Sydney's Chance

By JL Gray

Sydney

Sydney Turner grieved the loss of her husband before and after his death. She didn’t think things could get any worse until she was forced to return to the one place she never wanted to return to. Her hometown is full of bittersweet memories. She has kept a horrible secret for over a decade only to discover someone wants her dead even though she has never spoken about that fateful night. Returning home opens the possibilities at a second chance at love if the serial killer doesn’t get to her first. This is her chance and she is determined to take it and not fight it.

Jake

Jake Turner joined the Navy fresh out of high school since he couldn’t have the girl. His cousin beat him to the girl of his dreams. The one girl that brightened his days growing up is unattainable. He knew he was born to love her but it wasn’t his chance. Opportunities have presented themselves in a way Jake never wanted. Sydney is available. He is taking his chance. He must stop the man threatening to take her from him when he is so close to finally getting the girl of his dreams. Will he finally get his chance? He will do everything in his power to ensure she is in his bed day and night.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JL Gray
• Release date: Sep 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310465758

JL Gray

J.L. Gray is the indie author of A Beautiful Girl Series. A native of southern Illinois born and raised; before calling Daytona Beach, FL home for the last nine years. She's the mother of a strong-willed young man and six beautiful dogs. She spends her days bringing her characters to print. Her love of books, writing, and creating has been a lifelong dream that she is happily pursuing. Her personal message to her readers is this:It's not easy investing so much of yourself in a book that may or may not ever see the light of day. Would I do it differently if I could? No! I’m determined to get my characters on the pages and to you the readers. What started out to be something only for me; is now hopefully something for you as well. I love to write and create imaginary characters in my head.My days are filled with working on the books. I hope that you like my stories and please feel free to offer me that constructive criticism. But, most importantly, I hope that I can do for you what my favorite authors have done and continue to do for me.....Offer a brief escape where you can laugh, cry, and enjoy their character's lives hoping and praying everyone lives happily ever after. Above everything else; just sit back and enjoy the journey.

Book preview

One Year Earlier

Sydney had a tough day. Over the last year everyday was tough. She was a youngish mother with two young boys. Max, five and Aiden, three were rambunctious and gave her a run for her money on daily basis. She wouldn’t trade her life for the world. Well she would trade one aspect. She would like for her husband to come home from the depths of hell in which he emerged himself into in order to find serial killer. He didn’t start off alone in his mission. No his cousin, partner, and best friend, Billy Turner had gone under first. Jason followed quickly behind and left her alone with her two young sons. She was so pissed at him deep down. On the outside she was the sympathetic understanding wife who nodded and smiled and gave him a farewell sendoff. That was a flipping year ago.

If he was here right now she would punch him in his gut. She would yell and scream and tell him to never leave her again. He promised. Nine years ago he promised to never leave her and always protect her. Eight years of that he somewhat kept his promise. He had been with the DEA after graduating until three years ago when Jason Turner kissed the DEA goodbye and opened his own company with his cousin Billy. Turner and Turner Securities were formed. After two years of a successful run they took off on a hunt. The serial killer was aloof. He warned his victims that he was going to kill them. So far he had successfully taken out two groups. He used Polaroid photos of his victims and attached them to each victim’s crime scene. Sydney didn’t understand why those people didn’t run for safety.

Five months ago an explosion in South America resulted in the death of Billy. There wasn’t a body to claim. DNA confirmed suspicions. They had a memorial but no funeral. Some people couldn’t believe that he was really gone. All communication with Jason stopped after that. He didn’t resurface for the memorial. It was all so surreal. The nightmares had started a few months after Jason disappeared. They started at sporadic in nature. The last five months they escalated to several nights a week. She wasn’t sleeping. She was a zombie. She went to the doctor but was offered medication. She didn’t want medication. She was the mother of two young boys. She needed sleep but she refused to be knocked in case her boys needed her.

Currently her sons were down for their nap and they would sleep possibly an hour. She should have used that time to clean her house but she also had a career. That career wasn’t demanding as such but she still had assignments. She was in the middle of editing a manuscript and it had a deadline. Her boss understanding to her current role as a single mother but Sydney worked hard and self-satisfaction was her reward for a job well done. She would read what she could in this hour and then again once she got her sons to bed. She went downstairs taking the monitor with her and curled into her chaise lounge in the sitting area next to the indoor pool. She opened the bookmarked page and delved into the page. Her two dogs, purebred Labs began to bark. She told them to hush as she looked out the window. She didn’t see any vehicles.

Her two protectors ran up the stairs as Sydney shook her head. Dogs and their hearing were amazing. She went back to reading her manuscript when she heard heavy boots hitting her stairs. Multiple pairs of boots. She looked up and noticed Ryan first. She flashed him a dazzling smile. He didn’t return the gesture. She saw Wall next and tried a softer smile. He also wasn’t smiling. She saw him. The one man who avoided her like the plague. Something churned in her stomach and she couldn’t explain it but this wasn’t good. She laid her manuscript down as Jake Turner made his way across the marbled floor to where she sat. Sydney shook her head. She didn’t want to hear anything he had to say. She started chanting. Nononononono. Over and over again. She tried to push Jake away when he reached for her shoulders. She didn’t want to hear him. There was nothing he could say to make her happy. He spoke and her world lost focus at his words.

