Dark Heart Curse: Dark Heart, #2

By CS Valentine

In the dark supernatural world of CS Valentine, witchcraft, curses, and love can last forever. 

In this second book in the Dark Heart Series, an innocent woman is condemned to Hell, and the only one who can save her is Detective Katherine Shepard.  But to rescue her, Katherine has to break the law, fight a powerful ruling body of witches, risk starting a supernatural war, and stop the love of her life, Devon Hamilton, from sending the woman to Hell.

As Devon plays politics with the ruling body of witches, negotiates with a power-hungry werewolf, and tries to keep a War Demon from wreaking havoc across the world, the woman he loves is standing in his way and doing everything she can to stop him.

With thousands of innocent lives at stake, Katherine and Devon must risk everything and trust the ancient power of a condemned Dark Heart — before time runs out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raven Hollow Publishing
• Release date: Jun 29, 2016
• ISBN: 9780997312720

Book preview

To my friends: the ones I celebrate the holidays with, go to the movies with and drink tea with, and the ones that are gone but not forgotten.

CHAPTER 1

The green Buick swerved, the brakes screeching around the bend as Capt. Michele Trent shouted from the driver’s seat, Gate!

Katherine Shepard, sitting in the back seat and pressing a towel against the base of Phillip’s bleeding neck, took her eyes off Phillip to look ahead at the gate.  She took a deep breath.  Just give it a little, fast, push, just enough to open it.

The gate exploded off the hinges, the cement columns tearing from their foundations.

Never slowing, the green Buick raced past the destruction, veered off the road and headed toward the mountain, speeding across the scrub.

Sun’s going down! Detective Frank Monroe yelled as he held Phillip up in the seat.

We’re almost there, Trent said.

Phillip coughed.

Frank looked at Katherine and asked, Can’t you do anything?

I won’t let him die, Katherine replied.

Frank lowered his voice. There are worse things than death.  He may not want to live if he...

Hey! I can hear you! Don’t be a jerk!  And don’t make decisions for him! Jennifer Royce screamed from the front seat.

The car halted at the base of the mountain.

Frank swung the door open and slid across the seat, pulling Phillip with him.  Walk, buddy, he commanded as he threw Phillip’s arm around his shoulder.

Katherine slid out of the car, throwing Phillip’s other arm around her shoulder. Still pressing the blood-soaked towel against Phillip’s throat, she said, Come on, we’re here.

Phillip moved his feet, his friends carrying him forward to the base of the mountain.

Jennifer, holding a torn piece of cloth on her arm, got out of the car and followed the trio, with Michele Trent on her heels. 

At the base of the mountain, an old Native American sat on a gray-and-turquoise blanket.  The blanket covered the top of a large black stone etched on the sides with hieroglyphics.

We were told you could help us, Katherine said.

The old man slid off the stone and pointed to it.  Lay him here.

Katherine and Frank eased Phillip onto the blanket.

The old man took something from his pocket. Let me see his neck.

Katherine removed the towel, and the man bent his head to examine Phillip.

He shook his head.  The wound is healed, and the bleeding has stopped.  That means you are too late.

Jennifer Royce screamed and collapsed to the ground.

##

FOUR DAYS EARLIER

Phillip stood at the white board, studying the photograph of a lean, middle-aged man. We know his car never left the hotel once he got to the meeting.  We have him going across the street to the café for lunch.  Neighbors didn’t see any unusual cars at the house that day, and we confirmed with Uber and other local cab companies that there was nothing in the area.  So how did Michael Carver get from the hotel to the house, murder his wife and get back in time for the meeting?

Jennifer got up from her desk and tapped the photo. There wasn’t enough time.  Maybe he didn’t do it?  Maybe he had someone else do it?

No, Frank Monroe called from his desk.  I’m with Phillip, this guy did it.  Frank reached to his left, tapping Katherine.  You want to weigh in on this, Shep?

Katherine looked up from her computer to focus on the white board. This is our guy.  I’m looking at a map right now.  If he had wheels, then the time line works.  Let’s say he orders his lunch at the counter, pays for it and after a bit leaves.  It’s busy, and nobody notices when he slips out the back.  There are no cameras in the alley, so he gets away clean.  Let’s say someone is waiting to drive him, or maybe someone left a car for him in the area.

