Cuts Like a Knife: A Novel (A Kristen Conner Mystery Book 1) (52 page)

My head is spinning as he tells me to get packed and head for the United Airlines counter at O’Hare where there is a first-class ticket will be waiting with my name on it to whisk me to Washington Reagan. He’s pretty confident I’m going to say yes. I say nothing, but he presses on. He tells me to pick up some cash, grab a cab, and go to the Marriott Marquis by the White House, where there’s a prepaid room reserved in my name. I’ll meet an FBI staffer and receive a packet of complete instructions in the morning at the JavaStar on K Street, and then head to the FBI training grounds in Fairfax for five weeks.

Just a little over a month. I’d be back in time for Kendra’s soccer season.

• • •

I wander back into the dining room in a daze. Mom is holding court as I bend over and hug Kendra and James close to me, planting a big kiss on their cheeks. James protests and makes some retching sounds. Jimmy gives him the look and he stops immediately. I even get a kiss on the cheek.

“I think we should drive over to the Indiana Dunes for a family day at the beach,” my mom says, looking up at me. “You remember when we used to do that when you three were just little girls? Your dad loved it.”

I’m overwhelmed for a moment, certain that this room holds just about all the people I love most in the world, and I’d never want to be anywhere else. Do I have it in me to leave? Even for a month?

• • •

I’ve hugged everyone and said my “I love you’s.” Mom is sniffling. Klarissa is, too, but she’s been the most adamant about me packing a suitcase and catching the flight. She’s gonna move from my place to Mom’s house.
Dear Lord, help her. She’s going to need it.
Thanks to her fab plastic surgeon, her scars are healing nicely, but I know there are more inside.

I didn’t mention to anyone that Reynolds said this could turn into a job offer.

But I can’t deny I’m excited. I’ve never flown first class. I’ve actually only flown three times in my life.

Can’t remember what poet said, “Parting is such sweet sorrow.” He was soft-peddling it. It cuts like a knife.

About the Author

MARK “M.K.” GILROY is a veteran publisher who has worked with major authors and acquired and created an array of bestselling books and series.

When not writing Detective Kristen Conner novels, he creates book projects for publishers, retailers, organizations, and businesses as a freelance publisher.

Gilroy’s debut novel,
Cuts Like a Knife,
quickly garnered critical acclaim from national media, bloggers, and readers—and hit #1 at Barnes & Nobel (BN.com).

The Kristen Conner Mystery series now includes
Every Breath You Take, Cold As Ice
, and releasing in February 2016,
Under Pressure
.

Gilroy is a member of the prestigious Mystery Writers of America. He holds the BA in Biblical Literature and Speech Communications, and two graduate degrees, the M.Div. and MBA.

Gilroy is the father of six children. He resides with his wife Amy in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Stay Connected with M.K. at:

www.facebook.com/MKGilroy.Author

www.mkgilroy.com

@markgilroy