Broken Hero

By Doug Dorsey

After a terrifying experience lost in the dark recesses of a cavern, Erin Maddox emerges a stronger person. Her newfound resolve quickly serves her well as a prosecuting attorney. A feared drug lord has introduced a new substance called Hypnotic into the market and the addictive effects are absolutely devastating. As more become enslaved by the drug’s almost supernatural qualities, Erin learns an unlikely team - a drifter and a cop - need her help to put an end to the intensifying evil. Each step only seems to bring the trio closer to certain death, but with God guiding their way there is always hope.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Doug Dorsey
• Release date: Jan 2, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310770111

Doug Dorsey

Doug Dorsey is a prosecuting attorney in Jacksonville, Florida. He has over a decade of experience fighting crime. In 2010, the Mayor declared him the top advocate for victims in the judicial system for the 4th Judicial Circuit. He also serves as faculty for the National District Attorneys Association.

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BROKEN HERO

by Doug Dorsey

published by Studio 15, Inc.

www.Studio15inc.com

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2014 Doug Dorsey

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

All Rights Reserved. This book may not be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission from the author.

Editing contributions by Robyn Zomorodian.

Broken Hero is also available in print edition.

*****

This book is dedicated to Grace Nealis. Thank you for

always believing in me and being the most amazing mom!!!

Proverbs 31:25-30

Special thanks to Robyn Zomorodian - a remarkably

talented editor and a wonderful friend.

Chapter One

It would be so easy to just…, thought Luke, eyeing the icy water below, wondering how painful of a fall it would be, and whether it would be agony - or just merciful blackness as his life came to an end.

He was standing at the edge of a high rusty bridge. The rickety structure was off the backroads and was rarely traveled anymore. Beneath him the terrain dropped off steeply to the rapids below; the crystal clear water raced along jagged rocks. It was nearing dusk and the last hint of light was disappearing along the Western skyline. There was a cool breeze that blew the smoke from his cigar in an almost perfect line away from him. The nebulous haze had a calming effect as it dissipated into the night air. So did the amber glow at the end of the tightly rolled corona-shaped cigar. Such perfectly serene surroundings should have been ideal. But that was not the case tonight.

Luke was haunted by memories from his past. He spent his teenage years as a runaway from an abusive father. His time as a young boy on the streets had been particularly harsh and Luke’s once innocent soul suffered a great deal of harm during that time at the hands of a dark unseen enemy. That troubling past was one reason why he traveled often to this all-too-familiar place - to reckon with the undeniable evidence that life definitely did not agree with him, that it never had. At least, that was the tormenting deception that the enemy had cunningly introduced into Luke’s life.

But Luke’s seemingly tragic destiny was not set in stone. The enemy’s plan was far from perfect, and another more formidable side fought for Luke’s future. The place where he now stood had become something of a respite from his otherwise hopeless reality. There were no distractions here, no disapproving eyes. No one could judge him in this secluded place. It was calm, peaceful. It was the closest he ever felt to God, and it was the clearest he ever heard God’s voice. And God’s message was undeniable - He absolutely wanted Luke to know he was meant for greater things.

After what seemed like an eternity, Luke finally accepted that it was time to go. The cigar had burned down to a small nub in his hand. He flicked it to the ground and bright orange ashes burst outward toward the edge of the railing. The sole of his boot came down hard on the remnants of the cigar as he extinguished the last bit of life from it. The cigar, so perfect moments ago, was now a spent, wasted pile of splintered paper.

Kicking the metal stand up on his motorcycle, he pulled back on the hand throttle, revving the engine. The chrome on the dual-exhaust pipes was still intensely hot, but the warmth was welcoming in stark contrast to the cold chill of the night air. He slowly pushed the bike backwards, then slid it into gear and sped forward onto the highway. Within moments, the one place of peace he knew was far behind him. He was heading back toward the reality of life - a life that held little more than heartache and pain.

The road back to civilization was practically barren. It was a Wednesday night - and most people were home getting much-needed sleep in order to survive the rest of the work week ahead. Not Luke. He rarely slept any more. The remainder of his ride – an open stretch of road that led to his favorite local bar - was a cold one, his thin leather gloves a poor defense from the frigid air cutting through the porous material and numbing his fingers. As he neared his destination, he made a quick turn down a secluded backstreet. The night had taken over, and with it, the clouds also seemed to miraculously dissipate away, revealing a full moon in the sky above.

