Trigger

By Carol Jean

Judy Mason doesn't want to be who she is now. She wants to be who she was before Steven Harter and before Simon Perry. She wants to be at her company full of ideas and energy and hope. When she was her, before she gave herself away to Steven and then to Simon, she was strong and vibrant and her step was sure and steady. She used to spit fire and face down lions unafraid and confident she’d win. They made her weak and dependent. They destroyed who she was and then left her -- broken, alone, shallow and empty.
There are all kinds of triggers. The most dangerous isn't the one on a gun. It’s the sore spot in your heart, irrational logic flaming your mind, or unjustifiable cruelty shattering your soul that makes you pull the trigger of a gun.
Judy was sixteen when her mother was beaten to death by her Dad and brothers. She's been on her own and running from them ever since. The only way to survive was to become stronger, faster and more skilled than anyone who threatened her. At 25, Judy is a killed boxer, third-level black belt in Kempo-Karate and deadly accurate with all firearms. Judy's trainer says she is a lethal weapon.
To be physically adept is only half of what it takes to have control her of her life and survive. Financial independence is the other half. Quietly and under the radar of unwanted and unnecessary attention, Judy built Stalwart Company from nothing. Stalwart is her dream family. The people who work for her like her and she likes them, if she didn't they wouldn't be working for Stalwart. Big loving families are better she believes and so she keeps growing Stalwart.
Recently chosen as entrepreneur of the year by a major business magazine, Judy and Stalwart have been noticed and now they're a target. The threat she’s been working so hard to prepare for has found her at last and she’s caught in a way she never prepared for nor imagined. To survive has always been the focus of her life. Her battle seems hopeless, why can’t she stop fighting?

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Carol Jean
• Release date: Jan 19, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310723810

Carol Jean

New to the exciting world of fiction Carol Jean finds the experience more than fun, better than thrilling, and greater than awesome. Her only motivation is to have her readers wish her books wouldn't end.Carol Jean lives on the eastern edge of the Blue Ridge in Roanoke, Virginia. A published writer, author, news reporter, copywriter and editor since the age of fourteen, she spends twelve hours a day writing or thinking about writing.Samuel, Karlee, Miranda, Jacob and Kell are the darlings of her life, as well as her Schnauzers Bridger and Ozzie.

Book preview

A Romantic Tragedy

By Carol Jean

Copyright 2015 SK Publishing

ISBN: 97813072381

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Note: This book is intended to be an adult contemporary work of fiction. It may not be suitable for readers 17 and under.

Comments and questions regarding this book or the author are welcome and appreciated. Carol Jean will respond in a timely manner to each message or inquiry.

Contact [e-mail]

Table of Contents

Trigger Title Page

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Gun Power and Coffee

Chapter 2. Straight Train

Chapter 3. Kick Ass BB

Chapter 4. Trouble at Stalwart Companies

Chapter 5. Hard Choices

Chapter 6. Synch

Chapter 7. Nightly Nightmare

Chapter 8. Tiger Tights and Ankle Holster

Chapter 9. Giving In

Chapter 10. Governor’s Ball

Chapter 11. Tramp Stunt

Chapter 12. Finding a Way

Chapter 13. Simon Sunday

Chapter 14. Chocolate Covered Cherry

Chapter 15. Move On

Chapter 16. First Kiss

Chapter 17. The Source

Chapter 18. The Agreement

Chapter 19. The Working Dead

Chapter 20. Treating BB

Chapter 21. Dead for Real

Chapter 22. Heaven and Simon

Chapter 23. Unwelcome Surprises

Chapter 24. Simon Truths

Chapter 25. Dangerous

Chapter 26. Silks and Satin

Chapter 27. Living Dead

Chapter 28. Desperate Battle

Chapter 29. Green Sludge

Chapter 30. Michael’s Light

Chapter 31. Steven’s Project

Chapter 32. Dead is Easy. Life Hurts

Chapter 33. Rocky

Chapter 34. More Lies

Chapter 35. Retribution

Chapter 36. Disposable

Chapter 37. Slipping Away

Chapter 38. Fixing Destiny

Chapter 39. Desperate Plan

Chapter 40. Black Bubble Explodes

Chapter 41. Steven’s Hand

Chapter 42. Free Will

Chapter 43. Blind Trust

Chapter 44. Second First Kiss

Chapter 45. Leaning too Far From the Cliff

Chapter 46. Sad Simon’s

Chapter 47. Warrior Princess

Chapter 48. Loving Warrior

Chapter 49. Not Dead

Chapter 50. Saving Amy

Chapter 51. As Real as it Gets

Thank You for Reading

About Carol Jean

Chapter 1. Gun Powder and Coffee

His hand is steady on the trigger of his .45. His eyes bore into hers as his grin mocks her. She has only one bullet left. She’s calm. She’s sure. She fires. He flies back with a shot right between his eyes, a warm rush of satisfaction zips through her body. He’s dead. Judy takes her finger off the trigger and a deep cleansing breath.

