A Season Of Justice

By Kay Edwards

Andrew Lansetter has spent his entire life defending his country. Bound by an oath at birth, he is a man that has never had a choice in the life he lived. A past secret keeps him from finding the very things his sister and other oath keepers have found. As he works through choices made, he will soon discover, that he can have all he thought was lost. As danger presses in, he will be forced to once again take up his oath and deliver justice. He will do this for the woman he has learned to love. He will do this for the family he has yet to have. He will do this for those that gave their life defending Zuhausenton, his homeland.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kay Edwards
• Release date: Aug 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311785237

Kay Edwards

I am a country girl. I grew up along the Susquehanna River in central PA. I am a Christian and not ashamed of it. I have four children and an awesome (according to him) husband. I believe that Christ must be first, family second and everything else as God sees fit to lead you. I absolutely love a great love story and have written many just for fun. After introducing some friends to my writing, I have been encouraged to publish. I will find a way to always put a twist of humor in everything I write, because that is who I am. If it comes into my mind it is usually out of my mouth, which has put me in some absolutely hysterical situations. I look forward to sharing work with people and hope you all enjoy.

Book preview

A Season

Of

Justice

(A Season Of Justice)

By: Kay Edwards

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2016 by Kay Edwards

All Rights Reserved

About The Author

Kay Edwards is an easy-going wife and mother. Getting her start with the book A Prelude to a Dance, Kay put into words something that touched her personally. Sexual abuse is not an easy topic to talk about. The book she wrote was a way for her to put into words what she was feeling so she could heal.  She wanted to give a voice to those that had the same past she did. Since its original release, Kay has heard from countless people around the world that have broken their silence of past sexual abuse. Kay speaks regularly with her readers in Nigeria, Kenya, Australia, as well as other areas of the globe. Born in central PA, Kay grew up along the river mentioned in the name of her first series. She has many fond memories along the Susquehanna. Kay hopes that her readers will find that, with Christ, all things are possible, even the forgiveness of what many deem unforgivable.

Dedications and Recognitions

I would like to dedicate this book to those who fight human trafficking. For your strength and diligence as you fight to end the horrific and unlawful business of selling humans, I thank you.

I would also like to dedicate this book to those that have survived this appalling and thriving industry.

I send a special thanks to Lynna Bond for allowing me to use her name and make her one of my crazy ladies of Texas and for being one of those who battles on her knees before a Holy God.

To my fans of this series. I hope you enjoyed it and thank you for liking my work.

I can’t forget my family. Special thanks to my husband and children. They inspire me daily.

Family Trees

Bishops

Chad and Terry Bishop: Sons: Wyatt (Married Kelly Sanders, Father of Cole) and Brock (Married Ardie Karman). Daughter: Misty (Married Dalton Nelson, Mother of Rachel and Daniel) Adopted ex-con as son: Miguel

Nelson

David and Jeanie Nelson: Sons: Dalton (Married Misty Bishop. Father of Rachel and Danial) and Rodney (Married Carrie Lansetter). Daughter: Darby (Married Grant Sulander, Mother of Braydon and Jessica)

Adams

Liz and Vince Adams: Son: Brent Adams (Married Misty Bishop, Biological Father of Rachel Nelson, Deceased.)

Sanders

Parents deceased: Brothers: Luke (Married Amy Karman) Mark (Married Becca Cope) and Cody. Sisters: Kelly (Married Wyatt Bishop, Mother of Cole) and Yvette (Kelly’s twin sister Deceased)

Lansetter

Siblings: Andrew and Carrie (Married Rodney Nelson)

Country of Zuhausenton Royal Line

King Anthony crowned heir: Son Prince Gavin future heir to the throne of Zuhausenton

Karman

Tyler Karman: Biological Twin Daughters Ardie (Married to Brock Bishop) and Amy (Married to Luke Sanders) Adopted Daughter Becca Cope (Married to Mark Sanders)

Prelude

Lynna peered at her brother from the corner she cowered in. She observed as those that had vowed to protect her died at the hands of those that were loyal to him. Lynna loved her brother and didn’t understand what he was doing. Her father was dead, her other brother was on the run with his family, and she was trapped. She watched as a man and woman walked into the room. The woman averted her gaze from the chaotic violence which had taken over. The man was speaking to Fergus. Her brother started walking toward her. She closed her eyes waiting to die. She was sure he would not let her live.

