Storage Bureau Full Of Old Lies and Murder

By Carolyn Kenney

You can’t hide a deceased person in a storage bureau. You can hide how it became a dead body.
The lies and murders keep Fallon wondering if she will ever get back to Kyle or will she die before she gets the chance?
Fallon Striker’s life is about to reach its highest point in her life. In a few days, she will be offered and accept being a partner with Allison Crowley in what once was a one lawyer firm. The business blossomed to a dozen personnel and more in the pipeline. Fallon has worked hard to show Allie she will give her all for any client willing to hire them.
Tasked with closing the file on the failed merger between Crowley Oil and Mellon Oil, Gas and Shale, Fallon will sort through tons of papers separating the real owners of who owns what sites. The merger was days away from completion when the deal went down the drain.
“Are you sure this will not be too difficult to get through?” asked Allie.
“No. I’ve gotten past all those issues.”
Instead, the sight of Claude Digger and Tyler Holbrook brings back good and bad memories.
What could’ve been with Claude isn’t who Fallon wants in her life. Kyle Blocker is the man she will never forget. Fallon has searched for his replacement until she decides to either return to him or start anew.
The merger cleanup takes a back seat after a dead body is in the guest room of Zoe Phelps’ home. The strange connection between the dead body draws the two lawyers into a messy circle of old lies and murders.
You can’t hide a body in a storage bureau. You can hide how it became a dead body.
The lies and murders keep Fallon wondering if she will ever get back to Kyle or will she die before she gets the chance?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carolyn Kenney
• Release date: May 16, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463275863

Carolyn Kenney

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Carolyn M. Kenney spent the early years of her life in Jersey, City, New Jersey. She returned to her roots in the early 1970 to attend college and be with her extended family.Carolyn landed a job with Fulton County Government's Information Technology department in 1980. She retired in 2006. Before retiring she began her studies in the design field of Residential Planning. She began her studies for Interior Design in the summer of 2006. After taking some time away to write the Karla Banninster novels, she plans to return soon.

Book preview

I want to acknowledge the fine dining place known as The Historic Green Manor. The food and service are wonderful.

I want to thank all my friends who inspired, helped and read my books. They are too numerous to list, and I don’t want to miss any name.

To the many authors of "how to write, publish and bee successful, I want to thank you, too. I am constantly trying to improve, and without your books, I wouldn’t know where to turn

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all my friends and family Also to the previous writers of erotica, erotic fiction and the writers of mystery fiction.

This book is dedicated to the erotic and erotica authors who came before me and will come along afterward.

Chapter One

Dr. Kitty Heiden replaced Dr. Gala Werdman as my psychiatrist. Apparently, a doctor needs the help of another doctor. Dr. Werdman suffered from a mental malady. I heard she needed rest. However, when I called from my hospital bed after another one of my efforts to play a crusader, Dr. Katherine Heiden answered the phone. Dr. Kitty Heiden, four years my senior promise nothing.

We will continue your treatment. You will attend two sessions a week. From Dr. Werdman's notes, if you do not improve, the sessions will be increased to three times a week.

For my money, I better improve with two weekly visits. My first session with Dr. Heiden didn't go well. She took over all of Dr. Werdman's patients including my one-time lover, Brock Styles. Brock had control issues. The issues manifested themselves in his interest in BDSM. On one occasion, I feared for my life when he couldn't separate our rough lovemaking to downright torture.

You aren't treating Brock with care, I accused Dr. Heiden.

I am his doctor. I am your doctor. If you don't like my treatment, I suggest you find another doctor. Brock doesn't care about my treatment either. The bigger issue is he needs behavioral adjustments. I suggest you do not concern yourself with his care. You need to worry about yours. You have missed at least three sessions, Dr. Heiden said.

She was right. After casting my other lovers aside, Brock was my last satisfying bedmate. I cared deeply for him. I knew it was time to count my feathers from a previous ordeal Brock carried no responsibility. The worse part of my therapy was the increased need to share a bed with a man right after the session. Dr. Werdman tried to find what motivated such behavior. Now, it was up to Dr. Kitty to do the same. Aside from the sessions I missed, things were progressing. I had no other choice. I didn’t have a new dance card full of men.

