As for the attacks, the FBI raided Malcolm’s residence and had been able to stop what he had planned. Of course, that information was classified, and they couldn’t directly share it.
Ashton had done his own research though and determined that Malcolm was headed for Washington and had every intention of using a combination of explosives and magic to put himself in charge. It seemed it wasn’t just magic he had been after, but also political power.
The second week had been spent wrapped in each other and barely stepping foot outside of the apartment. She lightly pressed a hand to her stomach and the tiny force of life she could feel blooming there. Three days ago, she’d felt it for the first time and confirmed it with a doctor.
Timothy smiled down at her and laid his hand on the top of hers. A family would come from their time together, a family that they would raise together.
The car pulled up in front of a bright looking house with the words, ADDICTION RECOVERY CENTER in bold across the front. She looked at him, confused, but he just smiled at her and handed her a hand-written note.
She opened it and read the words that had been so carefully written. Paislee touched the letters with the tips of her fingers as tears streamed down her cheeks. She rushed out of the car and towards the building.
Anxious, Paislee followed Timothy through the bright halls, passing medical personnel and patients, before arriving into the common area.
Her eyes searched the crowd and landed on the one person in the world she had never expected to see again. A mixture of disbelief and excitement rushed through her. Even after reading his note, she wasn’t prepared to see him standing there.
Zeke stood, a beacon of home for her even after all these years. She could feel the lump in her throat and didn’t bother to try and stop the tears as she ran to him. For the first time in over fifteen years, she wrapped her arms around her big brother.
“Paislee,” he said into her hair and squeezed.
“I missed you, Zeke.”
“I’m so sorry, Paislee. I’m so damn sorry.”
“It’s okay, it’s all okay. It wasn’t your fault, I know that.”
“It was, I shouldn’t have gotten involved with them.”
“He would have come for me anyway.”
Still hugging, they sunk to the couch and Paislee smiled against his chest. With Timothy by her side, she had found love and her home. Now that she had her brother back, she would be able to leave the past behind her and move on into the bright future she finally felt she deserved.
Acknowledgments
Oh goodness I’m not even sure where to start! Collateral Damage has been a work in progress for the last year (and an idea long before that!). I am so beyond ecstatic to see Timothy’s story finally making it out into the world!
First, I would like to thank God for giving me the inclination and persistence to write. Without Him, none of this would be possible.
I want to thank my wonderful and supportive husband Nathan, for being by my side, listening to all of my crazy book ideas, dealing with the conversations I sometimes have with myself when trying to work through a scene, and for picking up all the parental duties when I have a deadline. I could not imagine my life without you baby, you are my best friend and the love of my life and I am so incredibly blessed that God led me to you.
To my daughters, you two spark my imagination. Keep dreaming baby girls.
To the rest of my family, you guys are truly amazing and I am so glad you’re all nuts on my family tree!
For my PA Angela. Oh my gosh girl, I seriously do not know how I did anything before you. Between me changing schedules at the last minute, coming up with new marketing ideas, switching up which book I want to work on, you keep up with it ALL. You have become my friend over the last year and I am so grateful for that! Thank you so much for everything you do and for putting up with all my crazy!
To my wonderful friends who support an encourage me- you guys have no idea how incredibly important you are to me! Without you guys, I would be a hermit, LOL, so thank you for taking the time to make me get out of my office and relax.
#SquadPod, you guys are my rocks and keep me sane when I feel like I might implode. Thank you for your endless support, wonderful advice, and friendship as we navigate this book world together!
To my Wayne-O’s, I CANNOT begin to tell you guys how much your support means to me. Every single comment, like, message, e-mail, review, and just general interaction keeps me motivated and focused on the next book. You guys are the absolute best group of readers an author could hope for, and I love to see how our group grows!
To Jackie, Claudette, James, and the rest of the Author’s Round Table Society, you guys are absolutely the best. I cannot tell you how nice it is to be part of such an amazing group of people!
To Nora Roberts, Karen Marie Moning, JR Ward, and Amanda Bouchet- you ladies will never know how much your books mean to me. Every single time I open the cover to one of your stories, I know I am going to be transported to a world full of action adventure, and sometimes (most of the time) love. You are all my inspiration and I hope to one day be able to sit down at a table and tell you just that.
To the readers- without you none of this would be possible. Thank you for reading books and helping to spread my stories throughout the world!
I love you all!
Jessica
Also By Jessica Wayne
SUSPENSE
The Bastards of Corruption Series
The Charitable Bastard
The Runner’s Daughter
The Captain’s Dilemma- Coming Summer 2019
FANTASY
The Prophecy Series
The Phoenix
The Fighter
The Sorceress
The Prophecy- Coming January 2019
A Tethered Duet
Collateral Damage
Their Own Time: A Trio of Time Travel Novelettes
About the Author
Jessica Wayne was born and raised in southern California where she and her family trained horses. She grew up traveling to different competitions, as well as showing sheep and rabbits for 4-H and the FFA.
After moving to Texas with her family, Jessica joined the Army National Guard where she served for seven years.
From the moment her grandmother introduced her to Nora Roberts’ wonderful world of romance, Jessica knew she wanted to create her own stories and share them with the world.
She has been writing full time for the past four years, and is a stay at home mom. She currently resides in Texas with her husband, their two children, and their dog.
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You can get in touch with her using any of the links below:
E-mail
Reader’s Group
Collateral Damage_A Tethered Novel Page 24