Night Moves
Page 32
Julia glanced at the receptionist, smiled and tapped her watch again. Five more minutes. The therapist was never on time.
She envisioned the tall fit therapist who looked like she was fifty, but she knew from her bio was closer to retirement age, sitting in a chair across from her. A laptop to one side of her on a portable stand. Her slim fingers typing away as they talked. The therapist’s unknowing face would be relaxed when she asked what had happened since their last visit.
Julia imagined saying, "I know this doesn’t sound like me, but I dressed up as a hooker and went to a strip joint where I got beat up. I did accidentally shoot my friend when she was taken hostage by a killer, which she still reminds me of on a daily basis. And the biggest news is that I was the get-a-way driver for my grandmother who murdered the Speaker of the House."
Besides the possibility of being committed, it would cost her $150 for that conversation.
She stood. The receptionist looked up.
"I’m sorry, but I have an emergency and must cancel today’s appointment."
"Oh, I’m sorry. Can I go ahead and reschedule you?"
Julia shook her head. "No. Not at this time. Thanks."
Outside, she drew in a breath of cool morning air. The sun was shining. She smiled. Today she wasn’t going to look back.
* * *
One hour later, Julia pulled up to her office.
Inside she admired the new paint job. The drab olive walls were repainted a light blue gray color to lighten the atmosphere. On order were two nice desks and two high-back leather chairs. There were live plants on the bookshelves, on her desk and spaced around the office.
She sat and opened the laptop on her desk.
She didn’t miss her old life. There had been some press on her role in solving the Willow Oaks murders, which had given her business a boost.
The office door swung open.
"Julia, what ya doin’ back so soon?" asked Laquita.
"My appointment got canceled," replied Julia.
"Too bad. I know you probably needed to talk to that shrink about shootin’ your partner." Laquita winked.
"I’m not going to keep saying I’m sorry. And, you’re an employee, not a partner."
"I got no hard feelin’s." She pointed. "You ain’t watering that plant in the corner enough." Laquita walked to her desk and sat. "Julia, I appreciate the car ya bought me. And the clothes. I was just wonderin’ where ya got all that money. It’s legal, ain't it?"
"Made it with my new side job as a hooker. You know, now that I have the right clothes and all."
Laquita stared at Julia, expressionless for a few seconds then smiled. "Not gonna tell me how you got that money, are ya?"
"Nope."
Elke was right, Julia wouldn’t get any recognition for uncovering the mole inside the government. But somebody, and she had her suspicions who, had made a substantial deposit in her bank account.
A card came the day the deposit was made.
All it said was, "Medals are overrated."
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, I want to thank my husband, bestselling thriller writer Chuck Barrett, who is my editor, IT man and sounding board. You kept me as sane as possible during my writing meltdowns. Working together has enriched my novels and made them better. You are always honest and not afraid to point out issues with my story line. Which unfortunately are many. You are my rock.
To Kates, my daughter, whose enthusiasm and encouragement made me believe I could write a second novel.
Every manuscript evolves from a rough draft, a cycle of rewrites to the finished product. Chuck Barrett is the first set of eyes to review my story. After a rewrite, the manuscript is sent to beta readers who have agreed to dedicate their time and energy to review the manuscript and give honest, constructive feedback. They are essential in improving the overall structure of the story. A big thanks to my wonderful beta readers, Artie Lynnworth, Nancy Mace, Early McCall and Terrance Traut.
Special thanks to my readers. When I get an email telling me how they enjoyed my book, it means the world to me. I wanted this novel to be better than my first novel and I believe I accomplished my goal. Hopefully this story, full of intrigue, mystery and humor will give you a short break from reality.
A few facts
The location scene (Chapter 32) where Elke visits Adrik on Inishmore, one of Ireland’s western Aran Island is factual. The cottage is fictional. In 2019 my husband and I, along with good friends toured Ireland. It was this visit that inspired me to include this location in the story. Dún Dúchathair, the Black Fort does exist. It’s an arduous hike but well worth the effort. We also rode bikes to Dún Aonghasa and along the way spotted a seal colony. Like all fiction stories there is always some truth to what authors include.
I did a lot of research on Russian spies and the threat to the United States. My story is fiction, yet during my research I learned that Moscow for years has been cultivating well-placed contacts. Alan Wagner would have been a prize for them. Is it possible, if not probable, that a Soviet illegal could penetrate the U.S. government? What do you think?
The title Night Moves is from a Bob Seger song. Why did I use it? It’s a good song and Laquita had fun with the lyrics. And I had a blast writing Laquita’s character.
Enjoy.