Morally Justified

By CAM Mullins

When tragedy strikes former Marine Sniper Michael Miller's family, he has no choice but to take justice into his own hands. His crusade quickly becomes more brazen however, endangering those closest to him. With high level police corruption at play and no one he can trust, he must join forces with an outside detective to do his own investigation

• Language: English
• Publisher: CAM Mullins
• Release date: Jul 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9781734106206

Book preview

1

Zach stood quietly by the wall, looking at the picture of his mother and father. His mother was so beautiful. She had long blonde hair, big blue eyes, and the smile of an angel. His father held her tightly, standing perfectly straight in his military fatigues. It seemed like just yesterday she was still with them, although it had been a little over three years.

Michael Miller walked in the room with a toothbrush protruding from his mouth and quickly spotted his dog tags resting around his son’s neck. He reached to remove them, but Zach covered the metal ovals with his hands before he was able to.

Dad! Zach yelled.

Silly boy, why are you always wanting to wear those? Under his white shirt, Michael’s body looked ripped, he was clearly still in military shape. But despite his hard looking appearance, he was soft-hearted when it came to his son.

Semper Fi! Zach said. He put his hand to his forehead and gave a salute.

Michael chuckled and patted his son on the head. Get in there and finish getting dressed or you’re going to be late for school.

Zach skipped down the hallway and disappeared into his room as Michael turned toward the restroom, but he lingered to take a second look at Melissa, his amazing wife. He kissed his fingers and touched her face. Seeing the picture always made him misty-eyed, but he couldn’t bring himself to take it down.

He remembered the day as if it were yesterday, almost 13 years ago. After 13 weeks of boot camp at Paris Island, South Carolina, it was the first chance he and the guys were able to leave base, from Friday evening to Sunday at noon. He and Melissa had been talking for over a month and, when time permitted, seeing each other—but they weren’t officially dating. Michael had hoped to make things official that weekend. She was supposed to meet up with him Friday night at the Brig & Brew, a local bar where most of the patrons were Marines.

He had definitely invited her because he wanted to show her off to his Marine buddies. However, when she got home after work that Friday and discovered that her black lab puppy had gotten out of the yard and been killed by a car, she was too torn up to meet.

So, in the pouring down rain, he left the bar, bought a dozen long stem roses and a sympathy card, and walked the three miles to her house. She met him at the door with tears in her eyes, brushing them away when she took in his form on the doorstep. She took one look at his soaking wet clothes and invited him in. One thing led to another, and they spent the whole weekend together until Sunday, when she took him back to the base.

When they arrived at the drop off, Pauly, a close friend and fellow Marine, suggested they take the picture. Melissa thought it was a very nice gesture and quickly agreed. After she left, Pauly DeMatto and another fellow Marine, Nate Johnson, laughed about how they wanted the picture so that they could have a memento of the day that Michael’s man card had been taken. They razzed him for months about selling them out to hang out with a woman.

The picture was not only a memory of the weekend, but it was also a memento from the day he and Melissa officially began their relationship. It also brought back funny memories of his late friend Pauly.

Ten minutes later, standing in the living room in faded jeans, a flannel shirt, and steel-toed boots, Michael yelled Hurry up, Wyatt is waiting for you.

Out of the living room window, Michael saw Wyatt in the street on his bike. Zach’s friend lived across the street with his dad Billy and his mom Nicole, who Michael’s late wife Melissa knew as Nikki. They’d been best friends since middle school, like Zach and Wyatt now.

Good morning, Wyatt! Michael yelled from the front door. You ready for tonight’s game?

Yes, sir! I think I got two homers in me! Wyatt put two fingers in the air as if making the peace sign. Two more wins and we clinch first place. Wyatt was a big kid for his age, somewhere between overweight and stocky. He could attribute this to his dad’s genes.

Speaking of which, Billy was standing in his driveway across the street, a giant man in overalls, putting tools in the back of his truck. He waved a giant hand. Hey Mike, good morning to ya!

Michael waived back. Morning! What’s on the agenda today?

Billy closed his tailgate and started walking toward Michael’s house. Ms. Taylor’s water heater is acting up again, he loudly announced. I have no idea how that woman’s water heater acts up more than anyone else’s is in all of Indiana.

Michael laughed. Is her water heater having trouble or is she just missing her handyman?

