Lie by Night: An Out of Darkness novel (Entangled Ignite) (23 page)
Read Lie by Night: An Out of Darkness novel (Entangled Ignite) Online
Authors: Cathy Marlowe
Epilogue
Under interrogation, Manuel had been happy to spill Alistair’s secrets in return for reduced charges, and he’d claimed the old man didn’t know Jacob’s whereabouts. Having suspected Jacob of stealing sensitive information, Alistair had been as anxious to find Jacob as Emma.
Knowing how close the siblings were, he’d sent men to follow Emma when she purchased a ticket to James Island. Once she contacted the old gardener, Alistair knew her destination and dispatched Manuel and his men to watch her. They’d arrived at the island prior to Emma, making their presence known only after the warehouse exploded.
Alistair hadn’t known where Jacob was. Although guilt had lifted from Emma’s shoulders, the fear remained.
Then, two weeks ago, they’d uncovered information about a man who’d managed one of Alistair’s remote drug facilities. He’d been dealing on the side and when one of Alistair’s stateside men came poking around, he’d arranged the man’s disappearance, thinking the old bastard had sent him to investigate.
Jacob matched the missing man’s description.
Thankfully, instead of killing him, he’d had Jacob thrown into a local prison in case one day he found a use for him. From there it had been a relatively simple matter of buying his release and bringing him home.
Together, Cole and Emma had flown to South America and waited in the ramshackle office for Jacob to be brought to them. The atmosphere in the dismal waiting area was punishing, the putrid air causing them to take shallow breaths. Emma couldn’t imagine how her brother had survived in this hellhole.
“I hope he’s…” Her words halted as the heavy metal door clanged open. Cole’s hand tightened around hers.
The guard shoved Jacob through the door, and he came to a stumbling stop in front of them him. Lifting his head, he stared at them in disbelief. A harsh whisper forced its way past cracked lips. “Emma?”
Raising a trembling hand, she took a hesitant step forward. “Jacob.” Although she tried to control her emotions, she couldn’t stop the tears from falling. As she stepped forward to embrace her brother, he held out his hand to stop her.
“Emma, no, I’m filthy.” She saw the fear in his eyes as he searched her face. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry. I sent that information and thought I’d arrive a few days later to…”
Pushing his hand aside, she stopped his rush of words by throwing her arms around his neck and holding him tight, a broken, “
Jacob
” all she could manage.
Through a blur of tears, her eyes met Cole’s and she smiled. She’d trusted the right man.
And here in this filthy hellhole, with her brother and the man she loved, her heart was finally whole.
Acknowledgements
There are so many people who helped me on the way to this moment, my first published novel, and I’m grateful for you all.
First, to the three Elizabeths. Liz and Betsy, my first mentors, who backed up belief in me with both praise and constructive criticism. And Beth, the first friend to whom I revealed my work. Thank you for your support!
The ladies of the board—if you only knew how many times I’ve reread your words, like little treasures. Your support inspires me still.
My wonderful critique partners—Claire Ashgrove, Dyann Love Barr, and Goldie Edwards, who provided valuable feedback before I submitted this story to contest. Claire, Dyann, and Dennis—can’t wait for the next road trip.
Winnie and Petey, thank you for…well, you each know.
Liz Kerrick, who never gets tired of rereading a scene—or at least doesn’t complain if she does. Thank you for the many ways you’ve helped me on this journey.
And to all my parents—when you have great parents, it means everything!
Special thanks to Dr. David Collins, connoisseur of literature and all things French. Any errors involving custom or location are entirely mine.
About the Author
Cathy lives in Missouri with a huge chocolate lab who is everybody’s baby, and a small, neurotic rescue dog only a mother could love. She’s blessed with a supportive husband, an amazing daughter and two wonderful sons. When not writing, she coaches soccer and works to create a safe world for children. She loves dark chocolate mint M&Ms accompanied by a steaming mug of coffee, and smart stories that touch the heart while making you laugh, cry and stay up all night turning pages.
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