Redeeming: Book Three of the Kirin Lane Series

By Kelley Griffin

Third and final installment in the Kirin Lane Series.

To save the life of the man she loves, she'll have to trust the woman who tried to take him from her.

 

Kirin's wedding to Sam

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelley Griffin
• Release date: Mar 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9781958965030

Kelley Griffin

Kelley Griffin is an author, mom to five sons, wife to a marine and a teacher to tiny humans. She pens Romantic Suspense and YA Suspense stories with rich characters and nonstop action. Look for her current books: Binding Circumstance, Entangling; Book One of the Kirin Lane Series, A Mind Unequal; Book One of the Casey King Series, Unraveling; Book Two of the Kirin Lane Series, and Taken for Granted, a new YA series made up of four serialized novellas.When she's not barricaded in her office writing you can find Kelley playing cards, inhaling campfires and acting goofy.Check out her webpage at www.kelleygriffinauthor.com

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Redeeming

Book Three of the Kirin Lane Series

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By Kelley Griffin

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author, except by reviewers, who may quote brief passages in a review.

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Print ISBN: 978-1-958965-04-7,

eBook ISBN: 978-1-958965-03-0

Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-958965-14-6

Cover Art by Amor Paloma Designs, LLC

Edited by

Produced in the United States of America

Griffin, Kelley

Redeeming, Book Three of the Kirin Lane Series

This is a work of fiction. The characters and events in this book are a product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real people, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

March 2023

Copyright © 2022 Kelley Griffin

Dedication

To my sons.

You guys make me laugh, hug me tightly, are loyal and loving and you challenge me every day to be a better human just by your examples. I have no doubt that with all your God given talents, you will all achieve all your dreams.

I’m so proud of the five of you.

You are my biggest accomplishment.

Love you more,

~Mom

To my friend, Rhonda Ferguson.

Thank you for your time, talent, friendship, and willingness to always give me a yes when I need  a trusted friend to read my manuscript first.  

I’m so grateful to you!

~Kelley

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Dear Reader,

Thank you for reading the final installment of the Kirin Lane story. WHOO HOO!!

Kirin wants to destroy this human trafficking ring, once and for all, but to do that, she’ll have to work with her worst enemy and come to terms with her own shortcomings. Will she be able to keep her family together or will her past mistakes cost her the one man who is supposed to love her the most?

I’d love to hear from you. Please consider taking a minute to leave a review. It’s one of the best compliments.

XO~

Kelley

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Other titles by Kelley Griffin

Binding Circumstance

The Kirin Lane Series:

Entangling, Book One of the Kirin Lane Series

Unraveling, Book Two of the Kirin Lane Series

Redeeming, Book Three of the Kirin Lane Series

The Casey King Series:

A Mind Unequal, Book One of the Casey King Series

Taken for Granted

Two Weeks Before...

3am.

A young girl, dressed all in black, crouched in the dark behind a rank-smelling green dumpster. That same dumpster was the only thing that separated her from the overgrown field behind the strip mall. It was the only reason they couldn’t see her.

She glanced side to side. The quiet of the back alley only made her heartbeat seem louder. She rubbed her face as a war waged on internally. Then, out of habit, pulled her dark hair back and pulled it in a high pony using the hair tie she always kept on her wrist.

Just like her, they watched the back door. She was sure of it. Her plan had to work. Her family had been through so much already. But she was determined to find her sister. But in order to do that, she’d have to go back in.

Shaking her head, she let out the breath she’d been holding. Her younger sister’s sweet but sarcastic voice echoed in her mind telling her she was a certifiable nut-bag for doing this.

God, how much she wanted to hear that annoying voice again. Anger flashed through her as she gritted her teeth. Yes. She would see her sister again, even if it killed her.

Neither of them had asked for this. They were good kids—well, in truth, her sister was.

She, however, was more opinionated and vocal than most her age. Then again, most girls her age were more worried about clothes and boys and going to stupid places like the mall.

Here she was, hiding behind a dumpster with nothing except a tiny backpack filled with the one memento she’d never let them have, trying to take down a trafficking ring and steal her sister back.