My work with Alison Crowley at the Crowley Legal Services was both rewarding and hazardous. The firm grew from a four-person staff with yours truly included to a total of a dozen members of our personnel. Our offices occupied the fourth floor of the Equitable Building. The usual grey carpet and white walls were the norm. Our only form of decoration was the furniture. Each office expressed the individual’s personality. I chose bright paisley upholstery chairs and sofa.

During the five-year time frame, I've fallen in love with killers, been shot, stabbed and almost choked to death. Those death-defying incidents kept me away from the office as well as my other passions. I play golf with a two handicap. I design furniture. So, when my boss, Allie informed me she considered making me a partner in the firm, I almost levitated.

Just as I thought everything flowed in the right direction, a once-dying merger reared its head. The merger between Crowley Oil and Gas LLC and Mellon Oil, Gas and Shale Fracking resurfaced. It was time to divide and conqueror. Mellon was asked to compensate Crowley for the bad faith deal. Mellon threw in cash and properties. Somehow the properties didn't have clear deeds.

There was one relationship I thought te on than off is with Zoe Phelps. Zoe's importance in my life grew to be more than co-counsel to lovers. Zoe tested my sexuality because I always counted myself as heterosexual. She was another reason I needed Dr. Werdman and now Dr. Heiden. Zoe is an intersex woman. She has both male and female genitalia. Our relationship became shaky when an old friend of hers rekindled their relationship. Trish Thornton, a fellow intersex, turned up after a long absence. Three is a crowd unless you want a threesome.

What is on your mind?

I agree with you. I need to put more effort into getting my head on straight.

No. What are you thinking about right now?

Right now, I am thinking about the people in my life and the workload I am dealing with tomorrow. That is what the hell I am dealing thinking about right now. You asked, and now you know.

You are agitated this evening. Is that it?

I took a deep breath before I said, yes. My physical wounds heal very well. My mental health scares me.

I'll see you Thursday for your next session. You will be here on time, won't you?

# # #

"I need you to take the Proctor agreement meeting. The partnership between three cousins and two brothers has hit a snag. Can you do that for me?'

What is the problem?

There are too many family members with grudges over the years.

When is the meeting?

I scanned my calendar. Today is Wednesday. It is 1:30 pm. If you can't, I might be able to get Zoe or another attorney to fill in for me.

I saw your calendar. I wondered how you were going to juggle all the work today. Allie's work at Crowley Oil and Gas has made her an absent owner around here.

Phyliss, it has been that way for months. Since I came off sick leave, it has been nonstop from the day we open the doors until we close.

Some days, they are lined up before we unlock the door.

I know. The other morning, I left to get coffee. People gave me dirty looks when I walked in the front door. Someone thought I was trying to get ahead of the first person in line.

Every time we receive publicity, the business picks up. Between your incident and riving the merger, we can't keep up with the increase in business.

I know. It doesn't help that our owner and founder spend more time in Texas.

Did she give you permission to interview at least another attorney?

She gave me the okay. I don't see any free time. Our partnership has been interesting.

I thought you said it was a probational partnership. Am I wrong?

No. I have to keep working, and in time, Allie will make me full partner.

Who else is she going to turn to during these days? She has to make you full partner.

She could make you the full partner. You've been here longer than me.

I haven’t been a practicing attorney that long. Less than a year ago, I passed the bar.

Yes. But you know Allie’s habits.

Don't go there with those excuses. All of us have been through the fire. We came out fine.

We need another legal secretary or paralegal. Your aunts are magicians. But they need help.

They don't mind the extra work.

I appreciate everything they do for us. Allie is too busy to say it, but she is appreciative.

My folks have always been hard workers. It's in our genes. They know you are grateful. You are always showing them. Free coffee, flowers and I don't mean temporary roses. My aunt loves the Dracaena.

I don't want to take anyone for granted. On any given day, working here isn't a vacation.

You must be talking about the on again, off again merger. How's the research coming along?

Like any other case, it demands plenty of background references.

Did the feds finally sign off on it?

Yes. After a lot of changes in ownership and management, the merger is a go. However, we've hit a snag.

Why? I thought you were waiting for the government to clear the path. What happened?

