Justified Heiress: A Twisty Romantic Suspense: The Mystery of the Brisand Family, #3

By Jessica Jones

A thrilling southern mystery, full of twists and turns, Dulcie Brisand struggles to balance her divided loyalties and defeat the man who hurt her. 

 

Driven by anger and the lust for revenge, she grows closer to her birth father, but she clashes with others in her life who see the danger more clearly than she ever could. The choices she makes bring her closer to the edge of destruction, and the pursuit of power becomes her single focus.

 

The deeper she falls into the criminal world, she discovers a history of secrets and lies that stretches further than she'd ever imagined. She must do what she can to stay one step ahead of the FBI, as she finds herself in the midst of danger and betrayal. Again. With her life and all she holds dear on the line, who can she trust?

 

Those who love her, especially Deacon, are powerless to stop her from her own downfall. Who will be there to pick up the pieces?

 

 

Perfect for fans of A.J. Rivers and Natasha Knight.

 

 

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lone Oak Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Sep 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215098387

Book preview

Prologue

The afternoon sun was blistering. Too hot for most people during late summer in Washington, D.C. But not for her. She sat on the park bench, basking in the day’s warmth. It reminded her of those long, lazy, southern summers she enjoyed so much when she was growing up. She missed those days. The days before responsibility and the real world kicked her in the teeth and changed her forever. She enjoyed endless days of swimming in the lake and hanging out with friends, with little intellectual stimulation for any of them.

And when the hot days ended, the nights got even hotter. After checking in with their parents, they went back to the lake and sat on the shore. Sometimes they’d build a fire and roast hot dogs and marshmallows, or maybe they’d pick up a pizza on the way. They’d drink the whiskey she stole from her father’s liquor cabinet. Stolen whiskey always tasted better, but sometimes they’d buy wine coolers or beer. She flirted with the pimply-faced clerks at the store to divert their attention from the fake IDs. Later they’d gather around the person who brought the guitar, because… Someone always brought a guitar. They’d sing off-key to whatever sounds flowed from the instrument. It wasn’t good enough to really call it music, but it was good enough for them.

As a bonus, the group of friends included the two boys her father hated most in the world. He incessantly warned her they would never amount to anything, but she didn’t care about that. She knew she would amount to something, so it didn’t matter who she chose as friends or as a future mate. That was something her father would never understand about her. Honestly, though, his opinion didn’t matter to her at that moment. She already had her life figured out. She knew precisely what she wanted, and who she wanted. Not her father, the two boys, or any other person, was going to dictate those things to her. And what she wanted back then, for that summer, was to have fun.

A honking car horn in the distance brought her out of her memories. She was not normally a nostalgic person, but the current assignment caused her to feel things she thought were long buried. She’d be glad when it was over. Though she had a lifetime of regrets, she hoped that finishing the job would help absolve herself of them. Or at least some of them.

She was alone in the park, but she surveyed the immediate area out of habit. As expected, no one was close enough to cause her concern. She reached into the briefcase at her side and retrieved several files marked ‘Classified’ from it. The lanyard holding her FBI picture ID badge got caught on the edge of a file and fell to the ground in front of her. Damn it!

A nanosecond before she stooped to pick up the badge, the hairs on the back of her neck stood up, and she knew. Something was wrong. Something was frightfully wrong. If she didn’t act swiftly, it could all be over. Diving to the ground, the red laser aimed at her head almost blinded her as the man jogged past her. He’d come out of nowhere, and she chastised herself for even pausing on the park bench to enjoy the day. She couldn’t afford those kinds of luxuries.

The sound of the shot was scarcely audible. There must have been a silencer on the gun, but it made a high-pitched pinging sound as it ricocheted off the metal on the back of the bench. She stayed close to the ground as she waited for the bullet to find a new target, hoping that the new target wasn’t her.

She looked around and saw the man was already too far away for her to catch, but another man came rushing toward her. Instinctively, she reached for her gun, but then she heard him ask if she was alright. Realizing he was just a bystander offering her aid and was no danger to her, she nodded to the man. But the look on her face must have convinced him to leave her alone, because he did not try to help her any further, running in the opposite direction instead.

She pulled herself back to the park bench and swore. How could I have been so stupid? She thought she’d been so careful. There was no denying it. Either she had not been watching closely enough, or someone had betrayed her. She was determined to find out which.

As she stuffed the fallen files back into her briefcase, she dug out her cell phone. A solitary text notification appeared. From an unknown number, but the one-word text gave away the sender’s identity. It read, Gotcha!

She cursed again, this time with a loud voice, and swiped down to her recent calls. Finding the number she wanted, she pressed the button to dial. When the man answered, she said, It’s me. We have a problem.

