Countdown to Murder: Love of Mysteries, #1

By Lisa Boone

It starts with a phone call ten days before New Year's, a familiar voice whispering the number ten and then hanging up. Madison Love doesn't think much of it, at first...but when he calls back the next night and then again the night after that it becomes clear that her mysterious caller is counting down to something. Concerned, Madison turns to the only man she knows who can help her, Ethan Parker, the private detective across the street from where she works. Strong, capable, protective and oh-so-very handsome, Ethan seems like the perfect solution to all of her problems, big and small. But as the countdown nears zero and someone close to her is murdered, Madison soon realizes it may not just be her heart at risk but her life as well.

***Previously published as Mad Love

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Boone
• Release date: Jun 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386719908

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

~Ten~

Friday, December 22 nd

10:30 p.m.

Madison Love shifted her gaze from the brightly lit colorful Christmas tree to the windows of the grand ballroom on the top floor of her office building. She gazed down at the city lights dotted along Man o’ War Boulevard as a light snow dusted the road below.

She shivered slightly and rubbed a hand down her bare arm. It had been a relatively mild winter for Kentucky so far, but to her dismay, that appeared to be changing.

Madison caught her reflection in the window and smoothed a black lock of hair back into place. Exhausted from all of the talking that she had been doing since her law firm’s annual Christmas party began, she took a drink from her champagne flute, trying to soothe the aching feeling in her throat.

It was to be expected, she thought, with a glance toward the colorfully wrapped presents littered around the tree.

She raised an eyebrow as she stared at them. Empty, no doubt.

These things were never truly about celebrating the season. They were about one thing and one thing only.

Clients.

Acquiring new and retaining old.

She didn’t do half bad on the first part tonight, and the last part, she noted to herself with a small smile at her reflection, was firmly secure.

Shifting her gaze towards the ballroom, she tried to identify the remaining guests. Worried about the ice and the snow slowly accumulating on the street below, many of the partygoers had left early, leaving only the lawyers to celebrate. The middle of the room was practically empty. So were the corners near the exits.

She glanced at the bar where most of the lawyers had gathered. They stood near the bar, knocking back drinks one after the other. Their voices grew louder and more boisterous as the minutes passed.

Normally, she would be there with them. Not drinking but socializing at the very least, but tonight was different. It was her birthday and the last thing she wanted was to spend her thirtieth birthday with a bunch of old lawyers reliving past cases and arguing over new ones.

She would’ve already gotten out of there thirty minutes before but her best friend at the firm had insisted that she stay a few minutes longer. Becca said she had a surprise for her and then promptly disappeared.

Madison scanned the room again, searching for her friend.

A man standing off to the side of the bar talking to one of the partners of her firm caught her eye. She couldn’t tell who he was since his back was toward her, but his long, lean, muscular build caught her eye. Her gaze followed the line of his strong back up to his thick, dark brown hair.

Ethan? She thought as a wave of excitement swept through her.

She stood up straighter as the man turned to the side allowing her a glimpse of his profile.

Disappointment flooded her. Not Ethan, she thought, taking another drink. She glanced at her dress, which was reflected in the window.

He had promised that he’d be here tonight and in anticipation, Madison had dressed with him in mind. It took her days to find the right outfit, which would be sexy enough to get his attention, but conservative enough not to shock the partners of her firm.

It was a tough balance, but she had finally found the perfect dress this morning. As she slipped into the red silk dress, she imagined the look in his beautiful dark blue eyes when he walked into the ballroom and first saw her. She spent an hour on her hair alone, pinning up her long black tresses as she fantasized about him taking it down.

She lightly snorted as she took another drink. Like that was going to happen.

There were many words to describe Ethan Parker. Smart. Handsome. Strong. Sexy. Funny. Kind. Caring. Charming. Sweet, and last but not least, frustrating.

Frustratingly unattainable and frustratingly beautiful. A deadly combination for her heart.

An ex-naval officer, now a private investigator who was sometimes employed by the firm, Ethan Parker, had dominated her thoughts and dreams in a way no other man had ever done in her entire thirty years of life. And why not? She thought as she closed her eyes and pictured his face.

Six feet two with a lean fighter’s body, a beautiful face, strong mind, a good sense of humor, a caring compassionate personality and the deepest blue eyes she had ever seen, he was the stuff of dreams and fantasies. She couldn’t have done a better job even if she had made him up herself. Even their beliefs, interests and goals in life matched up perfectly. From the moment they met, they just clicked and ever since then, he had grown to be one of her best friends. Every day, they shared their deepest thoughts, dreams and secrets with one another, and every day, she grew to care for him more and more.

