Twist Of A Steel Bracelet

By H.A Dawson

The car crash has left her partner Nick paralysed. Stacy's consumed by guilt and vulnerable to the nasty accusations spreading throughout her community. Someone intends to destroy Stacy's reputation, but she's no sitting duck!
She is bewildered by the malice, what has she done that's so bad? The veiled threats descend as friends ignore Stacy's pleas, is there more to endure? She's a marked woman at the core of a disturbing mystery.
She's abducted. Her assailant has a warped sense of revenge. The search begins in earnest when our detectives, Luke and Imogen conclude Stacy has been "stitched up".
What was the trigger? The most critical question is where can she be? How unhinged is her abductor?

WARNING!: IF YOU HAVE A SENSITIVE DISPOSITION YOU MAY FIND THE THEMES DISTURBING.

H.A Dawson writes "Psychological suspense that twists like a corkscrew". Engaging stories with characters and situations melding together to enthral audiences in a similar vein to "Alfred Hitchcock" style suspense.

Ideal reading if you follow authors such as Robert Galbraith, Ian Rankin, Diane Chamberlain, A J Waines, Val McDermid, Dean Koontz and Jodi Picoult.

H.A Dawson's "MORRISON - ADAMS BRIEF CASES SERIES" - Book 1 of 6

Psychological situations inevitably trigger deception, lies, manipulation and the possibility of violent behaviour. Can you spot those mean streaks behind a golden smile and friendly conversation?
The author's catalogue brims with gripping stories based around determined women, embracing gritty themes with the strength of drama you would expect from the BBC.

• Language: English
• Publisher: H.A Dawson
• Release date: Oct 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463997086

H.A Dawson

Honor thrives on activity whether it's adventure, racquet sports or everyday livings. In between the physical effort she diligently edits book manuscripts and writes an intriguing novel.Her stories have many elements including mystery, suspense some strong and intriguing characters. Obsession and tenacity feature heavily in the themes.Plenty of reason to watch out for the projects that involve her skills and participation. She wants you to appreciate the great books that appear here on Smashwords. An odd one may be free but eventually everyone has to pay their way. It's important creators are not the "starving artists"..

Book preview

Twist Of A Steel Bracelet

(Book 1 - Morrison Adams brief cases.)

By

H.A Dawson

Learn more about the author's books by visiting https://www.honadawson.com

©2018, 2019 H.A Dawson

(Honor Amelia Dawson)

Wild Mushrooms - Publishing Associates

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

2nd edition Published 2019

WM-Logo2

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When you look in mirror what do you see? An image of compassion, the face of a trustworthy friend and someone on whom others can always rely? Such a solitary perspective is precarious .

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This is a work of fiction. Any characters, names, organisations, places, events or situations are either imaginary or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.

This book contains material protected under International and U.K Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorised reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author and publisher.

This book is written in U.K English and has been edited/proofread to comply with UK grammar and language conventions. The structure differs in subtle ways to other versions of English. Some spelling and grammar variances will be apparent in the text and are normal.

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Full details are located at the back of this book. Access via the contents navigation.

Books by H A Dawson

British crime thrillers and psychological suspense with a sharp edge

Morrison & Adams - Novels

Girl On A Train (Walking The Pendulum)

Scars Of Deceit

Fatal Instinct

Stumbling In A Smoky Haze

Withering Truth

When Echoes Clash

Caught In The Millstone

Morrison & Adams - Novellas

Twist Of A Steel Bracelet

Snapping Locks

Parallel Collision

Wanton Choice

Repeat Prescription

Blind Conscience

Circles of Subterfuge

Never To Be Ignored

Stolen By Jackdaws

Struck With Venom

Broken Shards

Mystery Novels

Drowned By Distant Murmurs

Hunting Reckless Shadows

Cruel Persuasion

Floating Away

Singles - Themed Novellas

Lapse Of Sanity

Behind Old Mirrors

Short Novellas

Sweeping Away Tomorrow

Book Collections

Circles of Subterfuge

Books 1 & 2

Books 3 & 4

Morrison Adams Cold Cases

Books 1 & 2

Books 3 & 4

Books 5 & 6

Morrison Adams Brief Cases

Books 1 & 2 

Books 3 & 4 

Books 5 & 6 

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Important notes for readers. 

Only the highlighted titles are currently available. The remainder are due for release over the next few months. Please check with your vendor for the latest edition of this book.

We are a small team swift to expedite revisions to ensure our products are of the highest quality for your reading pleasure.

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Table of Contents

Copyright

Other books

Twist of a steel bracelet

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

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Twist of a steel bracelet

Chapter 1

A couple greeted each other with a kiss and hug at the counter within the café, catching Stacy’s attention. Their eyes were alight, their smiles natural, and their interest in the other reminiscent of the early days with Nick, her partner of seven years. It seemed such a long time ago.

Not wanting to entertain her rising unease, she focused on her friends, Kim, Christie and Jenny, seated on both sides of the rectangular table. Their visit to the café was a weekly occurrence and something they did after their yoga class and had done for years. It was a moment for bonding. They were great girls; always ready to listen and lighten a dark mood.

‘You’re quiet,’ Christie said, pulling her from her reverie. ‘What’s up babe?’

Stacy sharpened her attention. ‘Nothing, just tired.’