She turned her attention to the three detectives.  Frank, with the perpetual five o’clock shadow and partially undone tie, Jennifer, whose long dark hair was never out of place, and her easy going partner, Phillip, were all smart, determined and dedicated to finding whoever killed Michael Carver’s wife.  She could see their wheels turning.

Frank and Jennifer had helped Katherine and Phillip on the Carolyn Harper murder.  After closing the Harper case, Frank moved his and Jennifer’s desks contiguous to Phillip’s and Katherine’s.  Now, she and Phillip were no longer called the Gruesome Twosome, and instead the new team was referred to as the Gruesome Gang.

Captain Michele Trent interrupted the team. Shep, you and Phillip need to go to the Four Seasons Hotel, stat.

What for? Phillip asked.

Kidnapping case, Trent replied.

We don’t work kidnapping; we work murder, Katherine said, not even trying to hide her annoyance.

Special request from Senator Kane’s office.

Katherine leaped to her feet. Who is it?  Who got taken? 

His daughter.  Now go.  And when you get there, ask for Agent Richardson.

Phillip grabbed his coat and nodded toward Frank and Jennifer. You two start looking for Carver’s accomplice.

Frank and Jennifer nodded.

Come on, Katherine barked, as she raced out of the door.

##

Devon stared at the email on his computer.

Council not happy with your vague report. Didn’t buy my tap dance.  Clear your calendar. THEY ARE COMING!  See you tonight.  Love, Tris.

Devon leaned all the way back in his chair, gathering his thoughts. 

His report to the Witches Council had been purposely vague for several reasons. The first being the Council would have no mercy on Victoria, and as leader of the coven, he felt her violation was a coven matter and it should be handled internally.  For the moment, he felt, it was sufficient punishment that she blamed herself for her father’s death and that she was forbidden from using magic until further notice.

His second reason for being vague was he didn’t want to deal with the dilemma of the location of the seal. He knew the Council would want assurances that it was safe.  They would ask for its location, to be sure it was hidden properly.

As the leader responsible for guarding it, he could technically tell them it wasn’t any of their damned business.  But politically, this answer could bring him and his coven under intense scrutiny from the highest ruling body that governed all witches.  Little things, like letting Freeway ride on the floating carpet, could be seen as infractions.  His whole coven could end up being suspended or even broken apart.

Of course, his biggest reason was Kate.  The seal being in her was one problem; her ability to handle demons and other threats opened up the even more controversial possibility, one that would alarm the Council,- that she was a Dark Heart.

On top of that, his six-week-old, complicated and unconventional marriage to the detective had come under public scrutiny. Since she’d moved out, the press was all over him with endless questions.  Were they were separated? Would she be looking for legal representation? Will she try to get her hands on Hamilton Industries?

He sat up, pressed the speaker on the phone. Jackie, we have a problem.  The Council is coming.

When?

Tris is coming home tonight to give us the answers. Family dinner at my house.  We need to prepare.

##

Phillip pulled into the parking space and didn’t even shut the engine off when Kate got out of the car and headed to the lobby. 

Hold on, Shep, he called, catching up to her at the front desk. 

She flashed her badge at the hotel clerk. I need a key card for the penthouse.

The woman nodded and handed her a card.

Thank you, Katherine said, grabbing the card and heading to the elevator.

You’re certain that’s where we’re supposed to be?

"He always stays in the penthouse," she said, getting in the elevator.

Phillip stared are her, but she was focused on the closing elevator doors.

Katherine slid the card in the reader and pressed the button to the penthouse.  She wanted the elevator to move faster.  The senator had reached out to her, and that meant he was desperate.

The doors opened, and a barrage of surprised, dark-suited men stared at her and Phillip. 

She flashed the badge that hung around her neck.  I’m Detective Katherine Shepard, and this is my partner, Phillip Campbell.  Senator Kane sent for us.

A short, stocky suit approached her.  I’m Daniel Richardson.  Why didn’t you call from the lobby?

She wanted to surprise me, a voice called, from farther inside the penthouse.

Katherine walked past the suits and locked eyes with Senator Gregory Kane.

Kathy, Kane said, opening his arms.

She slid into his arms. His was body was still solid and hard, the way she remembered it, and it lined up perfectly with hers.  Though he was scruffy and unshaven, he smelled like a clean ocean breeze. For a moment, the world faded, and they remembered the moments they’d shared — and the laughter.

