The Dark Side of the Earl (Preview)
Chapter 1
“My lady?”
Vanity Reynolds, Dowager Countess of Brixton, looked up to see her maid standing in the doorway. She looked very nervous, shuffling from foot to foot.
“What is it, Desiree?” Vanity put her sewing aside and rose to her feet. “You look pale.”
“There’s a Mr. Eric Bateman here to see you, Lady Brixton.”
Vanity froze. Oh, no. Not him. Her mouth went dry and she felt nauseous. Why couldn’t he stay away? She had done what he asked…no, demanded. He didn’t need to come back.
“Do you want me to send him away, my lady?” Desiree asked. She looked almost eager to do that. She could be formidable when she wanted to be.
But not against Eric Bateman. She wouldn’t stand a chance.
“No, don’t send him away.” Taking a deep breath, Vanity folded her hands in front of her. “Let him in.”
“Very good, my lady.”
Desiree didn’t look convinced, but she stepped aside to allow the tall man into the room. Vanity had to keep back the gasp that always lodged in her throat every time she saw him. He looked so much like his father, it was scary. What was scarier was how much he looked like her son. Like the one she didn’t ignore.
The one she raised and became a good man. Not like the man before her, standing there with a lazy smirk on his face. He looked every bit as arrogant as the man who had raised him.
Why did the stupid woman have to take him to the one person Vanity would want to keep him away from?
“Do you need me for anything, Lady Brixton?” Desiree was still hovering in the doorway. “Do you want Jonathan to stand by?”
Jonathan. One of her footmen. He was big, a former soldier, and he was young and strong. But still he was no match for Eric Bateman. Not with what Eric had. Vanity swallowed hard and shook her head.
“No, thank you, Desiree. We’ll be fine. That will be all.”
“Very good, my lady.”
Desiree curtsied, gave Eric a harsh glare, and left. Vanity wished her maid could stay. They shared everything, many secrets passing between the two of them since Desiree started working for her fifteen years ago.
But she didn’t know the biggest secret. She didn’t know about Eric. She only knew that he had a more than passing resemblance to the dowager countess’ son.
The door closed behind her maid. Eric was still watching Vanity with that lazy smirk of his that Vanity had come to hate.
“Did you send the letter yet?”
“I did. The day after you told me to. It should be at his barracks by now.”
“Will they let him come home?”
Vanity hoped so. Her relationship with Nathan wasn’t the best. They didn’t get along now. If Nathan came back, it would be nothing short of a miracle.
“It’ll take a bit of time to get the leave granted, but if they know that I’m dying and possibly on my deathbed, they’ll make sure he gets it as soon as possible.” She clenched her hand in the other, biting back the wince at the pain. “If that’s the case, he’ll be back in London in the middle of next week at the very earliest.”
“Good.” Eric prowled towards her. “See, Vanity. Everything is going to plan because you’re being a good girl and following the rules.” He stopped before her. Vanity wanted to move, but she couldn’t as he reached up and brushed his fingers across her cheek. “I know how you like to stick to the rules.”
“Don’t touch me,” Vanity hissed.
Eric chuckled. It was not a nice sound.
“Why shouldn’t I? Like you couldn’t touch me? Couldn’t look at me?” He grabbed her chin and lifted it, making her look at him. “I know you refused to hold me when you thought I was dead. Now you can’t bear to look at me.”
He had to remind her every single time he saw her. Vanity hated those moments, but she forced herself to look at him.
“I did a bad thing all those years ago. And I regret it, Eric. But you can’t expect me to turn on my motherly affection just like that.”
Eric sniggered. His eyes were so dark, so cold. Far too familiar.
“Maybe not, but you will have to soon.” He released her chin hard and stepped back. “Once the son you kept is dead and I’m in his place.”
Vanity felt a chill slide down her spine. Ever since Eric had walked back into her life three weeks ago and told her that he could make everything she held dear disappear in the blink of an eye if she didn’t do as he asked, she lived in fear. There was so much hate in him, and he was willing to do it if he didn’t get what he wanted.
It meant sacrificing Nathan to keep the secret. Nathan.