They’d been orphans in the foster system. Their real parents were either in jail or dead. Didn’t know and didn’t care. If she’d been a few years older, she could’ve raised her sister by herself. But as it was, she wasn’t even old enough to drive, let alone raise another human. If she ever found out that her jack-tard foster father, who hated them both, had anything to do with their abductions, she’d find his broke ass and kill him.  

Just then, the tall grass illuminated only by moonlight on the other side of the alley jerked as two dark shadows moved into position. Yep, they were here. A shudder ran down her spine.

This was the third night spotters had tagged the attractive female liquor store worker’s vehicle by placing a black zip tie on the back passenger side door handle. Third night. In the underworld, even she knew that meant the occupant would be taken.

She checked her watch. 3:10. She’d already scoped out the front of the store earlier as she’d walked past to grab some gum from the convenience store next to the strip mall and saw that the woman’s co-worker had left early, looking pale.

She’d wondered if they’d paid him to go so, the woman would be an easier target. They used any available tactic they could to get a girl alone.

One thing she always prided herself on was her ability to watch people. To pick out the smallest details. Their weaknesses and strengths. It was a gift that didn’t always serve her well.

The back door squeaked, and she froze. It opened briefly then shut again as if the young woman had forgotten something. Suddenly, the back light flicked on and exposed the girl’s hiding place.

She sucked in a quick breath, but then stayed completely still. If she was lucky, the abductors on the other side of the alley in the weeds would think she was just a box or a garbage bag.

The young woman peeked her head out. She looked to be in her twenties, blonde hair and slim built. She held something in her hand, mace maybe. Crap. If that scared these scabs off and they didn’t take her, the girl would lose another precious day trying to save her sister.

She had to do something.

Just as she was about to stand and make a noise, the girl yelled in the darkness.

"I saw you, homeless girl. I know you’re out here. And if you’re here to rob me, all the money is in a locked safe with a timer on it that I can’t open. I personally only have three dollars, her voice trembled as she added, and I’ll give it to you if you show yourself."

Even though her voice shook, it was also surprisingly firm.

Quickly, the girl took her hair down and messed it up a little to get into character. She strolled slowly out of the shadow of the dumpster with her hands up, trying not to look toward the shadows across the alley.

I’m not trying to rob you, the dark headed girl said quietly as the young woman spun and with a shaky hand, aimed her weapon toward the girl. The young woman narrowed her gaze.

Oh, really? So, you’re just out here for a stroll?

Hands still up as in surrender and walking toward her like someone trying not to spook a deer, the younger girl smiled reassuringly and whispered, Your car was tagged, which means they’re going to abduct you tonight.

The woman’s arm lowered slightly as her gaze darted out at the tall grass next to where she’d parked her car.

What do I do?

I don’t know, she said, but I know we can’t outrun them.

The young woman stared at the girl like she was seeing her for the first time. "So, you’re in with them? Are you the bait?" She sounded angry now.

The dark headed girl shook her head no, then added, It happened to me before. I escaped, but then I saw they tagged you. I was trying to warn you.

Just then, identical to the first time, she heard a twig snap behind her. She turned in time to see the cloth coming at her mouth and nose. Even though she knew it was coming, she still screamed.

And then nothing.

~*~

One week before...

It all started with a tomato.

Kirin Lane stepped out into her dimly lit garage smiling to herself and precariously holding two objects. With some difficulty, she softly shut the door behind her. It was even too early for the sun to be up.

With her record of being clumsy, sneaking up on someone with full hands was a bigger feat than she gave herself credit for.

Sam Neal hummed, earbuds in as usual, as he laid under her car on a rolling creeper to change her oil.

Kirin snuck around the SUV and stopped, staring at two muscular legs in work jeans sticking out from under the car.

Lane, he said, letting her know she didn’t catch him off-guard.

Kirin grinned to herself and said nothing. She tapped her foot against his shoe.

Look, Sam said, still under the car, "I know you said not to make plans today, which is why I got up early so I could change your oil."

