Remy's Dilemma: The Harrell Family Chronicles, #5

By S L Hollister

Remington Harrell is the oldest of the Harrell siblings and the one expected to fix everything. Whether it's a friend accused of murder or saving the local phosphate plant there's nothing he can't do, except relationships. After his last girlfriend threatened to kill his sister and sell her child on the black market, he's been a little apprehensive about dating.

With cyber-attacks on the phosphate plant escalating along with threats to the employees, Remy worries his family and friends will be the next targets. When he realizes the threat comes from someone in Sothy's past. They must team up to stop the cyber-attacks.

But if Sothy isn't willing to share her secrets, can Remy trust her with his heart?

In a race against time to protect her and her children, Remy is willing to sacrifice everything to keep them safe. Discovering the truth about Sothy's past, could put them all in danger, but isn't their love is worth the risk?

In the heart-pounding fifth installment of the electrifying romantic suspense series, The Harrell Family Chronicles, Remy and Sothy find themselves thrust into a world where love and danger intertwine in a race against time. As Sothy plans his sister's wedding and battles her own fears, they have to overcome danger to make it to the wedding on time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dragonfly River Press
• Release date: Aug 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223026631

S L Hollister

People have often asked me why I don’t write about my adventures raising six sons. I have to admit that I prefer to write their stories as fiction because no one believes the stuff they put me through if I tell it as fact. In fiction I can clean my boys up a little when I like them and make them the heroes of my stories and if they’ve pissed me off, I can make them the villains. It’s been a running joke around our house that mom will put you in her book and kill you off on page fifty, but some know they’re the smelly corpse discovered in the ditch at the very beginning of the story. Heck, it’s not even a threat anymore my grandkids are begging to be put in my books and even telling me how I can kill them off. I mean really, where’s the threat in that? We put the fun in dysfunctional, what can I say? I have long conversations with my children and grandchildren about blowing things up and how to get rid of bodies. The holidays are never boring around our house.

Book preview

Chapter 1: Just Another Alarming Monday

Remy rolled down the window of his new Corolla GR86 and took aim ready to hurl his cell phone into the saw grass. The damned thing wouldn’t quit ringing. Cursing, he dropped the ringing phone on the consol. I don’t have time to replace it, he growled as he declined the call. It was the third he’d received this morning from Magma’s CEO.

He’d learned Magma was an affiliate of World Food Corp and they had a reputation for taking over smaller companies and siphoning off their assets. They left a barely sustainable husk of the former business. He’d already declined her offer to buy Lee Creek Mine, but Ms. Sok was like the kudzu and wisteria, wrapping up a beautiful offer only to discover the true devastation long after they were gone. Remy had done his due diligence. He’d made a promise to his family and those dependent upon the mine’s success to make a go of the phosphate plant, and he intended to abide by that promise even if it killed him.

He took a deep breath to calm himself. The crisp air with its briny aroma from the Pamlico Sound and the sweet scent of wisteria cooled his anger. Cranking up the classic rock on the stereo, he pushed thoughts of business out of his head and shoved his foot down on the accelerator. The purr of the 4-cylinder turbo coupled with the music and cool spring breeze lightened his mood. Singing along with Meatloaf’s Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, he almost didn’t care he was running late. Almost. He had always been a stickler for punctuality. Hell, when he was working for the law firm, he thought ten minutes early was late, but since returning to Leeward, it seemed he was always late on Mondays. The weekends never seemed to have enough hours for everything he wanted to do, or everything his family expected him to do. This weekend he couldn’t complain. His mother had invited Sothy and her girls along with her grandmother, to the campground. His family was playing matchmaker. Memories of Sothy and the girls learning to fish and play croquette wiped away what remained of this morning’s aggravation. The girls had been ruthless players. He smiled, remembering their giggles as they hit his ball out of bounds. It had been a lovely weekend. He’d hoped to end it with a few hours alone with Sothy, but that hadn’t happened. It seemed they were destined to be thwarted, but at least he had a date with her tonight. For the first half of the evening, he would have her all to himself. Well, himself and a restaurant full of people.

He’d agreed to help surprise Sothy with her new store. Her family and his were working hard to get the craft store stocked so they could give it to her tonight. He smiled, looking forward to her reaction. Her grandmother worried if Sothy didn’t find a job, she’d leave Leeward. Giving Sothy the store was her way of keeping her family close. He couldn’t blame the old woman. He didn’t like the idea of Sothy leaving either.

Remy slowed his speed as the gray gypsum hills came into view. He’d been researching other markets for the waste product, but with the increase in production, they had more gypsum to get rid of.

The smell of brine gave way to the pungent odor of sulfuric acid. He turned onto the lane leading to the plant’s main gate. The railcars stood unmoving on the tracks. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end. No cars, trucks or employees passed on the long curving road. He’d never seen such a lack of activity. It was eerie. The phosphate plant was like a small city and there was always traffic around the front gate. Even this late in the morning, there should have been trucks and cars coming and going, instead it looked like a ghost town. The coffee in Remy’s stomach soured as fear threatened to choke him.