There are all kinds of triggers. The most dangerous isn’t the one on a gun. It’s the sore spot in your heart, irrational logic flaming your mind, or unjustifiable cruelty shattering your soul that makes you pull the trigger of a gun.

You finally out of ammo, girl?

That’s always my last shot, Gerry.

If you ever need to do that for real instead of a paper target, you know that should be your first shot. You’d be dead before that last shot.

Judy pulls back the slide to check it, ejects the clip and then throws her arms around the elderly man behind her in a huge hug.

Concern for her creases his face more than age. She isn’t happy that he looks at her that way, he doesn’t deserve that stress. She kisses the top of his head. I love you too, Gerry. See you Tuesday. She’s gone in seconds. The dark and dangerous are ever-present. It’s best to keep moving.

Three times a week Judy practices to keep her well-earned skills sharp. She’s been shooting for six years. She’s an expert now. Gerry says so.

He helped her pick out her first gun she paid for with her second paycheck. An ex-Marine, Gerry had taught her everything about guns and the attitude and mindset necessary to use them.

When she graduated from the range to his combat training course, he started pressuring her to enter competitions. She quietly shook her head no, kissed him and left. They don’t talk much but she knows his kind. Gerry is a good man and he knows when to keep his mouth shut and when to let it go.

It is the smell of gun powder before breakfast and the feel of cold, hard steel in her hands that really fires her up. Competition is nothing compared to knowing she can protect herself.

Judy believes in herself and in people who believe in her. Two years when Gerry was struggling to pay the bills and wanting to retire, she bought the shambling range, made Gerry a full partner and renovated the building from three shooting booths to a full Olympic and police training facility. The space tripled in size and so didn’t Gerry’s customers. He has his Olympic team now, but she’s not on it.

Miss Mason your meeting is waiting.

Taking her coffee mug from her new P.A. Judy sits down at her desk and closes her eyes. The first sip of the day is always the best. She savors it -- rich, aromatic and delicious. The big things in life are fun, exciting and fulfilling, but it’s the little things that make life worth living.

Charles waits until she focuses on him. The completed contracts are in your left. The research reports, above them and I’ve tagged your emails for relevance and priority. Here are you notes for the meeting. The young man lays a portfolio on the edge of her desk.

Thank you Charles. The coffee is delicious. She smiles at him. He blushes and she wonders if he’ll make it. She picked him from ten finalists for this job. He’s just out of grad school, handsome, well-dressed and intelligent. He’s a year older than she is, but if he survives working for her, he’ll make a fine corporate executive.

Every P.A. that made it through her training program has done well and she’s seen to it. She has bright, up and coming executives strategically placed inside companies important to hers now and for the future. They’ll always take her call.

She glances at the clock above the entrance to her office. The morning staff meeting is always at seven. She has five minutes to finish her coffee, read emails, messages and glance over the other items on her desk. She nods. Charles leaves.

Good morning. It’s a beautiful day isn’t it? Judy greets her staff as she enters the conference room. Almost as good as her first cup of coffee each morning, the faces waiting her her around the conference table brighten. They trust her and they like working for her. She likes them too. If she didn’t they wouldn’t be in this room.

Mr. Straight, will you begin please. She settles in her chair for the daily department reports and gives him her attention. She can smell the fading scent of gun powder on her navy blue suit. Mixed with the aroma and taste of coffee, it’s her favorite scent and the only one she wears.

We need to respond to Highlander charity invitation. Have you decided? Charlotte continues to press, wanting Judy to go to the formal event. It’s high visibility. Anyone who is anyone in Virginia business and politics will be attending. Charlotte believes I Stalwarts should be visible too. However, Charlotte is insisting that Judy have an escort. That’s not going to happen. She’s never dated. She’s never had a boyfriend. She’ll never hang on a man’s arm for any reason.

I’ll go. Make a reservation for one.

Charlotte frowns. I laugh at her cute pout and face my staff.

Mrs. Lawrence thinks I should have an escort to give me credibility as a business person and a woman? I tell my staff. I have no secrets from them. They look at her startled and then look at Charlotte.

Miss Mason that’s not the reason, please believe me. It’s just that this is more a non-business event. The people attending are those that are in a position to support your charities and it’s great for Stalwarts. Nearly all those attending will be bringing their wives . . . or other close associates . . . for a nice dinner and dancing and friendly and relaxed introductions and conversations. Going single could give the impression that you challenge the way things are done.

I get her point. She doesn’t want her to be thought of as power woman or a woman looking for a man with wives around. My company is upbeat and family friendly, she thinks my going alone will send the wrong message.