The Mellon company didn't dissolve. It filed for reorganization. Loretta had been hiding since posting bail. Then, her attorney made a deal for her to plea bargain. Loretta was seen the day she made her court appearance for her guilty plea. She paid a hefty fine, and one of her main men took the bigger responsibility for her. He served time and is supposed to be out on the west coast.

She got off too light. She should be sitting in jail for fraud if nothing else. How big was the fine?

Several million dollars.

What is the hang-up?

The drilling sites are okay, but the outlining properties are separated from the deal. The outlining properties are not vacant. Then, as a safeguard, there were included in the original deal.

So, after everything is over, will you take a break?

I need to get back to working on my golf game. The last time I played, I missed many of the fairways.

How did your playing partners do?

They did wonderfully. I want to hold up my end.

Don't worry. You will get back to driving the ball in the fairways. Your body went through a lot. Don't be so hard on yourself.

Thanks. You are right. I didn't know working for Allie was going to be a hazard to my health.

You take things to the edge. You go to the limit for your clients and friends. If I ever got into trouble, I'd ask you to defend me.

Let's not think about you are getting into trouble that required my attention. I made a promise not to go back to the hospital again.

I gave Phyliss the folder and notes for the meeting. I returned to the law library continuing my research for Allie. It was all in a days' work at Crowley & Associates Legal Services, Inc.

Is Zoe coming in today? I asked passing her office.

If so, she'll be in after 3:00 p.m. She's been motoring between the downtown Atlanta courthouse to the one in Decatur. I'll text Zoe to go home as soon as she is finished with the proceedings at 4:00 p.m.

That's a good idea. We can hold down the store until closing.

# # #

I poured olive oil in the skillet. I felt too tired to search for my Wok. I tossed in some leftover chicken, veggies, and rice. The mouthwatering fragrance filled the kitchen to the dining room. My body screamed help with a pounding headache. My eyes felt crossed, and my neck matched the pain in my head. The clock on the stove told me it was 7:45 p.m. The growling of my stomach concurred. I plated a helping of my version of chicken and fried rice. I was interrupted by the phone ringing.

I think we are going to be working together a lot on this project.

How did you get this number?

I have ways and means. I thought maybe this time we can get on the same page.

As long as you are working for Mellon, I don't think we will be in the same book.

How about the same bed?

Tyler and I were never on the same page. He took over the final details to the botched merger. He came in with his aggressive personality. After Loretta tried to pull a fast one over Crowley Oil and the feds, she arrested. When the dust settled, Loretta called it a misunderstanding. Loretta charged with misrepresenting fraud, Loretta's handsome male henchmen took most of the blame after being promised with cash and property. Tyler Holbrook along with Bailey Martin took care of her bail. Loretta's attorney got her to plead guilty. Bailey continued to work magic to keep Mellon from bankruptcy. Instead of dissolving the company, he filed for reorganization. His charm as a handsome stud dazzled many but not me. I wasn't that familiar with Bailey, but Tyler and I were closer than I meant for me.

As for his bed assumption, we shared my bed after the merger ceased to be a part of our lives. Our professional life no longer played into our personal life. Tyler's cohort, Claude Dagger worked out well until he went to jail for Loretta's crimes. Tyler wasn't in my playbook since he rejoined Mellon's new business.

It isn't a good idea we meet again.

I rummaged through my briefcase to locate the names of Mellon's major players. Innis Kidd took over the major workings of Mellon Incorporated. Bailey's time with the firm was on his last days based on the letter I received from Mr. Kidd. Bailey was to complete the transfer of properties and then vacate his position. However, Tyler Holbrook and two other men named as replacements for Bailey Martin. I didn't see Loretta Mellon's name on the new company organization flowchart.

What do you want, Mr. Holbrook?

Call me, Tyler. Maybe you can call me Mr. Holbrook when you are in my arms climaxing.

You are way too confident, Mr. Tyler Cavin Holbrook. All you are supposed to do is complete the deal, sign the final papers and end all communications.

I know the finalization of the merger has to take place. The property settlement will take time. Maybe we can work on each sheet tonight.

Thank you but no thanks. I'm still working on the paperwork for Allie. She's going to be at the Crowley Oil office all day tomorrow.

I thought the meeting was going to be in the law office. Isn't it?

She's monitoring an incident at the fracking site. We will be conference calling between her offices.

