Cardiac Arrest

By JL Paul

Ella Marley's life is shattered when a botched robbery claims her beloved older brother's life. As she tries to move forward, she can't help but be attracted to Cory. But should she be thinking about romance when the loss of her brother is so fresh? And will the police ever find the people responsible and bring them to justice?
Detective Cory McCray is drawn to Ella the moment he sets eyes on her in the hospital. But he has to remain professional - he has a case to solve. As the puzzle pieces begin to come together, he begins to wonder just where Ella fits in. How can he figure out this mystery when his heart is wrapped in it so tightly?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JL Paul
• Release date: Jun 2, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476012032

JL Paul

I've been writing for years mostly as a hobby. I read constantly, although I'm pretty particular about what I read. I do not have a website for my work yet (yeah, I know, what is wrong with me, right?) but once I do, I'll post the link here.

Book preview

Cardiac Arrest

JL Paul

Copyright © Smashwords Edition 2012 JL Paul

All rights reserved worldwide.

No part of this book may be copied or sold or distributed without prior written permission.

All characters in this book are entirely imaginary and any resemblance to persons living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental.

All procedures, laws, rules, etc. are a figment of the author's mind and not actual procedures, laws, rules, etc.

Chapter One

Ella get moving or I’m calling in Gwen and her band! Erik Marley shouted as he stocked the cooler under the bar with bottles of domestic beer.

Shut up, Ella Marley frowned, walking to the end of the bar. I’m ready. I just need to change.

Erik shoved the last bottle in and let the door slide shut. Resting his elbows on the bar, he grinned a crooked smile at his sister. Then go do it, twerp, or I’m really calling Gwen.

"You wouldn’t dare put that …girl…on before your own flesh and blood, Ella challenged, a daring glint in her eyes. Crossing her arms over her chest, she didn’t wait for his answer. Because I’ll disinherit you."

He snorted and straightened the battered ball cap on his head, a tiny smile toying around his mouth. You don’t even have anything to leave someone, let alone a will. Besides, I’m the older one. I’d think I’d go before you.

She crumpled up a bar napkin and threw it at his head. You’re not going anywhere any time soon so shut up and get to work. I gotta go change.

She giggled as she walked down the dingy hall to the makeshift dressing room, which also served as an employee bathroom. She shuddered a little at the topic of their latest conversation. He knew she hated to talk about death, no matter what, and she couldn’t believe she’d been the one to bring it up this time.

Expelling a loud breath, she changed into her favorite jeans and a plain blue t-shirt. Sitting on an ancient chair, she slipped into her favorite boots- the ones her brother said looked like something their dad would have worn on the farm. She frowned as she inspected her footwear. They absolutely did not. They barely came above her ankle to begin with and they definitely weren’t covered with dried mud and cow dung.

A knock on the door returned her attention to the present. Yeah?

Erik peered around the door.

The guys are all set up and Buddy opened the doors. The place is filling up already. He stepped inside and grinned at his sister. Dad’s boots, huh?

Standing, she slapped him playfully. No. They look nothing like his.

He pulled her into an impulsive hug.

You know I love you Ella, he said, shocking her with his sentimentality. He kissed the top of her head. I’m proud of you. Someday I’m going to hear you singing on the radio.

She hugged him back and took in his fresh scent. His cologne reminded her of a cowboy walking through a pine forest. In a few hours, his fresh scent would be replaced by the smell of stale tobacco and alcohol as he worked his magic behind the bar.

Pulling away, she studied him. He stood just over six feet tall with gorgeous brown eyes, so like hers, and sandy brown hair. He had his favorite baseball cap turned backwards on his head. His reckless grin charmed most of the woman who happened to take a seat at the bar and his personality was unmatched. He was the guy who everyone liked - a friend to everyone and an enemy to none. And the time she'd needed him the absolute most in her life, he'd stepped up and took it all upon his broad shoulders.

She loved him more than anyone and often thanked God she was lucky enough to have him as a big brother.

I love you, too, Erik, she said, pulling out of his arms. What’s with all the emotions tonight?

He shrugged as a bit of red painted his cheeks. Just never tell you anymore now that you’re all grown up.

She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. You don’t need to tell me. I already know.

Good, he said, still slightly embarrassed. Get your short ass on that stage and get those people out there dancing. Make them good and thirsty.

With a wink, he exited the room.

