Muscle Bound

By Alan Scott

Pryce Nolton, a good friend of Josh Chambers, Utah's Psionic Officer, is found holding a bloody knife next to three bodies, all of them stabbed to death. Pryce has no memory of the crime, and even Josh's powers cannot determine if he did or did not commit triple-homicide.
Salt Lake City police are convinced they have the right man and do not buy into the memory-loss excuse. They think Pryce experienced a roid rage incident and stabbed his friends to death.
Josh is not convinced that Pryce could murder his friends in cold blood, but all the evidence points to Pryce's guilt.
While Josh is dealing with the investigation, his efforts are impeded by a series of drug thefts from hospital pharmacies.
Josh must find out what happened that deadly evening or else his friend might be sentenced to death.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Purple Sword Publications
• Release date: Mar 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798201960759

Book preview

MUSCLE BOUND

Alan Scott

Published By Purple Sword Publications, LLC

At Smashwords

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.

ISBN: 9798201960759

Copyright © 2023 ALAN SCOTT

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Version

Edited by Shoshana Hurwitz and Traci Markou

Cover Art Copyright DusktilDawn Designs

www.dusktildawndesigns.com

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Chapter 1

Two days before Christmas

The tall man in the white lab coat stepped out of the pharmacy and closed the door behind him as quietly as possible. The gloomy hospital corridor sat in semidarkness, as most lights were turned off at night to save energy since staff did not need to come down here in the wee hours of the morning.

That suited him fine. He turned toward the nearest exit, increasing his pace. He reached for the jacket and scarf draped over his arm to protect him from the frigid cold outside.

Just a few more feet.

Sir!

He jumped at the sharp voice, and sweat began to trickle down his forehead as he turned around to face a large, blonde woman with her hair pulled back into a bun.

Good evening, officer, he said, taking care to keep his voice nonchalant and casual.

The security guard approached him in a swagger. Can I ask what you’re doing down here at this time of night, doctor?

He thought her shoulders were so broad that she must have to go through doors sideways, and her voice was deep enough she could sing bass. Transgender?

Something to keep in mind if I need to exploit this in the future. I just hit the men’s room, he said, pointing back down the hallway, while headed out to my car in the garage. He had prepared this excuse just in case he was challenged. The need hadn’t arisen until now.

The heavyset woman matching his height regarded him with a suspicious expression, narrowed eyes, and tightly drawn mouth.

I didn’t think anybody else was here, she said. I came on duty at midnight, but I haven’t seen you. The previous guard didn’t say anything about doctors being here so late. Told me the last of the staff left hours ago.

And I had planned to leave awhile back as well, but I was working late in my office, he said. I got sleepy and decided to take a quick power nap at my desk. I turned out the lights and locked the door. It seems I slept much longer than I wanted.

The security guard didn’t respond and seemed to be regarding his word whether or not to believe him.

I’ve got to turn this around. I’ve only been here about three months, but I don’t recall seeing you before.

She appeared to be taken aback at the sudden change, but she recovered in an instant.

Oh, I’ve been here almost a year, but I have always been on the night shift. The expression of suspicion faded somewhat. That’s why nobody here has ever seen me. And I don’t meet many of them, either, doctor…?

Oh, Dr. Lance, he said, producing the fake badge and ID hanging from a lanyard around his neck.

Nice to meet you, Dr. Lance, she said, examining his identification and shaking his hand with an iron grip. I’m Officer Amoss. I’m sorry to have detained you, but I have to be careful since drugs have been making their way out of the hospital. Security has been told to be extra vigilant.

The man waved his hand dismissively. No problem. I understand you’re only doing your job. Here. He set his jacket and scarf on the floor. He opened his lab coat and emptied his pockets and those in his trousers as well. I don’t have anything to hide.

Don’t worry about it, doctor, she replied. I really didn’t suspect you of stealing anything, but I had to be sure. Have a good night.

The man gave her a big smile and a quick wave and strolled down the corner to the exit. Once in the garage, he let out a huge sigh of relief.

That was a close one, he whispered. Too close.

He patted the hem at the bottom of the lab coat. He allowed himself a small smile as he touched the stash of various pills and tablets hidden there.

Chapter 2

Monday, January 2

Joshua Chambers stepped out onto the deck of his Bountiful, Utah, home, gazing up at the Wasatch Range east of the greater Salt Lake City area. The sun had not yet risen above the mountains, and the streaks of light emanating from behind the peaks painted the sky in purples, oranges, and pinks. The frosty air stung his face, but he didn’t mind. The frigid air of winter invigorated him.