“You’re really going to kill him?” she whispered.
“Yes.” There was no hesitation, just stated as a cold hard fact. “I will kill him, because he has what should have been mine. I’m going to make sure that I get what is my birthright.”
Vanity could feel her fingers digging hard into her hand. She was sure her nails were drawing blood. But it was either that or lash out at him. Her reputation versus Nathan’s life had her at a quandary. She didn’t want him to die, but she didn’t want people to know the mistake she had made either.
“Nathan isn’t stupid, Eric.” She squared her shoulders. “He’s going to know that something’s wrong. He’ll make sure you don’t get the title.”
Eric barked out a laugh, sauntering around the room like he owned the place and touching everything like he owned it.
“You overestimate his abilities, Vanity. Just because he’s a captain in the army, the Duke of Wellington’s best soldier, doesn’t mean that he’s going to find out what’s happening. He’s not going to know, because you’re not going to tell him.”
“You think I won’t?”
He gave her a pointed look. Vanity gritted her teeth.
“I know you won’t,” Eric said softly. “Not unless you want to tell him that he shouldn’t have been the Earl in the first place.”
“Why wait until now?”
Eric’s eyes darkened. He looked dangerous. Frightening. Vanity wanted to cry. She couldn’t stand to be near him.
“I waited until now because the man I called my father was dying. He told me everything with his last breath, showed me the letters. I was denied it my whole life. Now, I want my birthright.” He chuckled. “Maybe I should have been named Esau instead of Eric. Far more appropriate.”
Vanity was shaking. She wasn’t going to hold on for much longer. She wasn’t about to lose her composure in front of this…she didn’t know how to call him.
“Please, just go. I’ve done what you asked.”
“For now.” Eric was still smirking as he headed for the door. “But once I’m the Earl of Brixton, you won’t be able to get me to leave.”
With a final wink in her direction, he left, shutting the door behind him. It was only then that Vanity collapsed, slumping to a chair before she fell to the floor. Her heart would not stop racing.
#
“Captain Reynolds, Sir!”
Nathan turned, lowering his rifle as one of the privates hurried over to the shooting range. He almost went right in front of a target, only to have one of the officers shout and wave him out of the way. Nathan shook his head. The boy was barely nineteen. He was going to get himself shot by his own people if he didn’t pay attention.
But he was more curious by the letter that Private Simmons was holding. If it was for him, it had to be important. More than likely from his mother. Nathan hadn’t heard from her in the long time. The Dowager Countess wasn’t impressed that he wouldn’t stay after his father’s funeral and had called him several names that Nathan hadn’t realized she knew.
It had been interesting, but not enough to keep him at home. He was needed here, where his men were. They needed him, and Nathan was more than happy to oblige.
Private Simmons hurried over, stopping with a wobble and saluted him. Nathan leaned his rifle against the chair he had brought out.
“What is it, Simmons?”
“A letter for you.” Simmons held it out. “Master Sergeant Wren told me to bring it straight to you, Sir.”
“Thank you.” Nathan plucked the letter from the lad’s hands. “That will be all.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Simmons saluted again and hurried off, giving the shooting range a wide berth. Young he was, but he was a fast learner. Especially with Lieutenant Reese glaring at him.
“Oh, what’s that?” One of the other officers lowered his rifle and walked over, nodding at the letter. “A letter from a lady friend?”
Nathan barked out a laugh. “When has that ever happened?”
“Well, I thought it might have been from a certain lady.” Anthony Booker waggled his eyebrows. “Like Lorraine Brooks.”
“Lorraine Brooks?” Nathan hadn’t heard that name in a long time. “Not a chance.”
Lorraine Brooks, now Lady Chapman, Viscountess Yaxley. Nathan had heard of her marriage some years ago and had felt immense relief. At least she wouldn’t be chasing him anymore. The woman had done plenty of that in their first two Seasons and she hadn’t taken the word no for an answer. Lorraine was certainly not one to follow the rules when nobody was watching.
“She has written to me before, Tony, but those disappeared within six months.”
