Red and the Big Bad... Wolf?

By Elizabeth Lee Sorrell

Zeke had a secret to keep and a duty to fulfill. Romance was not a part of his plans, but fate had 
different plans. 

Roxie was a busy and successful business woman. After a random mugging, Roxie found 
herself caught up in a much larger and deadlier crime wave. Now she’ll have to count on her brother&rsquo

• Language: English
• Publisher: Yarbrough House Publishing
• Release date: Jun 29, 2018
• ISBN: 9780999580042

Elizabeth Lee Sorrell

Elizabeth Lee Sorrell, an Alabama native, is a gifted teacher. She has worked with babies and preschoolers, for twenty plus years. She is a teacher in the Federal Head Start program. She has her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Development, her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education, and her Master's in Early Childhood Education. When not teaching, or leading as the Nursery Coordinator of her church, she is with her family and dear friends, probably reading or writing a book. She loves to spend time with her nieces. Elizabeth is a Christian. She cheers for the Auburn Tigers, and the Atlanta Braves. As a big baseball fan, she has, more than once, written stories in the world of MLB, and watches as many games as she is able. Elizabeth has been writing stories since she learned how to write, almost thirty years now.

Book preview

Chapter One

Sallee Roxanne Gardner was ready to spit fire as she walked out of the board members meeting. The board members were all pompous windbags that didn’t believe a woman should be running a multimillion dollar company. The board was comprised mainly of retired businessmen with an outdated way of thinking. They were hand chosen to sit back and exist in name only, to let others hold all the control of running the company. They had regular meetings, but all that was ever discussed in meetings was Roxie’s short comings, not that all they discussed was true. They were old men who just wanted something to sit around and gripe about, so Roxie kept quiet and let them run their mouths as long as they never actually tried to do anything that could undermine her or risk the company. The men had been especially vocal today, but that was not what had Roxie so frustrated.

Everything had gone wrong since she got out of bed that morning. She had reached groggily toward her alarm to cut it off and inadvertently knocked a glass of water off the night stand. Water had gone everywhere, all down the wooden night stand, soaking into the carpet, and splattered across her bed.

She slipped in the tub, almost falling, and when she was trying to make it out the door with a cold, plain bagel and a glass of orange juice in hand, the glass slid from her hand. It shattered on the floor sending glass and orange juice in a five foot radius. Orange juice was dripping from her suit, forcing her to turn back to change clothes as well as clean the mess, and she had a small nick on her right ankle caused by flying glass.

Just in case she was not running late enough already, there had been a wreck on the interstate that Roxie had barely missed but had not managed to miss the traffic back up. The only good thing that Roxie could find that morning was that she had not been involved in the wreck; she had barely missed it.

All the little things that had made her morning so irritating was still not what had upset her the most today. Only one thing could frustrate her this much, her family.

Roxie loved her family very, very much. For the most part, they were a close knit family, but sometimes they could be the most irritating people in her life. She was the youngest of three. Michael and Kris, her two older brothers, were both the big, strong, overprotective type. Michael was eight years older and Kris six years older than Roxie. Their dad had died when Roxie was only two, and both brothers had tried to step in to play daddy.

Michael still lived in the small town they grew up in where he practiced dentistry and helped take care of their mother who had never remarried. Although, he lived on the opposite side of town, which technically put him out of the way in either direction. Kris bounced around from job to job since returning home from a twelve year military career.

Today, Kris was the object of Roxie’s frustration. She had not been in the meeting for two hours total, and he had called her cell at least four times. He knew she was at work, and he knew that her job is taxing. She really did not have time for interruptions especially today when her whole day had been thrown off. Because he knew this, Roxie was scared not to return his call. What if something was wrong? There could be some sort of emergency.

Roxie slid into the desk behind her chair and pulled up Kris’s number.

Hey, Red! Kris’s voice came over the line.

Roxie scowled at the phone. Her family had called her Red for as long as she could remember, because she was born with fire red hair and never really looked like a Sallee. She later chose to go by Roxie on her own.

Hey, Kris, what’s up?

Remember that friend I’ve been telling you about?

