Innocence (Shadow War, Book 1), by C. Nault and M. Findley

By C Nault and M Findley

Two secret societies, fighting for control of a technology that could alter the fate of the world.

An assassin, bound to protect knowledge left long ago by visitors from another galaxy.

And a woman, caught in the crossfire...

From the first time he meets Rachel, Adam Black can’t help being attracted. But he knows the athletic redhead is off-limits. She’s a civilian, and he... isn’t. He guards secrets with deadly consequences, and letting Rachel into his life would destroy hers. Keeping her at a distance is the only way to protect her, but despite his best efforts, their attraction grows.

From the first time she meets Adam, Rachel Flanagan knows she’s in trouble. Arrogant, cocky, and mysterious, the extreme sports instructor both annoys and fascinates her. She realizes she should stay away from him, and yet she keeps coming back for more. Though she’s always had rotten luck with bad boys, maybe this time will be different.

If she’d known that finally giving in to their mutual desire would throw her in the middle of a nightmare, she might never have signed up for his class. Now, with killers from Adam’s past hot on their heels and no time for explanations, Rachel needs to decide who she can trust before it’s too late.

by C. Nault and M. Findley

• Language: English
• Publisher: Artistic License Publishing
• Release date: Apr 24, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301545780

Book preview

Foreword

We are proud to present the first book in the Shadow War series: Innocence. It started as a collaboration between the two of us to write a short story, but very soon we realized we had a lot more to say, and this first novel was born.

We made every attempt to describe real characters with real weaknesses and real feelings, even if the plot is complete fantasy. We think we have achieved our goal, and we hope you’ll like Rachel, Adam, Zach, and the others just as much as we do.

Please, turn back now if the thought of violent, sexy assassins, bloody deaths, and sizzling hot attraction makes you squeamish. If you are still here, thank you for giving Innocence a try, and we hope you have as much fun reading it as we had writing it. Enjoy!

Chapter One

Rachel fumbled with her keys for a second before unlocking the front door. She let herself in and closed it quietly behind her. Her roommate Sarah worked odd hours at Forest Park Hospital and Rachel never knew when she’d be sleeping. Stretching muscles tired from her run, she wandered down the hallway of the old, creaking house, trying to avoid the noisiest boards.

She was about to round a corner when she tripped over a furry obstacle, forcing her to sidestep to keep her balance. Buster, the cat, rubbed against her ankles and meowed at her, his purrs threatening to shake the floorboards. Rachel chuckled and leaned down to give the fifteen-pound tabby the ear scratch he so desperately wanted.

Hello there, meatball, she greeted him in a low voice, still mindful of the possibility Sarah might be asleep.

Buster meowed back, blinking his amber eyes slowly, before running to his empty food dish. He stared at her, hoping she would feed him. Rachel ignored him as she walked to the fridge and grabbed the pitcher of water from inside.

She poured herself a glass and took a sip, sighing in pleasure as she did. Snagging a kitchen towel to wipe the sweat off her face, she moved off to the living room, glass in hand.

Have a good run? Sarah asked from the doorway.

Water splashed over the side of Rachel’s glass and spilled onto the carpet as she jumped in surprise. She put her hand over her heart and sighed dramatically. You almost gave me a heart attack. I thought you were asleep.

Sarah grinned and shrugged. I have the day off, and I thought I’d go shopping. I haven’t had time to indulge in a while. You want to come?

Thanks, but I think I’ll pass. I still need a shower and I want to relax for an hour or two. Besides, if I come, you’ll just wait to see what I buy so you can borrow it, Rachel replied, cocking an eyebrow at her friend as she plopped down on the couch.

Sarah laughed, unapologetic of the fact she wore one of Rachel’s funny cat t-shirts and a pair of her knee-high boots. They’d been friends since fifth grade, and Rachel didn’t remember a time when they hadn’t shared clothes.

You always have the best shoes, Sarah said, winking, as she sat down in the armchair across from Rachel.

"I don’t know why you say that! They live in your closet most of the time," Rachel responded and then sighed.