“When you didn’t write back to her.” Sergeant Anthony Brooker laughed. “I guess she figured that you were either dead or not interested.”
“I was hoping that she would believe the former.”
Anthony had been a childhood friend, the son of a minor noble. It was why he was a sergeant and Nathan was one of the officers. But Nathan couldn’t think of a better second-in-command for him than Anthony Brooker. Irrepressible as he was, he had Nathan’s back. It had kept him safe many times over the years. If it had been anyone else, Nathan wouldn’t be discussing someone so irritating in his life, something so personal.
“She seemed very interested in you when you first met.” Anthony grinned as he started reloading his rifle, reaching for the gunpowder. “I think she found the long-haired lad very attractive.”
“Tony, stop.” Nathan shuddered, turning the letter over in his hands. “She was not the woman I wanted or expected. She didn’t get the message, even when I signed up for the army.”
That had been a day. Nathan couldn’t think of anything more embarrassing than having Lorraine throw herself onto him, begging for him not to go in front of the smirking soldiers. He had taken a lot of teasing from that incident, especially when he tried to explain that Lorraine was nothing to him. They hadn’t believed that.
“Anyway, she’s married now. She wouldn’t be writing to me. Not unless she’s that brazen about writing to another man under her husband’s nose.”
“You sure about that?”
Nathan’s head snapped up. “What do you know?”
“Viscount Yaxley’s brother is in one of the other barracks. I overheard him talking about his brother’s death a few months back.” Anthony waggled his eyebrows. “She’s a widow now.”
“All the more reason I should stay here in France.” Nathan shuddered. “She’s not someone I want to be associated with.”
“She wants to be associated with you.”
“Enough, Sergeant.”
Anthony laughed. “All right, Captain, all right. You’re going to burst a blood vessel at this rate.”
“Only if you keep talking about Lorraine Brooks,” Nathan grumbled. He ran a hand over the seal keeping the envelope closed. “Besides, I recognize the seal. It’s my family seal.”
“So, it’s from your mother.”
“I would say so.”
Only Lady Vanity Reynolds, Dowager Countess of Brixton, would use the seal. It was just the two of them now. Lady Brixton’s parents were dead, as were her husband’s. She didn’t have any surviving siblings. Her husband, Nathan’s father, died the year before, and it was just Nathan left. She wanted him to be back in London, be the Earl of Brixton as he was supposed to be. Nathan didn’t want the title. The only title he wanted was Captain. It suited him. He was a far better soldier than a nobleman. His father had understood that. Vanity didn’t.
Nathan opened the letter. It was either that or stare at it. He read the first few lines and then read it again. It didn’t seem to be registering properly.
“So?” Anthony probed. “Is it from the Dowager Countess? What does Lady Vanity want now?”
Vanity. Never was a name more appropriate for a woman with so many airs and graces. Even then, this letter didn’t read like it was from his mother. It felt…emotional. Scared. Frightened. Those were not words associated with Vanity Reynolds.
“Nathan?” Now Anthony was looking at him oddly. “Are you all right? You’ve gone pale.”
“She says that she’s dying. That the doctor hasn’t given her long to live.”
Anthony blinked. “I didn’t think doctors could tell if anyone was dying until they were on their deathbed.”
“Neither did I. She does tend to exaggerate. Knowing her, it’s probably indigestion.”
“Her health hasn’t been that good in recent years.” Anthony pointed out. “Most of it is probably from worrying about you too much.”
Nathan snorted. “She doesn’t worry about anything or anyone except herself. It’s her image that’s important, nothing else.”
“You’ve got that right.” Anthony grunted. He ran his hand through his hair. “I know she’s your mother and everything, Nathan, but I’m not too impressed by Lady Brixton. She’s not a nice person.”
“You don’t need to be worried about offending me. You know me too well.” Nathan bit back a smile. “As long as you don’t say it to her face.”
“I wouldn’t dare.”