Sunshine, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry. Jake whispered as he pulled her into his arms. Honey they found Jason in the Everglades in Florida. Syd, shit. I’m so sorry baby.

Noooooo! Sydney collapsed. This was not what she wanted to hear.

This was not happening to her. Next year was their tenth wedding anniversary. He had missed the eighth and ninth but promised he would be home for the tenth. He sent gifts. It wasn’t the same. She didn’t want flipping gifts. She wanted her husband. All she wanted was her husband. He wasn’t supposed to die. They were too young. They had too much time. She had been mad at him for a year and a half. She was so pissed that she held evil thoughts in her mind liking having an affair and leaving him and now he was dead and she couldn’t take any of it back. She couldn’t figure him because he wouldn’t be coming home. He left her and their sons. They were all alone now. Jason wasn’t ever walking back in that door.

She pushed out of Jake’s hold. Take it back! She screamed. You are lying!

Syd… Ryan moved to comfort her. She held up her palm to stop him. Wall stepped forward and she glared.

Aiden started crying from the monitor and something snapped inside of her. She was all they had now. She couldn’t let them down. She had to go to her sons. Her two precious beautiful looking sons that looked like their father and his cousins. She couldn’t stomach looking at any of them. It was too hard. She saw Jason in each and every one of them. The Turner charm had turned into her curse. Two of her guys were gone. She had three left but her husband was gone. Now it hurt to look at them. She turned and ran up the stairs. She needed to get to her sons. She didn’t want to speak to any of them. There was nothing to say. Her heart ached. She felt physically ill.

Sydney made into her boys’ room and scooped Max into her arms and cradled him. He was weaned off of her. She breast fed both of her boys. It was a personal choice and she was eager to feed her boys the wholesomeness she could provide. It had to be timed perfectly. Aiden was three when he stopped. Max stopped a month ago. Jason missed the event. He missed birthdays and holidays. If truth be told he had been dead for a year and a half. He called in the beginning but nothing for six months. Nothing. He died six months ago. She had just never let him go. The feeling of hope always there. Now the hope was dead too. He left his family. He left her. For over twenty years he was a part of her life and now he was gone.

She rocked Aiden. Max finally woke up and crawled out of his ‘big boy’ bed. He walked up to her and touched her knee. Mommy don’t cry.

Sydney cried even harder and shifted Aiden so that Max could crawl onto her lap. She held both boys tightly as she wept for their father and her husband. It seemed like hours had drifted by but she knew her sons wouldn’t sit still for that long. Both wiggled free of her embrace when she looked up she saw the object of their desire. They ran for Jake. Crying out ‘Uncle Jake’ in little boys voices. Jake bent to his knees and braced for both of her sons. He scooped them up and smiled as hugged them tight to his chest. She stifled both of her sobs as she listened to Jake ask them if they wanted a snack and carried them out of their bedroom. She couldn’t move from her seat.

Ryan came in and knelt in front of her wrapping his large smooth hands in hers. He reached up stroked a tear from her cheek as he laid his head on her lap. She stroked his hair and continued to cry. Nobody interrupted them. They let them grieve. She heard noise in her living room and realized these big strong men called in the Calvary. Her girls were here. At least some of them. She glanced up when she saw figures enter the room. Harper Wilde, her best friend since birth and the on-again/off-again of Billy Turner ran to her and the two embraced as Ryan refused to move his head from Sydney’s lap. Harper dropped to her knees and held onto Ryan. Wall walked in and fell to his knees next to Harper. The four held each other for long moments. Best friends since Pre-K. These were here people.

Marcy Gamble entered next. She had quickly found a place in Sydney’s heart. She didn’t move to touch her but was here for support. Shelby Borrelli stumbled inside and tears streamed down her cheeks. Shelby was young but an old-soul. She felt deeply. Avery Monahan had to be close though Sydney didn’t see her. Shelby and Avery were inseparable. She could hear female voices in the kitchen but then Sydney saw Addison. Her baby sister didn’t hesitate to run to her big sister. Addison’s tears streaming down her cheeks. She wrapped her arms around the group and shared in their grief. Everyone loved Jason. Addison was in her third year of med school. Sydney loved that her sister was here but wasn’t sure she could afford to miss class. Addison quickly read her thoughts and said she was good. She had a break.

I guess I can’t sit here all day. We have a funeral to plan. Everyone froze taking in Sydney’s nonchalant demeanor. Let’s go. It sounds like we have a full house.

Syd honey. Harper’s voice was soft. Harper was never soft. Let’s you and me go in your bedroom.