Roxie remembered. Kris had been hounding her to get a friend of his a job. It was someone he had met during his time in the military; Roxie had never met him.

I told you I don’t have any openings, and even if I did I don’t just hand out jobs.

I’m not asking you to either. Interview him. He’s worked in almost every level of business. He’s smart, thinks on the fly. Red, he really needs this. I wouldn’t ask you if it weren’t important. You know that right.

Kris, this isn’t going to happen. I’m sorry. I’ve had a rough morning, and I’m running behind. I’ve really got to go I’ve got a lot of work to do.

You’ve got to take a lunch break right… because I told him to drop by your office around noon.

Kris!

Just interview him. You may change your mind.

I’ve got to go, Kris.

Roxie sighed as she ended their call. She couldn’t help but wonder if Kris ever bugged Michael at work like this, or tried to coerce him into handing out jobs. Probably not. Michael would not allow it, but Roxie had always been a push over outside of work. She could be a shark at work when the situation called for it, but that simply was not a genuine part of her personality. She thanked her brothers for that attribute, teaching her that in some situations she had to strike back or be taken under someone else’s rule.

Roxie glanced at the clock, 11:39. Great. She had not planned on taking a lunch. With everything that happened, Roxie figured that if she worked through lunch, she could catch up. So much for that idea. There was no hope for it. She would have to work late, unless Kris’s friend was a no show. Roxie hated working late. This business district was deserted after dark, and the last thing she wanted to do was walk the block and a half to the parking deck alone in the dark.

Roxie, came Lucy, Roxie’s secretary’s, voice through the intercom. Roxie had insisted that she call her by her first name. There is a man out here to see you; he says your brother sent him.

Not a no show then. It’s ok, Lucy. Send him in. Better to get it over with so that she could get on with work.

Roxie stood up to greet the man entering her office. Halfway across the small room, she tried to hide her shock as he strode through the door with a confidant gait. He was not at all what she had expected. This man had been in the military with Kris and had supposedly worked jobs at every level of business. She was expecting someone a little older, but this man didn’t look any older than her own thirty-one years. He was huge. He wasn’t a giant or anything, but he was tall and muscular. He was built like he was still in the military.

Kris had bulked up a lot while in the military. Kris wasn’t a small man before or now, but he had lost some of his bulk since quitting the military. If this man had been any larger or stronger, Roxie would have been rightly scared just to be in his presence.

Roxie could see the muscles through his nice fitting shirt bunch in his shoulder and chest as he lifted his hand to shake hers. Hi, I’m Patrick Miller.

His handshake was firm, his skin calloused, and his touch warm. Roxie got caught in his gaze, mesmerized by his glassy, dark eyes. They looked almost black; they were so dark that she couldn’t tell what color they really were.

Hi, Roxie Gardner. I’m sorry. I tried to tell Kris I really don’t have any openings right now. Roxie forced herself to look away from his eyes. He had a dark tan like he spent most of his time outside. It was a far cry from Roxie’s porcelain, pale skin that almost never saw sun. She couldn’t tan anyway even if she did have time to get

more sun.

That’s ok. I understand. I’m sorry to have taken up your time. Patrick turned back around toward the door.

Wait, come in and have a seat. Roxie didn’t know what she was thinking. The man was willing to turn back around and walk back out the door. She could get her work done, but she was asking him to stay. The smart thing would have been to encourage him to leave, but Roxie just couldn’t bring herself to watch him walk away so soon. It was weird, but she wanted to talk to this man. You took the time to come in today. You might as well interview while you’re here.

But you don’t have any openings.

That doesn’t mean that none will open up. You never know when getting your foot in the door could help, right?

Sure. Patrick didn’t look sure, but he took a seat anyway.

So, Kris tells me you have some experience in business?

Roxie asked.

Yes, it’s been a while, but it’s like riding a bike.

How long has it been?

Years.

You and Kris met in the military, right?

Yes.

When did you work in business? This man’s story was unraveling right before Roxie’s eyes. He was far too young to have worked every level of business before entering the military.

It was before I met Kris.

Aren’t you a little too young for that?

I’m older than I look.

Exactly how old are you? Did you bring a resume or anything?

