Spy Glass Read online

“How did it go?” he asked.

  “Like expected. I cracked after an hour and spilled my

  guts.”

  “Did you tell them about me?”

  He had insisted that I inform my parents about all his past misdeeds. “Yes, and it triggered another two hours’ worth of

  questions and reassurances.”

  “And the marriage?”

  “That, too. My mother had heart failure, or so she claimed,

  424

  Maria V. Snyder

  but she instantly forgot all about your colorful past when I

  asked her to plan us another wedding.”

  I realized more rounds of questions and assurances and

  explanations would be required to reach normalcy with my

  family. It would be crazy, exhausting and probably involve a

  lot of laughing and tears. With Devlen’s love and support, I

  could easily handle all of it.

  Devlen intertwined his fingers with mine. “What are you

  thinking about?”

  “The

  future.”

  “And?”

  I turned to face him. “Welcome to our herd.”

  * * * * *

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  A huge thank-you to my husband, Rodney, and children,

  Luke and Jenna. Their encouragement and support never

  wavers.

  During the writing of my books, I’m thankful to have a

  wonderful network of supporters. My critique partner, Kim-

  berley J. Howe, is always willing to read and comment on

  my first drafts. My friend Judi Fleming has encouraged me

  in many ways. Our contest to see who could write the most

  words in a day was what I needed to finish the story. Thanks

  for the incentive and the wine!

  After visits to Harlequin’s Toronto, New York City and

  London offices, I was amazed to learn how many people are

  involved in getting my manuscript transformed into a pub-

  lished book. I like to thank them all for their hard work and

  effort on my books!

  My excellent editor, Mary-Theresa Hussey, thankfully con-

  tinues to give me invaluable advice and inspiration. Thanks

  to Elizabeth Mazer, a vital member of our team.

  The art department has done a fantastic job with this bright

  cover. Many thanks to all the talented artists, designers and

  photographers for your creative efforts.

  A special thank you to my friend Kathy Flowers. She ar-

  ranged for me to take a tour of a maximum security prison

  and then played tour guide for the day. It was an enlightening

  experience and a bit scary as we mingled with the inmates.

  And a shout out to the Black Sergeant, visitor number one-

  three-six-five thanks you for your time.

  And a huge thanks to my massive army of Book Comman-

  dos! Your efforts have helped in spreading the word about my

  books. Special mention to those who have gone above and beyond the call to duty: Louise Bateman, Justin Boyer, Elizabeth Earhart, Michelle Gottier, Jane Gov, Jimmy Grogan, Jen

  Grzebien, Kelley Hartsell, Kate Ladd, Heather Lloyd, Denise

  Löchtermann, James Pellow, Kelly Plaia, Erica Rowe, Greg

  Schauer, Laura Schibinger, Jessica Scott, Larry Smith, Ashlen

  Stevenson, Julie Walsh and Sarah Weir. Valek may try to re-

  cruit you to his team.

  ®

  ISBN: 978-1-4268-6545-9

  SPY GLASS

  Copyright © 2010 by Maria V. Snyder.

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher, MIRA Books, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  MIRA and the Star Colophon are trademarks used under license and registered in Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, United States Patent and Trademark Office and in other countries.

  For questions and comments about the quality of this book please contact us at [email protected].

  www.MIRABooks.com

  Document Outline

  Praise

  Title Page

  Dedication Page

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Copyright Page