Today I’m joining the blog tour for Blackjack. I’m sharing an extract from the book with thanks to Zoe O’Farrell for inviting me on the tour and to the author for my copy of the extract.

Blurb:

A lifetime game of solitaire turns into a vicious family feud.

New York City 1923

Back in the city after a nightmare vacation, PI Jax Diamond and his courageous canine partner, Ace, just can’t catch a break when three quick and easy cases explode into a massive mess of unrelated major crimes with victims, dead and alive, piling up.

Laura Graystone’s career soars as she rehearses for her new Broadway musical. Yet, she senses something’s amiss when Jax spends more time with a new buddy aboard a steamboat than solving crimes. With the help of their friends and a mysterious stranger, Laura and Ace set out to get to the bottom of it.

It’s a whirlwind of twists and turns as Jax discovers there is far more to a family than just blood relatives. And who knows? They may just solve the biggest case of his life.

Extract:

It was going on ten-thirty by the time Jax drove Laura to her apartment.  His mind was reeling from what had happened, and Laura’s silence troubled him, too.  She was still pretty upset and with good reason.  After all, they both watched someone fly out the window and fall twelve stories to their death.

“I shouldn’t have dragged you with me tonight, Laura.  I knew the day was going to end badly.”

“You couldn’t have known this would happen, Jax.  It was certainly upsetting, but I’m puzzled, too.  You didn’t mention a word about Missus Hines to Officer Quinn.  She’s the one who hired you to tail her husband.  If she wasn’t home, where could she be?”

“There is no Missus Hines, Laura.  When I was upstairs looking around the apartment, it was pretty clear Chester lived alone, and he wasn’t in his late fifties either.  He was only twenty-nine years old, according to his driver’s license.”

“Well, that doesn’t make any sense.  Who hired you to follow him?”

“I don’t know, but I intend to find out.”  After he parked the car in front of Laura’s building, he and Ace walked her up to her apartment.  She unlocked the door, and they went inside.  “Laura, I’m too beat to drive home.  Would you mind if Ace and I spent the night?  I’ll take you to your practice at the theater in the morning.”

“Jax, I told you I’m okay.  You don’t have to worry about me.”

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.  “We both had a tough day.  I think you’ll sleep better with both of us close by.  I know I will.” 

“You don’t mind?” 

He led her into the living room.  “Not at all.  I’ve grown rather fond of your couch.”

“Liar,” she laughed.  “I’ll get you a sheet and pillow.”

“I know where they are.  You go along, and we’ll see you in the…”  

Ace suddenly hightailed it into the bedroom.  

Jax eyed him.  “Lucky dog…” 

Laura kissed Jax’s cheek.  “Good night.”

“Sleep tight, Laura.”  He watched her walk to her bedroom.  “I’m right here if you need anything!”

She blew him a kiss and shut her door. 

***

Blackjack is available from Amazon.

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