Patrick held up a folder but did not hand it to Roxie instead he stood up and said, Look, this was a bad idea. I’m going to go. I appreciate your time. Tell Kris that I appreciate his concern, but I can take care of myself.

◆◆◆

He had to get out of that office fast. He had met the rest of Kris’ family, and his baby sister looked nothing like them. She had red hair that hung in loose curls around her face. It was as bright as a flame in the night, shinning like a beacon, and it was calling to him. Hair like that is definitely an attention grabber.

That short dress showed off her long sexy legs and did little to hide the curves that drove all reason from his mind. She had smooth, flawless, creamy white skin with a scattering of light brown freckles. More than anything right now, Patrick wanted to play connect the dots like some preschooler. Whatever it took to get his hands on her skin to see for himself if it was nearly as soft as it looked.

Even her voice was appealing like perfectly tuned bells ringing through her every word. Patrick wouldn’t mind sitting here all week listening to her talk. Responsibilities could wait, couldn’t they? That wasn’t right. Her sweet voice did funny things to his brain. He couldn’t think around her. He had walked himself right into a corner without even thinking about it. Patrick never let anyone get that close to confirming suspicions. He didn’t know what she suspected as of right now, but he wasn’t sticking around to find out or to give her long enough to draw more theories.

He had enough on his plate anyway, too much to be focusing on a new job. He hated that he was forced to look for one in the first place, but people were beginning to talk. It didn’t make sense that a man could go years without steady work and not run low on funds. If only he could have stayed with the military. He fit in better there, and he could more easily do what he had been born to do. It wouldn’t have been long before his lack of deterioration caused questions, and he was needed more here, no matter the complications.

Kris wouldn’t be happy with him, but that was just too bad. He had never made it his goal to keep Kris happy. Kris was a good friend, but he could take care of himself.

He flew past the front desk and security. He was going to find something to eat and maybe do a little checking around before dark, but he couldn’t seem to get Kris’ baby sister off his mind. What did she say her name was? Roxie? That wasn’t what Kris called her. He closed his eyes and saw her in his mind as he listened to her voice chiming through his head. That bright red hair was lighting up his whole world right now. Red, that was it. That was what Kris had called her, and it suited her well.

◆◆◆

Roxie had not wasted much time with Patrick, not as much time as she could have wasted if he hadn’t shot out of there like a man on fire. Let’s face it, she didn’t waste as much time as she had wanted after getting an eyeful of that man. What had gotten into her? Her brothers were big, muscled men. She did not usually go gaga like that over a beefy man. That man was built of pure muscle and masculinity, and Roxie could have, wanted to, spend a lot more time talking with him. Still, she had wasted enough time that she would have to work over just a little.

Roxie pushed herself and left only forty-five minutes late, but that little bit of time had been enough for not only the building to empty out but the whole district too. Dusk had fallen, and it was already difficult to see. Roxie knew the way well enough that she could make the trek easily in the dark.

She picked up her pace wanting to get out of there as fast as possible. It wasn’t like the business district was a bad part of town. Break in’s were rare and usually by teenagers easily caught. She hadn’t heard of any trouble, but that didn’t mean that she wanted to hang around alone in the dark either. There was something in the air tonight creeping Roxie out.

As further proof that any danger out there tonight was in her head, Roxie made it all the way back to the parking deck and her car without anything happening. She remotely unlocked her doors and reached for the handle as something cylinder and relatively small pressed against her back.

Roxie’s head began to spin when she realized the danger too late. There was a gun pressed into her back, and a raspy voice whispered, Get in the car. We’re going to take a little ride.

Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion, yet Roxie couldn’t process it all. She tried to get her body moving to just do what the guy said, but her body wouldn’t cooperate. She needed to breathe and remain calm; there was no one around to hear her scream if she did try. Before she could drag in her first breath, something large and hairy flew over her left shoulder.

This time Roxie did scream as she sucked in a sharp breath and collapsed to the ground and covered her head with her arms. It was a useless gesture, she knew, but she didn’t know what else to do. She wasn’t a fighter. Her brothers had always fought her battles for her. She had always taken it for granted before that they protected her the way they did, but it was doing her little good now.

