The Lure of a Traitor

By F.L. Jordan

Police Officer Natalie Lock takes a new job in order to get away from her past. Little does she know, her past is about to catch up with her in the most spectacular way. As she struggles to keep her secrets from her new coworkers, she becomes partners with the one person on the force who could completely ruin her.

Sergeant Zachariah Hail may be blind, but that doesn't slow him down. As the city's lead officer in Black Magic Defense, nothing involving witches gets past him. Well, almost nothing. He and his faithful dragon, Copper, are known for their ruthlessness in the field, but Zach has secrets as well. His own past torments him from the bottom of a bottle and the touch of cheap company. 

Together Hail and Lock are faced with solving the case of a lethal black magic drug that's running rampant through the city. Will they be able to work together, or will their pasts get them killed?
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: F.L. Jordan
• Release date: Nov 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201773687

F.L. Jordan

Frances has always enjoyed writing. Be it in her free time, for 4-H competitions, or when she should have been paying attention in class, her pen has been run dry of ink with her imagination since childhood. Anything to escape the monotonous rows of corn and beans growing in her Indiana home. Fairies, dragons, and people of mysterious power have always been in the frontline of her musings. Now, as an adult, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their menagerie of animals on their small farm. The busy summer days keep writing on the back burner, but those long winter nights allow the creativity to flow.  Take a crack at one of her tales and step into a new word full of creative chaos.

Book preview

Chapter 1

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Natalie Lock stared up at the 4th Precinct Metropolitan Police Station. The building was massive, as it should be. There was a reason the 4th Precinct was the best in the city. The station had everything needed to keep their officers in perfect condition. There was an Olympics quality workout gym on the first floor of the basement, while the ground floor contained the station's garage. It was staffed by mechanics twenty-four hours a day in order to eliminate outsourced vehicle maintenance, saving valuable time by keeping officers on the roads. The entire second story of the building was a giant conference room with collapsable walls that could be used for debriefing meetings or re-certification courses. This particular feature was utilized by every precinct in the city, as was the gun range. The second level basement was set up about the same as a bowling alley, but automated targets replaced the pins. Every officer in the city completed their weapons proficiency tests here.

Natalie sighed, swallowed her discomfort, and nervously climbed the steps. It was her first day at a new job, with new people, and new expectations for handling the same old bullshit. At her old precinct she’d been the lieutenant; she’d been respected, feared even. Here she was nothing more than an ordinary police officer. The demotion and transfer were devastating, but at least she didn’t have to work with her abuser anymore. Seeing him everyday had certainly damaged her mental stability.

She stepped through the white marble building’s glass doors and walked up to the secretary’s desk, introducing herself with as much confidence as she could muster, Hi, I’m Officer Natalie Lock. It’s my first day and I’m not sure where I need to go.

Sign in here, the man looked completely bored as he handed her a clipboard through the bullet proof glass cage in which his desk was located. It was only 5:30am, how could he already be so unenthused with his job? He spoke in a flat monotone as he typed away on his computer, Looks like you’ve been assigned to... Sergeant Hail. I’ll take you to his office since you don’t have a key card yet.

Sergeant Zachariah Hail, Natalie had wondered if she’d get to meet him. The man was a local celebrity. Not only was his field record impressive, he was also a major spokesperson for Peoples with Disabilities. The equality group plastered Hail’s face all over the city. She’d even seen a few commercials with him speaking out against biased treatment of individuals with physical impairments. She couldn’t blame the company for utilizing him so much, he was a marketer’s wet dream. The man was beyond gorgeous; tall, striking features, naturally tan from his Latino heritage, and positively rippling with muscles. Not exactly her type, but she had admired him for his charisma during their days at the police academy together. Natalie couldn’t help but wonder if he’d remember her.

Don’t be surprised when he’s not what you’re expecting, the secretary warned, breaking her from her thoughts as he slowly stood, swiping his key beside the door, Hail’s a fucking prick, and don’t get too close to him or that damn lizard of his will light your hair on fire.

