by Liliana Hart
I wasn’t an emotional person for the most part, but standing next to Jack and looking out over a crowd of familiar, smiling faces made my chest tight. This was our community—the people who supported us no matter what was splashed in the news or gossipers said. These were the people who supported us and wanted us to succeed. And I was realizing having those kinds of people in your life was not only important, but also necessary. Seeing the good in humanity made me want to learn to be a better friend.
I smoothed my gown nervously and straightened my shoulders. This was Jack’s night, and if he’d wanted me to show up in a circus tent, I would’ve done it. But the victory party was a formal event, and Jack had donned his tuxedo and managed to look like a Hollywood A-lister instead of a small county sheriff. The shadowed bruises along his jaw and around his mouth only added an aura of mystique. And if he was moving a little stiff, I figured I was the only one to notice.
I was always self-conscious next to Jack. He exuded life and vitality, and he was beautiful to look at all the time, and there were many times I wondered how or why he’d picked me. It was amazing how the self-consciousness that plagued me in my youth had followed me into adulthood. But Jack made me feel beautiful, even if I didn’t consider myself as such.
Fortunately, Jack’s mother had come through for me with a long, strapless column of black silk that fit like a glove and shoes that were going to make my feet have regrets for the next few days. I wore a black cloth around my bicep to cover my stitches, but no one could tell it didn’t belong there.
I felt proud to stand next to Jack—the doubt about my worth and position and appearance faded to the background—and for the first time I felt like I belonged.
It wouldn’t matter if Jack won or lost the election. Those things in life that relied on human nature were fleeting. But Jack and I were solid, and we always would be. And no matter what happened regarding his son, we would deal with it together.
I grabbed Jack’s hand and squeezed it as I scanned the sea of faces that filled the tent behind Lombardi’s. My stomach was a knot and the champagne glass in my hand was nothing more than a prop as we waited for the final results of the election to come in.
“Relax,” Jack leaned down and whispered into my ear.
“Easy for you to say.” I tried to smile and straightened his bow tie. “My whole status depends on the outcome of this election. How am I supposed to get out of parking tickets if you can’t fix them for me?”
“I knew there had to be a reason you married me,” he said, pulling me closer.
“There was a very good reason. Why don’t we ditch this joint and I’ll show you why?”
“Give me ten minutes and I’m all yours,” Jack said. “I think someone wants to talk to us.”
I pouted and turned to see who was interrupting, and I squeezed Jack’s hand harder when I saw Charles Wilson making his way toward us. Charlie was the clerk of courts and would be the first to have official election results.
“Sheriff,” he said, shaking Jack’s hand and clapping him on the back.
I’d noticed the people around us had stopped talking to see what was happening.
“How do you feel about four more years?” Charlie asked.
I felt the relief in Jack even as the crowd around us exploded into cheers. It was a good night to celebrate with good people. There would be other times to worry about the job or the next election, but tonight wasn’t that night.
“Four more years sounds good,” Jack said, grinning. “Really good.”
“You won by a landslide,” Charlie said. “King George loves you and your whole family.” He leaned in a little closer. “My wife and I returned our country club membership. Between you and me and the fence post, I’ve heard more than thirty people have resigned because of what they did to your parents. People will learn we don’t like outsiders coming in and ruining a good thing.”
“I don’t think you have anything to worry about,” Jack said. “I believe we made our point to those guys at AvantGuard. They’re going to have to find someplace else to stage a takeover.”
“Good for you, son,” Charlie said. “But be careful. Those guys don’t mind playing dirty, and if you don’t mind me saying, and the hand they had in this election, I think you’ve got a mighty powerful enemy over there.”
Jack nodded soberly. “You don’t see the things I’ve seen and not have enemies. It’s learning how to recognize them that’s the hard part. But I’ll be ready.”
“I’m sure you will,” Charlie said. “We’ve got faith in you. In both of you.” Charlie looked at me with a twinkle in his eyes. “Now I believe you have a victory speech to make.”
Charlie disappeared in the crowd and Jack pulled me into his arms and kissed me. “I promise to make it a very short speech. Five minutes, tops. And then we can continue where we left off.”
“Congratulations, Sheriff,” I said. “No one deserves this more than you. I’m proud of you.”
“Two minutes,” he said, winking at me and making his way onstage to cheers.
There would always be crime, and there would always be death. But for this moment, life was perfect.
The next installment of the New York Times bestselling series by Liliana Hart...
When a friend from medical school shows up on J.J. Graves' doorstep in distress, J.J. offers her a sanctuary. But the woman has brought trouble to Bloody Mary, and no one is safe.
Coming May 11, 2021! Pre-order Today
About the Author
Liliana Hart is a New York Times, USA Today, 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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Also by Liliana Hart
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
Dirty Devil
Playing Dirty
Dirty Martini
* * *
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
Whiskey Lullaby
* * *
The Scarlet Chronicles
Bouncing Betty
Hand Grenade Helen
Front Line Francis
* * *
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
Grime and Punishment
Blazing Rattles
A Salt and Battery
Curl Up and Dye
First Comes Death Then Comes Marriage
Box
Set 1
Box Set 2
Box Set 3
* * *
The Gravediggers
The Darkest Corner
Gone to Dust
Say No More