Breaking Point: A J. Carter & Associates Novel

By T. M. Carper

Old betrayals cut deep...

For Elektra DeFlair, her beloved son has committed the ultimate sin. Andrew made a mistake when he fell in love with the enemy's daughter. She will make sure the remaining obstacle is permanently removed by exposing his new wife to her greatest fear.

And past deeds unburied...

Aidan Murphy thought he was free from his family. For almost eight years, he’s lived on the right side of the law. He’s done everything possible to erase his identity as Andrew DeFlair and move on with the woman he loves.

Then Kat disappears.

All lead to one last shot at freedom...

Will Aidan have to sacrifice his soul to appease his dark-hearted mother? Or just Kat’s life?

• Language: English
• Publisher: T. M. Carper
• Release date: Feb 3, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311296511

T. M. Carper

I'm the author of several thrillers featuring the employees of J. Carter & Associates, a firm that specializes in everything outside the law. Among those at J. Carter are a profiler, a con artist, an ex-FBI agent, computer hackers, and accomplished killers. STEAL YOU AWAY is my first standalone romantic suspense novel. It loosely ties into the J. Carter & Associates series.

Book preview

Death is easy.

I should know. I've died at least once before. Ever since I learned the truth about my family, there's been two more near-misses.

This last time, I thought I was dead. I thought we both were. No turning back. No second chance. Dead.

Somehow, by some miracle, we both lived. My boyfriend, strong and selfless, charged into a knife meant for me. He took wounds meant to kill me by a man determined to destroy my father. Aidan's only crime was loving me.

Mine was being Jim Carter's daughter.

Everyone always asks about regrets. Honestly? I don't have time for those. I can't wallow in the guilt that comes with having regrets. Do I wish I knew my mother? Do I wish I wasn't a Carter? Do I wish I never met my father? Do I wish I didn't love him?

I can't think that way. If I do, I'll fall apart.

Who I am, who he is—who we were. None of that matters. I can't live in the past.

I have to focus on the future. I have to survive. It's the one thing I'm good at.

*~*~*~*~*~*

February 14th, 2008 - A Month Before

A small, intimate affair was all she wanted. Here she was, flanked by her two best friends on the planet, one who she loved more than life itself and the other she loved as the brother she never had.

Dressed in her favorite blue dress and a pair of black heeled boots, Katherine Carter-Robertson took a deep breath to hide her nerves. Her sweaty hands were entwined in another set of hands; gentle and soft. A new ring bit into the skin of her left hand, the weight unfamiliar. The platinum band was narrow with a Celtic pattern raised in the engraving. Just above it sparkled a sapphire engagement ring.

I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride, the official said.

She looked up as his hand brushed her cheek. Aidan had picked a black suit and a light blue shirt to coordinate with her dress. His thin black tie was done-up, even though he detested them, and his beloved gun was locked out in the glove box of his car. He'd brushed his long dark hair back, but a few unruly strands dangled by his warm, hazel eyes.

She leaned up on the balls of her feet a bit to reach her new husband's lips. Their kiss was quick, but hinted at what was to come. One of his hands found her waist, pulling her forward toward him.

Save something for later, kids.

They broke apart, his arm still hooked around her waist. She shot a glare toward their very own party crasher, Marc. He, too, had dressed in a sharp suit, though he wore a crisp white shirt with his. As a former Federal Agent, Marc Pearson had a skill set that most action heroes could only dream about, plus he was used to suits and ties.

Next time, you're not invited, Aidan said, shaking his head at his best friend.

You mean there's gonna be a next time? Are you trading her in for a newer model in a few years? he mock gasped. Best friends, co-workers, and former roommates, the two men were closer than brothers. They had been since long before she met either of them.

Yes, a nice blonde.

Sometimes I could kill you, she hissed, shooting her new husband a dirty look.

But she couldn't stay mad at him, especially not with that crooked half-smile of his. The little imperfection was uniquely Aidan. It was one of the little things she loved most about him.

Don't worry, Mrs. Murphy, that's not happening anytime soon. Unless you give me a reason, that is, he said in a solemn voice, his smile betraying his joke.

She made a fist and swung at him, only to throw her arm around his neck and pull him tight. He laughed, swinging her off her feet in a circle. As if I'd ever leave you, he whispered against her neck, his breath hot and tickling her sensitive skin.

'Til death do we part, A.

Not even then, he swore, bringing her close for another kiss, this one deeper and less chaste.

