Under Locke and Key

By Myra Song

Former Detective turned Private Investigator, Elise Martin feels a lot like Atlas-- always trudging uphill. Only everyone thinks it's a chip on her shoulder instead of the world. She'd beg to differ. But now she's got rent due, ramen is getting old, and her former boss, the Police Chief, is making life difficult. So she'll take any job that comes her way. When a fateful encounter drops a security detail and potential case in her lap, who is she to say no? Too bad the man hiring her is one smooth, sexy, gorgeous a**hole. Like, can't-stand-to-share-your-air kind of jerk. But jerk that he may be, he's also a billionaire, and that means his check will cash.

Jameson Locke is many things. Handsome, charming, meticulous. He's head of a security and safe company and one of the world's wealthy elite. He's also ruthless, calculating, and bored. When he meets Elise Martin, he can't shake her from his mind. Her curves and quick tongue inspire his need to dominate. To control. Even though he knows he can't get close to her, he needs something interesting. A challenge. Elise Martin promises to be that and more.

Elise and Jameson find themselves locked in a game of wits and resources.

Locke isn't a man to lose.

**Ideal for fans of Hannah Ford, Kelly Favor, and Cassie Cross**

• Language: English
• Publisher: Now and Wren Publishing
• Release date: May 23, 2016
• ISBN: 9781386528166

Book preview

Locke

J esus, Ben. The times I’ve spent with Elise were filled with lust, with frustration, and with fear when Blakely was back in town. His message, though, erases everything, leaving only bitter fear. My mouth is bone dry, hanging open. If I felt hollow it would feel better than what I have now, which is a tsunami of panic that makes it impossible to think. Fuck, I’m barely breathing.

Ben, though, is already moving. Locke, pack up. We’re going to get her.

How are we going to find her in time?

He doesn’t answer, because he can’t. We might find her, in fact I’m sure we will. Blakely will want to make sure I find her, so that he can bask in his triumph. Still, I start to pack away the computer. As we ready, I realize I have one more connection with Elise. A connection who may have additional resources to help us find her.

Let’s talk to her partner.

Ben hesitates. If we talk to him, it becomes a police matter. I work better unhindered, you know that. If the police intervene, it may make it messier. Longer. And they may find things, Locke.

He’s right. My business, security, and my hobby, theft, both have control in common. Knowledge, understanding the variables, and applying what you’ve learned is how to make a situation shift your way. Control. If Dalton isn’t going to keep a lid on this, I’ll lose control of the situation. Possibly be taken for more questioning.

And I certainly won’t be able to take care of Blakely the way he deserves. Fuck, he’d be in the US prison system. If Russia couldn’t hold him, I’m damned sure the States can’t. Besides, Blakely still has money and resources. There’s too many chances for him to slip away if I let the police try and catch him.

There’s my own burning need for vengeance, too. That, of course, can’t be ignored.

But I can’t shake the feeling that I need to talk to Dalton. It’s funny. Elise uses her gut instinct to do her job. That, paired with her keen eyes, is how she’s so good at being a detective. I tend to laugh off instincts. They can’t be measured. They’re undependable.

I’m going to talk to him. Just give me a sec. If I don’t come out in ten minutes, go fucking find her and I’ll slow them down as much as I can.

What about Blakely?

I don’t hesitate. Kill him. I’d rather do it myself, but I’m not stupid enough to waste an opportunity, and he isn’t the type to give us many. Kill him and save her.

Just come out in ten minutes. I’ll have the car ready. Ben puts some sunglasses on and heads out into the street. People move out of the way for him. He’s not inconspicuous, but then again, he doesn’t have to be right now.

Inside I get raised eyebrows from the front desk. I doubt it’s usual for them to have recently released suspects march back in the main lobby in the same day. I need to speak to Detective Dalton, please.

She nods and picks up a phone while I wait.

It doesn’t take long. Detective Dalton marches in, his irritation painted over every feature. Mr. Locke, apparently you don’t understand how these things work.

I wait for him to get close and hold out my hand for a handshake. When he takes it, I pull him in so I can say what I need to in his ear. Blakely has Elise.

His hand’s grip tightens. Fuck.

I don’t let him go, not yet. Trust me when I say this is not the time for traditional law enforcement. I need to get to her fast, and I want to know if I could count on you for help.

He steps back and releases my hand. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Dalton looks pained. I can’t give you that, but I can give you some time. If I don’t report it, it’s my job.

"If you do,