Damaged Goods Read online

  When I heard the knock at my door, I rose and checked through the peephole. Maybe it was Fed Ex. Or not.

  Turned out to be my pal from the FBI. Well, well.

  Might as well rip this band aid off here and now. I opened up.

  “Agent Phipps,” I said. “What brings you here?”

  “Just need to clarify a few things, Ms. Jensen,” Phipps replied. Looked like I wasn’t the only investigator who preferred the element of surprise to phoning ahead. We exchanged a few more bullshit pleasantries before Phipps got to the point.

  “I’ve been trying to reach you,” Phipps said. “But you don’t answer your phone.”

  “You could have left a message.”

  Phipps cocked his head. “I hope you’ll consider putting my number in your contacts. You still have my card?”

  “Of course. At the risk of sounding defensive, why would I put an FBI agent’s number in my phone?”

  Phipps shared the ghost of a smile. “We could help each other.”

  Enough already. “What do you want from me?” I said.

  “Any information you have about David Kandinsky or Stuart Blaine’s daughter.”

  I shrugged. “Well, if that’s all you need, hang on.”

  Leaving Phipps at the door, I retrieved the death certificate I’d been waving about like a flag.

  Phipps looked the document over. He raised an eyebrow. “Is this all you have?”

  “What more do you want? A treasure map?”

  The ghost smile returned. “Is this your only copy?”

  “Keep it,” I said. “My treat.”

  Phipps nodded once. “Don’t forget. I have friends in law enforcement. If you ever need a reference.”

  “Thanks,” I said. “Good luck with . . . whatever.”

  I closed the door. Phipps’ words lingered. Were they a promise or a threat?

  THE END

  Thank you for reading my book. If you enjoyed it, please take a moment to leave a short review at your favorite online retailer’s site.

  About the Author

  Debbi Mack is the New York Times bestselling author of the Sam McRae mystery series. She has also published a young adult novel, Invisible Me, and a thriller, The Planck Factor. Debbi has also had several short stories published in various anthologies and has been nominated for a Derringer Award. She has recently become a podcaster and screenwriter who also happens to blog.

  A former attorney, Debbi has also worked as a journalist, reference librarian, and freelance writer/researcher. She enjoys reading, movies, long walks, dreaming up new story lines, cats, espresso, travel, more cats, chocolate, and wondering when the fun will end.

  And surprising people.

  * * *

  www.debbimack.com

  Acknowledgments

  Writing this section gets harder with every new book. I’m tempted to simply give up and refer you to the Acknowledgments in any of my other books! Instead, I will use this opportunity to mention that Erica is a brand new protagonist, which required me to learn a whole lot about women in the military and life after discharge.

  * * *

  I am eternally grateful to all of the authors, editors, agents, publishers, critics, readers, librarians, booksellers, and the rest of you who inspired and advised me along the way. But special thanks are due to the members of my writers group: Mary Ellen Hughes, Becky Hutchison, Sherriel Mattingly, Bonnie Settle, Marcia Talley, and Cathy Wiley. And heartfelt thanks go out to Sisters in Crime and its Chesapeake Chapter. One of the best resources for crime writers, regardless of gender.

  * * *

  To acquaint myself with the life of a female Marine, I read several books by or about female Marines and soldiers—two different things. I learned that you never call a Marine a soldier. And there’s no such thing as an ex-Marine, unless you get kicked out of the Corps. In disgrace.

  * * *

  To write authentically about tough subjects such as PTSD and opioid addiction, and about Maryland law regarding the licensing of private investigators, I was fortunate to be mentored by psychologists, journalists, Maryland police officers, private eyes, researchers, authors, and Marines—all great teachers.

  * * *

  Finally, I’d be remiss if I failed to acknowledge the small team of freelancers who are indispensable when it comes to publishing a book. They include my editor, John Barclay-Morton, publications specialist Laurie Cullen, and graphic artist Stewart A. Williams (with an assist from Eric Ward) who designed the cover. Most of all, I thank my family and my husband who did more than they will ever know to help make this book possible.

  Other books by Debbi Mack

  The Sam McRae Mystery Series

  Identity Crisis

  Least Wanted

  Riptide

  Deep Six

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  Other Books

  Five Uneasy Pieces

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  For Young Readers

  Invisible Me

  Connect with me

  Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/debbimack

  Friend me on Facebook: http://facebook.com/debbimackwriter

  Read my blog: http://www.debbimack.com/blog

  Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/debbimacktoo/

  Check out my Patreon Page for my latest works-in-progress and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/m/debbimack

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