Prince Fergus looked at his sister and smirked. He knew she was thinking that he was about to give the order to end her life. However, Fergus had a way to keep her alive. He was feeling generous this particular day. Looking at the man standing beside him, he put his plan into action, She and her children will have no claim to the throne if she marries you. Only a king can marry whomever he wants. I hope you’re ready to get married.

Lynna opened her eyes and glanced at the stranger. He was regarding her with cold eyes that seemed to hold no compassion for her. She looked back at her brother. Why?

Fergus narrowed his eyes at his sister. He had no problem ordering her death. He made sure she knew that. It’s your choice. You marry, or you die. Anthony and his child will be dead by morning. If you would like to join them, you can. Decide now, little sister, I have a country to take over.

Lynna looked at her hands. She knew she had no choice. She glanced at her brother and then the stranger. I want to live.

Within the hour Lynna was married to a man she didn’t know. She paled as her brother informed the man that he would demand proof of the marriage consummation. When the man reached for her, she backed away.

Fergus looked at his sister. He knew she was terrified. He liked that she was. He could still kill her if she preferred that to her new husband’s touch. The choice is still yours.

Lynna trembled as the man grabbed her hand and dragged her to her bedroom. When he closed the door behind them, she started crying. When the man walked her over to her bed, her shaking became uncontrollable. When he pulled out his knife, her fear took on a life of its own. The man’s words kept her where she was.

I won’t force this. Lift your skirt, and I will get your blood by cutting your thigh.

Lynna looked up into the cold eyes of her husband. When he reached for her skirt, she instinctively swatted his hand away. She gasped as he hit her back onto the bed. She cried out when he lifted her skirt and nicked her thigh with his knife. He held her against the bed until her cut stopped bleeding. Her hands slapped and clawed at him as the minutes ticked by.

That should be convincing. Now we need to look the part, he said.

Lynna cried out as he tore her shirt. When she clawed him again, he didn’t stop her assault. She got away and cowered against her headboard. She looked at herself in the mirror adjacent from the bed and started to straighten her clothes.

The man stopped her with a hiss as he pulled her hair. Unless you want to get us both killed, you need to look like I just consummated this marriage. Like you, I want to live.

Lynna’s tears streamed unchecked down her cheeks. She could still feel the sting of the man’s hand on her face. When he tore the sheet off the bed and walked over to the door, she did not have a problem looking like he had just harmed her sexually. She trembled in fear of what could have happened. She watched him undo his belt and adjust his clothes giving the impression he had just put them back on. In seconds, the man’s appearance was just as disheveled as hers. The stranger looked like he had been in a fight and won. She observed as he opened the door and handed the sheet to her brother. His words made her whimper, She’s mine. Lynna knew without a doubt that was true. She was a royal, and that meant divorce couldn’t happen. Whatever the future held for her; this stranger would more than likely be a part of it. The thought alone scared her to her core.

Chapter One

Five Years Later

Luke Sanders and Andrew Lansetter worked together quickly to secure the fence. It was the first of September, and the weather was still hot. Luke wiped the sweat from his brow as he glanced at his friend. I’m ready for some cooler temperatures. That new bull seems bent on getting out of here.

Andrew had to agree as he wiped sweat from his brow. I am tired of finding these little breaks in the fence. Wyatt and Brock are both working on a fence on the south side of the ranch. Miguel and Cody are on the east side. This big guy gets around fast.

Luke finished the last of his repair and turned his attention to Andrew’s area. That break had been bigger causing the other man to need a little help. He looked at Andrew. He knew the answer but gave it a shot. Amy would like to introduce you to someone. What do you think?

Andrew chuckled. I’m good. Your wife and her twin are bent on getting me fixed up with one of their friends.

