Mariah Stewart - Hard Truth

“And then, apparently, he dropped off the face of the earth. No one has seen or heard from him since.”

“I guess that explains why your father started gathering information about him. He could have been looking into the murder for a book,” Lorna suggested.

“Maybe,” Regan said hesitantly. “Somehow I have the feeling there’s more to it than that. I don’t know why, but something tells me this was more than just another case to him.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll get to the bottom of it eventually,” Lorna assured her.

“With the help of my special agent.” Regan poked at Mitch.

“Every beautiful woman needs her own computer geek.” Mitch tugged at Regan’s hand. “Come on, I want to see T.J. for a minute.”

“You go on,” Regan told him. “I’ll catch up with you.”

When Mitch was out of range, Regan asked, “So, is this a thing? You and T.J.?”

“It sure feels like a ‘thing.’ ” Lorna grinned.

“Good.” Regan hugged her, then started off to join Mitch. “Good for you.”

Lorna followed her friend toward the vineyard, but paused to watch T.J. working. From where she stood, she could see him struggling with a twisted section of vine. She knew he’d keep at it until the vine was worked free, until all the vines were worked free, and the vineyard was ready for the new plants to be set in next spring. There was such promise in that.

She smiled to herself. Yeah, good for me…

MARIAH STEWART is the bestselling author of numerous novels and several novellas. She is a RITA finalist for romantic suspense and is the recipient of the Award of Excellence for contemporary romance, a RIO (Reviewers International Organization) Award honoring excellence in women’s fiction, and a Reviewers’ Choice Award from Romantic Times magazine. A native of Highstown, New Jersey, she is a three-time recipient of the Golden Leaf Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Jersey Romance Writers, of whose Hall of Fame she is an honoree. Stewart is a member of the Valley Forge Romance Writers, the New Jersey Romance Writers, and the Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and two rambunctious golden retrievers amid the rolling hills of Chester County, Pennsylvania.