Chapter 1

Dulcie

The first day of any new job is always tough, and beginning a career working for my father was no exception. Everyone knew him as Euless Brisand, a career criminal, and most people were terrified of him. I had to admit that I was occasionally afraid of him myself, but he’d been kind to me since involving himself in my life last year. To keep me safe, he’d sent me to be raised by his cousin when I was just a baby. I hadn’t known of his existence until my teenage years, though it seemed everyone else in the small town of Dulsan knew my parentage better than I did.

When my life was in danger again, he and my brother, James Randall, had sent Deacon to protect me, though I didn’t know it then. Deacon would become much more to me than just a protector. He would become the love of my life. It hadn’t worked out for us, but I knew there would never be another man for me.

Travis, another brother I’d never met, turned out to be the one who’d been trying to kill me, and he disappeared before we could find out why. Deacon and James Randall had been trying to find him, even as new threats to my life surfaced. Everyone tried to shelter me, and I’d had enough of that. I’d proven to myself, and everyone else, that I could take care of myself. I’d killed someone, for God’s sake. What else did I need to do to have everyone take me seriously?

When Euless offered me a position working for him, I jumped at it, thinking I could finally have something of my own again. It had been so long since I’d felt in control of my life, or anything else, and I needed to be independent again. I didn’t care when Deacon pointed out that working for Euless wasn’t really something of my own… it was just me going deeper and deeper into his world. And no one was sure of everything his world entailed, or how many people came back from his world alive. I wasn’t worried because I was the one Euless had spent years trying to protect. He wouldn’t let anything happen to me.

The commute to my new job was wonderful. All I had to do was walk downstairs to the office my father had set up for me. He and James Randall both had offices off the same hallway in his mansion, and I wondered if Travis had ever had one. I didn’t think he was the type to want to sit behind a desk. He and Deacon were both more capable in the field, although Deacon insisted to me from the time we first met that he didn’t work for Euless. He did, but he’d never admit it. I was glad Deacon wasn’t there to harass me. He wasn’t happy that I’d agreed to work for Euless, but I didn’t want to hear his bullshit.

Charlie, my father’s right-hand man, sat at my new desk connecting my laptop when I entered. He lifted his head as I entered, sniffing the air as he smiled. I hope that isn’t the last of the coffee. I came straight here instead of the kitchen so I could get your computer ready for you.

Nope, I said. Angela was making a fresh pot when I grabbed this one. She also made those cinnamon rolls you like so much. They’re probably still hot if you want to go grab one or five. She just took them out of the oven.

He closed his eyes as a dreamy expression replaced the serious one. Did she put that gooey sweet icing on them yet?

She hadn’t when I was there, but she had all the ingredients to make it out on the counter. I’m sure this can wait.

Shaking his head, he opened his eyes and came out of his icing-filled fantasy. No, your father would have my head if I didn’t get you prepared for your first day. Dave is somewhere here on the grounds. I’ll text him and ask him to swing by the kitchen before he makes his way down here.

Now you’re talking. I smiled. I liked Charlie and Dave. They treated me differently than most of the other men in my life. Although when they were with me, part of their job was to protect me. But it was more of a collaborative effort, and I appreciated them for it. We worked closely together. They asked for my opinions, and generally tried to accommodate my requests, even if it would open them up to scrutiny from Deacon and James Randall. But they didn’t work for either of them, so it was fine. They reported directly to Euless. So, what exactly is all this? What will I be doing here in this job?

We’ll get there in due time, Dulcie. First, let me show you how to get around the software you’ll be using.

I sat at my new desk as he slid the laptop in front of me. It looked like a normal website with a searchable database, like the one I used at school when creating lesson plans. The branding on the top of the screen was for a company I’d never heard of before. D&BE, Inc.? What’s that? I asked.

His expression curious expression caught me off guard. You don’t know? I shook my head, and he did the same. Well, it’s the name of your father’s company. Dulsan and Brisand Enterprises, Inc.

Dulsan? Like where I grew up? Is that where he got the name?

Do you really not know your family history, honey? I shook my head again, feeling more foolish every time I did. I’m surprised Carter never told you. Dulsan County and the city both got the name from your family. Dulsan was your mother’s maiden name, and that’s where your name came from. Had you never made the connection before?

I hadn’t, and I felt foolish for not doing so. It made perfect sense. I just thought they named me after the county; I didn’t know it was the other way around.

No, my darling, your mother’s side of the family is like royalty there. I jumped as Euless’s serious voice cut through the light banter between Charlie and me. He ignored it, and I wondered if he’d grown accustomed to frightening people. That’s where your grandfather was born, and your mother as well. They named it after your great-grandfather years ago as the founder of the town, years ago. The name of the county came much later, after your mother was born.

