Following the Law

By Nicole Dennis

Can a sheriff untangle the mysteries invading his town and those which surround the local IT geek who's captured his attention?

Sheriff Robin Burke is pissed off. His quiet seaside town is troubled with all kinds of problems. Looking for the man who tried to poison Samuel Ashford is high on his priority list, but there is more in store. When someone he crushes on returns, he hopes to ignite his non-existent love life.

Returning from London, Beau Courtenay discovers his home has been invaded by his troubled half-brother. Dealing with the chaos, he is busy with a massive backlog of work and renovating the entire Southern Charm system. He finds another troubling detail in the form of random USB interfaces around Shore Breeze that don't belong there. And there's also the allure of the sheriff distracting him and threatening to reveal his darkest secret.

What will happen when Robin connects his suspect to the handsome IT geek with the delicious British accent and tight ass? Can Beau help the sheriff follow the law to prosecute anyone who dares to attack their beloved town?

Reader advisory: This book contains the use of homophobic language.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Oct 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9781784307639

Nicole Dennis

Dreamy…Sensual…Forever Love A quiet one, Nicole Dennis is the penname of an asexual author of different genres of fiction – both LGBT+ and hetero. Lots of characters, worlds, and stories build up in her head until she must get them down on the screen – anything from romance to fantasy to paranormal. During the day, she works in a quiet office in Central Florida, where she makes her home, and enjoys the down time to slip into her imagination. She is owned by a new feline companion – a house panther, affectionately known as Brat Cat.

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Following the Law

ISBN # 978-1-78430-763-9

©Copyright Nicole Dennis 2015

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright September 2015

Edited by Sarah Smeaton

Pride Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Pride Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Pride Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2015 by Pride Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

Pride Publishing is a subsidiary of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

Southern Charm

FOLLOWING THE LAW

Nicole Dennis

Book five in the Southern Charm series

Can a sheriff untangle the mysteries invading his town and those which surround the local IT geek who’s captured his attention?

Sheriff Robin Burke is pissed off. His quiet seaside town is troubled with all kinds of problems. Looking for the man who tried to poison Samuel Ashford is high on his priority list, but there is more in store. When someone he crushes on returns, he hopes to ignite his non-existent love life.

Returning from London, Beau Courtenay discovers his home has been invaded by his troubled half-brother. Dealing with the chaos, he is busy with a massive backlog of work and renovating the entire Southern Charm system. He finds another troubling detail in the form of random USB interfaces around Shore Breeze that don’t belong there. And there’s also the allure of the sheriff distracting him and threatening to reveal his darkest secret.

What will happen when Robin connects his suspect to the handsome IT geek with the delicious British accent and tight ass? Can Beau help the sheriff follow the law to prosecute anyone who dares to attack their beloved town?

Dedication

To everyone who wanted answers to the questions in previous books and to see more of the sexy sheriff find his man (in more ways than one). Here you go. I hope you fall more in love with Sheriff Robin like I did. Hugs to all!

Trademarks Acknowledgment

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

The Voice: Talpa Media Holding

Bluetooth: Bluetooth Special Interest Group

Subaru Justy: Fuji Heavy Industries

Audi Roadster: Audi AG

Converse: Nike, Inc.

CockyBoys: CockyBoys.com

Stetson: John B. Stetson Company

Froot Loops: Kellogg Company

Cocoa Puffs: General Mills, Inc.

Lucky Charms: General Mills, Inc.

Skype: Microsoft Corporation

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi Alliance

MIT: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

iPhone: Apple, Inc.

Jeep: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Nikon DSLR: Mitsubishi Group

Velcro: Velcro Industries

Versace: Gianni Versace S.p.A

Burberry Stirling: Burberry Group plc

J. Crew: J.Crew Group, Inc.

Glock: Glock Ges m. b. H.

EpiPen: Meda Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Sharpie: Sanford

Target: Target Corporation

Wal-Mart: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Ziploc: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.

Juicy Fruit: William Wrigley Jr. Company; Mars, Inc.

Desert Eagle: Magnum Research, Inc

PlayStation 4: Sony Corporation and Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.

Assassin’s Creed: Ubisoft Entertainment S.A.

Call of Duty: Activision Publishing, Inc.

The Last of Us: Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.

Aneros: The Aneros Company

Helix: The Aneros Company

Eupho: The Aneros Company

Wizard of Oz: L. Frank Baum

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: National Broadcasting Company

Progasm: The Aneros Company

Keeper: Keeper Security, Inc

iPad: Apple, Inc.

Taser: TASER International Inc.

Chapter One

What was he missing? Why couldn’t he solve what should be a simple crime committed within his small town?