Sarah gave her a curious look, asking, You sound frustrated, hon. What happened?

Buster chose that moment to jump up on the couch next to her head and bumped his furry face against hers, demanding attention. Rachel went to scratch him under the chin and he closed his eyes contentedly. She said to Sarah, I met this incredibly hot parkour instructor at Turtle Park earlier. He was there with some students to do a demo and hand out flyers for his studio.

Oh? What did he look like? Sarah asked with interest, waggling her eyebrows at Rachel and grinning.

I couldn’t see much of his face, at least not until I got up close. For some reason, he was wearing a sweatshirt with its hood up.

In the middle of July? The guy must be nuts!

I know. Rachel shook her head. You could see the sweat on his forehead and everything. I was hot just looking at him.

The news said it would be, what, ninety-eight today?

Yeah, it was insanely hot out. I don't know what he could be thinking. As you said, he must be nuts. Anyway, he and his students were handing out pamphlets about the studio, Rachel replied, blushing slightly. So I went and took one. She fished the pamphlet out of her running pants pocket and handed it to Sarah.

Ah-ha! So that’s how you met him! I knew you didn’t just walk up to him and introduce yourself. Gateway Parkour. Sarah’s attention moved from the pamphlet back to Rachel. You’ve yet to tell me why you think he’s hot. What does he look like? How old is he? She wiggled her eyebrows again. Does he have nice... muscles?

Sarah! Rachel exclaimed, trying not to laugh at her friend’s antics. I can’t believe you’re implying I would look at his... muscle. She grinned. But, yes, he seemed well built under his hoodie. He must work out a lot. As for the rest, I don’t know... Rachel wiggled her eyebrows. Anyway, he’s probably a few years older than me, early thirties maybe? Rachel paused and sighed, He had the most incredible dark brown eyes. And he’s got a scar splitting his left eyebrow and dipping into his eyelid a bit. No idea what gave him that scar, but he’s lucky he didn’t lose an eye.

I love scars. Yum!

Rachel laughed. I know you do, and you’ll like the next part too. He’s one of those darker-skinned men who look like they have a permanent tan.

Greek? Italian? Latino?

Not Latino, but possibly Middle Eastern? Hard to say. He had a faint accent, but I got lost in his attitude.

Double yum. Sarah sighed mockingly. But something else happened or you wouldn’t act so grumpy. So, what gives?

"He asked me if my brother or boyfriend would be interested when I took a flyer. My brother! As if I couldn’t do it. When I glared at him, he dared me to come to his classes." She made a disgusted noise.

Sarah looked down at the flyer again. There’s not much on here to sell the studio.

Rachel had thought the same thing when she’d taken it. It contained some text announcing that the studio offered beginners to advanced classes and a few generic stock pictures of people performing parkour. There was nothing else there, not even an address.

Sarah gave it back to Rachel. Are you going to sign up? she asked.

I wasn’t going to, but— Rachel groaned in frustration and shook her head. No, I don’t think so.

Sarah gave her a disbelieving glance. I don’t believe you, hon. I know you. You want to go. Badly. So, what did he say that made you change your mind?

Rachel sighed, running her fingers through her hair in irritation. It’s not what he said—

He made a pass at you or something? Grab your boob? What’d he do?

Sarah!

A grin split Sarah’s face and she snickered before she pressed on, Dammit, girl, don’t make me drag it out of you. What changed?

He has the most devastatingly sexy smile I’ve ever seen! When he flashed me that smile, he suddenly went from arrogant jerk to heartthrob. Just like that, Rachel snapped her fingers. He knew exactly how to work it to his advantage, too. He wielded that smile like a weapon. She took a deep breath. I know women must be dropping at his feet all the time. A smile like that, with a body like his... I don’t want to become another one-night stand. You know what happened the last time.

Yeah, broken heart, I remember.

I cried for like two weeks. But it was my own dumb fault I let myself be fooled into it. She made a face. He was cute, though, athletic and assertive. You know... my usual type.

Yeah, I know. He was also an arrogant asshole.

Don’t remind me.

