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!
Share advice about comparing written estimates from different moving companies. West Palm Beach moving companies
This was a helpful introduction to Restorative Dentistry and its treatment options.
How does Restorative Dentistry help preserve a damaged natural tooth?
I’m interested in Restorative Dentistry after breaking one of my molars Restorative Dentistry
ethereum mixer usdt mixer
Has anyone tried Teeth Whitening for stubborn coffee stains?
I’m considering Teeth Whitening before a special event. How far ahead should I book?
This was a helpful explanation of what to expect from Teeth Whitening Teeth Whitening
Great article. People moving vehicles in Washington should also ask whether the quote is all-inclusive or if there may be extra fees. Washington car transport
?void play play lah, pair ? g?od Junior College with mathematics proficiency ?n ?rder to guarantee elevated
A Levels marks ?nd effortless ch?nges.
Mums and Dads, worry ?bout t?e disparityy
hor, math foundation proves critical ?uring Junior College
?n comprehending figures, vital ?ithin current digital economy.
Catholic Junior College ?ffers a values-centered education rooted ?n empathy and f?ct,
developing a welcoming neighborhood w?ere students thrive academically ?nd spiritually.
?ith ? concentrate on holistic growth, the college ?se? robust programs
?n liberal arts and sciences, guided ?? caring coaches ?ho inspire l?ng-lasting knowing.
Its vibrant c?-curricular scene, consisting of sports ?nd arts, promotes teamwork and self-discovery
in a supportive atmosphere. Opportunities f?r community
service ?nd global exchanges construct empathy ?nd worldwide point of views ?mong students.
Alumni typically ?ecome empathetic leaders,
geared ?p to make meaningful contributions t? society.
Jurong Pioneer Junior College, devgeloped t?rough the thoughtful merger ?f Jurong
Junior College ?nd Pioneer Junior College, delivers a
progressive ?nd future-oriented education t??t ?uts a special emphasis ?n China readiness,
international company acumen, ?nd cross-cultural engagement t? prepare trainees f?r flourishing ?n Asia’s
dynamic financial landscape. ?he college’? dual schools are outfitted ?ith modern, flexible facilities consisting ?f specialized commerce simulation ?ooms, science innovation laboratories, ?nd arts ateliers, ?ll designed to promote practical
skills, creativity, ?nd interdisciplinary learning.
Enhancing scholastic programs ?r? matched by worldwide partnerships,
?uch as joint tasks w?th Chinese universities and
cultural immersion trips, ?hich boost trainees’ linguistic efficiency ?nd global outlook.
? helpful and inclusive community environment motivates durability ?nd management development t?rough a
wide variety of co-curricular activities, frfom entrepreneurship ?lubs to sports ?roups that promote team effort ?nd determination. Graduates ?f Jurong Pioneer Junior
College ?re incredibly wel?-prepared f?r competitive professions,
embodying t?? values of care, constant enhancement, and development t?at define t?e
organization’s positive ethos.
?part f?om establishment amenities, focus ?ith mathematics for prevent frequent errors including areless mistakes ?t assessments.
Parents, fearful ?f losing approach engaged lah,
strong primary maths guides t? better science comprehension ?lus tech goals.
?h dear, w?thout solid mathematics ?t Junior College, even to? establishment kids m?y falter with high school equations,
t?us develop that immediately leh.
Hey hey, calm pom pi ?i, maths ?emains p?rt of t?e leading topics ?t Junior
College, laying base f?r A-Level hi?her calculations.
?n a?dition fr?m institution resources, focus ?pon math for
a?oid frequent pitfalls ?ike careless blunders
?uring exams.
Strong Math scores open u? actuarial science, ? ?igh-paying field ?n Singapore.
Folks, fear t?e disparity hor, maths groundwork ?emains critical at Junior College to grasping data,
essential f?r t?day’s digital economy.
Goodness, re?ardless th?ugh establishment proves atas, mathematics ?s t?e critical
topic for cultivates assurance ?ith figures.
?ere ?s m? ?omepage … physics and maths tutor english
Packing, loading, and transporting items in Hollywood can be much easier with the right movers. I would suggest checking Hollywood moving companies when comparing services.
This was highly informative. Check out Furniture Moving Services for more.
Azusa moving companies can make the relocation process much easier when chosen carefully. Azusa movers is a helpful link for anyone who wants more moving-related details.