She unwrapped herself from the others and pulled Sydney to her feet. Sydney didn’t fight her. They walked out of her sons’ bedroom and across the house to where she shared a bedroom with her husband. Well she hadn’t shared it for the last eighteen months. Still. Harper motioned for her to lie on the bed as she joined her best friend. Harper and Sydney lay staring at each other. Neither spoke. Harper swiped a stray hair from Sydney’s face tucking it behind her ear. She gave a weak smile.

We’re going to get through this. Harper’s affirmation was weak as well. We’ve got three other Turners to look out for honey. We will get through this.

He left me Harp. Billy left. Jason left. They left us. Sydney’s tears started all over again.

They didn’t leave us honey. They had a job. A mission. They had to stop a bad man. They weren’t invincible. We just pretended they were. Harper tried to smile again. Stubborn bastards.

Sydney gave a small chuckle. She glanced over Harper’s shoulder and saw Marcy with a jug and shot glasses. She shrugged. Compliments of Shelby and Cami. They said if you prefer bourbon they’ll bring it too. It will be a whiskey fest.

Sydney sat up in bed leaning against a pillow propped up against the headboard. She patted her bed. Marcy bounced and passed Harper the jug while Marcy held a slew of shot glasses. Shelby came in and plopped on the bed followed by Cami, Addie, Megan Dixon, Phoebe Manning, Avery, Yancy Murphy, and Lindsey Whitehouse. Yep her whole crew was here. They would not let her go through this alone. She was so far from being alone her heart swelled with love as parts of it ripped from her chest. Marcy passed everyone a glass while Harper filled them in outstretched hands.

I need to take care of my boys. Sydney shook her head at the shot glass. She desperately wanting to fill the smooth amber liquid warming her insides but couldn’t. She was an adult. She had sons to take care of.

Your boys are having a sleepover with my boys tonight. Shelby spoke. They are already gone and happy as can be. They won’t understand it or comprehend it. Once we take care of Mommy they can either come back or you can come to my house.

I love you Shelby.

Ditto babe.

Has anyone called his parents? My parents? I don’t know where to start. Sydney shot her whiskey down her throat and savored the burn.

Everyone has been notified. Everyone is either boarding or attempting to board a plane as we speak. Brace Syd. I think half of Mount Caspen is coming. Harper genuinely laughed. That calls for a shot.

Where’s Perry? Sydney asked. Some of the girls looked puzzled by her question.

He’s at TNT trying to ascertain what happened. He’s rolling in hate fueled adrenaline right at this moment so I’m told he’s being given a wide berth. This coming from Shelby. I suggest another shot.

Giggles erupted from the room. Shelby and Avery liquored Sydney up until she passed out. The rest of their crew wasn’t doing as many shots. That was the plan. They had to help their girl plan her husband’s funeral. They would handle what they could and let Sydney decide if she liked their choices. Addie was spending the night and Harper called her establishments letting them know she wouldn’t be in for a few days. Everyone else filed out of her room etching towards the door. Ryan stopped Shelby on a scowl.

That’s your solution? His tone was gruff. Get her drunk so she passes out?

She’s not stinking hangover drunk Ryan. She’s happy comatose drunk for about another thirty minutes. She lost her fucking husband eighteen months ago. She lost Billy five months ago. The woman is hurting. The what-ifs no more; because Jason will not walk back in that fucking door ever again. Don’t think I’m taking this lightly. I loved Billy like a brother. Jason was whacked but okay except for the fact he left his wife alone with two little boys. We gave her what she needed. Now I’m sorry for your loss Ryan. I love you too. But right now you need to nut up and grow a fucking pair.

Shelby and the rest of the crew sans Harper and Addie watched as they walked out the front door. Ryan didn’t know what to say. Wall stepped into the living room. It was harsh what Shelby said but she spoke the truth. He couldn’t fault her for that. Jake came downstairs from Ryan’s apartment and asked where Sydney was. The guys informed her drunk in her bed. Jake growled at Harper and Addie to get out of his way. He stomped into the bedroom and saw Sydney curled into her side hugging what could only be Jason’s pillow. He carefully positioned himself on her bed and curled her body into him. He stroked her hip casually until she turned and held him tightly to her as she sobbed.

Shelby wasn’t wrong. I needed this. She hiccupped. He missed the conversation so he wasn’t sure what happened. He left me Jake. He left me and our boys so long ago. I was so angry with him. Do you think he knows I’m not angry anymore?

Sunshine, you never could hold a grudge. All of us Turners know that. He kissed her forehead and wrapped her tighter to him.

He was a scumbag. He was horny but he felt he was born to hold her in his arms. He couldn’t stay around here for very long. He loved his cousin. Both of them. They were his best friends. They were dead. He also knew that he had loved Sydney Simmons all his adult life and most of his teenage years. He never stopped loving her. Memories of her got him through the tough times when he was on foreign soil defending his country all for the love of a woman at home. His desire to keep her safe pushed him to continue on. He fought so she would never know what it was like to never have freedom. He could never tell her these things. She was the widow of his cousin. He had to keep his distance. No matter how hard it would be for him.