Sheriff Robin Burke shuffled papers around to look at things a different way, but nothing worked. He couldn’t figure out the pattern. He banged a fist on the desk in frustration.

How could someone commit such a heinous crime and not leave a damn trace? It annoyed the living hell out of Robin. Why would someone want to attack a newcomer to Shore Breeze who wanted to make things better? Samuel Ashford had arrived in town to assist in the rebuilding of the town’s beloved B&B, the Southern Charm. Someone disliked his presence in the Charm without giving him a chance.

Even the Southern Charm’s co-owner and brilliant chef, Dakota Mitchell, had taken some time to adjust to the change, but eventually had come around. To everyone’s surprise, Dakota had even fallen hard for the newcomer. Robin had enjoyed watching Dakota stumble head over heels as he’d chased Samuel.

Somehow the attack on Samuel had brought him and Dakota closer. Robin heard they were making plans for a future together. Shore Breeze had gained another permanent citizen from a tourist.

As the weeks passed after the incident, Robin knew he lost valuable time as leads went cold. Any detective with a case knew the first forty-eight hours were crucial. His clock had stopped a long time ago, but damn if he would give up and put the case away. He wouldn’t let it go cold.

Leaning back in his old creaky leather chair, Robin laced his fingers behind his head and stared out of the window, going over the facts. The case puzzled him.

Someone had known Samuel was allergic to any type or form of nuts. The allergy could be deadly if he ingested a high enough amount or didn’t get medical help in time. Samuel had mentioned the potential threat to Dakota, who knew how to contain it within the kitchen. Once he’d learned of Samuel’s allergy, Dakota had taken all the necessary steps to prevent anyone being hurt. Somehow, someone had managed to lace a pitcher of iced sun tea, the Charm’s famous brew and Samuel’s favorite drink, with almond oil or essence. Either way, the moment Samuel had drunk a glass, his breathing passages had swelled and closed. It was pure luck he’d been in a meeting with Sully Tarleton and Dakota had been within shouting distance. The combination of the two men’s immediate actions had helped Samuel to survive the near fatal attack.

Boss, you’re going to explode if you keep this up, his assistant, Clara, said.

I never had this much trouble with a damn case. All I have are circumstantial pieces. Pieces I can’t link together or use to locate a definite suspect. The one guy I need to find has disappeared. I hate going to the Charm, looking at those two fellas and telling them I have nothing like a stupid, incompetent backwoods idiot.

You’re anything but an idiot, boss, Clara said. Give me a minute. I think I have something which can help.

Lowering his hands, Robin looked at the door as Clara disappeared. He watched her reappear with two of the younger officers. They unrolled and hung a piece of corkboard on his free wall. Another officer secured an oversized whiteboard next to it.

Thanks, boys, Clara said as she dropped a box on Robin’s desk. Tony, get the other stack for me.

Yes’m, the officer said.

Robin leaned forward and looked at what they were doing to his office. What’s all of this? It’s more clutter.

Useful clutter. Right now, you’re looking at separate pages in the binder. Put them on the boards. It’s all there in front of you. Go old school. Make copies and put them on the board.

Robin pulled the box across his desk and stared at it. There were containers of pushpins, markers, erasers, a length of ribbon, highlighters, and who knew what else Clara had found. He looked up as Tony carried another stack of items and set them on his desk.

Thanks, Tony, Clara said.

Still young and impressionable, the officer flushed. Coffee, sir?

Please.

One cream. Three sugars. Real ones. Right?

Correct, thanks for remembering, Robin said.

With a nod, the rookie left to get the coffee.

He’s a good kid, Robin said.

He’s working out. Getting his feet underneath him. Clara tapped the box and papers with one hand. No more procrastination. Get to work, boss. You have a bad guy to catch.

Thanks, Clara, can always count on you for a kick in the ass.

If you need any help, let me know.

He pushed away from the chair then walked around and leaned against the corner of the desk. He contemplated what he was about to attempt.

Sir, I have your coffee. Tony knocked on the doorframe, carried in the steaming mug then set it on the desk. He clasped his hands behind his back and studied the empty boards. Do you need some help?

Robin glanced at the younger officer. Do you know how to create a case board?

We studied it in school, sir. Didn’t you?

Robin narrowed his gaze at the wet-behind-the-ears rookie. It’s been a little longer for me.

Clearing his throat to cover a chuckle, Tony proceeded to give Robin a lesson in creating a board and timeline.

* * * *

Robin discovered the board’s usefulness as it expanded with every additional piece of information. They used the ribbon to create a small timeline of what had happened. Several markers indicated points of interest. He wrote a list of employees on one side.

Robin placed Allan Daniell’s name on top. He circled it.

Is this the main guy you’re looking at? Tony asked.