He kissed her check and took a step back.  You look wonderful, Mrs. Devon Hamilton, he said with an approving look.

She smiled. Thank you.

What are you doing here, Kathy?

You sent for me.  I was told your daughter was kidnapped.

A look of horror crossed his face.  How did you find out?  I didn’t send for you.

I did, an icy voice stated.

Robin Colman Kane stalked into the room.

Katherine smirked.  Mrs. Kane, it’s been a long time hasn’t it?  But if you wanted to see me, you didn’t have to make up a kidnapping to get me here.

I’m not making it up, she snapped. Tell her.

The senator sat in a chair and put his hands over his face. He took a deep breath and brought his hands together as though he were going to say a prayer.  Sierra was kidnapped.  We were told that she would be returned to us unharmed as long as we didn’t call the police, leave the hotel or contact anyone on the outside.

But the FBI is here, Katherine said.

Richardson is head of our private security detail.  He had someone he knows in the FBI place the call to you, Robin stated.

Katherine looked at Robin then Greg then Robin again and asked, Why?

Because you are supposed to be the best, and I want my daughter back!  You need to find her, before she becomes a homicide.  You owe me that, and if you don’t think you do, fine, do it for him, she said, waving her arm at her husband.

Katherine walked over to a tan couch and dropped into it.  She laced her fingers on the top of her head. Control the rage, think, baby dove, and calm your energy.  This isn’t about getting even again with Robin. Okay, I want to know everything."

Richardson came over to Katherine. The senator is in town for a fund-raising event.  The family was at the Santa Monica Pier yesterday, PR and all.  Sierra had to go to the ladies’ room.  Mrs. Kane was speaking with a group of single mothers as part of the junket.  The senator makes a joke about taking his daughter into the ladies’ room, and it was good for his image: thoughtful husband and responsible dad.  The security detail clears the restroom.  The senator goes in with her along with a female security officer.  Time goes by; we don’t hear a thing.  One of the other officers pushes against the restroom door and finds it locked.  He breaks the door down, finds the senator and the female officer unconscious.  Sierra is nowhere to be found. 

What time did this happen?

Yesterday around eleven thirty.

And you haven’t notified the police until now?  The first two hours are the most important!  We could have got dogs, done an Amber Alert...

We received an audio email that said they were watching us and not to contact the police.  I’ve had my contacts at the FBI making discrete inquires, Richardson answered.

Katherine stood up.  I need to go to the pier.  I need you to come with me and walk me through everything that happened after Sierra went missing.  Also, how long was it from when Sierra disappeared to when you received the email, and did you track it?

Already tried tracking it and can’t; the message came in while we were still at the pier, and it was scrambled and routed a million different ways.  But their message wanted to assure us that she would be fine as long as the senator didn’t go anywhere or contact anyone.  This isn’t like any other kidnapping I’ve seen.

I agree.  Let’s go to the pier.  Phillip, you want to start working the grapevine and see if anybody’s heard anything?

Rather go to the pier with you, he said.

All right. When I get back, I want to hear that message and you, she said pointing at the senator are going to show me everything on your calendar.  They haven’t asked for money or made any demands other than to confine you.  If they want to keep you here, maybe they are trying to keep you from going somewhere or doing something.

She turned to Robin Kane.  You’re right, I am the best, she said, before she headed to the elevator with Phillip and Richardson.

They rode to the pier in Richardson’s black Escalade.  During the trip, Richardson explained all the steps he had taken, from pulling security camera footage to getting the records of all pier employees. 

Katherine asked him to walk her through the entire trip from the beginning to the time of Sierra’s disappearance.  She wanted every detail, and she asked him to set up interviews with every person on the security team.

When they arrived at the pier, Richardson took Katherine and Phillip to the restroom where Sierra vanished.

We’ve got it from here.  Start setting up the interviews, Katherine commanded.

Richardson dialed his phone as he walked away.

Phillip walked the area with her, as always taking his time strolling as casually as a window shopper.  He said, chuckling, Hey, Shep, I can’t wait to answer my wife tonight when she asks if anything interesting happened at work today.

Katherine continued walking without saying a word.

Getting no response, he tried again. And all this time, I was worried that you were going to end up one of those cat ladies sitting at home alone watching too much television.  No, girl, you got a thrill-seeking complex.

