Detour (The Getaway Series Book 5)

by Jay Crownover

  “Hold on a second.” He barked a few more orders into his phone and pushed the brim of his hat back even more. His dark eyebrows were pulled into a V, and the tick in his cheek seemed to be fluttering even faster than it had been when we were in my office. “Since you have no clue who could be behind this, I’m advising you to keep your eyes open and put an ear to the ground. I’d bet good money the vandalism is related to one of your cases. Someone is trying to send you a message. You should take extra precautions over the next few days, and if anything seems out of sorts, you need to give my office a call.”

  I stiffened more because of his bossy tone and glare than anything he was saying. “I’ve been in this business a long time, Sheriff. I know how to watch my back. Thank you for hurrying out here and taking my complaint seriously.”

  It was his turn to roll his coolly expressive eyes. Obviously, he knew I doubted him taking my situation seriously, considering our history. However, Case proved he was a good cop, regardless of the foul, corrupt reputation his father had left behind and any doubts I may have had.

  “I’m good at my job as well, Counselor.” I couldn’t miss the biting sarcasm laced throughout his biting tone.

  I was about to walk away once more when a familiar luxury car pulled up next to mine. I barely bit back a groan as my soon-to-be ex-husband climbed out of his Lexus. David was still dressed in a suit—minus a tie—and his usually meticulously styled hair looked messy and was sticking out at odd angles. He gave Case a brief nod before his entire attention focused on me. His eyes were serious behind his expensive glasses, and I felt like he was about to interrogate me the way he did when he was examining a witness on the stand.

  “What’s going on? Why is the sheriff here? Why are you at your office so late?” The questions were fired one after another, and I wanted to throw myself in front of the window with the bloodred words painted on it. There was no hiding that particular act of vandalism, and I knew the graphic display was going to send David into an emotional tailspin. He’d always been protective, or overbearing, to be more accurate. After the night I’d had, I was in no mood to deal with the impending demands to move back home so he could take care of me. To make matters worse, I could feel Case watching my interaction with my estranged husband with harsh, judgmental eyes.

  “There was a break-in. No big deal, it happens. My office is in a prime location. The sheriff took a look around and is handling things. Nothing for you to worry about.” I plastered a smile on my face and reached out to pat David on the arm. He was incredibly tense, so much so I could feel him vibrating under the fabric when I touched him. “What are you doing out this late?” He was usually in bed by now if he wasn’t out of town on business or entertaining a client. I could set my watch by his habits.

  David raked his fingers through his hair and narrowed his eyes at me behind the lenses of his glasses. “I had a late meeting with Father and Uncle Keith at the country club. We were discussing hiring a new attorney to fill your spot.”

  He threw the words out pointedly. I think he expected them to wound, but all they did was send relief shooting through me. If they hired a new attorney, maybe he could finally realize it was time to move on. He really was a decent guy and deserved the kind of forever he thought he was getting when he proposed to me.

  “I saw your car and the sheriff’s SUV on my way home. I was worried. You know what I think about you living all the way across town on your own.”

  He hated it, but he didn’t have any say in the matter. Luckily, I was saved from making a snarky reply by Case clearing his throat and muttering, “I’ll be in touch sometime tomorrow after the tech team is done in your office. Think about what I said, Aspen.” He inclined his dark head toward the window David had yet to notice. I glared at him as he dryly told David, “Be a gentleman and find some plywood to cover that window up for her. We don’t need that kind of profanity right in the middle of Main Street.”

  He tipped his hat down over his eyes before he sauntered away, and I swore I could hear him chuckle under his breath. The asshole knew exactly what he was doing by pointing out the vulgar words to my soon-to-be ex. I heard David gasp and braced myself for the one million questions that I knew were going to come next. I was already tired and stressed-out, I didn’t need a showdown with David on top of everything else.

  Damn that Case Lawton.

  Continue reading Justified here.

