Deadly Act: Hero Series

By M. A. Comley

When Hero's wife is involved in a car accident with her best friend in which the driver left the scene, he decides to investigate the case. Hero soon discovers that Nelda has had to contend with a string of strange things happening to her since she broke off her engagement to Paul Fox.

Can Hero pin any of the strange events on Paul before he carries out his final deadly act?

• Language: English
• Publisher: M A Comley
• Release date: Feb 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781507064412

M. A. Comley

I am a British author. I moved to France around ten years ago, and that's when I turned my hobby into a career. I'm fortunate to be represented by New York agent Richard Curtis. I share my home with two crazy dogs that like nothing better than to drag their masterful leader (that's me) around the village. I hope you enjoy reading my books, especially the Justice series, Cruel Justice, Impeding Justice,Final Justice,Foul Justice and the newest addition, Guaranteed Justice. Ultimate Justice is due out in Feb 2013. If you'd like to keep up to date with new releases you can find me on facebook by following this link http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mel-Comley/264745836884860 If you fancy a lighter read, why not try one of my romances: A Time to Heal, and A Time for Change--Based on a TRUE story. I also have a selection of short stories and novelettes available which I know you'll enjoy. You can find out more about me at the following blogs. http://melcomley.blogspot.com http://melcomleyromances.blogspot.com  

Book preview

DEADLY ACT

M A Comley

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CHAPTER ONE

The full moon was shining brightly, edged with a slightly red outer rim as they walked hand in hand along the river. Nelda looked over at her boyfriend, Paul Fox, in adoration. He kissed the tip of her nose, looped a gentle arm around her shoulders, and pulled her head down to rest on his chest.

Happy?

At this moment, deliriously happy. What about you? Nelda asked, mesmerised by the coloured lights strung across the bridge spanning the river.

Couldn’t be happier.

The couple had been going out for over two years after being thrown together on a blind date set up by two mutual friends. Their relationship wasn’t a fairy-tale romance where the boy meets girl and falls in love in an instant. No, theirs was the kind many people envied: solid and reliable. Paul couldn’t do enough to make Nelda happy. So far, he’d whisked her away on several romantic weekends to Venice and Paris, insisting that he pay all the expenses. Nelda had reluctantly agreed, but she still felt awkward when he wouldn’t allow her to pay for anything while they were away.

Her friends constantly reminded her what an absolute gem she had managed to snare. At times, the envy was palpable as their acquaintances drifted from one bad relationship to the next. Every now and again, she felt guilty for feeling so happy while her friends suffered a gamut of emotions as their relationships ended. She couldn’t imagine that she and Paul would ever fall out of love.

Lost in her thoughts, Nelda suddenly realized they had stopped. Surprised, she frowned. Is everything all right, Paul?

Everything is perfect, darling. You’re perfect. His hand dipped into his jacket pocket, and he dropped to one knee, clutching a tiny velvet box in his giant hand. He opened the box and offered it to her. Nelda, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?

Nelda was so taken aback that her legs began to shake uncontrollably. She covered her gaping mouth with a trembling hand as words gathered in her throat but failed to push past the emotional lump that had settled there.

Paul chortled. Well, say something then?

She cleared her throat and brushed away moisture from her eyelashes. Paul, I never expected this.

So, is that a yes or no?

Nelda pulled him to his feet and wrapped her arms around his neck. It’s a yes. Of course it is.

They shared a lingering kiss to seal the deal.

Eager to tell their families, they raced back to the car and drove to Paul’s house first. His mother, Yvonne, was overjoyed. She gathered the pair of them in her arms, tears of joy streaming over each of her flushed cheeks.

Brushing away her tears, she said, Well, it’s about time. She playfully swiped the top of Paul’s arm. Why didn’t you tell me you were going to pop the question? I would have arranged a small party to celebrate this auspicious occasion.

He shook his head. Er... that’s exactly why, Mum. I wanted it to be a quiet affair. Too many people get caught up in all the celebrations. This is about Nelda and me.

I agree with Paul. I wouldn’t have it any other way, Yvonne, honestly. Isn’t it exciting?

Yvonne crushed Nelda to her again and whispered in her ear, You’re going to make the perfect daughter-in-law. I couldn’t be more thrilled that he’s chosen you to marry, my dear.

Nelda took a step back and held her future mother-in-law’s hands in her own. To be honest, as time went on, I never thought this day was ever going to come. We’ve never discussed marriage, but I’ve always hoped that, one day, Paul would ask me, and now that day is here, I couldn’t be more delighted. Paul, we better go and break the news to my mum now.

Yvonne shooed them out the front door after another joyful kiss. They giggled happily and made tentative plans about the wedding, discussing silly things that they wanted to take place on their special day without ever really mentioning when that day should be. Paul came up with the crazy idea of holding the wedding at a castle and having a jousting tournament. Nelda laughed at the thought of seeing him togged up in knight’s armour, doing battle with his brother Anthony.

They pulled up outside the bungalow Nelda’s mother shared with her two terriers, Beau and Jack, and rushed into the house, startling her mother, Jean.

My Lord. What on earth is the matter, child? My coffee almost ended up on the ceiling. Let me fix you a drink before you tell me.

I’ll do that after, Mum. Nelda flashed her ring at her mother. We’re engaged. Isn’t it beautiful?

Jean leapt out of the chair and hugged them both, then she examined the heart-shaped sapphire ring that fit perfectly on Nelda’s finger. It’s beautiful, darling. Paul, you did a fantastic job choosing this, sweetheart. It’s just like my engagement ring. Well, perhaps a different shape, but a sapphire nevertheless.

It’s amazing what bargains you can find in Bolton Market nowadays.

His comment earned him a thump from Nelda. Cheeky sod, you can take it back if that’s where you really bought it.

Joking! Only the best for my fiancée. Actually Ratners had a sale on.

Nelda laughed at the shocked look on her mother’s face. He’s winding you up, Mum. At least, I hope he is.

Phew, that’s a relief. I wouldn’t buy anything at that place after them ripping their customers off years ago. Are they still trading? I have no idea.

Not sure, Jean. It’s the last place I’d go to buy something for this beautiful lady. He wrapped his arm around Nelda’s waist and pulled her towards him.

Her mother shuffled out of