Emily Jacobsen is glamorous and a successful clothing sales rep. As a child, Emily’s stepdad ridiculed and beat the tenderheartedness out of her. Now impatience and anger hide just below the surface, and she’s become the person her dad made her to be. Emily’s abduction at age twenty only added to her struggle to feel good about life. Alcohol, drugs, and reckless living numb the pain temporarily. Small animals have direct access to her heart, but no human does, except her grandma. Is there any hope that tenderheartedness is still alive in Emily, only shielded deep within?
Zach Malloch joined the Royal Air Force in Scotland and served in Afghanistan. There he had to learn to be a strong, good leader and to rarely show the kindheartedness he feels. After, Zach moved to the US and acquired dual citizenship. He earned his wings, becoming a commercial pilot for Delta Airlines. This quiet man takes his job seriously, because lives depend on him. His adherence to standards irritates those who enjoy pressing the line. Still they respect him for his integrity and courage. There are those who would like to be his friend, but he doesn’t need many.
Law enforcers respect Todd Jacobsen, Emily’s stepdad, for being a tenacious deputy sheriff. Among most women, he’s a knight in shinning armor. He can be well-mannered, but when he’s drunk, Todd easily becomes a bully — quick tempered, aggressive, violent even. In that state, nothing’s ever good enough. His two hundred and forty pounds of raging muscle on a six foot frame terrorized Emily, but his non-stop ridicule of her gave birth to her determination to prove him wrong.
Trudy Meier, Emily’s grandma, is her shelter in the storm. Trudy’s expressions of love are a little touch, pat or a squeeze on the arm, especially doled out to Emily when someone is harassing her. Being raised in poverty taught Trudy satisfaction with the simple things in life and not to be afraid of work. She accepts hardships without complaint, even encourages others instead. In her younger years, Emily spent many summers with her grandparents, and she loves her grandma deeply.
Tall and slender, Dawn Jacobsen, Emily’s mom, was the essence of nervousness, which manifested in chain smoking, lip biting, and pacing. She wasn’t afraid of her brute of a husband, Todd. When he shouted at her, she got in his face and shouted back. Then came the shoving and slamming. She gave gifts because she was unable to give herself. The bucket load of guilt and shame that Dawn carried, made it hard to love herself, so how could anyone else love her? The tragedies in her life may have contributed to an early death.
Her personality type helps Mia Jacobsen Lockwood, Emily’s younger sister, to stay out of trouble. Mia did double duty to prevent possible skirmishes with the enemy, their dad. Since their childhood home was a war zone, the siblings learned to have each other’s back. Their alliance didn’t change as adults. Feeling responsible and protective of her older sister, Mia still reasons with Emily, but usually she’s unsuccessful.
Phil Meier is Emily’s grandpa. Years ago the ladies thought Phil a handsome, young man. He learns early in life that he can get what he wants through deception. Rationalizing and running from his problems are also part of his MO. Because he has to hide his true nature, people conclude he’s detached and sometimes aloof. Now that he’s old, COPD plagues Phil and sometimes threatens his life.
Travis Campbell and his dad, John, have a mediocre relationship when John’s home. John’s job as an international fruit inspector often takes him away to foreign counties. Travis hopes he will someday be more important to his dad than his job. Maybe being consistent with love and respect will win him over someday. That’s easy for Travis, because it’s also his personality. He’s not only personable; he enjoys joking and interacting with people.
Travis’ mom, Sheila Campbell, loves him and is a good mom, but she also loves festivities. It doesn’t take much for her to throw her head back in a long hearty belly laugh—a little wine, a dance, a joke. Anyone watching can’t help but join her in laughter. There are too many exciting things to do to waste time working or regretting, so Sheila thinks. She has always been attracted to older men, but she hasn’t always made good choices.
Detective Matthew Flinn doesn’t care for superficiality. It’s important to him to discover the truth so justice will triumph. His sixteen years as a police detective has honed his skills and given him the edge of trustworthy instincts. He would like to have a family someday, but figures his job would be hard on them.
Nick Thoren’s southern roots taught him manners, but he’s arrogant and ruthless. There’s no stopping him from going after what he wants. He has no fear and little sense. Nick was one of three who abducted Emily, Beth and Kathrin four years ago.
Detective Avi Laghari’s family immigrated from India when he was nine years old, so he speaks with a slight accent. He has a young family. Detectives Laghari and Flinn enjoy razing each other.
Jasmine is a generous, caring, registered nurse. When Emily moved to Auburn, Jasmine took Emily under her wing as a friend.
Brooke is Emily’s long-time school friend. Now that they are adults, they frequent the tavern together.
Glenn & Beth McKlain: Beth was kidnapped along with Emily four years ago. Glenn was a reluctant participant in their kidnapping. During that ordeal, they fell in love and later married.
Trouble-makers: When these three guys get together, they just want a few beers and some laughs. One thinks out loud, “Way out here no one’s ever going to find out.” Another agrees, “Yeah, what’s the big deal?” Those two are short on scruples and get a kick out of breaking the law.
Theresa Wise Author 
