Through It All

By Altonya Washington

Xavier Garrett's dangerous career as a homicide detective finally prompted Vanessa Garrett to end their marriage. When a murder occurs at the publishing house where Van works, Xav heads the team handling the case. When it's discovered that the killer is targeting the company's executives, Xav goes to great lengths to protect his ex-wife. The situation is far too close for comfort and reminds Vanessa of everything she gave up when she left her sexy ex-husband.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Altonya Washington
• Release date: Oct 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005705428

Altonya Washington

AlTonya Washington's first contemporary novel, “Remember Love” BET/Arabesque 2003, was nominated by Romantic Times as Best 1st Multicultural Romance. Her novel “Finding Love Again” won the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Multicultural Romance 2004. Her fourth novel “Love Scheme” was nominated as Favorite Steamy Novel for the prestigious EMMA Award of Romance Slam Jam. She presently resides in North Carolina.

Book preview

Through It All

By AlTonya Washington

Copyright 2020 AlTonya Washington

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

PROLOGUE

Manhattan- 7:38pm

   "Look Margo, if Web Thesan is truly interested in his writing and making it the best it can be, then he's got nothing to worry about. He'll go far. But, if dollar signs are the only things in his eyes, then he's got a problem. And he would be your problem."

            I know that Conrad, but as Web's agent, I have to cover all the bases. He's a new writer and those dollar signs can be quite persuasive.

            Conrad Davenport ran one hand over his face and sighed. Defending himself to the agent of one of their newest writers about their business ethics was not his vision of a 'wonderful evening'. As head editor at Darcey Press, Conrad usually left all the dealings with the agents to the other editors on his team. Unfortunately, the string of brutal murders targeted at the publishing house had greatly reduced his staff. Every day they were finding more and more reasons to call in.

            At the sound of a hard knock on the door, Conrad raised his head. The detective assigned for his protection, was standing just inside the office.

            Mr. Davenport, I'm gonna step over to the John for a minute, alright? Dennis Ames informed the huge, imposing man behind the large, mahogany desk.

            Conrad simply nodded and waved his hand. He really wouldn't have cared if Ames left all together. Surprisingly, the whole situation with the murders hadn't scared him at all. Conrad felt he had a job to do and couldn't afford to let this whole mess get him sidetracked.

            Listen Margo, Conrad said, swiveling his chair around to stare out at the city from his office window, if it'll make you feel better, we can have another meeting with Thesan.

            What for? Margo Harris questioned.

            Conrad shrugged. We'll take off the gloves. No tea and cakes this time. By the time the meeting is over, he'll know what we expect from him and what he can expect from us if he doesn't honor his part of the deal. Sound fair?

            Margo was silent for a moment. Yeah, it sounds fair...Too fair. What are you up to?

            Gee whiz, you are one suspicious lady. Conrad remarked, chuckling softly.

            Damn right I am. Margo agreed. But, out of curiosity, I'll go along with it. She said.

            That's all I ask. I'll have my secretary call you tomorrow to set something up. He promised.

            I'll look forward to it. Goodnight Conrad. Margo said, before hanging up.

            Conrad stared at the phone for a moment, before shaking his head. Most people couldn't handle all the aggravations that came with a job like his, but he thrived on it. It was his life. Swiveling his huge, black leather chair back around, he replaced the phone receiver on its hook. A sound caught his attention and his head snapped up. The last thing he saw was the shotgun aimed at his chest before it was fired.

***

            What the hell is it this time? Detective Xavier Garrett muttered as he stepped from the dark interior of the Jeep Cherokee. The huge, fierce looking dark man was frowning murderously as he headed into the lobby of Darcey Press. Surrounding him was his crew of four detectives.

            It seemed that every corner of the well-known publishing house was filled. Everywhere, there was a uniformed officer, or a plain clothes detective.

            The gang's all here. Jack Demais tiredly pointed out as he pulled out his pad.

            Lieutenant Michael Oran saw the crack detective team heading towards him. He walked over to meet them in the middle of the lobby. Xav. Guys. Michael said, acknowledging them with a brisk nod.

            Lieutenant, Xav replied, his deep voice firm. What have we got? He asked, running a hand over his shaved head.