He’s been the most consistent name popping up when I speak to others around the Charm. He was seen there the day of the poisoning—

Poison?

Simplicity in explanation for the moment.

Right. Sorry. About Daniell’s whereabouts.

Not much is known about where he was or is. Robin sipped at the fresh cup of coffee. I first heard the name from Ashford and Dakota. Malcolm Bissette confirmed Daniell was in the kitchen when Ashford mentioned his severe nut allergy.

Why would Daniell be in the kitchen? According to the file, he’s a waiter and supposed to help with the set-up. The restaurant wasn’t opened to diners.

Correct. I confirmed his position within the restaurant with Cecile, the hostess. It was before the dinner service started and he was there to help, but he wasn’t doing much other than following Dakota. Cecile mentioned his strange fascination and lust for Dakota.

Must be a bit awkward.

Very. He wasn’t hiding his attraction. Robin picked up a folder and flipped to one of the statements. It seems Daniell returned to the restaurant after several months away. He mentioned he was going to school, but I haven’t found a record of him attending class. At least within the four surrounding counties.

Where was he?

I’m trying to figure it out.

Where was he when the actual incident took place?

According to the schedule, he wasn’t at the restaurant, but Daniell knew enough about the operations to slip in, find the vial and coat the pitcher. Since he was there when Ashford mentioned his allergen, we could have Daniell on intent.

Tony pointed to another name off to the side—Beauregard Courtenay. This is the owner of the local IT company, Courtenay Tech. Why is Beau there?

Robin picked up a couple of pages from his desk to show Tony. Five years before this happened, Daniell’s address was the same as Courtenay’s. Courtenay was his guardian. They’re connected, perhaps family. I’ve never had a problem with Courtenay. He’s one of best IT techs. There was another reason Robin didn’t want Beau involved, but that was personal and hidden deep inside him.

No, sir, he couldn’t have helped Daniell. You haven’t heard?

Robin lifted his gaze as he tried to ignore the bubble of attraction at the thought of the slender IT geek. He could easily remember his deep blue eyes sparkling behind the rimless glasses and his chestnut hair falling over a high forehead. I know he left for London. Other techs appeared to repair our servers, but none of them are as competent. Robin cleared his throat as he flicked a thumb against the pages. Other than his disappearance, I’m not sure what you mean.

That’s just it, sir, Beau Courtenay disappeared because he has been in London since March. He wouldn’t know what was happening, Tony said.

How do you know this?

I’ve been umm— Tony flushed. I’ve been trying to date Maggie Kelley.

You’re trying to date Maggie? Robin chuckled and shook his head. I didn’t know about that.

She’s one hell of a lady. I mean, she’s the admin of the office and runs everything when Beau is out of town.

Do you know what happened to his father?

Maggie mentioned his father suffered a bad heart attack. Beau went to London to take care of his father’s business. Beau has dual citizenship and travels between the countries for personal and business reasons.

He wasn’t anywhere near Shore Breeze or Southern Charm when the attack happened. Still, he could connect to Maggie and possibly Daniell via phone, Internet, and hell—even that—what is it? The face thing?

There’s a couple of programs.

Whatever, it doesn’t matter where he is. He can connect to Daniell. What else does Maggie have to say about Daniell?

She hates him because he’s a low-life whiny bastard trying to take advantage of his relationship to Beau and doesn’t do a damn thing in the world on his own.

That… Robin stopped and shook his head once. She certainly spoke her mind about him.

I cleaned it up, Tony said with a chuckle.

What kind of relationship is she talking about?

They’re half-brothers through their mother. That’s the connection you were looking for, but it isn’t a close one. Maggie can tell you whatever you want. I can ask her to come over for an interview.

Call her.

Yes, sir, Tony said then raced away.

Robin stepped around his desk and added notes on the board about what Tony had told him under Beau’s name. Sitting back down, he opened a search about the adorable geek who’d captured his attention the first time he’d seen Beau concentrating on his work and ignoring the chaos of a busy, noisy sheriff’s substation office. He located information about the intriguing Beauregard Greyson Courtenay, dual citizen of Great Britain and America.

That’s a mouthful of a name.

It bothered him a bit to look into a man he was desperate to date, but had never gotten a chance to. Hell, he’d never gotten the nerve to ask the handsome, gorgeous geek who was well out of his reach. Pushing back his uneasy feeling and sliding into the role of sheriff and not wannabe boyfriend, he moved through the different databases.

To his surprise, he didn’t find much about Beau. If he considered the man’s expertise with all things electronic, he figured Beau knew how to cover his tracks and protect his online image and reputation. He did manage to learn about the company Beau had created from scratch and what it offered.