She turned and studied her image in the mirror. She saw a lot of Erik’s features in her own. Their eye and hair color were the same as well as the shape of their noses. But she had a light dusting of freckles on her cheeks and he towered over her by about a foot. He'd inherited their father’s tall height while she'd inherited their mother’s petite frame.

Taking a deep breath, she left the room to search for the guys that played in her ragtag band.

The building consisted of two sides: The main side, or the Pub, as they called it, housed a huge horseshoe shaped bar with about two dozen tables littering the rest of the area, a small kitchen, and restrooms. The Pub was open Monday through Saturday.

A door cut into the wall led to the smaller part of the building, or 'The Dance' as it was nicknamed. This section consisted of a stage, a smaller bar, a couple dozen more tables, and a dance floor. The Dance was only open on Friday and Saturday nights when bands or DJ's came in to entertain the thirsty crowds.

You ready, El? Pete the guitarist asked. At her nod, he gave her a quick hug. Let’s go.

He signaled to Erik who jumped on the stage to announce them.

The crowd was a little slow to get into the music, but once the alcohol started flowing, they weren't shy about singing along and dancing in their chairs. A few brave women ran to the dance floor to strut their stuff, enticing the men in the audience to approach them and buy them a drink.

Ella watched the dancers as she played her guitar and belted out cover song after cover song. She marveled at how music affected people, sometimes taking the shiest people and turning them into dancing machines.

Music moved her, also. While other girls at her elementary school were taking ballet and gymnastics, she'd pleaded and begged her parents to sign her up for guitar and piano lessons. Her mother often sighed wistfully when they went to town to shop, looking at dresses and ballet slippers while Ella perused the music department. Ella loved to write her own lyrics and add the music to them. Her heart would pound dangerously when everything seemed to click and she knew she had something good.

Her freshman year of high school, she befriended Pete, who was a fellow social outcast, and they'd tentatively formed a band. That friendship had lasted beyond high school and into their young adult years.

After finishing the first set, Ella announced that they would be taking a short break. She jumped down from the stage and made her way to the bar through the hordes of people patting her back and complimenting her performance. Smiling, she thanked them before plopping on a stool.

Great set, El, Erik smiled as he set a dripping bottle of water in front of her. Opening it, she sucked down the cold water slowly, relishing the refreshing feel on her raspy throat. She pulled the bottle away and wiped her lips on the hem of her shirt. He laughed. Such grace.

Bite me, she teased. She swiveled in her stool and took in the crowd. Pretty packed tonight. Do you get a bonus or something when things get this crazy?

Something like that. He looked over her shoulder at the crowd. I don’t see Patrick. Are you two tiffing?

She rolled her eyes, finished her water, and ran to the bathroom.

As she washed her hands, she checked to make sure her hair was still in the ponytail.

She'd noticed Patrick’s absence, also. He'd told her he might have to work overtime at the paper factory tonight but she didn’t think he’d be this long. He never failed to show up during at least one of her sets.

With a sigh, she pulled on her ponytail to tighten it up and left the bathroom. She signaled the guys and they hopped back on the stage. She got into the music, jumping around on the stage with Pete and Jordan, the other guitarist, while Daniel pounded away on the drums.

Finally, when they finished for the night, they all stood together and took a bow before jumping down and racing to the bar. Erik passed out cold drinks to all four of them, beaming proudly at his sister.

Benny called, he said over the noisy din of the crowd. He’s thrilled you guys managed to pack the house tonight.

Tell him you booked us so you deserve a huge bonus, she grinned as she slammed a bottle of water. And split it with me.

He tossed a bottle cap at her. You wish. We pay you guys well.

The crowd started to thin out, some drifting to the Pub while others exited the side door. When Erik shooed the last customers out, she waved goodbye to her band mates and ambled to the bathroom to freshen up before heading home.

She pulled the tired ponytail holder out of her hair, shaking her locks loose. As she splashed water on her face, hoping to wash a thin layer of the smoky atmosphere away, she heard fire crackers explode in the bar. Startled, she yanked a few sheets of paper towel out of the holder and swiped at her face before opening the door. She stepped into the hall as she heard her brother yell and more loud pops.

"Erik!" she screamed as she raced down the dark hall, stopping at the end. Her heart thudded as her head turned in all directions, searching for the source of the disruption.

Where the hell did she come from? a hooded figure shouted.

Her blood stilled and her feet froze as terror gripped her heart with an iron fist, squeezing. A tremble started in her toes and raced up her spine.

