LETHAL INJECTION (Det. Jason Strong(CLEAN SUSPENSE) Book 8)
Page 8
The large dining room was packed with people of every shape, color, and size, and they were all there for one thing, the traditional Victory House dinner. Peter broke free from one person only to be stopped by another, and then repeated the procedure several times until he arrived at the serving table.
“How are we making out?”
Jason grinned at the director. “I have never seen so many mashed potatoes in my life! And every time I empty a bowl, another one appears from the kitchen.”
Peter smiled. “I know. We have the best volunteers in the world. You remember the guy with the BMW who passed out blankets?”
“Sure. Why?”
“His name is Karl Jackson, a salesman at Diamond Auto, and he peeled most of those potatoes you’re serving!”
Jason could only laugh. “Did you hear that, Layne?”
He turned to see Vanessa wrinkling her nose in strange ways, her hands holding a gravy ladle. “I heard…that’s awesome. My dang nose is itchy!”
“Here honey, I’ll get it.” Rob Layne stripped off a glove and scratched his wife’s nose.
“Oh, that’s fantastic. Thanks, Rob.”
“Anything for you, honey. Especially now.”
Jason turned a sideways glance at his partner. “What does he mean by that?”
Vanessa gave him a sheepish look. “Well, it turns out I am pregnant, after all.”
Jason smirked. “I told you!”
“Here’s a refill!” Sandy appeared behind Jason, another bowl of mashed potatoes in her hands.
“Just in time,” Jason scraped the remnant of his bowl into the new one. “I was almost out.”
Peter patted Jason and Vanessa on their shoulders. “I can’t thank you enough for coming down to help out.”
Jason shook his head. “Don’t mention it. It’s our blessing to be here.”
A lady came up and held out her plate to Jason. “So, is this my competition here?”
Jason turned to see Shirley Stinson. “Yup, that’s her!”
Shirley looked Sandy Strong up and down. “I can see why I couldn’t coax you away, Detective.”
Jason burst out laughing at the look on his wife’s face. Sandy smiled. “That’s a very nice compliment, thank you.”
Shirley’s face cracked into a big smile. “You’re welcome. Better keep a tight leash on that one, missy. He’s a keeper!”
Sandy laid her hand on Jason’s shoulder. “Don’t I know it!”
They were interrupted by a familiar voice. “Hey, get to work you two!”
Jason, Sandy, Vanessa, and Rob all turned to see the wide grin of Doctor Leonard Davis. Jason looked at Peter, who was still watching them. “Hey, Peter, get this guy something to do. He’s harassing the help.”
Peter raised his hands in defense. “Hey, I don’t tell Doc Davis what to do. He’s been helping out at these dinners since before I was born.”
The doc grabbed his heart. “Oh, you’re killing me. Why don’t you just call me ‘Ancient Leonard’?”
Jason was surprised. “Really? How long have you been coming down here, Doc?”
“Peter’s dad and I were old friends. I’ve helped out for years.” The medical examiner looked around. “Are Patton or Banks here?”
Vanessa shook her head. “Nope. The captain had family coming in from out of town and Banks is babysitting.”
“Babysitting? You’re joking!”
“I’m dead serious. She’s watching two kids.”
Doc laughed. “That woman never ceases to surprise. I didn’t know she had any grandkids.”
“She doesn’t. She’s watching Kasen and Nina so we could come and help out here today.”
“Your kids?”
Jason nodded. “Yup. They were watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade when we left.”
Rob peeked around Vanessa. “How are ya feelin,’ Doc? Vanessa told me you had a close call.”
“I’m good. And I’m grateful.”
Jason looked around the room, and then at Sandy. “I think we all can say that today, Doc. We’re good, and we’re grateful.”
“Amen!” Peter said. “Now get back to work!”
Laughter filled the air as the backed-up line finally started to move.
AUTHOR’S NOTE.
Number 8! I can’t believe it.
So many have written and encouraged me, (you have no idea how important your letters are), and so I have continued to find new cases for Jason, Vanessa, Patton, Doc and the rest.
I hope that this book was as enjoyable for Jason fans as the previous ones. More importantly, I hope the books continue to be fun and interesting.
As I prepare this for publishing, number 9 is already well on its way.
Blessings to all of you who have taken time to include our books in your busy lives.
Feel free to contact me at (jdalglish7@gmail.com) or visit my website (jcdalglish.webs.com) Also, you can visit Jason at his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DetectiveJasonStrong
God Bless, John
I John 1:9
Edited by Samantha Gordon, Invisible Ink Editing
Cover by Beverly Dalglish
OTHER CLEAN SUSPENSE BOOKS BY
JOHN C. DALGLISH
“Where’s My Son?”- Det. Jason Strong #1
Bloodstain - Det. Jason Strong - #2
Silent Justice - Det. Jason Strong - #4
Tied to Murder – Det. Jason Strong - #5
One of their Own –Det. Jason Strong - #6
Death Still – Det. Jason Strong - #7
And a new series.
CROSSOVER–The Chaser Chronicles #1
JOURNEY- The Chaser Chronicles #2
DESTINY – The Chaser Chronicles #3