Chasing A Shadow: Bayou Bounty Hunters, #5

By Melanie Atkins

Addie Hawk, a recovering alcoholic, has spent five years atoning for a bad choice that cost her custody of her son. The boy is now seven and lives with his father and stepmother, a woman Addie despises. Now, however, Addie believes her former husband and his wife have stepped over the line by allowing an ex-convict to move in with them upon his release from prison, thus endangering the little boy Addie loves more than anything in the world.

 

Quinn Connelly just got out of jail after serving a quarter of his sentence for simple assault for punching the man who stole his girlfriend. Properly chastised, he's determined to deal with his anger. He's just landed a job as a licensed fugitive retrieval agent and private investigator. Bringing bail jumpers to justice helps ease the aching loneliness in his soul. He relishes every minute he spends helping others and making the world a safer place.

 

Quinn doesn't count on is being sucked into Addie's desperate fight to win back custody of her son. She asks him to pin a crime, any crime, on the ex-con her former husband and his new wife have taken in, but he refuses. Then the boy claims the man assaulted him, and the ex-con disappears. Not willing to wait for the cops to find him, Addie begs Quinn for help and the two of them set out on an intrastate trek that may cost them their lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melanie Atkins
• Release date: May 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393470724

Book preview

Other Books by Melanie Atkins

Bayou Bounty Hunters:

Protecting Her Heart

Sealing His Fate

Unlocking Her Secrets

Removing the Mask

Chasing a Shadow

New Orleans Detective Series:

Cherished Witness

Prime Suspect

Chosen Target

Beloved Captive

Unwilling Accomplice

Perfect Partner

Keller County Cops Series:

Marked for Murder

Shield of Valor

Quest for Justice

Deliverance from Evil

Written in Blood

Trained to Kill

Code of Vengeance

Single Titles & Novellas:

Haunted Memories

Skeleton Bayou

Flash Bang

Blood Rite

Voodoo Bones

Emily's Nightmare

Valentine Vendetta

Copyright © 2017 by Melanie Atkins

ISBN:

Published in the United States of America

First Publication Date: May 11, 2017

Second Publication Date: May 8, 2020

Editor: Sarah Giese

Cover Artist: Jenifer Ranieri

––––––––

No portion of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying, recording, or by any information retrieval and storage system without permission of the publisher. Ebooks are not transferrable, either in whole or in part. As the purchaser or otherwise lawful recipient of this ebook, you have the right to enjoy the novel on your own computer or other device. Further distribution, copying, sharing, gifting, or uploading is illegal and violates United States Copyright laws.  Pirating of ebooks is illegal. Criminal Copyright Infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, may be investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Names, Characters, and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used in a fictitious situation. Any resemblances to actual events, locations, organizations, incidents, or persons living or dead are coincidental and beyond the intent of the author.

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my family. We suffered a devastating loss in 2016 when one of my daughters-in-law perished in an automobile accident, and writing hasn't been easy for me ever since. Yet everyone has pulled together and persevered, and with God's help we're making it through. Love conquers all!

Chapter One

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change...

Addie Hawk recited her mantra one more time before gritting her teeth and punching the doorbell. Her hands shook as she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and waited impatiently for her ex-husband to answer the door. Opening the door took him longer each time she visited Joey, and she'd finally decided Steven enjoyed making her wait.

Jerk.

Anger flared to life inside her, but she tamped it down. Getting mad at Steven right now would get her nowhere. She was the one still making amends, not her ex. He'd done nothing wrong.

Even so, she hated coming here to his house.

Her hand clung to the tiny gold locket she wore around her neck.

Three years ago, when her nightmare had first begun, she'd visited Joey at the Department of Human Services' satellite office in Biloxi. However, they had recently closed that office due to budget cuts, and Joey's social worker had arranged for Addie to come here to see him, at least temporarily. Ms. Middleton had first suggested that Addie visit with her son at a local fast food restaurant to keep their meetings on neutral ground, but Addie had opted to visit Joey here so they'd have more privacy.

