The Greedy Courier

By Joey Hoffman

Mischief lies within the mountains of Cataldo, Idaho where Andrew Kiniky, a venturous young man, is drawn into an elaborate con of smuggling pot across the U.S. Canadian border.
The Greedy Courier is a novel full of adventure and suspenseful action that takes a reader for an exciting time through two hundred and seventy pages of well written fiction.
Four years of bewares and loyal service, Andrew, fearless and proud, would soon regret stealing eighty grand from his boss who searches him out until the accident.
Presuming Andrew is dead, Dominique, his debased wife, pursues her education as well as a new man, Matt Jax. After an outstanding escape from his captors island, Andrew with a new identity, must decide whether to descend upon Dominique or venture out on his own.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Sep 9, 2013
• ISBN: 9781490713632

Joey Hoffman

Here is the next book of THE BOUNTY HUNTERS with three new characters to take you on a dangerous, but thrilling ride! Joey Hoffman lives in The Pacific Northwest near her family where she hosts a small number of booksignings while she continues to leisurely write on her fifth book, THE BOUNTY HUNTERS RETURN AGAIN!

Book preview

PROLOGUE

The encounter was a quick exchange of money and dope between the open windows of their cars. Andrew smelled the bag of weed he had just purchased from an acquaintance. This is rolled parsley! He frowned as he turned and looked at his passenger.

Let me see, Kip requested.

Andrew tossed the bag onto his friend’s lap and when he pressed on the accelerator, gravel spewed from beneath the tires. The chase was in motion as he sped through the dark night into the direction of his new enemy.

That son of a bitch has some nerve. Kip spoke, then unscrewed the lid from a whiskey bottle and took a swig before handing the bottle to his buddy.

He drove the old Frontage Road, around the large bend, and after he saw his defiler enter onto the freeway, he rushed to follow. As he turned onto the ramp, his Oldsmobile slid across the ice-covered pavement. The car hit the guardrail and bounced back across the lane where it rolled down the embankment and landed on its side.

Oh shit! Kip? Andrew asked, waiting for a reply. Yea, I’m okay.

Let’s get out of here. The two friends climbed out through the window space and beheld the wreck.

I’m glad I’m not you, Kip said as they turned away.

1

ONE NIGHT FLING

THE YEAR WAS 1984 and the season was bringing in another snowfall throughout the valley. Within Kellogg, in an upper level apartment, Andrew Kiniky gave his girlfriend, Dominique Kerr, a long kiss good bye. Don’t go out with any guys while I’m gone, he warned as he looked into her blue eyes. You’re my woman.

I’ll miss you, she remarked as he walked away. Soon after she closed the door, she heard a knock. Andrew? She opened the door. Oh. Hey Kim.

Where’s your boyfriend going with his suitcase?

Uh, he’s leaving for an alcohol treatment center for five weeks.

Bummer for him. She thought for a moment. Better keep an eye out for Corbin.

Why? she asked.

He’s hot for you. Need I say more? Kim spoke as she raised her eyebrows.

Three weeks went by since Andrew left. Dominique was at home tending to her small offspring. Nicky, who was two, was trying to dress himself in his favorite bear pajamas when his mom took hold of Travis and exited to the kitchen to fetch a warm bottle.

She carried her feeding infant into the living room, turned on her black and white TV, and sat in her old beat-up rocking chair. Nicky stayed in the bedroom with his toys while Dominique rocked Travis to sleep and watched Night Tracks; her only source of music.

After she placed her son within his crib, she returned into the living room where she heard a knock. She stepped to the door. Who is it?

Your neighbor, Corbin.

Oh no, she spoke under her breath before she opened access. What’s up? She gave a half smile.

Just stopping by to see how you’re doing. The tall blond fellow stepped in carrying a paper sack.

She glanced at the bag and observed how it resembled a bottle of liquor. I’m doing okay. I was just watching music videos. She closed the door.

How’s Andrew doing?

Okay, I guess. He’ll be back in a few weeks, she answered as they strolled to the couch.

