Macyn's Letter: Macyn McIntyre Series, #1

By S.L. Stacker

A near-death experience at the hands of her husband would cause any woman to cling to her crippling trust issues and dating phobia, and Macyn McIntyre is no exception. Falling into the lap of a sexy stranger may persuade her to change her mind, but before Macyn realizes what’s happening, a second potential love interest is vying for her affections. 

When a threatening letter turns up in her mailbox, Macyn realizes choosing between two guys is the least of her worries. Abduction, violence, and rescue by an elite squad change the course of her life forever. When she seeks revenge on those who hurt her, she has to decide if she can trust the ones who vow they love her. 

Will Macyn be able to overcome her past and use their aid in her vendetta, or will she take matters into her own hands?

• Language: English
• Publisher: S.L. Stacker
• Release date: Jun 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781533758231

Book preview

PROLOGUE

MACYN MARSHALL SWERVED in and out of heavy rush hour traffic, praying she would make it to the restaurant on time. She knew it was pointless hoping she could beat her husband, David, but she realized if she played her cards right, and the gas pedal correctly, she could arrive without being terribly late. She cursed when she noticed the orange signs warning of lane closures ahead. She didn’t want to be stuck behind all these cars in the construction traffic, so she accelerated, passing several before she looked into her rearview mirror. At the last possible second, she swerved into the other lane, narrowly missing the front bumper of the car now behind her.

Macyn uttered an apology under her breath, knowing the other driver would never hear it, but it gave her peace of mind to know she had acknowledged her wrongdoing. She hated driving erratically because it always made her nervous, but she hated being late even more. She took a couple of deep, calming breaths. Once she had calmed enough, she decided to give David a courtesy call to inform him she would be a few minutes late. She withdrew her phone from her purse and dialed.

While Macyn listened to David’s phone ring, she asked herself why she hadn’t gone into the city earlier in the day. She had known she would be cutting it close making the trip at this time of day, but she had thought she would be able to pick up her package and be back on the road. She could have sworn the owner of the print shop had told her she would be out of town, but when she entered the store, she realized she had assumed wrong. Eve was standing behind the counter with a warm greeting and smile for her. Every time Macyn went into the shop, she took advantage of the fact her best friend, Eve Bastian, owned the store. She and Eve had known each other since elementary school, but because of their marriages and businesses, they didn’t have ample opportunity to visit often with each other. Macyn’s trips into the store were a good excuse to visit and catch up.

Macyn was brought out of her reminiscing when she heard David’s voice asking her to leave a brief message. She explained she was running behind schedule, but she assured him she would be at the restaurant within ten minutes. Ending the call, she tossed her phone back into the handbag resting on the passenger seat. Instead, it bounced onto the floor, and she tried to reach it, afraid David might call. When she saw she couldn’t, she removed her seatbelt, glanced at traffic, and leaned across until her finger grasped the cellular device. Satisfied, she placed it inside her purse and glanced through the rearview mirror at the beautifully wrapped gift taking up the majority of the back seat.

Macyn had taken the print of David’s favorite baseball stadium she had given him as a wedding gift and had it framed. She had noticed it one day, rolled up in a corner of his office, while cleaning and had decided then she would have it framed and give it to him, along with the season tickets she had purchased, for their one-year wedding anniversary.

The horrible squeal of tires pulled Macyn’s eyes away from the rearview mirror and back to the road before her. One car slid off the edge of the road as a second sped toward her in her own lane of traffic. Everything happened so fast she didn’t have time to react before the other car slammed into hers. The impact sent Macyn’s body sailing through the front windshield—her short twenty-two years flashing before her eyes.

***

When Macyn woke, she was groggy and disoriented—her body felt as if she had been hit by a bus. She listened to the eerie quiet around her but couldn’t determine where she was. Curious, she tried opening her heavy eyes but decided the amount of energy required to lift her weighted lids was more than she could handle at that point. Feeling panic beginning to set in, she had to keep reassuring herself she was fine—wherever she was, she was safe.

