Tropical Nightmares: Tropical Series, #2

By Kelly Cozzone

Surviving numerous attempts on their lives including the explosion that rocked Tropical Dreams, David Murphy and Tiana Alexander started to rebuild their lives. Living on the beautiful and tranquil island of St. Lucia, they tried not to let the ugliness of Robert Dubose invade every aspect of their lives. They knew he was coming and wouldn't stop until someone was dead.

Robert Dubose planned every second of his revenge against David and Tiana down to the littlest detail. This time he was leaving nothing to chance. Bringing a partner in on the plan almost guarantees his success.

Can David and Tiana once again defeat Dubose or will he finally get his revenge? Will Dubose and his hidden partner finally succeed in killing them? Can David forgive himself for failing Tiana or will their love be another casualty?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelly Cozzone
• Release date: Mar 31, 2016
• ISBN: 9781503276628

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Haphazard stacks of files littered every surface of Robert Dubose’s cluttered office. The stress of the day caused his heart to pound in his ears. His throat constricted in fear as he desperately waited for news.

He’d carelessly thrown his prized Armani suit coat onto the back of his desk chair, showing it little care; its arm brushed the dirty floor. Pictures of him with several high-powered officials, including the president, hung on the wall in a place of honor. It stood as a reminder for all he wanted to accomplish.

Having spent several months constantly pacing back and forth across his office floor, he’d left a path of footprints worn into the carpeting. The trash can sitting in the corner overflowed with empty water bottles and food wrappers. The room smelled of fast food and stale clothes, and the odor overpowered anyone who entered, and no amount of cleaning seemed to lessen the stench.

The disarray of his office offered proof of Robert’s single-minded obsession. His body burned with desire as the need to achieve his goal grew with every passing minute. He dreamed of ruining David Murphy’s life or putting him in the ground.

His thoughts focused on the ensuing battle; the disgusting mess in his office went unnoticed. At last, the moment he dreamed of had arrived. The final showdown he’d spent weeks designing was under way, and sending Tiana Alexander with him to the grave would be an added bonus.

Robert had sent David Murphy, one of the agency’s top agents, to protect Tiana, the daughter of a rich, politically powerful man. Behind the scenes, he’d secretly set events in motion to guarantee danger surrounded her. His goal had been to create the perfect situation for David Murphy to die.

He was proud of the fact that not only had he been able to compromise David, but he had also made sure that the safe house would fail to provide them with any security from his experienced and dedicated hit squad.

At any moment, the final stages of his plan would be under way and David and Tiana would be under attack. The outcome of the siege would determine the path Robert’s life would follow. His life, his entire future, depended on the events playing out. If his plan went the way he envisioned, the two of them would no longer pose a threat. They would be right where he wanted them: dead.

If they somehow managed to survive, he was finished; the only question left was whether or not he would escape with his life. Unlike most normal days, when time seemed to fly by, the minutes ticked by slowly, creeping into hours. The indigestion that plagued him grew into a raging fire deep within his chest.

Rubbing his arm with a sweaty palm, Robert felt his nerves burn and twitch. He couldn’t sit still, and the only relief he found came from his constant fidgeting. When the urge to pace around his office became more than he could take, he jumped to his feet.

The more he paced, the more it seemed like the walls were closing in around him. The pain in his legs drove him, giving him no other option than to give in to the need to move.

Anxiety built inch by inch, second by second, sending him closer to the edge. He had to force his thoughts off David Murphy and off what was happening, otherwise he’d lose his mind. His life relied on the action taking place, action he did not control. Should the action fail, it carried the potential to ruin him.

Gulping in air, clutching his tie as if it were tightening with every breath, Robert yanked on it over and over. Finally able to loosen it from around his neck, he jerked it from his shirt and threw it down on his desk. Shoving his hand into his pant pocket, he pulled out his roll of antacids, popping them into his mouth one after another; he couldn’t eat them fast enough.

Chewing furiously, he prayed for any relief he could find from the heartburn. Swallowing quickly, he fought the nausea that was rapidly rising and threatening to spill over. Don’t let me be sick, he chanted silently, not now; I don’t have time to be sick.

Robert’s inability to stop pacing around his office caused his legs to throb and ache. Reaching the window, he paused to peer out into the darkness; a deep darkness, without a single star visible in the night sky. The vast blackness of the night reflected the evil that marked the day.

Bright light illuminated the Washington Monument, the only object able to pierce the blackness. A symbol that represented his beloved country; a symbol of truth he’d betrayed. Lost in thought, a sudden awareness dawned clearly. The time had come for him to face the aftermath of his actions.

Looking out over the city he loved, Robert recalled the one night he’d come close to solving his problem. He’d arranged an attack on David while he was still at the hospital after the explosion at Tropical Dreams. Robert remembered that night clearly.

Having sent shooters after David and Tiana, he thought for sure it was almost over. His men had them trapped, one man in the stairwell and one waiting in the morgue’s bay area. Opening fire as they entered the bay, his men missed, allowing them to escape. Shaking his head to dispel his pessimistic thoughts, he reassured himself as a noise penetrated the silence surrounding him, and he jerked his head around.

