Deadly Rose

By Ruby Raynes

     Melinda, code name Rose, is the epitome of a top-secret spook. She retires and goes to work with her brother. However, she discovers threats directed towards her beloved brother. Melinda springs into action, determined to put an end to these perilous schemes.

     As she delves deeper into the situations, Melinda discovers a web of foreign criminals infiltrating her homeland. She uncovers a sinister connection leading all the way to the heart of power - the White House itself. These audacious criminals dare to meddle with both her family and her country, igniting a fire within Melinda that cannot be extinguished. They will learn why in whispers around the world, she is called Deadly Rose.

     Yet, amidst the chaos and danger, a flicker of romance blooms adding a glimmer of hope. However, navigating love and war proves to be arduous. Betrayal lurks at every corner. Her secret identity is hanging in the balance as she summons every ounce of her strength and cunning to emerge victorious. Can she triumph against such odds? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - Melinda's indomitable spirit will not be easily extinguished.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L R Hill
• Release date: Sep 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223801962

Ruby Raynes

     Ruby Raynes is a multifaceted woman and once a Rodeo Queen. Her diverse career entails real estate, bail bonds, and bounty hunting. During a creative writing course, she discovered her calling and realized the potential of a creative mind.      Her writing delves into contemporary romance, mystery, action, and thrilling narratives. Her stories feature robust characters who possess a sensitive side, adding depth and complexity.      She currently lives in Texas. She's also aiming for the New York Times Best Seller list. Website: www.RubyRaynes-novels.com

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The afternoon was unforgiving with its sweltering heat as Rose, stands looking out a large window. With her back turned to the door, she looks out over the city and sighs deeply. Now was the time to change things, and she was more than ready to make some changes. Reaching up and pulling some pins out of her brown hair, it falls down past her shoulders. As she is shaking her hair out, the door opens. A tall older man comes in and greets her.

She turns and slightly smiles at him with a greeting, then said, I’m giving up my office, sir. It’s time I retire and change my life.

He sat down hard in the high-back chair, wanting her to stay. Come on now, you’re the best we’ve ever had. He sighed. Hell Rose, you’re better than anyone we’ve ever had or thought about being. A beautiful woman to boot as well. He tried to talk her out of leaving for over an hour before giving it up. I guess I have to accept your resignation then. Are you sure you won’t reconsider?

We have been the best of friends and I won’t mind helping once in a while. I’ve trained my replacement and she’s just as good as I ever was. However, she is younger and can give you as many years as I have.

He nodded for a second. But there’s only one Rose, if that’s your real name. She had to smile at him. He knew he’d never know the truth. He slapped his leg and stood up. I guess twenty years is a long time after what you have been through. I can’t blame you either.

You didn’t know this, but I snuck into the service younger than most. She chuckled at his expression of surprise. I love this country and always will, sir. It’s just time to see if I can adjust to being a regular civilian. He tilted his head. If I can’t make the change, then I may call you again.

That sounds more like it. He had to hug Rose. She was the closest thing to a daughter he always wanted. Can I ask where you are going?

I don’t know where. I’m just going to drive until I find a place that feels comfortable. She shrugged. Of course, I may move several times to find such a place. They both laughed. She never stayed in one place for long.

Who knows? You may fall in love again and have children. She giggled. I never figured out how you did this work and were a wife at the same time. Maybe that’s what caused your divorce, too. She shrugged and didn’t answer. That takes a strong woman and you’ve changed my mind about women, too. He threw his head at the door. Get going before something comes up and you’re needed. I hate to grovel. She then giggled. As a General we don’t do that, you know. I’ll keep things quiet for you as always. You were my best kept secret, always will be.

Rose hugged him again and gave her last salute, then left his office and went home. It felt strange being home before dark, so she cleaned the apartment to stay busy. Then she looked at a map of the United States, thinking of where she might go first. Sitting at the counter, she thought, how about a small town instead of a city? Something a lot quieter and no sirens all the time. Hmm, not close to a railroad or airport either. I want a silent area. Her finger wandered from the east coast towards the western states. It finally landed up north, then downwards a moment. I wonder if Montana, Wyoming or Colorado would be nice. Hmm, Levi is up north. Not too hot, but is freezing in the winter too. She hems hawed around thinking on it, then got so tired she leaned over onto her arm and slept until dawn.

Rose jerked upwards with an email vying for her attention. She picked up the cell phone and looked at it a second, blinking several times. I can’t believe it’s my brother after all these years. Perfect timing. He wants me to come visit if I have time. A thought hit her. That would be a great place to start. This time she texted him, love to come visit right away. You must have known I was thinking about you. I just retired and I’m ready to start a new life.

