Trail of the Zodiac - Debt Collector 10 (A Jack Winchester Thriller)
Page 27
Dana sat in the sorrow of yesterday trying to come to terms with the fact that Jason was gone. It was too hard to comprehend, let alone accept. A dull ache dominated as a cold fall breeze blew against her cheeks. Dana went inside and returned with a colorful blanket around her shoulders. A few more minutes and then she would head back in, she told herself.
A flock of birds broke away from the trees, and she watched them soar high into a blue sky full of clouds that drifted aimlessly over the jagged summits.
In the short time she’d been in Telluride, she could see why Jack had chosen it. It was peaceful. The quaint town set in a box canyon amid forested peaks offered privacy and a slower pace of life for those seeking solace.
She gazed at her cell beside her.
The last time she’d heard from Jack was on the night the police had taken him. Even though she’d contacted the department and enquired about what had happened, she was just given the runaround. It was like speaking to an answering machine, all she got back was the same answer — an officer will be in touch.
She never heard from anyone.
As the news rolled out accounts of the massacre on Alcatraz, and the death of Earl Bernard, it wasn’t relief she felt but sadness. That was until survivors reported a mystery man who had saved the lives of many. Although she couldn’t be sure it was him, her gut told her otherwise.
Dana lifted her eyes at the distant growl of an engine. She looked to the mouth of the driveway but couldn’t see anything approaching. Then, there, between the trees she saw a flicker of color. Tires crunched over the gravel driveway as it got closer.
Her heartbeat quickened.
She rose from her seat and clutched the surrounding blanket, waiting in silent anticipation. She had given little thought to how she would feel if he returned. Although initially her instincts had told her to stay away, the pull of her heart was much stronger.
Dana stepped off the porch to get a better look.
Blinded by the glare of the sun, she cupped a hand over her eyes and squinted.
As the truck drew near, a wave of relief washed over her.
Jack.
The corners of her eyes welled up, and she wiped them with the back of her hand.
Composing herself, she watched as the truck curved up to the house, then the engine died.
Jack opened the door and hopped out. He was wearing a leather jacket, a gray V-neck T-shirt, blue jeans and dark boots. He stood there for a second before smiling warmly at her. She closed the distance, and he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, her head rested against his chest. No words were exchanged for several minutes, and for the first time in a long while she felt safe.
“I’m glad you’re still here,” Jack said, raking his fingers through her hair.
She lifted her eyes, and he pressed his lips against hers.
“I’m glad you’re alive.”
She hugged him tight, and he groaned a little. “Careful. Still healing up.”
He cracked a smile and then drew back from her. “You look good in my blanket.” Then he pointed to the house. “So what do you think of the place?”
She made a face. “Ah, it’s not bad.”
“Not bad?” he asked with a hint of surprise.
“It could use a woman’s touch.”
“Ah, I guess it could. So could I,” he said before breaking into a smile. She nudged him and he winced again.
“Come on, let’s get out of the cold,” she said wrapping her arm around his waist. They took a few steps and then he broke away, turning back to the truck.
“Hold on a sec, I nearly forgot.” Jack reached into the cab. He struggled for a second to pull something loose, and then he hauled out a red duffel bag before slamming the door. He jogged back to her and wrapped an arm around her.
Dana motioned to the bag. “What’s that?”
He flashed a mischievous smile. “Oh, just something I collected.”
A Plea
Thank you for reading Debt Collector 10: Trail of the Zodiac. If you enjoyed the book, I would really appreciate it if you would consider leaving a review. I can’t stress how helpful this is in helping other readers decide if they should give it a shot. Reviews from readers like you are the best recommendation a book can have. Without reviews, an author’s books are virtually invisible on the retail sites. It also lets me know what you liked. You can leave a review by visiting the book’s page. I would greatly appreciate it. It only takes a couple of seconds.
Thank you — Jon Mills
Newsletter
Building a relationship with readers is one of the best things about writing. I occasionally send out a newsletter with details on new releases and subscriber only special offers. For instance, with each new release of a book, you will be alerted to it at a subscriber only discounted rate.
Click here to receive special offers, bonus content, and news about Jon’s new books, sign up for the newsletter.
About the Author
Jon Mills is originally from England. He currently lives in Canada. He is the author of The Debt Collector series, The Promise, the Undisclosed Trilogy, and many other books under pen names. To get more information about upcoming books or if you wish to get in touch with Jon, you can do so using the following contact information:
@Jon_Mills
authorjonmills
www.jonmills.com
contact@jonmills.com
Also by Jon Mills
Click here to receive special offers, bonus content, and news about Jon’s new books, sign up for the newsletter.
Undisclosed
Retribution
Clandestine
The Debt Collector
Debt Collector 2: Vengeance
Debt Collector 3: Reborn
Debt Collector 4: Hard to Kill
Debt Collector 5: Angel of Death
Debt Collector 6: Prey
Debt Collector 7: Narc
Debt Collector 8: Hard Time
Debt Collector 9: Her Last Breath
Debt Collector 10: Trail of the Zodiac
The Promise
True Connection