Forever the Storm: The Taken Series, #3

By MS Kaye

A part of me saw her as a delicate beauty that needed protecting. But she wasn't a flower that gets torn apart in a storm; she was the storm.

Before it’s over, someone will die.

Attacks are coming from all sides: arrests, sabotage, picketing, even being framed for murder. Who is the invisible force behind it all?

And what secrets has Joe Bishop been keeping about both Adriane’s and Alec’s pasts?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inkspell Publishing
• Release date: Oct 9, 2017
• ISBN: 9781945910425

Book preview

Forever the Storm

The Taken Series: Book Three

M.S. Kaye

The characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, places, or events is coincidental and not intended by the author.

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If you purchase this book without a cover you should be aware that this book may have been stolen property and reported as unsold and destroyed to the publisher. In such case the author has not received any payment for this stripped book.

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Forever the Storm

Copyright © 2017 MS Kaye

All rights reserved.

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ISBN: (ebook) 978-1-945910-42-5

(print) 978-1-945910-43-2

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Inkspell Publishing

5764 Woodbine Ave.

Pinckney, MI 48169

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Edited By Rie Langdon

Cover art By Najla Qamber

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This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission. The copying, scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions, and do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

Perhaps she is the petal under the ice forlorn.

Perhaps she is the flower in the wind being torn.

Perhaps she is the footsteps in the snow wayworn.

But only I know...

She is forever the storm.

Chapter One: Arrest

***Unknown***

He’d just made the discovery his life had been built upon, all wrapped around the ancient betrayal that had shaped his family’s existence. His hand shook slightly as he feverishly wrote out his plans.

Destruction was coming to the Kaden household.

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***Adriane***

Hanna said grace, and as the meal started. Ben teased James that his favorite football team wasn’t playing today.

Alec glanced at his phone again.

I spoke under my breath. He hasn’t texted Vincent?

Alec shook his head, jaw tense. Charlie was supposed to be here for Thanksgiving. No one had heard from him yet today. At first, we’d assumed he’d slept in and was running late. Now, I was getting nervous.

Vincent’s phone rang, and my attention snapped to the other end of the table.

Vincent’s brow furrowed in confusion when he glanced at the caller ID. Hello?

As Vincent listened, his expression darkened. Then he stood from the table and walked into the great room. Don’t say anything. That’s what they want... I’m leaving now. Then he added, Just keep your mouth shut, no matter what. I know you do. But they could use something completely innocent against you. Or against Alec. I’ll take care of everything. Just sit tight. He ended the call.

Alec stood from his chair, and Vincent walked over to him. It’s Charlie, Vincent said. He’s been arrested for reckless endangerment. They’re holding him at Precinct Ten.

That’s nowhere near his house. Then Alec added, But it is close to Chief Murphy. He turned toward the front door.

I stood. I’m coming.

Everyone else was now standing as well. Hanna moved quickly toward the hall, surely to get Alec’s overcoat.

Alec looked at me for a second or two and then nodded once. Then he said to Vincent, Stay here. Don’t waste Hanna’s meal.

Vincent didn’t look happy, but he didn’t argue, either.

Hanna walked back in with both of our coats.

We’ll be back before dessert, Alec said to Hanna, and then we were out the door.

We took the first car in the garage, the blue Jaguar. As Alec merged onto the freeway, the speedometer quickly rose.

I set my hand on his leg.

He glanced at me, and then the speedometer fell back to a reasonable speed. We didn’t need him getting arrested, too. We couldn’t count on Detective Garrison to get him out a second time.

The drive felt like how life had been feeling for the last few weeks: intensified. I’d hoped we could finally relax once we got rid of Stein, but everything was still on edge. Police cruisers seemed to be everywhere we went. Alec and the others were being so careful they weren’t even jaywalking.

Finally, we made it to the Tenth Precinct. Alec parked along the road, and I fed the meter plenty of money, even though it was a holiday and we shouldn’t need to. Alec took the steps two at a time, and I jogged to keep up.

***Unknown***

The man stood behind the one-way glass and watched Charlie McCollough in the interrogation room, handcuffed to the table.

I don’t think you understand your position, Murphy said.

Charlie stared straight ahead and continued to say nothing. He hadn’t spoken at all, no reaction to anything, except to demand his one phone call. This Charlie was supposed to be the wildcard in Kaden’s inner circle.

You think I won’t hold you for reckless endangerment? Murphy asked.

No reaction.

Murphy pounded the metal table with his palm. The sound reverberated around the room and out to the hall. Answer me.

Nothing.