It took a few minutes, but after several deep, calming breaths, Macyn regained enough control to assess her surroundings as best she could. She knew she was lying somewhere quiet. Trying to recall evading memories, she heard beeps chime rhythmically from her right—the sound familiar. Allowing her mind to wander for a short time, she was rewarded with the recollection of the accident and being projected through the windshield. With the rush of memories, she felt comfortable enough to conclude she was in the hospital.

Macyn wanted to verify her suspicion. She tried opening her eyes again—her attempt was successful. Her vision wasn’t perfect, but she was able to see enough blurry images to confirm her guess of being in the hospital. After allowing her eyes to focus for a few seconds, she saw both her legs were in casts, as well as one of her arms. She tried lifting her other arm and was surprised when it moved unhindered.

When Macyn tried raising her hand toward her pounding, aching head, her mother’s weary voice sounded from across the room, Don’t even think about moving. You’ve been in a terrible car accident, Macyn, and the doctors need you to remain as still as possible.

Macyn had never heard such turmoil in her mom’s voice before, and it caused her heart to ache for her mother. She wanted to tell her everything was fine, but she couldn’t. Her mom knew more about her condition than she did. Unwilling to add to her mom’s grief, she did as she was told and didn’t move.

Macyn heard her mother page a nurse, and she waited for her to finish talking before she tried to speak. When all was quiet, she made the attempt, and her own voice surprised her, at first. The sound emanating from inside her throat crackled and was hoarse. Her mother must have heard it too because the next thing Macyn knew, something was being pressed between her sore, cracked lips, and her mother instructed her to take small drinks. Macyn sipped the water and closed her eyes. The cool liquid snaked its way down her throat, the sensation relaxing her.

The calmness lasted mere seconds before an older, female nurse and a very young-looking doctor strode through the door inquiring about how she was feeling. Despite her aches and pains, Macyn couldn’t help but wonder if the young guy was old enough to be a doctor.

Yes, Mrs. Marshall, I assure you I am legally licensed to practice medicine, he informed Macyn, glancing at the amused nurse before turning to face the patient with a half smirk on his face.

Macyn thought she would die of embarrassment because she didn’t realize she had spoken aloud. She turned away from the doctor, hoping to hide the humiliation creeping across her face.

It’s quite all right. You aren’t the first person to inquire about my age, he smiled broadly at Macyn when she turned to face him—a warm, friendly twinkle in his eyes. So, can you tell me why you’ve decided to grace our hospital with your presence? he browsed through, what she assumed to be, her medical chart.

Macyn stared at him and tried to compose herself enough to answer, I was in a car wreck and was thrown through my windshield, but that’s all I remember. She looked at him, then at the nurse, and her mom. There was more to the accident than they were letting on—their silence and actions all-telling. W-what is it? What aren’t you telling me? She pleaded, knowing whatever it was would not be good.

"Mrs. Marshall, as you stated, you were thrown from your car. I was informed you somehow became pinned between the two cars, and that’s how you sustained your injuries. It took the rescue crew several hours to pry the cars apart enough to release you. Both of your legs were broken in several different areas. I’m afraid you’ll be in the casts for a while, and when they are removed, you’ll have a lot of physical therapy. You also received a small break to your arm. The X-rays show it’s a clean break, so we anticipate a nice recovery there.

In addition to your legs and arm, you have several cuts and severe bruising on your body, as well as your face and head, but there doesn’t appear to be any brain damage or internal injuries, so that’s a positive thing. You do have one deep laceration just above your forehead that required several staples, but it’s healing and should leave minimal scarring. We’ll discuss your injuries in depth later, but right now, I need you to rest. I hope you realize you’re a very lucky lady to have survived such a crash with minimal injuries, he smiled and flipped the chart closed. Do you have any questions?"

Yes, I do. How long have I been here? How’s the other driver? Where’s David? Did anyone call David? Her mother began stroking Macyn’s good hand, and she knew something was wrong. What is it? Where’s David? Her panic-stricken voice demanded. She searched her mother’s sorrowful eyes, looking for an indication that she was wrong in her line of thinking.

Sweetheart, David was the driver of the other car. He...he didn’t make it, she said. Sadness consumed her tone.

