The Phoenix

By K.L. Lawson

When you constantly lose the ones you love, you begin to wonder if you’re cursed.

On the 3rd anniversary of her fiance's death, Officer Madelyn Conley is introduced to Detective Alex Stone. Alex is quick-tempered, clearly has anger issues, and knows exactly what to say to infuriate Maddie, especially since they are so much alike At the same time he’s also the most beautiful thing she’s ever seen.

But Alex is mysterious. He’s distant at times. There are things about his past that make Maddie wonder if she’s doing the right thing. Unfortunately, she’s also far past the point of falling for him and there’s no turning back.

As the facts about the case start to unravel, shocking discoveries are made. Could Maddie be connected to the perpetrator? Does Alex have an ulterior motive for being there?

• Language: English
• Publisher: K.L. Lawson
• Release date: Mar 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463666906

K.L. Lawson

I'm a work-at-home,Mom, fiction writer and forever fan girl. My writing experience includes fiction writing for the past 20 years and professional non-fiction freelance writing for the past 10 years.My book, The Phoenix, is the first of a series. I already have book two completed, it just needs editing. I’m currently working on book three. I plan to have six books total for the series, which I call The Phoenix Academy Series.I'm a movie and music fanatic. The majority of my characters are based on my favorite actors and musicians. To learn more about the series and any updates, follow me on Instagram at authorkllawson.

Book preview

The Lucky 13 Series

The Phoenix

Written by:

K.L. Lawson

This book is dedicated to the adventurous and rebellious souls that got me here. Fly high.

Chapter 1

It was four a.m. and Alex Stone had barely slept at all. He stared up at his ceiling fan that wasn't moving. He had turned it off sometime during the night, hoping to make the chill leave the room. But it wasn't the temperature of his apartment that made him feel so cold inside.

His gaze fell to the clock on the wall, the rhythmic tic sound coming from it was almost deafening to him. Any other night he wouldn't have noticed it at all. But this had not been the same as any other night. It was the night before a new job. A job he wasn't looking forward to.

Tiredly he stared over at the alarm clock on his nightstand.

"Why do I have two clocks in the same room anyway? He muttered to himself in annoyance.

The red digital numbers glared back at him, as if they were mocking his lack of sleep. He turned away from them angrily and tried shutting his eyes to relax and get at least a few moments rest.

But it was hopeless. Every time he closed his eyes the negative thoughts flooded his mind. He tried pushing them away, thinking about something else; listening to the radio… nothing was helping.

He finally sat up and dragged himself out of the king-sized bed, letting the sheets fall to a crumpled mess in the floor. Alex wiped his eyes as he stumbled across the room toward the adjoining bathroom to take a shower.

May as well prepare for your demise. He yawned. And now I'm sleepy. He grumbled at the irony gods as he threw back the shower curtain.

The nights had been restless ever since he had gotten the call for his newest assignment. Alex was what most people would call a Jack-of-all-Trades. His technological skills were unsurpassed. He was a master at investigating. And could easily bring down someone twice his size.

He was also a shooting expert; he excelled in training with all types of firearms and archery. That fact usually made some of his jobs more dangerous than others.

Alex began taking these assignments when he had moved to the U.S. from London. His main objective was to help people. But that sometimes meant bending a few rules.

This latest job had him worried more than usual, and for a good reason. This time he wasn't going to just be working for a lump sum. He was working to salvage what was left of his freedom.

The shower seemed to help refresh his mind; he stepped out absolutely freezing and quickly put on his clothes. He began filling up the sink with water to shave and stopped suddenly, as if frozen by the image he saw.

Staring ahead at the person in the mirror. A pair of dark eyes stared back at him. They were full of guilt, concern, and deeply troubled.

Tiredly he ran his hand over his face, setting aside the disturbing thoughts that haunted him every day. If only he could go back and change what he had done. Maybe he would at least have some peace.