He parked his motorcycle beneath a green neon sign that read DOOLEY’S, cut off the engine and immediately noticed how quiet it was outside without the din of a twin-engine humming away. It was so perfectly still that he caught a hint of the hushed conversation taking place in a nearby dark alley. Luke was indifferent to the dialogue, but couldn’t help noticing a drug deal was going down. This particular drug was a dangerous new one that had pervaded the streets recently. It was called Hypnotic and rumors were rampant regarding the addictive and twisted effects it had on those foolish enough to become hooked on it.

Trust me... the seller pushed his product on a gaunt user. First time is a wild ride, I’ll admit. But it takes the body only one experience to adjust. After that, you will love everything about this stuff. It blows Crystal away ... cheaper and a more intense high.

You sure about this, man? the gaunt user replied back hesitant. I’ve heard the stories - most pretty sketch.

Hey, I’m not gonna feed you a line. Wouldn’t do that to you, Bones. But all good things come at a price. Follow me down the rabbit hole and you’ll be glad you did.

Bones handed over some cash in exchange for the small clear baggie of Hypnotic. Luke didn’t wait around to see what would happen next. He already knew the man’s fate now. He shook his head and kept walking. He wanted nothing to do with what was going down in that alleyway. Bad business that Hypnotic, Luke mumbled to himself under his breath.

In front of him was an old faded black door starkly adorned with only the imprint of a four leaf clover. Luke extended a rugged hand toward the door handle, pulled it open and walked inside the poorly lit bar. The atmosphere was sullen and there were only a few people sitting along the counter. A melancholy Irish ballad was playing.

The usual? the bartender asked before Luke even had a chance to take a seat on the wooden bar stool.

Sure.

The bartender moved quickly to the other end of the bar and prepared the drink. Meanwhile, Luke made himself comfortable and stared into a large mirror propped against the wall in front of him. He could see his reflection in it. Luke had a chiseled face, dark eyebrows and stormy eyes. He was tall - 6’2" - with a rugged frame. When he turned to the side, one could make out an unmistakable dent in the side of his forehead. Most people assumed it was from one of his many bar fights. Luke was okay with people thinking that, but the truth was that it was just a defect the doctor had caused while delivering him as an infant. It had been a rough delivery. The doctor saved Luke, but his mother lost her life in the process. The dent in his forehead was a constant reminder of that unassailable fact. The fictional version of a bar brawl was indeed a far more agreeable story to replace the haunting truth.

Pathetic ... ya’ losers! Luke suddenly heard a slurring voice exclaim from the other side of the bar. He looked over to see a heavyset man with a beer mug in one hand glaring up at an old, tube-style television attached high along the wall. There was a soccer game playing on it and the man was clearly frustrated with how his team was performing on the field.

Luke pulled out a book of matches and a dark brown cigar from his pocket. He carefully lit the cigar, took a lengthy puff, then glanced up at the bartender who was returning with a glass of scotch on the rocks.

Never seen that one around here before, Luke noted.

Neither have I, the bartender agreed. And quite frankly, I don’t get a good vibe from him at all. I think I may cut him off at this point.

Probably wise, Luke answered back. Seems like some unsavory characters are popping up around your bar lately. Passed a couple of guys making a deal out in the alley as I walked up.

Let me guess ... Hypnotic?

Yep.

Too many in this town are becoming enslaved by that drug - it’s like an awful plague almost. You’d think the horror stories alone would be enough to scare people off of it. I wouldn’t want to end up in one of James Wilson’s coffins.

That’s nothing more than a ghost tale, Pete.

Maybe ... maybe not. Pete shrugged his shoulders then walked away to tend to another patron.

Luke, meanwhile, turned his attention back to the expansive bar mirror in front of him. Through it, he could monitor the volatile emotions of the inebriated heavy set man at the other end of the tavern. That was the great thing about pubs like this one, you could survey the entire interior without anyone knowing. And that played to one of Luke’s strongest traits - he was incredibly observant and discerning. He always had an uncanny appreciation for the events going on around him. Luke watched with a guarded eye to make sure things didn’t take a turn for the worse.

He was eventually glad to see that the man had lost interest in the soccer game. Now the heavy set man was more interested in trying to strike up a conversation with the blonde at a table behind him. The way the man was struggling to piece together coherent sentences had Luke convinced it wouldn’t be long before the man was passed out cold.

