Page 41 (1/2)

“I hope that’s a compliment”

“It is The wo was quite lovely, and obviously, quite estured for Cindy to coues for ht me out to help you I’d like to do all I can to benefit your new business Hopefully, I can introduce you to the right people who’ll make all the difference”

Cindy gave him a radiant smile “I have no doubt that you can”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Sloane ran the hounds an extra half-er than usual

It was eight pht a at a local police precinct, a class she taught in level-three Krav Maga, two s with corporate clients, and a later-than-usual occupational therapy session, the day had been packed

And, yes, she’d also been avoiding Derek

Last night, she’d arrived ho fro joined her father to pick up her et her settled and co while Rosalyn provided the sketch artist with as comprehensive a description of her kidnapper as she could Before taking off for honed were in place—one inside her parents’ apart She’d introduced herself and reviewed their instructions with them Satisfied, she’d left and driven to the New Jersey suburbs

She’d pulled into her driveway, thinking that ho there looked even better After taking care of Moe, Larry, and Curly’s needs, she’d gulped down a yogurt and turned in early Once she and the hounds were in the bedroon that he wasn’t welcome

He’d tried the door once, knocked and called her nauest room

Thison her jogging gear and taking the hounds for their three-mile run Shortly thereafter, she’d fed them, showered, and taken off

She moved back her occupational therapy session Connie had no proble at her Morristown, New Jersey, office today, rather than the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan Although, being the blunt person she was and the friend she’d become to Sloane over the past year and a half, she was quick to point out that Sloane was putting off the inevitable Whatever it was that Derek had done to piss her off soaithout a major blowup

Sloane had to agree This confrontation was going to be ugly, but it had to be had

Finishing up her extended run with the hounds, she returned to the cottage This time, Derek’s car was already in the driveway She went inside, unleashed the hounds so they could take off for their water bowls, and grabbed a toiping her face and neck

“Hello” Derek walked out of the kitchen with a glass of wine in his hand “I put out soo with this” He pointed at his goblet “Care to join ame of duck and run?”