I didn't have a choice. He reminded himself, hitting the razor against the side of the sink to clean away the shaving cream.

After cleaning up the sink, Alex walked into his bedroom and pulled his already packed luggage from his closet. He lowered the blinds down hiding the panoramic view from his penthouse and grabbed his badge from the dresser on his way out.

He sat the bags down at the door and went to get his phone from the kitchen counter when it began to ring.

Yeah, I'm heading out the door. He leaned against the cool marble counter while listening to instruction, almost falling asleep.

He stood back up once his eyelids started to droop and walked over to the large stainless-steel refrigerator, grabbing a cold drink.

As if you had to remind me. His reply was cold while he kicked the door shut with his foot. Alex dug around the silverware drawer until he found the bottle opener, purposely clinging utensils together to annoy the person talking.

Hold on there mate. He replied angrily, slamming the drink against the counter.

I'm not fucking working for you, I'm not doing you any damn favors, and you are definitely… he added a hint of laughter. …not my boss.

I'm doing this for my own benefit. If you don't hold up your end of the bargain… he took a long drink while the other person interrupted.

I'll call when I get there, don't bother calling me back. He warned hanging up the phone.

He took one last look around his lonely apartment. He had lived there for several years, and still didn't know anyone else in the building. He had no friends that lived close by, hardly any acquaintances.

No one knew when he left, and no one was ever there to greet him when he returned home. Living alone was nothing new to him. He had grown adjusted to it over the years.

In a strange way, he found it comforting. As if by not loving anyone, he couldn't possibly cause himself or anyone else any pain.

A few hours later and several miles away, Sunday morning was starting off quite hectic at police headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.

Get me all the files on the Witter case. Darryl Jones, chief of police, instructed another officer. I need that on my desk…don't tell me you can't find it!

Darryl…

He stopped yelling out commands when another officer stepped in his way. He gave her a look to remind her that even though they were family, that didn't give her the right to call him by his first name. At least not while at the station.

Clearing her throat. Uh--Chief…. Maddie Conley smiled back as she took on a more professional tone. Darryl was clearly not amused.

We got another fax in regarding the Montgomery-Lewis case. She handed him the paper and followed him into the office.

Close the door. He mumbled while studying the fax.

Maddie quietly shut the door and looked around the familiar office. In the middle of the room sat his untidy desk, strewn over with papers and un-filed folders. Maddie looked over and frowned at the lonely, dying houseplant sitting in the corner.

What are you even doing here this morning Maddie? he asked while tiredly looking over the paper before him. She looked back at him strangely.

What are you talking about? she laughed. I work here, don't I?

Yes, but didn't I give you the day off?

I had nothing better to do. She shrugged as he raised an eyebrow at her, peering over his paperwork. And Jay is here too so…

Jay is here because he took a day off last week, something you should look into doing yourself young lady. Not good for anyone to be overworked.

Perhaps you should take your own advice every now and then. Maddie answered with a smile while walking over to the mini fridge. She grabbed a bottle of water, taking a moment to water the poor, deprived plant.

I heard they lost even more money this morning. She went back to talking about the case, looking over at him sorrowfully, Work was beginning to get the best of Darryl and he wasn't getting any younger. Have we gotten any leads yet?

No. he sighed and sank down in his chair. I'm afraid this case is too much for us to handle. He glanced up at her disappointed eyes and cut her off before she got started. Knowing all too well what was going through her mind.

Now I know what I said earlier, about the possibility of you and Jay working on it…

You said we had more knowledge about this particular situation than anyone else on the force…I don't understand…

Yes, when it comes to computer-related crimes, you two seem to know more than anyone else. But Montgomery-Lewis is a software company. They make products to prevent this type of thing from happening. If someone is breaching their system, it's not going to be too easy to catch them.

The FBI is already wanting to get involved… he continued You're both just now getting started with these heavy investigations. I'm afraid this could be too much for a couple of rookies.