The music in the bar played on. Luke hung out for a good thirty minutes more. It then became clear that his prediction was correct. He couldn’t help but laugh as he watched the heavy set man’s bulbous head sinking lower and lower until he had done a face plant into a bowl of peanuts.

Remind me to toss those out, Pete spoke up as he shook his head in disbelief at the sight of the now unconscious patron.

You should probably call the guy a cab. I’m sure he’s got ID in his wallet. They’ll take him home.

Way ahead of you, Pete explained. He then pointed over to the glass window nearby.

Luke glanced outside and saw a yellow taxi waiting.

You mind helping me? Pete asked.

Not at all.

The two men lifted the heavy set man off the bar stool and managed to get him outside to the taxi. They placed him into the backseat and then Luke went to pay the fare.

His ID says 613 Renee-Nancy Street. Here’s an extra ten if you’ll make sure he gets inside. He’s got a wedding band on his finger so I’m guessing the wife will be glad to see him arrive home safely.

Sure, pal. The taxi driver accepted the money and his intriguing assignment.

You don’t need to do that, Pete explained to Luke. I got this. Hazard of the business to take a loss under these circumstances.

Nah, get inside. You’ve got thirsty customers waiting.

You’re a good man, Luke, Pete spoke warmly. Sometimes I get the feeling you are made of better stuff than the rest of us.

Thanks, Luke simply acknowledged the rare compliment.

Let me buy you a drink on the house, Pete insisted.

No, I’m good. Time to hit the road. Night, Pete.

Night.

Pete turned and reluctantly proceeded back inside. A few seconds later and the taxi was driving off as well. Luke then walked over to his motorcycle. He was about to step into the flame-stitched leather seat when he heard a crashing sound coming from the nearby alleyway. It was followed by a muffled cry of pain.

Stepping away from the bike, Luke caught sight of an evident struggle taking place in the dark shadows of the back alley. It was the same location as where he had seen the drug deal going down earlier. Luke decided it would be necessary to venture into the pitch black dark. As he stepped into the obscured passage, all he could make out were too silhouettes and the sounds of a scuffle. The fight was intensifying.

Logic said Luke should leave the incident alone. Two derelicts were at each other’s throats and it wasn’t Luke’s responsibility to break it up. They chose this lifestyle despite its manifest dangers. Now that they had gone this fateful route, it wasn’t Luke’s job to save them. Despite this fact, he kept pressing forward into the darkness. For some reason, he couldn’t turn a blind eye to their distress.

Brick buildings, defiled by graffiti, lined the sides of the narrow passageway. A few steps in and Luke finally caught a glimpse of the two people who were engaged in the violent struggle. He recognized the drug dealer lying prone on the ground. On top of him was the gaunt user from before. Somehow Bones had gotten the upper hand and was choking the existence out of the dealer. This, despite an evident size mismatch.

Let him go! Luke called out in hopes of talking sense into Bones.

Bones looked up with a trancelike stare at Luke. In the process, he never let go of the dealer’s throat - not even for an instant. The gaunt user’s eyes met Luke. It was a disturbing realization as Luke perceived the eyes of the man had taken on a soulless appearance. Bones only acknowledged Luke’s presence for a mere instant and then turned his entire focus back to the attack.

Luke had no choice now. He raced over to break up the fight. The closer he got, the more shocked he was that the diminutive user had the much stronger looking dealer completely subdued and helpless. Bones’ hands were clenched around the dealer’s neck. The life was quickly draining out of the man.

Pulling on Bones, Luke was stunned at the strength the spindly man surprisingly possessed. He got a grip around Bones’ neck and did his best to pry Bones off the dying man. As he pulled, Luke could see the dealer’s pleading eyes - they were nearly protruding in a strained look of utter terror. Luke had no choice, he clenched his strong forearm tightly around Bones’ neck and squeezed. It worked. Realizing he had no choice, Bones let go of the dealer and refocused his rage on his next prey - Luke.

Bones thrashed violently from side to side trying to shake Luke’s vice-like grip. Luke was even more stunned at the man’s almost supernatural strength and refused to loosen his hold. He knew if he did there would be no way to fend off Bones’ savage attack. The struggle lasted for what felt like an eternity. Luke’s back slammed into a nearby dumpster. The pain was excruciating, but he refused to let go. Bones then lunged full force toward a wall and his head collided violently with the brick structure. Finally - mercifully - it all came to an end. Bones wasn’t flailing around violently anymore. He was completely limp. As soon as Luke felt Bones go unconscious, he released his stranglehold.