Josh knew most people enjoyed the Christmas and New Year’s holidays and considered January to be a let-down and boring, but he preferred it because it was when the ski slopes were open and ready. From the reports he had read, snowfall had been abundant, dumping several feet of fresh powder during the past week.

He took a sip of coffee from a mug, savoring the robust flavor, and exhaled, creating a large cloud of vapor, which hung in the cold air like genie smoke for several seconds before dissipating. A relaxing sight for him.

Skiing this weekend? Without a doubt. Downhill or cross-country, it didn’t matter to him. He liked both. He just wanted to be there. Lots of people would travel there as well, including pretty ladies.

With his French/Italian heritage and a smattering of Russian, his dark features had no trouble attracting women: young, old, and everything in between. Maybe he could find a girlfriend this weekend.

The future Mrs. Chambers?

No. Too soon for that. Even though Mom and Dad might approve and maybe acknowledge me, but I might have to postpone my ski trip.

If he didn’t help the Utah State Police discover who was behind the theft of drugs from local hospitals’ pharmacies, he might have more time than just the weekends. A lot more.

Despite his formidable telepathic powers, he had not been able to locate the person or persons responsible or pinpoint where they would strike next or even when.

Theories of why the drugs were being taken were plentiful. Speculation ranged from a user supporting a habit to a clandestine laboratory making illegal drugs to someone reselling them on the black market. Some of the stolen pharmaceuticals were rather expensive, and insurance companies were reluctant to reimburse their clients since these drugs were usually brand-name and had high cost-sharing fees. Generic options were not available. Had people become so desperate for life-saving medication they resorted to theft?

The large Mormon contingency of the Salt Lake City community used this failure to decry Josh publicly as more hype than hero. The LDS as well as other evangelical denominations had never warmed to their psionic officer, frequently condemning him and his observed powers as unholy and worse.

Not that it bothered Josh. He took pride in being a constant annoyance to the Mormons, something that didn’t take a lot of his time, and he excelled at it without much effort.

In this particular case, their criticism did not concern Josh since none of Utah’s law-enforcement agencies had had any success, either. The thefts were too random and the portions taken were almost too small to be noticed, but the thief had made a mistake. He or she absconded several pills of a controlled pain medication from a hospital which kept meticulous records.

Once the theft had been discovered, it made the news, and soon, other hospitals started taking a closer look at their inventory and realized that more than just painkillers had been taken. Pharmaceuticals of all types were missing, which added to the mystery. If only one type of drug was being targeted, it might have made Josh’s job much easier. The total randomness of the timing, places, and items stolen proved to be frustrating.

Josh stretched his arms, taking care to not spill his coffee. With the new year only two days old, he had decided to get back on track with his weight-lifting regimen. He had slipped during the past two weeks over the holidays, neglecting his workouts, but got in contact with his trainer, Pryce Nolton, and made an appointment that afternoon to jump-start his exercise program again.

The drug thefts had stalled over the Christmas break, and only one case was pending. He decided to take full advantage of the slow period. He had an appointment with the local FBI agent to speak to the administrator of the hospital in Farmington later that morning. They reported missing pharmaceuticals to the police, who in turn contacted the FBI. He still had to make his reports to send to Roger Hobbes, chairman of the CIA’s Committee for Intelligence Responsibilities and Activities, or CIRA, the group which oversaw the Psionic Corps. The committee still needed reports to ensure the Corps was earning its substantial paychecks. Utah’s ultraconservative senators insisted on a continuing basis that Hobbes justify the Corps’ existence. They were not the only red-state senators to do so, either.

Fortunately, Hobbes had facts on his side that showed crime in all categories had dropped significantly since the Corps was initiated. Overwhelming public approval also bolstered his case.

Barbara Baldwin, the Psionic Corps’ liaison to the committee, was tough, outspoken, and used to getting her way whenever the Corps needed something. Whenever she felt the Corps needed a raise or improved benefits, few senators would stand up to her. Utah’s elected representatives were not included in that group.

Josh downed the remainder of his coffee and headed inside to get dressed. Maybe he could find some time to hit the slopes at least one day this weekend. His first session with his trainer was at two o’clock this afternoon, and he had a myriad of things to do before then. His phone rang.

Happy belated New Year, big bro!

Thanks, sis. Did you have a good holiday?

We just got back from the in-laws, Kay Gardner said in a dry tone. What do you think? Imagine spending four days in Nampa, Idaho, with nothing to do but sit around talking to Pat and Laura.

It could have been worse. You could’ve been stuck with Mom and Dad.

Good point, she said with a sigh. I know I get along with them better than you do, but it’s still not all Norman Rockwell.