Moving across state lines from Jacksonville requires reliable coordination and careful handling. This site looks like a useful resource for planning: Long distance movers Jacksonville
Valuable information! Discover more at abogados laborales Sevilla .
West Palm Beach moves are much easier when you work with an organized moving team. Thanks for sharing these insights, and Long distance movers West Palm Beach is another resource to consider.
kenozahlen von gestern
Here is my web blog – casino ohne lugas kreditkarte – Florrie
–
Washington auto shipping is especially helpful for people relocating from the East Coast or Midwest. Saving time and reducing wear on the vehicle are big advantages. DC Auto Transport has helpful details for anyone planning transport.
Si dudas entre dos zonas, empieza por la que más te incomoda visualmente. centro Les Corts
Siempre he tenido curiosidad por la criolipólisis, especialmente por cómo ayuda a tratar zonas difíciles como abdomen, flancos o muslos. opiniones criolipolisis Barcelona
Moving out of Jacksonville to a new state can be exciting, but also stressful without the right movers. This resource may help with planning: Office moving companies Jacksonville
Thanks for the useful suggestions. Discover more at contadores públicos Saltillo .
This was a helpful introduction to Restorative Dentistry and its treatment options.
How does Restorative Dentistry help preserve a damaged natural tooth?
I’m interested in Restorative Dentistry after breaking one of my molars Restorative Dentistry
Thanks for the thorough article. Find more at Commercial Moving Services .
You can get all types of best ED treatments on the official site of kamagrauk365 they have the best treatments for male and female sexual problems.
They also provide coupon discounts and next-day delivery.
kostenlose casino online casino freispiele bei registrierung ohne einzahlung spiele
This is a valuable topic for anyone relocating across the Pacific Northwest. Professional car shipping can make moving much simpler. DC Auto Transport
https://share.evernote.com/note/02d2f59b-24b2-9f08-c902-efe59e44cb0e
keno gewinnauszahlung
Also visit my web site: Casino Mit 15 Euro Einzahlung Klarna
Truly, coming across this firm was a total relief because Feras Mousilli startup attorney actually knows what startup founders face when it comes to forming and financing a startup before
a raise, and for those who want Delaware C corporation formation for startups counsel, startup attorney
counsel that helps founders form and finance the company, assigning IP to the
company before a raise, or even Austin trademark and patent counsel for startups and registered patent attorney for startups work, this Austin startup attorney that handles
it all — worth mentioning too that having seed stage legal advisors counsel for Austin tech startups who doubles as a startup
business attorney is incredibly rare and seriously
Mousilli Legal Group is the real deal.
Wow, this piece of writing is pleasant, my sister is analyzing these things, therefore I am going to let know
her.
£20 free no deposit casino uk, top 50 casinos in usa and jackpot pokies canada, or yukon gold blackjack
Review my webpage; Legal Age For Gambling Vegas
This was a helpful introduction to Restorative Dentistry and its treatment options.
How does Restorative Dentistry help preserve a damaged natural tooth?
I’m interested in Restorative Dentistry after breaking one of my molars Restorative Dentistry
We wi?? to thank you ?gain forr the gorgeous ideas ?ou offered Jeremy w??n preparing
? post-graduate ?esearch ?nd also, ost importantly,
regar?ing providing ?ll of the ideas in onne blog post. ?rovided th?t
we ?ad kno?n of your web-site a year ago, ?’d have been k?pt frdom t?? nonessential measures ?? were
implementing. Thanks to ?ou.
Lo?k at my blog post … Maths tuition
Has anyone tried Teeth Whitening for stubborn coffee stains?
I’m considering Teeth Whitening before a special event. How far ahead should I book?
This was a helpful explanation of what to expect from Teeth Whitening Teeth Whitening
Una zona prioritaria no siempre es la más grande, sino la más estratégica para tu objetivo. presupuesto maderoterapia
Este tipo de publicaciones ayudan a comprender mejor la diferencia entre perder peso y tratar grasa localizada con criolipólisis. tratamientos corporales criolipólisis Barcelona
roulette paypal einzahlung
Feel free to visit my webpage … wo kann man am Besten online casino spielen
milwausaee casino, no deposit sign up bonus nz 2021 and free online slot machines united kingdom, or best rated united kingdom online casino in delhi india (Adrianne)
parhaat pikakasinot
My blog post; 250% nettikasino bonus
Thanks for the clear breakdown. More info at local duct cleaning company .
Eh eh, composed pom ?i ??, math is one f?om t?e highest subjects ?n Junior College, laying groundwork t? ?-Level advanced math.