Rolling over onto the ground, Luke allowed himself to stare up at the night sky in surreal disbelief. He then righted himself only in time to see that the drug dealer was getting himself up off the ground. The two made eye contact.

You okay? Luke asked through labored breaths.

The drug dealer just stood there dazed without answering.

What happened? Luke pressed.

I should have told him to wait ... he insisted on sampling it..., the dealer began, but then quickly stopped mid-sentence.

There was another bizarre moment of silence. The drug dealer then abruptly turned and launched into a disoriented run down the alleyway.

Stop! Luke cried out, but the dealer kept going. A few seconds later and he had disappeared into the darkness.

Luke? a voice called into the alleyway. Is that you in there? You okay?

I’m fine, he called back to Pete, who had evidently heard the commotion himself, dashing out of his business to find out what was going on in the back alley. This guy here is not though. He needs a medic, he explained as he crawled over to Bones. Luke checked for a pulse. Bones was still alive. Luke then stood and walked out toward where Pete was waiting in the open road.

Pete was shocked when he saw the disheveled appearance of his friend.

I’ve already put in a call to 911 ... police are on their way.

Good, Luke answered back, his breathing still heavy. He then stopped in his tracks as if to survey his surreal surroundings. Tell them he’s in there.

Who is?

Some guy. I think maybe he’s hopped up on Hypnotic. The man almost seemed possessed with rage.

Luke bent over and dusted himself off. He then felt with his fingers along a painful area near the back of his head, only to realize he had suffered a severe laceration during the struggle. There was also blood on his clothing from when Bones’ head collided with the brick wall. Both men had clearly sustained bad wounds in the scuffle.

Pete extended a towel that he held in his hand.

Use this, he insisted as he caught sight of Luke resorting to a shirt sleeve to wipe the blood away.

Luke did as suggested and took the towel. He then placed it firmly onto the back of his head above the neckline. With a look of resignation, he made eye contact with his friend. He didn’t speak though and a troubled silence ensued.

It’ll be okay, Luke, Pete finally offered.

I’m not so sure, Luke sighed. Thanks for the towel though, he said over his shoulder as he turned to walk off.

Where are you going? Pete immediately called out. Police will be here any minute. You need to stay here and explain this to them.

Won’t do any good, Luke answered back somberly without turning around. Cops are understandably going to assume the worst when they find out I was in a fight. I don’t have the best reputation. It’s better if you explain it to them.

His good intentions had backfired. Luke had been down this road before. He was prepared to deal with the consequences of his decision no matter how unfair the outcome. He had no idea though of a far more imposing nightmare looming on the horizon. The altercation in the alleyway was nothing more than a sign of things to come. Bones was not the only victim succumbing to the chilling effects of Hypnotic.

Chapter Two

Erin needed a break. It was late at night and the Commonwealth Attorneys Office was practically a ghost town. She had been slaving away at her computer preparing for a complex hearing that would be taking place first thing in the morning. The defense had filed a motion to suppress evidence in a high-profile Armed Robbery case. Erin had put a great deal of work into prevailing over that contentious motion and wasn’t about to rest until she had every conceivable angle covered. Still, four straight hours of concentrating solely on her legal response was taking its toll. Her head was starting to hurt. She needed a brief distraction. The image on her computer screen was quickly doing the trick.

Hey, Makayla, Erin called out to a coworker in a nearby office. She knew that most of the prosecutors had gone home for the day, but had a feeling that two of her colleagues - Makayla and Randy - were still there. Come check this out.

A split second later and Erin could hear footsteps coming from down the hallway. They echoed through the quiet empty office.

All right, let’s see it, Makayla spoke as she entered the room. Erin immediately turned the computer monitor around so that Makayla had a better vantage point to view the coveted image.

It’s a purse, Makayla spoke in a confused tone. A nice one ... I like the pale red stitching along the black leather, but it’s a purse. Did you really need to call me in for this?

Not just any purse. Erin’s hazel eyes were open wide with excitement. Check out the side attachment ... it has a gun compartment crafted in as well. It’s a holster purse.