Darryl…you can't keep us in training mode forever. She sat down across from him. Why not give us a chance? If we don't do any good after a few days…then let the FBI take over…

Maddie's pleading was interrupted when the door opened Jay peeked into the room.

Mr. Montgomery's on line one for you.

Hesitant, Darryl picked up the phone while Jay eased into the chair beside Maddie. She gave him a weak smile while eyeing Darryl.

Any luck? he whispered to her.

Maddie tried to talk low enough so that Darryl couldn't overhear. He doesn't think we can do it---She glanced up to see him pointing at her, amidst the phone conversation.

How's he going to know that if he never gives us a chance to do anything? Jay whispered back.

Shh… she warned, keeping her eye on the Chief.

Ignoring her, he continued. I don't know about you but I'm getting tired of being known as the errand boy around here…

They continued talking quietly as Darryl wandered off to the other side of the room, still on the phone. He glared back at them occasionally, catching a word or two here and there.

The sound of the phone hanging up startled them both. They looked up to see Darryl hovering over them.

Hey there Chief! Good news? I hope…

I don't know errand boy, you tell me!

I didn't mean that…the way it…. came out… Sir.

Has Mr. Montgomery found out anything? Maddie Interrupted, saving Jay from further embarrassment.

No, but he told me that he's decided to bring in a computer specialist, supposed to be one of the best, recommended by the Vice President of the company.

He walked around to sit back at his desk. They said he should be here within the next hour or so. I told him I'd get a couple of officers to work with him.

There was a slight pause of silence as he waited for their reaction.

Oh. Maddie finally responded. Great. That sounds great. She paused again. The anticipation was killing them, and Darryl was eating it up.

So…

Relax. I've decided to put you two on the case. He gathered up all the paperwork from his desk and handed it over to them.

I had to make a quick decision and as much as I hate to admit it…you're right. You have more technical knowledge than anyone else on the force, and you definitely can't hurt things.

He stopped and looked at Jay. Don't screw it up.

Jay took a handful of folders from him. Thanks for the encouraging words.

I'm serious boy. This case has dragged on for too long. We need to get to the bottom of this.

And we will. Maddie spoke up confidently. Between the three of us, we'll have it solved in no time. I'm glad they're bringing in someone else. It'll be nice to have a professional opinion for a change.

Right. Jay agreed. Hey….

As I was saying…. It'll be good to have someone working with us with more experience.

I'm glad you feel that way. Darryl responded. Cause he'll be staying with you.

Maddie stared back at him, utterly confused. She didn't hear what she thought she heard…did she?

Wha—what…why? she stumbled over her words while trying to block out Jay's laughter. Maddie laid a punch into his side. In pain, he wandered off, still giggling to himself.

Maddie took a deep breath to calm her nerves and tried to ask again. What do you mean he'll be staying with me?

Darryl knew this wouldn't be easy. Look, Montgomery said they tried to get him a room and with that convention thing in town….

What convention thing? she asked, her voice turning frantic.

The country music singers…I don't know. He shrugged. Anyway---

It's the Fan Fair. Jay spoke up. Where fans can meet the artists…. autograph signings.

Right. That thing. Darryl continued. So, they needed to find a place on short notice, and I told them that I'd take care of it.

You're telling me that they can't find a freaking empty room in the entire city of Nashville? she shouted.

They could probably hook him up at Rusty Al's Freeway Motel. Jay joked before Maddie shot him a dirty look.

What? Maddie, you know how it is around here when there's some big tourist event in town, it's insane! Rooms have been booked up for months!

Maddie narrowed her eyes on Darryl and started to protest but he quickly intervened.

You do have the extra room. he reminded her.

Since when are you renting my rooms out to strangers? she yelled back, outraged. The nerve of him! What made him think that she would go along with this?

It'll be okay Maddie. Jay tried his best to reassure her. She obviously wasn't having it.

It's only until the case is over. He then added a teasing tone to his voice. You can get a grip on your paranoia for that long I'm sure.

