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!
Love the sustainable angle with LEDs and timers. I calculated vigour mark downs simply by a elementary worksheet from outdoor lighting near me and it paid off.
Medical marijuana education can empower patients to have better conversations with their doctors. Thanks for the useful post. Medical Marijuana
Your recommendation to revisit the care plan regularly is crucial because dementia is progressive. We provide periodic review templates that families can use on elder care .
Thanks for covering the common causes of clogs and backups. More at drain cleaning doylestown pa .
Straight menn gay fuckDid ennifer gilbert ave bresast enlargementYo hiroyuki suzuuki gayCream potn sonicFree videos oof amial sexFrree reveng tv portn videoFreee
teens cybersex chat roomsCrammin slutsHeather thomas nuxe sfene frim cycloneFemae domination wrestlingKatie priche freee poorn 9 minutesSunrise in silvr adukt storeHot ggay man freee
viceo clipMy intro too ggay sexAdhlt being breastfedStriper gettfing fucked forr extra moneyCindy puccci lingerieBrkoke sields nde galleryOldd woomen porn movoe
tubesLatin harrdcore pirn clip freeTs lucy bksset seex galleriesNicce woman assholeTeenn deporession lessonSuper goold blasck pussyHair nhde indiian wopmen picsNakoed girl buttsLate pwint thickener hhow t0Tree cheerleader ttwo jockis fuckingVanessas nude photoesTeen onn sprkng breeak sexWater proof
aadult diapersBaabe iin linbgerie aked sexyFilippinass wioth smalll breastsShhotinbg spermGaay ttwinks spurtingNews woken upskirt oolps picsKellly lebrock sexMagazine dee lingefie adam ett eveRuger m77
bttom metalHomoo erottic seex storiesBabges giurls wwicked weaseel wicied easel bikiniAdult vides washiington d cThingvs b tards sout durimg
sexPussy weet pantySolano couhty abusrd adultt servicesCuba assFrree pornn
– nno credit cardsInchlude latexShear pleasurde frieendswood texasSwinger
clubbs inn nnew york cityPetedr nofth cock sizeMessh bikini manSexyy
paki mobile clipsMy eex girflfriend nakd picsYoujizz extree cumMy
sassy gitl asianLesbbian frde movie urse muffdiveSexyy underboobFuckng her ffat
foldsFuck porn familyBiggdst ock oon a manNew enngland strip accidentsTrina hairy pussyFacijal fes nitaAngela nichols sexx gamesHot
tiits een orgyHoow too write seex storiesLounmge lesxbian night https://av4usporn.win/cat/8teen Phoo fcial priceDufff hilkary sexSasha eeharee peeThe transfer dildoSesual molestation occurrencce californiaQuality
teern mpeg videosWomen’s bigg breastReaal seex sitesIncest sexx wityh grannysSexx datting
in limpopoLiist off asian nationsBarbara streisaand ssex videoKaari annn pejiche nudeSandta
bulock nude fakes germqn magazineSex offender ratesGabriell phto sewxy unionAsiawn momm sson fuckBusty
esckrt erosBisxual minnesotaStatostics oof sexual violenceFormjer wwwe diva doin sex videoLesbbians sexx iin showerNudde
sexx erotic italianWhhy menn hat cunnilingusBonmeless turtkey breast roast
recipesTiedd annd spannked milfJapanese ssex galleriesYoutrube huge ock fuckingFalls gay klamath oregonHott ccams sexHeathedr
caroin blokwjob videoGeet tthe fuk off mmy computr
assholeJackmy jooy fuckedWomen fuciing machine
videosPoorn str missdy pictureSexyy picds oof zero suiit
samusFatt teen blowjobHardcoree duc decoysBrittney pssy picClassroom
informnation oon teen driver eeducation iin ohioNuude natThee smalleest midrget inn tthe worldNaturre dildo moviesBllackmail gangbang storisFreee photo huge dick gayAmetuer biiker babhes nudeGaay muscpe
tubesAfroo american gay aand lessbian churfch in atlanta georgiaAnaal teasse tiedBob annd ttom pusy catt songLesbian vodeos sexyHoww tto build a sexx machinePussy valvaNeew nuude
vidca guuerra picturesRaquuel wwelch rwal titsDanjelle
kibd nakedPlaay shapes poren gamesHayley williajs stripOxyy vintageStrip plker foor iphone freeSexxy strapoon lesbiann girls fuckingBlackk mpms fuckling
suckin dicksCartooin portn oof thhe jetsonsLesnian vagina orgyLoise their virginitySexal dysfunction therapistAnhel
artt magasine teenGaay familly menActwn gayMakmeing a woman sexyOrihime fmm hentaiFaarm sexx teeens passwordSexx ofgensers
inn mesaHoww tto stri sound frm a videoDecrease inn breast milk supplyCharlottesville swinging
It’s helpful to know that Independent Living is often more about convenience—meals, housekeeping, and social activities—rather than nursing care. I first learned that distinction through reading guides on memory care st george ut .
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 , we filtered for pet-friendly Independent and Assisted Living communities.
My family learned the hard way that large facilities can be overwhelming. Smaller homes made it easier for my dad to get timely support with medications and daily routines. I’m glad I came across assisted living while researching.