Nathan had several times. It wasn’t easy, but he did it. The last few times, they had argued. Vanity wanted things to be perfect. A perfect life, perfect title and a perfect family. She had only one son, and she had mothered Nathan so much that he broke. He had signed up for the army with his father’s blessing at twenty after a second Season and he hadn’t looked back. Vanity had been furious; she had wanted Nathan to marry and settle down, have children and be a perfect family. Nathan had no intention of doing that. All the young ladies his age were pretentious, fickle and pathetic. As far as his mother goes, any other noble lady would have been delighted that he was serving their country, defending them. But not Lady Vanity Reynolds. She didn’t want her only son in the firing line.
Her problem was that Nathan was very good at it and his senior commanders knew it. Nathan had even been praised and given a medal for his bravery by the Duke of Wellington himself. He had written back just that one time, to let his mother know of it. She didn’t even bother to reply. Didn’t even acknowledge it.
That hurt more than Nathan was prepared to admit.
“Did she say what she was suffering from?” Anthony asked.
“Doesn’t say.” Nathan read the rest of the letter. “She keeps it very vague. I know our family doctor is good, but even he can’t say that Mother is dying.”
“Do you think she’s sending a message or something? Like a code?”
“I have no idea. But something is certainly wrong.” Nathan lowered the letter, trying to figure it out. “I just wish I knew what she was up to.”
“Is she in trouble? Are you in danger and she’s trying to warn you?”
Nathan chuckled. “I’m on the front line and the French aren’t too far away from our position. How much more dangerous can you get?”
“Fair point.” Anthony frowned. “What are you going to do?”
“I’m not sure right now.” He put the letter back in the envelope and tucked it into the back of his trousers. “I’ll talk to General Sharpe about it later. How about we shoot some more targets? I’ll be able to think more clearly after that.”
Shooting at their targets always made him feel better.
Chapter 2
Eleanor entered her father’s study and looked around. For a moment, she couldn’t see him. Then she looked up and saw him on his ladder, high up above her. His bookcase spanned from the floor right to the high ceiling, just as high as it was in the library. Edward Heavenly loved books, and he and Eleanor’s mother had collected as many books as they could, even from second-hand book stores. Eleanor’s favourite memories were of following her mother, Baroness Heavenly, into the book stores and going over all the books. She still loved the smell of an old book.
Even when there were bittersweet memories attached to it now.
Edward was reaching for something just out of his reach. He was going to fall, and the ladder would slide surely out from under him if he kept reaching. Eleanor hurried over, grabbing the ladder and easing it over.
“What the…?” Edward flailed, grabbing at the ladder. Then he looked down, annoyance clearing to surprise. “Eleanor. I didn’t realize you were there.”
“Obviously.” Eleanor held the ladder stable as Edward snagged the book he wanted. “You should have let me know you were going all the way up. I would have come here to help you.”
“You were busy. I didn’t want to disturb you.”
“You wouldn’t have been disturbing me.” Eleanor stepped back as her father came down, moving just out of the way. “You know I always come when you need me.”
“I know.” Edward Heavenly smiled at her as he put his feet on flat ground. He cupped her jaw affectionately. “And I knew you would say that.”
That was what Eleanor had been doing ever since her mother had died. It had been eight long years since she dropped everything to look after her father once she saw him sliding into the bottle. Edward had relapses and he would end up drunk, but Eleanor made sure to keep a close eye on him. When he was drunk, he was easy prey. Especially if cards were involved.
At least those weren’t out anywhere. Eleanor was sure her father hadn’t been able to find all the packs of cards she had hidden. If they were out, he was planning on going out to play poker or another game that involved money. She couldn’t let that happen.
“Are you all right, Father?”
“Perfectly all right.” Edward sighed and moved away, placing the book on his desk. “And if you’re wondering if I’ve had a drink today, I haven’t. Not for nearly a month now since that fool Parsons took away all my liquor and the servants won’t do as they’re told and bring me one.”
“Because I told them not to.” Eleanor watched as her father’s hands shook a little. He hadn’t been sober for this long before, but she was going to make sure he kept to it. “You know what you’re like when you’ve had a drink, Father. It’s not going to help you.”
“Worried about me, are you?”
“Father!”