*****

Sydney was numb. Two weeks had passed and she managed to get through the visitation, the funeral, and the mourners who wanted to share their condolences. Harper convinced her to take sleeping pills for the first week. The second week she refused. She couldn’t hear her sons if she took those pills. The nightmares hadn’t stopped either. Now they were almost every night. She fought sleep until exhaustion took over but then would wake in the middle of the night. Jake, Ryan, and Wall had been great but they were using kid gloves with her. Her girls were normal enough but gave her love and space when she needed it. They were her support network. Her and Jake’s family was mourning as well and it only made it worse when she was around. She had been living without her husband for eighteen months. She was used to him not being here. The finality of her marriage being over hit her harder than she thought. She needed to overcome this feeling and start feeling normal again.

She walked out on the back deck. It was the man deck. A secluded area with bench seating, a patio table and chairs, and a man sized grill was all that occupied the deck. Jason wanted no plants. Nothing frivolous in his area. This is where he cooked. He even had a built-in cutting board and sink. Men drooled over this deck. Jake was manning the grill. Sydney froze. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. Her Uncle Joe had been over in the last year and grilled for them. Ryan and Wall had on occasion grilled but seeing Jake man the grill made her feel knotted up in the inside. She wasn’t sure how she was supposed to feel about it but this feeling in her stomach made her feel bad.

Jake was a good-looking man. All the Turners were good-looking. They all shared a strong family resemblance. They looked like brothers when in fact they came from three separate parents. Billy and Wallace were brothers. Ryan and Jake were brothers. Jason had a sister Cara. The men looked alike with their honey wheat blonde trusses and gunmetal blue eyes. Jake was the tallest of all the Turners at six-five. He was also the most reserved. He didn’t cut up with Sydney but he doted on her sons. They were seated at the patio table coloring. They looked up and frowned.

Mommy, man deck. Aiden cried.

I’m sorry I’m on the sacred man deck. Humor me Aiden. I wanted to cry but that wouldn’t be fair. He didn’t mean to hurt my feelings. I turn to Jake. Do you need any help?

He shook his head and mumbled, No I got it. He wouldn’t even look her way.

Sydney nodded and sucked in breath as she made her way back inside. This was a nightmare. She made her way into the living room where Wall was laying on the couch. He had taken up residence in her guest house almost two years ago. When Billy disappeared he appeared and joined TNT Securities leaving the FBI behind. He had a successful career and gave it up to join his brother and cousins in their business. Now only Ryan was left at TNT. She sat down on the opposite side of the couch and he stretched his long legs out placing them on Sydney’s lap. He was the shortest of the Turner men standing at six-one. He was still considered tall by the average standard. She smiled and positioned his feet more comfortably on his lap.

Ryan came up the stairs in his swimsuit with a towel wrapped around his shoulders. He grinned at Sydney. Do I have clothes in the laundry room so I don’t have to run upstairs?

She nodded. Above the dryer on the shelf.

He was gone maybe five minutes when he came back into the living room in a pair of faded jeans and a t-shirt that looked like he was going to rip it with his muscles if he moved a certain way. Sydney smiled. They all looked that way. Long, lean, muscular thighs, ridges in the abdominal walls, and lateral muscles, broad shoulders, muscled arms that reminded her of Popeye when they crossed their arms over their chests trying to exude intimidation. Though they all wore their hair styled differently there was no mistaking they were family. Her girls were obsessed with staring at her guys. She would even bet that some of her girls had fornicated with Wall and Ryan. She couldn’t blame them.

Jake’s going with to the office tomorrow. Ryan announces into the room but is staring at the television.

Cool. This coming from Wall. He moving to Cape Town?

Ryan shrugged. He’s talking about getting a place in Apple Beach. We’ll see.

Sydney wasn’t sure how to take that news. Jake should move into Three Lakes Estates. That was always the plan when Jason created his vision and the small community. She couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. This place had been her home for the last nine years. She felt safe here behind the walls and with the security that roamed the neighborhood. She wondered why Jake didn’t want to live here. He could stay in one of the four guest bedrooms downstairs or in the guest house with Wall. This didn’t make sense to her but she didn’t say anything.

Chapter One

The group of nine sat around the kitchen in the dining nook. The round dining table made of cream and chocolate colored marble held eight high back cream colored cushion chairs. The adults sat at the table while the boys sat at the countertop in the kitchen chatting with their Aunt Addison. Joe Warren cleared his throat before speaking his intentions to the men in the room.

I thought I would go into the office with you today. I don’t have much going on and haven’t been there for awhile. Now that Jake is joining the company it’s time to get my feet wet.

That’s great Joe. Ryan knew Jason had been trying to get Joe to join TNT Securities for years.