Mr. Dubose? Speaking cautiously, Trent Davenport inched the door open enough to stick his head into the room. The long stressful day had left his clothing rumpled and his tie askew. Brows furrowed, he silently debated the decision facing him.

Trent chewed on his bottom lip, carefully considering which direction he would take as he struggled with his conflicted feelings. If he followed his gut, he stood the chance that he’d lose everything. If he followed his head, he ran the risk of betraying the man who made his career possible. Rubbing his eyes, he prayed his instincts led him down the right path.

Startled by the voice, Robert spun around towards his office door, and his heart hit him in the back of the throat. He forced the rising panic down as he realized it was only his assistant. What is it, Trent? Any news yet? Waiting around is killing me. My future—hell, my life is at stake here.

Barely able to hide the signs of the battle between rage and panic, he fought to keep his emotions from showing on his face. His stomach continued to churn, causing severe pains. Each second that elapsed held a constant struggle to conceal any and all of the emotions racing through his body. If I’m going to survive this intact, no one can know what I’m going to do next. No one can suspect.

Swallowing nervously, Trent stepped into the room, quietly closing the door behind him. Taking a deep, calming breath, he straightened his stance as he lifted his head to face his mentor. Almost immediately, he recognized the tension in the room as it snaked up his spine, the air thick with the scents of fear and sweat.

Peering intently at his boss, Trent could feel the heat radiating from him. Sweat beaded on Robert’s upper lip as he fidgeted where he stood. The signs of his distress plainly obvious, Trent proceeded cautiously. Shit, he looks like he’s about to lose it, he thought, but for which reason?

Squaring his shoulders, Trent prepared to deliver the information he’d acquired. Yes, sir. The attack is over and the first reports are coming in. The files I’ve seen suggest that all the attackers are dead, although the search is still on-going.

What about Murphy? Robert demanded, running his fingers through his hair. Did he survive? Dubose demanded as he crossed the floor to his desk.

Mr. Dubose, sir, it appears as if both Mr. Murphy and Ms. Alexander have survived the attack. However, Ms. Alexander was injured, and is currently being transported by ambulance to the local hospital. We’ll know more about her condition once the doctors have had a chance to examine her.

Shifting his weight from one foot to the other, Trent chewed on his lower lip, unsure whether or not he should pass on the rest of the report. Hesitating, he stalled while he weighed his options; if his instincts were wrong, he would be opening himself up to a lot of serious trouble.

Catching sight of the anxious look that crossed his assistant’s face, all the muscles in Robert’s body froze. In an instant, he knew the information that caused Trent to pause wasn’t going to be good for him. Whatever he’s hiding is about to end any future career I might have achieved. Damn you, Murphy!

Spit it out, Davenport. I don’t have all day, he ordered, longing to end the conversation as quickly as possible. I’m running out of time.

As sweat ran down his back, Trent made the decision to warn Robert. It’s just that...well...sir, they’re sending agents here. They’re on their way with orders to detain you.

Robert dropped into his chair, hanging his head in his hands.

Trent’s face paled and his stomach clenched at Robert’s reaction as he was hit with the knowledge he’d made the wrong choice. The realization that his instincts had been off sank in. The rumors I’ve heard about you over the years were true, he accused, aware he had been wrong to warn him.

Ignoring what the other agents had said, he’d refused to believe the stories that had flown around the office. He chose not to accept he actually worked closely with the man who attempted to murder not only an innocent woman, but a fellow agent as well.

If he allowed himself to consider the number of lives lost in the explosion at Tropical Dreams, it would be his undoing. Trent’s thoughts ran wild as his fingers nervously massaged his temples. He had to find a way to stall him!

Taking his jacket, Robert picked up his briefcase full of files. Headed for the door, he stopped when Trent took hold of his arm, glaring at him.

Davenport, by now you’ve figured out I’m not a man to cross. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll take your hands off me this instant. I don’t want to kill you, he growled furiously, his hand moving towards his gun. But I’ll be damned if I let you stand between me and that door.

Mr. Dubose, sir, please! Trent pleaded, trying to gain control of his rising panic. Heart racing, his mind drew a blank at what to do next. He understood all too well the dire consequences he would face if he let Dubose get away.

Using the moment of Trent’s indecision, Robert jerked his arm free and turned towards the door. Trent grabbed him again, and Robert pivoted quickly, slamming his elbow into Trent’s nose. Blood spurting from his nostrils, Trent slumped to the floor. Racing down the hall, each step taking him closer to freedom, Robert glanced back at his assistant, who lay crumpled on the carpeting, each step taking him closer to freedom.

CHAPTER ONE

Angry storm clouds collided together as sharp lightning flashed across the sky. Palm trees bent in the pounding wind that pummeled the shore. The palm fronds brushed the sand, trails left behind by their tips. White caps crashed onto the beach one after another, giving the beach no time to recover. As the thunder roared, the vibrations shook the small seaside bungalow.