I didn't mean paperwork. I meant between the sheets in my bed or yours.

What makes you think I want to get between the sheets with you tonight or any other night?

We never spent enough alone time. I thought this event would be different.

The only alone time was here before you left town. I thought all your organization left the east coast. Wasn't Claude and the others sent to jail?

Everyone is out and about. We are feeling frisky. That includes me. You are right. Our alone time in your bedroom should've been memorable. I didn't appreciate Claude banging on your back door.

Where is Loretta?

Your guess is as good as mine. Are you sure you don't want me to help you with the paperwork?

Positive. I'll see you and the other reps at the next meeting. Goodnight.

We could have all of the loose ends tied up by then. You didn't reject my kiss goodbye. That's right. You were getting over your jailbird, Kirk the porn star. I didn't think you would ever climax that night.

Why won't you take the hint that I don't want to see you tonight?

I bet if I were Claude trying to get into your bed, you'd be very agreeable, wouldn't you?

Why don't you behave like a gentleman so that I can be on time for the meeting. I'll see you then. Have a good night.

By the time I hung up, my stir fry wasn't worth eating. It was stir yuk. I headed to the golden arches. I found an out of the way table in the back. A double with cheese, the large order of fries and drink filled the gaps in my stomach.

I scanned the new set of papers. Yep, after Loretta took off for parts unknown, things changed around the Mellon company. It became a paper transfer until we found errors in the documents. Everything stopped in mid-transaction.

The business reverted to the manager who ran the enterprise after old man Mellon died. Some of the placeholders became important members of the company. Claude Dagger, Loretta's main man, took a plea deal. He claimed to be the originator of the merger. Loretta posted bond until she took a deal claiming her pops was behind Claude's plan to defraud Lennie Crowley. She pleads guilty to being co-conspirator because the old man couldn't speak for himself. There was a mass signing between Loretta's men and the original stockholders.

Between sips and bites, I made notes on the signatures on various documents. I saw evidence of erasures. I made notes concerning who oversaw various parts of the financial parts for the new business. After the sites are turned over to Allie's Crowley Oil, she plans to sell the fracking business in Texas. She planned to continue drilling for oil in Texas and Oklahoma. Atlanta was the home office for both Crowley Oil and Mellon Oil, Shale and Fracking.

Some men never leave your memory bank. Aside from Kirk MacGill, Claude Dagger and Tyler Cavin Holbrook remained embedded in my mind for life. A smile crossed my lips as I thought about how Claude played the good guy that night while Tyler took on the role of brute enforcer. The hot Spring was much like the current conditions. My doors and windows were open that night beckoning them to enter. Enter they did employing their will to punish me based on Loretta Mellon’s anger. Instead, we made the best of hungry sexual instincts. It was my first and last threesome. I snagged the last fry, sipped my drink before heading home. I wondered if Claude's magnificent body was still gorgeous.

# # #

Gentlemen, Ms. Striker is ready for the meeting. Allie will be calling in soon, said Wendy our receptionist and office manager.

I think we should wait for Allie's call, I said. Allie left about an hour ago. Gabe said the fracking site appeared to have caused a few minor trimmers. Is that why Loretta unloaded the property?

You know why she did that. Loretta wasn't into the oil business. Her old man added that site to the mix. He got tired of those folks sending him bills for their property damage.

Yes. Allie is planning to make some changes, too. All we need are the appropriate signatures for the transfers.

Well, that's why we are here, isn't it? said Claude.

I was surrounded by handsome men without a hair out of place. Claude dressed in a well-fitting navy-blue suit with a light blue shirt and tie matching the suit. Bailey wore a black suit that accented his mingling gray hair. The suit fit him perfectly. Their legal representative was a surprise. She was an old friend of Zoe's. Corina Fields worked for Pace Enterprise. I was astonished she was an attorney. Zoe never mentioned her credentials. I read her card. She worked for Georgianna Wakefield's firm. After my initial shock wore off, I gathered my senses. Allie counted on me to carry on the meeting. I kept my wits about me because the group from Mellon weren't known to play fair.

"Is everyone present?' asked Allie.

Yes, I said. We have the papers in front of us."

I have my copy, she said. There are problems with them. We can't close the deal. In fact, we may take all of you to court, she said trying to sound calm.