Edward briefly closed his eyes, his throat moving as he swallowed. “Forgive me, Eleanor. I don’t mean to sound so harsh.”
“I know that.” Eleanor approached him, touching his arm. “But we both know that you are not a good man when you’ve had even one glass. It doesn’t do you any favours.”
Edward Heavenly had barely drank anything before. Then his wife had died, and Edward had turned to the bottle. He wanted to be able to wipe away the memories that made him fall asleep crying at night. Eleanor ended up lying in bed hearing her father sobbing and it hurt. She didn’t like hearing him like this. Her mother had been Edward’s world. Eight years now, and he was still struggling to cope. Eleanor was doing the best she could, and she missed her mother. It wasn’t easy to make the memories fade when her father refused to let go.
If he let go, they would be in a better place. They wouldn’t be close to losing everything because of his card games and his drinking. Eleanor had finally put her foot down. Now Baron Heavenly had to pick himself up and get through it. Eleanor was beginning to wonder if he was able to do that.
“What am I supposed to do, Eleanor?” Edward slumped into his chair. “When I’m sober, I see your mother. And that hurts.” He rubbed at his chest. “A lot.”
“I know it does. And it hurts me, too.” Eleanor knelt and rested her hands on his knees. “But we have to think of ourselves, Father. You’ve still got me, and I’m not going anywhere.”
Edward gave her a small smile. He reached out and stroked her hair.
“I’m very lucky that you are my child. But you’ve put everything to one side to look after me. You’ve given up your life to dedicate it to me. You shouldn’t have done that.”
“Who was going to look after you?”
“The servants would be there for me.”
Eleanor snorted. “And they would bring you a drink every time you snapped your fingers. Not while I’m around.”
Edward groaned. “You are mean, Eleanor. I hope you’re not so unkind to those orphans you look after every other day.”
Eleanor smiled. “Someone has to, Father. I don’t mind doing it. I’d like them to have someone to look up to, and I hope that is me.”
“And you throw your life away looking after other people.” Edward sighed. “Don’t you ever want someone to look after you.”
Eleanor knew what he meant. She took a deep breath. “It’s fine, Father. Really.”
The look on her father’s face made Eleanor’s heart ache. He did love her, she didn’t need to question that. She had been close to getting married eight years ago when her mother died, but Eleanor had seen that her father needed her. Her fiancé hadn’t thought the same way and tried to make her choose. Eleanor didn’t need to think and had chosen her father. Her fiancé hadn’t been very happy, but Eleanor didn’t care. If he couldn’t respect that she needed to look after her father now that he was alone, then her fiancé didn’t really love her. It hadn’t been as painful as Eleanor thought when she watched him walk away.
“You need a marriage, Eleanor,” Edward insisted. “You’re approaching thirty.”
“And I was put on the shelf eight years ago, Father. I’m fine with it, I said.”
“Why don’t I believe you?”
Eleanor didn’t blink as she looked up at her father. She rose to her feet. “Believe what you want. I’m happy.”
Edward snorted. “That I really don’t believe.”
Eleanor was not having this conversation now. Edward kept badgering her to find someone who was willing to marry a woman who was turning thirty in eighteen months. Eleanor had no desire to go and find a man. If there were any who were interested in having her as a wife, they weren’t desirable themselves. Eleanor had accepted the fact that she wouldn’t have what everyone else had, and she was fine with it.
For the most part.
When are you going to stop lying to yourself?
Eleanor pushed her thoughts away and leaned over to kiss her father’s forehead.
“I’m going to head out to the orphanage. Just make sure you stay in tonight.”
“I promise.” Edward held up his hand. “Just go. You don’t need to worry about me.”
Eleanor kept the smile up as she closed the door, but it faded as soon as she was in the hall. She had seen something near her father’s hand when she was kissing his head and her heart had sunk. The cards. He had found a deck. That only meant one thing.
He wasn’t going to keep his promise tonight.
Eleanor spied Edward’s valet coming down the hall and hurried to him.
“Parsons.”
Parsons looked up and blinked. Then he gave Eleanor a slight bow.
“Lady Eleanor.”