She wasn't sure she was happy with the tradeoff. Supervised visitation on neutral ground didn't hurt nearly as much as seeing how happy Joey was living with Steven and his second wife, Mandy, whom he'd married less than a month after leaving Addie.

Mandy. The woman now raising Joey.

Addie drew in a fortifying breath and gripped the gold locket hanging from her neck that contained her son's picture. The piece of jewelry had become her talisman, because she should be the one raising Joey. She loved her little boy more than life itself and would love to go back in time and make different choices. Better choices. Choices that didn't involve alcohol.

The door swung open, and Steven pinned Addie to the porch with a blistering glare. Hello, Addie. You're early. Again.

Only by a few minutes. She released her stranglehold on the locket, dropped her hand, and rechecked her watch.

5:56 p.m.

Her square-jawed ex-husband glowered down at her. You know damned well visitation doesn't start until six o'clock.

Or whenever the social worker gets here. Addie struggled not to mock Steven, because she'd learned that if she did, he'd find a way to keep her from seeing Joey. She swallowed. "You tell me this every time. And nearly every time, she's late. That cuts into my time, because you make sure I leave at eight o'clock on the dot, no matter what."

Well, supervised visitation is what it is. He shot her another scowl. Wouldn't be this way if you'd never—

Don't. Please. She held up her hand. I know what I did.

Addie had done her best to make amends to Steven, Joey, and everyone else she had harmed while she was drinking, but Steven didn't give a damn. Five long years had passed since she had driven drunk and slammed her car into a pole with Joey inside. The boy hadn't been hurt, thank God, but Steven still refused to forgive Addie. Nor would he ever, she supposed. He was too rigid and exacting to give an inch.

Mr. Perfect. Father of the year. Yeah, right.

The clock in the living room struck six. Even so, Steven remained an unyielding force in the doorway, using his broad body to keep Addie outside. She crossed her arms and peered down the street. Still no sign of Charisma Middleton, the latest social worker assigned to Joey. The last one had quit after only six months, complaining about low pay, long hours, and an unwieldy case load.

Ms. Middleton was the fourth social worker to handle Joey's case in the last five years. Every time a new one took over, Addie was rocketed back to square one in her attempt to prove she was sober enough to take care of Joey on her own. If turnover continued at this rate, she'd never be allowed to visit with her son unsupervised, much less ever regain custody. That unfortunate truth made her heart ache.

A few more uncomfortable minutes passed before Ms. Middleton whipped her late model Nissan Altima into Steven's wide driveway and jumped out carrying a briefcase and spouting apologies.

Addie gulped back the urge to scream a litany of obscenities at the beleaguered woman and instead only smiled and nodded.

I understand, Ms. Middleton, Addie assured her, even as her gut churned with frustration. No problem.

Hello, Ms. Middleton. Steven greeted the social worker with a tight smile, then sent Addie a pointed look. She's right. It's no problem. Please come in.

Only then did he step aside and allow Addie to enter his and Mandy's modest ranch-style home. Joey usually met her in the foyer with a big smile and a hug, but tonight he was nowhere to be seen.

She frowned.

Steven shut the door behind the social worker and led her and Addie into the living room, where Mandy perched on the edge of the couch next to a man Addie had never seen before. At first glance, he seemed clean cut in a navy polo, khaki pants, and running shoes. The man had a pleasant enough face, but a creepy snake tattoo circling his neck arrested Addie’s attention.

A tattoo that screamed evil.

Hello, Mrs. Middleton, Mandy said with a bright look. She met the social worker's eyes and put a hand on the stranger's arm. This is my little brother, Verlin. He just got out of prison down in Leakesville and is living with us until he gets back on his feet.

Addie stifled a gasp.

Prison? Ms. Middleton arched her brows in surprise as she settled into the recliner next to the door, where she usually sat while Addie visited with Joey. Probably to block Addie's access to the door. Now, however, she ignored Addie and peered suspiciously at Verlin over the top of her glasses. I see. Why were you locked up?

I didn't kill anybody, if that's what you're worried about, lady, the man said with a nervous chuckle. Never did anything violent.

