Wayward Son

By Dani Morgan

Artistic Bryce Hamilton has spent many years relishing and getting lost in the anonymity of big city life. A call sends him racing back to the small town he had to flee so long ago. Painful memories and unresolved feelings resurface as he’s forced to come face to face with the source of his demons. Jade White is a police officer in the sleepy fishing town of Port Collins, Maine. A stable, routine and predictable life is all she thought she wanted. But she couldn’t have been more wrong. Death was the catalyst that drew Bryce back to Port Collins, but it is Jade that binds him there. Since Bryce’s arrival, murder and mayhem are now common place and the once lazy town is now plagued with an uncertain future

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dani Morgan
• Release date: Oct 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301759804

Dani Morgan

I was always the girl who spent most of her life living in her head, even at an early age. My made up worlds were so much more interesting than real life. In them, anything was possible. I could be a reckless archaeologist digging up a mummy who came to life, terrorize a medieval village by drinking all their blood, start an intergalactic war between rival planets, or ride a wild stallion with a hunky Native brave clad only in a breech cloth, all within the course of a weekend.Life didn’t stay simple. I had to grow up, get a job, became a wife and mother and put all my dreams on hold. After a change in my life, I found myself a single mom who had plenty of time to fall back into the land of make believe.One night I opened up my computer and soon several novels were penned. Now I have embarked on a journey to become the person I always envisioned myself to be, an author, sharing my crazy ideas with the world.

Book preview

Wayward Son

By Dani Morgan and Angela Brooks

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Wayward Son

©Copyright 2013 Dani Morgan

Smashwords and Print Editions

Cover Art by Miranda Stork

Edited by Kali Maddox

This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, and events are from the author's wild imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (such as electronic, mechanical, photocopying, printing, recording, scanning or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

License Notes: This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

Warning: This book contains language, violence, and sexually explicit content.

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Dedication

A heartfelt thank you to the family and friends that have supported us throughout the years in our pursuit of making our dreams come true. Also very special thanks have to be given to MA, JG, MC and DF for your help and constant willingness to go above and beyond in your generosity, by giving your aid and insight into our project.

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Wayward Son

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Chapter 1

Boston

The whimsical chimes signaled the entrance of Bryce Hamilton’s six-foot-two frame through the front door of his store. Sorry, I’m late, he announced to an exasperated Stewart Beaumont.

Stewart, a petite young man whose dark hair and dark eyes contrasted with his pale skin, stood to the side cleaning one of the pieces on display to look busy. It’s fine with me. I’m not the one having a conniption fit. Dmitri is on the war path. Seems you blew off an appointment yesterday with a Mrs. Kennedy and she is threatening to go with Wolf Carvers for her order. It’s a fifteen thousand dollar bed and you know how nothing comes between Dmitri and his money, he reprimanded.

He can bitch all he wants to. He’s my business partner, not my parent. I shouldn’t have to explain my actions to him. I had business to attend to out of town and the fact that I’m even back now is a miracle. Bryce was a private man and there was no way he was going to discuss the reason for his absence with an employee or even his business partner.

Dmitri Vasin made his presence known when he leaned over the glass balcony on the second level, narrowing his ice blue eyes as he scolded his partner, Nice of you to show up, Bryce. He stood back up, straightened his suit then tucked a stray strand of his platinum blonde hair behind his ear.

I left you a message and told you something came up, Bryce explained as he rolled his chocolate colored eyes, a slight smirk starting to curl up the corner of his full lips.

Stewart had to control a giggle when he saw Bryce’s reaction.

Well, you should have called Mrs. Kennedy. I had to spend two hours calming her down. If you didn’t do such amazing work, I’m sure we could have lost her order. I promised her a one on one meeting with you next Tuesday. Please try to remember it this time. I swear, Bryce, you think your looks will enable you to get away with murder, he fumed as he turned on his heel and stormed back into his office and slammed the door.

What’s got his panties in a wad? Bryce probed Stewart.

I think it must be his time of the month, Stewart joked, his dark hair falling in his face and covering his eyes, giving him a sheepish quality.

