A Dirty Business (Kings of New York #1)(118)

“Leave it.” Chelsea waved a hand at it.

But, no. It was Val.

I showed Trace the screen, and he nodded. If she was calling, it was important. We weren’t friends that phoned.

I answered. “What’s up?”

She let out a nervous breath.

That was my first clue.

I straightened, all focus on this phone call now. “What’s wrong? The baby?”

“No, no. This little kicker is still in me, but uh . . . I gotta tell you something.”

That was my second clue.

“What? In person?” I was racking my mind, but I couldn’t guess what it was about.

“Uh. We could do that, but this news is going to spread fast, and I want to make sure you hear it from me first.”

“Now you’re worrying me.”

“I know.”

That was my third clue. There was no reassurance. Nothing.

My stomach officially dropped, and I closed my eyes, preparing myself. Or I was trying.

I felt Trace next to me.

“Just tell me, Val.”

“Two bodies were found up north in New York. No one was notified down here because it’s not our jurisdiction. But they asked me to be the one to tell you.”

I was going through the list.

Who was here. Who wasn’t.

No, no, no.

I knew, I knew as she said it.

“DNA matches. It’s Kelly and Justin.”





ACKNOWLEDGMENTS


Writing Jess and Trace’s story was such a whirlwind! Literally. I remember starting out writing this story but then talking to a parole officer (which I am so thankful for!) and realizing how much Jess’s personality was going to change. She was such a different character for me to write, and I loved it! Thank you to Kimberly, Lauren, and Lindsey for working with me and helping to make Jess and Trace’s story the best I could. Thank you to the entire Montlake group that helped put this book together. I truly appreciated it so much. Thank you to Crystal, Amy, Chris, and Kimberley for helping me every time I message. You guys always make time, and I appreciate it so much.

A big thank-you to my readers in Tijan’s Crew. You guys uplift me with your posting in there, and you have no idea how much I am thankful for you all. Thank you to Debra Anastasia, Helena Hunting, and Rachel Van Dyken just for being. Lol!

Last, thanks to the B-man. Your constant tail wags and cuddles and licks make my world go round, even when you’re tired of me writing and just want to go for a walk! Love you so much.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Tijan is a New York Times bestselling author who writes suspenseful and unpredictable novels. Her characters are strong, intense, and gut-wrenchingly real with a little bit of sass on the side. Tijan began writing after college, and once she started, she was hooked. She’s written multiple bestsellers, including the Fallen Crest series, Ryan’s Bed, Enemies, and others. She is currently writing many new books and series with an English cocker she adores.

You can join her reader group on Facebook, Tijan’s Crew, or at www.facebook.com/tijansbooks. Follow her on Instagram @tijansbooks, on Twitter @TijansBooks, and on TikTok @tijan_author. And don’t forget to check out her author site, www.tijansbooks.com.

Tijan is represented by Brower Literary & Management Inc.