Hunter's Find

By June Kramin

Hunt is a small town Sheriff who finds himself in for more than he bargained for when he discovers Mandy beaten and unconscious. After repeated attempts of escaping him, he finds himself now her captive instead. Mandy convinces him she’s after her husband who has kidnapped their daughter and will stop at nothing to find her.

Although his instincts tell him differently, Hunt becomes involved with her and agrees to help. What he doesn’t know is there is no child. Mandy is hiding her involvement with the FBI and the mob, and after revenge. Hunt is in over his head tracking her husband to the isolated cabin and the backlash it causes a year later.

• Language: English
• Publisher: June Kramin
• Release date: Feb 26, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310988530

June Kramin

Wife, Mother, Writer, Lunatic. Not necessarily in that order.June, who prefers to go by Bug, was born in Philadelphia but moved to Maui, Hawaii when she was four. She met her “Prince Charming” on Kauai and is currently living “Happily Ever After” on a hobby farm in a small town in Southern Minnesota.Her son and daughter are her greatest accomplishments. She takes pride in embarrassing them every chance she gets.Being hopelessly addicted to 80′s music is her super power.

Book preview

Hunter’s Find

by

June Kramin

Hunter’s Find

By June Kramin

Copyright © 2012 by June Kramin

…

All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher.

…

This e-Book is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental.

Published by Pau Hana Books

February 2014

Third edition March 2020

First published with Musa Publishing 2012

This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. No part of this book can be reproduced or sold by any person or business without the express permission of the publisher.

ISBN: 978-1310988530

Published in the United States of America

Cover Art by Valerie Kramin

Stock images: Shutterstock

For my BFF Jeanne ~

I know it will be years before you have the time to read it,

but I had to give you one of them.

Love you, Buddy

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Epilogue

About the Author

Chapter One

Hunt was walking the few blocks home from the Ace Bar. He’d had a few too many beers, but still held himself well. It was too convenient that he could walk home from the bar without worry of driving while drinking.

A police car stopped and rolled down the window. How you doing tonight, Hunt?

Just a little unwinding after a long shift.

You going to make it home?

I’m not that bad off. I only had a few. And you know I only have a block to go, jerkweed.

Jerkweed? Don’t make me go all police brutality on your ass, Blaine.

Hunt laughed. Aren’t you off duty yet?

Had a late bust. You know how I love doing paperwork.

You want to go back to my place for a drink?

You trying to pick me up? Your luck would be better on Third and Market in the city.

Har de har har. Is that where you’re heading?

Been too long of a day. I’m on my way home.

Hunt slapped the side of the police cruiser. Good night, Roy.

The officer slowly pulled away from the curb and flashed his lights as a goodbye. With the brief flash of red, Hunt saw something at the base of the hedge he hadn’t noticed before and rushed over.

A young woman was lying there unconscious. There was blood trickling from her lip and her shirt was torn badly enough, he could see her lacy bra fully exposed. He quickly stood and whistled loudly. Hunt was grateful Roy heard him. The brake lights flashed immediately and within seconds, the officer was reversing toward him.

She had a pretty good blow to the back of her head. That’s our best guess as to why she was out when you found her. She wasn’t raped, and there’s no sign of roofies in her system. Must have had a fight with her boyfriend or pimp, or whatever the case may be, the doctor explained.

She wasn’t dressed like a hooker. You don’t often see them outside the Ace Bar anyway, Hunt replied. That shit tends to stay in the city.

Well, whatever or whoever she is has yet to be determined. There was no ID on her whatsoever and no one here knows her. You want me to call for prints on her?

Let’s wait till she wakes up and try asking her first. There’s no reason to jump straight into a worst case scenario. You read too many detective novels, Doc.

We’re not so far out of the cities that we don’t see some weird things happen here. You of all people should know, Hunt.

Is it okay if I go wait in her room? Maybe if I’m there when she wakes up, I’ll start off on the right foot.

Knight in shining armor syndrome?

Hunt grinned. Something like that.

She is a looker.

This is professional.

Of course it is. Go on in. Holler for a nurse when she wakes up.

Hunt fell asleep in the chair while he waited in her room. The adrenaline finally wore off, and the beers kicked in. He startled awake when he heard, Excuse me. Hurrying to his feet, he tried to appear as awake as possible. It was starting to get light out; he was surprised he’d slept as long as he had.

Who are you and where am I? the woman asked as she pulled the sheet higher on her chest.

Montgomery Hospital. I found you last night on Main Street and brought you here.

She stared at him blankly.

I’m sorry. He approached her with his hand out. Hunter Blaine. Friends call me Hunt.