He responded quickly. It’s about time. Come on, sis, the sooner the better. I miss you!

She giggled, happy to go see him again, then texted. Can I bring a truck full of my things and put it in storage?

He smiled to himself as he texted. You bet! Come on.

She looked around at the small apartment then texted, be there in a few days. Better give me three or four days, packing and driving there, you know. She then laughed at his comment that came back, then jumped up and went looking for boxes. In the big city, boxes were easy to find too. Heading back home, she thought of where he lived and the smaller towns around there. It became appealing to her more as she thought about it. She could have the small town and only be a few minutes from the city also, best of both.

Rose broke up laughing at herself in thinking, I can even get a job with Levi and ease into the real life. She slapped the steering wheel and sped up. After getting back, she began packing everything while looking it all over for bugs, tracking devices. She didn’t trust anyone anymore when it came to tracking her. And she found a few and kept them together to toss out later down the road. Only one person could’ve bugged her. That thought pissed her off.

Now came the uniforms, makeup, wigs, and gear. She wanted to keep that separate and coded the boxes for herself. It only took her one day to finish packing completely. Then she looked at the boxes and furniture, then decided what size of the truck she needed. The only other problem was the loading of the truck. She had made no friends in the building, never being at home much. That took some effort, but she found a couple of guys that were out of work. She offered to pay them handsomely for their work, so they agreed to help.

It was late morning the next day by the time everything was done. She had re-coloured her hair as well. Rose loaded her clothes in the SUV and then put it on the trailer, then drove on. She was used to the long hours, so she drove until she felt like stopping for the night. It was nice when she found an all-night diner about midnight and ate. Then she got tired but thankful a hotel was across the street.

The next morning, she woke feeling refreshed and ready to go again. This time, she texted Levi. On my way, I’m in Kentucky right now, so hang on, I’ll be there soon. She sent some emojis and laughed, knowing he’d get a kick out of it. She was excited to see him again.

Levi got his ping and died laughing at her text, then sent one back. I’m waiting, don’t drive so fast, sis. Enjoy the trip in, if I’m not at home, I’ll be at the shop. Love you. He sent the addresses to her.

Rose smiled at his text. After all this time, he went into business for himself. I’m proud of him. She finally slowed down a little. Although she was used to getting things done quickly, in and out, as she calls it. It was relaxing to drive and do some thinking. It was great to stop occasionally and looked at the countryside on the way. Once making it finally to town, she went to his house first. He wasn’t there, so she unloaded the SUV off the trailer and went to the shop.

She came around the corner of the building, and a worker came up to her. I’m Levi’s sister, is he here? The man smiled and nods. She held a finger to her lips. He chuckled and led her around to sneak up on Levi. As she got up behind him, she leaned over his shoulder, watching him work on a carburetor. She then moved her hand around him and pointed. That spring is broken.

He whirled around and looked up at her, then stood up. He grabbed her and said, There you are! Only you would see a little thing like the spring. He picked her up and whirled her around, kissing her cheek. I’m so glad you’re here, sis. Did you have a pleasant trip? She nodded as she hugged him with her feet dangling. Are you going to work with me now?

Maybe I will if you want me to. I’m retired now. She giggled at him being giddy. Put me down so I can breathe. He sat her down. She stood back and looked at him thoroughly. You sure have muscled up and gotten strong.

He showed off, then had to introduce her to everyone at work, interrupting them. Meet my little sister Melinda. She’s here to stay for a while. He looked at her. I hope anyway. She greeted everyone, forcing herself to smile and shake hands. He had to ask, You are staying, aren’t you?

I will a few months before I look for my own little place in the country. He looked at her. Close by, though, so we can be together way more than you want.

He cracked up and shook a finger at her. And get to work on time, I hope. She smiled and nodded. He knew she had to get used to being around people again. It worried him some, but he also knew she’d put out full effort in reintegrating. Okay, guys, let’s call it quits for the day. I need to help sis, find a storage unit and unload her truck.

Lex and Martin offered to help right off. They smiled at her; she was gorgeous, and they wanted to impress her. She looked at Levi and he knew she wasn’t interested, but accepted their help. Sis with four of us, it won’t take any time to get you unloaded.

You’re right. Let’s go and get it done. Lead the way, big brother. The men quickly cleaned their tools, put them away, and locked the shop up. Rose made herself say, I sure appreciate you guys helping.