He committed a white-collar crime, Mandy offered, shifting closer to her brother. Nothing serious. Really.

Mrs. Hawk, every crime is serious to the Department of Human Services. We're charged with protecting the minor child growing up in your home, and should we deem your brother's presence as a threat to him in any way—

"I'm not a threat." Verlin's mouth curled into a sneer. He narrowed his keen dark eyes on Ms. Middleton and pinned her in place.

That evil look told Addie he was lying.

Steven cleared his throat. He's right, ma'am. He's no threat. He's my brother-in-law, and Joey's uncle. Joey's my son, and I have no problem with Verlin staying with us until he gets on his feet.

Well, I do. Addie gaped at her ex-husband. How in hell could he be okay with having a convicted felon living under the same roof as Joey? I might not have custody of Joey, but he's my son, too. And I have a major problem with someone who just got out of prison—

Like you've never been convicted of anything.

A DUI. A spark of anger ignited inside her chest. "But I got help. And I never did time in prison."

Guess what you said about her is right, sis, Verlin muttered to Mandy while pinioning Addie to the floor with a chilling gaze.

Mandy snickered.

Stop it, all of you. Ms. Middleton raised both hands. Just please stop and take a deep breath so we can talk about this as adults.

Certainly, Ms. Middleton, Mandy said, allowing her laughter to fade and shooting her brother an indulgent glance.

Addie wanted to throttle the bitch. Instead, she turned to Ms. Middleton. Ma'am, you can't possibly think this is a good idea.

Of course not. The social worker released a weary sigh. I wasn't notified that he had moved in. I haven't had time to vet Mister—

Granger, Verlin offered. Verlin Daniel Granger. Feel free to check up on me all you want. I was in for grand larceny, if that makes you feel any better. You won't find any other information floating around out there. I'm just a regular guy.

Really? Well, I'm sure you ran with a great crowd in prison, Addie murmured without thinking.

Steven shot her a vicious glare. You're one to talk.

Steven—

Enough, Ms. Middleton barked, silencing them. No more sniping at each other. Please.

Yes, ma'am, Addie murmured, embarrassed that she'd let her ex get to her. Again. Yet she couldn't help but be upset about his allowing an ex-con to live in the same house as their son. And speaking of Joey... She turned and met her ex-husband's assessing gaze. Where's our boy? This is my visitation time, and he's not here.

Upstairs. Waiting for us to finish our conversation.

You should've called Ms. Middleton about Mr. Granger before today so you wouldn't encroach on my time. I want to see Joey.

And you will, after we're done.

Damn it, Steven—

Addie, you need to take a deep breath, the social worker broke in. I'll make sure you have ample time to spend with Joey.

That's not what usually happens. I want my full two hours.

Not tonight. Mandy glanced pointedly at Steven, who bobbed his head in agreement and then fired Addie a haughty look. Joey goes to bed at eight-thirty, so we'll need you out of here by eight.

Not going to happen. Addie crossed her arms to keep from strangling the woman. Was she out of her mind?

Whoa, Addie. Ms. Middleton lifted a hand to shush her before turning to zap Mandy with a withering glare. Ms. Hawk, I would appreciate you and your husband allowing Joey to stay up a bit later than usual tonight so he can have a full two hour visit with his mother. I'm willing to remain here no matter how long it takes.

No, I'm sorry. That isn't convenient. Mandy fended off the social worker's glare with a furious one of her own.

Addie's hackles rose. "Learning you've invited an ex-con to live here with my son when I come to visit him isn't exactly convenient for us either, Mandy. You should've notified Ms. Middleton about this beforehand so you wouldn't infringe on my visitation time."

That wasn't possible.

Oh, yeah? And why is that? Is your phone broken? She took two steps toward Verlin, who remained on the couch, his lips tilted in amusement. The self-satisfied look in his eyes infuriated her. She gulped back the urge to slap him and asked the question burning through her mind. How long have you lived here?

About a week, I guess. He shrugged. I got out on June seventh.