Macyn saw the people in the room. Their lips moved but the sound coming from them became fainter. She felt her body tense, progressing from a mild shake to an almost seizure-like state. There was no way David could have been the one responsible for the accident. She saw the car right before it hit her, and she was convinced it wasn’t his. Th-th-there’s no way…it wasn’t his car. You have to be mistaken. She knew deep down her mom would never lie to her about anything, much less something as important as her husband being dead.

The nurse approached Macyn and plunged a needle containing a sedative into her arm. It was a matter of seconds before Macyn was sleeping once again.

***

The next time Macyn woke, she could hear Eve whispering with someone. She thought they were at the end of her bed, but she couldn’t be sure because she didn’t want to open her eyes. She wanted to hear what they had to discuss. As she listened, she thought she recognized the other voice as Devon Brady, her private investigation business partner. She lay motionless, concentrating on keeping her breathing steady. She knew she couldn’t handle talking to them yet. She didn’t want to deal with anyone and their trivial questions at this particular moment. She had learned her husband had died and was the cause of her injuries as well. She wanted to be alone but knew that was out of the question. Instead, Macyn concentrated on the conversation.

Devon, it’s been two weeks, and she’s been awake once—once. Her mom told me, when Macyn woke up, she seemed to be doing okay until they told her David had died. Then she became erratic, and they had to sedate her. She’s been out three days. She should have woken by now. I’m worried about her, Eve whispered.

"Eve, we both know she will wake when she needs to…when she’s capable of handling this better. Her sleeping is a good thing. It’s giving her body a chance to heal without Macyn having to experience the pain. Lord knows, she won’t need any extra pain when she finds out the cause of the accident. That’s when she’s going to need all the support we can give her."

Macyn listened to the silent room for a few minutes—their conversation had piqued her curiosity. She had mustered enough strength and courage to ask what they had been talking about when Devon spoke again, his anger obvious. If it were physically possible to get hold of David right now, I’d beat him to within an inch of his life for what Macyn’s going to have to face. Do you realize they were supposed to be celebrating their one-year wedding anniversary that evening? Can you imagine how devastated she’s going to be, Eve? Genuine concern echoed through his tone.

I know. My heart breaks for her. I don’t know what I’d do if I found out my husband was cheating on me with…

"David was not cheating on me, you bitch!" Macyn screamed, spit flying from her mouth with the last word. She wanted nothing more than to be able to get up and punch Eve in the face for her false accusation. She did everything she could to get out of bed, not caring if she caused herself more pain or her injuries to become worse.

When she realized her attempt was futile, she yelled, "Get out! Get the fuck out!" Macyn knew deep down Eve would never do or say anything to hurt her but she couldn’t help feeling crushed by the allegation. She started to yell again, but before she could form the words, tender hands were on her shoulders, pulling her into a loving embrace. She fought against it, but soon realized, she needed the comfort it provided. It seemed to help shield her soul from the pain. Macyn, at last, welcomed the embrace and burst into tears.

After several minutes, Macyn’s laboring sobs had dwindled to nothing more than a runny nose and mild sniffling. She pulled herself away, expecting to find Devon, but was surprised to find both Devon and Eve holding her. She wiped the remainder of the wet, salty tears from her face with her good arm, looked into Eve’s sympathetic eyes, and whispered a sincere apology, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me?

Girl, don’t you dare apologize. You’re going through hell right now, and I can’t even begin to imagine the pain you must be feeling. I’m sorry, babe. You know I’m your best friend and would never hurt you on purpose, Eve assured her, wrapping her arm around Macyn’s shoulders and drawing her into a protective hug.

Macyn leaned into her and embraced the warmth and security Eve’s arm provided. After a few minutes of collecting herself, she asked, How do you know David was cheating? Maybe he was with a client? She felt the weight of the excuse as the words crossed her lips.

Macyn, do you want to get into this right now? Wouldn’t you rather wait until you are physically a little better? Devon asked, exchanging a worrisome look with Eve.

Macyn shook her head. She didn’t want to wait. This was something she needed to hear.