The names of the owners of three local properties and two out of state didn't match our research. Nova worked her contacts in Texas. She did the footwork in Atlanta to prove Mellon was trying to work the process.

I thought we were called here to bring the merger to a close, said Corina.

Yes. I didn't see anything wrong with the paperwork, said Bailey. Tyler echoed by another Mellon trophy men, Tyler Holbrook.

I brought the errors to Allie's attention this morning, I said. Last night, I compared them to the correct names.

How do you know the names are wrong? asked Bailey.

Our private investigator found the owners in Atlanta. Her contacts found the rightful owners in Texas and the other one in Oklahoma.

The color drained from Corina's face. The men's faces infused with a red tinge. I passed them the copies of the original paperwork from the research.

I think we need to talk and worked out arrangements to clear of these issues. Nothing can go forward until everything is made legit. Isn't that right, Allie?

Damn, right. Look, we are aware of Mellon's shenanigans. We only want what ours based on the original deal with its stipulations is. Do I make myself clear? asked Allie.

There is nothing wrong with the deeds and the site plans. I think you are trying to stall the proceedings.

I heard Allie exhale. We went over the names, addresses, and witnesses on the papers. We were ready for the dog and pony show. The revamped company appeared to be more of a shell company instead of a true oil refinery business.

If these issues continue, the next meeting will take place in court. I wanted to work this shit out between us. I didn't want to take you all to court to expose you haven't changed. Anyway, where is Loretta Mellon?

She has nothing to do with this part of Mellon.

To the contrary, I said. Loretta's relatives are listed as witnesses to the signings. Her husband signed one of the deeds.

Ex-husband. They are no longer married, chimed Tyler.

Well, one of the original documents, she's listed as co-owner. The properties in Atlanta list her as co-owner.

Allie's voice told me she was crispy under the collar. I took over the meeting for a few minutes. By the look on Bailey's face, he knew I was on to what he tried last night. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

We will meet again in ten days, Allie said. Ten days to have at least half of the paperwork cleared up. I don't care if you must send out a search party to locate Loretta. Either her signature or her ass must appear. I am not playing. I've had enough of this damn business. I could rescind the whole damn thing. I am doing this as a favor to my late husband and Loretta's deceased father. The meeting is over.

Allie disconnected the call. The dial tone echoed in the room amongst our silence.

I've got a ton of work to do, said Corina. Are you coming, gentlemen?

We'll meet you at the elevator.

The men stood up from the conference table. Tyler trailed Corina. Bailey and Claude stood in front of me. I gathered the notes.

I told you we could've ironed all this stuff out last night, said Bailey.

The look of surprise on Claude's face spoke volumes. He ran his hand through his dark brown hair. He exhaled.

I read through the papers after you called. I figured you were trying to distract me. You made me dig deeper into what our private investigator told us about Loretta and her company.

Bailey pulled out the chair beside me. He put his hand on mine. I pulled it back. I stared at him. I figured his game was up.

I'll let your man, Claude try to persuade to let things go without causing too much trouble. We have other plans for our future. I'm going to see what I can do to help Corina.

I'm going to persuade her to work with us to get this cleared up, Claude said placing his thumb in his belt loop.

Close the door behind you. I have some business to take care right here with Fallon.

I have an idea what is on your mind. It won't work.

Why?

This is regular business hours for starters. We reserved this conference room by the hour.

And?

We might be interrupted, I said.

Can't we get reacquainted. Can't we work business in with a little pleasure? I want to show you how important this property move is to our business. Tell Allie to take things for what she saw on the documents. Ten days isn't enough time.

I can't do that. I didn't do your bidding at the beginning of this dirty mess. I will not betray my boss just to make your life easy. It isn't my fault you and Loretta played with two sets of files.

You know by now that Loretta doesn't need the money. It's the responsibility she doesn't need.

I think you need to leave. Help Corina. I'll see you in ten days.

My anger rose to the top of my head. Claude knew I wouldn't betray Allie. I didn't before and wouldn't ever hurt her. My anger left me breathless because I wanted to spend time with him but not to betray Allie.

# # #

You gave me a list of things to consider moving forward in my life. When did you want an answer?

You can tell me what decisions you've made as soon as you are sure comfortable with your answers.