She knew he wasn't lying or playing games. What they had couldn’t be broken. They wouldn't be separated, even by death. People had been trying to separate them, even kill them, since they met almost two years earlier. So far, they all failed.

A knife to the heart couldn't kill Aidan or his love for her.

And nothing and no one could keep her away from him. He'd been wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit and still she couldn't leave his side. She never doubted his innocence even when Marc questioned it. She knew Aidan better than she knew herself.

Even dying in a dark basement, bleeding from wounds all over her body, her only thought was him. She took up a gun to defend him. Her wounds were nothing more than a nuisance keeping her from saving him.

Okay, time to break it up, lovebirds. Lunch break's over, Marc said, clapping his hands loudly.

*~*~*~*~*~*

March 3rd, 2008 - One Week Before

Kat pushed through the glass front doors to the main offices on the fifth floor of the Robertson Technologies building, her heels click-clacking on the title floor. The fifth floor was home to J. Carter & Associates, a small office headed by her father and aimed at helping people who the law couldn't.

While there were satellite offices spread around the United States and a few small ones were slowly popping up overseas, the main hub of information was still housed within the Robertson Technologies' building. Though much of the day to day business fell to Aidan, her father still played an active role and oversaw all the cases.

She passed a few small offices before ducking into one. The plaque on the door read 'Marc Pearson, Weapons'.

What's new, Marc? she called, putting her hands on his shoulders as he flipped through a folder at his desk.

Kit-Kat, I thought you were in the conference room with our boy.

She frowned. Conference room?

He stood up, brushing her hands off. Yeah, A's been there since nine. I thought you were with him.

Why would I be? I just got here.

But… you…

I what? Speak up, Marc. She stared at her friend. She'd never seen him this flustered before.

Then who is in there?

Rolling her eyes, she followed him down the narrow hallway leading to one of two conference rooms. There was a window cut into the door, giving them a glimpse inside. As usual, Aidan sat facing the door, his back to the far wall. A woman was seated opposite him, across the dark table. From the back, she looked like Kat with her red hair hanging loose around her shoulders.

No wonder Marc was confused.

Kat reached for the door knob, clearly in Aidan's eye line. From the corner of her eye, she saw him move to stand as she opened the door slowly. Hey, A, she called.

Katy, her husband said, smiling that little half-smile she adored. Glad you're here. I'd like you to meet Lea McCord.

Hi, she said, smiling at the stranger. Her eyes weren't the same blue as Kat's, not even close, but her frame was similar and her hair nearly identical. It was almost like looking in a mirror. A fun house mirror. I'm Katherine.

The other woman held out her hand, which Kat shook gently. Hi. Aidan said you guys could help me.

We can try. What's wrong?

Kat slipped into a chair between them, keeping her eyes on the stranger. It wasn't that she didn't trust him around other women—she didn't trust other women not to throw themselves at Aidan. C'mon, a hot guy who can save your life? Who wouldn't be turned on?

I think someone's following me, Lea said.

Start at the beginning, Kat urged, relaxing.

The young woman nodded slowly. It started innocently, I guess. Flowers with no card. I thought it was a secret admirer. But, then it changed.

How?

A month ago, I found a dead cat on my front mat. There was a note pinned to it. 'You're next'.

Who's cat?

I don't know, Lea said, rubbing her arms. It wasn't mine, but it freaked me out. The police are no help—they can't.

Kat nodded. She'd read about dozens of cases where the police failed victims. It was a flaw of the system. Anti-stalking laws helped to an extent, but it depended on the evidence and actual attacks. It was one thing to threaten someone's life and another to actually try and kill them.

How did you hear about us? Aidan asked softly.

I saw the name in the paper last fall, she admitted, looking directly at Kat. I saw your picture. I read about what that man tried to do. They said you were saved by a guy from J. Carter & Associates—a bodyguard of some sort.

We can set up security procedures and teach you anti-stalking tips, Aidan offered.

I don't have a lot of money, Lea said.

Don't worry about that. We'll do the work-ups for free and the installation, Kat offered, causing Aidan to frown at her.

Katy.

Are you sure? You don't have to… Lea protested, her eyes glancing between them.

I'm sure. I'll cover any costs. Stalking is hard to prove and even then, the police can only issue a restraining order. A piece of paper won't stop anyone from harming you. We'll protect you, Kat insisted, smiling at her warmly.

