“I’ve waited for four years,” he said. “A -couple more won’t matter. You just need to know that I’m coming for you. No matter what happens today, I’m coming for you.”
“You don’t have to come for me,” she said. “I’ll meet you in the middle.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed him like she’d wanted to since the night she’d told him everything.
He squeezed her one last time, then took her hand and led her toward the building that held her fate.
“You ready for this?”
“I believe I am,” she said.
They walked inside.
UNKNOWN LEGENDS
Monday, August 1
For those of you following the saga that was my life over the summer, here is the rest of the story.
D said his first words the other day, and you’ll be happy to know they were “More milk, please.” You can imagine how relieved I feel, and how surprised Isabeau and I were when he said it.
And not to bury the lead, but the LA County judge gave me three years’ probation, which is much less than I deserve. But I’m grateful to my Higher Power, and to the judge, and even, in a bizarre way, to my mom. She’s the one who finally forced me to come out of the shadows.
And speaking of my monkey--house--crazy mother. She and my poor brother are awaiting trial on multiple charges, but you can bet her public defender will pull an insanity defense. My brother won’t be so lucky, I’m afraid. You may think that crazy runs in the family, but I’m looking into hiring a real lawyer for him. He was her victim as much as her co--conspirator. We were both her victims, nearly from birth. The only difference was that I escaped, and my friend Candy helped me do that.
Unfortunately, my contract with Altair Satellite Radio was not renewed. Instead, dear readers, I’m going to revive the show as a podcast. Stay tuned to the blog for the upcoming schedule. I already have a pretty exciting list of interviewees lined up, many indie artists you simply must get to know, many who are sympathetic to (not to mention outraged at) my unceremonious ousting from Altair. I also have some brand--new sponsors who’d appreciate your patronage.
In the wake of all this media attention, I’ve decided to use my notoriety for good instead of evil. So if you’re out there feeling so lost or alone or confused that you feel like drugs are the only place you can turn, then I want you to turn to me. I’m no longer anonymous, but I’ll respect your anonymity. I only want to help you get or stay sober.
Remember, my friends, we’re only as sick as our secrets. Step out of the shadows and into the light with me. I promise you it’s a lot warmer out here.
And now comes another new start for me. I’m no longer Rosie, but I’m not Vanessa either. I’m both. So let me introduce myself.
Hi. I’m Nessa. I’m a heroin addict. I’ve been sober for six years, six months, and twelve days, and I have laid my past to rest where it belongs, under a bridge.
Acknowledgments
AS ALWAYS, I am deeply and eternally grateful to the following -people: The world’s greatest agent, Michelle Johnson of Inklings Literary Agency, who made all this possible.
Chelsey Emmelhainz, who I hope I’ll get to work with again someday. Happy trails, my friend. Until we meet again.
Kacey Pickard, for her invaluable legal expertise.
Bob Byerly, for his guidance in police procedure.
Lori Malone, expert in things that no one should be an expert in, but who lived to tell the tale and help make this story authentic.
99.5 The Mountain Denver radio station peeps: Mike Casey, Mary Farucci, Matt Heager, and Sam Hill, for bringing my radio knowledge into the twenty--first century.
The immensely talented and hilarious critique group, Because Magic, for not throwing me out during this novel’s writing: Lynn Bisesi, Deirdre Byerly, Claire Fishback, Marc Graham, Nicole Greene, Michael Haspil (with extra props for coming up with the title—-thanks, Mike!), Laura Main, Vicki Pierce, and Chris Scena. Thanks, guys.
Marianne Goulding, who is my own personal Candy, but the good news is that she’s alive.
Amanda Deich, my literary agency mate and soul sister, who always speaks truth to me.
Liz Rodgers, whose mischievous smile, generous spirit, and light--filled soul permeates this novel.
My mom, Tanya Stormes, who talked me down off the ledge this time around at just the right moment.
My brother, Rob Stormes, and sister--in--law, Deveney Stormes, for their homegrown PR abilities, and for giving me nieces Sandy and Ailish, and nephew, Ross.
My fabulous daughters: Layla, whose progress this year has been nothing less than miraculous; and Chloe, who, if Harvard Law doesn’t work out, will make a stellar editor.
And of course, my amazing husband, my perfect mate and muse, who once again saved the day and this novel in the process.
Want more suspense from LS Hawker?
Keep reading for an excerpt from her debut thriller,
the story of a young woman on the run for her future . . .
from the nightmares of her past:
THE DROWNING GAME
Available now wherever ebooks are sold.
An Excerpt from
THE DROWNING GAME