Four Days: The Revenge (Book 3 of the Days Trilogy)

By Lora Lindy

Angelino Marquit is determined to get revenge, even if it means killing innocent people for the sport of it. To him, it's all a game. Agent Mike Ramsey has to stop him before the body bags continue to stack up. Marquit tries to make it easy for him. He gives Mike clues throughout the game, and one clue is life can be short with a full moon. What does that mean? Mike's team has to figure it out before another innocent person dies. The ultimate kill will be someone close to the team; that is if they don't solve the clues. Time is ticking, and Mike has four days before Marquit gets his final revenge. This third and last book of the Days Trilogy ends the hatred between Mike and Marquit. Someone does prevail—but who?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lora Lindy
• Release date: Dec 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310348242

Lora Lindy

I was born in California to two hard working parents, Bob and Ann. My mom was a housewife and Dad worked for Whirlpool. With luck on my side, I was the second of four girls. Some people hated being the middle child, but I loved it. I didn't have the responsibilities of the oldest nor coddled like the youngest. Anyway, my father's job moved us all over the US, and finally we ended up back to our roots—Oklahoma. We settled in Tulsa, and I went to Daniel Webster High School through my junior year. Unfortunately my parents divorced, and I went my last year of high school to Spiro High, the home of the Bulldogs. Even though my parents divorced, and even though I moved my senior year, I didn't mind. I had returned home. All the family lived in the area, so I always had someone to hang out with. Besides, I spent many summers visiting my grandmother, so her home became my second home. My memories of visiting Granny is where the idea of The Party Line originated. Once I graduated from High School I wanted to vist a gigantic continent. So I ended up in Texas. Hey... it's big. Settling in Huntsville, I went to Sam Houston State University and got a MBA. I met my husband and had two children, Cody and Victoria. Many years later I divorced and moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains. I love it here but still travel when I get the chance. Cape Cod, Oklahoma, and Europe are a few places I enjoy. Sitting on the mountain top is where most of my ideas develop. There's nothing more romantic than viewing the range of mountains with light snow falling.

Book preview

Four Days:

The Revenge

By

Lora Lindy

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations or persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.

Lora Lindy

Copyright 2012 by Lora Lindy

Smashwords Edition

Email: [e-mail]

Days Trilogy:

Eleven Days: An Unexpected Love

Thirty Days: The Hunt for Angelino Marquit

Four Days: The Revenge (August 2013)

Dear Reader:

This book is the final book of a three book series Days Trilogy. The storyline is continued from book to book. Please enjoy. Lora Lindy

Rated R for language and adult content.

Genres:

Romantic Suspense, Crime, Criminal Procedure, Fiction, Series

Chapter 1

Day 1

Evening of the Wedding…

Katy, I wish you would stay the night. I don't get to spend much time with you as it is, Lana said as she glanced at Mike who was grinning like a Cheshire cat. She knew he had different plans, but he loved her enough not to fuss. She looked at her cute little daughter whose long dark brown hair framed her brown eyes—eyes just like her dad's. It amazed her how prim-and-proper her daughter acted. She sure didn't get that from her momma.

Are you kidding me? Mom… it's your wedding night. I have no intentions of staying tonight or any night for the next week. Joe has volunteered to chauffeur me around town tomorrow, and I want to go sightseeing. I'm off for three days, and I plan on enjoying every minute. For the first time in a long time, she saw happiness in her mom's eyes. They sparkled every time Mike walked in the room, spoke a word, or touched her. The family would be glad to see the change in her demeanor. For a while, everyone had worried about her depression. Her loving husband changed that.

As much as Mike wanted time alone with his bride, he didn't want to deprive her of time with her daughter. I agree with your mom, I think you should stay. You can sleep in tomorrow. Our flight leaves at seven in the morning.

Thanks for the offer, but I'll decline. Katy leaned in and gave her mom a kiss. I'll see you when you get back. She reached over and kissed Mike on the cheek. Please take care of my favorite parent.

Lana quickly wiped tears from her eyes. That goes double for you Joe; you take care of my daughter.

Joe opened the front door. Don't worry I'll take exceptionally good care of her. I'm going to give her the grand tour of our fine city. Besides, this gives me something to do. I've been bored at home.

Lana couldn't believe her heart felt happy and sad at the same time. She was sad that she wouldn't get to spend time with her daughter but happy because she got to start a new life with her new husband. I certainly understand about getting bored. How about I call you later?

Don't call anyone until you get back from your honeymoon… promise? If you call, I'll not answer the phone, Katy said as she hooked her arm through Joe's good arm all the while giving her mom a stern look. You and Mike need to be focused on each other. Work and family should be the last thing on your minds.

Mike put his arms around his bride. That's a deal. Lana already told me the phones will be turned off until we walk thru that door next week. So if you don't get hold of us, don't worry.