Murphy’s demeanor calmed, and he took a seat across from Charlie. All I’m asking for is what you do for a living. That’s not such a difficult question, is it? Ask anyone in this building, and they’ll proudly say they’re police officers. He rested his elbow on the table. So, Charlie, what do you do for a living?

Charlie continued to stare straight ahead, no expression. His lack of reaction was actually quite impressive.

No reason not to answer, Murphy said, unless you’re not proud of what you do. Unless your employer has threatened you not to talk.

Charlie didn’t even blink.

Is that the problem, Charlie? Are you afraid of Kaden? You know, I can protect you. I just need a little cooperation.

Finally, Charlie looked at Chief Murphy.

***Adriane***

Alec walked up to the counter. I’m here for Charlie McCollough.

I saw recognition on the desk sergeant’s face, but she kept her voice level. You’ll have to take a seat. She motioned toward several old wooden chairs and benches. Two men were handcuffed to the benches.

Alec’s voice was hard. Tell Murphy I’m here.

May I ask who you are, sir?

Let’s not play games.

The sergeant hesitated. Then she walked down the hall and turned a corner.

While we waited, I stayed close to Alec but didn’t try to engage him in conversation. The two men handcuffed to benches and the officers at desks in the open area behind the counter all stared at Alec. Alec focused on the hall as if demanding it cough up Charlie.

Several minutes passed.

Finally, Chief Murphy came down the hall. Charlie was not with him.

I’m told someone is demanding to see me, Murphy said to Alec.

You have Charles McCollough in custody.

This precinct has several people in custody. I haven’t memorized all their names.

Charge him for something or release him.

What makes you think you can waltz into my police station and tell me what I have to do?

It’s not yours. It belongs to the taxpayers, of which I am the largest contributor in this city. Then Alec added, Charge him or release him. And if you invent something for which to charge him, I’ll post bail before you can make it home for pumpkin pie.

You may be used to your lackeys and bimbos doing what you demand, but that doesn’t fly with me.

Alec took a step forward, but I grabbed his hand in time. He gripped my hand tightly, almost too tight.

I don’t expect the police to be governed by me, Alec said. But they are governed by the law. His voice and frame were tight like a slingshot.

Murphy said nothing, only glared at Alec.

You cannot hold him if you don’t intend on charging him, Alec said. Then he added, You’ve questioned him long enough to know he doesn’t have anything to tell you.

Your father may have eluded my predecessor, but you and I are a whole different ballgame.

Alec responded simply, I understand.

Murphy walked away, back down the hall.

Alec took a slow, controlled breath, and I squeezed his hand.

He relaxed his grip and looked at me. Did I hurt your hand?

Hold on as tightly as you need.

I’m sorry he said that in front of you.

"He has no idea who we are. And it’s not entirely his fault." Neither of us were good at letting people see past our façades. People had to form opinions based on very little information.

I caught movement out of the corner of my eye, and we both turned toward the hall. Charlie was walking toward us, hands cuffed in front of him, and Murphy followed closely behind. Alec and Charlie made eye contact, but neither spoke.

Murphy walked out the front door of the precinct without bothering to un-cuff Charlie.

Alec turned to the desk sergeant, now back behind the counter. Please remove the handcuffs.

She took keys out of a drawer and slammed it closed. She walked around the counter. Charlie held out his hands, and she removed the cuffs. The metal had been digging into his skin and had left raw, red marks and broken blood vessels.

Charlie walked out of the building, and we followed.

At the car parked along the curb, Charlie sat in back, and Alec held the passenger door for me and then took the driver’s seat. He drove away, staying at or below the speed limit.

I didn’t say anything, Charlie said.

I know. Alec’s tone was one of perfect confidence.

Not that there is anything to say, I added.

For the most part, Alec said. In the last several months, I’ve asked them to push the limits much farther than I should have.

For me. I bit back my apology and reminded myself Dean was gone, and Stein had backed off. Alec had no more reasons to push the limits.

You didn’t need to ask us, Charlie said.

Alec gave no response.

I turned in my seat and smiled at Charlie.

About twenty minutes later, we pulled up the drive and stopped at the gate. Before I could open my door, Charlie had jumped out and headed into the guardhouse. Alec had given everyone Thanksgiving off, so no one was there to open the gate. The fact that he’d felt comfortable not to have any security at the house, even just for a day, had made me happy. I now had the feeling that wasn’t going to happen again any time soon—none of his men had ever been arrested before.

Charlie opened the gate, and Alec drove through, then waited on the other side. Charlie used a key to open the walking gate and locked it behind himself. Then he hopped back in the car, and Alec drove up to the garage.

