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(Three months earlier)

Sitting on my sofa I gripped the photo of Annmarie in my hands, willing her to come to life as I did every day since she’d died. As with every day before, it didn’t work.

Rather than sit in my depressive apartment any longer, I decided to clean my car. I’d let so many simple tasks go undone. Maybe the mindless work of cleaning my car would help.

I grabbed a trash bag from under the sink, knowing I needed to clean the inside first. I ducked my head as I exited my...

My room was spacious and well-furnished, a contemporary design with touches of the history of the Scottish Highlands. The bed was large, four-poster with a downy comforter that I wanted to crawl under and sleep forever.

As I stepped into the room, I saw French doors on the opposite wall.

“That leads out to a small balcony,” Fiona said.

I startled, completely forgetting she was with me.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you. You're probably tired. Why don't I leave you to unpack and lie down...

I'm so excited to announce that I will be a signing author at Reader Nation (https://www.readernation.live) in Las Vegas on November 7, 2025 at the Paris Hotel and Casino (https://www.caesars.com/paris-las-vegas)

Get your tickets today! They're free. And the headliner signing author is JAMES PATTERSON! (https://www.jamespatterson.com/)

So come to Vegas and meet me in person. See you in Vegas (I hope)!

We own a 10 year old Chihuahua/Terrier mix doggie. Her name is Ellie and we're about to celebrate our 8 year Gotcha Day (the day we adopted her from the shelter).

She was originally named Jelly (she had a puppy with her named Peanut Butter). Unfortunately, Peanut Butter was too young to adopt. The hubs refused to call her Jelly, so we changed it to "Ellie" which fits her perfectly.

Ellie LOVES food (except lettuce and bananas). Yes, I know it's bad to feed her human food (please don't comment)...

(Present Day)

“Ms. Jameson,” the driver said, “are you sure you’re all right?”

No, I wasn’t, but I knew I had to pull myself together if I was going to survive.

“Yes, I’m sorry, probably just jet-lag.”

He nodded as if understanding.

The driver drove up a slow sloping hill and the castle came into view. The drive was lined on either side with wide, towering trees.

He pointed out the window. “Those are Scots Pines planted over three hundred years ago.”

Three hundred years? How old was this castle?

As...

(Three months earlier)

I knelt down next to the cold slab of granite, pressing my hand against my daughter’s name.

Annemarie Taskill.

My fingers traced the carved dates that forever marked the beginning and the ending of her short life.

Six months had passed since her murder. The media sensation her death created had died down somewhat, lost in the flurry of new stories fighting to win more shocking headlines. Annmarie was just a vague memory to those seeking bigger and more intoxicating stories....

“Ms. Jameson, a man’s voice called out. “We’re almost there.”

The words echoed in my mind but despite my efforts, I couldn’t see anyone.

“Ms. Jameson.” The voice grew louder. “Ms. Jameson,” he shouted.

I bolted upright in my seat, bumping my head on something hard. “What?” I said, blinking away the fogginess consuming me. “Yes, what?” I repeated.

“Where am I?” I shook my head, trying to jar my memory.

“We’re nearly there now,” the man said.

“Where?” My eyes scanned the area. I was in a car. A...

The tall blades of grass whipped against my legs as a cool wind blew over my shoulders. Chill bumps spread along my skin despite the blazing midday sun.

She was here.

My heart beat faster.

Letting my head fall back, I gazed up at the billowy clouds crawling across the azure sky. How desperately I wanted to be one, floating away, weightless and care free.

I closed my eyes, drinking in the warmth from the sun, letting the rays heat my face.

I was cold. I was always cold without her.

Drawing in a...