I swear, sometimes I really do think he has ovaries, Bryce groaned. He walked into his office and sat down, running his thick fingers through his short inky locks. He picked up the mail and didn’t see anything interesting, so he threw it down. He reached for the more ornate framed of the two photos on his desk. It was of him and his parents, taken just before his mom’s death. He traced her face before putting the picture back down.

Stewart strolled in Bryce’s office door unannounced. Sorry to interrupt, but I forgot to give you a message. An Officer White called from the Port Collins Police Department saying you need to call this number as soon as possible. He left the piece of paper on the desk and walked out.

Bryce narrowed his eyes as so many thoughts came rushing into his mind. How ironic that old Mickey White would be calling from Port Collins after Bryce had just returned from there. Yesterday was the anniversary of his mother’s death and he had spent the night in the grave yard, passed out after finishing a fifth of Wild Turkey. He didn’t even bother stopping to see his old man; convinced his dad was passed out somewhere too. He looked over at the other wood framed photo before placing it face down on his desk. Bryce hesitated before finally picking up the phone as he dialed the number he still knew by heart.

Port Collins Police Department, how may I assist you? A female voice asked on the other side of the line.

Yes, I was told I needed to return a call to an Officer White, Bryce replied.

One moment, please.

He listened patiently to the music, waiting on Mickey to answer. He could barely concentrate while his mind conjured reasons for Mickey’s call after all these years. He hadn’t spoken to Mickey once since Bryce’s last visit to Port Collins. He had hoped to speak to Jade and find out why she never called or wrote him after he had to leave town. Mickey White, along with his wife Alison, had told Bryce to let their daughter go for her own good. Bryce listened, packed up and moved to Boston. That was just under five years ago.

His stomach did a flip flop. What if something happened to Jade? He was more nervous than ever to speak to Mickey.

Officer White, how may I help you?

Bryce nearly dropped the phone, shocked at the soft, gentle voice that greeted him. His heart rate quickened and he was at a loss for words.

Hello, is there anyone there? This is the police station, not the best place to make a prank call.

J-J-Jade? Bryce finally choked out.

Bryce? She whispered back.

They both were silent for a few moments.

Bryce was finally able to speak after taking some time to compose himself. I was told I needed to contact an Officer White.

Oh, you don’t know. I’m Officer White, now. I followed in my dad’s footsteps. He’s Chief White now.

He could feel her smiling through the phone for a moment, it was like all the years and all the pain hadn’t happened. I never would have taken you for a cop. You never mentioned it once. You were so much more bookish, and not exactly athletic. Hard to imagine you running after fugitives and taking them down with a flying tackle.

Jade chuckled, knowing he was right, but her life had taken many unexpected turns. When I was in college I took a criminal law class and fell in love with it. Nothing else appealed to me.

What about your writing? You were going to be the next Agatha Christie with your love of mysteries.

I don’t write anymore, well other than police reports. I guess my love of mysteries led me to being a cop. Not that I have too much of that here, but it’s still nice seeing my dad every day.

God. You don’t know how… he stopped. He still didn’t know why she had called in the first place. He doubted it was to catch up. Was there a reason you called? Is your family okay?

He was met with a deep sigh. I wish I would have driven down there and delivered the news in person. I’m so sorry, Bryce, but your dad is dead. Griffin found his body this morning.

How? Was the only word he could manage to say as he felt himself shutting down emotionally, falling into a black abyss. He wanted to say more, to feel more, but the only thing Bryce felt was numbness.

We don’t have the full report back, but we suspect that he was drinking and passed out. The stove was on and he appears to have died from the gas. I’m so, so sorry, but you need to come and claim the body as his next of kin. Should I send my partner to pick you up? Better yet, if you need me to, I can be there in just over two hours to get you and drive you home.

No, I don’t need you to do that, Bryce responded.

Oh, you have someone to drive you, I take it. Her voice trailed off at the end of her sentence to a near whisper.

No. I mean, I can do it myself. I’ve been taking care of myself for years now, why should this be any different? The resentment in his voice was obvious.