I wonder why Mama or Daddy never told me any of this?

He shrugged. They weren’t originally from there, so it may not have been important to them. They only moved there with you when you were a baby. Perhaps I can give you a history lesson about your family and the influence they’ve had over that part of the state for over a hundred years.

I’d like that. Although, I always thought you were the one who ruled Dulsan.

Who says I don’t? My mouth flew open when I realized he was making a joke. I’d only ever heard him do that maybe once or twice before. It was refreshing. However, we don’t have time to discuss that now. Tell me. How are you coming with your training?

Charlie interrupted me before I could answer. We’ve just gotten her set up in the system. The IT guru emailed her login information to me, but it wasn’t as soon as I’d asked. I was just about to show her how to access the database and conduct the research.

Please forward to me the name of the person in IT who caused the delay. Charlie stiffened, and I got the impression that a threat was being made between the two of them, but the tension passed almost immediately. Charlie’s head dipped in an almost imperceptible nod, but it was enough to satisfy Euless. He turned back to me. When I first asked you about joining my team, daughter, I didn’t have time to share with you the full extent of your duties. Once you familiarize yourself with the database and Charlie shows you how to navigate the system, we should probably have a discussion, you and I.

His glare all but cut me in half. Sometimes I would swear he only spoke in code, and I must’ve been the only one who didn’t understand him. That sounds good. I do have questions for you. His eyes bore into mine, and I felt inexplicably nervous. Did I say something wrong? I didn’t think so, but I could never figure out where I stood with Euless. I imagined many people felt the same way about him. If that’s alright, that is.

He smiled, but his smile often lacked warmth or amusement, and that was one such occasion. Of course it is, darling. Just make sure you don’t ask too many questions. I can give you the answers, but then I’d have to kill you. He bowed to me and left as unceremoniously as he’d entered. Something in my gut told me he may not have been joking.

Chapter 2

Deacon

My mind still couldn’t wrap itself around the fact that Dulcie was working for her father. I’d spent my entire life avoiding formally working for him, and it took less than a year for her to be sucked into his lifestyle enough to join the company. When she told me her plans, I wanted to talk her out of it, but we weren’t a couple any longer, and I knew she wouldn’t listen to me even if we were. It wasn’t my choice for us to not be together, but I thought it was likely for the best. At least for the time being. I couldn’t protect her if she thought I was too close. And I needed to protect her. Especially from Euless, though I couldn’t tell her why.

Her brother, J.R. and I discovered Euless had killed her other brother, Travis, but we hadn’t found his motive. He asked me to meet him for breakfast. He thought it would be safer to talk at a restaurant instead of at home, where there could be ears everywhere. I was there, but he was late. It was unusual for him to be late, and I worried that perhaps he’d succumbed to the same fate as Travis. If he had, I’d have to get to the house, kidnap Dulcie, and sweep her away, all the time fighting her kicking and screaming. I’d do it, though. I was certain that if J.R. was gone, Dulcie would be next.

You ready to order, honey? The waitress startled me, as I was deep in thought.

No, ma’am. I’ll wait for my friend. Though I’d love more coffee while I do, if it’s not too much trouble. I slid my cup toward her, and she smiled as she filled it with the steaming liquid. If he’s not here soon, I reserve the right to change my mind and get a plate of scattered, smothered, and covered.

You bet, sugar. Just holler at me when you’re ready.

As it was late in the morning, the breakfast rush was over. Better for us to discuss business in a less crowded place. The further we got away from Euless, the more I wondered how many eyes and ears he actually had in the city. I’d been out of the loop for some time, though at first it didn’t bother me much. There had been times over the years that Euless wanted me involved, and other times he didn’t. But that was the first time I’d ever felt excluded, and it was a foreign concept to me. I was walking a fine line, and I knew it. Staying close enough to Dulcie to protect her could put me right in the line of fire. J.R. and Dulcie, too. And that was what we were trying to avoid. The time would come when I’d have to decide about abandoning the man who’d raised me as a son since I was a small child. It was either that or abandon her, and I knew I could never do that. I’d decided long before that day that I’d give my dying breath to keep her safe.

My back straightened as I saw J.R.’s truck pull into a space right in front of the building. I couldn’t slow down my heart rate when I realized he was by himself. That meant what he wanted to discuss was for my ears only. He entered the place cautiously, turning his head from side to side, looking for me. I threw up a hand to him, and once he’d acknowledged me, I motioned to the waitress that we were ready. She poured his coffee, took our orders, and called them out to the cook, who began working on them promptly. I’d picked a table far away from the counter and scowled at anyone who’d dared to be interested in sitting near me. There was plenty of other space for them to sit without being close to us. They could go sit somewhere else.

