A Second Chance

By Annie Campbell

Shannon Doolan is the youngest in a family of five, the only girl with four over protective older brothers. When Shannon ran home from university six years earlier nursing psychological scars – the physical ones having healed – she fought hard to overcome her fears arising from an assault by her then boyfriend Clay O’Neill.
Finally given a chance to get out from under routine paperwork at her brother Aiden’s Company Doolan Security; Shannon jumps at the chance to work a stalker case with her ex-soldier brother Pat. That is until she discovers that Clay O’Neill and Clayton Fahey, the guy she has to work with, are one and the same. Except he isn’t the same. Clayton Fahey is very different, though, within a short time of working in close proximity, Shannon begins to realize her hearts response to him hasn’t changed one little bit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
For the last six years, Clayton Fahey has worked hard to atone for that one nightmare night when his world turned upside down and he became the person he despised most, his abusive alcoholic father. In a frustrated drunken rage he had terrified and abused his sweet innocent girlfriend, leaving her bruised and petrified as he lurched into an uncertain future.
Six years on, Clayton has been medically discharged from the Marine Corps. He remains guilt filled and committed to making amends for his past behavior. Clayton is currently working as Event Coordinator for his friend and mentor, renowned self-help guru Ethan King. When a persistent stalker prompts Ethan’s security chief Pat Doolan to bring a psychological profiler on board, Clayton has no idea that it is his ex, Shannon. Unable to forgive himself for that one night of terror, he knows Shannon will never let him near her...until she is endangered; can Shannon let her guard down around Clayton enough to trust him with her life? And will Clayton ever believe himself worthy of forgiveness and a second chance at love?
Spoiler Alert! For anyone who hasn’t yet read Lying Straight, I write about Josie, Zander and Jonnie in this book and as it is set in a period of time just after Lying Straight ( but before its epilogue!), it does go into the relationships of the three main characters and some of the storyline found in that book.
That said, Zander and co don’t feature heavily here, they just decided to butt in when they knew that this book would also be set in Boston.
This is aimed at 18+ as there is bad language, sex and violence; several gorgeous brooding men, feisty females and one flatulent British Bulldog.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Annie Campbell
• Release date: Mar 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310747625

Annie Campbell

Annie Campbell is a pen name, I am not sure why I felt unable to put my own name to my work, part of it goes back to old personal issues. Now that I have completed my fifth book, I have greater belief in my work and my worth, but back when I first began the publishing process for Tomorrow Begins Today, I felt a little insecure. Also, because the main character I had created, Lou, was semi autobiographical, I wasn't at that time ready to own certain aspects of our similarities. Now, not only can I publicly own my historic over reliance on alcohol, but I am proud of my recovery and achievements in sobriety. I shy from calling myself an alcoholic, not because I am concerned about any stigma, but because having spent 3.5 years with others in recovery, I genuinely do not believe I fall into that category. Regardless of title, I had an unhealthy relationship with the bottle for 30 odd years and am happily, healthily sober nowadays. I live on the East Coast of Scotland with my tolerant husband and my impatient Labradoodle Molly. I work part time, which is necessary as I have an insular personality and writing is an isolating profession. If I didn't have to go to work, I would probably rarely leave the house or speak to others.

Book preview

Forward

Spoiler Alert! For anyone who hasn’t yet read Lying Straight, I write about Josie, Zander and Jonnie in this book and as it is set in a period of time just after Lying Straight ( but before its epilogue!), it does go into the relationships of the three main characters and some of the storyline found in that book.

That said, Zander and co don’t feature heavily here, they just decided to butt in when they knew that this book would also be set in Boston.

Shannon Doolan is the youngest in a family of five, the only girl with four over protective older brothers. When Shannon ran home from university six years earlier nursing psychological scars - the physical ones having healed - she fought hard to overcome her fears arising from an assault by her then boyfriend Clay O’Neill.