Lex smiled and said, No problem, I know what it’s like to move and need help. Rose sighed and agreed. I bet we can get it done in two hours or less. She looked at him in disbelief, although it was a smaller truck.

Martin laughed at him. Yeah, he knows where the storage units are close to Levi. You can return the truck there at the same time. Rose looked at Lex and he shrugged, then she giggled and walked to the SUV.

Levi caught the men before they left as she went on and said, Easy guys, she’s not too friendly with strangers. Give her time to settle down and relax. If she’s blunt and short, don’t take it personally. Okay?

Martin asked, Kind of like you were? Levi nodded. Martin looked at Lex, who nods. We get it now. Then they all got in Levi’s truck and led her to the storage unit. She went inside to the office and paid for a unit, got a lock, then went and got the truck. When she returned, the men started unloading everything. It was quick and efficient with her directing things.

She smiled at Levi and slightly glanced at the guys. Thank you so much guys, that was fast.

They didn’t try to flirt anymore, and Lex said, You are so welcome. We’ll see you at work, I guess. She grinned and nodded, then Levi took them back to their vehicle. Rose stayed and returned to the truck, checking it in with the vehicle tow trailer.

Levi made it back to the units before she got done. Are you ready for dinner? I’ll take you out.

Gee, an actual date! How can I turn that down? She jumped in with him and he drove home. They got cleaned up and dressed, then spent the evening out on the town. Rose looked at everyone and everything, enjoying their time out. Even though she felt odd at the same time.

Levi was alert and instinctively watched over her, then said, Take a breath, sis. Remember, no one can order you around and you can’t order them around either. She realized what she did unloading the truck and blushed. That’s okay. I did the same thing at first.

You did?

I sure did, and I wasn’t in near as long as you. Just one day at a time and it will start feeling normal. If you don’t hang on to the way it was, like I did. She relaxed a little. I’m here. Lean on me. Times have changed. Stay alert, but don’t react until you know what is going on.

She looked at the men moving around and he smiled at her. Are we in cowboy country? He nods and chuckles. Oh.

He had to crack up with the way she said that. Sis, this is Cheyenne, the rodeo capital, like Houston. She kept looking at everyone and made faces as he laughed at her. He explained things about the area and there were always fun things going on.

She finally said, I never paid attention to rodeo stuff. I was too busy, you know that. What’s a redneck you mentioned a while ago? He chuckled and had to explain it. She cleared her throat and said, As long as they don’t start crap with me, we’re good.

Now Melinda, you can’t let yourself fight. That is the one thing you must control, or you’ll end up in serious trouble. You are considered a deadly weapon yourself with your training you’ve had.

She sighed and swallowed. Twenty years. It will be hard. She paused. Like getting used to you calling me Melinda when I’ve been called Rose for so long. Levi took a deep breath at that comment and sat back. You’ve heard the name?

His mouth hung open for a moment. He nods then said, I don’t know anything. It made him wondered about her being there with him now and he almost feared her. Except for the fact she was his sister, so he forced a smiled and offered to take her to the park.

Maybe later, I’m tired from traveling. I just want to relax and watch some TV, I think. She half lied, knowing he knew more than he wanted to know about her reputation. He agreed and took her home, then carried her luggage inside and showed her the bedroom. Looking around, she asked, You mean I get my own bathroom?

He chuckled. I remember you used to take forever in the bathroom. Now you can take your time as long as you aren’t late for work. He turned his head and looked upwards, teasing her.

She punched him in the arm. I wasn’t that bad. Was I? He cracked up and teased her, finally making her let out a genuine laugh. That feels good to laugh like that again. She hugged him, then punched him and took off to the living room. I get the remote.

That’s no fair. You cheated and acted like a spoiled brat again. He punched her arm once he caught up to her. Better not be a chick flick, either. He figured she never watched one, but he was poking fun at her. She ended up picking a western movie. Are you kidding me?

Nope, maybe I’ll learn something. You tell me if any of it is true or all phoney. She slid down on the couch and got comfortable. Here we go, bro. Then she started the show.

He looked over at her and chuckled. It ended up being a good movie, after all. He explained what he knew or had seen but said, The rest you’ll have to figure out or go to the rodeo in a couple of weeks. It’ll be here and we can go see what it’s all about. We can make it an evening out.

I’m game, I guess. Let’s do it. Now that I’m in the middle of a bunch of cowboys. If I’m going to live among them, I need to learn how to act or not react.