No one had been able to protect her from Scott. No one would've protected her if she'd hadn't caught Jackson's eye that fateful September. She would've been in a shallow grave like her mother if Aidan hadn't been watching her.

She had been lucky. If she could save someone else, it was worth it.

Thank you! You have no idea what this means to me. Lea was near tears.

Kat smiled at her. It's the least I can do.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Back in their shared office, Aidan closed the door. I had that meeting under control.

I know.

You can't take in every stray, Katy. You've got a big heart, but this is still a business. We can't do every case pro bono. We'll go broke.

She touched his cheek. I know what I'm doing. I'm gonna foot the bills. I wasn't kidding. I have the money.

It's not about the money.

Then what?

He sighed, taking her hands in his before leading her over to the couch. She followed his lead easily, sinking down beside him, her right leg tucked underneath her as she faced him. A, what is it? she asked.

I have a bad feeling.

And?

It's too convenient. She just happens to come in the office and need help? She just happens to look like you.

You're being paranoid. Weiss is dead.

His thumb stroked the back of her hand. But he isn't your dad's only enemy. You're a target, Kat. You'll always be one. There are people who will take advantage of your kindness and use it against you.

She's scared.

She's not you. Not every wounded girl is.

We can save her life, she protested, frowning. What aren't you saying?

He shook his head. Nevermind.

Just like that, he pulled away from her and stood up. Aidan, what is it? What aren't you telling me?

Nothing.

The way he turned his back on her spoke volumes. She crossed a few steps and put her hand on his back. Tell me. Don't shut me out. I'm your wife.

It's nothing.

If you don't tell me, Marc will.

He turned. He doesn't even know.

Damnit, Aidan, what is it? What?

Aidan wouldn't look her in the eye. He'd never been downright evasive before. Not to her. Aloof at times, perhaps, but not evasive. Not the man she loved. Not her husband.

Leave it alone, Kat.

No. Who are you so afraid of?

I have another meeting. Just like that he pulled away, leaving her in the middle of their office, her hand slowly falling to her side.

What aren't you telling me?

Chapter Two

Before their wedding, there hadn't been any secrets.

Aidan knew of her darkest moments and the pain she'd suffered at the hands of her guardian. He'd sat there during every stage of the trial and listened to her testimony. He held her at night when the nightmares came.

He knew what she'd endured at the hands of her kidnappers the September they met. Aidan knew that her mother's face still haunted her. He knew that the sound of guns used to make her jump and sometimes it caused her shoulder to ache.

She knew he'd been through a trauma not long before he'd joined the company. He'd been gravely injured and left for dead—his memory trashed and repressed. His body remembered skills he couldn't consciously recall.

A scrawny street kid, her father had nonetheless seen promise in Aidan's skills when he'd picked his pocket deftly in a coffee shop downtown. He'd gone on to become her father's second-in-command and Marc's partner.

Aidan could shoot a gun or wield a knife as easily and skillfully as some highly trained military personnel. However, he could never explain how he learned those skills. He could train others, but he didn't remember being the trainee.

None of it ever bothered her. Not until now.

What was he hiding? Did he remember anything? Was that why he was pushing her away? Or was it something else? Another secret? It wasn't another woman—Aidan wasn't a cheater. No, he'd been stabbed saving her. He wasn't the type.

Unless he'd been married before. Had he'd been with another woman in his past? Did he still love her? Had their marriage awoke past memories?

No, it was all nonsense. This is Aidan. He would tell me.

Wouldn't he?

*~*~*~*~*~*

March 5th, 2008 - Five Days Before

Thanks for coming, Lea said, opening the door to her home. It was a simple brick-fronted two-story with lots of windows providing a view of the water in the backyard, along with a pier. There were larger and grander homes along the block, but the property alone was worth a pretty penny.

You have a lovely home, Kat said, stepping inside. Aidan followed her, carrying a bag. This was their initial visit to assess the property and come up with a plan for security. Part of the visit was for him to test the house's defenses. Not that he needed tools to break in—any garden-variety burglar could smash in a window—but the less glass he broke, the less he had to replace. He also needed to measure in order to know what supplies to bring and purchase.

Thanks, it was my parents'. They left it to me when they passed away a few years ago.

I'm sorry.

Lea made a dismissive motion with her hand. It was a while ago. So, what do you guys need?

First, Aidan said, taking the lead, "We need to know how many entrances there are. Then I need to test them and the windows. The system we'll install will cover each and every opening. We'll