Kirin bit her lip and tapped his shoe again.

Her favorite two strong hands grabbed the underside of her truck and rolled the scooter out.

Sam smiled as if he’d been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. When their eyes met, Kirin smiled at him with both hands behind her back. Finally, she finally spoke.

Right hand or left?

Depends, he sat up, tucked his earbuds into his pocket and answered with a crooked smile.

On?

Which one will I want more?

The twinkle in his eye told her they were no longer talking about the items behind her back.

Oh, I think you’ll want it all.

Sam smiled. That full-on, amused, sexy smile that even after all this time, made her get weak in the knees. He stood and took a step toward her, close enough she could feel his warm breath in her hair. Soft hands settled in around her waist. He never took his eyes off her.

Well, as usual Ms. Lane, you’re right about that. Sam kissed her forehead and spread out his stance, so their eyes were level.

I smell coffee, he whispered.

Right or left? she asked again, quietly.

He tried to sneak a look around her. She raised her chin and shook her head.

Sam exhaled playfully, Left.

Kirin slowly brought her left hand around her body.

Sam reached out and picked the object from her hand, eyebrows furrowed and staring at it like she’d just handed him a rat.

You want me to eat a tomato for breakfast? His voice was higher pitched than normal.

Kirin shook her head and laughed, Today is the anniversary of the day I met you down at Morrissey’s grocery store. I thought a reminder of that day would be fitting.

Sam chuckled, God, you were so cute that day.

"Cute?" Kirin asked, her face scrunched up.

Sam’s demeanor changed from jovial to dead serious.

"I’m sorry. Misspoke. Can I say, sexy as hell, to the woman I’m marrying in three weeks?"

Kirin smiled, You can.

Sam nuzzled in closer, then remembered the coffee. Taking it from her hand, he took a quick sip, smiled gratefully, then placed it on top of her truck.

We have time, right? Sam whispered, burrowing back in, and kissing her neck briefly. He pulled back and touched his nose to hers. His eyes closed.

We always have time, she whispered back.

The day before...

Sam Neal blew out the breath he was holding. He knew he was in the wrong. He adjusted the small pack at his feet and resituated the airplane seat belt so he could scoot closer to the aisle and away from the loud businessman crammed into the seat next to him.

He’d made Kirin a promise. He’d sworn to his soon-to-be wife—no more missions. Especially since they only had two weeks until their wedding.

But this time, it was unavoidable.

The intel he’d been fed told him she was the target.

Better to stop them in their tracks than let them get close to her. Nope. He’d come too far to lose her now.

So, he’d break the promise. Big deal. She’d be off the hit list, and he’d be back with tons of time to spare for the wedding.

He’d get off the plane, rescue a girl, kill the man who put a hit out on the woman he loved and fly home.

Easy.

Until it wasn’t.

Chapter One

Friday

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Damnit.

Kirin Lane pressed the pedal to the floor. An East Tennessee pounding Spring rain mixed with her erratic driving meant that her SUV tires slid then barked as they grabbed the pavement. Groaning, the vehicle jerked like someone waking from a nightmare. Cars bogged up the far-right exit ramp like they were waiting in line for the newest ride at Dollywood.

Kirin darted toward a small opening between a semi-truck and a black car as if she were playing a dangerous game of Frogger.

Yes, she was driving like a lunatic. But she had good reason. Her fear and guilt over what she’d done, were racing to see which could make her the craziest.  

She’d always been a horrible liar. Like the worst. And yet, she’d kept a secret from the man she loved more than anything for two months. Two long months.

Her phone buzzed for the second time.  

Kirin shook that familiar problem out of her head. Right now, she needed answers.  

Sam hadn’t answered her texts all day. She tried telling herself that maybe he’d left his phone somewhere. Or he was just busy.

But the text she’d received from a blocked number confirmed her fears.

Exhaling, she tried to slow her heart rate.

Maybe, he’d found out her secret. He’d discovered she’d been lying to him. Maybe he decided he didn’t want to marry her now that she was damaged.