So, you’ll be here in the morning? She asked.

I’m going home and packing a bag now, actually. I will be there by three today. So, I guess I’ll see you then.

Just ask for me at the front desk. I’ll be waiting. And Bryce, she waited.

Yes? He answered.

I loved Grant too, and I’m so sorry that this came so close to the anniversary of your mom’s passing.

Bryce couldn’t believe she remembered. Thanks. It was all he could say before hanging up. He opened up his top drawer and pulled out one of his prescription bottles. He popped the last two pills and made a mental note to stop by the pharmacy on the way out of Boston. He was headed back to Port Collins, coming face to face with his own personal demons whether he was ready or not.

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Port Collins

An overwhelmed Jade White stared at her computer screen, not sure how long she had been frozen in the same position, her mind racing from the day’s events.

When Griffin called her that morning, she hadn’t thought it would be both a business and personal call. The uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach had been overwhelming when she pulled up to the large brick house from her past.

Her heart broke when she saw the body of Grant Hamilton lying on the floor, lifeless. Between the empty bottle of Jim Beam and the smell of the gas filling the air, the investigation all seemed to be pointing to a tragic accident. The home had to be aired out before they were allowed to spend any amount of time inside to investigate.

Jade did her best not to think about whose dead body was in the room as she continued her investigation. She fought back her tears each time she stumbled upon a reminder of her past associated with the house and the family that resided in it. A lot of happy memories were connected to the home, but now those memories were being overshadowed by this most recent tragedy.

What was worse was she had felt she needed to be the one to contact Bryce. She should have suspected that hearing his voice would bring back a tidal wave of emotions. It also brought back that old ache that used to consume her heart before she was able to let it go and open herself up to someone else. Even though she never wanted to go down that painful road again, she had to acknowledge the sheer joy she felt at just hearing Bryce’s husky voice once again.

Now armed with the knowledge that he was alive and well, it only added to the pain of not knowing what kept him from coming home all these years and explaining why he just disappeared without a word. She finally had to accept that he simply didn’t love her as much as she loved him. If he were capable of driving here today, then had he no reasonable explanation why he abandoned both her and his own father seven years ago.

I didn’t mean to cut you off from your sexual fantasies about me, but we have a job to do, Heath smirked, plopping down at his desk across from hers. Heath was always accusing Jade of crushing on him, not lacking in self-confidence in the least. He had no reason to doubt his appeal. Most women fell at his feet. His lean six-foot frame was muscular enough to appear strong without looking like he spent hours at the gym. Vivid blues eyes pierced through his trademark bed head auburn hair, betraying his strong Irish heritage.

You wish, Jade replied, rolling her green eyes that matched her name. She still didn’t know what terrible thing she had done to get stuck with Heath McDermott for a partner. Jade let it be known that she wasn’t pleased when her father felt it necessary for her to train the new guy. It wasn’t like Heath was fresh out of the academy. He was actually the more seasoned veteran of the two. She didn’t know all the details, but she knew he didn’t seem like the type who would want to move to a small town like Port Collins.

It’s okay. I won’t tell your boyfriend about us, Heath said as he winked at her slyly.

Jade stared at the paper holder on the edge of her desk, contemplating on what form of punishment she might receive for throwing it at his head. Would it be worth it? Probably, but before she could try it out she felt a warm hand on her shoulder. Turning her head to look up, she saw the hand belonged to her boyfriend, Griffin Banks. She instantly felt butterflies in her stomach when she stared into his familiar smoldering dark eyes.

Hey. Jade licked her lips, smiling tenderly at him.

Hey. Is he giving you a hard time again? Griffin glared across the desk at Heath, who just sat there grinning like an idiot.

No.

You might have been some big hot shot down in Boston, but those days are long gone. Why don’t you try acting professionally? Or is acting like an ass what got you uprooted and sent here in the first place? Griffin warned him as his eyes glowed with an anger that surprised Jade and Heath, both.

Whatever! She’s my partner. I’m supposed to give her a hard time. Just because she is a female doesn’t mean I can’t treat her like I would treat any one of my partners, Heath snarled as he sat up in his chair.