Once I was certain the waitress was out of earshot, I said, I expected you to at least have one or two guys with you. Do you not think you need security any longer?

Couldn’t risk it. I need to find all new guys who don’t have any connection to Dad. I don’t want to deal with questions of loyalty, and I suggest you do the same.

Great minds think alike. I’m meeting with two new guys this afternoon. I’ve usually found my guys through suggestions from Dave or Charlie, and that’s out of the question now.

He sat back in the booth as the waitress brought the accouterments for waffles and placed them on the table. Frowning, J.R. inspected the pitcher of syrup and poured a dab of water from his glass onto a napkin and wiped the outside of the sticky plastic. I couldn’t stop myself from chuckling, and his head snapped up, ready for a fight. He evidently recognized the ridiculousness of his reaction and smiled at himself. Old habits die hard, I suppose.

Yeah, you’ve never been able to handle messes. Once you finish there, the inside of my truck could use a good scouring.

Not on your life, bud. I’ve seen that pigsty you call a truck cab. I wouldn’t set foot in that thing wearing a hazmat suit.

Fuck you, brother, I said and passed him a couple more napkins, pointing to the side of the bottle. You missed a spot. He muttered a retaliatory curse under his breath and continued wiping.

A few minutes later, the waitress placed our food in front of us, and my mouth watered. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until I smelled the wonderful aroma coming off those plates. Nothing would taste as good as Angela’s breakfast, but we couldn’t talk without fear of being heard at the house. So, J.R. said in between bites of waffles, any ideas on what our next move should be?

Our next move? I thought we were still trying to come up with our first move. I shook my head and poured ketchup on to my plate next to the hash browns. It’s going to be hard to work outside of Euless’s watchful eye, but I don’t see any other way. If he really killed Travis, there’s not much that can stop him from killing either of us. Or Dulcie.

I think it was obvious from the video that he’s the one who killed him. Do you have doubts? He took another napkin and blotted the extra grease off the top of the eggs.

My head tells me one thing, but my heart tells me another. I don’t want to believe Euless is capable of killing one of his kids, but it’s hard to dispute visual evidence.

Oh, I think he’s capable alright, but what I can’t figure out is why. Could you tell me why would he do it? Did Travis betray him or was it revenge for what he did to Dulcie? Those are the only things that make sense to me.

Out of nowhere, he slammed the coffee cup down hard onto the table, loud enough to draw curious stares from patrons at several nearby tables. His eyes looked past me and fixed on someone coming in through the door.

I turned my head to see Buck walking in. As soon as he saw me, he grinned and shot me the bird. Great! Just what I needed today. Those fools!

What the fuck is he doing here? J.R. asked. I thought he worked for Travis. Do you think he knows that he’s dead?

Ace and Cutter followed him in, and they both smiled when they spotted me. I didn’t want to have to deal with them, but it looked to be unavoidable. Might as well go on the offensive. Well, if it isn’t Tweedledee and Tweedledum, and dumber.

I’d hoped the time we’d spent apart would have improved your attitude, Mr. Hawkins, but it appears to have worsened. He turned to J.R. and dipped his head. Young Mr. Brisand, he said in greeting.

I thought Travis was ‘Young Mr. Brisand’ and I was ‘Mr. Brisand, the Younger’. Isn’t that what you’ve always called me, Buck?

Yes, well, that is true. But seeing how the former ‘Young Mr. Brisand’ is likely no longer with us, I suppose the honor falls upon you. I wonder how long you’ll keep that moniker.

Jumping up to position myself between J.R. and Buck, I said, I know you’re not threatening Euless Brisand’s son, are you, Buck? You’re certainly not that stupid.

Of course, he’s not, Deacon, J.R. said slowly, as he scooted out of the booth, standing in front of the creep. I’m sure he meant nothing by it. By the way, Buck, you wouldn’t know exactly how my brother ended up likely no longer with us, would you?

They glared at each other for what seemed like ages before Buck grinned a smile that could have lit up the whole place. Of course, I don’t know what you mean. I have no information about your brother’s tragic end. It’s all just speculation, anyway, isn’t it? No one knows for sure what happened to my dear friend Travis. But if I hear anything, I’ll be sure to let you know.

The other patrons in the restaurant had grown silent, and I glanced around at them, smiling and motioning for them to remain calm. I struggled to maintain a pleasant smile around Buck. He set my teeth on edge the minute I saw him or whenever he opened his mouth. You do that, Buck. J.R. searched in his wallet and pulled out a wad of cash, tossing it on the table. Miss, he called to the waitress, "this should cover our breakfast and theirs, as well as a healthy gratuity for you. If it doesn’t, or if these three