It all started a few months back. Sam, Steve and two of their FBI buddies embarked on a weeklong caribou hunting trip in Alaska.

Sam’s idea of a bachelor party.

She’d driven them to the airport, all boisterous and laughing. Once she parked outside the terminal doors, they’d all dove out of her SUV like they were on a mission. She’d stood at the back of her SUV handing each one their bag. One by one they thanked her, hugged her, and strutted toward the large glass airport doors.

But not Sam.

As soon as she’d turned back to grab his bag and pull it toward the open hatch of her SUV, Sam had pinned her. He’d stepped close and wrapped muscular arms around her. Kirin leaned backward, into him, getting one last deep breath of the scent that was pure Sam.

Gently he turned her around and in one quick movement, he grabbed her waist, scooped her up off the ground and lifted her to sit. It was the same giddy feeling she’d had the first day they’d met, when he’d lifted her onto his tailgate, the day she’d been attacked outside the grocery store.  

Leaning over and with his arms propping his body up on either side of her, his face was nose to nose with hers. She’d laughed a little until she realized the serious look on his face. He had something to say.

She’d smiled at him, big. He returned it. That green-eyed stare that told her she was his everything. That same stare that always melted her into a puddle. Then finally he spoke.

Lane. This is the first time in three years I won’t be watching over you.

Kirin nodded. Out of habit, she rubbed the muscles along his strong arms, as that amazing Sam smell invaded her entire being.

Promise me something?

Sure.

No hero stuff. Stay put and don’t go anywhere alone. She had nodded. "Keep your location on, okay?"

Kirin lifted one hand and put it to his cheek. We’ll be fine. Go have fun, okay?

Sam nodded.

Love you.

Sam always said it first.

Love you, more.

She’d always answered.

Gently Sam lowered her to the ground, gave her one more squeeze, then grabbed his bags just as his buddies started hollering at him from the door to hurry up.

Sam rolled his eyes at them, took one more last look at her, mouthed, love you, one last time and then disappeared behind the sliding glass doors.

Kirin climbed back in and began her thirty-five-minute drive home.

But.

The weirdest thing happened.

Headed down Alcoa Highway toward home, Kirin felt a sharp pain in her side that made her swerve and took her breath away. She almost pulled over. But then it was gone as quickly as it came on.

Blowing it off, she drove the rest of the way home and went about her Sunday cleaning, taking care of the boys, and tying up some loose ends for their upcoming wedding.

But by early Monday morning, she was in excruciating pain. So much so, that even now, her memories were spotty at best. She barely remembered driving herself to the ER after dropping the boys off at school that morning.

Or the sweet video Steve had sent of the guy’s first night in Alaska where Sam had been bought one too many drinks at the local pub in the village. On camera, he’d hugged and told every man at the bar how they all needed someone honest, loyal, and loving, like his Kirin.

God she was a dishonest dirtbag.

She didn’t even remember talking to Rosa that morning, or her aunt and uncle, but she knew she had. She was sure she sounded like a meth addict in that conversation.

She’d made them all promise not to tell the boys or Sam.

Tuesday morning, she woke in a white hospital room to find a bald doctor in scrubs staring at her, expectantly.

Hello. I was your surgeon, Dr. Stallings. He sounded part bored and part robot, as if he’d practiced the speech several times.  Very matter-of-factly he announced that he’d performed an emergency laparoscopic Unilateral Salpingectomy overnight.

Kirin stared at him and when she found her voice, it was hoarse. Sorry. I don’t know what that is.

We removed one wretched, infected fallopian tube and strongly considered the removal of the other one as well.

Her heart dropped into her stomach. Wait...you didn’t though, right?

The man narrowed clear blue eyes at her before answering, No, but I should have. Thanks to a heavy endometriosis network, that second tube is kinked over onto itself and the chances of it working correctly are very slim. I’d say you’ve got a 2% chance of getting pregnant now, but at your age, it’s probably less. We’re sending the other fallopian tube off to the lab to ensure it’s benign. You should receive results in a week or so.

When he’d finished speaking, he