Second Chance by Leighann Dobbs

Chapter One
     
    “I need to find this man.” Holly slapped a picture of Stan down on the desk.
    Nick slid the picture around to face him and looked up at Holly from behind the desk, one eyebrow cocked.
    “This is your husband?”
    Holly nodded.  Her husband, Stan, had left almost six months prior without so much as a good-bye.
    At first, she had wanted him back desperately – until she’d found out he had left with the receptionist from his work and had taken their entire life savings.  Over the months, his betrayal had forced Holly to take a good look at her life and make some major changes.  She’d learned to be assertive and independent – traits Stan had tried to squash in her, and at which he’d almost succeeded, early on in their marriage. 
    She’d emerged from the ordeal a new woman complete with an updated hairstyle, fresh wardrobe, and a new sense of self confidence and independence.
    After all the pain Stan had caused her, the last thing she wanted was to get back together with him. She didn’t think she could ever forgive the way he had treated her. Most importantly, she didn’t need him, or anyone, trying to take away her newfound independence, but she needed to see him one last time to assure herself it was really over. 
    There was also the little matter of the money Stan had taken.  With no job or source of income, it was all the money she had, and she needed it to tide her over until she could get a job.  She hoped Stan would do the right thing and give her the half she deserved.
    Nick motioned for Holly to sit in the chair opposite his desk.
    “Do you have any idea where he might be?  Has he used any credit cards, his cell phone?” 
    Holly tilted her head and considered the questions.  She remembered looking at the credit card statements shortly after Stan had left and there had been a few charges from a small town in Nevada.  After seeing those, Holly had cancelled the cards.  Stan had been the sole provider, and Holly had no job or money, so letting Stan pile up credit card charges was not something she was keen on.
    She mentioned the charges to Nick who pulled the keyboard in front of him, his fingers tapping deftly on the keys.  Holly’s sister, Rose, had recommended Nick. He had worked several times with Rose’s husband, Bill, a long-time police detective. 
    Holly had hired Nick on the spot.  She trusted Bill’s judgment implicitly but, just to be thorough, she had asked around and wasn’t surprised to discover Nick’s previous clients all had good things to say about him. 
    She was surprised, however, to realize she found him rather good looking.  Not male model material, but handsome in a rugged kind of way.  From behind the desk she could see his upper body: broad shoulders, a strong square jaw, steely blue eyes and dark, short-cropped hair.
    The warm, tight feeling in the pit of her stomach told her she liked what she saw.  She did a mental head shake to derail her train of thought. The last thing she needed was to get involved with another man.
    Nick’s voice startled her back to reality.  “I think I may have a lead on him. A motel in Bakersville, Nevada.” 
    Holly felt a slight twinge in her stomach.  Was she feeling remorse?  Anticipation?  Regret?  It’s best to confront Stan as soon as possible so I can put this all behind me .
    “Great, when do we leave?”
     
    ***
    Nick stared wistfully at the wall separating his hotel room from Holly’s.  He had been reluctant to bring her along. He didn’t usually bring clients on cases. Situations could be unpredictable, sometimes dangerous. 
    Holly had insisted on speaking to Stan in person and Nick had given in.  He tried to rationalize it by telling himself Stan wasn’t a danger, he was doing a favor for his friend Bill. The truth, however, was he had been captivated by Holly from the start and found it difficult to refuse her.
    He rubbed his hands across his face and let out a sigh.  He looked