Roxie stayed pooled on the concrete next to her car door with her eyes shut tight. Sounds of a scuffle filled her ears, drowning out all other noise. She could hear crashes and bangs. Grunting and… growls? It wasn’t growling from a human; it was more animal.

When the racket finally quieted down, Roxie eased her arms away from her head and slowly pushed herself back to her feet. Her attacker was lying behind her car bloody, maimed, and unconscious. To the right of the body, stood a large wolf with a bloody muzzle. The wolf was dark brown, nearly black. It had long fur and eyes equally as dark as it’s fur, and it was staring straight at her.

Roxie made eye contact with the wolf. Then it turned and ran off. Roxie let out the breath that she had not realized she’d been holding and started scrambling to find her purse and her phone.

The 911 dispatcher stayed on the line with Roxie until the paramedics arrived. One of the paramedics checked to see that she was okay then moved her away from the gore. The police arrived soon after and asked a million questions. It was late by the time they let her leave. She was relieved when she turned back to her car and saw Kris leaned against the driver’s door.

How did you know? she asked.

Friend on the force, Kris answered briefly.

You just have friends everywhere, don’t you?

Pretty much. How you holding up, kid?

Roxie buried her head against Kris’s chest and let go of all the tears she had not allowed herself to cry during the police questioning. It was so horrible. Kris held her close and did not say a word while he let her cry it out of her system.

Let me drive you home, Kris suggested leading her to the passenger’s side.

What about your car? Roxie protested.

I’ll get somebody to bring me back for it tomorrow. Like you said, I have friends everywhere, so stop arguing and get in the car.

Kris drove her back to her apartment and did not leave until she was safely tucked into bed. Sure, he was treating her like a child, but thank heaven for overprotective brothers who would baby you after a night like tonight.

The next morning, Roxie shouldn’t have gone to work. She shouldn’t have gone anywhere, but she did. She got up, got dressed, and went on as normal. She moved like she was in a trance, going through the motions without much notice. The only thing out of routine was calling Lucy for a ride.

Lucy was great! The way she stepped up to keep Roxie going was tremendous. Lucy has to be by far the best secretary ever, and she proved herself a good friend in the process. She kept Roxie moving through the remainder of the week.

Roxie knew if she could make it through the week, that she could go home this weekend to be with her family. They were planning a get together Saturday. It wasn’t much; all they were doing was going to Mom’s for lunch, but being surrounded by family just now was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Friday was long and excruciatingly boring. All Roxie wanted to do was to get out of there and try to put everything behind her. Now, she was regretting her decision to continue as usual. Specifically she was regretting her decision to come in to work today.

Lucy, I’m waiting on a report from… uh Roxie started scanning through her email looking for the name of the smaller location she was looking for. She was going to have to see to it that they got brought up to date with technology. Every other location emailed their reports, but this location was still printing them out and using snail mail.

I’ve got it. It got here a few minutes ago. Would you like me to bring it in?

Please.

Lucy walked into the office wearing a big smile. Phillip, from the mail room, laughs every time he delivers these things. She tossed the large manila envelope on the desk and plopped into a chair opposite Roxie.

I know, I was just thinking I need to make sure that location becomes a bit more tech savvy.

Maybe you could go down there yourself. Take a little time off and teach them what they need to know.

You know I have too much to do here, Roxie reminded.

Okay, I just thought it might give you a chance to focus your mind on something else for a while. You could really use some time off. I’m really worried about you. You’re here in body, but you haven’t been yourself since it happened.

Lucy didn’t have to say aloud what it was. No one mentioned it out loud, but it was all Roxie could think about. She swore she could still feel the hard steel of a gun pressed into the middle of her back, and each time she closed her eyes she saw the wolf’s dark eyes as if they had seared into the back of her eye lids.

I know, Luc. I’m going to have lunch with my mom and brothers tomorrow. I just need to take the weekend to calm my nerves. Having my family around me will help.

Yeah… Hey, whatever happened to that friend of your brother, Lucy asked with a waggle of her eyebrows then added. "That one

was cute."

It wasn’t like that. He was looking for a job. Kris sent him here. I told Kris it wasn’t going to happen, but that’s Kris. He doesn’t ever give up.