She fell silent and Sarah looked at her for a few moments. Admit it, hon, you’re already imagining what you’d do with that parkour instructor if you got him naked. Bed optional.

Rachel blushed as Sarah stage-whispered, "Lollipop man, you wanna lick him everywhere."

Rachel’s thoughts were definitely less than wholesome when she thought out loud, I wonder if there’s a website.

Sarah burst into laughter. You just hope there’s a picture of the instructor on the ‘About Us’ page!

Well, maybe... So what? she asked, defensive.

You’re still blushing, Sarah joked. Anyway, I’m going to the Loop. I’ll see you in a bit. She stood and strode toward the front door. "Take the classes. You’ll regret it if you don’t. And who knows, maybe this instructor is single and into you, too. Oh... and not an asshole."

Rachel threw a couch pillow at her. Go, already!

Sarah laughed all the way out the door.

After the door banged close, Rachel grabbed her laptop from the floor, popped it open, and did a quick Google search for the studio. She found only one listing concerning it. Clicking the link brought up a simple, amateurish-looking page. It looked home done but at least it wasn’t a black background site with white lettering. Rachel couldn’t wait until that fad died a horrible death.

She sighed, disappointed to find the website consisted of only one home page, which had some stock photos of a typical gymnastics studio and the class schedule. There wasn’t even an address for the building, just a phone number to call.

Well, Buster, should I take a parkour class? she asked the cat. The cat purred back in agreement.

* * *

The first thing Rachel heard as she entered the old warehouse that served as the studio was the excited chatter of a gaggle of teenagers. As far as she could tell, her class consisted of four boys and a single girl, young enough that their voices hovered between the squeaks of childhood and the deeper intonations of adulthood.

She groaned internally, hoping she wasn’t the only person over the age of eighteen present here. To her relief, she spotted three more adults beside the gaggle of teenagers. There were no other women, but that didn’t exactly surprise her. She’d learned long ago that her tastes in sports tended to run toward the male-dominated ones. Something about the violence and physical contact turned most women off, but it never bothered her, and she liked the added testosterone floating around during class.

No students from the Turtle Park demonstration had come today. There was only Zach, the assistant teacher. She recognized him from the demonstration. He sported the awkward facial expression that said: I’m the teacher’s assistant and the teacher hasn’t arrived yet; now what?

Rachel had signed up for the beginner’s class over the phone, and it was only logical that none of the more advanced students would be present. If this was anything like her martial arts classes, half the students here at this first lesson wouldn’t return next week either.

Rachel looked around the impressively large room and was floored by all the equipment it held. The studio, set inside an old industrial warehouse, was big enough to span half a city block, and filled with everything you could find in an urban landscape. There were a pair of two-story tall building facades, complete with roofs, and a foam pit underneath their balconies, as well as pipes, stairs, sidewalks, even a few fake trees. On one side of the room, blue exercise mats, the type used in schools everywhere, had been set on the floor, awaiting the students. Rachel took in the room, and her attention lingered on the obstacle course especially. It made her want to try playing squirrel.

The general hubbub and noise died down, causing her to glance away from the course to find out what was going on. A man had stepped into the room, wearing black sweatpants and a white t-shirt. His fitted shirt didn’t leave much to the imagination. From strong, washboard abs to lean but rock-hard arm muscles, he possessed a true athlete’s body.

He cleared his throat loudly. Welcome to Gateway Parkour Studio. My name is Adam and I’ll be your instructor. He looked around the room and frowned slightly. He glared at the teenagers, making them jump guiltily—they hadn’t been paying attention.

Parkour is fun, but it is also dangerous. If you don’t follow the instructions coming from me or Zach, he indicated the younger man, you might end up in the hospital. Or worse. Some of the students bristled and looked around them.

She felt no shame in giving the dark-haired instructor a once-over, and during her inspection she noticed an object encircling his left forearm. A leather bracer? How strange.

It looked really out of place.The bracer took up his whole arm from wrist to two inches below his elbow. Rachel looked closer. It seemed well made, and he moved like he had forgotten it was there. Rachel guessed he was used to it, and probably had worn it for years.