See? Addie whirled to confront the social worker. "They've had an entire week to notify you, and instead waited until time for me to visit Joey to let either of us know. They did it on purpose."

I don't know about that, but you're right. Ms. Middleton frowned. "They should've notified DHS before Mr. Granger moved in."

I didn't think it was necessary, Mandy said with a defiant lift of her chin. "He's my brother."

"He's also an ex-con," Addie snapped, failing to control the utter contempt rising like hot lava inside her chest. An ex-con, who's living in the same house as my son.

Do you have to keep on about Verlin? Mandy rolled her eyes. Why'd you come here, anyway? To harass me, or to see Joey?

Why do you think? Addie fisted her hands.

Steven grabbed her arm. Don't you dare!

Stop it, all of you. Ms. Middleton sprang to her feet and stared him down. Let her go.

She was about to hit my wife.

And for good reason. The social worker kept her eagle-eyed gaze on him until he released Addie. Once he let go, the social worker nodded in approval. Thank you. Now, I want you, your wife, and Mr. Granger to leave the room and send Joey in to visit with his mother. Their visit will last for two hours, without any interference from any of you. Do I make myself clear?

But it's already six thirty, Mandy whined.

Ms. Middleton shot her an incredulous look. And whose fault is that, Ms. Hawk? Addie was correct when she said you should have informed me that your brother is living here before now. You and your husband did not handle the situation properly.

Wow, Steven said. I had no idea it would be such a big deal.

"Oh, it's a big deal all right, Mr. Hawk. A very big deal. The social worker dug a pad and pen from her briefcase and gave them to Verlin. Mr. Granger, please write down your personal information, plus anything you choose to share about your arrest and incarceration."

Fine. Whatever. He glowered at her but took the pad and pen and began to write.

Ms. Middleton put her hands on her hips. And I would advise you to find other accommodations until I can vet you and consult with the judge handling Joey's case.

You've gotta be kidding me. Mandy's mouth dropped open. She sprang to her feet. He doesn't have any other place to go.

Then I suggest you book him a hotel room for the duration of the vetting process.

And just who's gonna pay for that? Verlin speared her with another red-hot glare. I just got out of jail, lady. I don't have any cash.

Don't you have a job? She frowned. Isn't that a requirement for your parole?

Yeah, I got one working in the maintenance department at the big box store down the street, but I don't start until next week.

I see. Well, Mr. Hawk? Ms. Middleton lifted a brow at Steven.

He raised both hands. All right, sure. I'll pay. But only for a couple of nights. I suggest you vet him quickly.

I'll do my best, sir, but I have other cases and can't say how long it might take. She retreated to her chair. "Just keep in mind that if you had notified me that Mr. Granger planned to live with you before his release, all of this could've been avoided."

Steven muttered something foul under his breath.

The social worker narrowed her eyes. What was that, Mr. Hawk?

Nothing, he spat through gritted teeth. He turned and gestured toward his wife and brother-in-law. Come on. Let's go. The sooner Joey gets down here, the sooner Addie and this woman will leave.

I still say it's too late to start two hours of visitation.

Frankly, Ms. Hawk, Ms. Middleton said with a bitter scowl, I no longer care what you think.

Addie wanted to cheer, but satisfied herself with biting her lip and staring at the polished floor. As usual, the house was immaculate. Every table top gleamed, and not a speck of dirt or a single toy littered the pristine wood beneath her feet. Did her son really live here?

She glanced up to find herself alone with Ms. Middleton, who had a perplexed look on her face.

I'm so sorry, ma'am, Addie said, grasping how emotionally draining the woman's job had to be. I had no idea Mandy's brother was living here. If I had, I would've let you know.

Of that, I have no doubt. The woman chuckled. You would've tracked me down no matter where I was. You've done it before.

I know, and I'll probably do it again. She grinned and turned away when her son's footsteps pounded down the stairs.

Mommy! Joey's excited exclamation as he burst into the living room sent a jolt of adrenaline straight to Addie's heart. He bounded across the floor and threw himself into her arms. You came!