Finally given a chance to get out from under routine paperwork at her brother Aiden’s Company Doolan Security; Shannon jumps at the chance to work a stalker case with her ex-soldier brother Pat. That is until she discovers that Clay O’Neill and Clayton Fahey, the guy she has to work with, are one and the same. Except he isn’t the same. Clayton Fahey is very different, though, within a short time of working in close proximity, Shannon begins to realize her hearts response to him hasn’t changed one little bit.

For the last six years, Clayton Fahey has worked hard to atone for that one nightmare night when his world turned upside down and he became the person he despised most, his abusive alcoholic father. In a frustrated drunken rage he had terrified and abused his sweet innocent girlfriend, leaving her bruised and petrified as he lurched into an uncertain future.

Six years on, Clayton has been medically discharged from the Marine Corps he remains guilt filled and committed to making amends for his past behavior. Clayton is currently working as Event Coordinator for his friend and mentor, renowned self-help guru Ethan King. When a persistent stalker prompts Ethan’s security chief Pat Doolan to bring a psychological profiler on board, Clayton has no idea that it is his ex, Shannon. Unable to forgive himself for that one night of terror, he knows Shannon will never let him near her…until she is endangered; can Shannon let her guard down around Clayton enough to trust him with her life? And will Clayton ever believe himself worthy of forgiveness and a second chance at love?