I understand your concerns, Mrs. Lawrence and I appreciate that you have the company’s best interest in mind. However, this is who I am. I’m proud of Stalwarts I’m proud of what we do and how we do it. If my going without a date reflects badly on me or this company then to hell with them, that’s my take on it.

I’ve kept my voice soft but firm. This situation comes up more often than I ever imagined. Last week I was interviewed by a highly reputable business magazine and the first question the reporter asked was did I have a boyfriend?

Judy, do what you think is best. That’s what you always do and we support your decisions one-hundred percent. If Charlotte thinks you should not go without a date, maybe Evelyn and I could join you or better yet, why don’t we all go and include our better halves?

Heads nod affirmative around the table. Franklin is my vice president, the first person I hired and the only one of my staff that calls her by her first name. He was retired and bored and he’s become my best business friend. I absolutely adore him and highly value his opinions and solutions.

If any of you want to go, the company will pay and I hope you have a nice evening. You all work hard and deserve a night out. I’ll go alone.

Chapter 2. Straight Train

She hits the punching bag with a quick combination and Steven has to take a step back to keep his balance.

Got troubles Judy? Steven grins at her with his perfect teeth, dimpled chin and piercing blue eyes. Tall, naturally tanned, muscular with sun bleached hair curling over his forehead, he’s gorgeous and sexy, especially with the two-day stubble. She’s the envy of every woman at the club that he personally trains her and when she enters the woman’s locker room, conversation stops.

It’s his club. He’s the best. She only works with the best. He’s relentless and demanding. Instead of lunch five days a week, he puts her through a routine that has the hardened male athletes watching and shaking their heads at her effort and glad they’re not her.

No. I just want to get strong enough to kick your ass.

She loves to hear him laugh. Steven doesn’t laugh often, but when he does its hearty and musical. Three miles and cutoff ten seconds and then hit the showers. I’ll get your lunch ready.

I thought you were going to spar with me?

Another time, you’re too much woman for me today. I had a great date last night and I don’t want to be embarrassed in front of the guys.

Wimp!

She’s showered and back in her navy blue suit drinking a disgusting gray/green sludge while Steven sits and watches.

You’re loosing weight, Judy. What gives?

Busy. She pushes the half finished drink away. Are you trying to kill me with this stuff? I do have to go back to work you know and my breath is going to smell like this. What’s wrong with French fries every now and again?

This is better. He pushes it back toward her. Maybe you’re too busy?

No such thing, Steven. It’s good. You don’t have to worry about me.

You’re beautiful and smart and I think the world of you, but I don’t want to see you get hurt or sick. It’ll undo all the good work you’ve been doing.

I’m fine.

The crease between his eyes deepens. It always means he’s unhappy with her. She hates that damn crease.

We’ve been working together for four years. I think I know you pretty well. What’s going on? If you can’t tell me then I’m not doing you any good. I need to adjust your routine and if I don’t know what’s going on with you, I can’t do judge what best for you.

I’ve got some heavy stuff at work. A big project is going to hit in a few days. I’m stressing some over it. She leans in and he mirrors her action. My company will double in size overnight.

So you’ll work twice as hard as you do now? He leans back and glares at her unimpressed. You’re twenty five years old, Judy. You should be having fun, traveling and getting laid – a lot!

Well it doesn’t seem to help you any. You were too worn out to spar with me. She teases. The crease in his forehead yells at her.

I don’t know why you pay me, if you aren’t going to be honest with me. I’m on your side, remember? I’m glad your company is doing well, but work is not your problem. I was looking over your records before you came in today. Every year at this time, you take a nose dive. What gives?

She wants to tell him it’s none of his business. She wants to stand up, walk away and never come back. There are other clubs that aren’t so nosy and will let her train without getting personal. She pays her membership but she will make her own decisions. She stares at him. He stares back. She’s shocked that she looks away first. She likes him. She needs him.

My Mom was beaten to death eight years ago tomorrow.

He doesn’t flinch. Gratefully he doesn’t touch her hand or have a sickening look of sympathy on his face. He nods understanding.

You’d think time would make it less painful . . . that I would miss her less . . . She’s never spoken to anyone about her Mom. Ever! And she doesn’t like that Steven made her tell. She tosses the last of the gray/green sludge down her throat and moves on.

Tomorrow. Lunch. We’ll spar. He throws out at her retreating back.

Chapter 3. Kick Ass BB

Judy’s only indulgence is her car. It’s used but it still has a new car smell. Dark silver gray Jaguar, she barely touches the gas and BB peals out of Steven’s athletic club into traffic. Driving BB thrills her. She feels the familiar excitement deep in the pit of her stomach. Yea! She screams. Let’s go kick ass Big Boy!

She weaves and flies through lunchtime traffic totally focused on driving and visualizes the city lanes as their favorite race track. If a driver is skilled enough you can cut through traffic like butter and the cops won’t get attitude. She’s not speeding. She’s driving efficiently.