How about a text now and then to let me know you're okay? Katy sounded like an old wishy-washy mother hen. First, she told Mom not to call then tells her to text.

Nope, you're right; we need time alone. You have your brother if you need anything, Lana said.

As usual, Joe volunteered. You can always call me. I'm free until I get my cast removed. He held up five fingers letting everyone know he was counting down the days. Since they'll be gone, why don't you stay at the beach house? If you're scared to stay by yourself, I'll stay with you.

How can you say no to that offer? Lana asked.

That sounds like fun, and taking long walks along the beach sounds relaxing. We don't have beaches in Colorado. Okay, it's a deal and thanks for the offer.

No problem. I say we head out so these two newlyweds can have some fun—I mean time alone, Joe said with a devilish grin.

That smile made Lana beam. "Scoot you two rascals; I do want to spend time alone with my husband."

Mike lovingly hooked Lana's neck with his arm and rested his head on top of hers as they watched Joe open the car door for Katy. Katy was waving ninety-to-nothing as they drove off into the darkness.

Finally we're alone, Mike said while shutting the front door.

Shhh…

What?

The quiet. Can you believe how quiet it is? She giggled.

Yes, it is… he answered while looking around the kitchen. Pots and pans where piled in the sink. The trash overflowed with paper goods. What didn't fit in the trash was stacked on the bar. …but look at this mess. Maybe we can close our eyes and make our way to the bedroom and that way we don't have to look at the messy kitchen.

She giggled at her husband pretending he couldn't see and touching every inch of her body. "Babe, I know it's a mess, but I can't let the guys come tomorrow and clean. It was our wedding, and I feel obligated. I tell you what—you vacuum, and I'll start on the kitchen. When you're done jump in the shower; then I'll take a bath when I'm finished. Afterwards, I have big plans for you buster." She stood on her tippy-toes and gave her husband a kiss on the corner of his mouth.

Cleaning the house were not the words he wanted to hear, but she was right. Okay, that may give me a few minutes to double check the suitcase. I'll run you a bubble bath when I'm finished with my shower.

A bubble bath sounds like a tiny piece of Heaven. She started humming as she put on her apron.

Honey, why I think about it, did you ever get hold of Sharon? I never got to ask you why she didn't come to the wedding.

I tried to call her several times to invite her, but she never called back.

He put his arms around his bride. I know you wished James could have been at our wedding.

Yes, I would have loved for you to meet him. He always told me that he couldn't wait to give me away, she said while giggling. Thinking about him made her sad. He had commented about how he wanted her to meet Mr. Right. Mike and James would have been best friends. I was sure Sharon would have come in the memory of James. I guess she had something else planned.

He could tell Sharon not attending upset his bride. How about when we get back from our honeymoon we make a trip to meet Sharon and the rest of your family?

I would love that, and so would she.

He kissed her sweetly, and left to get the vacuum.

*****

After one last look through the sparkling-clean house, she joined her husband in the bedroom and noticed he had just finished repacking. That little gesture confused her. He should be in the shower. I can't wait to find out where you're taking me for our honeymoon. She tried to peek in the suitcase. If she were a cat, curiosity would have killed her by now. Part of her wanted to know where they were going, and the other part loved not knowing.

Mike slammed the suitcase shut.

With a pouty face, she said, That wasn't nice.

That pouty face melted his heart. God, he loved her. You'll find out soon enough little lady. Will this snooping problem be a habit in the future? He sat next to her on the bed and kissed her forehead.

What?

Snooping! Will I have to hide all your gifts?

Her mouth flew open, and she batted her big green eyes. I'm not a child, and I can refrain from peeking. I'm just wondering—that's all. She giggled, loving the attention.

Where do you think I'm taking you? He asked as he nibbled on her ear and neck.

She couldn't wait until he was kissing every inch of her body. Hawaii, but I didn't notice any clothing for warm weather.

Do you want to go to Hawaii?

She thought a minute. In all honesty, I don't care.

I will tell you that we are not going to Hawaii, and let me tell you why. I want to spend every morning snuggled in bed with you. If we go to a tourist area, we would feel as though we should go sightseeing. I don't want that. We can vacation there another time. I'm thinking we should go there as a family vacation. Your kids can meet my kids, and we can all enjoy the vacation—get to know one another.

I didn't think about it that way, but you're right. So… you're not going to tell me?

Nope.

With an attitude, she said, I'll find out soon enough. We'll be boarding a plane soon.

Nope. He answered while picking up the two large suitcases.

Now I'm really curious. Her mind rewound to their discussions. Had she ever mentioned a place within driving distance? With a giggle, she said, "Since it's our wedding night, I don't think it will be too far."

With a straight face, he asked, What? You're saying I can't wait for sex?

I'm hoping.

Come on. Get in the truck and I'll lock the door because we're leaving tonight.

Curiosity has the best of me, that's for sure. In her heart, she got excited because this was their first trip as husband and wife.