After Dominique awoke the next morning, she remembered her bedtime fun. What did I do? She placed her hands atop of her face. She then arose out of bed and as she walked into the bathroom, she expressed blame and disapproval to herself. Why didn’t I listen to Kim? She looked into the mirror and to her surprise, she saw a hickey on her neck. Oh… , I feel sick, she moaned as she leaned over the sink. I have to pretend this never happened. She thought of Andrew.

The following week went by slowly for Dominique as the day of Andrew’s return drew near. She was on the couch enjoying her Valentine’s Day candy that she had received from him through the mail. As she bit into a gooey caramel, Nicky dashed toward her and asked for a piece. She extended the box to his reach.

The night Andrew arrived, things were eminent. However, the second night, he was again drinking. He invited his friends, Kip and Pete, up to her apartment for a welcome home party that extended to a crowd across the corridor.

Around nine thirty, Andrew followed Dominique into her bedroom. He watched as she laid Travis inside of his crib. Afterward she turned and smiled.

He was sitting on the edge of her bed when he gestured for her to sit beside him.

She sat.

So what went on while I was gone? he asked as he began to set his scheme into action.

Nothing, she replied softly.

I heard that Corbin was over here?

Where did you hear that? she questioned as she thought to herself how he could know.

I’m not saying. He paused for a moment. You think I’m stupid?

She could feel his cold stare even though she wasn’t looking directly at him. As she leaned forward, she felt as if butterflies were fluttering inside her gut. She held her sweaty palms together and twiddled her thumbs.

How many times has he been over here? Just a few times. We sat and watched TV. You’re not a good liar, are you?

What? She tried to play innocent, but she knew he was right, she wasn’t a good liar or even a bad liar. No, she answered softly, for she couldn’t think of an excuse quick enough.

You did the nasty with him, didn’t you? She didn’t say a word.

You just told on yourself Dominique. He wore a glare. Nobody told me anything.

You tricked me? She felt stupid, but she couldn’t be mad at him; she knew she was the one in the wrong.

You’re so easy, all I had to…

Kip popped his head in through the partially open door. Hey Andrew, come drink another beer with us. With that, Dominique stood and made her exit to the bathroom.

After a few minutes, she was fearful as she stepped out to check on her sons. She was taking deep breaths as she kept a watchful eye out for her intoxicated boyfriend. She began to recall certain events from his crazy behavior that she had seen or heard about.

Her first memory was of, seven weeks ago, when he was giving her and her boys a ride home. With his car, he sped up to a hundred miles per hour and threatened to go faster if she didn’t let him spend the night.

She thought of the time when, shortly after they met, they were at a house keg party and Andrew overheard a friend, Robbie, talking about her panties; how it set him into a fighting mode. Andrew had asked his friend if he wanted to see his panties and then he stuck his bare ass into his face. Robbie kicked him away and then came the foul language and the fists. She remembered being so embarrassed; Andrew was still half nude.

Andrew was fuming when he came up behind Dominique in the hallway and grabbed her neck, pushing her up against the wall. I warned you not to see anyone while I was gone. Didn’t I?

Dominique gasped. She put her hands atop of his hand. I know Andrew, I’m sorry, she spoke with a rasp. I was drunk and it was a stupid mistake.

He unwrapped his hand from around her neck. I want us to go talk to Corbin. Let’s go see what that little weasel has to say about it. He forced her to the main corridor of the building. I want you to knock on his door and get him to open it, he ordered as he followed close, and you better not tell him I’m out here.

I’ll try. He’s careful of who he let’s in.

And you know so much about him, huh? he vented as he reached and pulled on her long hair.

Ow! Wanting to cry, she held back and rubbed her head. After Corbin opened his door, they entered. She could see a mystified look upon his face.

How’s it going Andrew? he asked as if nothing had happened. They walked through the kitchen and into the living room.

I heard you had a good time while I was away? Andrew daunted in hopes of a confession.

What do you mean?

Don’t play dumb with me Corbin. What did you do to my girlfriend? He raised his voice in anger.