Billy laughed as he reached Michael’s yard. Don’t say that too loud or who know who will hear you.

Just then, Nicole yelled out, I heard that! She smiled as she waved to Michael.

Good morning! Michael waved back. Billy chuckled.

Good morning, Mike. Ms. Taylor can have his lazy butt. He has time to run over there but doesn’t have time to rake the leaves around here. She motioned to the yard which was covered with a few inches of orange maple leaves.

Billy had been a statewide high school offensive tackle standout. After he tore his ACL in his senior season, watching his scholarships dwindle from high-ranking football programs such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame, to the likes of Appalachian State, Western Kentucky, and Central Tennessee. Truth was, he never would’ve left Nicole. He was head over heels in love with her; she was the ying to his yang, Nikki being the extrovert and Billy the introvert. They had a great marriage.

Nikki and Melissa met in fourth grade but didn’t become best friends until eighth grade when Melissa and her parents moved across the street. Once they started hanging out, the girls were inseparable. Unbeknownst to each other, they even became pregnant two months apart. Nikki spoke at Melissa’s wake, or at least she tried. She couldn’t get more than a few words out before she broke down and couldn’t recover. She took Melissa’s death just as hard as Michael. He tried to keep it together for Zach’s sake, but Nikki didn’t hide it at all. She was sobbing so badly that she wouldn’t let the casket go to allow them to lower it into the ground. Billy and a few others at the funeral had to physically restrain her.

Zach came racing out of the house and grabbed his bike laying in the front yard.

Goodbye, Dad, he said, half out of breath. Zach wheeled the bike around and started to jump on it.

Hey boy, aren’t you forgetting something? Michael crossed his arms in fake anger, looking down his nose at his son.

Zach rolled his eyes. Dad, do I always have to give you a hug when I leave?

Michael nodded and motions to Zach’s empty hands. Yes, you do, and you also need to always take your books and backpack to school.

Shit! Zach exclaimed.

Michael looked at him with surprise.

Sorry, Dad, I didn’t mean it. Can you bring my batting bag to the game tonight?

Yes, I can, and we’re going to talk about that mouth of yours later, too.

Zach ran back in the house to get his stuff.

Michael glanced over at Billy. Where do they get this stuff? What are they teaching them in school?

Zach came racing out of the house and hurried past his dad, backpack slung over his shoulder, then abruptly did a 180 turn, and hurried back and gave Michael a hug. I love you, Dad.

Michael kissed the top of his head, then playfully smacked him on the bottom. I love you, too, but we’re still going to talk about your language when you get home. And how many times have I told you about leaving your bike in the front yard? You’re getting really close to being grounded, young man.

Everyone present knew that was a lie. Melissa had always been the disciplinarian, while Michael was the softy. Once Melissa died, he became even softer on his son. Zach grinned and jumped on his bike and pedaled up the small bump from the driveway to the road. Wyatt was laughing You’re in trouble.

As the two started to pedal down the road, Billy stood watching with Michael. I don’t know where they get that shit from. He laughed.

Billy Ray! Nikki called out.

Billy bashfully lowered his head, then replied, I’ll rake the leaves this evening, honey.

Michael laughed. You two play nice. I have to get to work. Hey, what time are y’all getting to the field tonight?

Billy started to answer, but Nikki answered first. Six!

See y’all there, Michael said with a grin, then went back in the house.

Michael walked up the steps of the bleachers and sat next to Billy.

I can’t believe how clean you keep that Chevy, Billy said with a chuckle as he turned his head towards Michaels Silverado.

And I can’t believe you aren’t embarrassed to drive that Ford, Michael shot back with a grin. Billy laughed.

Nicole, who was sitting on the other side of Billy, opened a small red Igloo cooler, grabbed a bottle of water, and gestured it toward Michael.

Michael took the bottle and thanked her. Who’s he got pitching tonight?

Little Terri. Should be a good game. Nicole took a sip of the second bottle of water she had removed from the cooler for herself.

We just need two more wins to clinch first place, Billy said.

As the boys came running out of the dugout, Nikki was the first one to stand up and start cheering. Woo hoo! Let’s go, boys!

Billy looked over at Michael and whispered, Always the loudest one.

She focused in on him with female laser precision. What are you over there whispering about, Billy Ray? I know I’m loud and proud!

Michael laughed.

She went back to cheering. Let’s go, Wyatt! Let’s go, Zach!

