“What are you talking about?” Her gaze flew to Jessie’s car. “What was Jessie talking about when she said she’d been working on your instructions for the last week?”
“In spite of what she said, she knew I was working my ass off to make things right for Dee. She thought I deserved a reward.” He was striding to the trunk of the car and then unlocking it. “But only if you permitted it. She made certain that you’d be fully on board.”
“To do what?”
He lifted the lid of the trunk to reveal two suitcases and a briefcase. “Take a small vacation. She and Olivia got together and decided that these last days had been hell for you, too, and you needed to relax a bit. This is Olivia’s contribution.”
“Relax?” She gazed at the suitcases. “I can’t go on a vacation. I got too far behind while we were searching for Dee. I have to work.”
“No, you don’t.” He handed her the briefcase. “Olivia talked to your associates and arranged for them to fill in for you when you were gone. Check the paperwork. There’s supposed to be a note in there from Olivia, too.”
She stared down at the briefcase, stunned. “I feel…hijacked.”
“You are. But only by people who care about you. Nothing wrong with that.” He nodded across the field at a sleek white Learjet. “I borrowed that jet from my friend Chad Brooks. You remember him? It should be gassed up and ready.”
“And where are we supposed to be going?”
“Well, not Tibet. I thought we’d try Tahiti. Much more desirable climate. Have you ever been there?”
“No.”
“Then come with me.” His voice was low and infinitely persuasive. “It’s time for that truce, Kendra. We have to reach out and take it or it might slip away. Though I promise I won’t let that happen. Just take my hand and trust me.”
Lord, how she wanted to do it. “A few weeks together might not change anything.”
“Or it might.” He said again, “Trust me.”
She couldn’t look away from him. “I don’t even know if Olivia sent my passport.”
“Olivia is very smart.” He was opening the briefcase and searching through it. He pulled out a document wallet. “Eureka.” He brought out two other envelopes and handed them to her. “And these must be the notes she sent you.”
The first note was very brief and typically Olivia.
Kendra,
Don’t be an idiot. One way or another, you need this.
Go with him.
Olivia
She opened the second envelope.
And she started to laugh.
Lynch gazed at her quizzically. “What is it?”
She held out the sheet of paper.
“Harley.”
The only thing on the paper was a huge paw print.
“I guess that’s supposed to signify approval?” She couldn’t stop smiling. “Since he always agrees with everything Olivia tells him.”
“That’s not enough. This time it has to have your complete approval.”
“How honorable.” She was only half mocking. Lynch was one of the most complicated people she had ever known, but he had never been anything but honest in their relationship. This was no exception, so why was she hesitating?
She reached over and grabbed her purse from the front seat of her car. “But how could I resist such a tender request from both you and Harley?” She headed across the tarmac toward the waiting Learjet. “It would be impossible. Besides, I’m fascinated to see how you intend to construct this truce. Grab my suitcases and let’s get going.”
Discover Your Next Great Read
Get sneak peeks, book recommendations, and news about your favorite authors.
Tap here to learn more.
About the Authors
IRIS JOHANSEN is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 consecutive bestsellers. Her series featuring forensic sculptor Eve Duncan has sold over 20 million copies and counting, and was the subject of the acclaimed Lifetime movie The Killing Game. Johansen lives near Atlanta, Georgia.
ROY JOHANSEN is an Edgar Award–winning author and the son of Iris Johansen. He has written many well-received mysteries, including Deadly Visions, Beyond Belief, and The Answer Man.
Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen have together written Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.