The man seemed tailor made for her, but there was just one thing that bothered her.

She had no idea how he felt about her.

Despite her subtle and sometimes not so subtle hints that she was interested in him, he hadn’t made a move or even asked her out.

He didn’t seem like the shy type and she was sure he was just as interested in her as she was in him, so what was the problem?

Surely, she hadn’t imagined the pleasure in his eyes whenever he saw her. Or the way he would seek her out whenever he was near her office for no apparent reason than just to say hello. Or how his eyes would darken with desire those rare times when they were alone and she would move in closer to him.

She opened her eyes.

No, she wasn’t imagining those things, she decided firmly. He was definitely interested, but for some reason, the man was determined to take things slowly.

She couldn’t really fault him on that, she thought with a sigh. They hadn’t known each other that long. Only three months, and she had to admit that she tended to be rather cautious when it came to new relationships. She had never been one to take risks, especially with her heart. Although, out of all the men available, she thought glancing back at the bar, Ethan Parker would definitely be worth the risk.

However, she had to acknowledge the risk wasn’t all on her side. There was the added difficulty resulting from the fact that her firm was a major client of his. If they started a relationship and something went wrong, he was probably naturally worried he might lose out on a rather lucrative piece of business.

Then there was Nicole, one of the partners in her firm. She glanced toward the older lawyer seated at a table with one of the other partners and a major client. The problem with Ethan was that Madison wasn’t the only one who noticed his many wonderful attributes. Nicole seemed just as smitten as she was. Madison felt she had an edge in that she wasn’t married, but Nicole never seemed to let that pesky little fact stop her. Ethan wouldn’t be the first man who had come through their office doors that Nicole hadn’t added to her personal employ. Ethan didn’t seem like that type of man, but Nicole could be very persistent and determined when she wanted something, and she wanted Ethan. She made that clear several times over the last few months. Even going so far purposely as to interrupt whenever she discovered that Ethan and Madison were alone with one another and then making excuses to steal him away, each and every time.

Nicole was definitely persistent and determined to have Ethan, but so was Madison.

Happy Birthday, Becca Vickers said in a singsong voice from behind her.

Madison turned toward her friend. There you are. I thought you left me.

A client caught me in the hallway on her way out. Sorry it took me so long. She brought her hands out from behind her and held out a present in one and a chocolate cupcake in the other.

Oh, no.

Oh yes. Becca pressed the present into Madison’s hands.

Madison took the reindeer wrapped box with a rueful smile. I thought we weren’t doing presents this year.

Becca gave her dark curly head a definitive shake. We’re not doing Christmas presents this year, but no one said anything about not doing birthday presents. She stuck a candle into the cupcake and lit it. Happy birthday, Madison, she said holding out the cupcake. She gestured to the young man in the seersucker suit, hovering nearby holding a large open box filled with a couple more presents and cards. Those are from everyone in the office. The three headed hydra’s gifts, she said gesturing to the firm’s partners, are on the top. They would’ve given them to you themselves, but they have far more important things to attend to than this.

Madison laughed. Thanks a lot.

Derek, the firm’s newest paralegal, shook his head in horror. No, they really wanted to be here.

Madison watched in amusement as Becca’s expressive brown eyes did a dramatic eye roll.

Nicole was even going to make a small speech, Derek continued as he set the box down on the nearest table.

Really? Madison asked glancing at her friend.

That’s what she said, Becca said as she sat down. But do you see her?

Derek pointed to the corner of the room. The guy she’s talking to over there owns one the biggest horse farms in the state. He just fired his last attorney and is thinking about using us.

Nice, Madison set the present down on the table and took the seat between Derek and Becca.

Ah, enough shop talk. Becca promptly set the cupcake down in front of Madison and sat back with a grin. Don’t forget to make a wish.

Madison gave her friend a look before closing her eyes, blowing on the candle, and making a wish.

What did you wish for? Becca asked with a twinkle in her eyes.

Madison took the candle out and peeled the wrapper off the cupcake. If I told you then it wouldn’t come true.

That’s alright, Becca said with a smug grin. I think I already know who you wished for.

Derek’s green eyes widened. Who?

No one, said Madison, giving her friend a look as she took a bite of the cupcake. Only Becca knew how obsessed Madison was with Ethan and she took great delight in needling Madison about her secret crush for the handsome detective. Licking the frosting off her lips, she said, I wished for everyone to have a safe and merry Christmas.

Yeah, right, Becca said pushing her present closer to Madison, and on that note, open my gift.

Madison set the cupcake to the side and tore open a corner of the reindeer wrapping with her fingernail. Thank you but really you shouldn’t have.