Now that I have your attention, let’s start. For the next eight weeks, you are going to learn the basics of parkour. I highly recommend doing the strength building exercises at home, but leave the rest for class, unless you want to hurt yourselves.

Adam paused and looked around the room again. In class, you will learn the correct way to jump, fall, roll, and spend time building upper body strength, so you can climb your environment safely. He indicated the obstacle course behind him. Today, we will focus on learning how to perform a controlled fall. Zach, will you demonstrate the shoulder roll for us?

Zach nodded and stepped on one of the exercise mats. First, he demonstrated the fall and roll after a jump. Then he did so again from a still position.

As you can see, Zach has been doing this for a while. He could accomplish the same from a second-story fall without hurting himself. Of course, you aren’t at this stage yet, and I wouldn’t like to receive a call from some irate parent because some overeager student tried it too soon. Adam gave the teens in the class a pointed glare. Understood? They nodded without much enthusiasm.

Thank you, Zach, he said, waving his hand in an enough gesture. He turned his attention back to the class at large. You will practice this one item until it becomes as natural as breathing.

After Zach resumed his position on the side of the gym, Adam went on to explain the different steps of the fall and roll. Once everyone understood the instructions, he got back to his feet and surveyed the class. Hopefully, by the end of this class, you’ll all manage to at least not break your necks. Now, I want you to practice on your own. Yes... even you, Adam snapped at the teenage girl, who jumped and giggled in embarrassment.

Each one of you will find fifteen feet of mat, and then practice the roll. Zach and I will come around to give you pointers. And remember to always protect your head! Adam finished his explanation, and the group dispersed to find some mat space.

She did the exercise a few times the way Adam expected it, before switching to doing it from a standing position. She didn’t want to distract the other students too much, however, so she didn’t expand on her warm up. After a few more minutes, she got bored and sensed Adam’s eyes on her. She turned her head and saw him looking her way. She winced, hoping it didn’t look like she was showing off. It wasn’t her intention.

She quickly turned away and got into position for another roll, but a slight dip in the foam of the mat warned her someone was now standing beside her. She looked up to Adam looming over her.

You’ve done this before, he said.

She shot back to her feet; it was awkward having someone hovering over her. She cursed herself for wearing a sports bra that made her chest look like she was about ten.

Hmmm... yes, I’ve practiced it before, she replied after she straightened up.

Martial arts?

She nodded. Aikido.

Rachel Flanagan, isn’t it?

Rachel cocked an eyebrow, but nodded. He had to have remembered her application sheet, she thought. It wouldn’t have been hard to figure out. There were only two women taking his class, and she was the one over eighteen.

Good. Now, I suppose you can do the roll after a jump.

Again, she nodded.

I want you to practice it. I trust you not to hurt yourself. There it was again, that infuriating cocky attitude, making her want to grit her teeth.

I’ve yet to break my neck, she replied flatly.

He grinned and walked away, towards some of the other students needing guidance.

Adam’s low opinion of her skills irritated Rachel, but her annoyance quickly faded as she unabashedly watched his backside saunter away. Eventually she returned to the jump and roll exercise.

An hour later, while taking a break and wiping sweat from her eyes with her towel, Adam spoke to the group again.

Good work, everyone. Please take a few moments to do some stretching: your legs, arms and sides. Some of you may experience sore shoulders tonight and tomorrow. When you get home, put some ice on them and take it easy. I want everyone to work on some basic resistance training for next week. You will work on push-ups; do as many sets of ten as you can. Also, it would be a good idea to pick up jogging since there is a lot of leg strength needed in parkour. Thanks and see you next week.

Rachel went to get changed in the small bathroom just off the main hallway. Arriving at the studio in workout gear was okay, but going home on the Metro all sweaty was not. As Rachel left the small bathroom, she noted how quickly the studio had emptied after Adam had dismissed the first class. Typical. I’m always the last to leave aikido, she grumbled to herself.

