Novels by Zara Jackson

The guard stopped outside her cell."Visitor."Evelyn didn't look up. "If it's my husband, tell him to leave.""It isn't."She slowly lifted her head. Ten minutes later, she was led into the visitation room. Marcus was already there. He stood the moment he saw her.For a long second, neither of them spoke.His eyes traveled over her face, taking in every bruise, every dark circle, every sign that prison had already begun changing her.His hands clenched into fists. "They're not feeding you properly."Evelyn gave a weak smile. "Hello to you too.""You've lost some pounds.""Yes well I don't recommend the menu". she joked. He gave her a sharp look. A painful silence settled between them. Finally, Marcus picked up the phone "You look terrible."She laughed.It wasn't a happy laugh. "I've been accused of trafficking drugs. I wasn't expecting a spa treatment."Marcus didn't laugh. He simply stared at her. "You still joke when you're hurting.""You still overreact.""I don't overreact.""

The courtroom was packed. Reporters lined the back row, their cameras aimed at the woman who had once graced the covers of business magazines. Now she stood in handcuffs. The same people who had praised her success now whispered behind folded hands. "She doesn't look like a criminal." "They never do." Evelyn lowered her eyes. Marcus leaned closer. "Don't listen to them." She nodded weakly. "I've filed for bail. The prosecution has no direct evidence that you knew those drugs were in the suitcase. This is our best chance to get you home." "Do you really think the judge will grant it?" Marcus looked her straight in the eye. "Yes." It was the first hopeful word she'd heard since the airport. She clung to it. The courtroom doors opened. Damian walked in. He was dressed in a black suit, his face pale, his eyes red as though he hadn't slept. His mother followed behind him, clutching a handkerchief. His sister cried quietly.Jason kept his head lowered. They looked

Evelyn's whole body shook. She felt out of her own body. Like this was a movie. "No please I didn't do this it isn't mine!! ". she cried . Marcus stepped forward. "My client is a well-known businesswoman with no criminal record. She is not a flight risk." "That decision isn't mine." "I'll apply for bail immediately." "You may." The officer's voice remained calm. "But until the court hears the matter , Mrs. Sinclair will remain in custody." Evelyn's legs nearly gave way. "No..."She looked from Marcus to the handcuffs .to the suitcase that had somehow become the weapon used against her. Marcus gently took her trembling hands in his. "Evelyn." She looked at him through blurred eyes. "I need you to be strong." Her lips quivered. "I can't. Please Marcus don't let them take me " "You have to." He lowered his voice so only she could hear. "And listen to me very carefully. I don't think this was an accident." Evelyn stared at him. For a long moment neither of them sai

The television was still showing Evelyn's arrest.Damian sat on the sofa with a glass of wine, smiling instead of grieving.His mother raised her glass. “To a new beginning.”Jason laughed. “To finally getting what we deserve.”Damian uncorked one of Evelyn's father's most expensive wines, untouched for years.“She won't be needing it,” he said, pouring himself another glass.Jason surveyed the imported furniture, paintings, and chandelier—everything they had pretended not to want.“To the Sinclair fortune.”Damian clinked his glass against Jason's. “To ours.”Evelyn's arrest replayed on the television. Her pale, terrified face stirred an unwelcome memory: One last chance. Her trust as she boarded that plane.His expression hardened. “She'll be fine.”His mother studied him. “You don't sound convinced.”“She'll adapt.”“Not if the charges stick,” Jason said.Damian watched the screen. “No. She won't.”His phone vibrated.BOARD OF DIRECTORS — EMERGENCY MEETINGHis smile disappeared.---T

“DAMIAN!”Evelyn's scream echoed across the terminal.People stared openly. Others slowed down, phones already in their hands as they watched. Her husband's phone was still going straight to voicemailHe wasn't comingHe had never intended to come.Evelyn wiped the tears from her face and shook her head.“. No, this can't be happening.”A uniformed officer approached her.“Mrs. Sinclair?Evelyn's heart began pounding again“I don't understand. I didn't even check this suitcase myself. My husband—”She stopped.Damian.He had arranged everything.He had told her not to worry about packing.He had insisted the trip would be good for them.“Mrs. Sinclair,” the officer said firmly, “you need to come with us.”“I want to know what's happening.”“You will be informed once we get somewhere private.”Something about his tone made her stomach twist.“No.”The officer's expression hardened slightly.“Mrs. Sinclair.”“No, you're not taking me anywhere until you tell me what's going on.”People were beginn

"Mrs. Sinclair, your driver is here."Evelyn looked up from the vanity mirror.Six in the morning.She wasn't usually awake this early, but excitement had chased away her sleep. She and Damian hadn't traveled alone since their honeymoon.Maybe this trip really would be a fresh start.She zipped up her makeup bag and walked downstairs.Damian was already waiting in the foyer. He looked impossibly handsome in a charcoal-gray suit. When he saw her, he smiled."You look beautiful." She felt her cheeks warm."You're just saying that." "I'm really not."He walked over and straightened the collar of her coat."For the record I've always thought you were out of my league." She laughed softly."Now you're flirting?" "I'm trying."He leaned down and kissed her forehead."No fighting today." "No fighting," she agreed. Just then, Damian's mother walked into the foyer carrying a small paper bag. "Oh, good. You're both still here."She held the bag out to Evelyn."I made your favorite butter cookies for t