Macyn's Decision: Macyn McIntyre Series, #3

By S.L. Stacker

 A wedding day explosion, a family reunited, and a hunt for a killer are only a few of the things Macyn and her husband, Devon, will face after spending several long months being tortured by their nemesis, Frederick. After Macyn and her partners step up their game and form a plan to find the elusive man, it's then that she is faced with the realization the future of her family and loved ones is dependent upon the decision she makes.

Will she continue and follow through with their plans to end this man’s life, knowing the reality of failure is a possibility? Or will she make the ultimate sacrifice and give herself willingly in order to ensure the safety of those she loves? The answer awaits in Macyn’s Decision, the final installment in the Macyn McIntyre Series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S.L. Stacker
• Release date: Nov 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9781386724445

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Chapter 20 from Macyn’s Awakening

"MACYN, HOW ARE YOU feeling?" Devon asked, seeing she hadn’t moved since he had checked on her last.

I’m feeling as good as can be expected. I still can’t believe they’re both gone. It blows my mind.

Devon sat on the sofa next to Macyn, pulling her close and allowing her to find comfort in his embrace. He didn’t want to push her, instead he wanted her to talk to him when she was comfortable enough. They sat in silence for several long minutes, Devon feeling her body shake with each sob. He wished there was something he could do to make this easier on her. He realized he was doing the best thing possible, but it didn’t feel as if it were enough.

Devon? Macyn whispered so softly, he almost failed to hear her soft voice.

Hmm?

I’m sorry you had to hear me tell David I loved him, and there might be a chance between us. I said those things because I didn’t want him dying thinking I hated him. No one deserves that. Everyone deserves to know someone loves them.

Shh. Don’t worry about that. I agree with you, and I think you did the right thing. He would never admit to her or anyone else how bad it had pained him hearing her profess her love to another man. When she spoke the words to the dying man, it had ripped his heart out, but he understood then, as well as now, why she had spoken them. Her ability to try and ease the pain of others was one thing he loved about her.

I was already upset having found Eve and knowing my best friend was dead, and I guess my feelings were heightened because of that. I didn’t have the chance to tell Eve good-bye. As far as I know, she died alone. I wanted to do anything I could to make it easier for David.

I know, sweetheart, and I think you did. Did you hear how clear his voice had become right before he passed? I think he was at peace knowing you still cared for him.

He felt Macyn nod, and he tightened his arm around her, pulling her closer and kissing the top of her head. I hope you know I’m here for you through all of this.

Macyn jumped up and paced across the room. I don’t know why they had to die. It’s me Frederick wants. Why did he have to kill people he knew I was close to? It should have been me dying. Had I given myself to him, I’d be the one dead, and they’d still be alive.

Devon crossed the room and pulled Macyn to him, her fists pummeling his chest. It took a little extra work, but he managed to pull her in and hold her close—her fighting morphed into gut-wrenching sobs. He stood with her until her breathing calmed, and then he spoke. Mac, I think Frederick would have done this no matter what. He’s the type of man who will do whatever he wants because he wants. He doesn’t need a reason.

To be honest, I don’t want to think about him right now. I need to get through Eve’s funeral. After that, I’m not sure I want to deal with this anymore. The police are heavily involved now, and I would like to concentrate on our lives. If this has taught me one thing, it’s to live as if there’s no tomorrow. I’m ready. I want to get married as soon as we can, Devon.

Sweetheart, like you said, let’s get through this funeral, and then we can make decisions on everything else.

Devon wrapped his arm around Macyn’s shoulders and steered her toward the kitchen in the hope he could get her to eat something. She hadn’t had anything since before the night of the raid, and it was starting to show.

As they entered the kitchen, Macyn stopped and said, David doesn’t have any family. I don’t know if he’ll have a funeral or what. I know he told me when we were first married he wanted to be cremated. What do we do if no one shows to claim his body? We can’t allow him to go unclaimed.

Macyn, we won’t do that. You can claim him, and we’ll do whatever you feel is necessary, whether it’s a funeral or cremation. Devon steered her to a chair and made her sit. He then proceeded to make her some soup for lunch.

You don’t mind?

Of course I don’t mind. I agree with you, and I don’t think his body should go unclaimed.

Thank you for being so understanding. I know this must be difficult for you.

Devon stopped stirring the soup and asked, What must be difficult?

This. Me taking care of David.

No, Mac, it isn’t. I think you need to do what you have to do in order to find peace for yourself. I want you to be happy again, Devon said, giving the soup one final stir before pouring it over crackers and handing the bowl to Macyn. Right now, you eating will make me happy.

I’m only doing this for you. Macyn raised the spoon of steaming soup to her mouth.

***

Hi, Brett. How’s Bobby doing?

He’s doing as well as can be expected. He’s gone through the crying and anger stages. Actually, he’s been going back and forth between the two. He went in earlier today to make funeral arrangements. Brett then explained the arrangements.

