Never Look Back (22 page)
Authors: Geraldine Solon
Tags: #Mystery; Thriller & Suspense, #Thrillers & Suspense, #Crime, #Kidnapping, #Suspense, #Thrillers
Marcy came in through the back door. "I told him Christmas is better here in Alaska."
"Well, if you can't come to New York, I might as well spend Christmas with my two favorite people." He embraced them both.
"Let me close the register while you two catch up," Marcy said.
"I'm so happy you're here." Dana faced Rob.
Rob pulled out a stool and sat down. "Me too, but you could always move back."
"Nah." Dana smiled. "I thought I'd never move here, but Alaska seems to have worked its charm on me."
He grinned. "Oh, by the way, this was pasted on the door." Rob handed her an envelope with her name.
"I wonder who it's from." She opened it and removed a card. A locket fell into her hands. She froze as she read the letter.
Dear Dana,
I believe this locket belongs to you. I'm sorry I kept it with me. I thought by keeping it, you would remain close to me. I see that you're happy now and have made a life for yourself. I never got to tell you what my actual last words for you were, so here it is: I can never imagine life without you, but I have to live with that choice every day. Just knowing that you're safe and happy reduces every bit of pain I have. I love you, Dana. I will never forget you. Thank you for sharing a piece of you with me.
V
Dana held the locket and card close to her chest as tears spilled from her eyes.
"Are you okay? Who is that from?" Rob asked
She sniffed. "It's from an old friend." She lifted her hair and put the necklace around her neck then stared outside the window, wondering what tomorrow might bring her.
A heartfelt thanks to the following people who have made Never Look Back possible:
1. Editor, Nicole Zoltack for your keen eye and thorough edits of my manuscript. You pointed out things I overlooked and kept my story consistent.
2. Cover artist, Natasha Brown for the amazing cover you created. I'm still so dazzled by it.
3. Formatter, Rachelle Ayala for your professionalism and friendship.
4. Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association President, Ken Westermann for assistig me with my research of the Witness Protection program and for providing good insight.
5. And to my beloved son and supportive husband who perfectly understood why I had to work everyday till the wee hours to complete this novel. You are both my greatest treasures.
Geraldine Solon is the award-winning, best-selling author of five novels and a marketing guidebook for authors. Two of her books have been adapted into film. Geraldine was awarded as a
Modern Day Hero
by the Philippine Consul General in San Francisco for her numerous and significant contributions to Filipino American art and culture. She served as Treasurer, Event Coordinator and Vice President for the Fremont Area Writers club and is the Executive Producer of her upcoming movie, Love Letters.