When we walked inside, Hanna jumped up from her chair at the table and hugged Charlie. It was too quiet without you, she said.

Should I take that as a compliment? he asked.

Of course. She guided him to his chair and about forced him into it. Then she motioned for Alec and me to take our seats. We obeyed.

Hanna started passing serving platters and bowls around. Everyone followed her lead and picked up where we’d left off, as if Thanksgiving hadn’t been interrupted by an arrest and an interrogation by the chief of police himself.

But Alec barely ate. I had the feeling something more than anger at Murphy was on his mind.

Eventually, the meal drew to a close. Hanna stood to start taking dishes to the kitchen, and the others shifted their chairs back, probably to help her and then go watch a football game.

If you don’t mind, Alec said, please stay for a few moments.

Everyone returned to their seats.

Things have been difficult for a while now, Alec said. But circumstances have moved in a new direction, and I feel I need to make the offer.

What offer? I asked.

Distancing from me.

Chapter Two: An Out

***Alec***

Adriane leaned toward me, and her tone was hard. Alec—

I rubbed my thumb over the back of her hand to tell her I understood she wasn’t going anywhere.

Then I faced the others, who were all staring at me. I’m grateful for your friendship, I said. That’s why I feel it’s the right thing to offer you an easy exit. Up until now, I’ve felt it was safer for you to be together in a group, watching out for each other, but the challenges are different now. The threat isn’t physical; the police are now the threat. You would be better off if you weren’t connected to me. If you choose to leave, I’ll cover all costs of moving you away, anywhere you’d like to go.

Silence.

Finally, Ben said, Are you insane?

I looked at him but gave no response.

You’re my only family, Ben said. Do you really think I would walk away?

I continued to be quiet. I wanted them to be able make their decisions without my influence.

"This, Vincent said as he motioned to everyone at the table. This is my family."

It’s also your job, I said. I want you to have the freedom to create your own family.

Adriane was looking at me as though something in my tone and the way I made eye contact with Vincent told her there was something more underneath that statement. She was right.

If you think I’ve stayed here all these years because it’s a job, Vincent said, "you aren’t the brilliant guy everyone thinks you are."

Your father taught you loyalty, but he also helped teach you that family doesn’t always last.

Vincent glared. He shifted to push away from the table but stopped.

Anthony’s voice was quiet as he spoke to me. I understand what you’re doing. Then he added, But I’m not going anywhere.

I made eye contact with him. I’ve gone back on my word to you. You have every right to move on.

Yes, we’ve pushed the law, even flat-out broken it. But it was never once for gain.

That doesn’t negate the fact that I’ve gone back on my word.

Anthony lifted his chin. I’m not leaving.

Charlie blurted out, Ain’t no fucking way I’m going anywhere.

I spoke to the entire table. We had an arrest today, for no other reason than a connection to me. And this is only going to escalate.

Since the beginning, James said, we’ve protected this city. Not just each other, everyone. The Kaden name gains respect and, yes, fear too, but we use it for a good purpose. I’m not walking away from that.

I was quiet. Several seconds passed.

Finally, I looked at Hanna.

Her voice barely made sound and yet seemed to reverberate around the room. You’re my son.

I lowered my gaze to the table and clenched my jaw, hiding what that one simple, honest statement meant to me. Then I looked at her again and opened my mouth to remind her I wasn’t her blood. It would kill me to lose her, but she deserved the freedom to move on if that was right for her. But I couldn’t say it.

Adriane squeezed my hand. What you’re trying to do is honorable, but there’s no need. I think I can speak for everyone when I say we’re blindly loyal, both to you and each other, for good reason. Those reasons may be different for each of us, but they’re strong.

Everyone around the table nodded.

I lowered my gaze to the table for a few seconds.

Then I looked back up. I’ll do everything in my power. To protect them, to honor their loyalty, everything.

Well, Vincent said as he leaned back in his chair. You’re not the bastard everyone says you are.

I raised an eyebrow. Sounds like a challenge.

Vincent grinned.

***Adriane***

It wasn’t until everyone had left the table, either to work in the kitchen or watch a football game, that Alec picked up the newspaper Ben had been reading. I stood and read over his shoulder. The front page was all about Mayor Fustaine’s re-election campaign. He was sticking with the family values propaganda. Alec had told me some stories about his daughter that made it clear those values hadn’t made it into his own family. Though I was determined not to judge him based on his daughter’s actions. Look what happened when people judged Alec based on his father’s actions.