Ah…

Ah nothing. You fucked my girlfriend! Didn’t you? Dominique stood nervous as she observed them. She could see the fear emitting from Corbin’s face.

You two want to screw each other, huh? Well go ahead and do it. Do it right here in front of me, he demanded as he grabbed Dominique by the arm and swung her onto Corbin’s daybed. I want to watch. He turned and looked at Corbin who was standing on the other side of the room. Get on the bed with her! he yelled.

Dominique stood up from the bed. No Andrew, she let out a sheepish plea, This ain’t going to solve anything.

In a flash, without warning, Corbin who was barefoot, leaped out of his open window onto a lower roof.

She sighed in relief as she watched Andrew dart to the window for a peek.

He turned and glared at her. You’re lucky he escaped. He shut the window.

She walked out of the room and through the kitchen. Andrew caught up to her and physically guided her back to her apartment and back to the rear bedroom. He closed the door and looked at her with teary eyes. How could you?

I don’t know. I’m sorry, she replied with desperation, I’ll never do it again.

I thought you loved me?

I do love you, she humbly insisted.

He reached over and flipped the light switch. It was dark except for a small ray of light shining in through the window from a light pole. She was afraid.

What are you doing? she quietly asked. Slap!

Ow, that hurt. Don’t hit me Andrew, she bleated out as she felt flabbergasted at the thought of being slapped.

Slap, slap, slap! Was it worth it Dominique? She began to cry.

Slap, slap! Was it? He continued to slap.

She could feel her face growing hot and puffy. She saw stars with every slap; the kind of stars that she’d seen in the cartoons. She was delirious as she tried to slip away, as she searched for the doorknob.

I’m not done with you, he deemed.

She struggled and finally opened the door. I want you all to leave, she sobbed as she ran out of the room and into her own bedroom. Nicky who was standing in the hallway, immediately followed her in. She closed the door and sat with him on the edge of her bed. She sat crying with the lights off.

It’s okay, mommy.

After a few minutes, she heard the living room door shut. She dabbed her tears with her sleeve as she stood and tiptoed to her bedroom door. She cracked it open and listened for noise. All was quiet, so she stepped out slowly to her living room. She locked the front door in haste and turned off the lights. She went to the window for a peek while Nicky sat upon his spring horse he called Fred, and gently bounced.

Is Andrew gone?

The next day, Kim stopped in to visit Dominique, to inform her that she had witnessed Andrew getting arrested last night outside an uptown bar.

She was relieved. Maybe the authorities will keep him for a while, she thought, because time apart now, perhaps, would be good. She listened to Kim explain what she knew.

What a dumbass, Dominique replied as she gently moved her head in shame.

You should stay away from him girl, he’s no good, she earnestly cautioned her.

Yea, I’ve heard that from my brother too, she answered as she looked away. I don’t know, I want to help him change. She sighed. I love him.

You sure that’s possible? To change him?

She sat silent as she began to realize, she nor anyone else knows Andrew the way she does.

Dominique sat on a metal oil heater in her living room and leaned forward, setting her elbow on the windowsill and her hand under her chin as she gazed out of the large window that overlooks Division Street. She watched the traffic whiz by while she daydreamed of Andrew. It had been two weeks since his arrest and she was missing him. She didn’t know if he was out of jail yet and if so, would he ever come to visit her.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. She wondered who it could be this late in the evening. It better not be Corbin, she sneered as she neared the door. Who is it? She stood close and listened for a reply.

It’s Andrew.

Her heart began to beat fast. She took in a deep breath and opened the door. She observed a sober man who wore sad eyes. What do you want?

Sorry.

She focused in on how adorably cute he was and she didn’t want to tell him to go away, so she let him in.

They sat on the couch and slowly connected with each other. It wasn’t easy for her because she was shy, but the joint they smoked together helped to calm her. During their talk, he mentioned his desire to see her and nothing was said about Corbin.

Dominique stood up from the couch and walked to the rear bedroom to check on her sons. Nicky was playing with his diecast cars on the bed; he had them all lined up perfectly. Travis was sleeping.

