Grime and Punishment (A Harley and Davidson Mystery Book 9)
Page 9
“Wow,” Hank stumbled over what to say.
Her smile lit the room. “Thanks,” she said. “I’m ready when you are.”
Their driver took them to the historic district to what looked like a renovated old his. It was simple and elegant, and there were several well-dressed couples being let out at the front doors for the special Valentine’s dinner.
Despite the number of couples, the tables weren’t crammed in so they were all sitting on top of each other, and they were led to a corner table near the fireplace that was secluded and romantic.
“I’m impressed,” Agatha said. “You’ve pulled out all the stops.”
Hank just smiled, reminding himself to thank Heather again. He was even able to sit with his back to the wall so he could observe the entire room. Police habits never died.
Wine would be served with each course, and they got lost in conversation like they normally did. But the proposal was all he could think about. When should he do it? After the appetizer? During dessert?”
He didn’t think he could wait, so he slipped his hand into his coat pocket and grabbed the ring box. He shifted his weight to slide from the chair smoothly onto one knee, and he sucked in a deep breath just before the restaurant erupted in applause.
Across the room was another man who’d just stolen Hank’s thunder and proposed to the shocked woman sitting across from him. Hank tightened his fist in frustration and let go of the ring box so it stayed in his pocket. He’d wait until the next course.
He’d felt more relaxed after the appetizer and first wine course, so he cleared his throat and decided to try again. He reached for the box just as the restaurant erupted in applause yet again. He growled aloud this time, causing Agatha to look at him with concern.
It happened again after the salad course. And again after the main course. Dessert was going to be his turn, come hell or high water, and he looked around the restaurant ferociously daring anyone to contradict him.
“Agatha,” Hank said, stopping their conversation abruptly.
He grasped the ring box and scooted his chair back so it scraped across the wooden floor. And he moved to get down on one knee just as there was a collective gasp through the restaurant. He scanned the restaurant, looking for his nemesis, and his gaze locked on his target. The man and his new fiancé looked like they’d already had too much to drink.
“Hank, are you all right?” Agatha asked, her attention caught between him and the happy couple.
He was so focused on his plans being interrupted that it barely registered when his enemy shook the champagne bottle before he tried to open it. Hank saw the sommelier rush toward the man, trying to head him off before he drenched everyone around him in champagne. But it was too late.
Hank heard the resounding pop of the cork that seemed more like a gunshot in the closed-in space, and then he felt nothing but pain as the cork found its target right in the center of his forehead. He slid from his chair, the world spinning, and then there was nothing but black.
Liliana and I have loved sharing these stories in our Harley & Davidson Mystery Series with you.
There are many more adventures to be had for Aggie and Hank. Make sure you stay up to date with life in Rusty Gun, Texas by signing up for our emails.
Thanks again and please be sure to leave a review where you bought each story and, recommend the series to your friends.
Kindly,
Scott & Liliana
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Also by Liliana Hart
The MacKenzies of Montana
Dane’s Return
Thomas’s Vow
Riley’s Sanctuary
Cooper’s Promise
Grant’s Christmas Wish
The MacKenzies Boxset
MacKenzie Security Series
Seduction and Sapphires
Shadows and Silk
Secrets and Satin
Sins and Scarlet Lace
Sizzle
Crave
Trouble Maker
Scorch
MacKenzie Security Omnibus 1
MacKenzie Security Omnibus 2
JJ Graves Mystery Series
Dirty Little Secrets
A Dirty Shame
Dirty Rotten Scoundrel
Down and Dirty
Dirty Deeds
Dirty Laundry
Dirty Money
A Dirty Job
Addison Holmes Mystery Series
Whiskey Rebellion
Whiskey Sour
Whiskey For Breakfast
Whiskey, You’re The Devil
Whiskey on the Rocks
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Whiskey and Gunpowder
Books by Liliana Hart and Scott Silverii
The Harley and Davidson Mystery Series
The Farmer’s Slaughter
A Tisket a Casket
I Saw Mommy Killing Santa Claus
Get Your Murder Running
Deceased and Desist
Malice In Wonderland
Tequila Mockingbird
Gone With the Sin
The Gravediggers
The Darkest Corner
Gone to Dust
Say No More
Lawmen of Surrender (MacKenzies-1001 Dark Nights)
1001 Dark Nights: Captured in Surrender
1001 Dark Nights: The Promise of Surrender
Sweet Surrender
Dawn of Surrender
The MacKenzie World (read in any order)
Trouble Maker
Bullet Proof
Deep Trouble
Delta Rescue
Desire and Ice
Rush
Spies and Stilettos
Wicked Hot
Hot Witness
Avenged
Never Surrender
Stand Alone Titles
Breath of Fire
Kill Shot
Catch Me If You Can
All About Eve
Paradise Disguised
Island Home
The Witching Hour
Also by Louis Scott
Books by Liliana Hart and Scott Silverii
The Harley and Davidson Mystery Series
The Farmer’s Slaughter
A Tisket a Casket
I Saw Mommy Killing Santa Claus
Get Your Murder Running
Deceased and Desist
Malice in Wonderland
Tequila Mockingbird
Gone With the Sin
About Liliana Hart
Liliana Hart is a New York Times, USAToday, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of more than sixty titles. After starting her first novel her freshman year of college, she immediately became addicted to writing and knew she’d found what she was meant to do with her life. She has no idea why she majored in music.
Since publishing in June 2011, Liliana has sold more than six-million books. All three of her series have made multiple appearances on the New York Times list.
Liliana can almost always be found at her computer writing, hauling five kids to various activities, or spending time with her husband. She calls Texas home.
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About Louis Scott
Liliana’s writing partner and husband, Scott blends over 25 years of heart-stopping policing Special Operations experience.
From deep in the heart of south Louisiana’s Cajun Country, his action-packed writing style is seasoned by the Mardi Gras, hurricanes and crawfish étouffée.
Don’t let the easy Creole smile fool you. The author served most of a highly decorated career in SOG buying dope, banging down doors, and busting bad guys.
Bringing characters to life based on those amazing experiences, Scott writes it like he lived it.
Lock and Load – Let’s Roll.