Freda is also co-author with Mel Silberman of the self-help books, PeopleSmart: Developing Your Interpersonal Intelligence - a bestseller translated into a dozen languages - and Working PeopleSmart. She has the good fortune to live on beautiful Hilton Head Island. There, she takes refuge from her fevered imagination by sitting on her dock and watching pelicans and dolphins fishing on the intracoastal. Freda is an avid Pickleball player who has spent her entire adult life being mistaken for Carol Burnett.
Publication date: January 26th 2021
Genres: Adult, Psychological Thriller
Amber Martin hates living with her crazy mother since her parents’ divorce, but she can hardly live with her dad, who’s too busy with “Miss Perfect” these days. When Amber runs into her mother’s friend Gloria, she’s glad to finally meet an adult who seems to be on her side. But as Amber becomes friends with Gloria’s sickly son, Alex, she begins to think Gloria is not as nice as she first thought, and Alex may be in trouble.
As Gloria’s threatening behavior escalates, Robin must protect the children while finding a way to save her career and her relationship with Ben. But Gloria always manages to stay one step ahead. When a secret comes to light, Robin discovers the stakes are even higher than she imagined.
“Morning.”
Robin settled into the chair opposite Gloria’s as a waitress approached. “Just
coffee, please.”
Gloria set down her cup. “So?”
Getting right down to business then. Robin braced
herself. So much the better.
“I’ve kept my part of our bargain,” Gloria announced.
“Bargain?” Robin’s eyebrows shot up.
“I spoke to Vanessa about the therapy. I managed to be
quite convincing. You see, she posted a rant on Facebook yesterday after Amber
defaced a library book.” Gloria shrugged. “I seized the opportunity.”
A bitter taste filled Robin’s mouth. Trashed library
books, trashed kids on social media. She should be happy Gloria took advantage
of the situation, but she wished Ben had persuaded Vanessa.
The woman’s dark eyes fixed on her. “Now, what about your
part?”
Robin bristled. She’d made no promises. The waitress
appeared with her coffee. Robin didn’t intend to stay long enough to drink it.
“I
made a few inquiries yesterday,” she told Gloria. “Formally and informally. I
found no new information about Pediatric MATCH. It’s still slated to launch
sometime next year.” Robin took a breath. There, I said it. “I’m sorry.”
Gloria shook her head. “Not good enough.”
Robin sat upright. “What?”
“That’s not soon enough. My son’s life is at stake.”
Gloria’s eyes bored into Robin’s. “You have kids?”
“A son in college.” Robin didn’t like bringing Sean into
the conversation.
“Suppose it were him?” Gloria kept her voice low, and
Robin had to lean forward to hear. “What would you do to save him?”
The same question Robin had asked herself yesterday. Anything.
“Or one of Ben’s kids,” Gloria continued without waiting
for Robin’s reply. “But that would be different, wouldn’t it?” Her lips twisted
in a mocking smile. “Convenient, even.”
Robin sat up and pushed aside her coffee. “I have to go.
I’m due at the wrap-up session.” Reminding herself that the unnerving woman had
a dying child, she added, “Gloria, if I were in your shoes, I’d be as desperate
as you are. Medical research doesn’t always follow the timetable we want, but
MATCH will move ahead, and when it expands to include children, it will be
safer, on more solid ground.” She hoped she sounded as clear as Will had last
night, but either way, she would end the discussion. “I promise I’ll keep my
ears open and let you know of any developments.” She pushed her chair back from
the table.
“You’ll do more than that, Robin. You’re a very
responsible person. I’m counting on you.”
Robin stood, her chair rattling. “Goodbye, Gloria.”
“I’ll be eager to hear what you come up with.” Gloria’s
smile widened, revealing her white teeth. “I’ll be in touch.”
I love that this romance included kids, and suspense! It was such a treat to have a great, new read that keeps you guessing.
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