“A great ending to a really miserable case,” Lucy said.
“I need to check on my prisoner. See you on Monday.”
Sean frowned. “I thought you gave her four days off.”
“The four days before she reports to the Academy. We need all hands next week going through the mountains of evidence and paperwork.”
“I’ll be there,” Lucy said.
Noah went into the hospital, and Sean put his arm around Lucy. “Now can we go get our cat and sit in the hot tub?”
He steered her toward his car and grandly opened the passenger door for her. She slid into the leather seat and closed her eyes.
A week of paperwork followed by four days alone with Sean. She finally admitted to herself that she needed the time away.
Sean got into the driver’s seat and Lucy asked, “Where do you want to go on our vacation?”
“I hesitate to call it that, considering how our last vacation turned out.” He turned the ignition. “How about a cottage up in Cape Cod?”
“Massachusetts? That’s kind of far.”
“Not by plane. I got word this morning that my Cessna is ready. I’m picking her up on Monday. While you’ll be neck deep in paperwork, I’ll be flying over the Adirondacks.”
“You know what? After being shot down in that plane, I’ll take the paperwork instead.”
Stories are created in the author’s head, but many people help with the details. A very special thanks to Tossable Digits, for help in understanding virtual phone numbers; Crime Scene Writers, an amazing group of generous law enforcement professionals who always help me get things right; DC Metro’s PIO who was kind enough to answer some bizarre questions; Steve Dupre with the FBI who has always answered even my most mundane questions; Brian Jones, FBI-SWAT leader who invites me to role play—I have never had so much fun! And the exercises really help with scene staging. Fellow author Dr. D.P. Lyle always helps me get the medical details right. And this time around, my husband Dan with his background working for the state and federal legislature was instrumental in helping me with the campaign and legislative details. Thank you all!
Friends and family keep me sane, especially fellow writer and conference roommate Toni McGee Causey, the gang at Murder She Writes, my mom Claudia, and of course, my kids who keep me on my toes. I also want to send a shout-out to the American Cancer Society and their patron, Cathy Hummel, who won her name in this book. We’ve all lost someone to cancer; they do great work. And Sara Edmonds, who also won her name at a readers convention, Readers & Ritas. Thanks, Cathy and Sara!
And of course, extra special thanks to the people behind the book: my agent Dan Conaway, my editor Kelley Ragland, and the entire team at Writers House and St. Martin’s Press. Thank you for your support, and your faith.