Becca propped her head in her hand as she eagerly watched Madison unwrap her gift. Nonsense. We all felt sorry for you.

Sorry for me. Madison chuckled as she pulled the wrapping off, revealing a purple box. Is this another joke about me turning thirty?

No, Becca said. We all felt bad that your birthday was so close to a major holiday. You must really have gotten cheated on the presents growing up.

Well, it was a struggle, but after years of therapy, I managed to make something of my life. She turned the box over, which according to the picture on the box contained a pretty gold frame. Oh nice, she said as she opened the end of the box and pulled out the frame. I needed a new frame for my parent’s picture. She turned it around and stared down at the eight by ten picture of a man in a Navy uniform. Ethan Parker’s gorgeous dark blue eyes stared back at her. She felt a blush steal across her face as she quickly turned it over and shoved it back in the box. She gave her friend an amused look. I’ll cherish it always.

Ever the prankster, Becca laughed in delight.

Derek looked at them in confusion. What? What happened? What’s wrong with it?

Becca waved her hand at him. Nothing, I just gave Madison what she wanted for her birthday.

You are so cruel, Madison said with a chuckle.

You should thank me. It wasn’t easy to get that picture.

Horrified that her friend might have asked Ethan himself for the picture, Madison said, You didn’t.

Becca quickly caught on. Of course not. Bill, she said referring to her husband, was in the Navy too. He contacted an old buddy who is still in the service and had him get it.

Madison breathed a sigh of relief.

Becca lowered her voice as she leaned closer. Don’t tell anyone where you got this from. I don’t want to get Bill’s friend in trouble just in case this wasn’t okay.

Why wouldn’t it be?

I don’t know, Becca said rolling her eyes, it’s the military. They probably have rules about this sort of thing. I just know Bill said he owed his buddy big so I figure the picture wasn’t easy to get. Then again, Bill might have only said that so I’d let him go to New Orleans with a few of his old naval buddies in a couple of weeks. Widening her eyes innocently, she raised her voice back to a normal level and asked, So, how did that client meeting you had yesterday go?

It was just fine, thank you, Madison said.

What happened yesterday? Derek asked running his hand over his short cropped brown hair.

Nothing. I met a client near Triangle Park for lunch. Madison shrugged nonchalantly. Everything went smoothly.

I heard that Ethan was there, Becca said.

Now, how did you know that? Madison asked in amazement. She planned to tell Becca all about it earlier, but she had been too busy with client meetings and a deposition to chat with her.

I have my ways, Becca said mysteriously. You were awfully late coming back to work.

He wasn’t at my meeting, but I ran into him afterwards by the ice rink. Madison’s lips turned up in remembrance. We spent an hour watching some guy trying to skate. He didn’t seem to be enjoying it but his girlfriend kept pulling him out onto the ice. I bet his knees were black and blue by the time he left the rink.

A look of distaste crossed Becca’s face. Well, there goes my theory as to why you were late. I almost wish I hadn’t asked.

Derek tilted his head to the side. Why were you watching some guy skate?

Ethan’s after a jewel thief, she said with a dismissive wave of her hand. He was just keeping an eye on one of his prime suspects.

And you decided to lend him a helping hand. How very considerate of you, Becca said teasingly.

Madison rolled her eyes as she held out her hand. Give me another present.

Derek leaned over the brown box. Knocking the three white envelopes off the top, he reached inside and picked up a small red box, which he proudly presented to her. This is from me.

Oh, Derek, thank you, Madison said with genuine warmth. She knew he was struggling financially and was touched that he had thought of her. You didn’t have to do that.

I wanted to. You’ve been so great to me, Madison. I think if you hadn’t been here my first week, I would’ve quit. He turned to Becca. You too, Becca. I can’t begin to tell you how much you help me. I owe you both so much.

You would have been just fine, Becca said. You’re a very hard worker.

You definitely saved me the other day, Madison said. I’d probably still be working on that brief if you hadn’t helped me with the research.

Derek ducked his head, embarrassed by the praise. He gestured to the gift. I hope you like it, he said a bit awkwardly.

I’m sure I will. Madison opened the box to find a twenty-five dollar gift card to a movie theater enclosed inside.

With his face still red, he said, You’ve been talking about how much you want to see that new romance movie that just came out for weeks now, so I thought I’d help you with that.

Madison and Becca exchanged looks. Derek was right. She had been talking about seeing that particular movie for weeks now, usually when Ethan was nearby. She kept hoping he would take the hint and would ask her out.

