Lethal Entrance

By Derek Candelario

The hottest party in town is still slightly underwhelming to Megan, who recently broke up with her cheating boyfriend. All she's looking for is a little bit of fun. Perhaps a lot of fun. Enough to drown out everything else in her life. And this random house party seems like the perfect opportunity.
But as Megan gets it on with a stranger in the bedroom, a gang of intruders raids the house. Kidnapping several girls, including Megan's best friend, Ashley, and injuring many others, the intruders leave Megan for dead – but not before raping her. Luckily, Megan is saved by a striking blonde man she previously laid her eyes on, Adam.
Knowing well that this is only the first step in the criminals' master plan, Megan's life changes in a heartbeat. With help from Adam, and a mysterious police officer named Brian, Megan must solve the case and bring her friend back.
But time is running out. The kidnappers make demands. And unless Megan can figure out a way to outplay every other party in the game, the lives of many more will be lost.

Dangerous, rapidly growing, and thrilling mystery, with a steaming love story caught in the middle of the mess.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Derek Candelario
• Release date: Jul 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393254300

Book preview

Chapter 1

The party was blaring in Megan's ears when she walked in. It was a cold winter night, and she already knew she didn't come with enough layers. She frowned at the underwhelming amount of people dancing in the open grass. She'd been to parties that were several times denser than this one, and she knew what the vacant spots mean. They mean more room to meet people. Less of a chance to escape someone's charm. Less of a chance to leave this party the way she came, or with what she came for.

Sweetie, you made it!

Megan looked to her side and saw Ashley, which she may as well call her current best friend.  Unlike Megan, Ashley was wearing clothes that were so exposed that they called immediate attention. Megan gave her a full-body scan with both eyes before smiling back. Ashley didn't mind her. Of course, she didn't, Megan thought. She wasn't exactly the brightest girl Megan knew. In many ways, Ashley was the polar opposite of Megan. Outgoing, careless, and would probably sleep with about ten guys in this party alone. However, from the outside, one might see them both as identical. They liked to party, and they liked to tease and have fun.

But inside, Megan was different. She was calculative and thoughtful, and she knew what she was doing. Perhaps this night, not so much.

Big party, huh? Ashley said as they parted.

This made Megan grin. Yeah, I guess so.

Well, how are you doing? It's been too long.

It's been two days.

But after such a heavy announcement, Meg! You can't keep your best friend in the dark.

Ashley seemed playful, but Megan replied with an uncomfortable tint of seriousness.

It's not in the dark, Ashley. There's really nothing to it.

I know, no big deal. Personally, I'm happy you broke up. I mean, he was cool and all, but it's going to make you happier, for sure. I believe that. Right?

Megan finally let loose a bit. Sometimes Ashley had true emotional intelligence. Sometimes she spoke from her heart. Other times, it was like talking to a fish. But this time, it seemed like a little bit of both. You can't blame a person for being so blissfully ignorant, yet so kindly accepting and lovely.

I guess so, Megan replied with a sigh and yet another little grin.

So! Ashley put her hands on Megan's shoulders and returned her a smile. What're the plans for today, girl? Choose your cooking level. My warm recommendation would be... taking it Medium Rare.

Megan didn't reply; instead, she giggled, trying to hint something else. And Ashley easily caught on.

Medium Well...?

Shut up, Megan said and laughed. I need to get my mind off things.

And you deserve to! Get drunk first. And don't leave my sight, okay? I know people here so I can get you in and out of everything.

Megan nodded. Cooking level, Jesus. You make everything sound like a game, Ash.

And that's why you love me.

The girls trotted their way to the interior of the house, where the party was livelier – but the music was a little too loud. Megan tried telling Ashley something, and her voice was immediately drowned in the heavy pop music that was deafening the place.

She walked over to the makeshift bar. A heavily tattooed man was operating it. He seemed like the type of guy who makes minimum wage and loves his job, even though he keeps slacking all the time. One tattoo was of a disturbing wolf, splattered across his arm as if he was taking pride in it. He had several sets of metal bracelets around each arm. His mouth was ajar, allowing Megan to notice a golden tooth. God, she thought. She never understood these people.

He said something to Megan with a smile, but anything said in this mess was just a hopeless attempt at making a dent in an ocean of sound. There was no way anyone could hear anything. She tried to be polite and grin back, then mouthed – not even talked – the word beer. He didn't understand at first, but a few attempts later and he nodded approvingly. She raised two fingers as Ashley came by her side and whispered something in her ear.

Outside? Ashley asked.

Megan nodded. She leaned on the bar and surveyed