You sound like me talking to a client. You've asked me if I know how often I've put my life in danger. I think about that very thing every time I get dressed in the morning. I see the scars.

What about the mental scars?

Those are the hardest ones to deal with daily.

I'm not saying you aren't an adult. You've indulged in some risky adult behavior. You've come close to dying, too.

The day seemed to go on forever. I needed to talk my feelings out with Dr. Heiden

. She understood me better than I knew myself. I teetered on the brink of progressing better mental health and regressing into a sexual abyss.

I know you are telling me is the truth. I've remodeled my house and bought a new car because of my behavior. Your questions have tossed around my head since our last session. Did you mean risqué or risky behavior?

I meant both. You contacted me the first time after Nova told you she thought you needed help. You went from being a one-man woman to having intimate relations with the next man in the door. You began to ignore signs of sleeping with a killer. Even though we've been working on your behavior, you've repeated those patterns of behavior. We made some things better, but you didn't make any major adjustments. I hope the last incident educated you in how close you came to death.

My work is my life. My life is my work. I can't help the fact that I deal with some unsavory clients.

No. Your choice of clients run the gamut of sane, insane, oversexed and bizarre. But you don't have to fall in love with them. You do not need to sleep with all of them. What do you want in the next years of your life? That is what I am asking you to consider. You have one life.

You said my behavior change stemmed from my broken marriage and Rose's connection to its failure. I am trying to get beyond that pain.

Is the pain so great that you put your life at risk? Are you trying to kill yourself?

No. I know that Tyrone gained a lot of information when he was sleeping with Rose. He told her about our sleeping habits. She told him about our friendship.

You mean she told him about the awkward relationship. You didn't know her full story, did you?

No. I feel that was what changed me into some wild woman. I won't say I want the happy ever after fairy tale. I thought I had that with Tyrone. I want to be happy.

Are you happy sleeping with those men?

I am when I am with them. None of the men want commitment. I don't have to do more than fuck.

I mean the men you come across in your search for clues and truth?

Again, I am happy when I am with them in bed and out. We talk about stuff, and then we hit the sheets. I don't have to know if they are seeing anyone else. It is business. No love lost.

I chewed the inside of my jaw. It never really occurred to me if I was happy with those men beyond the hours spent in bed. I took my sleeping program as part of the job to save my client. I stared at Dr. Heiden. What was she getting at with these questions?

Yes. You go all in to prove your client guilty or innocent. Have you thought about letting your cases take their turn for or against the client?

You know some people will not tell you the truth. I wasn't so truthful when we first met. I do admit I will give up sweat and skin to get to the truth. As for being happy with the men I take to bed, yes. At the time we are together taking care of our needs, yes I am happy.

What about the last man who almost killed you? You called from the hospital telling me you'd reached the bottom of the emotional barrel.

I couldn't sit any longer.

After the surgery, I realized I wanted Michael to make love to me because I loved him more than life itself.

My heartbeat quickened. I felt odd to admit I loved another man who almost took my life.

I did. I killed a man to keep him from killing me.

Is that what happened to you and your last case? Did you have to give up sweat and skin?

Yes. I did what I had to do to solve the case.

Is that why you called me from your hospital bed as soon as you were able?

I admit it. Things did get out of hand. I wasn't paying close attention to my surroundings.

Isn't the fact you didn't want to face the truth?

What truth was I not willing to face? Are you talking my love for Michael?

No. The fact that you were in love with another killer. Isn't that what happened?

Look. I don't want to shut down my emotions. Those are what gets me to the finish line.

"The finish line pinned you against one man who didn't love you and the one who did..

Weren't you afraid you made a mistake again? Isn't that what happened?"

Instead of leaving my seat, I looked the doctor in her eyes.

I knew Damien wasn't a killer. I have to say; I was more than surprised by the truth.

You were so surprised that you gave into Michael's requests. You loved Michael. You wanted Michael for more than a good fuck. Weren't you afraid he was Kirk all over again? Isn't that why you ignored your feelings?

I didn't want to believe Damien or Michael was a killer. Yes. I did want Michael that night. I didn't fight until I had to kill him.

I swallowed the mounting pain. If you must know, I didn't struggle when he pulled my pants down, put my legs on his shoulders and filled me with his cock. Is that what you wanted to hear? I