My Love Was Gone

From the back cover

My husband, Rodger Hayes, was a renowned chief negotiator, famous for his integrity and firmness within the circle.

When my son and I were kidnapped, with three hostages at the scene, the kidnappers agreed to release only one.

Among the women and the boy, Rodger should have chosen to save the boy first.

Yet, I heard him saying in Spanish fluently, "Release the woman in white."

His first love, Jolene Chapman, was freed, while my son, Jacob Hayes, died from a gunfire.

Later, Rodger explained the situation flatly. "The kidnappers chose to release Jolene."

I cradled Jacob's ashes and smiled sadly.

Rodger didn't know that I was fluent in Spanish, as I had been a special forces member.

His lies crumbled before me.

My phone vibrated, and I confirmed the encrypted message.

"Falcon returns to base."