Maddie glared back. I’m not paranoid! I have a problem with some random stranger staying in my home! It's a completely normal reaction.

Denial.

Darryl rubbed in forehead in annoyance. Will you two stop acting like a couple of five-year-olds? He turned to Maddie as his voice turned stern.

This isn't a random stranger; He is a fellow officer and your partner in this case. Now I am terribly sorry for the inconvenience young lady but you're going to have to deal with it until this case is resolved!

That's how you lay it down Chief.

And I don't want to hear any more lip from you either! he snapped back at Jay, startling him.

Just let us know when he gets here. Maddie said in defeat as she and Jay left the office, their arms full of paperwork.

It wasn't that she didn't want to help anyone. Maddie was a very caring and kind-hearted person when she felt she needed to be.

She was uncomfortable with the idea of meeting new people. She often wondered to herself if Jay was right, maybe she was being paranoid. She constantly had the urge to shut everyone and everything out of her life so that she could be entirely alone.

But, then again, she knew exactly why she felt that way.

The pair settled into their usual booth at the local restaurant. Maddie fidgeted with the saltshaker on the table as they waited for their food, not wanting to look Jay in the eye. She knew what he was thinking, more than likely his thoughts were centered on her sporadic mood swings and how he was going to deal with them.

Would you---she jumped as the shaker she was twirling around fell over and crashed against the table, scattering specks of salt everywhere. Stop---Just don't start, okay? she swept the salt off into her hand.

Jay held his hands up in defense. I haven't said a word!

You're thinking it. She glared back. Your bad vibes are driving me insane.

MY bad vibes?

See. she absentmindedly knocked over the same shaker. Jay quickly picked it up and set it on the other side of the table out of harm's way.

Maddie. Sincerely, he touched her hand. It's going to be okay.

I don't understand why stuff like this bothers me so much. She spoke quietly, and then stopped when the waitress brought them their food.

It's not normal. She continued.

Agreed, but you've never been normal. He replied, Ok, seriously. It's no wonder you're so skittish around new people. Maddie, you never leave the house anymore!

I do too leave the house! she snapped. I work every day!

Work doesn't count. he reminded her as she lowered her head down and began twirling the charms on her necklace.

I mean, you never go out anymore, with me and Abby….

I told you; I don't want to be a third wheel. You wouldn't want to either.

That's why we've tried to set you up…

And I've told you no. she said slowly, sounding out every word to make it perfectly clear.

Why are we even on this subject anyway? Since when do I have to be in a relationship to 'get out of the house'? I can go somewhere alone and still be 'getting out'.

Okay, but since when do you have to be in a relationship to go on a date? Jay answered. I'm not asking you to get married, I just want to see you enjoying your life again. Go have some fun! Maddie half-smiled back at him. His tone was sincere once more. I want my best friend back.

She stared down at her untouched burger and fries then rubbed her eyes tiredly. I can't believe I reacted that way in front of Darryl.

Darryl understands, don't worry about it.

I know he does, but still… it wasn't very professional.

You're fine, I think he's figured you out by now.

I don't understand why I freak out so much over things like this. I mean, I start thinking about a stranger staying in my home and I suddenly start breaking out in hives and getting an eye twitch.

Jay tried to keep a sincere look on his face as he stared back at his friend. He loved her, but sometimes she took over-reacting to an entirely new level.

Maddie. He stifled his laughter. I promise you it'll be okay. Abby and I are going to be there too. It's not like we're leaving you alone with a crazy person. The guy is a cop you know.

I know, I know. She replied in a defeated tone. Then why am I panicking?

Simple. He popped a fry in his mouth. You're nuts.

Thanks Captain Obvious.

Okay. He sighed, sitting up in his seat. He was going to have to come up with something to make her feel better about herself. This was so much easier for him back when they were kids. Adulthood brought on too much aggravation.