Shyly, she accepted his hand and shook it. Does this hospital make it a habit of letting strange men stay in the room with patients?

Um…no, I suppose not. But I’m—

Oh good. You’re up. A large woman, too perky for this time of morning, came strolling in and interrupted them.

I would have come for you, Mona. She just got up.

Hunter Blaine! You stayed in here all night?

Doc said it was okay.

Get yourself outta here this instant. You look a fright and probably scared the poor darlin’ half to death.

I’m all right, really, the woman said, softly. I don’t understand why you’re here.

I found you last night and brought you in.

Found me? Her expression changed, as if memories were finally returning. Hunt was anxious to ask her questions before she fell asleep again.

Do you know—

Not now, Hunt. Scoot, you brute. I’ll allow you back in after rounds.

Yes, ma’am. Hunt headed for the door but then stopped. Can I at least get your name?

I’ll fill out the paperwork, Hunt. Beat it.

He ignored the nurse and kept his attention on the woman. She rested her head back on the pillow. Her gaze met Hunt’s.

Amanda. Amanda Gentry.

You from around here?

She shook her head. Iowa. Her eyes closed and he left.

Hunt checked his watch and decided he had time to go to the gym before he went to work. He could shower there. A few beers after work were all Hunt allowed for a vice. He didn’t smoke and didn’t care for fast food. He prided himself on his cooking abilities. Well, he could grill anyway. It was trickier in the winter in Vermont, but he made do for himself.

His friends’ wives were always trying to set him up, but at twenty-seven he was far from ready to settle down. His high school and college sweetheart took his heart for a ride a couple years back, and he didn’t care to relive that any time soon.

Sex was easy enough to come by when he wanted it. A nice hotel room and a night in the big city held him over for a while. Hunt never paid for hookers. His natural charm and good looks melted anyone of his choosing in any bar. At six feet five inches with a perfectly sculpted body, he was impossible to resist. Hunt never spoke of what he did for a living. The intrigue of his silence made him that much more irresistible.

Keeping his private life was important, that’s why he went out of town. Everyone in his small town knew him; they didn’t need to know his personal business, too.

As Hunt worked out, his thoughts drifted to Amanda. He said her name out loud then glanced around to see if anyone else in the gym had heard him. Her age had been almost impossible to guess. Her tiny frame could have easily made her in her late teens. In the police car, he kept glancing at her as they went past streetlights. He had cradled her in his lap, protectively, as Roy sped to the hospital.

Once they were there, too many hands were on her as she was taken away. As she slept, her tanned face, which was now void of all blood and makeup, gave nothing away. This morning when she spoke, he wanted to place her in her early twenties. Even with what little she said, she had more confidence than a teenager would have. Amanda.

Stop it, Hunt. He left the treadmill and headed for the shower.

Amanda lay still in the hospital bed, feigning sleep. She had given them a false name and nothing else. Well, she told that Hunt character she was from Iowa, but that was also a lie. She was waiting for a break in the rounds and nurses popping in checking on her so she could make a run for it. The last thing she needed was cops showing up and asking her questions about what had happened.

It was ten o’clock, and it had been a half hour since anyone had bothered her. When the last nurse was there, she complained her head hurt and her arm was itchy from the IV. The doctor gave permission for it to be removed and prescribed something for her headache.

It will make you sleepy, so don’t try to get up without help, okay? the doctor suggested.

All right. Thank you.

If you’re sleeping when the police arrive, we’ll just ask them to come back. Your health comes first.

I appreciate it. I do want to help them catch whoever did this to me, but I’m afraid my head hurts too much to be of any good right now.

I understand. I’ll check on you in a few hours.

Thank you so much, doctor. She conjured up a few fake tears to blink away then accepted the pill, but never took it.

After she figured the coast should be clear, Mandy slipped on her shoes and managed to tie her torn shirt enough so the fact it was torn wasn’t so obvious. The pattern was busy enough, the dried blood wasn’t noticeable. Carefully slipping out the door, she hurried down the hall unnoticed. After she took the corner, she caught sight of a policeman approaching her. Don’t panic! He has no idea who you are. Keep walking!

She tried to keep looking straight ahead as the officer passed, but she had to smile and nod when he tipped his hat to her. After she passed him he called out, Amanda?

Not thinking fast enough, she spun around at the sound of her name. Shit. You’re a cop?

Are you supposed to be leaving already? Hunt asked her.

She froze, not knowing what to do. Fear finally took over and she ran. She shoved an empty gurney and a wheeled shelving unit into the hall trying to block his way, but Hunt caught up to her before the next turn of the hallway. He pinned her to the wall with his body, reached for her hand, and held it behind her back.