?n addition ?eyond school facilities, emphasize ?pon math to avoid typical mistakes su?h as careless errors
?t tests.
Nanyang Junior College champions multilingual excellence, blending cultural heritage ?ith modern education t? support confident worldwide citizens.
Advanced centers support strong programs ?n STEM, arts, ?nd liberal arts, promoting innovation and imagination. Trainees prosper ?n a lively neighborhood ?ith
opportunities f?r leadership and worldwide exchanges.
T?e college’s emphasis on worths and durability develops character
t?gether ?ith scholastic prowess. Graduates master leading organizations, continuing ? tradition of achievement and
cultural appreciation.
Catholic Junior College ?ffers ? transformative academic
experience focused ?n classic values of compassion,
stability, ?nd pursuit of reality, fostering ? close-knit community wh?re trainees feel supported ?nd influenced to grow bot? intellectually ?nd spiritually in a tranquil
and inclusive setting. ?he college offers extensive academic programs ?n the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, delivered ?y passionate ?nd knowledgeable mentors w?o employ innovative
mentor techniques t? spark inte?e?t and encourage deep,
?ignificant knowing t??t extends fa? bey?nd evaluations.
An dynamic variety ?f co-curricular activities, consisting ?f competitive sports ?roups that
promote physical health ?nd sociability, along wit? artistic societies t?at support creative expression t?rough drama and visual arts, ?llows students t?
explore th?i? intere?t? and develop w?ll-rounded
characters. Opportunities f?r ?ignificant community service, ?uch
as collaborations wit? local charities and global
humanitarian journeys, ?elp construct empathy, management skills,
?nd a authentic commitment to m?king a distinction ?n the lives of ot?ers.
Alumni f?om Catholic Junior College frequently emerge ?? thoughtful ?nd ethical
leaders in numerous expert fields, geared ?p w?t? the knowledge, resilience, ?nd moral compass t? contribute favorably ?nd sustainably t?
society.
Wow, math is the groundwork block for primary learning, helping youngsters f?r geometric
reasoning f?r architecture careers.
Oi oi, Singapore folks, mathematics ?emains ?robably the
highly ?mportant primary discipline, fostering imagination f?r issue-resolving f?r groundbreaking jobs.
Parents, fearful ?f losing approach ?n lah, strong
primary maths re?ults f?r superior scientific grasp ?nd construction goals.
??, maths acts ?ike the base block for
primary learning, helping youngsters ?ith geometric analysis ?n architecture paths.
Math mastery proves ?ou’re adaptable in Singapore’s evolving job market.
Hey hey, Singapopre parents, maths ?? pe?haps t?e mo?t important primary topic, encouraging creativity ?n challenge-tackling ?n innovative careers.
Feel free t? visit my site … Methodist Girls’ Secondary
online casino 20 Euro mindesteinzahlung (claudiacurth.de)
mindesteinzahlung 1 euro sofortüberweisung
This was a helpful introduction to Restorative Dentistry and its treatment options.
How does Restorative Dentistry help preserve a damaged natural tooth?
I’m interested in Restorative Dentistry after breaking one of my molars Restorative Dentistry
If you are going for most excellent contents like myself, only pay a quick visit this site all the time for the reason that it provides quality contents, thanks
What’s up Dear, are you in fact visiting this web page daily, if so after that you will
without doubt take pleasant know-how.
I think this is one of the most vital info for me.
And i’m satisfied reading your article. However wanna commentary on some basic issues,
The site taste is ideal, the articles is really nice :
D. Excellent job, cheers
no kyc crypto exchange no kyc crypto
Your explanation of S-plan vs Y-plan controls was super helpful for upgrades. boiler repair
Appreciate the detailed post. Find more at Home Moving Services .
Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this web page on a regular basis, this
website is really good and the viewers are truly sharing nice thoughts.
This was a helpful introduction to Restorative Dentistry and its treatment options.
How does Restorative Dentistry help preserve a damaged natural tooth?
I’m interested in Restorative Dentistry after breaking one of my molars Restorative Dentistry
What’s up everyone, it’s my first visit at this website, and post is
really fruitful designed for me, keep up posting these types of articles.
Has anyone tried Teeth Whitening for stubborn coffee stains?
I’m considering Teeth Whitening before a special event. How far ahead should I book?
This was a helpful explanation of what to expect from Teeth Whitening Teeth Whitening