That doesn’t surprise me too much, Natalie thought about the beautiful little dragon that was always pictured with Hail. She’d been fond of the little beast from the first time she’d seen him stick his copper colored head out of Hail’s cadet cap during an inspection. He wasn’t born blind. I’m sure the experience has taken a toll.

The secretary snorted, You don’t know the half of it, but I’d advise you not to pry. His temper is shorter than a hooker’s skirt.

I’ll keep that in mind, Natalie smiled, happy to know that the sense of humor in this station was no different than the last. She’d been worried that she would be too crude for the top precinct in the city.

Many of the male officers eyed her hungrily as she trailed through the office behind the older man. She was used to it, but that didn’t mean she liked it. Her rank at the last job had given her the power to put an end to the staring, but here she would have to deal with it. Natalie glared right back at them, her hard gaze causing most of them to snap back to their work.

Natalie looked them over, surprised by what she saw. It would be easy for her to kick half of these men’s asses in hand to hand combat. One officer, a little on the larger side, dropped his jelly donut as she walked by, leaving a powder sugar imprint on his dark red uniform. She rolled her eyes and kept walking. Why did they even keep people like that on the force?

Zach, the secretary knocked on the hardwood frame of Sergeant Hail’s office door, I got that new transfer from 2 for you.

What the fuck am I supposed to do with her? the sergeant spat from within. Natalie couldn’t help but scowl. It was strange to hear such a sentence come from the same voice that positively encouraged people to outshine stigmas over the radio.

Don't ask me. Captain said she was your trainee, the secretary tossed up his hands and turned to leave, whispering to her as he left, Good luck, Toots.

Natalie sighed and stepped into the office. Hail was dressed in civilian clothing, leaning back in his chair. He had his feet propped up on his desk with his hands folded over his lower chest. His hair was disheveled and unkempt and he had several days worth of scruff growing on his jaw. The man obviously didn’t give a shit about anything.

She didn’t say a word, curious to know if the rumors were true. The shiny dragon that lay about his shoulders looked her over with intense scrutiny, wrapping his little body protectively about his human. She noticed that Hail’s head tilted slightly into the small creature before he spoke, as if listening to him.

Are you going to stop ogling me and introduce yourself or what? he looked right at her, his unseeing icy blue eyes boring through her.

Natalie Lock, she said her name and that was all, still examining the creature. The little dragon was no bigger than a common house cat, and just as attractive as his owner. His copper colored scales shone brighter than a new penny in the false fluorescent light, sparkling with each breath he took.

Never seen a dragon before? Hail sat up and the little creature glared at her. The two of them were obviously very close. Dragons are incredibly prideful creatures and typically hated their owners, preferring freedom to pethood. For this one to act in such ways, it must truly love Hail.

I have, she admitted, but not one as beautiful as him. The pictures don’t do him enough justice.

Hail snorted, Flattery will get you a long way with a dragon, Miss Lock, but not with me. Have a seat, and stop staring at him. He doesn’t like it.

She obeyed on both accounts, switching her attention to the task at hand, Just a warning, I’m not used to being a low ranking officer, so I apologize if I speak or act out of turn.

That’s right, Hail’s hand hovered over his desk for a split second before he confidently picked up a folder that had her name written on it, your transfer came with a hefty demotion. What are you running away from?

Excuse me? she shouldn’t have been surprised, the man before her had also been a lieutenant before getting injured in the line of duty. The commissioner didn’t just hand out the position, it had to be earned. Sergeant Hail was highly intelligent.

Only someone who’s desperate takes a job that’s barely a fraction of the pay they were making before, he opened her file, gently fingering the lower right corner of the papers within before flipping directly to the page that listed her reasoning for the transfer. Being closer to family isn’t that important. What risks are you bringing along with you, Miss Lock? What dangers are following you?