Stop it! You’re hurting me!

You promise not to take off and I’ll let go.

All right, she grunted.

He let her go and she spun out of his grasp. She only took a step before she knocked down a large chair outside of a room, trying to block his way again. He tripped on it and dove for her, knocking her down in a tackle.

Amanda was unmoving as Hunt sat up. He reached for his handcuffs, but became worried he’d hurt her. Kneeling at her side, he assessed she was fine after a brief moment.

If you’re going to fake being knocked out, you need to watch your eye movement better, sweetheart.

Her eyes opened. You hurt me.

You tripped me. I merely fell with style.

Fell with style? Who the hell are you? Buzz Lightyear? Your lard ass probably broke a rib. She rolled to her back and held her side.

Lard ass? Hunt grinned. Zero body fat, doll face. He removed his cuffs from his utility belt, trying too hard to flex his arm in the process. Why he felt the need to impress her was beyond him.

Don’t you dare cuff me! I’m the victim here!

He put one cuff on her arm and the other on his. This should keep you safe until we get back to your room, victim. He held his hand out and helped her up.

When she stood, she bent over and held her side.

Hunt stood in front of her and leaned in. You okay? She took a swing at him, but he ducked the blow then took her hand. Where do you think that is going to get you?

Go to hell, she said, then began to sway.

I’m falling for that again. Not. He gave her arm a tug. Come on. Back to your room.

She didn’t take a step. Her expression had glazed over.

I don’t need this shit before my second cup of coffee, lady. Come on.

Her eyes rolled back and she fell into him.

Ah, shit.

Amanda woke up in her hospital room again. This time her hands were fastened to the bed. Goddammit! she shouted as she pounded her head backward into the pillow. Even that hurt her lump from last night and she let out a slight cry. She was less than thrilled when Hunt entered the room.

You all right?

If I’m not, you here to beat me again?

Beat you? That’s the second time I carried your ass to safety in twenty-four hours. You blacked out, princess. You shouldn’t have tried to sneak out of a hospital with a concussion.

She turned her head away from him. Leave me alone.

Like it or not, you’re my case. Finders keepers, as they say. I’m supposed to get some answers out of you. I suppose that isn’t going to come easy.

You don’t have any right to keep me against my will. I didn’t do anything wrong.

Well…that’s what I’m trying to understand. Hunt pulled up a chair and sat next to her bed. I assumed you were attacked and hurt. But it doesn’t make sense that you tried to escape the hospital.

Maybe I don’t have insurance.

Still not buying it. You ran from an officer of the law, then you tried to deck me. I think there’s more to the story.

An officer of the law? You do really take this cops and robbers stuff seriously, don’t you? You practice your big bad cop moves in front of the mirror, pretty boy? Despite the restraints, she tried to sit up then winced at the pain in her side.

Hunt got to his feet. I did hurt you.

She scoffed. Don’t flatter yourself. Bennett’s kick— she immediately regretted what she’d said.

Hunt took a step closer. Who is this Bennett?

Shit. She dropped hard back on the bed. The jarring hurt her and she cried out again.

Hurrying to the door, Hunt bellowed for a nurse. One rushed right over, leaving the nursing station a few feet away. Were her ribs x-rayed last night? he asked.

I just got here. Let me look at her chart. The nurse walked over to the chart at the end of the bed. No. They didn’t see any reason to, I guess. Their immediate concern was her concussion and the lacerations on her face. She approached the bed; Hunt was at her side. Turn around please.

He did as he was told.

The nurse lifted up her gown and gasped. Oh, sweetie. She dropped the gown and hit the call button. When another nurse came in she said, Get Doc Miller to rush some x-rays. Looks like she’s been kicked in the side. She turned to Hunt. I don’t know how they missed that gowning her up last night. I’m sorry.

Hunt waited while Amanda was x-rayed, since they had to undo the restraints to take the shots. The doctor explained she would be sedated for the pain, but Hunt didn’t care. From what he'd seen of her already, no sedation was enough. He wasn’t going to let her escape. If he had done his last set at the gym, she would have been gone.

He couldn’t explain what drew him to her. She could be a prostitute crack-head for all he knew, but something about her intrigued him, and not just her looks.

The name she had given was false. The only Amanda Gentry in Iowa was eighty-six years old. She had turned when he called her name in the hall, maybe only the last name was false. Trying to pass the time, he ran over a few scenarios of what he could do to find out more about her. He hadn’t seen her in the bar; that ruled out a lot of witnesses. He didn’t know any Bennett from the area so he was back at square one within a minute of trying to think things through. He needed to search the place where he'd found her and look for any clues.