Whispering a prayer, he slowed to flash his badge at the guard shack. There was no guard visible, and the rail was up. Anger replaced his fear as he parked the car and leaped out. With labored breathing, he peered inside the little building. He was relieved to see no sign of foul play, no blood, or overturned furniture. A muffled alarm sounded tinny in the metal shack. The sound swelled and got louder. It seemed to come from everywhere at once. Anger, fear, and a host of other emotions threatened to choke out his ability to reason. First things first, he ordered, getting back into his car. Find the plant manager and find out what the hell is going on.

Remy shoved the car into gear and pulled out of the parking spot. A loud air horn startled him. He stomped on the brake, barely missing being rear-ended as a firetruck whizzed past him.

Cursing, Remy fell in behind the firetruck. Well, maybe someone knows where they’re going. They drove to the main office building most of the workers called the white house. The firetruck pulled to the side of the road and shut off their siren.  

He pulled into the parking lot, dismayed to see only one other car. He recognized the sedan as belonging to his administrative assistant. Well, if anyone knew what was going on, she would.

He watched the firefighters, frowning in confusion. Why the hell aren’t they doing something? They sat inside the cab talking into a handheld radio. Wrinkling his brow, he wondered why they were using the handheld.  

Remington hesitated to get out of his car, not wanting to be assaulted again by the sound of the alarms. As he sat there, a truck and a couple of golf carts pulled into the parking lot. Seeing the plant manager, Remy got out and rushed over. He shouted, What’s going on?

The newly appointed plant manager, Ed Martin grimaced and shook his head as he removed his ear protection. Shouting to be heard over the chorus of alarms, Ed said, The alarms started going off, but there’s no sign of any trouble we’ve been able to find. I have men checking all over the plant, but it looks like a false alarm or rather several false alarms. He winced and offered Remy a set of earbuds.

Remy cupped his hands over his ears to block out some of the noise. The alarms were getting louder.

Ed cursed and ripped open the plastic. He shoved the ear buds at Remy. They’re not great, but they’ll help, he shouted.

Wincing, Remy shoved the first one into his ear, surprised by the sudden silence.

Ed wrinkled his brow and pulled up his earphones. It stopped.

The silence was deafening after the onslaught of the alarms. Remy fought the urge to shake his head. It felt hollowed out. Still holding the second ear bud, he frowned. Huh, it stopped. Before he could assess the damage to his eardrums, a horde of trucks and golf carts sped into the parking lot. He pulled the ear bud from his ear and draped the cord about his neck.

Why did the alarms stop?

Did you find out what started them?

How did you get the alarms to stop?

The group gathered around Ed were all talking at once.

Ed held up his hand. Y’all are as bad as the damned alarm. I don’t know why the alarms stopped or why they started. I’m as in the dark as the rest of you. Give me your reports. One at a time. He called on them by name. When they’d finished, he turned to Remy. Like we said, it appears to have been a false alarm.

Could they have hacked our computers? Remy asked.

All the alarms went off at the same time, Ed explained. We had to make sure there wasn’t any real danger, but the cell phones were all offline. A few of the old guys still had walkie-talkies, so that’s how we communicated.

Closing his eyes, he asked, The computers were offline?

Ed nodded. As far as we know, everything had switched to safe mode by the time we checked. There was no outside service.

Remy, frowning, said, No sign of any tampering at the chemical plant?

None, one man replied. Remy knew his face, but without checking his badge, he couldn’t recall his name. 

Phos-acid was our first concern. There are enough chemicals there to blow up the east coast, Ed said. He handed Remy a clipboard with his checklist. We checked each part of the plant from the mine to the mill. It was all clear.

Remy thumbed through the reports while the others talked. He still struggled with their names, even after the months he’d spent at the plant. He listened as they each told the same tale over and over. When another group of vehicles pulled into the parking lot, he recognized the plant’s head of security. Former head of security, he mumbled under his breath as he stomped over to meet the man who’d been in charge of the main gate. When he’d hired A-Plus Security, they had assured him each person was military trained and the head of security was a former soldier. He demanded, Who’s minding the gate? His voice carried. His irritation was obvious. The men and women around him fell silent. He didn’t bother to look as footsteps rushed up behind him. He didn’t have to. He knew Ed Martin coming up beside him. Ed was a good man to have in a crisis. He kept a cool head, and he knew how to soothe hurt egos and mend hard feelings. But at this moment, Remington wasn’t interested in soothing or mending anything. He was out for blood. He grabbed hold of the golf cart’s steering wheel, barely restraining himself from grabbing the guard by the throat and pulling him from the cart. Where the hell were you?

The man straightened in his seat and puffed out his chest. He met Remy’s glare over his sunglasses. We were checking out the alarm.

Who gave you that order? Remy demanded, leaning closer.

Ed put his hand on Remington’s arm, and he eased back.

The guard sneered. I gave the order. I’m in charge.

Wrong answer, dude. I’m in charge. My orders have and always will be to not leave the gate unprotected and it sure as hell means don’t leave the fucking gate up, so anyone could wander in. Remy clenched his teeth to keep from shouting. It took every ounce of willpower he possessed to keep his voice neutral.