Avoidance was one of her many talents, so she chose now to use it, Your dragon can read?

The little lizard’s head snapped up, his eyes examining her intently as confusion washed over Hail’s face, Can you hear him?

Yes, she admitted, I’ve always been able to hear them, though I’ve never gotten the pleasure of truly interacting with one before.

Why wasn’t that in your file? he looked mad.

Because my previous captain deemed it an unnecessary talent, she replied.

Ha! Sergeant Hail slammed her file closed and stood. Captain Corvis is an idiot. No, you stay.

Natalie had barely moved to stand when he snapped his fingers at her. She watched him leave the office, his footfalls never faltering or showing any signs of uncertainty. As she settled back into the chair she thought about how the little beast had been communicating with him. The dragon had directed his hand to her file, read to him the exact facts he was looking for, and described every movement she’d made from the moment she’d stepped into his office. Close didn’t even begin to describe the relationship the pair had.

She sighed and chewed on her thumbnail. At least now she knew that the rumors were true, Sergeant Hail could talk to dragons. She’d never met anyone else who was capable of the same talent she had been ostracized for. Natalie doubted it would be a bonding factor for them, though. Based on his reaction, he wasn’t happy about her being there. The man probably saw her talent as an invasion of his privacy, just as she’d seen his questioning.

She looked at her file on his desk. There were a lot of things about her that wouldn’t be in there, and she wanted it that way. She’d had Captain Corvis’ secretary comb through the document before sending it out, picking out details Natalie wanted hidden. Her new coworkers didn’t need to know about her demons.

Yeah well, I don’t really see how that’s my problem! Natalie heard Hail shouting from somewhere out on the main floor, she didn’t turn to look, I want her out of my office, Levit. I’ve got too much work to do to be dragging around some failure from the 2nd Precinct. Give her to Burns, hell, give her to Verlock, anybody but me.

Well, shit, Natalie murmured to herself. Her first day and she’d already messed up. She’d requested this precinct for two reasons. One: it was the furthest place from the 2nd Precinct she could get. Two: she’d really been looking forward to getting to know Sergeant Hail. They always say you shouldn’t meet your idols, perhaps this is why. She’d looked up to him for years, admiring his perseverance and determination. Even before he’d lost his sight, she’d modeled her leadership practices after his.

She thought about their graduation from the academy. About how he’d given a speech as the top student in their class. He’d encouraged each of them to always defy the odds and work towards their goals. To achieve their dreams and strive to make the world safer for everyone in it. She also thought about how he’d talked through the whole ceremony, nearly missing his cue to get up and give said speech. He’d been such a happy person back then.

Get out, Hail spoke with the authority of someone ranking far higher than himself as he stepped back into his office.

Yes, sir, Natalie stood and obliged, making eye contact with the little dragon once more, Hello.

Hi, his voice was raspy, scraping against her skull like crinkled tinfoil against metal.

Don’t talk to my dragon, Hail’s tone held a sinister warning, or me.

She rolled her eyes, winked at the little lizard, and left. At least the secretary hadn’t lied. Sergeant Zachriah Hail was a fucking prick. As he slammed the door behind her Natalie looked around. Everyone had their eyes cast down, pretending to mind their own business. How annoying.

Natalie planted her hands on her hips and summoned the authority of her previous lieutenant position, "Can someone show me around this shit hole? Sergeant Jackass in there wasn’t exactly the most helpful."

I can, Jelly Donut Boy stepped up to bat, the shadow of his fallen prey still lingered faintly on his uniform.

Piss off, Burns, a younger officer with an impressive mustache got out of his chair. If she needs advice on where to find the vending machine we’ll call you. I’m Officer Laws.

Please tell me you’re kidding? Natalie raised an eyebrow, hoping the poor man’s name was a joke.

Nope, full name is Lawrence Laws, he sighed as he shook her hand. My dad did it so he could call me La La. Real sweet guy.