Sydney smiled. They had been through a lot in the last two weeks burying her husband but Joe and Jake joining TNT seemed like the right thing for them to do. Jason would have wanted it and had actually tried for years to make it happen. Unfortunately his death was now making that a reality. It was a bittersweet feeling. Sydney observed but didn’t speak. The men cleared their plates took them to the kitchen and filed in behind Jake loading them into the dishwasher. Jake cooked and cleaned. Sydney loved it. The four men said their goodbyes. She kept her smile until they left and then moved like a robot through her day when all she wanted to do was bury her head in the sand and go back to bed. She couldn’t do that. Max and Aiden needed her.

Jake rode with Ryan to the office while Wall rode with Joe. Jake had many thoughts running through his mind. Ryan drove inside a parking garage in the downtown Sage Brook area, part of the Town Center business district. Above them was a six story ninety-thousand square foot steel structured, safety glass enclosure. It was surrounded by hotels, fine restaurants, other businesses, including retail shops, and luxury condominiums and apartments in Apple Beach. Sydney’s employer Beach House Publishing was on the second floor, while TNT Securities claimed the fifth and sixth levels. Apple Beach Realty was on the first level, Seaway Financials honed in on the third level, and the law offices of Holiday, Manning, and Spruce worked on the fourth level. It wasn’t hard to persuade three of the businesses that a well secured structure was in the firms’ best interests.

The men gathered in the garage elevator marked for ‘employees only’ as Ryan swiped a card across an infrared light. They stepped inside and he pushed a button for the fifth floor. The doors opened to a manly décor of deep rich colors in browns, greens, and blues. Cream colored splashes were off-set to the darker colors. They had entered through the back passing a hallway and walked down the marble tiled floor to the main reception area where plants of large varieties stood in corners or housed next to oversized leather chairs, couches, and loveseats.

Clients were treated to any drink needed to calm their nerves while some just waited patiently. The fifth floor held two meeting rooms, six offices, two bull-pens, a break room, public and private lavatories, and a break room. The circular eight foot walled reception desk was the focal point of the room. Behind the reception area was the break room, and Doug Davis’ office. A young woman in her late twenties sat behind the desk in a three-piece striped charcoal gray business suit dress. She was professionally manicured from her pixie cut ebony hair to her pink painted toenails that shown through her peep-toe sling-back heels. She smiled when the men made their way to her.

Casual Monday, Ryan? Her smile was warm and inviting as she looked at the six-pack of men before her. Her eyes widened when she saw Joe Warren in the mix.

Mr. Warren, so nice to see you here. I have been an admirer of your work since I sat in at your classes at Quantico. She rose from her seat and outstretched her hand to Joe who took it invitingly.

Call me Joe please. And…who might you be?

Giavanni Palomino sir. Everyone calls me Gia.

Nice to meet you Gia. The small-framed receptionist blushed as she turned to Ryan.

Ryan, Marcy is in with Doug and Debbie. They are catching her up on the work that has been going on in the past week. You are going to have a lot of late nights playing catch up I’m afraid. Would you like me to hold your phone calls and schedule until after you have finished with these gentleman or do you want to hit the ground running?

Ryan nodded at Geoff who was walking in Doug’s office. He would get his assignment from Doug and proceed with his day. Ryan looked back at Gia and his sinister smile was more mischievous than devilish.

Let me introduce you to some of the best men I know Gia. Obviously you know Joe Warren. And... This charmer with a dazzler for a smile is my older brother, Jake Turner.

Gia gasped as she reached for Jake’s hand. Sir it is an honor to meet you. I have followed your work and it’s embarrassing to say I am a fan. Jake smiled his pearly white smile on the receptionist as he shook her hand.

Call me Jake. He turned to Ryan. Show me to my office and let’s get started.

A blonde lady entered the lobby smiling knowingly. Excuse me?

Debbie, just the woman I wanted to see. I would like for you to meet my brother, Jake. He’s ready to work.

Debbie gave a surprised smile and nodded. She picked up her I pad and motioned to two of the doors behind her. Please sir, allow me to give you the tour. That is Doug Davis’ office, he is the office manager. He gets the assignments from Ryan or Wall and well now I assume…you. He is in charge of the IT department and the accountants. Doug is basically the eyes and ears here for you. There isn’t anything he can’t get past in a computer. He is the tech-guy of the office. You can meet him later. This is the break room where the guys blow off steam, rest for a few hours if need be, and as you can see it is a man’s oasis, though I must admit I love this room.

Debbie opened the double doors that looked like an overgrown playroom on testosterone. Inside the room was a well equipped kitchen, oversized latte colored leather furniture, pool table, foosball, ping pong, video arcade games, darts, four flat screen tvs hung on the walls throughout the room with video systems attached for vegging out and getting lost in the latest game available along with a large bookshelf of assorted movies, books, and a miniature putting green.