Alec flipped through the next few pages and stopped at an editorial, the same writer who’d been mentioning the Kaden name for weeks, usually little, backhanded comments. Why are our police not arresting a known criminal? They had him in custody, and then they couldn’t keep him. Our community should be outraged.

I stopped reading before my anger ruined Thanksgiving. Just what we need, more pressure on Murphy.

Alec sighed. Not even my father gained attention to this degree.

I wonder if the fact that you don’t use fear like he did is working against you.

Apparently curious, he tilted his chin.

People may be afraid of you, but you do your best not to use it. I don’t think people consciously realize that. They’re too determined to see all Kadens as evil. But I think people unconsciously do see that you don’t lash out vindictively, which lets them find the courage to attack you. Then I added, Or maybe they do consciously realize it, but it’s easier to blame everything on one person. And I think some people enjoy the drama of it all. They want to read shocking things in the tabloids.

He closed the paper, showing the front page and the name of the paper, the predominant news publication for the region.

I’ve been avoiding tabloids, I said. I’ll want to start avoiding the ‘major’ publications now, too. But I couldn’t realistically do that; I needed to know what was going on, what was being said, so I didn’t get blindsided and react out of anger, which would spur on the talk even more.

Alec looked at the paper and seemed to focus on the bottom corner, a teaser for a story on page three. Gang activity on the west side.

Alec folded up the paper and took it to his office. I didn’t ask him what his plans were for the increasing crime rate, but I knew he did have a plan. Which made me nervous.

***

It’s not your job, you know, I said.

It’s part of my inheritance. Alec unbuttoned his dress shirt and tossed it in the hamper in the closet. Then he opened his dresser drawer and took out a plain, black T-shirt.

I sighed. Though I didn’t agree that this was at all his responsibility, I understood how he felt. I could barely live with myself knowing what Stein had done; I couldn’t imagine how Alec felt about everything his entire family had done to this city, for generations.

Alec pulled on his T-shirt. Then he faced me. All he said was, I promise.

Which I knew meant he would be careful. But I also knew he wouldn’t bring anyone with him and risk their being caught in a compromising position.

Alec rested his hand on my cheek and touched his lips to mine.

Before he could walk away, I rested my palms on either side of his face. We held eye contact for several seconds.

I understand, he murmured.

I let go and he walked out of our room. I wasn’t sure how many more of these nights I could take, waiting, hoping, for him to come home.

***Alec***

I pulled my black, wool overcoat closed over my T-shirt and jeans. I knew Adriane was worried about what I was doing if she forgot to force me to wear a scarf and gloves.

On the stoop, I rang the buzzer for apartment four. Then I slipped my hands in my pockets and waited. With my right hand, I made sure the switchblade was positioned correctly for ease of retrieval.

There was no answer, so I rang again.

Finally, the intercom came to life with a fuzzy voice. What in the hell do you want?

Alec Kaden here to visit Sean O’Brien.

I could just here the faint voice over the fuzz of the intercom. Shit.

Open the door, Sean.

No answer.

Do I need to become impolite?

Sean’s voice returned. No, no. I’ll come down.

Buzz me up, I said. Now.

A couple seconds’ pause, and then the door clicked unlocked. I walked into the tiny lobby. Many of the hexagon floor tiles were missing, and the remaining tiles were more brown than white. Up the flight of stairs, Sean was waiting at his open apartment door. I walked inside and controlled my reaction to the smell; it was like a mixture of cabbage and a gym bag that hadn’t been washed in several years.

Sean quickly closed the door. How can I help you, Mr. Kaden?

I faced him and made severe eye contact.

Sean fidgeted by pulling at the scraggly scruff under his chin.

I remained quiet. For some reason, my silence often seemed to make people the most uncomfortable.

Do you want something to drink? Sean moved toward the small kitchen area to my right.

I shifted, into his path.

He stopped. Then he backed up several steps. What do you need?

I slipped my hands into my coat pockets and wrapped my hand around my knife. His gaze flickered.

Mr. Kaden, sir, he said. I don’t know what I did. I—

I lifted my chin.

I...I mean—What should I do?

We have an agreement.

I appreciate it. I really do.

Have I not upheld my portion? I allow you to operate with minimal interference. I ask for one simple task in exchange. He was a small-time sneak thief, nonviolent. He was like a worm that slithered underground, stole small items of value, and picked up dirt, both literal and figurative.

Sean’s eyes grew wide. The paper yesterday. I had no idea—

Don’t.

Okay, okay. I heard of a new gang, but I didn’t think they’d matter to someone of your standing.

What makes you think you’re able to determine what is of importance to me?