This is aimed at 18+ as there is bad language, sex and violence; several gorgeous brooding men, feisty females and one flatulent British Bulldog.

~~~~~~~

I thought hard about how I wanted to write this book, I do not want to come across as remotely tolerant of abuse in any form, but I do believe that people have a capacity to make fundamental changes in the character and behavior, and firmly believe that they deserve a second chance at life and love if they have worked hard to become a better person.

That said, no one should ever feel that they deserve to stay in an abusive relationship and there are many organizations there who will aid a person to free themselves if they can find the courage to reach out.

As this book is set in Boston Mass., I have written in American English, though because I am from the mother country, I may have made an occasional error in terminology. For my shortcomings I apologize, they are all a part of my humanity!

Acknowledgements

I want to thank my mother as always for having faith in me and for being inordinately proud that her baby can string a sentence together, albeit occasionally including four letter words and orgasms. Her support means more than she will ever know.

I also thank my loving, patient husband who almost listens when I am blocked on a storyline, and who gives helpful advice on the book covers. (The contents of which he cheerfully admits never reading.) He is also inordinately tolerant of me as I ignore him completely whilst I succumb to the charms of my leading men.

I also want to thank my friends, relatives and the occasional innocent who have diligently read my books and commented. I am not the first to say that reviews are an authors’ lifeblood. Our books are our babies, and we want readers to coo over them and squidge their cheeks. So please take a moment at the end of a book to give a short review, or come to my website www.anniecampbellauthor.com and tell me what you think. But please, be gentle with me!

For more information about my other books keep reading to the end!

CHAPTER ONE

Shan spat into the bucket and greedily sucked in a breath before taking another gulp of water.

Fer fuck sake Shan, pay attention! Every time you lead with your left you're dropping yer guard. If he wasn't such a dumb fuck he'd have figured it by now and clocked you one.

That's no way to talk about your brother. Shan panted with a grin.

Colm grinned back at her as he slapped her shoulder and pushed her back into the center of the ring. He's your brother too, now get over there and smash the bastard.

Oy! I had the same fuckin' father as yerself, worthless shit that he was. A laughing Danny lifted his chin for a split second, long enough for Shan to bring up a fierce right uppercut that put him on his ass.

Fuck Shan, watch his pretty face our Danny has a date tonight.

Shan danced easily out of reach of Danny's wildly swung left as frustration began to get the better of him. She ducked under the next and landed a few rapid body blows. When doesn't Danny have a date? she panted.

Ha! You're all just jealous because one of us is getting some. Danny blocked a right that, had it landed would have put him into next Tuesday lunchtime. Fuck! Careful Shan; it's meant to be sparring.

No point pussying around, puffed Shan as she saw her chance and took it, another roundhouse and Danny hit the deck again, shaking his head to clear the stars.

Okay children, enough playing for one day. Colm lithely jumped the ropes and hauled Danny to his feet. You seriously have to forget she's a woman when you're in the ring bro.

Danny grinned drunkenly. I really tried hitting her Colm, she's like a gnat on speed with a punch like Popeye. Sis if you were to take this up, I swear you would go places.

The only place I'm going is the showers Danny-Boy, I stink. Shan waited impatiently for Colm to finish unwrapping her left hand before vaulting the ropes and heading towards the changing room.

Putting me on my ass does not give you the right to call me that. Danny shouted at her retreating back.

Yeah. I think you'll find it does." She was still laughing to herself as she hit the shower and stood under the spray, letting all her tension flow down the drain with the sudsy water.

Relaxing for the first time that day, she sent a silent thank you to Colm for suggesting the sparring session. She had woken that morning from one of her thankfully now infrequent nightmares, feeling frightened and weak. It had sat uncomfortably on her all day, making her irritable and snappy with her brothers and her co-workers.

Annoyed at herself for allowing her emotions to rule her day, and for letting fear back into her life, Shannon had needed an outlet for her frustration. Battering Danny had been the perfect solution.

Once dried, she drew some sweats out of her locker and quickly dressed. Passing Danny on the way out, she grabbed his face and kissed him on the cheek.

Thanks for that Danny, I needed it.

He gave his little sister a bear hug. You are welcome to pound and beat me any time you need to Shannon, my ego can take it. Oh and Aiden wants a word before you leave.

Shannon groaned, she had been looking forward to chilling, now she had her uptight control-freak brother after her. She knew that if she didn't go see him before she left he would only turn up at her apartment later.

Danny grinned in sympathy. If it's any help Shan, I think he has a job for you.

How does more paperwork help?

Danny just looked at her, his grin still in place. Suddenly a matching grin split Shannon's face. "You mean a job job? Out there? On duty? For real?" She flung herself at her brother who picked up the lightweight girl and swung her around, her loose fiery curls flying out like a cape. His heart lifted knowing he had made her so happy. It had pained Danny to see the ghost his sister had become after she fled back from college, leaving it mid semester and refusing to return. And it had taken a while for her to recover from whatever had made her come home. Squealing and happy dancing, Shannon about-turned and headed back into the building, leaving Danny grinning at her retreating back. God he loved his family. Every annoying, smart-ass one of them.

CHAPTER TWO

Aiden looked up from the deep mahogany desk that he had bought for himself after Doolan Security snagged its first big contract. Come in Shannon. He was the only brother never to shorten her name.

Hey bro, you got a job for me? She jiggled excitedly into a room that reflected her brother’s serious solid nature.

Yeah, securing Danny's fat gob. Aiden was irritated that his brother had given Shannon the news before he himself could. It wasn’t often Aiden got the chance to make Shannon smile. He knew they all thought him staid and boring, it would have felt good, just once to be the one to make his sister dance and squeal.