Eleanor glanced over her shoulder. Edward wouldn’t be able to hear them, but she still lowered her voice. “He’s going out tonight, isn’t it?”
Parsons didn’t look shocked at her response.
“You saw the deck of cards as well.”
“I did. He’s preparing himself.” Eleanor shook her head. “I don’t want him going out, but I can’t exactly stop him.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Find Strauss. Lock all the doors and windows and make sure Strauss keeps the keys with him. Do not give them to Father under any circumstances.”
Parsons snorted. “Do you really think that’s going to keep him in?”
“I don’t know but I’m going to make sure that he has a hard time getting out. I don’t trust him when he’s got his cards out.”
Keeping him sober and away from the cards was going to be tough, but Eleanor knew that there would be a point of no return if Edward kept going out as he was, and they were rapidly approaching it. It had to be stopped somehow.
“I’ll make sure he stays home, my lady,” Parsons promised.
“Thank you.” Eleanor gave him a nod and headed towards the front door. “Fetch my coat, please? I’ll be back about ten.”
“I’ll make sure I’m up to let you in.” Parsons hurried to the closet and retrieved Eleanor’s coat. He helped her into it, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Stay safe.”
Eleanor turned and looked up at him with a smile. Henry Parsons had been in their service since she was ten years old. He was like an older brother and looked out for both her and her father. It was sweet to have someone worry about her. She patted his hand.
“I’ll have Jonathan with me, won’t I? Of course I’m going to be safe.”
#
Nathan stepped into the tent, ducking his head before straightening up inside. This was the tent of his top commander, the man in charge of the whole barracks. It always felt like an honour to step into the place that felt like sacred ground. Even after ten years in the army, Nathan never lost the feeling.
A tall, lean man wearing his regimental trousers and undershirt was sitting at his desk, reading a small book. He looked like he had shaven and had a haircut in the last hour, his jaw smooth and his white hair cut close to the nape of his neck. He liked to be kept clean and trim for everyone else.
Nathan stood to attention and saluted.
“General Sharpe, Sir.”
Steven Sharpe looked up, his expression registering surprise.
“Captain Reynolds. I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important, Sir.”
Sharpe had known him for a long time. He knew when Nathan was rattled, and Nathan did feel rattled. Something was wrong back in London, and Nathan needed to know what was going on as soon as he could.
Sharpe stared at him, then closed his book and rose. Even at five-and-fifty years of age, the man was intimidating. He had been using his height of six-six to command a regiment for years. Nathan was tall at six-four and even he had to look up at Sharpe.
“What is it, Nathan?”
“I was asking if I could be granted leave.”
Sharpe arched an eyebrow. “Leave? You’ve never requested leave before other than when we’ve ordered it. We’ve practically had to kick you out of the barracks to take leave, even when we heard your father had died. I was beginning to think you hated England.”
“When you’ve got a mother like mine, can you blame me?”
Sharpe paused. Then he shrugged.
“I suppose not. Did you hear from your mother? Is she demanding that you come back and be the Earl of Brixton?” His mouth curved. “Be the nobleman you can never be?”
Nathan had to smile at that. Everyone knew he hated his new title.
“This time it’s something different, Sir.” Nathan brought out his mother’s letter from inside his jacket. He had dressed appropriately to meet the general. He held out the letter. “She says that she’s dying.”
“Dying?” Sharpe took the letter and his eyes scanned it. “I didn’t realize she was a doctor.”
“Our personal doctor apparently said she is dying.”
“You don’t believe him?”
Nathan shrugged. “He likes to pander to Mother’s whims. She’s a lot stronger than people believe. I think she uses the doctor to claim she’s unwell, so she doesn’t get pushed into something she doesn’t want to do.”
“Like what?”
“I haven’t figured that out yet.”
Sharpe glanced up at him. “You think this is your mother trying to get you home, so you can carry out your duties in Society?”
“I’m not entirely sure.”
“Explain.”
Sharpe was a clever man. And he listened to his officers. Nathan rolled his shoulders to loosen the knots that had been building.