You got that right. It’s not as hard as you think, though. They act tough, just like everybody else, to protect themselves. There’s lots of scams and things to watch out for. Just don’t believe half of what you hear and question everything.

That I do anyway by nature now. I guess not trusting may help after all. There was no argument with that.

He then took the remote from her. It’s my turn now. They fought over the remote and enjoyed themselves like kids again. It was a nice evening and Rose actually felt comfortable with Levi. He was ready for bed by the end of the second movie and said, Work tomorrow sis, I got to get up early. You take the day and look around. If you don't want to work for me, you don't have to. You may want to find a different job and that’s okay. She frowned at him. Or you can come on to the shop and check it out whenever you’re ready. If you want to work, you can any time it suits you. Part time, full-time. I don’t care, it’s up to you.

She got up and hugged him. Good night. We’ll see what happens. I may get so bored I’ll show up. He then went on to bed. And she went to her room and laid down, thinking about what her life was going to be like.

For the next couple of days, she tried to busy herself around the house. Her clothes and things were all organized. Levi’s house got a good cleaning as well. It didn’t take long for her to get an itch of boredom.

CHAPTER 2

It was a hot summer day, but it wasn’t anything to Rose without the humidity. It only took two days before she went to the shop. She walked around the corner just as Levi threw a tool down and cussed. She walked up to him and looked at him. He was gruff and said, The damn thing won’t start again. I’ve looked at everything more than once. Rose looked around at the men and they gave her the look of I’m not saying a word.

She turned the ignition key and listened to it for a moment. Then she removed the seat and started doing something as Levi watched what she did. She noticed a screw wasn’t tight enough and that one wire was off. After she fixed it, she turned the key, and it started up and roared. Levi just looked at her. Can I come to work now? I’m really bored already. I just can’t sit around doing nothing.

He laughed and went with her to the office to do her paperwork. Man, I don’t know how I missed that twice.

She smiled at him. Little fingers help in tight places. He totally agreed, and he was happy she wanted to help. Gee, you act like you need me.

You bet I do. You could always figure out the weird stuff and make it work. He sighed. I’ve been on that all morning and here you walk in and figure it out in minutes. That’s a genuine gift, sis. She giggled. Now you ask me to mould a rod or piece of metal and I can do that. Or weld some pieces together, no problem. He sighed.

Who’s doing all this fancy painting I see?

Levi smiled. All of us learned how to paint. You like it, do you? His ego was lifting now as he sat taller.

It’s gorgeous work. You’ll have to teach me.

Sure I will. Since you are a natural mechanic, it won’t take any time. As detailed as you are, I can imagine the new designs you’ll come up with. He sat back as she filled out the papers. I’ll up my prices too. Then he hinted at her doing some paperwork for the company.

I’ll help wherever you need me. You know that. I’ll even upgrade your computers, so it’ll be a lot easier to maintain your records. He looked at her strangely. Yes, I know high tech things too. She held a finger to her lips.

He held his hands up. Whatever you want to do, sis. I know you’ll do it right without hiccups in the system. I’ve had people try to straighten it up, but they messed it up even worse.

She now knew he actually needed help with the business by his tone. Finishing her papers, she asked, What do you want me to do first? Computer or mechanical. Give me the toughest problems first. She shouldn’t have said that because he walked her around, telling her. Several minutes later, she went right to it, too. By the end of the day, she had a third of it all done.

The men looked at each other as she reported what was done. Levi was stunned as well. My goodness, you got all of that done, really? She nods as she stands there all dirty. He went to make sure everything worked, and it did. Good job. I’ll call the customers to pick it up. We can clear out some space and move around better, thanks to you.

Let’s go add it up and get it right on paper in detail. He went with her, handed her his pricing list, and she started filling out the invoice. When she finished, she handed one invoice to him to look over. That’s the way it should be done. He rubbed his chin, then she said, I’ll fix the computers so an invoice will generate after you mark all your work and parts. Then it’ll add it up, so you don’t make errors. She then started another invoice.

It’s supposed to, but like I said, others have made it worse. He sat back in the chair. I’m tired of estimating on paper and under charging.

I got you brother, give me a couple of days to update the programming. She smiled at his relief. I’ll do this after hours so there won’t be any distractions.

I don’t want you working that much. He got concerned about her being alone.

I’ll be locked inside, and you know I’ll be okay. She paused because he knew what she meant. Don’t tell anyone, though. He looked at her funny. It will be top-notch and in order. He wasn’t asking any questions; he just knew he could trust her. "It