But hanging out with Deke’s parents isn’t as strained as with the Chambers, is it? His parents are nice people.

It just gets tedious after a while. Which reminds me. I want to thank you for not making Christmas dinner any more awkward than it usually is, Kay said with a giggle.

Me? Hey, Mom and Dad are the ones who created this situation. Josh’s face heated up. They disowned me, remember? Not the other way around.

Don’t shout at me, Kay said. I’m your biggest supporter in the family, except for Cameron and Deirdre.

I know, Josh said. But you’d think with Cam being the oldest sibling, Mom and Dad would listen to him and not think I had sold my soul or that I’m dealing with the dark side.

He’s tried many times, Joshy, Kay said. I have no idea when or if they might come around. I’m surprised that Deirdre, being the baby of the—

You mispronounced ‘princess.’

"Oops. My bad. I’m surprised the princess of the family hasn’t been able to sway them, either. She’s pretty successful at getting what she wants."

It’s been over ten years, Josh replied, frustrated. I’ve given up. Their religion is too important to them. They refuse to believe I’m not evil and that I’m not going to burn in hell. His voice rose to a shout.

You’re yelling again, Kay said. I know it hurts, but hang in there. You’ve got aunts and uncles and cousins on your side as well.

As if Mom and Dad were ever persuaded by popular opinion.

In the meantime, you still have me, Cam, and Deirdre, she said with a laugh.

Thanks, but that doesn’t instill a whole lot of confidence, Josh replied with a chuckle. Just remember, they’re the ones who gave us our stubbornness. On the upside, Dad gave me a little smile when I arrived Christmas morning.

See? Things are getting better already.

* * * *

Dr. Frank Payne ignored the snow-covered Wasatch Mountains to the east were still blocking the sun, a scene most people would consider to be idyllic. Light beams streaked the sky above as clouds rolled over the peaks like ghosts flowing down the slopes. The traffic on Interstate 15, heading north, jammed all the lanes, forcing Payne to hit the brakes.

He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel to the beat of the song on the radio.

I’ve got to calm down, he told himself. It’s going to come together, and I’ll prove my theories to those bastards.

He stopped drumming his fingers and gripped the wheel so hard his knuckles turned white. The memory of their rebuff still infuriated him. The Federal Trade Commission had rejected his application for a grant to start human trials on his newly developed pharmaceutical treatment, a drug, they called it.

No, he had argued. It’s a therapy to help rebuild muscle, a possible treatment for those suffering from muscular dystrophy or other degenerative diseases.

It’s a steroid, they countered. It will be misused as a performance-enhancing drug. There are many other such medications available. What makes yours so advantageous?

Traffic eased for a short while but then began to slow down again once he got north of South Jordan. The sun rose above the peaks and bathed the west side of the snow-covered valley in a brilliant light, blinding the drivers and bringing commuters back to a crawl.

Payne was not in a hurry. He had to be patient and plot his next moves carefully. When he reached Center Street, he exited and headed into West Jordan. A mile later, he turned into the parking lot of a sprawling strip mall. Payne’s destination was the gym occupying one of the anchor stores.

He parked by the shopfront. From here, Payne observed few patrons at this hour.

Where are all the people with New Year’s resolutions to get in shape? The gym should be packed. Oh, well. I’m sure word of my product will get out once they see how well it works.

He retrieved a large case from his trunk and entered the gym, walking straight to the manager’s office.

Jaimee Jensen, the manager of CenterPoint Athletic Club, looked up at Payne as he entered and pouted while rolling her eyes.

I’m having second thoughts, Payne, she said without a greeting.

What’s there to worry about? Payne said with as much charm and sincerity as he could muster. Everything is going to be great.

Is it? Jaimee said, sounding even more suspicious. What you’re doing sounds pretty unethical to me.

Don’t you believe me when I say that you won’t be held responsible if anything goes wrong? Which nothing will. Payne felt as confident as he sounded. He hoped his self-assurance would help convince the manager to cooperate but decided not to take any chances. Think about it. Our concoction not only helps people build muscle, but it can also be used for people who are suffering from multiple sclerosis or any type of wasting diseases. Imagine someone who has been in a coma or bedridden for weeks. Our therapy can help them rebuild muscle much faster and decrease their recovery time. If they regain their strength more quickly, the faster they get back to health.

If it’s such a wonder drug, why doesn’t the FDA approve it? Jaimee asked.

Payne grimaced at the dig but managed to keep a straight face. I’m not about to let her know the FTC turned down our grant request. "My company, SLC Laboratories, hasn’t reached the point