  Recovered

  Downfall

  GETAWAY SERIES

  Retreat

  Shelter

  Escape

  Runaround

  THE SAINTS OF DENVER SERIES

  Salvaged

  Riveted

  Charged

  Built

  Leveled (novella)

  THE BREAKING POINT SERIES

  Dignity

  Avenged (crossover novella)

  Honor

  Respect

  THE WELCOME TO THE POINT SERIES

  Better When He’s Brave

  Better When He’s Bold

  Better When He’s Bad

  THE MARKED MEN SERIES

  Asa

  Rowdy

  Nash

  Rome

  Jet

  Rule

  CO-WRITTEN WITH REBECCA YARROS

  Girl in Luv

  Boy in Luv

  First of all, if you’ve made it this far in the book, thank you for your dedication. I’m still surprised, after this many books, that anyone cares what I have to say.

  As I mentioned in the foreword, I never expected Retreat to bloom into a five-book series, but I’m glad it did. I think Rodie and Wyatt really bring everything full circle, and that they both really deserved a happy ending together. I had no idea writing cowboys would be so much fun, or so challenging, and oh my goodness, writing two big, tough alpha dudes kissing… maybe the best thing ever. I really do love a good male/male romance, and I will jump at any chance I get to write more of them. I always follow wherever my creative heart decides to go, and I sincerely appreciate the readers who wander with me. The destination is rarely ever known, but we have a really good time on our way. I appreciate those of you who ride or die with me, and I appreciate those of you who dip your toe in the water before deciding whatever I come up with next isn’t for you. One book, or twenty… I have a deep love and respect for anyone who’s shown up for me over the years.

  Thank you to all the readers, bloggers, bookstagrammers, and reviewers who have taken a chance on this series just because my name is on the cover. I know it came out of left field, but honestly, how fun was this little literary experiment?! So fun!

  Huge shout-out to my beta team. They went through it with this book. I was late. I wasn’t making sense with the plot. My mind and the story were all over the place, but they got me back on track and helped me get a really lovely romance into the world. We were all under the gun, and I couldn’t have pulled this story off without them. So, thank you with everything I have and all that I am: Pam, Alexandra, Sarah, Karla, Meghan, and Terri.

  As always, I owe my super talented and mega-amazing girl-gang more than I can say. Mel is forever my favorite southern belle and the only reason I function most days. I couldn’t ask for a better right-hand woman. My agent Stacey, who’s been with me for all thirty books I’ve written and loves them all equally, is one of the reasons I’m brave enough to write whatever the hell I want. My professional team is unparalleled. If you want a beautiful book inside and out, go give them all your money. You won’t regret it. All of their info is at the front of the book, but they almost should be on the front cover along with me. I wouldn’t have a book to put in your hands if it wasn’t for them. Elaine is a fantastic editor. Her insights are sharp and sure. She makes the guts of my book look as good as the outside. She’s multitalented and a delight to work with. Hang is a design genius…full stop. There is no one better or brighter than she is when it comes to creating a stunning, unforgettable cover. Then there’s Beth. My friend, and often
my conscience and teacher. Even though she’s years younger than me, I feel like I learn something new from her every single time I see her and with each and every book we work on together. And finally, a big thanks to Jessica from InkSlinger PR. She picked up the ball and kept running with my crazy pace when my former PR person left. It couldn’t have been easy, but I’m very grateful she was up to the challenge.

  Mostly, I just owe all I have to those of you who love reading romance so much. Even if you aren’t reading my books in particular, it’s still so awesome to see so many readers being well fed and thriving every single day. Loving books is a beautiful thing, and I’m forever thankful I get to have a place in the big, wild book world in any kind of way.

  NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Jay Crownover is the international and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series, The Saints of Denver series, The Point series, Breaking Point series, and the Getaway series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy-haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.

  This is the link to join my amazing fan group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crownoverscrowd ... I’m very active in the group, and it’s often the best place to find all the latest happenings including: release dates, cover reveals, early teasers, and giveaways!

  My website is: www.jaycrownover.com... there is a link on the site to reach me through email. I would also suggest signing up for my newsletter while you’re there! It’s monthly, contains a free book that is in progress so you’ll be the first to read it, and is full of mega giveaways and goodies. I’m also in these places:

  https://www.facebook.com/jay.crownover

  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJayCrownover

  Follow me @jaycrownover on Twitter

  Follow me @jay.crownover on Instagram

  Follow me on Snapchat @jaycrownover

  https://www.goodreads.com/Crownover

  http://www.donaghyliterary.com/jay-crownover.html