Seriously? I knew it was a bad idea when Randy talked you into purchasing a gun. He has created a monster. You already have a dangerous affection for playing cop, as is. Next thing I know there will be stories of you kicking in doors and making arrests, Makayla sighed. You are a prosecutor ... not a police officer. I miss the old, reserved Erin. What happened to her?

She got trapped in a cave and came out a different person. A near death experience will do that to you. Trust me. Now, I just want to live life to the fullest.

It had been four years since Erin got lost with her friends during an exploration of the caverns in Myrari Valley. The hopeless scenario should have ended in certain death. It was only by the grace of God that she survived. And, Erin was determined to make the most of her new lease on life.

You didn’t have to do a complete 180 though.

True, Erin agreed without hesitation. But look, Randy insisted on the firearm for protection. Fair enough. Now, I obviously need a purse with a holster attachment to carry it in.

Um, okay. Makayla sounded quite concerned.

Here, I’m sure you are going to want one also. I’ll print you out a color copy.

I don’t even have a gun..., Makayla began, but Erin wasn’t paying the slightest attention to her friend’s futile protest.

Instead, Erin walked straight past Makayla and over to the office printer. On it were a few sheets of paper, which she picked up and shuffled through to determine which printout was hers.

I believe a few of those pages are mine, a voice pointed out from behind her. Erin looked up to see Randy standing next to her. She hadn’t even noticed his approaching presence.

Let me guess, he continued. By the look on your face, you are up to no good again.

Why would you say such a thing to me? Erin shot back in disbelief.

Because I know you way too well. And because you have a terrible poker face. Randy offered up a wry smile.

Erin knew she had been caught red-handed. She had a sheepish look on her face that was only partially concealed by long strands of wavy blonde hair.

What am I going to do with you?

You might want to start by being grateful for all the fun I bring to this place.

Randy gave Erin a look of mild disapproval. Look, I get that I’m not the boss.

No, you’re not. Erin smiled playfully.

But I have been tasked with the giant headache of making sure this place runs smoothly while the directors are at the statewide prosecutors conference this week. Randy then shook his head; it was pretty clear that none of what he was saying was getting through to Erin. He ultimately decided to concede defeat and turned to walk away.

You get away with murder here, you know that. Makayla shook her head at Erin once Randy had disappeared back into his office.

We fight crime, Erin retorted defiantly. No one gets away with murder here. No one gets away with anything on our watch.

You are a mess. And so is Randy, thanks to you.

Erin smiled deviously then handed over the printout of the purse.

It is nice, Makayla conceded. Please don’t do it again though. I like Randy. He’s on the fast track to great things ... plus he’s kinda cute. You know, in that sort of handsome young professor way. I don’t want you driving him out of this place.

There’s nothing to worry about. Randy and I have history. We’ve been best friends for longer than you know. He’ll be fine.

Erin was right. She and Randy had started out together years before as entry-level prosecutors, and had been part of a very talented hiring class, all brought in at the same time. Sadly, the rest of the class had scattered over the years and only Randy and Erin were now still with the Cambden Commonwealth Attorneys Office. Randy had skyrocketed up the office ladder. In just his fourth year, he was being groomed to become the next supervisor in the unit’s Career Criminal Division.

I’m sure that’s true, Makayla began, then coyly continued, Although I think it also helps that Randy has an obvious thing for you.

Excuse me? Erin’s head shot up in genuine disbelief. I’m pretty sure you owe an explanation for that comment.

I’m just saying…, Makayla started, but was cut off by the ringing of her cell phone. She immediately looked down at it in concern.

You are the on-call attorney tonight, aren’t you? Erin could see the disappointed look in Makayla’s face.

Yeah, and I’ve got a dinner party to get to in thirty minutes. Hopefully this isn’t a duty call out.

Makayla put the printout down and answered the phone. Hello, this is Makayla Strand.

Makayla listened to the voice on the other end, then cupped her hand over the receiver so that the caller couldn’t hear her.

It’s a duty call, she explained to Erin, although Erin could’ve already guessed that based on the defeated look in Makayla’s eyes.

Who is it?

Detective Lopez.

Erin looked conflicted for a moment, but then softened. Go ahead and put her through to my office phone. I like Detective Lopez a lot. If she’s calling on a case this late in the evening, I know it’s got to be important. You go ahead and head over to the dinner.

Really? Makayla looked instantly grateful. I appreciate this, Erin.

Anytime. Erin smiled and then returned to