After she turned and walked back through the hallway, Andrew stopped and took her lightly by the arm into the master bedroom. He gently placed his hand upon her cheek while they looked into each others’ eyes. He tilted his head down and touched his lips to hers; they fell into a long passionate kiss. He began to undress her. She could feel her hormones stimulating her womanhood as he slowly rubbed his hand over her perky breasts and down through her crevice.

2

I SAW YOU LOOKING

FIVE MONTHS PASSED BY for Andrew and Dominique. It was spring when they packed up and moved away from their small hometown in scenic Northern Idaho to the Spokane valley.

Andrew wanted to be closer to his job in the city and he wanted his girlfriend to go with him.

Even though Dominique held her concerns regarding his drinking, the move sounded promising; sharing a place with a man who she loves as well as his car.

Dominique opened her mail as she sat on her bed. Awesome! She grinned. Four hundred and twelve dollars, she cheered as she read her welfare letter. I love Washington. She stood and left the room to tend to Travis.

It was quarter after three in the afternoon and Andrew would soon be home from work. Dominique hadn’t finished her housework when she put her boys down for a nap. Travis had kept her busy today with his diarrhea. She relaxed herself onto a lawn chair out in their secluded front porch and smoked a joint. She could feel the sun’s heatwaves as she lay admiring the tall trees that surrounded their side of the duplex. She could smell the pine as a breeze blew in.

She was staring up at the ceiling of the porch, counting the different cob webs as she smoked. She closed her eyes and began to daydream. Daydream about romance and the attractive features of Andrew.

What’s that smile all about? Wrek asked her as he approached from the open gate.

She gasp! You scared the heck out of me. What are you doing here? she asked in amazement as she sat up in the chair.

I came to visit my sister and nephews, her brother replied as he reached his arm up to his shoulder and grabbed the strap from his duffel bag so he could set it down on the concrete. I could only stay for five or six days. Hey, check this out Dom. He knelt by his bag, unzipped a small pocket, and pulled out a bag of green. He waved it in front of her face.

Mmm! Smells good.

Wrek was akin to his sister. He was a small framed man, seventeen years old who was easy going and loving. They were only one year apart in age, but they could easily pass for fraternal twins. They both have the same color and shape of eyes, the same ski jump nose, and the same distinct freckle on the left cheek of their faces.

Dominique was glad to see him. She hadn’t made any friends since moving and she couldn’t always talk to Andrew about certain issues. She had Nicky and Travis to talk with during the days, but that was mainly ga ga goo goo talk. In a way, Wrek was her best friend.

Throughout the next few days, she and Wrek caught up on old events and current developments. Earlier in the day while they sat on the couch watching TV, she told him a story about the time she had to quickly nab her sons and flee from Andrew.

She began to explain that Andrew had been drinking with Pete and his brother out at the river. She and her toddler boys were with them because Andrew insisted it would be a great day of swimming. The swimming spot was located under a train bridge and it was deep enough for people to jump off into a slow current.

The evening set in and the temperature was dropping. She redressed her sons with their dry clothes and picked up the wet blanket and toys. She cradled Travis who was beginning to fuss while Nicky requested to go home.

I want to go home too, she told him. She walked over to Andrew who was sitting on the hood of their car. I want to go home now. The boys are hungry and they’re getting cold.

Put their jackets on.

I didn’t bring their jackets. You said we’d only be here for a few hours, she reminded, whereas, she knew it had been six hours.

In a while.

She meandered around the nearby area holding her baby, trying to keep him from crying. She wished she could just get into the car and drive home, but he had the key.

Her arms started to hurt; she couldn’t set Travis down on the dirt or rocks. She was at the point of frustration when she observed the last of the other swimmers driving away, so she approached Andrew again. Can we go now? I really need to get my babies home.

In a few minutes, we have to wait for Pete, he chuckled. He staggered that way to use a bush. He pointed.

Damn it! she spoke under her breath as she turned and continued to walk, staying within Andrew’s reach. What do I do? she asked herself because she knew he’d