He opened the truck door and let her slide in her usual place. Well, you're right. We don't have far to go. He glanced at his watch, and it read eight. In a few hours, he would be making love to his beautiful wife for the first time since she left the hospital. At first he didn't want to wait until their wedding night, but now he's glad. The anticipation was almost more than he could stand. Taking a deep breath, he shifted the truck in gear and headed down the road.

The first fifteen minutes neither said a word. They enjoyed feeling every inch of each other.

Lana thought of something. Does anyone else know we're not flying?

Nope, I want everyone to think that we're leaving tomorrow. Honey, I want our honeymoon to be calm and all about us. I don't want any disruptions, and that includes all the hoopla at the terminals.

She leaned away from him put her hands on her hips. Well… I hope it's not a long drive because I want to make love to my hubby. Tonight I expect to be shown a good time. You better not fall asleep. She couldn't wait to touch his body. Just remembering the stiffness of his manhood melted her very depths.

He shook his head in disbelief. All I can say is—if I fall asleep it's your fault. You took forever cleaning the kitchen. We could have left two hours ago if you wouldn't have insisted the kitchen being spotless. If I didn't know better, I would think you were trying to avoid me. In the corner of his eye, he could see her temper flare.

No way would she let him rile her into a frenzy. But you have to admit the kitchen looked squeaky clean. I hate coming home to a dirty kitchen. She couldn't help but giggle.

God, he loved her giggle. With a squeeze of the knee, he said, Honey, it did look clean. For the record, tonight there will be no falling asleep for me.

Promises, promises—I can already tell our marriage is based on false promises. She pretended to wipe a tear from her eye.

He rolled his back with laughter. You're a nut.

She snuggled next to him again, rubbing her breasts against his arm.

He kissed her hand and took a deep breath as Ole Bessie chugalugged down the road.

*****

Marquit sat in his cell not saying one word to anyone. He knew Mike and Lana had married only a few hours ago. His heart felt heavy, but his mind seethed with anger. How could she have done that to him? All the years he had been following her, not once did she acknowledge him. Not even the time two years ago when he had protected her from a stranger following her from store to store in the mall. With several bags in hand, she exited the mall with no clue that a stranger followed her outside. He dangled only thirty feet behind her and closing in fast. In a quick stab and twist of the knife, the man was dead. How could she not have known? How could she not have felt his presence and protection? How could she not know someone had been looking out for her? And now she had kicked him to the curb and married someone else. Tonight she would be in someone else's arms. His lips tightened with contempt.

Hey Marquit, you have a package, an inmate said while sliding the small package through the bars. He waited as the sound of the squeaking cart faded away before opening it. Privacy was a rare commodity in jail, and he relished what little he got.

Quickly, he pulled out the already opened package. Every letter was read, and every package was scrutinized by the administration. The book he had been waiting for since his incarceration had finally arrived. When he flipped open the cover of Gone With The Wind, a letter fell to the floor. He picked it up and smiled. The short message was what he had been waiting for.

AM,

I hope you enjoy the book. As you requested, I've filed all the paperwork. I'll talk to you tomorrow.

He leaned back on his elbow thinking about the last girl he had killed. That one wasn't for money. That kill happened for one reason—rejection. If he had it to do all over, he would have killed her slowly. Nothing irritated him more than a tease. Flirting was fun if both parties had an interest. If one didn't, the flirting needed to stop. For some reason, he thought her name was Paula, but it didn't matter. She waited tables at The Grill in downtown Atlanta. At first he thought she wanted a big tip, but then she asked for a ride home. Once in the car, she asked if they could go to a bar to grab a drink. After he had bought her several drinks, she moved on to another man. Finally, he had enough and walked out. Then he waited until she left with a man. They didn't go home, they went parking. When they were hot and heavy into sex, he killed them both. Looking back, he should have shot the man right away then killed her slowly. That would have been sweet revenge.

Then his mind drifted to Lana as it always did. He remembered the first time he saw her in person, and it was like staring at an angel. She was far more beautiful than her pictures. Those big green eyes had been the first thing he noticed. For a split second, she'd glanced his way. Then she smiled at him. He couldn't believe she had smiled at him. It wasn't a smile of pity, but a smile that said hello. No other woman had done that before. He wanted so desperately to get the courage to approach her—just one ounce would have been enough. He tried to dig deep into the recesses of his soul wanting to muster enough courage to approach her, but it didn't happen. He'd always thought the day would come when she would run into his arms… but, not now. Now that way of thinking was over. She turned traitor. Now she had to die a slow death—one that would make Mike wake up in a cold sweat every night for the rest of his life. He wanted to brand her so Mike would know who owned her.

What will I do with Lana? She deserved the worst treatment of all.

Marquit grinned and stared at the crusty old ceiling.

*****

Joe couldn't believe how much Katy looked and sounded like her mom. No doubt in his mind he and Katy could become close friends. "You made your mom happy when you walked