Any chance he might send that guy back again? I wouldn’t mind having him around to look at every day.

I honestly don’t think that guy would come back here if Kris paid him to. He shot out of here in a big enough hurry to set his heels on fire.

Yeah, what did you do to him? You’re usually so nice to everyone.

I didn’t do anything. We were just talking, sort of interview style… Something about that guy doesn’t add up. I asked to see his resume, and he took off instead.

Too bad. Lucy’s face had a faraway look. She was daydreaming about something or somebody, Patrick no doubt.

He was nice looking, wasn’t he? Roxie offered in a whisper.

Lucy looked at Roxie with a knowing smile before that smile turned sympathetic. Girl, why don’t you get out of here? That report will be here on Monday, and no one is going to begrudge you taking a half day after what you went through.

I might do that. Are you sure you don’t mind?

You’re the boss; don’t ask me.

Thanks, Luc! I’ll see you Monday! Roxie grabbed her purse and still emptied briefcase and practically ran outside and all the way to her car.

There was still a large blood stain in the parking deck. Roxie started parking five spots away, but it did nothing to block out the discoloration. Seeing the blotch was like seeing the bloodied body sprawled out again. Roxie had heard that the guy had recovered and would be getting released from the hospital soon; however, she had also heard that he was not going to be released scott free. He was under arrest for several counts of armed burglary. Roxie was apparently not his first victim. For some reason, none of that was nearly as comforting as it should have been.

Roxie had an uncomfortable feeling of being watched. It was just nerves after everything that had happened. That had to be it, right? Either way, Roxie fished her phone out of her purse and

called Kris.

Hey, everything okay? Kris answered the phone.

Yeah, I’m taking half a day. I’m on my way back to my car, and I just needed someone to talk to me for a while, kinda calm my nerves.

You want me to come pick you up?

No, I’m fine, really. I’m just a little… jittery. Just talk to me.

Okay, you still coming tomorrow?

Yes.

Mom’s been talking about it nonstop all day. I tagged along to help her out with some shopping today.

That’s nice.

Yeah, I think she’s milking it, having me around again. How did she ever survive while I was gone? Roxie could literally hear the smirk in Kris’s voice.

Michael and I were still here for her.

Sure, here but busy with work.

Mom’s not as helpless as she’d have you believe either.

It’s a symbiotic relationship. Mom wants the company, and I like feeling needed… Hey, with all the excitement, I forgot to ask you the other day. How did it go with Miller?

Kris, Roxie practically whined, I told you that I didn’t have any openings and don’t give away jobs… I talked to him. He took off though. I don’t know if I offended him or something. I didn’t mean to if I did. I don’t know what happened. He just left. Fast.

Strange. I may check on him later see what’s up. He’s sort of an independent sort. He won’t like me checking on him like some kid.

An independent sort? I’m starting to think that is a prerequisite for the military.

Right, because you know so many former or current military. How many of us do you know?

I know you, and… I met your friend the other day.

Two, yeah, you’re the military personality expert alright.

"Fine, you made your point. I’m almost home now.

Thanks, Kris."

Anytime, Red, anytime. See you tomorrow.

Bye.

Roxie tried futilely for the rest of the day to relax. She couldn’t calm her tattered nerves no matter what she tried. She attempted taking a nap, but when she closed her eyes, the whole gruesome scene replayed repeatedly in her mind. So instead, she got up and trudged to the bathroom for a steaming, soothing bubble bath.

The water was hot, giving her skin a rosy flush. A thin layer of sweat formed over her face and rolled down the sides of her head. The bubble scent was supposed to have a calming effect on the mind and body, but it had no effect on Roxie today. She laid in the tub watching the bubbles pop and waited for the hot water to ease her tense muscles. Unfortunately, the water had as little effect as the bubble scent.

Next, Roxie tried some double fudge, chocolate chip ice cream. That was always one of her favorite go to stress foods. Today, not even chocolate could help her. What she really needed was a way to forget. Forget the way the hard barrel of the gun felt pressed menacingly into her back, the way chills ran up and down her spine radiating from the