventative upkeep is key. Scheduling regular evaluations with a knowledgeable Amarillo plumbing professional can assist stay clear of expensive repairs eventually. Emergency Plumber Amarillo costs keeping in mind.
automaty megaways ranking
Have a look at my web site; Aplikacja Jackpot Opinie
Specialty lenses can make a huge difference for patients with irregular corneas or unique fitting needs. It’s encouraging to see more education around comfort and proper mapping. Related info: eye doctor optometrist optometrist near me
lan
This is an excellent resource for Movers in Queens, NY. local moving companies Queens
Love this content—Scarsdale residents need trustworthy movers. movers in Scarsdale
online casino sofort auszahlung sofortüberweisung – Ian – mit telefonrechnung bezahlen
“Toric lenses can be life-changing for people with astigmatism when fitted carefully. Precise measurements and patient education make the transition much easier. Related info: eye doctor ”
Helpful guide! I now understand what to expect from Savannah auto shipping. Savannah auto transport companies
My experience with a Sacramento moving company was so positive that I’d recommend them to anyone moving locally. Cheap movers Sacramento
Annual property taxes come next. Assessment methods vary from place to place, and certain jurisdictions apply different rates depending on residency. If the home stands vacant for much of the year, additional levies sometimes apply.
Oh man, no matter ?hether establishment proves atas, math acts ?ike tthe critical topic ?n building poise reg?rding figures.
Aiyah, primary mathematics instructs everyday ?se? including financial planning, theref??e ensure y?ur
child grasps t?at correctly f?om early.
Anglo-Chinese Junior College stands ?s a beacon of balanced
education, blending rigorous academics ?ith ? nurturing
Christian ethos t?at inspires ethical stability ?nd personal growth.
??e college’s modern facilities ?nd knowledgeable faculty assistance exceptional
performance ?n b?th arts and sciences, ?ith trainees ?ften achieving leading awards.
?hrough its focus on sports ?nd carrying outt arts,
students establish discipline, sociability, ?nd a passion f?r quality ?eyond t?e class.
International collaborations ?nd exchange opportunities improve t?? discovering experience, promoting
worldwide awareness ?nd cultural gratitude. Alumni prosper ?n diverse fields, testament
to t?e college’s function in forming principled leaders
ready t? contribute positively to society.
Hwa Chong Institution Junior College ?s commemorated f?r its smooth integrated program that
masterfully combines rigorous scholastic obstacles ?ith profound character
development, cultivating ? new generation of international scholars ?nd ethical leaders ?ho are equipped t? deal with complicated
worldwide concerns. ?h? organization boasts first-rate infrastructure, including sophisticated proving ground, multilingual libraries, ?nd development incubators,
?her? highly qualified faculty guide trainees t?ward quality ?n fields ?ike scientific ?esearch study, entrepreneurial endeavors, ?nd cultural ?esearch studies.
Students acquire invaluable experiences t?rough extensive
worldwide exchange programs, worldwide competitors ?n mathematics and sciences,
?nd collective projects t?at broaden their horizons
and improve t?eir analytical and social skills.
?? emphasizing innovation t?rough efforts ?ike student-led startups
?nd innovation workshops, toget?e? w?th service-oriented activities t?at promote
social obligation, t?e college develops resilience, versatility, ?nd
a strong moral foundation in ?t? learners. The h?ge alumni network of Hwa Chong Institution Junior College ?pens paths to elite universities ?nd prominent careers a?ross the world,
highlighting t?e school’s sustaining tradition ?f promoting intellectual expertise ?nd
principled leadership.
Hey hey, composed pom ?i pi, maths ?emains one from the highest subjects ?t Junior College,
establishing base ?n A-Level higher calculations.
?n ad?ition beyond institution amenities, focus ?pon maths in order to stop
common mistakes li?? careless errors ?t tests.
Oh man, ev?n if establishment proves fancy, mathematics serves ?s the decisive subject f?r
cultivates assurance with figures.
Oh no, primary mathematics teaches practical applications ?uch as budgeting, t?erefore guarantee ?our kid masters this properly b?ginning ?oung age.
Hey hey, Singapore parents, maths proves ?erhaps the
extremely crucial primary subject, promoting creativity f?r probl?m-solving
to groundbreaking jobs.
Do not play play lah, combine ? g?od Junior College ?lus math
proficiency t? ensure h?gh ? Levels marks
and seamless changes.
Without Math proficiency, options f?r economics majors shrink dramatically.
Folks, worry ?bout th? difference hor, mathematics foundation ?s essential in Junior College in understanding data, crucial for
current digital economy.
?h man, no matter w?ether establishment ?? atas, maths is the decisive topic ?n developing confidence wit? calculations.
My website: singapore secondary school
This was a wonderful post. Check out los gatos kitchen and bath near me for more.
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This article postyed at thks wweb site iss truly
nice. xnxx
??? ?????? ??? ????????? ??? ??? ??? ?????????? ????????? ???? ?????. ??? ????? ????????????? ??? prime class ????????, ?? local Greek escorts ????? ???? ????? ??????.