Sean stood there with his mouth half-open.

My patience runs thin, I said.

They’re nothing special, I swear. Just your normal thugs.

I moved closer, slowly. I determine who is permitted to operate.

Yes, sir. I just—

"Tell me their behaviors, their methods, and their home base, and I may allow our little agreement to continue."

They don’t have a name or anything. They’re not that organized. They do a lot of purse snatching and muggings.

No name. These types of groups always seemed to want to name themselves. Where do they spend the bulk of their time?

There’s an apartment building on Kings Road, not far from Birch. Most of them got places there.

An apartment building—interesting. What else do you know? I asked. Who’s the leader?

They don’t seem to have one, at least not that I know of.

"What names do you know?"

Russell. He’s a real big guy, as big as that one guy of yours.

One name? That’s it?

I swear that’s all I got. They don’t talk, not like those El Parros idiots.

I did find it interesting that El Parros hadn’t yet challenged this new group. I’d just have to figure these things out for myself. I started toward the door.

Sean backed up and about fell over a pile of shoes and jackets on the floor as he tried to get out of the way.

I opened the door.

What about our deal? Sean asked.

I’ll consider it. No activity until I contact you again.

But I gotta get a new coat, and food.

There’s a shelter down the street. I walked out the door. Then I looked back at Sean. No activity. It was partially a punishment for not talking sooner, partially a test to make sure he was still wedged firmly under my boot, and also a precaution. Something didn’t seem right about this new gang. Sean was better off keeping clean for a little while.

I paused in the hallway until Sean said, Yes, sir.

I walked down the stairs and out of the building.

Now to consider how to proceed. I would’ve liked to have more information on this group, but I had a feeling I needed to deal with them sooner rather than later. In my car, I drove toward Kings Road.

A few minutes later, I parked along the curb, a block down. I made sure a few people saw my face, made sure I saw recognition in their expressions, to be certain no one screwed with the car.

On one side of the street sat several old Craftsman houses, and on the other side were newer but lower-end multi-family housing, the kinds of nondescript buildings found in government-subsidized developments.

As I walked, I observed the people to determine which apartment building was my target. In the parking lot of the nearest building, a man parked a 90s station wagon and carried a package of diapers inside. An elderly couple exited the same building, apparently going for an evening walk. I moved on to the next building. A young couple unbuckled two toddlers from their car seats while bickering about who was going to cook dinner.

The last building caught my eye—a couple of young men standing out front with no discernible purpose. I paused my walking and watched. They continued to stand there, and other people avoided them by walking through the parking lot rather than past them on the sidewalk.

I headed toward the two young men. Interesting that they were so different, one black with a shaved head and the other white, with long, scraggly hair.

As I approached, the one with scraggly hair glanced over. Then he looked away, pretending not to notice me, but I’d seen the recognition in his eyes.

I stood in front of them.

They both ignored me for a few seconds, which just confirmed their recognition.

Finally, the one with a shaved head looked at me. What d’you want, buddy?

I remained quiet.

Scraggly Hair moved forward, in my face.

I muted my voice. Step back.

He hesitated but then backed up.

More quiet.

You know why I’m here, I said.

They glanced at each other.

You know who I am, I said. You know this city is mine.

Yeah, Scraggly said.

I looked at the other one, and he nodded.

It would be wise for you to convey these things to whomever is in charge.

We, uh... Shaved Head said. We don’t really know who’s in charge.

I cocked my chin, a demand for an explanation.

We get instructions by phone, but no one knows the guy’s name, and money comes in the mail, cash. That’s all we know.

I read both of them carefully and was confident this was the truth. Which meant I had bigger problems than I’d hoped. The aspect that most struck me was the familiarity of the behavior, the desire for anonymity, much like Joe Bishop’s family, Ignotus.

I strongly suggest, I said, that you extract yourselves from this situation before you get in my way. I bored my gaze into their skulls like a doctor with a drill. That’s not someplace you want to be.

They both started backing away, and then Scraggly’s gaze snapped to something behind me. I glanced over my shoulder. A police cruiser had turned onto the street and was headed this way. It stopped at the curb, and two officers stepped out, hands on their sidearms.

Chapter Three: An Unknown Threat

The officers approached, and the driver smirked. Shoulda figured.

I faced them. May I be of assistance?

You can get in the back and come downtown for questioning.

I tilted my chin. Why would I do that?

Congregating with known criminals.

Have a nice evening. I turned to walk away.

I said get in the back, the officer demanded.

You’ll have to charge me. I looked at them over my shoulder. "But I suggest you prolong that decision until you can