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!
???????? ????????????? ????? ????????????? ?????? ?? ??????????? ?????
Example ethical comment: “Nice article. Moving is much easier when the company communicates clearly before, during, and after the move.” Local movers St Paul
best united kingdom online casino sites, free deposit casino uk and casino apps for real money australia, or poker world united
states
Here is my web page … roulette james bond strategy odds (Claribel)
Thanks for sharing this helpful information. Anyone searching for Long Beach movers should definitely look for strong customer reviews and clear communication. Long distance movers Long Beach
This was highly educational. More at double glazing repair Hither Green .
I appreciated this article. For more, visit https://codywgkj916.keystonescope.com/posts/how-to-measure-whether-your-security-program-works .
Example ethical comment: “This article gives practical advice for anyone relocating to Irving and needing vehicle transport. Planning early seems like one of the best ways to avoid delays.” Irving Auto Transport
Detroit residents moving into a new home or apartment should consider using local movers for a faster and safer experience. This link may be helpful for planning: Detroit movers
This is a useful post for anyone moving across state lines. People in St. Petersburg should ask movers how they calculate pricing, whether by weight, distance, volume, or services. St. Petersburg commercial movers supports clear estimates and upfront communication.
Útil a referência ao cabeça de casal e à prestação de contas. Em muitas famílias há sempre um irmão que gere tudo e os outros não sabem bem o que se passa.
advogado família
Very helpful read. For similar content, visit Elephant and Castle uPVC frames .
Appreciate the insightful article. Find more at Dock Junction truck collision lawyer .
Thanks for the practical advice. A professional plumber can help identify hidden leaks that homeowners might miss. For plumbing services in Oakville, emergency plumber oakville may be helpful.
yukon gold groupon niagara falls casino (Lilliana) legit, where
are casinos legal in usa and casinos that accept paypal in australia, or
free spins no deposit slots united kingdom
This article makes a good point about planning ahead. Auto transport prices in St. Louis can change depending on season, fuel costs, and route availability. Additional details here: St. Louis vehicle shipping
Choosing a professional Irvine car shipping provider can protect your vehicle and save valuable time. Irvine Auto Transport can guide users toward dependable services.
Excelente artículo. Para problemas de seguridad en puertas en Barcelona, Cerrajero urgente responde rápido.
This post makes a great point about budgeting for a move. Long distance moving costs can vary depending on distance, weight, and extra services. Anyone comparing movers in Long Beach can check Long Beach movers for more details.
NoMoho puede redactar una lista de señales de humedad en el techo del baño y añadir quitar moho techo baño .
welcher spielautomat gibt am meisten geld
Here is my webpage – casino 75 euro Einzahlen bonus; Maria-magdalena-verburg.de,
This article is useful for anyone who wants to keep their home plumbing system in good condition. Oakville homeowners can find local plumbing help at BlueForge Plumber Oakville .
Great article on plumbing emergencies. In Brampton, quick response time can make all the difference when a pipe bursts or a drain backs up. I found 24 hour plumber brampton helpful for emergency plumbing information.
Awesome issues here. I am very glad to peer your post. Thanks so much and I am having a
look forward to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
Detroit renters should always plan ahead before moving apartments, especially if the building requires elevator reservations or parking permits. Helpful moving guidance can be found at Detroit movers
This is useful information for anyone moving to or from Irving and needing car shipping. I would also suggest checking Irving vehicle shippers for more transport-related details.
Reliable local movers can help protect belongings and keep the move on schedule. Deltona moving info is here: Deltona movers
top 10 beste online slots echt geld (Patricia) casino mit live game shows
Great job! Discover more at double glazing company Grove Park .
Very helpful post. Having access to a trusted emergency plumber in Mississauga can make all the difference during a late-night leak or backup. Check emergency plumbing mississauga for details.
Great tips! For more, visit Bellingham double glazing prices .
This is a solid reminder that moving is more than just transporting boxes. Preparation makes a big difference. Helpful link: Las Vegas commercial movers
Moving to a new place is exciting, but the logistics can be challenging. If you are looking for Visalia local movers, visit Visalia moving companies .
Thanks for covering open carrier transport. It’s usually the most affordable option for everyday vehicles. Topeka car shipping
Very informative post. I’d add that customers should photograph valuable items before a long-distance move for documentation. Sharing this tip from experience with St. Petersburg commercial movers .
This was very well put together. Discover more at government security contractors .
Good information here. Local Montgomery movers can help with everything from small apartment moves to larger household relocations. Office moving companies Montgomery
You could publish a guide about moving costs and what affects pricing. Cheap movers Stratford
I like the practical advice here. Apartment moving in Houston requires careful timing, especially when dealing with elevators and parking. Cheap movers Houston can help make it more efficient.
For posts about snowbird travel, you might add that seasonal travelers should book St. Louis car moving companies in advance when demand is high. St. Louis auto shippers
stortingsbonus overzicht casino 5 euro gratis geld nederland
Example ethical comment: “The section about avoiding last-minute booking is especially important. Reliable St Paul moving companies can get busy during weekends and summer months.” St Paul movers
A successful long distance move starts with choosing a trustworthy moving company. Long Beach movers with strong experience are a great option. Learn more at Long Beach moving companies
Thanks for sharing this. A vehicle is a major investment, so choosing the right transporter in Islip should not be rushed. Islip Auto Transport’s offers related information for people comparing car moving services.
Good way of explaining, and good piece of writing
to take facts on the topic of my presentation topic,
which i am going to deliver in institution of higher education.
Another example: “The point about reading reviews is important. A reliable long-distance moving company should have a clear track record and transparent pricing.” Detroit moving companies
????????????? ?????? ? ??????? ????? ?????????? ???????? ??? ????????
I always recommend hiring experienced movers for long distance relocations because they know how to protect items during transport. Marietta residents can visit Local movers Marietta .
Thanks for the clear advice. More at energy efficient double glazing .
Buen artículo, recomendaciones útiles; guardo Cerraduras de seguridad para cerrajeros baratos Barcelona.
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO?
I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing
very good gains. If you know of any please share. Appreciate it!