Do you think he’s up for visitors, or should I wait until tomorrow’s services?

I would wait until tomorrow. He’s sleeping now, and considering he hasn’t slept, I think it’s best he gets as much as he can. Lord knows he’s going to need it.

You’re right. Please tell him if he needs anything, do not hesitate to call, and please give him our love. Macyn ended the call.

Bobby’s sleeping now, but he did make arrangements today. Eve’s funeral is tomorrow.

Are you ready? We need to leave now to make plans for David.

Macyn nodded. She knew she had to be strong, at least for the next twenty-four hours.

Macyn and Devon spent the next few hours making arrangements for David’s cremation. After Macyn claimed his body, they went to the funeral home where Eve’s services would be held. When they met with the director and explained what they wanted, he informed them of the process and gave them the option of witnessing the cremation. After discussing everything with Devon, Macyn chose not to view the event. She wanted to make sure someone who knew David took care of him, but she couldn’t bring herself to witness this.

You may pick up the remains late tomorrow afternoon.

Thank you, Macyn answered. She joined Devon so they could go home.

After they arrived back at their house, Macyn called it an early night. She hadn’t been sleeping well, and she could feel her body protesting—her eyes unable to remain open.

***

Bobby glanced at the clock on his nightstand every five minutes. He was ready to go to the funeral home. However, when he spoke with Macyn earlier, she had suggested they drive Bobby today, and he had agreed to wait for them. After glancing at the clock once more, Bobby decided to go without them. He needed to talk to Eve before anyone else arrived.

Bobby said to Brett in passing, I’m going to the funeral home now. When Macyn and Devon arrive, catch a ride with them. I need some time alone.

Bobby left the house he had shared with Eve, and he didn’t know if he could face it alone after his wife was buried. There were too many memories that he knew would overwhelm him until he could get a grasp on this.

As he made the short drive, Bobby’s mind kept going back to the nursery he and Eve had started renovating. He knew he would never finish it because his child was dead. As a tear streamed down his cheek, he became angry, screaming inside the empty car. Why? Why did you do this, Eve? How could you have been so cold about our child’s death? His fists pounding the steering wheel. He knew he had to pull himself together, but he didn’t know how. He was the man who could plan difficult missions down to the smallest of details, but he somehow couldn’t manage to accept his wife or child’s deaths.

When he pulled into the procession line at the front of the building, he waited inside his car, wiping his damp cheeks dry. He had to pull himself together. Taking a deep breath, Bobby exited the car and went inside.

Mr. Bastian. How may I help you, sir?

I’d like some time alone with my wife. If anyone arrives early, can you have them wait out here before they enter for services? Bobby turned in the direction of the viewing room where Eve’s body was resting, not waiting for a response from the man who had greeted him.

Inside the room, he slid the doors closed and stopped when he turned and saw the casket in which Eve lay. From the back of the room, she appeared to be sleeping. Bobby knew that wasn’t the case, but he was going to pretend it was, at least for a short time. As he edged his way down the aisle toward his wife, he thought of the day he had met Eve during their freshman year in college. She had been sitting on a bench outside of their dorm, talking to herself about an upcoming assignment. Bobby had taken the seat next to her and asked if she would rather talk to him instead of herself. She had looked at him for a long moment, as if trying to register what he had said. When she spoke, she had asked him if he could hold a conversation as intelligent as the one she had been having, and then she smiled at him before standing and walking away. From that day, he had returned to that bench every day until he ran into her again to show he could hold an intelligent conversation.

Bobby smiled at the memory as he neared the casket. Why did this happen, babycakes? Why did you decide to make another life for yourself—one without me? You know I would have taken care of you and given you anything you desired. We were so happy to be having a baby. I know it’s too late, but I’m so sorry, Eve. You were my world, and I would have moved mountains for you. Why did you do this? Why didn’t you come to me? Bobby choked, tears flowing from his swollen eyes. I know you thought I was lying to you about everything and making decisions without your input, but baby, I did those things because I was obligated. I swear, if I could do them over, I would do everything different if it meant you would still be with me. You’re the love of my life. I don’t care what you were involved in. It won’t change my feelings for you. Bobby stroked her ebony hair. When he bent down to kiss her, something inside him burst, and he collapsed to the floor, his body convulsing with his sobs. Why?

Bobby, there is no answer for your question. You have to accept it was my precious baby girl’s time to go, Eve’s mom said.

Bobby looked up into his mother-in-law’s eyes, and he saw a true loss. He didn’t know how this woman, having lost her only daughter, could be standing here telling him to accept her daughter’s death.

How can you say that? Don’t you want to know why it happened? How can we accept she’s gone?

It’s never easy to accept the death of a person you love, but you can’t die along with them. You have to think of the good memories and keep them inside you. By doing that, you’ll keep a small piece of that person alive. You will always have those memories, my precious son, and no one can ever take them from you. It seems impossible, but you have to keep going forward. Bobby, Eve wouldn’t want you to stop living your life.