Noise from one of the sparring rooms, on the other side of the hall, caught her attention and she slowed her pace. Since everyone else had left already, she assumed Adam and his assistant were practicing. She was curious, but would be too embarrassed to be caught, so she didn’t dare get any closer.

Still, she listened for a moment as the two men kept on rustling around the gym. Are they fighting? she wondered. It certainly seemed like it. But Zach’s chuckle told her if this was a fight, it wasn’t anything serious. Then she heard a grunt and a body hit the mat. She winced. That had sounded painful.

You’re dead, Adam’s voice announced with a seriousness she didn’t feel was necessary.

The gym grew silent again. Were they were getting ready to leave? Not wanting to be caught eavesdropping, Rachel packed up her towel and water bottle and headed toward the door. She was about to step out of the building when something alerted her to the fact someone stood behind her. She turned around, trying not to look guilty, only to spot Adam leaning against the wall, his eyes trained on her. She felt herself blush.

I was just leaving, she said. Way to go, Captain Obvious!

For a few moments, he said nothing, and she wondered if he caught her listening. Finally he nodded, a sly smile on his face.

Good job back there, for a woman, that is, he said.

Her mouth dropped.

I’ll be seeing you next week, he continued in what she thought was an awfully smug tone.

He moved from his spot to open the door for her, grinning at her as she walked passed. Glancing back over her shoulder, she nodded curtly in agreement before hurrying away.

* * *

Damn, Black, could you have been any more condescending? That’s not the way to pick up a chick, Zach told his mentor once Rachel left.

Adam snorted softly and answered, "You’re giving me girl advice now, Zach? That’s a new one. When is the last time I’ve seen you with a woman?"

Zach flushed and gave him an annoyed look. You know as well as I do circumstances are... complicated for us. You’re the one always telling me girls aren’t a good idea, he grumbled.

What do you mean? Adam asked innocently.

"I mean, is it wise to be flirting with her?" Zach asked.

I know what I’m doing. And if you are wise, you’ll keep out of my personal business. Adam’s flat tone didn’t invite more ribbing.

Zach still huffed. Don’t let Darius learn about it.

He won’t. Unless you tell him. Which I wouldn’t do if I were you.

Zach threw his arms in the air. My lips are sealed, Black. I don’t have a death wish. He huffed in irritation and turned away from the door.

Before he went far, Adam’s voice stopped him. Meet me in the gym. We train in five.

Zach nodded and before he could take another step, Adam spoke again, Your hair, he said, it needs cut. Short.

God, Black! Sometimes I really despise you, Zach grumbled.

You know the rules, he responded.

Adam overheard Zach’s mumbled "Like not flirting with civilians" as he walked away. He didn’t think the statement warranted an answer.

Chapter Two

Rachel looked down at her watch and cursed under her breath. Even if she ran the rest of the way, she would arrive late to class. Damn, damn, damn...

She knew she shouldn’t have stopped at the store after leaving work. But those boots had sung their siren song as soon as she had seen them. It had been too much to resist. If she hurried, she should get to the parkour studio before Adam took the class out to the park. Late arrivals to class were subjected to a scathing lecture in front of all the participants. Rachel had learned that lesson already.

Today’s lesson would be their first foray outside in the real world. The week before, Adam had been adamant in his closing remarks: either arrive on time or miss the lesson altogether. She didn’t want to be the one student left behind. A lecture about tardiness wasn’t her idea of one-on-one time with the sexy instructor, as Adam had the temperament of a particularly grumpy hedgehog and a tongue so sharp it should be categorized as a deadly weapon.

It was a wonder she’d paid for a second session of this torture... except for the fact the workouts were awesome. And just when she got fed up with Adam’s attitude, he would flash her one of those devastating smiles. God! That smile.

As for his skills, Rachel had to admit he was good. As in really good. With him teaching the basics to their small group, the first eight weeks of classes had gone well. Although only two other students had toughed it out until the end, everyone’s progress had been rapid.

When the warehouse studio came in sight, she broke into a run. Two minutes late. He couldn’t fault her for that, could he?

She reached the door just as Adam threw it open. She stumbled to a stop, her nose only inches from his collarbone. She took a startled step back and looked up at him sheepishly.