He was so caught up in his thoughts, he was startled by the swinging doors. How is she, Doc?

Two ribs have hairline fractures, but she’ll be fine. She needs some rest, that’s all.

How long will she be out?

I’d say another couple hours, easy. We went light on the anesthetic, but she’s really out hard. My guess is she’s exhausted.

She needs to remain in the restraints regardless.

No problem, Hunt.

No bathroom breaks. Give her a bedpan if she whines to use the bathroom.

Got it. I’ll want her up and about tomorrow though, for exercise.

I’ll be here for it. She doesn’t leave that bed without me here. Understand?

I’ll let everyone know. Seems like a lot of fuss for a teeny buck-ten brunette.

She’s a slippery one and I don’t know her story. I’m not letting her go before I get it.

We’ll do what we can.

Hunt came back at six. He tipped his hat at the nurse’s station and they waved him over.

You may want a cup, Hunt. She’s a feisty cuss. Pretty pissed off about the restraints.

So, I’ve noticed. Why the cup?

She got Darin pretty good. Sent her dinner flying, too.

She hasn’t eaten?

Can’t get her to. She refuses to let us feed her. I told her we couldn’t take the restraints off. Can’t get an IV back in her either. Hate to drug her up again to do it.

Bring me a tray.

Lord help you.

He entered her room, but she didn’t turn her gaze from the window. Mandy?

She quickly turned her head to him then frowned.

So that is your real name.

They should promote you to detective. Fancy work there, cop.

There’s no Amanda Gentry in Iowa. I was curious if your first name was even real.

Did I say Iowa? I meant Idaho. You know...I get so confused with those ‘I’ states.

He tossed his hat on her nightstand and sat in the chair again. I need answers so I can get back to my job. As much as I love babysitting you, I do prefer real police work.

Afraid some speeders are going to go crazy down Main Street with you missing?

He held up a gold locket on a chain and she instantly grew still.

Where did you find that?

Where do you think I found it? It was in the grass where I found you.

Give it back.

I’ll give it back when you start talking.

There’s nothing to tell you. I got jumped and beat up. Did you find a purse? No. That’s because the shithead who beat me took that, too. Is this some kind of sick, twisted Vermont custom? Women who get mugged and beaten get shackled to hospital beds while they heal? That’ll teach me to leave Ohio.

I thought it was Idaho.

Fuck. She closed her eyes and rested her head back on her pillow again.

Muggers don’t usually give their names. You said Bennett, and I want to know who that is.

The nurse came in with the dinner tray. Her expression revealed she knew she was interrupting. She placed the tray on the rolling table then walked out of the room as suddenly as she had entered it.

Mandy hadn’t turned back to Hunt to answer him, nor did she acknowledge the nurse’s presence while she was there. She glanced over at Hunt when he unbuckled her restraint.

You need to eat something. Then we’re going to talk.

I’m not hungry.

"You eat or I’ll stick a needle in your ass myself and practice my IV skills and cram it through the tube. Capiche?"

I eat—you give me my necklace back.

He opened the locket up. The picture was of her and a little girl around three years old. Who’s the kid?

Who do you think it is?

Your daughter would be my guess. Where is she?

Not in Vermont. I didn’t care for the hospital plan your Blue Plus offered.

Hunt allowed himself a grin. He stood and wheeled her dinner tray and table over to her. You eat. I’m right outside. I’ll be back in a bit and give you the necklace, and we'll talk. You try to fling the tray at me and I’ll be right back with that needle.

She sneered at the plate. What? No Jell-O?

You have fifteen minutes of peace. Enjoy it.

Hunt was surprised to find Amanda still in bed when he came back. She had eaten almost everything and pushed the rolling table aside.

How was dinner?

Do you really want to talk about the shitty food?

How about we try again with your name?

Jane Doe.

I thought we already determined you name was Amanda.

That’s right. Last name is Hug-n-kiss.

Amanda Hug-n-kiss. Clever. He reached for her hand to get it back in the restraint but she pulled it away. Fighting me isn’t going to get you anywhere.

Let me go to the bathroom at least. They won’t let me go.

Didn’t they offer you a bedpan?

Do you like to do your business with company?

I’m a dude. I don’t care.

Well, I’m not. Just give me three minutes. I don’t do the male ritual of reading a novel while I sit.

Sports section fan myself.

Would you knock off the sarcasm?

You first.

Look. She let out a heavy sigh. Please? Afraid I’ll beat you with a toilet paper tube?

He gave her a hard stare, then walked to the bathroom and gave it a good once over. He came back, reached for