Bobby nodded and rose from the floor. He led his mother-in-law to a couple of chairs nearby and asked, How are you dealing with this?

I know she’s in a better place. I have memories of Eve, and I’ll take those out when I need them. It isn’t easy to lose a child, but unfortunately, part of life is dying.

When she avoided saying Eve had been murdered, he decided he would use all of his energy in making sure Frederick Marshall, a.k.a. Richard Jacobs, paid for the pain he had caused so many people.

***

Macyn walked the short distance to her friend’s grave and tossed her rose atop the coffin. At this point, she couldn’t bring herself to think of her friend as anything less than a friend. She would try to find out why Eve had led a double life, but at this moment, Eve’s family and friends needed this time to mourn and remember the beautiful, charismatic woman who had left them far too soon.

She returned to her spot beside Bobby and took his hand into hers, giving it a light squeeze. He appeared to be doing okay, but she could sense this was an act for everyone. Macyn knew Bobby loved Eve, and she was also aware he would find justice for Eve’s death. She planned on being there with him every step of the way.

After the final prayer, Bobby told Macyn he was going to go with Eve’s parents back to his house, and he would be in touch with her soon. Macyn nodded and started toward her car. She felt Devon slip his arm around her waist.

No sooner had they taken their seat inside, when Macyn’s phone began to ring. She looked at Devon before answering.

Hello?

My beautiful daughter-in-law…oh, wait. You were never part of this family. I keep forgetting. Any rate, how were the services, my dear? I hope my little fuck-buddy is resting in peace now. She was a great lay, and the things she could do with that mou—

What the fuck do you want, Frederick? Macyn screamed into the phone, pissed because he had chosen to interfere during this time.

Tsk. Tsk. Such language coming from a lady. You should be ashamed of yourself. I’m calling to offer my condolences. I was rather fond of the bitch, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend her services to pay my respects due to some previous obligations. I want you to know, this isn’t over. Actually, this is far from over. You better make sure you have more than Devon looking after you. It’s going to take a whole damned army to keep you safe.

Is that supposed to scare me? Macyn asked, engaging the speaker option on her phone so Devon could listen.

I could give two shits if it scares you. It’s a promise. I want you to know you screwed up my life. Because of you, my son is dead. If he had never met you in college, everyone would be alive and happy, but unfortunately, he did meet you. You prevented him from reaching his full potential, and now, I’m going to keep you from reaching yours. I’ll be in touch, bitch. The line went dead.

I’m going to kill the son of a bitch, Devon said.

Devon, don’t do this right now. We are going to spend our time mourning the loss of a friend. We aren’t going to give this guy the attention he craves. He isn’t worth it. When we’re finished grieving, then we’ll go after him.

They spent the drive home in silence. Macyn thought of the events that had taken place in the last couple of months. She had experienced a lot and most of it being bad, but she did gain one wonderful thing from it. She had been awakened to the fact that everything worth having was worth fighting for. You fight for those you love.

As she had told Devon the day before, she didn’t want to think of any of this right now. She wanted to spend some time building their company and working on their life. She wanted to get married before they resumed their search for Frederick, and she knew now, she wouldn’t allow that man to take another minute of happiness from her ever again.

Devon, when my parents return to Meadowview, will you marry me? Macyn asked as they pulled into their garage.

You were serious about getting married. I always thought you would want this big wedding with friends and family.

I know the timing is off. Hell, we just left the graveside, and here I am talking about getting married, but after the call from Frederick, I’m determined he won’t rob me of another minute of happiness. There is nothing I want more than to marry you. I don’t care about having a big ceremony. As long as our family is there, that’s all I care about.

If you’re sure that’s what you want, I’m not going to tell you no. I want to marry you as soon as I can.

Wonderful. She squealed, leaning across the console and hugging him. Her life was now her own, and she wasn’t going to let anyone or anything get in the way of her happiness.

CHAPTER ONE

Four Months Later

MACYN FIDGETED BEFORE the full-length mirror. Her mind focused on Bobby instead of the angelic image before her. She couldn’t refrain from wondering if he would come to the wedding or avoid them, as he had the last four months.

She and Devon had opted to postpone their wedding rather than go through with it immediately after Eve’s funeral. They had decided it would be in the best interest of everyone if they waited a little longer. It had given Bobby more time to grieve and cope with the loss of his wife. In the meantime, the remaining partners were able to tie up loose ends in the obstacles they had faced before Eve and David’s deaths.

After the funeral, when Eve’s parents had said their farewells, Bobby made a decision. He had informed Macyn, Devon, and Brett he was going to stay at the training facility, using the renovation as his excuse. All three partners knew this was a ruse, and the real reason was Bobby couldn’t face the reality of staying at the home he had shared with Eve. They each understood this and didn’t question Bobby further.

Macyn, Devon, and Brett allowed Bobby to deal with the training facility. They spent their days