“Something’s not quite right, Sir. She doesn’t write to me for over a year, and the last time we spoke was in anger because I wouldn’t stay after Father’s death. She wouldn’t let me know she was dead until after she’s in the ground, I know it. And now she sends me this, and it doesn’t read like her. It…” He tried to find the right word. “It doesn’t feel like her at all. Like she’s desperate.”
“That happens when you’re dying, and you’re scared.” Sharpe frowned. “But you don’t think she’s dying?”
“I think something’s going on and it’s frightened Mother enough that she needs me.”
“So, what do you want to do?”
Nathan knew what he wanted to do, but it didn’t make him feel any better. Still, he had to do it. He took a deep breath.
“She’s still my mother. I want to make sure she’s all right.”
“Understood.” Sharpe handed back the letter. “Well, I can put in a request for leave on your behalf and that your platoon has a commander while you’re on leave. I can’t do more than that. Things are quite tense right now, so you’ll understand if you can’t get it.”
“I understand.” Nathan rubbed his hands on his trousers. “I would rather be here fighting, doing something I’m actually good at, but I need to have my mind settled knowing that things are not as bad as they seem back home.”
“Understood.” Sharpe nodded. “Leave it with me. I should have a definitive answer by tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
That was the best he could ask for. Now he just had to wait.
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This shows great potential. I like Nathan. I hope he and his mother are finally able to mind bridges. The H & h both seem like strong characters. Oh, the possiblities.
My dear Rebecca, thank you for reading the beginning of my new novel! I am happy that you find great potential in that! Stay tuned for the rest of it 😉
Look forward to this book.Three strong minded people ,with one on killing his estranged sibling.Going to be another great read.
Pauline thank you for your kind words! I hope you will enjoy the rest of this book as well!
Sounds very intriguing!! I can’t wait to read the rest as a member of your ARC team. Thanks for the privilidge
Dear Dorice, thank you for reading the preview of my novel! I hope that you will enjoy it!
Sounds like fowl play going on back at Nathan’s home.. and his mom is in trouble.. I can’t wait to read the rest
Dear Denise, thank you for your comment! Indeed…something is happening behind his back! Stay tuned to find out! 😉
It is a captivating story so far! I am interested in reading the rest!
Thank you my dear Sue! Stay tuned 😉
Sounds like a very interesting story, I will be anxious to see where this story goes.
Dear Crystal, I am happy to read that my story kept your interest high! Stay tuned for the rest 😉
A very intriguing start..,make me want to continue to see how the story plays out…
My dear Bj, thank you for reading the beginning of my new book! The rest of it is coming shortly!
Looks like a good one. I”m already wondering what will happen with said brother??
Hey dear Karen! thanks for your comment! I am happy that you liked it! Stay tuned for the rest 😉
This seems as if it’s going to be a good book. I’m wondering what will happen when the brothers meet.
Hey dear BF, indeed this is a very intriguing book! Stay tuned for the rest of this story…
Great start to the story. Looking forward to reading the book and what the interactions between the brothers will be and the deadly secret the mother is holding.
Hey there dear Kate, thank you for reading the beginning of my new novel! I am glad you liked it.
Wow! I can’t wait to read the whole book. I normally don’t read this genre but I do have to say it has intrigued me.
Hello dear Wendy, indeed this one is a very intriguing story! Stay tuned for the rest 😉
Intriguing great introduction, i cant wait to read the rest.
Dear Pat thank you for your comment! I am glad you enjoyed it!
Captured my interest from the start. Can’t wait for the rest.
Thank you dear Valerie for your positive comment!
Love reading about mystery and intrigue. I’m sure the rest will be just as interesting. Can’t wait!
Thanks dear MaryAnn, I hope you will enjoy the rest of the story as the beginning!
Lots going on. Sounds good
Thank you for your comment dear Marcy 🙂
Intriguing characters, the introduction captured enough of my interest that I would like to read the rest.
Dear Melanie, I am glad that you liked the beginning of my new novel!
I’m hooked! Looking forward to the entire story
Hey dear Sharon, I hope you will enjoy the rest of the story as well! I am waiting for your feedback!