To some who know him, Jax -- under the name Jackson Martin -- is a reputable restorer of antiquarian books. To others, in various guises, he's a man who double-crosses thieves, relieving them of what wasn't theirs to begin with ... although he doesn't return the stolen goods to their original owners. That isn't his thing.<br><br>When he's hired by Donovan, a book collector, to restore a damaged atlas, Jax meets the young man who runs Donovan's side interest, a no-kill animal shelter. Noel is wary of Jackson for reasons he can't explain. It doesn't stop him from finding Jax interesting ... an interest Jax returns despite knowing it will go nowhere.<br><br>Then Keegan, Jax's mortal enemy, appears bent on killing him. Will Jax be able to stop him before that happens? And will what he and Noel learn about each other end their budding relationship before it can become something more?

A Man of Many Parts

“Leave. Get out of here. Please,” Noel said, turning away.


Jax nodded. When Andre came to him, he said, “Stay! Your home is here.” Then, ignoring the dog’s mournful look, he left the room.


Jax informed Donovan on Tuesday morning over breakfast that he would be leaving. When Donovan asked why, Jax replied, “I’ve decided my staying will indeed put you and the others in danger. It’s not fair to any of you.” He couldn’t tell Donovan the truth about what had happened the previous night. It would reveal things neither he nor Noel and Susan wanted Donovan to know.


“You’re hoping the man will follow you home and try something there?” Donovan said.


“Yes. I came up with an idea which I think will work. If it does, he’ll be back in prison again, for attempted murder this time.”


Donovan lifted his eyebrows. “Let’s hope for your sake it’s only attempted murder.”


Jax chuckled. “That would be the preferred outcome.”


Chapter 36