Ah now Aiden you know what Danny's like. Go on give me the beef.

Sit down and stop dancing round then, you're giving me motion sickness. Aiden grumbled. This is serious Shannon, and might even be dangerous. I have reservations but Pat puts up a good argument for using you so I'm giving it due consideration.

Due consideration? You mean I don't actually have the job? Shannon's temper began to rise at her uptight brother. She saw his look and simmered back down.

Yeah, that is exactly why I have reservations Shannon, you are overly emotional…

Not on a job I wouldn't be! Aiden you have to give me a chance to prove myself. Shannon implored.

I will Shannon, I just need to consider the risks involved in this particular job. Look, I have a meeting tomorrow morning with Pat and the officer dealing with the…situation. I want you to sit in on it, hear what Pat has to say, listen to what you would be expected to do, and decide for yourself.

And then you will let me do the job?

"And then I will think about letting you do the job"

Shannon stamped her foot and huffed at her brother. What time is this meeting?

Eight sharp here. And Shannon, seriously, I make the final call, so you need to show me you can handle something like this.

Something like what? Can you even give me an idea?

Aiden considered what to tell his young sister. It involves security issues around Ethan King.

"Ethan King? Where do I know…? That Ethan King? The inspirational guru? Really? Oh my god that would be…he is so… Shannon wisely mentally edited. I mean I admire his work." she finished lamely.

Aiden wondered whether his first reaction to Pats idea had been right, that Shannon was nowhere near ready for something like this. He refused to take chances with her wellbeing just to allow her a more active role in the company. He would never be able to live with himself if anything happened to her. He sighed, it would also kill him if he had to tell her no.

Yes, that Ethan King. I suggest you get any hero worship out of your system overnight, this is a job Shannon, and I need you to be professional and on the ball at all times. It is potentially dangerous and you going all doe eyed and giddy at the wrong moment…

"Doe eyed!! Frick you Aiden Doolan and the fricking horse you rode in on! I've been working my ass off for you since I started here. And I've been training up, getting my qualifications, putting in extra hours at the gym, the shooting range and in the classroom. No one has been more professional than me in my approach to this and all you've given me so far is desk work and some false alarm calls."

Have you quite finished? Aiden calmly looked across the desk from his deep office chair. "As your brother, off duty, feel free to tell me to ‘frick off’. As your boss, that little outburst just earned you a verbal reprimand. That was unprofessional." Instead of winding up for another round of abuse as he expected of her, his sister slumped back into her seat.

You're right. How can I expect you to take me seriously when I go off on one at you at the drop of a hat? I'm sorry Aiden. I forget sometimes you know? Boss in the office, stick-up-the-butt big brother at home. She grinned with a little of the fire Aiden had expected. He sighed, it had been a long day and he had hours of invoices and contracts to sort before he would be leaving for the night.

Go home Shannon. Check the guy out on YouTube, read up about him. I will see you here at eight sharp. Dressed to impress? He cocked an eye at her current attire.

It's not like I came to work in this, I just finished tanning Danny's arse in the ring, and it wasn't worth getting changed just to go home.

Aiden grunted, acknowledgment and dismissal in one noise. Left in peace once more as hurricane Shannon headed off the premises, Aiden stood, scanning the Boston skyline as he reflected on his rise in the Boston security scene that allowed him to employ his siblings.

It had been one of those, unknowingly, life-altering moments which had started him off. Always a serious young man, and the son of a violent drunk, he had been concerned at the number of fights in his neighborhood bar. He suggested to the manager that he needed door security and that his big brother Colm could provide it. Aiden then went home and looked into what was credentials Colm would need, and began setting things in motion.

He also needed to convince Colm that he wanted this particular job. Fortunately Colm was all about the bottom line, putting food on the table. It would add substantially to what he earned on his day job as a laborer. Aiden walked Colm through the necessary process and soon had him keeping the peace while others enjoyed a quiet drink.

His interest piqued, Aiden had read deeper into the security business and looked around to see what gaps he could fill in the current market. Many of the existing companies had sat on their laurels and not moved with the times. Computer savvy Aiden had quickly realized there was room for someone who could use the latest technology and techniques. Working day and night; taking courses and achieving top qualifications, employing only those who shared his work ethics, Aiden began to build up a reputation as someone to trust to do a job efficiently, on time and to the agreed quote.

As he expanded he took on specialists. He then found positions for Colm in security and later Danny in marketing, playing to their strengths. When Shannon had come home unexpectedly from college, he had given her an office job on the agreement she continued her education. Shannon had always refused to say what brought her home so suddenly, and so scared. It played on all the brothers minds and they had discussed it many times, though once the Shannon they doted on began to reappear albeit quieter and fiercer, they had relaxed somewhat.

Again, when Pat had returned from his last stint overseas and taken an honorable discharge, Aiden found a role for him.

Over the course of the last decade, Doolan Security had grown to become one of the top names in Boston. Businesses, Universities, the Boston elite, heck; even the police turned to Aiden for protection, alarm systems, security and advise.

Aiden knew he was close to being at the place in his life where he felt the kind of security that he spent his time promising others. One side of his face lifted in a self-deprecating grin as he turned back to his desk. Soon. Meantime, he carried the burden he had chosen to carry, of ensuring the financial stability of his loved ones.

CHAPTER THREE

Shannon opened the door to her apartment and neatly sidestepped to allow room for the 50lb bullet of emotional bone and muscle that she knew would shoot out. A split second later George stampeded through, and skidded to a halt. Whipping round, defying his bulky, stocky body he headed towards Shannon grinning and snuffling. As usual in his excitement he farted, and the unpleasant aroma soon surrounded the pair as they happily greeted each other. The door to the apartment across the landing opened and the sprightly Mrs. Landers stuck her head out, waving her hand ineffectually at the smell.