BB is her first car and she used all her savings and most of three year profit-draw from her company to pay for him. Most people would have moved into a nicer apartment or bought some clothes, but she didn’t. She doesn’t mind her one-room flat that hasn’t been updated since the 50s. Except to sleep, she’s never there anyway. As for clothes her navy blue suits still look good after four years and they don’t need to be ironed or dry cleaned.

Pulling into the office parking garage, she promises Big Boy that she’ll take him to the trace track in Southwest Virginia soon and let him stretch his legs.

The track is where she learned to drive better than most drivers on the streets and where she got to know her best friend. BB likes it there. He’s good to her. He believes in her.

Maybe after this deal goes through Big Boy.

They’re both excited.

Chapter 4. Trouble at Stalwart Companies

Driving from the club to her office has been the best part of her day. And now even the smell of gun powder has faded. She’s rocked with Franklin’s news that someone has stepped up to save or interfere, depending on perspective, her newest acquisition.

Who?

I haven’t been able to get that information, Judy. The offer to invest and rebuild has come out of the woodwork. I suspect Simon Perry.

Franklin is pacing. He looks older than he usually does. It makes her sad. Working with her was supposed to be fun. She grabs the phone in anger but her voice is calm and friendly.

DeShaun, its Judy. How are you? How’s your Mom?

He laughs. DeShaun was her second P.A. and one of the sharpest. He’s now finance manager for a company that has a long history with her desired acquisition. Herbert Wade and his friend, Ben Shockley built their businesses at the same time.

I’ve been expecting to hear from you, it’s about time you called. Mom’s suffering from a bad sinus infection, but she’s got some sinus medicine and working it through. She misses you. When can I tell her you’ll come over for Sunday dinner?

I’m really busy with a project. It needs all my time right now. I miss Semone too.

Yes. You’ll work it through because you are the best at making good things happen.

Are you putting the schmooze on me DeShaun? Do you want to come back and work with me again?

No. I like it here. Ben’s great to work for and this place has lots of potential. I’ve met a girl.

Is it serious?

She’s amazing.

I expect to be invited to the wedding. Tell Semone that I’ll call her tomorrow.

"Yes. That’ll work.

She stares at the phone for as long as Franklin can stand it.

It’s Simon.

So DeShaun’s mother’s name isn’t Semone?

She smiles at Franklin.

Why does Simon want this? It isn’t anything he needs. Franklin is puzzled.

She calls for Charles and tells him everything. Part of her P.A. training is a promise that they are included in everything that goes on. It’s also insures that the best want to work for her. Their first requirement is to hire their own assistant.You, Franklin and I will build scenarios now. Everything else can wait.

It’s five-thirty when she pulls into Herbert Wade’s parking lot. She sees him getting into this car. Big Boy whips in next to him. Mr. Wade jumps back and she’s out the door in a second.

Sorry Mr. Wade. I didn’t mean to scare you. My car has a mind of his own sometimes.

She’s at least three inches taller than Herbert Wade and that intimidates some men. She doesn’t want to intimidate him. She wants to be his friend. She slowly walks around Big Boy and stops three feet in front of him.

You’re rethinking our deal. She keeps her voice soft and calm.

He’s startled and then looks at his feet.

I understand Mr. Wade. It is your responsibility to do what is best for your company and employees. I respect that.

She waits exactly ten seconds during which he opens his mouth and then closes it.

I’m sure Simon offered you everything you wanted and more. But you know that as soon as he is in control, he’ll merge what he wants into his own company and sell off the rest. You know that I won’t. Please tell me how I can help you.

It’s not just me, Judy.

The light goes off. This news has even blindsided DeShaun. Shockley wants to sell too. Simon has put together a two for one deal.

She’s not big enough. Buying out Mr. Wade will stretch Stalwart Company the max, there’s no way she can leverage Shockley too. If she tries, she’ll be vulnerable and Simon will wipe her out or force her to sell to him and then he’ll make her work for him. She’ll be at his mercy.

That thought triggers deep anger and resentment. Her knees try to buckle. Thank God for Steven’s relentless training.

Mr. Wade, do you want to sell to me? She leans a tiny bit toward him.

You are my first choice Judy . . . but I have to think of what’s best for everyone.

She doesn’t have any friends, never did and doesn’t want any that aren’t part of her business, but she understands loyalty. She doesn’t trust it, but she understands it.

Give me time, Mr. Wade. Set up a meeting between you, Mr. Shockley, me and Franklin. Will you do that much?

He hesitates.

Since our arrangement was nearly finalized, you owe me the chance to try and work this out. Simon isn’t going to back down on his offer. It’s me he’s after, Mr. Wade, not you.

She’s seen plenty of fights break out with fists flying intending to hurt and smash someone’s face in. What she remembers most vividly is what a face looks