            Michael sighed. It's messy as usual. He assured Xav, turning and leading them to the crime scene. The victim's name is or...was Conrad Davenport. He was the head editor. One clean shot to the chest and that was it.

            Shotgun right? Xav knowingly inquired, as they stepped into the elevator.

            Mmm hmm. Michael confirmed.

            So he's the last one? Calvin Thompson asked, leaning against the paneled elevator walls.

            If the killer's following the pattern and it looks like he is. Girard Ennis replied.

            Ya'll think the killer'll go after Miguel Brower again? Melin Griffin asked, referring to Darcey's Press's President of Operations.

            Xav grimaced, his intense dark stare growing narrower. He won't if he's smart. He said, pushing one large hand into the pocket of his leather jacket. But, with this case, nothing surprises me.

            The elevator doors swished open and everyone stepped out. The floor where Conrad Davenport's office was located was even more crowded than the lobby. Xav and his crew quickly made their way to the office.

           Jesus. Girard breathed. The body hadn't been moved yet, so there was the chance to view the scene first hand. The huge body of Conrad Davenport was sprawled over the long arm of the leather chair. From the looks of things, the impact of the shotgun practically put a whole right through him.

            What the hell is this all about? Jack grumbled.

            No one had an answer to the question. Whatever the reasoning behind the spree of killings was still a mystery.

            Xav ran a hand over his neat goatee and looked around the room. His onyx gaze landed on Dennis Ames, the officer assigned to watch Davenport. He and the crew headed right over.

            Can we talk man? Xav asked, taking a seat next to the officer.

            Yeah. Dennis wearily sighed.

            Xav patted the man's shoulder. We'll keep it brief. He promised. So what was goin' on up here?

            Dennis shook his head. Nothin'. Not a damn thing. Mr. D was on the phone hagglin' with some agent. I decided to use the John. I wasn't gone a minute when I heard that shotgun. He said.

            So it happened right as you stepped into the bathroom? Melin asked from where she stood by the sofa.

            Dennis gave a short laugh and looked up. No offense Melin, but I think the guy wanted to catch me with my pants down. I heard the shot right after I pulled down my boxers. He revealed.       

Melin smiled sympathetically and patted Dennis on the shoulder. So when you got back to the office you didn't see anybody or hear any commotion?

            Dennis pounded his fist to his knee. No, nothin'. I tell ya, it was so quiet you could've heard a pin drop on the carpet.

            Xav sighed and leaned back on the sofa. Sometimes quiet could be just as disruptive as commotion, he mused.

            Hey Xav!

            Xav stood when Girard rushed over with their usual clue.

            I was wondering when this would show up. Xav commented, as he looked at the thick paperback dictionary.

            Ever since the case began with the murders at Lillington House, the one clue was constant. With each murder, there was always one highlighted word in the thick pocket-sized book. Because of it, Xav and his crew had been able to piece together a partial message. Unfortunately, it had yet to give them any solid leads.

            Have you found the word yet? Calvin asked, coming to stand near Girard.

            Nah, man, Girard absently replied as he thumbed through the dictionary.

            So at this point, what do we have? Xav asked, deciding to call a brief meeting.

            Jack Demais pulled on his earlobe. Well starting from the beginning, we know the murders began at Lillington House in Connecticut. They usually begin at the top starting with the owner of the house.

            Melin chimed in. Then, the killer moves on through the chain of command, targeting the CEO, the President of Operations and then the Vice Presidents. She said.

            And that's where it gets messy. Girard added, as he continued searching the pages of the book.

            Mmm hmm, Melin agreed. There are sales, marketing, accounting and distribution vice presidents. They weren't targeted in any order though.

            And then the murders stop with the Chief Editor. Jack said, running a hand through his curly, brown hair.

            Right, Xav surmised, walking over to the office windows. The crew followed him. And in each case we find a dictionary with a word highlighted. Melin read that to me please. He asked, referring to their only solid lead.

            Melin flipped through her red notebook to the message. This is the first big fish in a small pond to fall, reject a tie. She read.

            Xav gave a heavy, tired sigh and turned back towards the windows.