She leant forward. ‘What’s he done now?’

‘Nick?’ A glint formed in her eye. ‘He’s a pain in the backside, as always. But he’s not done anything. He’s one of the good guys.’

‘He’ll slip up before long. They always do.’

Keen to shroud her anxieties, she lifted her coffee mug to her lips hiding her face.

‘Would you ever leave him?’

She studied her companions. Christie and Jenny seemed to be trying to goad her into saying she would, presumably to generate humour since that was their way; whereas, Kim held an attentive expression, awaiting an honest answer. Whilst she was the least fun, she was the easiest to talk to and didn’t twist her comments for her own pleasure.

‘All relationships have problems,’ Stacy replied. ‘Surely, it’s better to work at the one you have than to jump into bed with someone else only to experience the same things later on.’

‘I’d do both,’ Christie said and giggled.

Jenny agreed but Kim stayed quiet. ‘Kim agrees with me. We’re more committed to our relationships than you.’

‘Bo-ring,’ Christie said.

Stacy grinned. ‘I love Nick. He’s good for me and is worth the effort.’

‘Yet you still say it with a negative undertone. What’s bothering you?’

‘Where do I start?’ She flung back her head then regarded her friends with amusement. ‘Seriously, though, he’s done nothing wrong. We’re just not at the infatuation stage like you.’

Jenny and Christie exchanged an amused glance. Both were in the early stages of a new relationship, unlike Kim who was older and single and had been for several years.

‘You’ll get there one day,’ she continued. ‘It’s a different kind of love, more comfortable. You can be yourself and don’t have to put on an act.’

‘Meaning you can fart in front of him,’ Christie said and laughed.

A smile lit her face. ‘And I can make criticisms without feeling as though he’ll walk out on me.’

‘And that’s a benefit because?’

‘He earns more than me.’

Christie’s eyes twinkled. ‘That’d be right. You no longer desire his body so it’s about the money.’

‘What about his charming personality?’ Jenny asked. ‘Doesn’t that count for anything?’

‘Nick is not charming. He’s forever putting his foot in it.’ She shot Christie a glance. ‘You’ve met him. Remember how he told you your skirt was too tight?’

‘What he meant was that I had a fat arse.’

Laughter spread from the table, attracting the attention of others close by. It was a wonderful feeling. When she was with her friends, she was always at her most comfortable. She loved them dearly. Without them, she’d be nothing.

The conversation progressed through various subjects before Christie told a tale about a recent event. She was a keen social tennis player and a member of a local club and had arranged a game of doubles earlier in the week. An hour before they were due to play, one of the women called her to say she couldn’t make it due to a twisted ankle. Later in the same day, she played with another group. Given the level of those she was playing with, it appeared she’d received a better offer.

‘That’s terrible,’ Stacy said. ‘What a cow! What did you do?’

‘I couldn’t find anyone else to play, and since there’s no refund for the court, I lost the money.’

‘You should have got it from her,’ Jenny said.

‘I tried. She told me I should have found someone to take her place.’

Stacy frowned. ‘Did you tell her you’d seen her?’

‘I did. She told me her ankle had improved during the day.’

‘As if,’ Jenny said. ‘You can do without friends like that. Are you still speaking to her?’

‘Yeah.’ She traced the rim of her mug with her finger. ‘I won’t be asking her to play again, though. I need people I can rely on.’

‘I’m not sure I’d be able to forgive that easily,’

‘I’ll be civil with her, but I won’t forget what she did. One day, when the time is right, I’ll get my revenge.’

Stacy was pensive. People could be thoughtless. The game may not have meant much to the woman in question, but to let three other people down when they were relying on her was an inconsiderate thing to do. She should be told, and Christie needed to act to prevent a repeat of the situation. She told her as much.

‘It’s not going to happen again. As I said, I won’t be arranging games with her.’

‘Even so. You deserve better treatment. She was supposed to be a friend. Friends don’t treat each other that way.’

‘It doesn’t matter … really.’

‘You shouldn’t let people treat you like a doormat,’ Jenny added. ‘You must demand her share of the court fees back.’

She folded her arms and dipped her head.

‘You’re too soft for your own good,’ Stacy said. ‘People don’t realise the harm they’ve done unless you hit them hard.’ She turned to Kim. ‘Isn’t that right?’

Kim was stony-faced. ‘You should fight for your rights. In my mind, it’s essential.’

Stacy noticed an edge to her voice and regarded her with unease. Something bothered her, yet she couldn’t tell what it was. She was considered whether to ask when Jenny broke the silence, rising to her feet.

‘Sorry to have to break this up girls, but I have to go.’

‘Hot date?’ Christie asked.

‘Yes, and he expected me back half an hour ago.’ She paused, her smile growing. ‘He said he’d get the whip out if I was late.’

Bellowing laughter filled the air triggering a further exchange. It took a few moments before the conversation turned serious again, at which point Stacy slung her bag over her shoulder and followed the others to the exit of the café. While standing by their cars, they all confirmed they’d be at yoga class the following week. Then, they said goodbye and parted company.

During the journey home, Stacy glowed with pleasure reflecting both the yoga class and the varying conversations afterwards. It pleased her to have a group of friends she could rely upon, and she vowed never to take them for granted. Their discussions were always fun, whether they