Er... I left work late, she improvised.

Is that why you stopped to buy shoes on your way here? Adam asked her.

She looked down at the shopping bag still in her hand. Damn, I forgot it. Not for the first time, she had the urge to either smack the cockiness right off his face or kiss him. Either choice would be fine, not that she would ever dare. She wished she had the courage to kiss him unexpectedly. Simply seeing his expression might be worth it.

I went during lunch break, Rachel lied. Anyway, can I drop of my stuff and change my clothes before we head out? I’ll be quick.

He sighed, but swept his arm wide, inviting her into the building. Be my guest.

Rachel took a step forward, but then stopped again. Despite what he’d said, Adam hadn’t moved from the door. Their eyes met and his lips twisted into a challenging grin. She sighed and frowned, but she pushed forwards. As she squeezed through the entrance, she brushed against him, allowing her to feel the hard muscles of his chest and the warmth of his body. Once out of sight, she smiled a little secret smile. Well, it had been nice after all.

She set down her bags in a corner of the gym, changed her clothes, grabbed her water bottle and towel, and rejoined the rest of the group at the door. As she hurried towards them, she noticed Adam watching her, his gaze unwavering. She felt herself blush, and she gave him a curt nod and said, I’m ready.

* * *

Rachel chuckled at the palpable excitement radiating off of her classmates as they made their way from the MetroLink station to the Gateway Arch. Zach gave her a curious look when he heard her laugh, and she smiled at him. Just excited to finally be practicing outside, she told him.

The concrete’s way harder than practice mats, though, he said, and laughed.

With a shrug, she replied, I don’t mind it.

A few minutes later, the group ended up under the Arch. Adam had instructed them on the right way to go over and under the stairs’ metal railings. To prevent hurting yourself, always keep your feet in front of you. Jump through the railing and catch it with your hands. It’s a lot harder than it looks. You have to trust in your ability to catch the bar and hold your weight as you control your fall through the small opening. Several students had scraped elbows and a few smacked their heads on the railings as they tried to master the jump.

At one point, Rachel’s right hand slipped while trying to leapfrog over a fence and she ended up in a heap on the ground. She hoped Adam had missed her graceless landing, but when she looked up, he stared back straight at her. Sighing at the incompetent image she must have presented, she got up and dusted herself off, only to find Zach standing right next to her.

He’s still looking at you, Zach commented, clearly amused.

No idea what you’re talking about, she grumbled in answer, feeling herself flush with embarrassment.

He snickered and replied, Sure you don’t.

After two hours, most students were panting, sweaty and exhausted, and no one complained when Adam announced the end of the class. Everyone made their way back to the studio, in tired but generally satisfied silence. Rachel was happy; she’d learned some fancy new tricks—like jumping up several stairs head first before landing in a roll—and, better yet, she had only made a fool of herself once.

Back at the studio, she slung her purse over her shoulder, her workout bag already on her back, and was about to grab her shopping bag when a fellow student walked up to her.

She straightened back up and smiled. Hey, Mike!

Pretty impressive stuff you practiced back there, he said. I wish I was able to do that already.

She shrugged. You’ll get there soon enough. I have a bit more background training than you do, that’s all. I have to admit, though, not having any mats for protection takes it to an all new level of scary.

As they chatted, they left the studio to walk back toward the subway station. Rachel was glad to have met Mike the week before. He had joined their group from a prior session and, as it turned out, lived one station farther away than she did. When they had realized as much, Mike had volunteered to keep her company on the dark walk after class. She didn’t need his presence for protection—she felt confident she could strike and outrun an attacker—but it was nice to have someone to talk to on the way back home.

Yeah. Good thing Adam’s drilled the fall and roll into us at the studio first. He definitely doesn’t joke around with safety.

I guess when the alternative is a concussion or a broken neck, you tend to be careful.

As they got near the station, Rachel stopped and swore under her breath.

Is something wrong? Mike asked her.

"I forgot my shopping bag at the studio. I don’t want to wait till our next practice to get it. Adam may throw