As the innings advanced, it was like any other kids’ baseball game, the kids having fun, the coaches thinking of their own sports career that had been cut short, and the parents in the stands taking everything far more seriously than the kids on the field. Except, that is, Michael and Billy, who would have made great teammates in any endeavor. Michael had noticed that Billy kept better track of the nuances of the game than anyone he’d ever known. He attributed it to Billy’s own great sports career. Top athletes tended to be like that about athletic details, and Billy was like a living encyclopedia of how to excel in sports.

Zach’s got a bad habit, Billy said.

Yeah, talking back too much, Michael replied. Guess it’s just normal for his age, but I have to get better with the discipline.

Billy playfully bumped him with a shoulder. I’m talking about his batting technique. He’s got the hand-eye okay, but his stance needs work.

"Oh, sorry. Like what does he need to do?

It was the right moment to discuss it, because Zach was coming to bat. Billy pointed as he described his idea. See his right elbow?

Yeah, what about it?

He’s holding it too close to his body, which makes it harder to get torque when he swings. He has to lift his elbow, then come around. Extra work.

Intrigued, Michael watched as Zach took the first pitch, flailed at it, and missed, then stepped out of the batter’s box and tapped his helmet with his bat in frustration.

Wow, you’re right. Maybe he’ll do better this time.

It’d be better if you take him to the batting cages.

How about we take both boys, and you can suggest it to Zach? He’d pay more attention to you, ‘cause he knows about your playing days.

Cost you a steak dinner, Billy joked.

How about pizza and a beer? Zach was back in the box. Keep that elbow up, Zach! Michael called out. Zach looked back at him, puzzled, then faced the pitcher. This time he fouled a pitch. Michael turned to Billy. What do you think?

Yeah, I think he did it. Billy called out. Get a piece of it, Zach!

Knock it out of the park, Zach! Nikki yelled.

Zach tensed up and took the next pitch without swinging. Strike three and out. He started back toward the dugout; head hung low.

Michael got up from his seat. I better say a word, he said, starting down the steps.

Go get him, coach! Billy encouraged.

Michael stepped over to the chain link fence to show his fatherly love and support. Zach looked up and saw his dad and frowned.

Hey buddy, that was fine, shake it off. You’ll get it next time.

It was embarrassing.

Doing your best is never embarrassing. Hey, Billy said we should all go to the batting cages soon.

Zach looked up at Billy in the stands. Billy grinned at him, and Nikki waved wildly and blew him a kiss and cheered him on. Zach chuckled.

Gotta get back to the team, Dad. Tell them thanks.

He trotted back to the dugout, a new pep in his step. Michael grinned at his friends in the stands and made his way back to his seat.

The next player up got a single. The team was a run behind, and it was the bottom of the last inning. This brought Wyatt to the plate and Nikki went crazy cheering him on—she was easily the loudest parent at the game. Michael studied Wyatt’s stance; sure enough, his right elbow was cocked high, and his swing was smooth and looked effortless. The count built until it was full. Michael wondered what it would be: a walk, putting two men on base, a hit, or maybe a strikeout. It was none of those. Catching a low fastball just right, Wyatt hit a homerun and went bouncing around the bases with his team pouring out of the dugout to cheer him on. A walk off homerun. Game over!

Nikki went so crazy cheering, running down the steps and jumping up and down screaming in joy about what her son had done, it caused Billy to turn red with embarrassment. Michael laughed and playfully bumped him on the shoulder.

Hey, you can’t ever take the cheer out of the cheerleader.

I wouldn’t want to, Billy said. I just wish I could locate her volume control.

Zach and Wyatt came walking up the bleacher steps, each carrying a can of Coke and a sugar-filled Hostess treat. Nikki was being a baseball social butterfly at the bottom of the bleachers, grinning and chatting with other players moms.

Michael noticed that Wyatt was grinning from ear to ear, but Zach’s head was hanging on his chest.

What happened to you getting two homers? Michael teased Wyatt.

I only got one, but we got the win.

That’s the right attitude, Billy said. It’s a team effort.

You did good, baby! Nikki came running up the steps and pulled her son in for a hug. She lifted his cap and kissed him on top of his sweaty head.

Michael put an arm around Zach’s shoulder. What’s wrong, buddy? You won!

I didn’t play very well. I can’t believe I struck out twice. Zach droned sadly, his chin still resting on his chest.