Sounds like it, she couldn’t help but laugh, Well, La La, lead the way.

Natalie followed the younger man through the office. He helped her register for a key card and picked up her new badge and gun. She scowled down at the plain silver shield, it was ugly compared to the ornate gold and blue lieutenant's badge she’d been carrying for the past five years. This sucked.

That should about cover it, Officer Laws brushed his hands of imaginary dirt, turning to smile at her as she tucked the badge into her pocket. Anything else you need help with?

Uniforms? she asked without looking at the young man.

Yep, he spun on his heel, You’ll definitely be needing those. This way. She followed him downstairs to a storage room. He unlocked it and let her in, Just pick two that are in your size.

You know, Natalie was having trouble processing the events of the morning thus far, everything here seems highly unorganized compared to the 2nd Precinct.

That’s just because Zach decided to throw a monkey wrench into the operation, Officer Laws watched her with little interest as she picked out the garments. He’s known you were coming for a week now and this is how he decided to protest. He always has to make a spectacle of everything. The coffee pot could be half empty and he’d bitch about how no one ever makes coffee but him.

It’s been my experience, she folded the clothes over her arm and picked up a pair of shoes and a belt, heading for the field gear next, that individuals who act like that are just unhappy.

Yeah, I guess, the younger officer shrugged, but in the grand scheme of things, he has so little to complain about.

He can’t get past what’s got him vexed, she spoke from a place of understanding, most can’t.

You’ll make detective in no time, Laws smiled warmly at her.

I should hope so, she snorted. It took me six years to get there last time, I’m too old for that shit.

You were a detective? he looked confused.

Worse, she carried her load of goods to the door, I was a lieutenant.

Christ, he backed away from her as though she were a leper, what happened?

I learned the hard way not to trust my friends, Natalie switched topics. Where do we go for assignments? If she got put on parking violations she’d scream.

Betty, but maybe we should stop by the locker room first, he eyed her full arms.

They traveled up to the second floor where Lawrence had to find someone to let her into the women's locker room, Men’s keys don’t allow access. He’d waved his keycard around before taking off to find another female officer.

‘Thank God for that’, Natalie thought as she watched him scamper off, returning a few minutes later with an older gruff looking woman.

I’m Beth, she shook Natalie’s hand and opened the locker room. Nice to meet you, kid.

Likewise, ma’am, Natalie knew that correcting people as old as this woman wasn’t worth the breath. Everyone was a kid compared to her. She followed her inside where she was shown an empty locker and given a lock and key. Natalie decided to quickly get dressed, finding comfort in the familiarity of the uniform. Her old one was made exactly the same but had been a bright powder blue. She’d actually chosen the 2nd Precinct because of their beautiful uniforms. The dark mauve she now wore seemed to suit her transition from a bright and enthusiastic youth to a well seasoned and experienced almost thirty year old. Natalie quickly put her hair up in a tight bun and exited the locker room.

Well, shit, Laws laughed as he took in her appearance, "I don’t think I’ve ever seen the uniform look quite that good."

Easy there, stud, she adjusted her collar. Not only are you too young for me, but I can totally see that ring on your finger.

My wife would likely agree with me, he laughed and turned to continue on their journey. You definitely don’t look your age. 

I suppose I should say thank you, she had come to loathe any compliment that involved her looks.

To the young man’s credit, he could read women well. He quickly changed the topic, So, got any hobbies?

Not really, she shrugged, I was kind of married to the job.

Gotcha, he nodded slowly, Then you’ll fit in great around here. None of us seem to actually leave when our shifts are over.

That’s the nature of the job, she smiled at him. So what are the key problems in this precinct?

Well, aside from the usual drugs, gangs, and illegal trading of mythicals, we seem to have a rising issue with black magic infused goods showing up in the impoverished parts of our district, he explained.