Oh well, she thought as she placed the card in the box, for a private detective Ethan could be a bit oblivious at times. Thank you, Derek. It’s just what I wanted. I need it after that deposition I had today.

Oh, speaking of which, Derek said, you had a visitor today while you were out.

Who was it? she asked setting aside the gift card box.

He wouldn’t leave his name but he definitely wanted to see you.

Madison’s eyebrows went up. Did he say why he wouldn’t give you his name?

No. Derek scowled as he ran a hand through his brown hair. His nose wrinkled slightly as a look of distaste crossed his face. There was something weird about him. He was acting kind of strange.

What did he want? Becca asked.

He wouldn’t tell me that either. Derek’s frown grew deeper. To tell you the truth, I kind of got this funny feeling about him.

Why? Madison asked. What did he do?

He kept looking around like he was trying to case the place.

Case the place? Becca asked with an amused grin. You’ve been hanging around Ethan too much.

Derek shook his head. No, it wasn’t my imagination. I had to stop him from going around my desk toward your office. It was only after I told him that I was going to call security that he left.

Madison and Becca exchanged uneasy glances. What did this guy look like? Madison asked.

I guess he’s in his forties and about five feet ten or eleven. He’s balding...oh, and he has a cleft chin.

Recognizing the description, Madison asked, Did he have black horn rimmed glasses?

Yeah, Derek said with a nod, and a chipped front tooth too.

Madison pursed her lips together. Paul Harris. One of my client’s soon to be ex-husband.

Wonderful, Becca said with a grimace. He’s probably just realized she’s not coming back and has decided to take out his frustration on you.

Lucky me. Madison held out her hand. Give me another present.

Becca stood up and with a grunt, picked up a large package, professionally wrapped with shiny green wrapping paper and a large red bow.

Madison raised her eyebrows at the size of the gift. Nice, and who is this from? She plucked the birthday card out from underneath the ribbon. Oh, it’s from Keith, she said answering her own question. What in the world did he give me? She turned to look over her shoulder. Is he still here?

Becca craned her neck. I think so. I saw him hitting on one of the waitress a few minutes ago.

How was he doing? Madison asked.

Horribly, Becca said. If you ask me, he’s still smarting from his fiancée leaving him.

Madison set the box to the side. I didn’t know he was engaged.

Neither did we, Derek said.

He told us about it over lunch the other day, Becca said. She left him for another guy. She’s convinced he’s in love with someone here at work.

Madison’s brow furrowed. Other than occasionally visiting with either she or Becca, Keith spent most of his time locked in his office. Who would he be in love with here?

Derek held up his hand. He swore it wasn’t true.

Becca’s eyes lit up as she leaned closer to Madison. Dropping her voice to a whisper, she said. I’ve got a great idea.

No, Madison said quickly.

You haven’t even heard it yet, Becca complained with a slight whine.

I’m not interested in Keith. Don’t get me wrong, he’s very sweet but—

Becca made a face. I wasn’t going to set him up with you.

Madison’s mouth snapped shut. Oh, then who?

My friend Elaine. Becca tapped her fingers together. I just have to figure out how to get them together. She glanced at the package. Aren’t you going to open it?

I’ll wait until he comes by. Madison dragged the brown box closer. Reaching inside, she felt along the bottom until her hand came into contact with three envelopes.

What do we have here? she asked as she ripped each of the envelopes open in succession, revealing three standard happy birthday cards and three gift cards, one from each of the partners.

Well, you’re certainly cashing in, Becca said. Anything good?

Madison thumbed through the cards. Coffee, coffee, and more coffee.

What every highly stressed attorney needs. Caffeine. Becca leaned forward and reached her hand into the box. One more. She handed Madison another present, this one wrapped in black wrapping paper and a black silk ribbon edged in scarlet.

Oh goody, Madison said taking the box. I was wondering when the over the hill jokes would start. She turned it over. No note. I’m surprised this one isn’t from you, she said to Becca. Seems like your sense of humor.

Becca shook her head. I would never tell someone younger than me that they were over the hill because that’s simply not funny.

I thought they didn’t start doing over the hill type of things until you’re forty, Derek said.

Becca glanced inside the box. Some people like celebrating another marking of a decade by reminding everyone how much closer they are to death. I remember getting an over the hill card on my twentieth birthday.

Madison plucked at the black ribbon. I wonder who it’s from. Everyone else in the office has been accounted for.

Becca shook her head. Not everyone, she said lightly.

It’s not from Ethan, Madison said. I doubt he even knows it’s my birthday.

Derek tipped the cardboard box over. Here’s the card. It was stuck in the corner of the box, he said holding up a black envelope.