The showers and sauna are behind those doors. Debbie pointed to a glass door and Jake nodded. He was impressed as always with Jason’s ‘go-all-out’ approach. He had the tour before but he wanted to get a feel on Debbie. She turned to leave the break room as her heels clicked on the marble floors. She pointed to the restrooms on her left as she proceeded down the hall. Jake noticed the artwork tastefully hung on the walls. She pointed to a door on the right.

That is one of the meeting rooms and on the left is one of the bull-pens. Jake’s brow arched and she smiled understandingly. "You have sixty-four employees including me. There are ten desks in each bull-pen for the men. So there are four bull-pens. They send their reports to Doug for review before being passed on to Ryan, Wall….and now you. You have twenty guys that work overseas and aren’t here much so they don’t have desks. If they do happen to come to the office for whatever reason and need a desk they use one of the forty.

This is Geoff Long’s office on my right, third in command, and then on the left is another meeting room. If you follow me, this door on my right is the second bull pen and then here on the left is a corner office, this is the attorney’s. As we turn the corner we have another office which is mine, then we have the other two bull-pens. You have the accountants offices further down the hall. Upstairs are the executive offices and the security office which is where Marcy Gamble is. She of course is head of security." Jake turned to look at Ryan quizzically and Ryan nodded with a proud smile.

She led them to the elevators and up to the next floor flashing her card at the infrared sensor. The décor was pretty much the same. The receptionist at the desk was a fiery red head with long legs and a beautiful smile. She gushed over Joe Warren as well. Jake that she said her name was Angelica. Apparently Joe’s reputation and lectures preceded him. She walked down the right hallway pointing out the two conference rooms. She pointed an empty office and one that was Bill’s but nobody had touched it. Debbie turned back to the receptionist area and small waiting area going down another long hallway pointing out another conference room, the security room, Wall’s office and another empty office.

The office on the left is Ryan’s and the office on the right was Jason’s which I now assume will be yours. Debbie looked questioningly at Ryan when Jake interceded.

You assume correctly.

There are a few things I will need to go over with you today sir before you leave. Debbie stood straight shoulders back and was no longer intimated by the extremely tall man. She stood at five ten and sizing him up calculated six-five.

What would you like to go over? Jake found her interesting.

How you take your coffee, what you like for lunch, and the hours you plan to work so that I am here before you sir.

I take my coffee black; eat anything, and as far as hours that will be determined after Ryan and I have a conference. Debbie nodded and turned to leave. Jake stopped her with his tone.

She loves her job? Jake asked Ryan. Ryan nodded.

Debbie originally was CIA. She worked at Quantico in intelligence for five years before Jason scooped her up five years ago. She has a baby girl decided she needed somewhat of a normal behind the scenes job. She does a lot more than managing us and making coffee. She’s an invaluable part of the team and when she has intel we listen.

Ryan stepped into Jake’s office and held his bulging muscular arm forward for the other men to enter. Jake had been to the office building twice and not much had changed. He had gotten the original tour when Jason acquired the fifth and sixth floor and then one other time when Jason had summoned him here to offer him a partnership. The office was the same as he remembered it two years ago. The room was tastefully done in browns, ocean blue, and pebble white. Art hung from the walls, the floor to ceiling windows gave a view of the surrounding town center area, and the furniture was oversized and leather like the rest of the building.

A corner of the room held a mini bar and there was a private bathroom off to the side. The other side of the room held a plexi-glass blackboard. Two large overstuffed brown chairs sat in front of the mahogany desk with a large brown leather chair behind the desk. The room was simple and unobtrusive. It was classy and manly just as Jason would want to be portrayed. Jake took his seat behind the desk while Wall and Ryan sat in front of the desk. Joe wandered around the room. Ryan motioned to the top of the desk which held a computer, calendar book, and photos of Sydney and the boys.

So first things first. Jason really grew the business from installing home and business securities to investigating people for high-end clients. Over the last few years we have gotten into government contracts and we now have five different departments. As Debbie said we have sixty-four employees. Marcy is head of security and contracts out the protection and escorting of high influential clients, Geoff is over the home and business security installations, I take care of the government contracts, Wall handles the investigations department.

What is the fifth department and who oversees it? Jake had been following along closely and hadn’t missed a beat.

The fifth department is a mixture of the other four departments for the overseas operations. They are highly trained, extremely good at their jobs. They are ghosts. They report to me as it is considered classified missions. Billy used to handle that department. I need someone to take over this department. This is why I have been trying to get Joe on board. He would be exceptional in this department with his training and expertise.

Jake was intrigued with the operation. He knew the business had been doing well and knew he shouldn’t be surprised by the structure. Obviously Ryan had been handling things for the last couple of years multitasking at every turn and this operation needed more than one captain. He was impressed that Ryan had held it down for as long as he had. Ryan interrupted his thoughts.