When he clicked into another database, he found the name of Beau’s mother and ran a search on her. He let out a low whistle. The lady had married four different times, filing several domestic abuse charges, but had never followed through. The first marriage had been with Beau’s father, a respected British citizen, but had ended in an amicable divorce. She had a couple of minor arrests for petty crimes, DUIs and public intoxication.

All four of her relationships had ended in divorce. The third one had produced a son, ten years younger than Beau and called Allan.

Robin tapped on the file. Daniell. Allan Stephen Daniell. Well, damn, now I got your full name. Where are you hiding? He shook his head again as his gaze moved to Beau’s name. Why you? What do you have to do with this?

His dream guy had a connection to a suspect. How deep the connection went? It was something he needed to figure out.

* * * *

Losing time as he continued the searches and built the board of information, he didn’t stop until he heard a knock on his door.

Sheriff Robin Burke, may I introduce Margaret Kelley, admin of Courtenay Tech, to you, Tony said as he stepped to the side.

Behind Tony was a beautiful lady with curly hair the color of the deepest auburn fall leaves and bright green eyes. Her skin was the pale beauty of a natural redhead. She looked younger than he remembered.

I believe we met. At least over the phone, if I’m not mistaken. You called the office, Maggie said. Good to meet you in person, Sheriff.

I did contact the company when my personal laptop went on the fritz. At the time, Robin had hoped Maggie would send Beau to the rescue, but another tech had appeared at his door. His plan hadn’t quite worked out. Clearing the thought from his mind, Robin rose as she entered and they shook hands. Please, have a seat, Ms. Kelley.

Maggie. Please. I’m not formal and I don’t believe I’m here as a suspect, Maggie said.

Robin chuckled and shook his head. No. Just a bit of help.

Help. I can offer up my help.

Wonderful. Would you like some water or coffee?

Maggie glanced at Tony. A cup of coffee, Tony?

Of course, your usual black and double cream? Tony asked, and when she nodded, he looked at Robin. Do you need a refill, sir?

Please, why don’t you bring one for yourself and join us, Robin said as he showed Maggie to a sitting area he’d managed to tuck into the far corner opposite the newly created case board. While Tony left to get the coffees, he gathered a pad and pen as he chose a chair.

Maggie settled across from him. Tony said you needed to speak with me about Beau and his family. I can’t stay away from the office for long.

This won't take long. Thank you for talking with me.

I have never been called to the sheriff’s station, for good or bad. This is quite an experience for one not in uniform, Maggie said with a chuckle.

Yes, I’ve heard being called down here has been known to be worse than the principal’s office. Robin waved Tony inside when he appeared with three cups in his hands. He accepted his mug and sat back. I was hoping you could tell me what you know about the relationship between Beau Courtenay and Allan Daniell.

Relationship? Maggie snorted. There is no relationship with Allan the sleazeball, Maggie said with a roll of her eyes. He is Beau’s younger half-brother, they share a mother. Allan has done nothing good with his life. She emphasized the next word. "Nothing."

Understood.

Maggie crossed her legs and adjusted the hem of her skirt. The sleazeball steals money and anything else he can pawn from everyone around him. I’m sure it all goes to alcohol or drugs.

Sounds as if you hate him.

I hate what he does to Beau. It stresses Beau to high heaven whenever Allan makes one of his unwanted appearances. This means I’m stressed trying to control Beau and get him to kick the guy permanently out of his life. Due to some ancient promise to his mother to look after his younger brother, Beau feels obligated to watch over Allan. I don’t believe she meant for him to help like this.

Do you know where Allan is?

Haven’t seen him in months. He tried to get money out of Beau before he left, but Beau ignored his increasingly harassing calls and pleas.

What college did he attend?

College?

He’s supposed to have been at a college for the last two years.

Maggie laughed in a derisive tone. Is that what he said?

To Cecile and others at the Charm, yes.

Please, he didn’t even graduate from high school. There’s no way he was in college. He was a patient at the Pavilion and then at a residential rehab center called Twelve Oaks, but I heard he skipped out on both of them. He never sticks to anything. When he doesn’t stick, he always blames it on someone or something else and never where it belongs—him.

A psychiatric center and a residential drug rehab center. Not a college.

Maggie shook her head. Nope. Did I mention he’s a habitual liar as well as a drug user?

Anything else?

"Cecile swears he is constantly tagging along Dakota’s heels whenever he’s at the restaurant, like a pathetic puppy. He cares more about what Dakota is doing than doing his job. I think Dakota once gave him some attention, but realized the sleazeball is an addict. Even if Dakota told him he wasn’t interested, Allan’s intent on getting in his bed. Cecile mentioned he disappeared from