All right, all right, you always wondered why I kept so many secrets, now you know.  I’m not proud of my past, and I make no excuses for my behavior. I grew up, and I ended it a long time ago.

He laughed then stopped. Hey, wait a sec.  Men’s room is out of order, right?

She nodded.

I want to check something.

They walked back, and he went into men’s restroom while she stood in the doorway, waiting.

After a few moments, he came out. Ladies’ room.

They entered the ladies’ room, a grimy tiled box with three orange-painted stalls and three sinks on top of a vanity.  Two of the sinks had white signs with thin chains hanging on the faucets that read, Out of order.

Phillip crouched down to study the vanity.  He removed his pocket knife and pried a screw from the top.  The whole side came off with ease, and he peered inside.

Pipes were removed completely.  Makes this area large enough for a child.  They took her out through the men’s restroom on the other side.

She was unconscious?

Phillip nodded. Probably. This is too simple and easy. Now let’s find out who did it.

They returned to the hotel, interviewed the security detail and when it was over Katherine walked Phillip to the car and said, Do me a favor, I’m going to handle the senator right now, but I want you to do some digging.  I want to know every upcoming bill he is voting on and how he voted on all other bills, say, in the past six months. I want to know who are his friends and his enemies.  I want to know if he has a current mistress or a former mistress that has a grudge, also within the last six months.

Aren’t you going to get that info from him right now?

She smiled. I don’t trust him.  He cheats on his wife.

Phillip laughed.  Shall I enlist the help of the rest of the Gruesome Gang? 

She nodded.  Only if Cap clears it.

I’ll handle it.  What do think?

It’s an inside job.

I agree.  I’ll start digging. Talk to you later.

Katherine waved as he pulled away in the green Buick, then she went back up to the penthouse to talk to Gregory Kane.

She sat close to him, comfortable with their past and determined to help him the only way she could now, by doing her job. I need you to answer my questions.  I need to know everything.

He nodded.

For the next two hours, she grilled him about current legislation, political backers, his staff, his security team and his calendar.  She didn’t let up, but she knew he didn’t expect her to; she needed to know everything.  He pulled out his briefcase and his tablet, showed her the bills he supported and the ones he opposed.  He reviewed his appointment schedule and discussed his financial backers.  He answered all her questions, and at the end of her interrogation he said, Please don’t let this get out.

She squeezed his hand.  Don’t worry about that right now.  I need a photo of Sierra and an item of hers, clothing, hairclip, something.

What for?

In case we need a dog or something.

Her plan was simple: she would run down the conventional leads for the remainder of the day and at night she would ask Devon to do a tracking spell to help her find Sierra.

He left the room and retuned with two pink bow hairclips and a small photo. She stood up as he came over to her, a confidence in his stride. He put the items in her hand and curled her fingers around them.

Here, he said, a devilish smile on his lips.

She was confused.  Was he testing her marriage?  Great, I’ll keep you posted.  Can Richardson give me a lift back to my office?

Sure, he said.  Robin shouldn’t have called you.  I know you hate her...

I don’t hate her.

You slept with me to get even with her.

She was such a bitch to me in high school.  Yes, I slept with you to get even with her, but I didn’t stay with you to get even with her.

No, you didn’t stay.  You left the moment I asked you to marry me.

Neither of us wanted a scandal.  You were never leaving Sierra.

You’re right, I would never leave Sierra. I would always be her father.  It wasn’t Sierra I was leaving.  You just couldn’t take the leap of faith with me.  I’m glad you took it with Devon.  I’m glad you found someone who makes you happy, he said, hugging her.

He was sincere and at that moment, she realized, something was wrong, he wasn’t testing her marriage, he was trying a new game, but he wasn’t letting her in on it. His behavior was all wrong.  He adored Sierra and he wasn’t behaving like the worried father, she expected.  No, he was too calm and assured.  Maybe he was masking his fear; maybe he believed she would find Sierra and everything would be okay.  Maybe he wasn’t telling her everything. I’ll find her, she said.

CHAPTER 2

Devon arrived at home and smiled when he saw his brother’s car in the driveway.  He walked into the living room and found Tristan stretched out on the couch, eyes closed, with Freeway, the old Border collie, resting on the floor beside him.

How bad was it? Devon asked.

Without opening his eyes, Tristan said, "At first, I