James Grippando - The Abduction

“You should. All those people in Washington who keep trying to define the perfect American family should, too.”

“So, do you think Emily’s-I mean April’s-parents are like Gomez and Morticia?”

He laid his hand on his heart, smirking. “We can only hope.”

She smiled, then glanced back at April. The children were filing inside.

Harley turned toward the car, offering his arm. “Come on, Allison. Let’s go talk to Mr. and Mrs. Remmick. You might be surprised.”

She paused, then took his arm. There was a spring in her step as they crossed the street.

“Allison?”

“What?”

“You’re on my arm, and you’re leading.”

She didn’t break stride. “Harley?”

“What?”

She pinched his ribs. “Don’t be a pain in the ass.”

Thank you…

To Tiffany. I don’t say it enough, but I couldn’t do it without you.

To Carolyn Marino, Robin Stamm, and the usual suspects with the unusual talent-Artie Pine, Richard Pine, and Joan Sanger.

And to Carlos Sires, Eleanor Raynor, Judy Russell, Nancy Lehner, Eric Helmers, Jim Hall, Terri Gavulic (once a Pepper, always a Pepper), Gayle DeJulio, Jennifer Stearns, and Jerry Houlihan.

The third time’s a charm, even though we all know this is really the fourth.

James Grippando is the bestselling author of seven novels- Beyond Suspicion, A King’s Ransom, Under Cover of Darkness, Found Money, The Abduction, The Informant, and The Pardon -which are enjoyed worldwide in fourteen languages. He lives in Florida, where he was a trial lawyer for twelve years. Visit his website at www.jamesgrippando.com.