Shannon, you’re home. I’ve put a casserole in your oven darling, you just need to heat it up. George and I had a lovely time on the Common today, he got extremely friendly with a very nice lady poodle, but as she was a Standard, I think he was punching above his weight. She twinkled.

I bet he still managed to charm her though. Shannon scruffled the loose skin of her British Bulldog as she looked up at her dear friend. And I keep telling you Mrs. L, there is no need to cook for me.

Nonsense sweetie, I wouldn’t bother feeding myself if I wasn’t cooking for you, and tell me honestly, had you anything planned for your supper?

Shannon grinned at the seventy year old who seemed to have twice the energy Shannon had. No, of course not, you know me too well. I’ll drop the crock around later.

Darling do you mind awfully if you just leave it for me to collect when I pick up George tomorrow? I may have a gentleman caller later and…

Enough said Mrs. L. Shannon recalled with horror the one time she had found the saucy septuagenarian and her date in flagrante delicto. Mrs. Landers waved her fingers at Shannon with a Toodaloo darling, and turned back into her apartment, leaving Shannon telling George all about her day as she headed into her own.

An hour later, she was replete and dressed in the sweat shorts and tank top that was Shannon’s at home attire. With George snuggled alongside her on the sofa, Shannon fired up her laptop and googled Ethan King. She already knew that he had grown up in Boston and become renowned locally as a self-help guru. He had become a regular on an afternoon TV show that had been syndicated. And he was hot, with a capital H… And O… And T. She had seen articles about him but he hadn’t registered on her personal radar up to now.

Watching him on video as he commanded the attention of an audience with his quiet, confident voice, she revised her opinion. He wasn’t just hot, he had a presence, an aura. He expected you to pay attention to him, so you did. He never raised his voice or used exaggerated body language; his movements were fluid and graceful. The easy stride he used to cross the stage to share words with the audience, was self-assured.

Close up footage showed the kink of a wave in his short cut blond hair, and revealed the intense passion for his subject in his blue eyes. Ethan wasn’t particularly tall probably not more than five ten, though his expensive clothes hinted at a trim well-toned body.

Shannon read his official bio; he had attended Danny’s school and was of an age, so she figured it may have been Danny who had gotten the contract for Ethan’s security team for his latest tour. She noted that Ethan was currently single. He had in the past been photographed with several up and coming celebrity-seeking beauties and linked with others, but was never seemingly seriously involved with any of them. He also managed to somehow avoid the ‘ditch and bitch’ tabloid headlines that so many modern celebrities fell prey to.

Oddly, none of his flings had a bad word to say about him. Shannon found that more intriguing than anything else about him. Usually the type of girl who used a guy’s celebrity to heighten her own status couldn’t wait to dis the guy in the Sunday tabloids and the down-market celebrity magazines. What was it about Ethan that was different? She couldn’t wait to meet him in person.

She closed down the internet connection and hovered her mouse over a shortcut on her desktop, before telling herself off and powering down. She threw on track bottoms and jacket and walked George around the block, all the while thinking about the disturbing dreams that had plagued her the previous night.

Returning to the apartment, Shannon made herself a cup of hot chocolate and picked up the channel changer and swiftly deciding that there was nothing on TV to hold her interest. She picked up her e-Reader but wasn’t in the mood for a feel good ending. Her attention returned time and again to her closed laptop. Finally heaving a sigh of frustration at her weakness, she rebooted it and opened the file she had so studiously avoided all night.

Memories swarmed in as she lingered over each picture, remembering how happy she had felt for the short time she had dated Clay. She looked into the eyes of the handsome guy at the side of a younger more innocent version of herself in the photos, trying to see the monster that had lurked, but all she could see was the love she had been bathed in.

A revolting smell brought Shannon out of her reverie. Oh George. Really? The dog wagged his stumpy tail proudly and grinned at her. Come on, bed. She smiled at the dog who had given her new purpose. She might not have the most exciting life, but it was her own and she was in control of it. Shannon settled under the covers expecting her trip back in time to give her more unsettled dreams, but when she awoke to the alarm the next morning she could remember nothing.

CHAPTER FOUR

I hate early mornings, complained Shannon shivering.

Oh stop whinging darling, I’m losing beauty sleep too, and lord knows I need it. I am getting haggard love. Haggard.

Shannon giggled. Jonnie looked as gorgeous as ever with his sexy blue eyes and swish of blond hair, and moaned. I wished I looked as good as you first thing. So what’s on today?

I thought some footwork and weights finishing with 5k along the river. Will George manage 5k?

You are kidding? Just walking here is as much as he will take. That and a stroll with Mrs. L this afternoon. No, he will happily sit here and wait while we do the dumb stuff.

Come on them sweetie, I have a day of planning ahead of me. Two weddings to organize and no time to do it. And one of them in England! Honestly! Jonnie huffed and threw his arms around theatrically.

Who’s getting married? That was all Shannon had to ask to set Jonnie off on an enthusiastic monologue leaving Shannon to kick out at the pads he held. He gave periodic instruction and when she moved to the weights, Jonnie spotted her.

I take it you aren’t bothering today then? Shannon asked slightly sarcastically, pissed she was suffering alone.

Just the run sweetie, I am working toward my grade two blue belt Krav Maga later, I need all my energy for that.

Shannon always thought it was hysterical that someone as camp as Jonnie was also a lethal weapon. After their run she kissed Jonnie goodbye, agreed their next session and trotted back to the apartment to shower and change. She would be running to time as long as she missed out breakfast or ate on the hoof. Heading to the door she grabbed a couple of bananas from the bowl and began peeling the first as she took the short walk to the office.

