by L. T. Ryan
“I’ve been doing perfectly fine for years, Laura.” Cassie tried to keep the anger out of her voice, but she wasn’t as successful as she had hoped she’d be. “And you don’t know, maybe Mom and Dad will want my help. I live closer.”
“It’s not a competition, Cassie.” Laura rolled her eyes and snapped her seatbelt into place. “I’m just trying to be helpful.”
Cassie took a moment before she responded. She knew she was being defensive. Unreasonable. “I know. I know I have a long way to go to make everything up to them—”
“You’re their daughter.” Laura put a hand on Cassie's shoulder. “You don’t have to make anything up to them. Besides, they’ll kick us out before either of us can volunteer to help. God knows Mom doesn’t want anyone to baby her, even with a brain tumor.”
Laura’s words didn’t make Cassie feel better. She still hadn’t talked to either of her parents. Cassie had pitched their visit as a surprise, but really, she hadn’t wanted to give her parents a head’s up just in case they had decided they didn’t want to see her. Or just in case she decided at the last minute that she didn’t want to go.
Realistic? Maybe.
Cowardly? Yes.
Cassie stuck the key in the ignition and twisted. Her car roared to life and the headlights illuminated the darkness around them. The gasp that left her mouth was automatic, and she didn’t have time to try to cover her reaction before Laura jumped and tried to follow her gaze.
“What? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Cassie said. She searched for a plausible lie. “I thought I saw a cat run off. Scared me.”
“Jesus, don’t do that.” Laura clutched a hand to her chest. “I thought we were being kidnapped.”
Laura realized what she said as soon as it left her mouth.
“Cassie, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t thinking. I—”
“It’s fine.” Cassie forced a laugh. “You don’t have to walk on eggshells around me. Let’s just get home, okay?”
Laura nodded and turned her head to face the windshield again. Cassie followed suit, and once again locked eyes with the ghost of the little boy. He showed up more outside of her bedroom as her sister’s visit had gotten closer.
Was it a plausible connection, or a coincidence?
Cassie couldn’t say for sure, and she wasn’t looking forward to solving that mystery. She’d already lied to her sister and they hadn’t even made it home. How would she nonchalantly ask Laura if she had any connection to a little boy who had died in the ‘80s or ‘90s?
Cassie twisted around and carefully pulled out of her spot in the parking garage, knowing there was no simple answer to her question.
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About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T_Ryan
Contact L.T. Ryan at [email protected]