Luke regarded the man beside him. Why are you so decided on staying single?

Andrew answered the question with another question. Why are you so determined to have me married?

Luke laughed. Touché, I have to give you that one.

The men finished their repairs. Andrew unhitched his horse and mounted him. He watched Luke do the same. As the men turned toward the ranch, Andrew couldn’t resist asking a question that was sure to get Luke’s temper going. How’s your wife doing with the new set of stitches?

Luke glared at Andrew. I can’t believe your sister talked her into that.

Andrew chuckled. I can’t believe Carrie didn’t get them both maimed.

Luke shook his head. What were they thinking, using a chainsaw without knowing anything about one?

Andrew couldn’t even wager a guess on the answer to his friend’s question, so he didn’t. The women in this family, his sister included, tended not to think. After some thought, he decided to take a stab at the explanation. They thought they knew enough to do the job. I guess they didn’t quite expect how fast the chainsaw would drop once it broke through the wood.

The two men reached the barn. They unsaddled their horses and started brushing them down. Luke watched his wife hesitate before coming into the barn. He glanced at Andrew. That’s never a good sign. My guess is she’s the lookout.

Andrew had to agree. Amy looked incredibly guilty of something. I say you go for the ‘kiss her senseless and then ask what the ladies are up to’ approach.

Luke had to agree. I think you’re right. I was so mad at her for the stitches she may just crumble if I do that.

Andrew nodded as the men started for the doorway.

Luke smiled at his wife. He could tell she was worried. She kept looking over her shoulder at the house. He didn’t stop but pulled her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly. When he felt her go limp, he ended the kiss and whispered softly, What are you ladies up to now?

Amy gave her husband a dreamy look and answered the question. We’re making dry ice bombs.

Andrew shook his head and looked at Luke. This is for sure an Ardie idea.

Amy realized what she had done and frowned at the men. I can’t believe you tricked me.

Luke and Andrew looked at each other as they heard a small boom from the other side of the house. I guess we need to go check it out.

Brock and Wyatt looked at the group as they came toward them on their horses. Brock frowned at Amy. I take it my wife’s exploring science again?

Amy folded her arms over her chest and glared at Brock. She put her chin in the air and refused to answer the question.

As an even bigger boom sounded, followed by a loud yelp, Andrew started for the back yard. That sounds like science gone wrong.

The men rounded the corner. Terry was wagging her finger at Ardie while Kelly was laughing.

Ardie looked at Mother Bishop. I told you not to go near it. It takes a bit of time to make the boom. You saw how long the first one took.

Terry shook her head. I told you that was too much dry ice.

Kelly agreed with Ardie. She did say they took a bit of time.

Luke stopped and looked at Chad who was sitting on the porch with Cole in his lap. You didn’t think to stop them?

Chad spoke as he sipped his iced tea. I’ve decided to wave the white flag. At least if I’m here, I can call 911 when they hurt themselves. I can also keep this little guy safe.

Ardie turned just as Brock and Wyatt came around the corner of the house. She looked at Kelly. I’m not liking the look on their faces at all. Brock looks like someone just turned the outhouse over, with him in it.

Kelly had to agree. Wyatt looks like he was just forced to pet a porcupine.

Terry rolled her eyes. You both sound like Brock.

Brock glared at his wife. What was that?

Ardie acted confused. What was what? I need you to be more specific.

Kelly decided to go for cute. She was just getting ready to turn her cute level up to a ten when Gavin came running around the house. She looked at Luke and Andrew as she caught the boy in her arms. I didn’t know Anthony was stopping by.

Andrew looked at Luke just as confused. I didn’t know, did you?

Luke was just as perplexed as everyone else. I had no idea. I wonder why he’s here.

Ardie was thrilled Gavin had come for a visit. She knelt and hugged the little boy tight. His timing was perfect, and she whispered that bit of news into his ear as he giggled.

Andrew looked at Gavin. A thought suddenly entered his mind. He really hoped he was wrong, but the feeling he had in his gut said otherwise. He questioned the young boy. Gavin, is it just you and your dad?