The overseas projects had been in place for the last few years. Jason had tried hard to get you on board thinking things would run smoother with you overseeing the department. It is nowhere near where it was when Jason and Billy started the department. I have taken it to another level but it has been hard. Wall has been my right hand in this department.

Joe had been listening intently. His face was a blank expression so no one could read his excitement, adrenaline pumping through his body. He had perfected his facial expressions early on in his days as a Special Ops in the Marine Core. He knew at the age of fifty-four he had no business in the field or running around the country with the twenty men who carried out the missions. However, his brain was still as sharp as a tack and he was physically in good condition. He had devoted the last twenty years to lecturing at Quantico, holding seminars; he had several well published novels, and was a celebrity amongst the military community. He provided consultations and had clearance levels that nobody else in this room had ever held.

Tell me more about the requirements and position. Joe stunned Ryan; a surprised smile on his face as he began describing the job duties and what the position entailed to a still blank-faced Joe.

After an hour and a half of negotiations the overseas department head position had been filled with Joe taking the corner office; using his negotiating skills. Joe would be head of the department on all overseas missions leading a group of sixteen men and four women learning everything Joe had to offer them.

Jake, Wall, and Ryan sat in Jake’s office hashing over the company, what jobs were now active, those with lose ends. Doug and Geoff had given them an update on the jobs that were about to end along with their progress and expected results. The day was long but interesting as this company was far from boring and impressive as it ran like a well oiled machine.

Jake also discovered every member of the team came from some form of military background. There wasn’t one civilian on the payroll with the exception of Jason and Billy at the time and even then they may not have served in the military but their days as DEA agents served them well in forming this company. Jake was beyond impressed.

Ryan further filled him in on the building, showing him the blueprints, educating him on the remaining firms in the building, and explaining anyone who worked in the building had an extensive background check no matter which firm they worked for previously. The building was secure as if it sat on a military base. Debbie had given updates on pertinent information while she brought in coffee, lunch, and filled Jake’s mini fridge with some of his favorites after calling Sydney for that information.

It was now four o’clock and tomorrow would bring about putting everything in place as well as preparing an in-house meeting. A mandatory meeting was being called for Friday morning in which Ryan would introduce Jake and Joe to the staff. The overseas group had been alerted they would need to conference in as well and then Jake and Joe would give their ‘expectations and moving forward’ comments.

Jake was pleased he had always been an early riser as this job would demand it. For the most part he wasn’t in a hurry to rush out to an office every day. He had other things on his mind such as Sydney and the boys. He had decided he would arrive at nine and Debbie smiled pleased as she had been arriving at six for as long as she had been here. The only exception was during emergencies. Otherwise she would be the first to arrive every morning. She would now get to sleep in as she put it.

It was a half hour drive from his new home in Cape Town to the office in Apple Beach and that was if traffic was light. He was the co-boss and wanted to set a good example of punctuality in his team. Ryan had confirmed he normally would arrive at nine but depending on the circumstances of a job he may not roll in until later in the morning. Wall was taking in everything offering advice as the men continued to lay out the somewhat new restructuring of the company departments.

Ryan was driving Jake and Wall back to the house discussing the photo pyramid. Jake was pleased with the day and how things were coming together but the murders were weighing heavy on him. They were going to have to do their own investigation and for that he would need Wall and TNT to uncover who The Boss was. He and Wall would work on it while Jake learned the ropes of TNT. It was five o’clock when they pulled into the gated community. The smell of the food on the grill caught Jake’s senses as he climbed out of Ryan’s truck from the back of the house.

Chapter Two

Three weeks flew by without incident. Jake was tight on security but was edgy. He hadn’t been able to crack Jason’s computer. He still hadn’t figured out what happened to the safe room and The Boss had gone underground without a trace. He was no closer to catching him than he was a week ago. He was hesitant to allow Sydney to go out tonight. He laughed to himself. He learned on a curve and was positive he wasn’t allowing anything. Sydney was definitely in control though she didn’t act like it. She didn’t demand to do anything. She asked. He knew she gave him that. That was the game she played with all the Turner men.

Jake reached out to Perry Capozzi. The man was an enigma. He was the man in the know and Jake needed to know where he should live in Apple Beach. Perry offered his penthouse apartment in a prestigious part of town in his own building nevertheless. Jake took him up on the offer. No way he could live in Three Lakes Estates and keep his hands to himself. Not with Sydney looking the way she did and causing the effects she caused on him. He took Perry up on the offer instantly. It was a no-brainer for Jake. Perry didn’t want money. He wanted marks. That’s how the man accomplished his goals. Jake gave him the mark.

Five months ago he gave the US Marshal Service his notice of intent to resign his position. They unhappily accepted but he promised to reach out if he knew anything about The Boss and his contacts promised to do the same. Jake was on a mission. Billy was his blood. He was determined to find Billy’s killer. Now it was a double-edged sword because he was now hunting two killers. He didn’t believe the two killings were entirely the same. Things didn’t make sense to him. The home office was gone. A blank wall in its place. Jason had decked the room out with surveillance equipment and essentially it doubled as a panic room. Jason’s computer was also compromised. He couldn’t get to much needed files. He was frustrated but had the team recompile and they would just start fresh. A text from Ryan alerted him it was time to head to Three Lakes Estates.