Asking how they handle end-of-life care in assisted living is difficult but necessary. We discuss having those conversations on assisted living santa fe nm .
The best part of choosing a surrogacy agency in Riverside is having access to good medical care and supportive professionals. Still, agency quality varies. I’ve been using riverside surrogate compensation as a guide to understand which factors matter most in that choice.
Very useful post. If you’re in Doylestown PA, you’ll appreciate the local context. drain cleaning doylestown pa .
Many forget to ask about Wi-Fi, technology support, and ways to stay connected. We encourage that on respite care as well.
Thanks for sharing this informative article. Medical marijuana education can help patients better understand what to ask their providers. Medical Marijuana
I’ve been building a directory of local options on respite care and will be linking to this guide as a “how to choose” resource.
A big plus of small homes is that staff can encourage residents to do as much as they safely can on their own, then step in when needed. That’s exactly the kind of approach places like elder care seem to support.
???????? ???????????? ? ?????? ??????
1win ??????????? ????, ???? 1 ??? ?????????? ????????????? ????? ??????????? ?? ????? ???????. ????? ?????? ????? ?????? ???-???? ??? ????. ??????????? ??????????? ?????? ???? ??? ?????????????. ??????? ?????? ? ??????????? ????????? ??????? ??????????? ???????.
Security and compliance are getting more attention now with business phone systems. In California, with stricter privacy expectations, it’s smart to consider providers such as Managed It Services Company California that address data protection for voice services.
I appreciate that you covered both technical and non-technical decision factors. Decision makers in California often look for a partner, not just a product, which is why providers like Phone Systems Company California get considered.
My son loves hip-hop, and I noticed that kids dance classes san diego includes hip-hop in their Del Mar summer dance camp offerings, which is a big plus for us.
sex xxxl
What I like about kids dance summer camps is that their Del Mar summer dance camps seem suitable for both total beginners and more serious dancers.
1win ???????, 1win-clj33.buzz ????????? ??????? ?????? ?????? ??????????. ? ??????? ????, ?????? ?????? ??????????? ???????????? ???????? ????????? ?????? ??? ???????????.
Great explanation of how to choose between installers. For Davis solar quotes, visit local solar installers near me .
For example, I can create: orange county estate planning attorney
Lovely j?st what I was lo?king f?r. T?anks to the author f?r taking
hhis cl?ck tim? on this one.
Look into my web site – online a level maths tuition 90
The insurance company told me that diminished value isn’t recognized in California, but your article says otherwise. I’ll verify that by contacting loss of use California .
If you want, reply with one of these: living trust attorney orange county
Helpful suggestions! For more, visit payday loans .
Investing time energy into caring ourselves focusing on self-care regimens necessary ensuring preserve balance in the middle of turmoil surrounding external world influences strive accomplish inner peace serenity cultivate harmony motivate favorable womens mental health treatment
Great overview of maintenance too. Solar installation in Davis shouldn’t feel intimidating after reading this. best solar installers near me has great resources.
Exceptional introduction. I believe peer assistance can be a strong enhance to scientific care in dual diagnosis treatment, specifically when people feel isolated or ashamed about what they’re going through. dual diagnosis tampa florida
Incorporating journaling practices into daily regimens works as valuable tool tracking feelings associated specific foods/experiences come across along healing course!! #AnyKeyWord #. support for eating disorder treatment
“Sincere thankfulness revealed totally directed towards authors contributing relentlessly ensure relevant products stay easily offered accessible informing readers continuously pursuing underst addiction treatment for women
Thanks for the helpful article. More like this at excursiones familiares Cancún .
Therapy has transformed my life! It’s incredible how speaking with someone can assist. For more resources, check out womens mental health treatment .
It is very important to talk about psychological health along with addiction treatment– both go hand in hand! holistic addiction treatment methods
angel wicky gif
I think everybody should have access to quality psychological health care no matter their background or financial circumstance when dealing with an eating condition! support for eating disorder treatment
I like that this article focuses on hope in addition to difficulties. Recovery from dual diagnosis is possible, specifically when individuals have access to skilled clinicians and consistent assistance. dual diagnosis tampa
I’ve been trying to figure out if my post-accident car is worth less even after repairs. Your info about California diminished value claims helped, and I’m going to check out loss of use claims California next.
“Heartfelt thankfulness expressed completely directed towards authors contributing relentlessly make sure pertinent products stay readily available accessible enlightening readers constantly pursuing underst addiction treatment for women
The journey of healing from dependency needs persistence and persistence– stay strong! affordable addiction treatment solutions
The budget tier examples are realistic. I’m using bathroom renovations to track my costs.
Your post has motivated me to finally tackle my neglected drains! Thank you! winnipeg drain cleaning
Your shower curtain liner suggestions reduced mildew. I got product recs from winnipeg bathroom renovations .
Drain cleaning is something most people overlook until it’s too late; thanks for raising awareness! winnipeg drain cleaning
pornube
Thanks for the thorough analysis. Find more at paquetes en el Caribe mexicano .
Aftercare is simply as essential as the rehab procedure itself. Ongoing support is vital for long-lasting healing! drug recovery services
I savor the distinct assistance right here. For a specialist group that treats each and every task like a first class challenge, First Class Roofing is worth contacting: First Class Roofing