The Last Invitation (95)
Chapter Eighty-Five
BREAKING NEWS: SHOOTING DEATH IN BETHESDA—Bethesda, MD
Police have confirmed an altercation, leading to a shooting outside of a residence on Hampden Lane in Bethesda, Maryland, this morning. The shooting victim has been identified as Christopher Young. Young was pronounced dead at the scene. He had been the leading suspect in the disappearance of his wife and child for more than four years.
Witnesses at the scene say Young was armed when he threatened Faith Rabara, founder of the Safe Harbor Limited charity for victims of domestic and partner violence and resident of the address of the incident. A source who requested not to be identified said Young was heard shouting that Rabara needed to “pay for lying.” It’s alleged Rabara shot and killed Young in self-defense when he attacked her.
Police believe Young discovered where Rabara resided due to the recent news stories about the unrelated death of Rabara’s friend and roommate, attorney Jessa Hall, at the same condo property.
Young’s wife, Penelope, had visited Rabara’s charity numerous times before her disappearance. Young alleged Rabara helped his wife kidnap their child and leave the jurisdiction. Rabara has denied those claims.
Following the discovery of new evidence in the case, Rabara and Young recently were questioned about the disappearance of Young’s family and released. That evidence was discredited in a police statement two days ago. The nature of the falsified evidence has not been revealed.
Police say Rabara, who possesses the required license and gun permit for the firearm used in the shooting, is not expected to be charged. The investigation into the disappearance of Young’s wife and child is ongoing.
Resources
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Expert advocates offer free support
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
24/7 free and confidential support
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Acknowledgments
I wrote The Last Invitation in a whirl of pandemic worry, grief over the loss of my dad, and fury over the ongoing disregard of violence against women and the seeming elimination of our rights. I was angry, frustrated, and exhausted, and somehow that translated into a book. So, if you’re angry, frustrated, and exhausted, I see you and empathize. Know you’re not alone.
Also know that while I did practice divorce law in the DC area for twelve years, and frequently was appointed as a guardian ad litem for children in their parents’ horrible divorces, this book is pure fiction. I didn’t cheat my way through law school. I didn’t kill anyone. I was lucky enough to work with amazing, brilliant, and dedicated attorneys in two firms, some of whom have gone on to become judges. I am grateful for all of you.
I am also extremely grateful for May Chen, my patient and talented editor. When I pitch an idea and you get excited, then I get excited. Thank you for all your support and hard work, especially through an extra difficult last few years. My appreciation extends to everyone at HarperCollins and William Morrow, from my copyeditor, to the sales team, to the marketing and public relations people, to the production staff. You all make book miracles happen. And a special shout-out to the team at HarperCollins Canada for being such great advocates for my books.
Thank you always to my agent, Laura Bradford, for supporting my career and making the book deals happen, and to Katrina Escudero of Sugar23 for making dreams come true—multiple times.
Love and thanks to my husband, James, and to my dad, who would have loved this one.
About the Author
DARBY KANE is a former trial attorney and #1 internationally bestselling author of domestic suspense. Her books have been featured in
numerous venues, including the New York Times Book Review, the Washington Post, the Toronto Star, PopSugar, Refinery29, Goodreads, the Skimm, and Huffington Post. A native of Pennsylvania, Darby now lives in California
and runs from the cold. You can find more information at darbykane.com.
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