Gavin stopped crawling all over Ardie and answered him. Aunt Lynna is with us.

Andrew paled. He looked at Luke. This may get a little tense.

Luke had seen Andrew pale. The man’s reaction was puzzling. You’ve met the princess?

Andrew looked at the group. He really didn’t want to talk about this right now, but it seemed he had little choice. His voice was strained as he explained who Lynna was. I’m married to her.

Brock looked at Luke and then Andrew. You’re what now?

Andrew didn’t answer as Anthony dragged Lynna around the corner of the house. He looked at the men. We kind of had a bit of an issue with being married.

Luke started chuckling. My guess would be neither of you wanted to be married. She looks ready to kill her brother.

Andrew glared at Luke. This isn’t funny.

Ardie leaned against Brock and watched the scene unfold. As she listened to the princess talk to her brother, she smiled. I’m almost positive I can talk her into all sorts of things.

Andrew turned his glare from Luke to Ardie. Don’t even think about it.

Ardie chuckled. Look at her. She’s ready to riot. She needs an outlet for all of that pent up… Whatever it is she has pent up. Andrew, how did you talk her into marrying you?

Andrew’s eyes became haunted. His voice was choked. Fergus told her she either married me or she died. She had just watched the executions of her oath keepers and their families. I had no desire to see what Fergus had in store for her. It was the only way I could help her. It was two years after Yvette. Lynna was only eighteen too. I couldn’t watch her… His voice trailed off. He just couldn’t bring himself to finish.

Lynna looked at her husband. She had heard what he said. The man she remembered was older now, and his eyes were not as cold. She knew by law, no matter what, she was his wife. There was no way out of her union to the man in front of her. In her country, Royals were never allowed to divorce.

Luke knew Lynna was listening, so he tried to help her see the man her husband was now. He looked at Andrew. Even at your worst, you couldn’t watch her die, could you?

Andrew grimaced. I really was not a great person then, but even then, I couldn’t watch her be murdered by Fergus. He would have made her suffer.

Anthony looked down at his little sister. He hoped she would give Andrew a chance. He had told Andrew, the last time he had visited the ranch, that he would give his sister time. It became apparent that Lynna had all intentions of taking the rest of her life. At that rate, she would never know the man she had married. Anthony had realized he needed to make the choice for her. He didn’t give Andrew an alternative either. The two needed to get to know each other. Knowing both of them well, he thought they would be surprised with how suited they were for each other.

Terry looked at the group and did what she did best. She took charge of the princess. Well, Lynna, I say we go into the house and get you settled. It’s time to make lunch after that.

Lynna started to panic. She didn’t want to stay. When Terry took her hand and started for the house, Lynna had been getting ready to turn and walk back to the SUV. The woman’s firm grip prevented her from escaping.

Sensing her rising panic, Terry whispered for Lynna’s ears only. You’ll be ok. Hold your head high and come with me. Don’t make a scene.

Lynna allowed herself to be led into the house. Once inside, she stopped and looked at Terry. I can’t stay here. I don’t want to stay here. Please help me talk to my brother.

Terry was firm with the princess. You have no idea if you are able to fit in here or not. You haven’t even given the situation a chance. I’ve known Anthony for over a year now. You’ve known your brother longer. If he thought Andrew would hurt you, would he bring you here?

Lynna glanced away from the piercing eyes of Mother Bishop. She shuddered as she remembered Andrew’s slap. She spoke softly, You don’t know him like I do. Neither does Anthony…

Terry took a deep breath as she corrected the princess. "The day I first met your husband; I watched him backhand my daughter-in-law so hard he took her off her feet. I watched him then do the same to Carrie, his very own sister. That the man was clueless on how to show love was evident. He didn’t care about Kelly, but you could tell

Reviews for A Season Of Justice

[DamilolaDignityDT · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As the ending sentence. Truly to "God be the glory" I cried. The story heart wrenching. Beautiful. Highly recommended. Very God based. Thank you to the writer, more grace