Another tall figure approached her, the hood of his sweatshirt shading his facial features. He pointed the barrel of a gun in her face. Her trembling increased as her feet finally realized what they were meant to do. She took a step back, then another, until something attacked her from behind. A red veil fell over her eyes only to be replaced by a black nothingness.

The world paused and she was powerless to start it again.

Chapter Two

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Groaning, she turned her head, hoping the thump would go away. It only worsened. She wondered if it would increase if she opened her eyes but was too afraid to try.

Her dry lips allowed another groan to escape as she slowly rolled her aching head to the other side. The pounding seemed to be coming from the back of her head where she was certain a lump the size of Nebraska was currently residing.

Miss Marley, a gentle voice called.

The glue in her eyes held firmly and she gave up on opening them. As her other senses had already come to life, she'd figured out where she was anyway.

Miss Marley, the voice persisted. Can you open your eyes for me?

Why would I want to do that, she thought. She stifled a giggle as she nearly suggested the voice go get Erik. He used to come up with creative ways to get her out of bed and off to school in the mornings.

Erik.

The glue loosened as her eyes shot wide open. The thumping increased to THUMPING! but she ignored it as she scrambled to sit up.

No, stay still, the gentle voice insisted. Ella turned her head and came face to face with the tender eyes of a middle-aged nurse. You’ve suffered a massive blow to the head. You shouldn’t move so quickly.

Ella tried to speak but the words stuck stubbornly in her throat. She licked her dry lips and swallowed.

Brother, she croaked. I want…Erik.

He’s not here, honey, the nurse said, averting her eyes. I’ll have the doctor come in and talk to you.

Is….he…ok? she stammered, slowly scooting her body upright. The nurse pushed a button and the head of her bed rose.

I don’t know, she said as she busied herself with Ella’s blankets. Someone tapped on the door and the nurse escaped to admit the visitor.

***

The first thing Cory McCray noticed when he walked into the room was the dark stillness. He hated visiting witnesses at the hospital and he dreaded this one even more. He allowed his partner to enter before him and approach the slight figure in the bed.

She’s just awakened, the nurse whispered in a firm tone. And she doesn’t know about her brother yet.

Trudi Richards, Cory’s partner, smiled as she approached the bed. Pulling a chair close, she sat, her voice quiet.

Hi Miss Marley.

Cory stood behind her and tried to keep his face as passive as possible. When the girl turned her head, his breath hitched in his chest. Her big brown eyes blinked slowly, first at Trudi before landing on him. They pleaded with him to not utter the words she somehow knew he had to say.

I’m Trudi Richards and this is my partner, Cory McCray. She pointed over her shoulder. We’re detectives with the East Village PD. We have a few questions for you if you’re up to it.

Cory watched as the girl licked her dry lips and opened her mouth to speak. Trudi noticed her discomfort and helped her to sip from a straw poking out of a Styrofoam cup on the bedside table.

Thanks, the girl croaked, clearing her throat. Erik. Where is he?

Trudi cast a quick look over her shoulder at Cory and shifted closer to the bed. Taking the girl’s hand, she gave it a squeeze.

I’m afraid your brother was shot last night. He suffered fatal injuries and died before the paramedics reached him.

The girl shut her eyes and turned her head. Her chest heaved a deep breath and shuddered as silent sobs wracked the petite body.

No, she whispered.

I’m so sorry, Trudi consoled, rubbing the girl’s arm. I’m very sorry for your loss but we need your help to find the men responsible for this.

The girl whipped her head back around and grimaced in obvious pain. Her brown eyes were full of water as each time a tear fell, another formed in its place.

I … they weren’t …regulars. She licked her lips and reached for her water. Trudi grabbed it, holding it so the girl could sip from the straw. Never saw them before.

Do you remember what they looked like? Trudi asked. The girl shook her head gently before the sobs began again.

What about their race? Cory butted in, anxious to get this interview over. White? African-American? Hispanic?

She narrowed her eyes slightly as she focused her attention on him.

There were two, I think. One of them was behind me and I didn't see him. But the one in front of me was white. She eased her body up with her weak arms. I remember he had a goatee but that’s all.

He leaned in closer, thoughtful scowl marring his face. You only remember the color of their skin and that one had a goatee?

With a slight gasp, Trudi grabbed his arm. Cory…

The girl’s eyes narrowed to mere slits, hate burning through the tears.

I’m sorry I can’t tell you much else about the men, she sobbed. She took a deep, shuddering breath and exhaled slowly. "But I can describe the barrel of