Yeah, but you did steal 2nd and 3rd and tie the game for us in the fourth! exclaimed an excited Wyatt.

And we’re going to the batting cages, remember? Michael suggested.

This brought a smile to Zach’s face and a lift of his chin. Yeah, I guess so. I have to stop striking out or the Cardinals will never draft me.

The St. Louis Cardinals? Billy shockingly asked.

Yeah, the Cardinals! The major leagues are recruiting earlier and earlier these days, Zach replied with a look as serious as a line drive to third. He wanted nothing more than to be a professional baseball player.

Billy, Nikki, and Michael burst into laughter.

Seriously, they are! Wyatt exclaimed.

Zach stood up and walked down the bleachers a few steps. It’s okay, Wyatt, we can come practice this weekend and when we get drafted maybe we’ll give these old people some money. Wyatt and Zach both laughed.

Who are you calling old? Michael jumped up and leaped toward Zach, laughing as he chased his son down the bleachers and into the grass. Out of breath, he stopped and looked back at Billy and Nikki. See you guys later! Then he continued chasing Zach, who was running toward their truck.

Back at home, steam rose over the pot as Michael dropped the noodles into the pot of boiling water. You played a heck of a game! he called out to his son from the kitchen.

I did alright, Zach replied, never looking up from his video game in the living room.

Any homework tonight? Michael asked.

Nope, finished it up before class was over!

Boy, you love that game more than me, Michael said, walking into the living room and observing the cartoon video game figures as they moved about the screen.

Not true dad, not true. Zach’s eyes didn’t stray from whatever battle he was currently fighting on the screen.

Then come help me cook dinner.

Let me just get through this last level first. said Zach. He pushed a few more buttons, then said guys, I gotta go eat. See you at school tomorrow. He took off his gaming headset and shut down the game. He put the controller down and switched the TV to ESPN. The Cardinals and Red Sox were playing.

Following his father into the kitchen, Zach said, Whatcha cooking, anyways?

Your favorite, spaghetti. Michael lifted a hot noodle out of the pan with a spoon, then tossed it around in his hands to check its softness. Damn, that’s hot. I mean, dang, that’s hot. Dang! Michael yelled.

Zach laughed. Yeah, Dad, we are going to need to have a talk about that mouth tonight! I got $10 on the Cardinals over your Red Sox.

You got $10 on the Cardinals. You’re betting me? Michael raised his eyebrows in surprise.

You bet. Zach replied with a smug look on his face.

Boy, you don’t have $10 and even if you did, that’s too easy. I wouldn’t take your money like that.

I do have $10.

From where?

From when me and Wyatt cut Ms. Lawrence’s grass last week. So, is it a bet?

Anyone can win is spring training games, but since you’re so anxious to lose, I’ll bet you my $10 against you washing my truck, Michael offered, not wanting to take his son’s hard-earned money.

Deal! Zach shook Michael’s hand.

Set the table, dinner’s almost ready.

I’m gonna love eating that spaghetti, knowing you’re gonna lose, Zach chuckled and started pulling the plates out of a cabinet.

Spaghetti had always been a favorite in their house. Melissa made the best Italian dishes Michael had ever eaten, even better than when he spent six months stationed at a base in Florence, Italy when he was in the Marines. She always claimed it was due to her paying attention to her 100% Italian grandmother’s cooking when she was a kid.

As Michael brought the pan of noodles over to the table and split them into equal portions on both empty plates. Zach put the napkins and forks in place.

Don’t forget we have the school fair tomorrow.

Michael was scooping meat and spaghetti sauce onto the noodles. What time does the fair end?

Zach grabbed the remote and turned off the television. I think it’s 3:30 to 6:30.

You know I work late on Wednesdays. You and Wyatt need to ride your bikes straight home afterwards. You can stay at his house until I get home.

Okay. Zach agreed, sounding somewhat dejected.

Michael ruffled his hair. Sorry, I know this job is tough sometimes. But when I get home, we can eat pizza and watch a movie, how about that?

Sir, yes, sir. Hooray! Zach exclaimed but it didn’t carry the same enthusiasm as when he normally said it.

Everything okay? Michael asked, grabbing two glasses out of the cupboard.

Zach hesitated for a moment, biting his lip. Dad is it bad to keep secrets?

Michael’s hands paused mid-air, what kind of question was that? It depends buddy, is it a secret that could hurt someone?

