Family must be protected at all costs. Even if it means the unthinkable.
Former prosecutor Aidan Wolf runs a small legal aid office.
Defense lawyer Jenna Jacobs rarely loses a case, but she lost Aidan Wolf.
District Attorney Wilson Howell, wife Becca, and their two teenagers live in what he believes is near-perfect bliss. And then…
EXCERPTS
With a slight smile, she reached up and caressed his neck. His arm eased around her waist, fingers splaying across her upper back. Like a gigolo versed in its innuendos, he led her through the provocative twists and turns of the Argentinian dance. They moved in perfect unison from one end of the room to the other. When they reached the grill side of the floor, the flower in her hand dropped at Aidan’s feet. She grinned and winked when he looked up at her. Rolling his eyes, he turned to pay for his to-go meal, then kicked it out of the way.
The music wound down as he edged around the dance floor toward the door, his boxed dinner in hand. He gave the dancers a final glance when the music ended and the audience broke into wild applause. Stepping away from her partner, the woman bowed. The man wobbled and crumpled to the floor. Bystanders rushed to his side while the scowling woman watched. As soon as they helped him to his feet, she shooed them away, wrapped her arm around his midsection, and guided him in the direction of the exit.
Aidan shook his head and hurried out ahead of them. Jumping into his truck, he took off without a second look in their direction.
JENNA JACOBS and AIDAN WOLF:
Aidan Wolf picked up the phone on the third ring. “This had better be good,” he growled.
“My, aren’t we bright and cheerful this morning?”
“Jen? What the devil do you want this time of night?”
“I beg to inform you, counselor, that it’s almost five a.m. I don’t think that qualifies as night.”
“And I beg to inform you, counselor, that my alarm doesn’t go off until six-fifteen.”
“Would you like me to call back then?”
“We’re talking now, so get on with it. If this is an invitation to breakfast, you’re in serious trouble.”
She stifled a laugh. “It isn’t. But if you’re inviting me out for the morning meal, I’d consider it an honor to join you.”
“I am not—”
WILL and BECCA HOWELL:
“Talk to me, Becca.”
“I’m all talked out, Will.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? You’ve always been a talker. Even when I’m glued to the Super Bowl, you’re a magpie. So talk to me now.”
“I don’t know what to say anymore.”
“Give me a break, Becca. I’m a simple man. I love my family. I work hard. I try to be a good husband and father. When I see a danger to the people I love most, I do my best to protect them. What more do you want from me?”
REVIEWS FROM BETA READERS:
“The Dance Took My Breath Away”
Tango: a dance marked by posturing, frequent pointing positions, and a variety of steps. Add “tormented” and you capture how character motives drive the plot to a series of unexpected climaxes. The dance took my breath away.
L. Luis Lopez
Author of Each Month I Sing, winner of the American Book Award 2008
and the CIPA EVVY first place in poetry
In building Tormented Tango, Lane has laid a solid foundation of natural and intriguing characters, a convincing story, and sparkling dialogue. Add to that some diabolical plot twists and a sprinkling of surprises. The result is such a genuinely compelling read that I found myself losing track of time. That’s the highest compliment I can give any book.
Randy Tanner
A National Writers Association Novel Writing Contest Winner
The characters in Tormented Tango were faceted and comfortable, like my next door neighbors. The fast-paced story grabbed my attention, and right away I was caught up in the tangle. It ended in a twist I never expected. Tormented Tango has all the elements of great storytelling.
L. Katherine Dailey
Author of The Navigator and The Journey
In Tormented Tango, the author has crafted a taut psychological thriller. The characters are brilliantly drawn, the courtroom scenes realistic and compelling. The story builds to a stunning climax that will leave the reader amazed. This book is a keeper.
Marilyn Prather
Author of Ravenspire and Sonoran Love Song