Of course I did, my sweet boy. Feeling complete for the first time since the last time she'd seen her son, she wrapped him in a hug and reveled in the small-boy feel of him. He smelled like apple shampoo and sunshine, her two favorite scents. Oh, I've missed you.

I've missed you, too, Mommy. Joey shimmied out of her embrace, plopped down beside her on the couch, and dug a red plastic dinosaur out of his pocket. Look what Uncle Verlin gave me. Said it was his when he was little.

Wow. Addie feigned excitement when in reality her stomach roiled. She tossed Ms. Middleton a worried glance and received a comforting nod in return.

Joey looked up at her. I want to go see the dinosaurs in Biloxi this weekend. Will you take me?

Oh, sweetheart. A wave of despair swept over Addie. She wrapped her arm around him and gave him a squeeze. I'd love to, but you know I can't. We have to meet here to visit with each other.

"Yeah, 'cause of her." He flashed Ms. Middleton an angry look. Daddy says she has to watch you. Why, Mommy?

It's a long story, baby. Addie drew in a deep breath and swallowed back the urge to cry. One day I'll tell you all about it, but right now I'd rather hear about your camping trip with Ben.

I wasn't just with Ben. His mommy and daddy came, too. Her son's face lit up with joy. They let us swim in the lake, eat s'mores, and tell ghost stories. We had so much fun!

I'm glad. She smiled so hard her cheeks hurt. Tell me more.

He did, chattering non-stop about hiking in the woods, chasing fireflies, sleeping in a tent, eating a hotdog he'd cooked over an open fire, and waking to the scent of frying bacon. All things Addie would have loved to have shared with him.

The two hours allotted for their visit passed in the blink of an eye, and before she knew it, Ms. Middleton stood and cleared her throat. Addie turned toward her, noting the sad smile plastered on her face, then Ms. Middleton nodded and slipped from the room to give Addie a chance to say goodbye to her little boy.

I've got to go now, sweetheart, but I'll see you next week, Addie murmured as she hugged Joey. Be good for your daddy and Mandy.

And Uncle Verlin, he added with a mischievous grin.

She tamped down her revulsion and bobbed her head, gave him one last squeeze, and let him go. Oh, how she hated leaving him here with a stranger in the house. An ex-con.

Joey? Come on, son. Time for bed. Steven barked from halfway down the stairs. Your mother has to leave.

He's right. She touched her son's cheek. Go on, sweetheart.

Okay, Mommy. Bye. He scurried from the room and disappeared up the stairs with a cheeky grin and a wave.

Addie held back tears until she reached the foyer, where Ms. Middleton waited by the door. Then she lost the battle. Rivulets of moisture trickled down her cheeks, and she angrily dashed them away.

I'm so sorry, she murmured to the social worker. I'm usually not this emotional, but knowing my son is living under the same roof as a man who just got out of prison—

It's too much. Believe me, I get it. Her expression solemn, Ms. Middleton bobbed her head. And believe me when I say I'll vet the man quickly. I don't want anything to happen to Joey.

Thank you. Addie wiped away another tear and followed the social worker out of the house. Damn it. She hated crying in front of the woman charged with supervising her interaction with Joey. Ms. Middleton probably thought she was too needy to regain custody.

As if reading her mind, Ms. Middleton touched Addie's arm before they left the porch. Don't be embarrassed to cry in front of me, honey. I can't imagine the pain this discovery is causing you. If Joey were my boy, I don’t know what I'd do.

Thank you. Addie released a watery chuckle. For caring and wanting what's best for my son. Some of the other social workers I've dealt with were too busy to give us the time of day.

You'll have no worries like that with me. The woman dropped her hand. I promise to do my best to help you.

Thank you, Ms. Middleton. I appreciate that.

Please call me Charisma.

Oh, all right. Addie nodded and trudged down the steps. Thank you, Charisma. See you next week.

I'll be here. The social worker smiled and climbed into her car.

Charisma. The woman certainly lived up to her name. Addie's heart thumped as she strode over to the used Hyundai Elantra she'd