Macyn watched Devon take a deep breath, as if to prepare himself. His reluctance showed as he began to tell her how, when one of the rescue crews pulled David from the other car, his pants and boxers were pulled down and the female passenger was leaned across the center console, head lying in David’s lap. Devon had been able to convince one of the detectives working the case to share the information. He had told Devon they found semen on David, as well as on the passenger.

That doesn’t necessarily mean… Macyn began her halfhearted protest but stopped because she knew what she was uttering was merely another attempt to convince herself her husband, the love of her life, had not been cheating on her.

Macyn, the passenger lived. She confirmed that this is what happened.

Oh God! Oh God, oh God, oh God! Macyn cried. How could he do this? she asked, looking to Eve and Devon for answers.

I don’t know, baby. I don’t know, Eve answered and gave Devon a sad look while she rubbed Macyn’s shoulders.

Macyn closed her eyes and allowed herself to melt into Eve’s arms, having zero desire to leave. Her entire world had been turned upside down, and she didn’t know how she would make it through this horrible ordeal. She didn’t know if she was even capable of doing so.

CHAPTER ONE

Nine Years Later

MACYN SIGHED IN RELIEF as she started her car, happy to be going home. She had spent the better part of the week pretending she was a member at an upscale country club in Meadowview in order to do surveillance for a client. Elite, the private investigation company she and Devon owned, had been hired by a wealthy woman who suspected her husband of forty-five years was cheating on her.

Macyn had been mingling with snotty women who looked down their noses at people who weren’t wearing the proper designer clothing, and she hoped she would never be like that. As for the cheating husband, she hadn’t seen him do or act in any way to indicate he was cheating. Hell, while his buddies flirted and fondled the younger females who worked at the club, he seemed to be content sitting back watching but never participating. So, when the husband made his farewell rounds, Macyn gathered her gear, declared the job complete, and dashed from the clubhouse.

After getting into her car, she was about to place it into gear when she noticed the client’s husband walking across the parking lot, past his SUV, to an idling sedan. Before he opened the passenger door, he scanned the area, checking, Macyn assumed, to see if anyone was watching him. She edged lower into her seat and hoped he hadn’t spotted her. Appearing content that no one had seen him, he opened the door, climbed onto the passenger seat, and closed the door.

Luckily, Macyn still had her camera on her lap. She snatched it and aimed the lens toward the other car in time to see the two silhouettes inside embrace. She clicked several shots and came to the realization that she wouldn’t be going home yet. The brake lights on the sedan lit up just before it began making its creeping departure out of the lot with the client’s husband still inside. Macyn waited for the car to turn onto the road before she placed her own into drive and began her next task of follow-and-spy-on-the-leader.

Macyn tailed them for several miles, careful to keep her distance, not wanting to be spotted before she was able to complete the job. When the car pulled into the lot of a little motel right outside the city limits, she slowed, giving the husband and other occupant time to park before she pulled in and drove toward the back of the lot to find a space. She chose one next to the garbage dumpster—the view was incredible for taking money shot photos of her target. The smell, however, was horrendous.

The husband exited the car and walked through a door with a crooked sign indicating it was the office. The dilapidated building looked as if it had been around for at least fifty years and had never been updated. The paint outside was peeling and faded, while sheets of plywood half-hung over some broken windows. Macyn watched a rugged-looking man open his room door, stick his head out, and empty the contents of his stomach before falling face first into the puddle. She decided if her client’s husband was cheating, he’d chosen the worst motel to do it in.

Macyn saw the husband exit the office, start toward the car, and stop outside the driver-side door. He tapped on the window and motioned for the person inside to get out. Realizing this was her chance to get some photos, she grabbed her camera once again and snapped away. When she saw through the lens who stepped out of the car, she dropped the camera, stunned. She literally had to pick her jaw up off her lap. Her client stood beside the car, wearing black fishnet stockings and wobbling in red stilettos. She grabbed her husband’s butt and gave him a thorough kiss. Macyn had to refrain from yelling to them to get a room.

When they started toward the building, the husband pushed his grandmotherly wife up against a random car, ran his hands through her short blue-gray permed hair, and threw his body into hers. Macyn couldn’t