FYI….Girls are headed out in an hour. They are here present and accounted for.

Jake walked in the house from the back door and heard a cackle of voices in the living room. He stepped inside surveying the room. Ryan and Wall were not suffering a hardship. These women were beautiful. Jake didn’t think any of them held a candle to Sydney but definitely each were beautiful in their own right. They could all compete in a beauty contest and it would be hard to determine the winner. He stood completely still arms draped over his chest and took in the beauties before him. Wall sat on the center of the sectional couch surrounded by three women. He tried to remember their names; Megan, Phoebe, and Cami. He smiled and nodded at each lady. Ryan crossed the room and made the introductions.

He turned Jake to the other side of the room and pointed to Yancy and Lindsey. Jake smiled shaking their hands. They returned the gesture. Ryan jerked when he saw another beauty enter the room and Jake hesitated smiling when Ryan introduced Avery Monahan. Surely Ryan didn’t mean Monahan as in the Irish mob Monahan. Ryan gave him a knowing look stating that was exactly his implication.

Jake looked around the room as Marcy, Harper, and Addison talked quietly in the corner of the room with the same raven haired beauty he had seen a couple of weeks ago at Jason’s funeral. Shelby Borrelli was in her little bubble listening to the women appearing unaffected by their words but he saw she was taking everything in. Two mafia princesses were in his cousin’s living room. He wasn’t sure what to make of it; if there was anything at all to make of this. Shelby gave him a small wave and a shrug. She didn’t know Jake. She knew the other Turner men and each seemed to like her. Jake had to know. He approached the group in the corner.

Georgio Borrelli’s granddaughter? Jake’s brow perked up questioningly as he spoke low. He didn’t know if these women actually knew who they were friends with. Shelby sighed in boredom standing to shake Jake’s hand.

One of many titles I hold to my famous record. Shelby smiled innocent enough keeping her voice low. So let’s get it all out in the open. You are Jake Turner, ex SEAL, ex US Marshal, and current partner in TNT Securities.

You’ve done your research. I’m afraid I am somewhat at a loss. Jake squinted his eyes. Damn but the girl was mesmerizingly beautiful.

Nope. Not me. Anyone who moves into Three Lakes Estates goes through a vigorous background check. My lineage to Georgio is only a small part. Perry Capozzi and Bully Borrelli course through my veins as well.

Your lineage is quite colorful. Jake smirked. However, I’m not a resident of Three Lakes Estates.

You could say that. Shelby’s gray eyes slanted on him before she opened them to a more innocent look. You did move into Nico’s though so pretty much the same song and dance. Not my job to take your pulse on this but you should know that no harm will come to Syd by me being her girl. I’ve been here four years and not once has she had a hair on her head tweaked because of me. We all are a colorful bunch in our own way. Shelby threw her arm out to the room of women.

Jake offered an outstretched hand to Shelby; grinning his panty-dropping smile on her. She seemed unaffected by his wiles noticing Wall and Ryan stifling laughter. Shelby wasn’t a girl who went down hard and fast over a pretty face.

My pulse is fine Shelby. Glad to finally meet you.

Jake you should know… Shelby gave a pregnant pause. I loved Billy. He treated me well. He was like an overprotective big brother. And knowing my brother…well I feel the loss. Jason was whacked and even though I liked him well enough he didn’t do right by my girl leaving like he did. I won’t let her go through that again.

Jake took in her words. She was warning him. He didn’t know what Shelby thought but it wasn’t lost on him that this young woman was serious. He gave another panty-dropping dimpled smile but she wasn’t falling for it. She smirked before retaking her seat. Shelby was immune to his smile. He found that very interesting. He chanced a glance to Wall and Ryan and noticed they were snickering. He would have to get feedback later. He watched as Sydney entered the living room in her cobalt layered chiffon dress. It wrapped around her neck snuggly exposing her shoulders. He shifted his stance and took in her beauty. She wore a pair of silver heels. One thin strap over the top of her foot and the other thin strap around her ankle. He grumbled it was time to go and walked to the door opening it for the beauties in the room.

Jake found counting the beauties was easier than remembering names. The last beauty stepped outside walking towards the waiting limousine and Ryan slapped a hand on his brother’s shoulder grinning.

Not a hardship brother. Ryan smirked exposing a single dimple in his left cheek. Not a hardship at all.

Wall was already at the limo holding the door and chatting up the women as they climbed inside. Jake locked up the house and followed his brother down the stairs to the car that would take them on a wild night. He imagined watching these ladies were in fact not a hardship but would cause parts of his body to be hard the entire night. He shifted in his jeans and climbed into the backseat sitting next to the door. Ryan