            Here we go! Girard exclaimed and once again everyone's attention was drawn to the pocket-sized paperback.

            What is it? Calvin asked, his voice sounding hopeful as he walked closer.

            Brace yourselves; our word is 'with'. Girard revealed with mock enthusiasm.

            As a reflex, everyone pronounced the word as if it held some magic meaning. Curses and heavy sighs could be heard as aggravation took control.

            Frustrated, Girard threw the book aside and pushed his hands into the deep pockets of his overalls. Frowning, Melin picked it up and thumbed through it as well.

            Alright, connections, Girard began, as he paced the floor. We know that Lillington and Darcey were going through the same pattern of murders and that the small clues in these dictionaries are related. Even the weapon is the same. Unfortunately, we don't know who's doin' this and we don't know why.

            Xav pulled the heavy leather jacket away from his wide shoulders. With each passing day, his rock solid confidence wavered that much more. They had been on the gruesome case for over six months and the murders were still going strong. It seemed that they were nowhere near solving it.

            Let's get outta here. Xav grumbled, and stood up from the window sill. Everyone followed, but Melin lingered behind.

            Girard? She called, frowning at the pages of the dictionary.

            Yeah Hon? Girard replied, looking over his shoulder.

            Did you find another word highlighted? She softly asked.

            I didn't bother to look. Girard admitted. Why?

            Guess what I found? She said, turning the book around.

            Everyone stepped closer to view the other highlight: Motif.

***

            'This is the first big fish in a small pond to fall, reject a tie with Motif.' Does this mean anything to you Mr. Brower? Xav asked.

            Miguel Brower looked at the tall, imposing detective and slowly nodded. Motif is the name of a huge media conglomerate out of Dallas. He answered.

            What would they have to do with all of this? Calvin asked, leaning forward in his seat.

            Miguel, who was Darcey's VP of Operations, shifted uncomfortably in his desk chair. Well, we're currently in negotiations with them. They want to draw us under their umbrella so to speak. He told them.

            Xav sighed and ran one finger over his thick, black brows. Hmph, there's not going to be much to draw under anything. He solemnly pointed out.

***

            The next morning, Dabney Picard, CEO of Motif Media and a hoard of his top executives were seated in the conference room of their New York office.

            This is incredible. Dabney breathed as he reread the message Xav and his crew had pieced together from the dictionaries.

            Do any of you have any idea about its meaning? Xav asked from his seat near the head of the opposite end of the table.

            Dabney shook his head. I haven't got a clue. He stated. Anybody? He asked, looking around as his staff also shook their heads. Sighing, Dabney gazed down at the table. Detective Garrett, I assure you that we are eager to help and we'll answer any questions you have, but we've got no idea who or why anyone would target us. He assured them.

            Xav settled his chin to the palm of his hand. We appreciate your cooperation Mr. Picard. You say you don't know why anyone would target you, but this is a pretty large organization. Are you stepping on any toes in any of your current or past business deals? He asked.

            Detective, I'm sure you're aware that in business, stepping on toes is inevitable. However, I really don't think anyone would go this far. Dabney assured him.

            But why Lillington and Darcey? Havilland Porter President of Motif Media, asked.

            Dabney shrugged. Perhaps someone is after them as well and is trying to scare them away from doing business with us. He suggested.

            They're doing a good job. Someone commented.

            So should it stop here, Mr. Picard? Melin asked. Or are there any other houses you're currently wooing?

            One other, but we were further along in negotiations with Lillington and Darcey. Dabney sited. But do you really think these murders would branch out beyond them? He asked.

            Xav pulled a pad over in front of him. This is the first big fish in a small pond to fall. Reject a tie with Motif. He slowly read. Looking up, his dark gaze travelled around the table. I think whoever's doing this, would branch out as far as they needed to.

            Havilland Porter leaned forward. So you think our smaller acquisitions are being targeted exclusively? He asked.

            Xav shrugged his wide shoulders. "Not all of them, just the ones you're currently negotiating with. The killer seems to be striking all the 'big fish' and working his way down. These

Reviews for Through It All

[RedHobo · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The murder mystery was ok and the romance part not too bad but didn't do it for me.