I sense a theme, Madison said taking the envelope and ripping it open. She pulled out a card showing a woman lying in her sick bed with angels hovering over her and demons hiding underneath, reaching up to grab hold of her hand and pull her down. She chuckled over the macabre scene before opening the card and reading the message printed inside.

Your time here is almost up, but don’t worry, it’s not like you won’t know anyone where you’re going. Happy Birthday, Madison!

CHAPTER TWO

Madison passed the card to Becca.

Nice, Becca said with an expressive roll of her eyes. Someone has a sense of humor. An over the hill joke and a lawyer joke in one.

Madison shivered as she tore open the black wrapping. It’s ghoulish. Her fingers hesitated slightly, once the wrapping and the ribbon were dispensed with. Shrugging off a sudden sense of dread at what might be lurking inside the plain white box, she lifted the lid and looked inside.

Becca leaned over, excited to see what was inside. Well, she said, when she couldn’t lean close enough, what is it?

It’s a corsage with a black rose. Madison reached inside to pick the corsage up, hissing in pain as something sharp pricked her finger. She jerked her hand back up and looked down at the spot of blood pooling at the tip of her index finger.

Becca looked at her in concern. What happened?

One of the thorns from the rose nicked me, Madison said as she pressed her fingers together. Being more careful than before, she gently picked the corsage up and laid it on the table, pushing it as far away from her as she could.

Becca looked at her friend curiously for a second before chuckling. What’s wrong, Madison? It’s just a joke.

If it’s just a joke, why didn’t they sign their name to the card?

Because it’s a bad joke. Becca gestured towards the corsage. What are you going to do with it?

What would I do with a black corsage? Madison asked.

Becca reached over, took the corsage, and pinned it to her black cocktail dress. Waste not, want not. She looked up past Madison’s shoulder and waved her hand. Here comes Keith. You can finally open your last gift. I can’t wait to see what he got for you.

Madison turned her head to look as Keith Callahan, one of the new associates at their firm, pulled a chair from another table and placed it between her and Derek. He spun it around on one leg before straddling it. She watched in amusement as Derek turned his head to the side and rolled his eyes.

I’m glad you’re still here, Keith said, leaning over the back of the chair. I thought you were leaving early to pick up your sister.

Madison leaned closer to Becca, blinking at the strong mixture of alcohol and cologne that suddenly permeated the air around the table. I’ve been waiting for you, she said politely. I didn’t want to open my gift until you got here.

A broad, happy grin spread across his face. It was a nice change, Madison thought, returning his smile with one of her own. Keith, while friendly, wasn’t exactly what one would refer to as emotive person. Thinking back, Madison struggled to remember a time that he actually smiled; at least not a true genuine smile. His face typically bounced between a smirk and a scowl. Smiles were definitely unusual.

I’m sorry, he said. I got hung up talking with Judge Mebane. He picked up the gift cards lying on the table, his dark brown eyes lighting up in amusement. My, my, my, what carefully thought out gifts, his deep baritone voice said with an amused chuckle.

It’s the thought that counts, Madison said.

Well, I have no doubt they spent hours agonizing over what to give you, he said, bitterness creeping into his voice.

Considering the size of the Christmas bonus they just gave me, Madison said, I think I can live with the gift cards. Besides, it looks like I won’t have to buy coffee for another year.

Whatever. He reached forward and pulled his gift closer to her. My turn.

Madison pushed her chair back and stood up in order to rip open the wrapping surrounding the large box. In a hurry to see what was inside, she tossed it to the side.

A gasp parted her lips as she stared down at an intricately carved cuckoo clock. How did you know I wanted one of these? she asked running her fingers over the face of the clock.

Keith tapped a finger against his forehead. I pay attention, he said. I remembered the way you were oohing and ahhing over the thing after work a couple of weeks ago and decided it would make a good gift.

Still holding on to the box, Madison sat back down. Oh, Keith, but it’s so expensive. I can’t—

He held up his hand. Don’t tell me you can’t accept it. You’d hurt my feelings if you did. It’s just a simple little gift between co-workers.

Simple? Madison said, remembering how much the clock had cost.

I’m not a starving student anymore. I can afford to spend a little money now and again on my friends.

Smiling, Madison reached over and hugged him. Thank you so much. She pulled back quickly as she felt his hands brush against her back before sliding to her waist. I, um, I don’t know what to say, she said moving a little further away.

Don’t say anything, Keith said.

By the way, Becca said, my birthday is in February and I like jewelry. Just so you know.

Mine’s October. Derek said brightly. I could use a set of golf clubs.

Keith barely acknowledged them as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. It vibrated slightly as he stared down at it.