Surrounded on three sides by large clusters of trees and tropical foliage, the small island home had long been a quiet sanctuary for Tiana Alexander. Private and secluded, it created the haven she needed to heal. Sitting back from the ocean, the house backed up to the jungle of St. Lucia. A gorgeous porch stretched across the front of their home and her favorite swing hung on one end.

The raging winds caused the house to creak and shudder. It whipped at her numerous and beloved wind chimes hanging from the ceiling. They danced in the swirling air, their dainty sounds joining nature’s music.

The storm matched the emotional wounds Tiana suffered, injuries that to this day continued to send currents of grief and fury through her. Even during her most peaceful moments, the emotional trauma was there, waiting for the opportunity to overshadow her.

She had survived the explosion at Tropical Dreams, but was left emotionally devastated. The senseless death and destruction in the days that followed sent her closer to the edge. It drove her to run away to the peaceful serenity St. Lucia offered.

No other place on Earth, other than this beautiful island, allowed her to feel safe. Its tranquility surrounded her, soothing her tormented soul. She felt the island wrap its arms around her, protecting and healing her.

The happiest moments of her life were the lazy days she’d spent in this home as a child. Her family vacationed in St. Lucia every summer. It was the best vacation spot to her; she never wanted to go anywhere else. Her family spent weeks every year enjoying the tropical isle, while she spent her days building elaborate sand castles with her mother and taking long walks on the beach with her father.

She still had some of the shells she’d picked up on those walks hidden in her keepsake box under her bed, her most prized being the perfect sand dollar her father had picked up off the ocean floor just for her. With her father’s betrayal still a deep wound in her heart, she couldn’t bear to look at those items, even though the memories were happy ones.

After everything that had happened, this house had become the only place she could feel the love in those memories. Here, she could remember the little girl who had been cherished by both her parents. Here, she felt safe reliving those wonderful memories, in the one place that comforted her.

Sitting on the covered porch, which protected her from the driving rain, Tiana thought her mood matched the angry weather. Eyes riveted on the swirling sand as it swept over the dune, she forced herself to inhale long slow breaths to calm her temper. The current argument she faced with David had been building all day.

Why must we continue to fight about this? I think I’ve made my feelings perfectly clear. Slowly exhaling the breath she held, Tiana focused on the slow rhythmic movement of the old-fashioned wooden swing.

She hoped the calming sway would soothe her frayed nerves. Picking up one of the small pillows decorating the swing, she hugged it tightly to her stomach. She crossed her ankles, closed her eyes and allowed herself to feel the motion of the swing as it rocked back and forth. She made no effort to move when the howling wind began to slap at her face.

Frustration coursing through his body, David Murphy struggled to stamp down the strong urge to kick the first thing he saw. Fists clenched at his side, he took a deep breath in an attempt to gain control of his own temper. You need to reconsider. This is the best plan for everyone involved. Tiana, be reasonable. She’s being completely pigheaded about this.

Her back was rigid and her eyes flashed with fury as they met his. She jumped to her feet, throwing the pillow on the empty swing, the force of her movement slamming it into the porch banister. Her rage sent her storming across the porch to where he stood.

Be reasonable? Are you serious? Did you really just say that? For the last time, I’m NOT going to that house, she yelled, poking him in the chest with her finger. The only one your so-called plan affects is me, so don’t give me the ‘it’s best for everyone’ shit.

He raised his eyebrow at the depth of her anger. He knew animosity remained between her and her father, but he never dreamed her feelings went so deep. He thought they’d at least begun to repair their relationship. He knew after she’d been hurt at the safe house that her father, Tony Alexander, had stayed by her side the entire time she’d been in the hospital.

Leaning in, only inches from his face, Tiana sent his way a look that would have made other men cringe and back down, but not him. Ignoring her sneer, David forged ahead, allowing his stubbornness to interfere. Tiana, it would only be temporary. You aren’t safe here. Why can’t you see that? I don’t understand why you won’t even discuss it. I thought the two of you were working on your relationship. Or is there something else going on here?

He reached out and took her hand in his. When she tried to turn her head away, he gently touched her cheek and tilted her head back with his free hand. He gave her no choice but to look him in the eye. I wouldn’t ask you to do this if I didn’t think it was necessary, he told her gently.

He ran his thumb softly across the smooth skin of her hand, sending shivers through her body. When her eyes focused on him, not only did he see the determination, but the pain, as well as the love she felt for him shining back. The love he saw reflected his own, causing his body to react to her immediately, the desire he felt for her never far from the surface.

Her heart betrayed the anger that surged through her as her eyes bore into his. She refused to give in, regardless of his switching tactics. Gaining control, she steeled herself against his passion and love. This was one fight she was determined to win.

She noisily released the breath she held and set her resolve, jerking her hand free. Yes, we’re trying to repair the damaged feelings we have. That doesn’t mean anything is different between us yet. It’s not just him, though. I will not be in the same house as Justin. As long as he lives in that house, I will not go there. You should understand that. While I’m aware of the dangerous situation we’re in—

Before she could finish her thought, lightning sliced through the sky, and electrical currents caused the air to sizzle. The roar of the cracking thunder froze her mind, sending her into a flashback from the frightful night of the attack.

Her face paled as the memories raced