Griffin, just drop it. Jade felt Griffin tense up next to her, and knew if she gave the word he would punch her partner in the face, but this wasn’t the time or place for it. They were at work and needed to act like it.

Why are you here, exactly? Heath asked as he stared at the folder in Griffin’s hand.

I have the autopsy report on Grant Hamilton. I knew you would want it as soon as possible. Griffin handed it to her, knowing Heath wasn’t going to lift a finger when it came to typing up the paper work necessary to close up a case.

Let me take a stab in the dark and say the cause of death was asphyxiation, Heath snorted rudely.

Close, that was the final cause of death, but it was brought on by him being intoxicated, hitting his head and then succumbing to the fumes, Jade announced as she flipped through the papers in the folder.

Interesting. How did he bump his head? Heath asked curiously, leaning back in his chair as he crossed his arms behind his head.

He was lying on the floor next to the couch, so maybe he simply hit it on the hardwood floor. The high levels of alcohol in his system more than likely played a part in it, but why am I doing your job for you, McDermott? Griffin griped.

Weird, Jade mumbled under her breathe.

What’s weird? Heath asked her.

Nothing, Jade said, biting down on her lower lip as she closed the folder and sat it on top of her desk.

McDermott, there is someone at the front desk who is insisting on talking to you personally, an officer shouted from the doorway.

Shit. It’s probably my landlord wanting to know why I haven’t found out who has been stealing her flowers again, like I have nothing better to do. Heath wandered out of the room.

So, are we still on for tonight? I know Abby and Tom are excited to have a kid free evening, Griffin chuckled as he leaned on the edge of Jade’s desk.

Actually, I’m not too sure. Bryce should be arriving here around three today. Jade held her breath as she watched several emotions cross Griffin’s face. It felt awkward to say Bryce’s name again after all these years. She also knew it was even harder for Griffin to hear. After all, Bryce hadn’t just abandoned her, but his friends also.

Okay… So, he can view the body and then we can still go out. I’m not seeing the problem. Griffin shrugged his shoulders casually.

I don’t know. I mean, doesn’t it feel weird to go out after something like this? Jade’s eyes glanced at the folder on her desk and then back to Griffin.

After what? Seeing Grant Hamilton’s dead body or seeing Bryce after all these years? Griffin’s body stiffened as he studied Jade’s face closely.

Honestly? Jade looked Griffin straight in the eyes before she answered. Both. I knew Grant my whole life. He was my father’s best friend. I can’t believe he’s dead, Jade cried out softly.

Honey, you see dead bodies all the time and I get that this time it’s different because it’s someone you were quite close to, but you can’t stop living your life because of it. I’m sure Grant wouldn’t mind you going out with us tonight. I don’t think he would look down from Heaven and think any less of you for having dinner with your handsome boyfriend and closest friends, Griffin teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Ha-ha. Stop it. This isn’t funny. Jade pressed her lips together, but traces of her smile were evident in her eyes.

"So it is more about the fact that you’re going to see Bryce today. I’m sure it will bring back so many fuzzy memories between the two of you." Griffin rolled his eyes while gagging his finger down his throat.

That’s so mature, Jade scolded.

I’m sorry. It’s just that I don’t get to spend enough time with you as it is. Now that Bryce is returning, I’m sure you two are going to try and pick up where you left off. Griffin took a step back, turning slightly away so that Jade couldn’t see the sadness in his eyes.

Hardly! The guy left me without so much as a Dear Jade letter. Why would I jump back into his arms when he didn’t give a crap about me? You’re my guy now. Like you said before, you’re my handsome boyfriend. You’re my heart now, not him. She wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him tightly against her as her face pressed against his back.

Are you sure about that? Griffin rubbed her arms tenderly, closing his eyes tightly.

I’m positive, Jade insisted.

Griffin pulled out of her grasp as he stared down into her eyes. Good, because I love you too much to let you walk away from me now.

I’m your girl and I always will be, she vowed as she circled her arms around his neck and, forgetting she was at work, pressed her lips against his.