I’m not sure. Zach said pensively.

Is it your secret? He prodded. Zach didn’t answer, as he quietly moved his spaghetti around the plate. Well, if I were in your shoes, I would ask myself if the secret would hurt someone. If it doesn’t hurt them, like a surprise for someone’s birthday, then I think it’s okay to keep a secret. Memories of all the secrets he kept from his military days rose in his mind.

Zach was quiet for a moment, clearly weighing his options. Michael decided to bring him back to the present and revisit the topic after Zach had some time to mull it over. He knew that pushing him now would only start a disagreement. Milk or water?

Dr. Pepper!

Milk it is.

Da-a-ad! Zach said with an annoyed smile, the previous conversation forgotten.

If you’re going to grow up big and strong like me, you need to drink plenty of milk. Michael flexed his muscular bicep.

Ms. Johnson thinks you have big muscles, too Zach said, grinning with spaghetti in his teeth.

Who? Michael had a curious grin.

Ms. Johnson, you know, my new math teacher.

Michael remained puzzled.

The blonde with the big boobs! Zach impatiently exclaimed.

Michael’s eyes got wide. He didn’t know if he should be angry or proud. So, he settled on a smile. Oh, that one.

If you ask her out, I bet I’d get straight A’s and no more homework.

Your mom would come down from Heaven and kick both of our butts.

Zach dropped his head. I know dad. I still miss her.

Michael instantly regretted bringing down the mood. I do too, son, I do, too. Hey, let’s say grace. It’s your turn to make up for using that potty mouth language this morning.

Good idea, Zach said, also wanting to raise the mood. I’ll throw in a few words for the Cardinals, so when we turn the TV back on and you have to pay up, you won’t be able to object.

Michael wanted to think of a snappy comeback, but Zach’s hands were already folded in prayer. He lowered his head, closed his eyes, and smiled.

2

Michael pulled into the gravel driveway, his truck bouncing like a rubber raft on a choppy swell of river current. He needed to smooth out the transition between the road and the driveway, but there were too many other demands on his time. Opening the screen door, he fumbled for his keys, barely able to see through the dark night. Apparently, Zach didn’t remember to turn on the porch light. He must not have come home to drop off his books and backpack, and instead went straight to Wyatt’s house across the street.

Wednesdays were the day they had the bigwigs in the factory, so the management meeting always followed the afternoon walkthrough. Tonight’s meeting had run well over due to the topic of the huge steel shortage going on in the U.S., with all the construction projects popping up all over the place. The higher-ups wanted to figure out how to double the production in half the time, with half the labor cost. This started several heated debates, particularly when Michael brought up worker safety, a concept that had been instilled in him from boot camp days. Real military leaders looked out for their men’s safety above all else.

How he went from one of the top snipers the U.S. Marines ever had to a Project Manager in a steel factory, only God knew, but when Melissa told him she was pregnant, it changed everything. He’d never forget that day. He had just gotten off a flight at Dulles International Airport to find her waiting with a warm embrace and a soft whisper of their future child in his ear. For the first time since he’d known her, he was in utter shock. What a great surprise to come home to!

After receiving her undergraduate degree from Purdue, Melissa became an emergency room nurse at the Beaufort Memorial Hospital because of its great pediatrics department, she had always had a special interest in pediatrics. Eventually, she moved back to her hometown of West Morrisville, Indiana and took a job at the Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, which ended up being one of the best decisions she made. Because she had just found out she was pregnant, and needed to be around family and friends, especially with Michael still in the Marine Corps. West Morrisville was also a great place to raise a kid. Plus, her father’s cancer went back into remission, and he would need her help as well. The almost hour commute wasn’t the most ideal, but she loved what she did, and her patients loved her back. She always had a warm heart and a bright smile.

She and Michael had originally met in an emergency room while he was stationed at Parris Island. He was very stubborn and determined, which is how he ended up in the ER with a dislocated shoulder. When Melissa had begun taking care of him that night, he started explaining what had put him in the hospital.

Never one to back down from a challenge, he decided to run the impossible defeat obstacle course in the middle of a thunderstorm. There were only two pals to cheer him on, Corporal Nate Johnson and Corporal Pauly DeMatto. Nate was 5’9" with a very athletic build. His father was the third African American to ever achieve the rank of a General in the US Marine Corps.