Page 41 of The Deputy's Secret Double

Not with the two of them.

The men were in suits, standing on the outskirts of the group of people watching the live band play. One wore a comfortable-looking fit, dark blue and complimenting his blond hair. The other had a suit that was classic. Black, white button-up, a tie that was plain but no doubt expensive. His hair was copper. His resting smile was sharp.

While both men were together in the same space, sharing a conversation, they were light-years from each other.

One was Marty Goldman, suit blue.

The other was the son of the man who had killed JJ’s family.

Her instincts tore themselves apart. JJ took another step forward and then stopped.

If it had been anyone else at Marty’s side…

Was he here for Marty?

Surely, he was.

Why else would he be talking to him of all people…

Was this the first time they had met?

What was his plan next?

Did that mean Marty was her brother?

The ballroom seemed to become silent around her. Then it was an echo chamber of nothing but questions. None of them she could answer.

Then those questions came to a screeching halt as a sight that truly terrified her took place.

The two men started to walk away from the crowd, heading in the direction of side doors that led deeper into the building.

Josiah Teller had been viciously attacked in his own home, driven away and then dumped in a field. Jamie Bell’s house had been partially blown up, then absolutely destroyed all while the sole occupant had been beaten and left to the same fire.

What would happen to Marty Goldman if he wasn’t the son of Able Ortiz?

What would happen if he was?

“The last dance I went to was the father-daughter one for Winnie when she was in middle school, but I’m sure I can pull out a few moves that won’t embarrass you too badly.”

Price’s voice filled the terrifying silence that had wrapped around her. She hadn’t realized they had made it to the small stretch of dance floor other guests were currently using. A couple moved smoothly past them, but JJ was still eyes on Marty, moving farther and farther away.

JJ didn’t have time to wonder why she did what she did next.

Instead, all of her seemed to come up with a new plan right on the spot.

One that finally included another person.

JJ spun around and took Price’s hand in hers. When she spoke, her voice was low but had years of pain, anger and determination powering through every word.

“I’m about to give you a lot of information and there’s no time to ask questions about it, but I promise I’ll explain more later. Right now, I need your help.”

Price had been smiling.

That smile disappeared.

She didn’t wait for the go-ahead.

She went for the jugular instead.