Damn right. Now, we will go out tonight or you will face the wrath of Abby. That woman hasn’t gone out without a baby glued to her side in nearly a year. You owe her this night of fun. He teased as he brushed against her.

Mmmm… I wonder how you plan to repay me if I make this sacrifice? Jade licked her lips, hoping he was taking her bait. They hadn’t spent an entire night together in several weeks. Griffin had been so engaged with work and taking care of his ever ailing mother, as well as checking on a despondent Grant Hamilton from time to time. His mom had worked for the Hamilton’s for most of Griffin’s youth, so with Grant’s own son out of the picture, Griffin stepped in to make sure Grant was okay.

However you want it. I will even let you use the cuffs. Griffin wiggled his eyes brows, causing Jade’s cheeks to turn a bright shade of red.

Oh, I don’t get to playfully flirt with her, but you get to make out with her at work? How professional is that? Heath sauntered in, shaking his head like a parent scolding their child.

Shut up, Heath, they said in unison.

So, if you’re ready to go, I just got a tip that someone is holed up in a cabin where my snitch believes they may be making moonshine. Can you believe it? Moonshine? I thought that was for rednecks living in the south, not here in Maine. Oh well, it should be interesting if we actually find some. Heath grabbed his jacket off the back of his chair.

Jade reluctantly released her hold on Griffin.

I will be back by three, Jade reminded Griffin of her appointment with Bryce.

I know, and if not I will take care of him myself, Griffin offered.

Thanks, but I’ll be back. Jade smiled at him as she put her gun in its holster and followed Heath out of the precinct.

*********

Bryce made better time than he anticipated, arriving a full hour before the time he was supposed to meet up with Jade. He sat in his car, not sure what had him more on edge. He couldn’t believe he lost his father basically on the anniversary of his mother’s death, but he had braced himself for the inevitability of Grant dying years before. His father drank all the time and refused to take medication for several nagging illnesses. It wasn’t that he didn’t love his father, but in many ways he felt his whole family died years ago.

The other reason Bryce found it hard to enter the police station was Jade. Hearing her voice after all these years was both a blessing and a curse. He had let her go for her own good. Mickey and the others all thought it was better not to involve her in his messed up life and although it hurt like hell, he listened. He opened up the medication bottle and swallowed another pill before getting out of the car.

When he walked into the station he was greeted with a familiar face. Morgan Baxter stood up and raced out to greet him, launching her body into his arms. Morgan was still the same blonde, perky, cheerleader type he’d known from his childhood.

"Bryce, I’m so sorry to hear about your father. If you need anything, I’m here for you, day or night," she vowed. It actually sounded more like a come on than sympathy.

Morgan Baxter. It’s been years, but thanks. Bryce tried to sound appreciative.

It’s actually Mrs. Prescott Wentworth now. Scottie and I married right out of high school, she informed him.

Scottie’s a lucky guy. I was supposed to meet Ja… Officer White. Can you let her know I’m here?

I would, but she’s out. She should be back any minute. Do you want to have a seat and wait?

Bryce was just getting ready to speak when a booming voice caught his attention.

Son, I’m so sorry. Come into my office and wait until Jade gets here. It should only be a few minutes. Mickey placed his hand on Bryce’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. Mickey looked the same as Bryce remembered, with only a touch of grey scattered through his brown wavy hair and a few scattered wrinkles around his warm dark eyes.

Thanks. Bryce waved bye to Morgan as he followed Mickey back to his office. He sat down in a chair while Mickey shut the door.

What’s it been, seven years?

Five, actually. I did come home that once…

Oh, yes. Either way, it’s been a long time. Lots of things have changed, Mickey informed him.

Bryce followed Mickey’s sight line and it landed on a picture of Jade from her academy graduation. She was standing next to Griffin.

Jade… A cop. I have to admit that caught me off guard, Bryce said, his eyes never leaving her image. She looked more beautiful than he remembered. Her flaxen hair was pulled back in the picture and he found himself wondering if it was as long as it used to be, or if it still