~~~~~~~

As she opened the door to the outer office, Shannon saw a familiar figure with his back to her. She ran towards him and leapt Pat! He reached to hold her legs supporting her on his back.

Hey Shortstuff, how you doing? Shannon slapped the back of his head before dropping back to the ground so she could hug him properly.

Enough with the Shortstuff Patrick, I will have you know I kicked Dannys butt all around the ring last night.

Way I heard it he let you win. Actually Colm had proudly told Pat about Shannon’s prowess, and Danny had admitted she had easily caught him off guard.

Way you heard it was wrong. I tanned his arse. Shannon sang as she did a victory jig.

It’s your genteel feminine nature that I love so much about you Shan. Pat scruffled her hair before she could dodge out of reach.

Shannon huffed I can be ladylike when I want to be. then broke into a smirk I much prefer to kick Danny’s butt though.

Pat laughed. It was good to see his little sister looking so free and happy. Hell it was good to laugh himself. Shannon always did lighten his mood, it would be great to see more of her if Aiden pulled the poker out of his arse long enough to let her come along. He could handle being happy again. He just needed someone like Shannon to brighten his day.

The outer door swung open again and Pat didn’t miss the swiftness with which Shannon swung around to check who was there. So, the fear hadn’t totally left her. Hell, he still had his triggers, he wasn’t going to comment on Shannon’s.

Shannon’s jaw dropped as she took in the man who entered. Oh boy, he was pant-wettingly gorgeous. Straggly dark locks over smoldering blue eyes; a scar down one cheek added a bad boy hook. If she were a southern Belle she would be fanning herself into a swoon right now. Then the bastard grinned at her.

You must be Shannon. Oh. My. God. His voice was honey over gravel. I gather we have a friend in common. At Shannon’s puzzled look he went on. Jonnie Lowell?

You know Jonnie? Crap was this stud gay? The stud then turned