Single Malt
Page 24
“Are you sure neither Tom nor Aidan were involved?” It felt like a betrayal to ask such a question, but after the week they’d had, he had to.
“I don’t believe so. But I was wrong about Gary, and about Gabe, so yes, you should look into Tom. As for Aidan, you know his family’s history with the IRA?” He nodded and she carried on. “Given that, he’s the last person I’d suspect of terrorism. And his grief over Tom and Gabe was real, as was the shock on his face when I told him my suspicions about the accident.”
Jamie breathed a little easier. This woman seemed to know Aidan better than anyone, and she was right about his personal history with terrorism. But she’d said it herself; Mel had been wrong, twice so far. He’d still have to investigate Aidan and Tom, and he’d also investigate her. “You want me to look into Gabe’s involvement with Renaud’s organization?” He didn’t let on how deep he intended to dig.
“Yes, and I want you to find out what really happened that night eight months ago.”
He nodded and moved to sit back in his chair.
Mel tilted forward and caught his trailing hand. “More importantly, Jamie, I need you to keep Aidan alive.”
Her eyes weren’t cold and hard anymore. They blazed with loyalty and determination, and Jamie breathed another sigh of relief, assured she was as invested in Aidan Talley’s life as he was coming to be.
“You did a hell of a job this past week,” she said, squeezing his hand. “Can I count on you to keep doing that?”
It was a heavy burden to bear—a man’s past, present and future in his hands—but Jamie wouldn’t trust Aidan’s life to anyone else. Protectiveness surged through him for this man whose fate seemed inexorably tangled with his own.
This time he didn’t lie or question the truth of his answer.
“Yes.”
* * * * *
Acknowledgments
I would not have been able to bring this book to life without four very important people. My best friend, Tera, who read an early draft, told me to keep writing, then read all the drafts to come. My freelance editor, Kristi Yanta, who focused my thoughts and words. My Carina editor, Deb Nemeth, who lived up to every expectation I had for a wonderful collaboration. My agent, Laura Bradford, who agented on the run (through airports) like nobody’s business. Thank you all so much for your invaluable assistance.
Thanks also to D.M., for the technical advice, to T.C. and S.W., for the LEO tidbits, to my critique partners—D’Ann, Peggy and Julie—for the craft input, and to my family, for encouraging my writing and entrepreneurial spirit.
Last but not least, all the whiskey, wine and coffee to my beta readers—Sandra, Chelley, Jaya, Morgan, Mirna, Jess, Val, Jennifer, Beth, Michelle and Victoria. Many of you had never before read m/m romance when I dropped this book in your inboxes. You’ve hung with me for years, in one writing form or another, and your feedback, friendship and unwavering support mean the world to me. Cheers and all my love!
Also available from Layla Reyne
and Carina Press
Stay tuned for the next books in the Agents Irish & Whiskey series:
Cask Strength, coming in Spring 2017
Barrel Proof, coming in Summer 2017
About the Author
Love, Coast-to-Coast.
Author Layla Reyne was raised in North Carolina and now resides in the San Francisco Bay Area. Growing up surrounded by generations of Southern storytellers and at the knee of her soap-opera-loving grandmother (and her grandfather, too, though he’d never admit it), she began spinning tales of romance at an early age. Now writing romantic suspense and contemporary romance, Layla is inspired by her coast-to-coast experiences and delights in weaving elements of the people she’s met and places she’s been into her stories for readers everywhere to enjoy. Layla, a 2016 RWA Golden Heart® Award Finalist in Romantic Suspense, is a member of Romance Writers of America and its Silicon Valley, Kiss of Death, Golden Network and Rainbow Romance Writers chapters. You can find Layla online at www.laylareyne.com.
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Do you write in the below genres? Harlequin’s Carina Press wants to see your manuscript.
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ISBN-13: 9781488024382
Copyright © 2017 by Layla Reyne
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