Damn, that seems to be happening everywhere, Natalie bit her thumbnail. I’d been dealing with the black market ring in the 2nd Precinct before I put in my transfer.

Have any useful information? he looked so hopeful. It must be a really big issue in this area too.

No, she lied, I hit at least a thousand dead ends. Whoever is initiating the sales is practically unknown. Any leads I got always came back as falsified names.

He sighed, That’s what we’ve run into as well.

They walked in silence for a moment before Natalie decided to ask a question, What’s the deal with Hail’s dragon?

Copper? Laws was clearly wondering what rock she’d been living under. He’s had him since he was a kid. Since Hail was blinded, the little guy has been acting as his eyes. Hail doesn’t make a move without Copper’s guidance. That’s why he’s allowed to have him in the office, not that it mattered much before. I heard Hail used to sneak him in under his uniform all the time.

I’ve just never seen a dragon so close to their owner before, she admitted. It’s nice.

Yeah, they’re not very loving creatures, he agreed. I used to have one; my mom sold it after it lit the house on fire.

That seems to be a common complaint, she chuckled. People really should do the research before getting such beasts. Hell, most can’t even handle a dog, let alone a fire breathing lizard.

I heard there was a way to remove their flint, he gently touched his throat. But I imagine that can’t be comfortable for them. Either way, don’t get too close to Copper. He has a tendency to be as grouchy as his owner.

They must be cut from the same cloth, Natalie was already determined to talk to the creature. Any chance you know what his favorite snack is?

Are you seriously going to try and bribe the man’s pet? Laws looked her over apprehensively.

I may have to slap Hail one day, she smiled. I want to make sure I don’t get singed in the process.

Laws laughed, Well in that case, I think he likes fish. I know Hail always takes him to the market for lunch and lets him pick out whatever he wants. The man seriously spoils him.

As he should, Natalie may have thought the man a prick, but she admired him for taking care of his companion. Dragons are insanely particular. One as loyal as that should be pampered.

I suppose. Anyway, here’s Betty, Laws pointed to an older woman that sat behind a sterile steel desk sifting through paperwork. I need to head home. The misses is probably wondering where I’m at.

Oh God, Natalie felt bad for taking up his time, I didn’t know your shift had ended. I’m sorry.

No biggie, he waved her off. Have a good day, Miss Lock.

You too, she waved goodbye and stepped up to the desk, introducing herself to Betty.

You were supposed to be here an hour ago, the older woman scowled at Natalie over her glasses. Showing up to work late isn’t a good practice, Miss Lock.

Unfortunately, Natalie corrected her, I’ve been here for an hour and fifteen minutes. Sergeant Hail was reluctant to show me around, so I had to improvise.

The woman snorted, They saddled you with that mess of a man? You’re basically on your own, honey. He doesn’t help anyone.

I noticed, she took her daily assignment from the woman and groaned. Parking violations.

~*~

Zach set his keys down in the bowl beside his door and shucked his coat as Copper took off to check on his hoard. It was just a small pile of shiny things the little dragon had collected over the years; some of value, most worthless fragments of glittery God knows what, but it meant a lot to the little creature. Zach could hear him rolling around in it. Normally the sound made him smile, but not today. Today he’d met someone that could potentially take Copper from him, and that was terrifying. Copper was Zach’s lifeline. He needed him to survive.

He sighed and headed for the kitchen, carefully counting out the steps he took in each direction. Zach had his entire apartment memorized. He’d tried to memorize the station, but it was too versatile. People always moved their waste baskets into walkways or forgot to push in their chairs.

He set his freshly purchased groceries down on the kitchen table and reached into the fridge for a beer, popping the tab and knocking it back. As the can emptied he crushed it and grabbed another, pulling his cell phone out of his pocket. He hated feeling insecure, weak. He needed a distraction.

Zach pressed the home button, Call John. He heard Copper instantly stop rolling around as he held the phone up to his ear.

The