Amidst a laugh in response to something Brewer said, Bexley’s shoulders stiffened. Her eyes slowly shifted upward to meet Dominic’s. “I already told you, he owns and manages Hawkins Auto Body.”
Dominic abhorred the way hatred rippled off his eldest, although maybe he deserved it. Regardless, it was an issue he planned to address another time when they were alone. “Is it profitable? Is that what you plan on doing until retirement?”
Bexley’s eyebrows darted down and her lips parted. Brewer quickly shot her a sharp look that made her think twice. Good for him, Dominic thought.
Then Brewer cleared his throat and raised his chin. “Actually, sir, I’ve been thinking a degree in mechanical engineering may be a viable option somewhere down the road.”
“He doesn’t need to know that,” Bexley snapped at him. “What you’re already doing is a perfectly respectable profession.”
With a wry smirk, Brewer whispered something in her ear. Bexley promptly crossed her arms, and turned her angry expression on Dominic. “Everyone at this table knows whatever we choose to do with our lives won’t be enough for you, so you can spare us the lecture you were planning on giving Brewer about preparing for his future.” Then she stood, addressing her little sister. “I can’t take any more of this. We’re leaving.”
“Bexley, wait,” Dominic said, willing himself to remain calm. “Will there ever come a time when you can say goodbye in a civilized manner?”
Before turning away, his eldest answered with an angry glare that Dominic felt in the depths of his gut. He suspected Bexley would never forgive him.
Dominic begged for the relief of sleep to erase his dark thoughts. He remained troubled by the family dinner as Bexley made it clear she wanted nothing to do with her father. She despised him, and he didn’t know how to make things right. What if it was too late for them to make amends?
Around two in the morning, Dominic received a disturbing call. After packing an overnight bag, he found a way to head north.
On a quiet highway a handful of miles past Sacramento, he was overwhelmed with the need to sleep. He stopped at a gas station on the far end of a small town to grab the biggest cup of coffee available.
The middle-aged gas station attendant was the last person to see Dominic Ferguson alive.
Start The Skeleton Key’s Secrets now!
ALSO BY QUINN AVERY
* * *
BEXLEY SQUIRES MYSTERIES
The Dead Girl’s Stilettos
The Million Dollar Collar
The Guard’s Last Watch
The Skeleton Key’s Secrets
(coming in 2020) The Notebook’s Untold Truths
Want a little more heat in your stories?
Check out my romantic suspense pen name:
BOOKS BY JENNIFER ANN
www.AuthorJenniferAnn.com
KENDALL FAMILY SERIES
Brooklyn Rockstar
Midwest Fighter
Manhattan Millionaire
Oceanside Marine
Kendall Family Christmas
Miami Bodyguard
American Farmer
* * *
FALLEN HEROES DUET
Fighting for Phoebe
Fighting for Alexa
ROCK BOTTOM SERIES
Outrageous
Notorious
Courageous
Ferocious
* * *
NYC LOVE SERIES
Adam’s List
Kelly’s Quest
Chloe’s Dream
* * *
STANDALONES
Broken Little Melodies
The Secrets Between Us
* * *
MC ROMANCES
Inferno Glory MC
Jawa’s Angels MC
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UINN AVERY is an award-winning author from Southern Minnesota with 32 novels published under various pen names. Born and raised in Southern Minnesota, Quinn enjoys traveling to the big city, relaxing by the ocean, riding on the back of her husband's Harley, catching her favorite rock bands in concert, watching murder documentaries, and following the madness of her four children's lives. Quinn also writes romantic suspense as Jennifer Ann.
www.QuinnAvery.com
quinn@quinnavery.com
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To Najla Qamber: I love how the series covers all look together! Can’t wait to get started on the next one!
To Jenny Hanson: Thanks yet AGAIN for loaning me your eagle eyes, and for being a loyal fan all these years!
To my editor, Jodi Henley: Thanks for hanging in there with this one even though it took forever! I always value your guidance and expertise!
To Corrie Hanson: Thanks for always having my back, no matter the situation! You’ve been an amazing friend throughout my journey!
To my super librarian friend, Heidi Schutt: Thank you for supporting my journey, and providing valuable feedback! Bago is lucky to have you!
To the local businesses, libraries, bloggers, and lovely people on Instagram who have helped to promote my work: I’m thankful beyond words! Thanks for taking a chance on me!
To my writer friends (notably Tracy, Micki, Kristie, Sierra, Leesa, Diana, Pam, Mira, Aubrey): Thank for you always being there. I love you all to pieces, and thank my lucky stars for having such talented friends!
To my “regular” friends who are anything BUT regular, and who have supported my career over the years (notably April, Denise, Michelle, Tara, Lori, Amy, Laura, Janet, Jess, Teresa, Misty, Krista, Cindy, Carolyn, and “crazy” Michelle): I wish I could buy you all a fabulous vacation for putting up with me, and being there at my signings! I have so much love for you all!