Your problem is that you don't want to get too close to new people because you've been hurt too much in the past. That doesn't make you a freak that makes you human.

He reached over to touch her hand again when he saw a sad look in her eyes. He then glanced over at his phone and saw the date. He instantly knew what the problem was.

That's why she had been in such a bad mood. His breath got caught in his throat. I didn't even realize what today was. He whispered. I'm sorry.

Maddie quickly grabbed a napkin to wipe her eyes. The fact that he hadn't mentioned it made her sad, now the fact that he said something made her feel even worse.

It's okay..

No. His voice softer than earlier. Let me call Darryl, maybe we can find a room for this other guy to stay---

She quickly interrupted him, shaking her head. Jay. It's fine.

I'm sure Darryl forgot, if he had remembered I'm sure he wouldn't have pressed the issue so much.

I know that. It's okay. She straightened her shoulders up.

You're always telling me that I need to move on … She paused for a moment. Maybe it's time I took your advice.

Okay, that’s good and all, but if you're going to be uncomfortable…

I'll be fine. She reassured him again, while trying her best to reassure herself that she was telling the truth.

She forced a smile. Jay was hardly buying it, but he figured he might as well humor her.

Okay then. He was relieved when she decided to eat some of her food.

You know, we'll be laughing about this in a couple of weeks. The guy's probably a total loser, being a computer geek and all.

Maddie looked back at him, a little confused. Jay…we're kind of considered computer geeks too you know.

Yeah, but this guy is a professional. You know he probably lives in his parent's basement.

You're not going to be mean to him. She warned, mostly because she knew she'd feel horrible if she accidentally laughed.

Nah, Scouts honor! His sarcasm was deafening.

I'll be glad when everything is settled. She implied before taking another bite of her food.

Maddie then glanced up and saw Darryl entering the restaurant. He spotted them and headed toward their booth.

She saw a young man walk in behind him, but assumed he was headed to another table and didn't think anything of it as she continued to eat.

Maddie looked up again in their direction and noticed he was still there. She casually took a sip of her soda while looking around the room. There wasn't much time.

I'm gonna go get a to-go box. She blurted out before practically sprinting away from the booth. Jay didn't even have a chance to reply.

Maddie made her way up to the counter. She was making small talk with the cashier before she stepped away to get the boxes. Just then, one of the waitresses walked over to her.

Jay said for you to get your ass back over there right now.

I—I am I was getting a box.

Forget the box. she demanded. You better go before that guy gets attacked over there. I swear every cougar in here has their radar on.

Maddie started laughing as she stared back at Jay, Darryl, and their new partner, shaking her head and turning back to her. I'm not going to survive this.

The cashier walked back over to them with the boxes in her hand. What are you two going on about now? she asked as the waitress motioned over to the booth.

Check out their new partner.

The cashier glared back at Maddie. And why are you standing here with us?

That's what I asked her.

What? She laughed. I need a minute. Can I have a minute?

No…Maddie--- Amy sighed in annoyance while the cashier was talking over her.

Honey if you don't get your butt over there just step aside and let me through. She joked.

But I..

Go on!

Maddie!!

I don't know what to---

Maddie! Amy was now waving her hands to get her attention. No wedding ring and he's British.

She paused for a moment and took the boxes off the counter. You ladies have a nice day.

There she is. Darryl smiled while Jay gave her a knowing glance. Maddie this is Detective Alex Stone.

Nice to meet you. She took his hand, smiling. Hoping she wasn’t smiling too much, or too weird. Was that a thing? Don’t make it weird.  She thought to herself.

Pleasure's all mine.

Oh, Darryl turned to her. Good news, we found a room available at the motel down the street---

What? she spoke louder than expected, surprising herself. But---no… she paused, not wanting to sound too frantic. I mean, I thought you were staying with me…

Us. Jay corrected.

I meant that. Secretly thanking Jay. Us. Why the change of plans?

Oh, I didn't want to be a burden, it's no problem for me to get a room. Alex