The two of them were similar in age, but that’s where their similarities ended. The guard wore his bleached blond hair high and tight, and his uniform’s seams strained with every movement. With his nostrils flared, and his lips curled, and eyes hidden behind mirrored sunglasses there was no doubt he was ready to attack.

Remy was spoiling for a fight. He looked around at the men and women who’d followed the head of security into the lot, many wore the security firm’s logo on their shirts or windbreakers. Some sat watching from their vehicles, but others had gathered around. Remy made a point of looking at each of them, a trick he’d learned in the courtroom. All of you? His tone was deceptively quiet as he assessed each of them.

He met one woman’s eye, and she blushed but didn’t lower her gaze. Clearing her throat, she said, He ordered us from our posts, sir.

Ordered from your assigned posts? Remy turned to look back at the head of security. Raising his brow, he asked, By whom?

Our commanding officer, sir, the woman replied.

Remington focused his attention on the head of security. Why would you pull your people away from their duties?

The man’s jaw tightened, and he stood from the golf cart, and glared at Remy, a red hue highlighted his cheeks and ears. I thought we could help.

Crossing his arms over his chest, Remington narrowed his eyes. And you have training to deal with a chemical spill or a gas leak?

We could have protected the perimeter, the guard snarled, using his size he moved into Remy’s space and tried to intimidate him.

Remington Harrell didn’t back down. As the oldest of the Harrell clan, he’d been in more than one unfair fight. Bullies didn’t intimidate him. He stepped into the man’s personal space, and keeping his voice neutral, replied, The gate was your perimeter. Instead of maintaining your post, you left the gates wide open so anyone could come in and be endangered...

We left them open for the fire trucks.

Remy raised his brow. And anyone else who wished to come in.

It was a false alarm! The guard leaned into Remy’s face.

Dropping his arms to his side, Remy clenched his fists, straining to keep his cool. Yes, it was a false alarm. A great distraction for anyone who wanted to sneak onto the plant site and really cause some damage, especially with the gates left wide open and no guards on duty. Remy kept his voice low, but he had to tighten his jaw to keep from screaming at the man. The other guards took a step back to allow them room. The man didn’t seem to understand the trouble he was in.

Remy rolled his eyes. You left the gate open to a multi-million-dollar facility. One that has government contracts and makes chemicals. Do you not see the problem? He leaned close and shouted, Did nine-eleven not teach you anything?

Ed put his hand on Remy’s arm.

Remy took a deep breath and a half a step back. People depend on us to keep them safe. People who work here and people who live nearby.    

But-but we thought we could help, the guard stammered, deflating under Remington’s accusations. He looked to his fellow guards for backup, but they’d already distanced themselves from him. He puffed up his chest and lifted his chin, but it was just false bravado as he tried to save face.

Is that how they train soldiers now? To leave your post? Remy demanded, narrowing his eyes at the other man. He was ready to hit something. Let the jackass jump up at him. He didn’t care how big the joker was, he was going down.

I-I wasn’t a soldier, sir.

Remy glared. That’s funny because if I remember correctly, your company assured me all of its guards had been military trained. Crossing his arms over his chest, he raised a brow.

The guard blushed and bobbed his head. Uh, yes sir, the headman, he did. He trained us. He’s former military.

Remy rolled his eyes and shook his head in disgust. Go back to the guard shack and don’t leave it until your replacement arrives.

How about if I have to go to the bathroom? The guard whined.

Remy’s nose flared as he took a deep breath. Let me think, oh yeah, if you can’t hold it, piss your pants. He leaned closer to the man. If I come up to the guard shack and I don’t see your face. I will bring charges against you for dereliction of duty. When I get done with you, the only thing you’ll be guarding is your own asshole from your cell mate. Now get to your station.

The man didn’t know which way to turn.

Ed leaned in and whispered loudly, Go to the guard shack. To the other guards, he said, Everyone back to your assigned posts until someone comes to relieve you.

Uh, sir, do we still have a job? The woman guard asked.

Remy shook his head. You left your gate.

She grimaced. I told him it was a bad idea. We tried to call the boss, but we didn’t have service...

One of the other guards added, He threatened our jobs. Said it was our responsibility to make sure this plant was secure.

We locked our gate before we left, the woman said.

Several others said the same.

We will take that into consideration when we make our evaluation. For now, just go back to your posts and keep your eyes open for anything unusual.

They set off towards their various checkpoints.

Ed was calm and efficient. Remy had trained with him when he’d started as a volunteer firefighter. Thinking out loud, Remy said, They set off an alarm to hide something else. We need to do a perimeter check. If someone has gotten in here, they plan to sabotage the plant... 

Ed said, We need to badge everyone. Make sure no one is in here who doesn’t have a reason to be.

Remy licked his bottom lip. Have you checked your cell phones since the alarms quit?

They all pulled out the phones and checked.

Mine’s working.

Yeah, mine is too.

Remy nodded. How many of those walkie-talkies do you have?

A dozen, Ed said. My battery is low, but I can recharge it in the truck.

Recharge the walkie-talkies and use them for backup. Everyone, go to Channel 21. I want regular check-ins. There was a reason the alarms went off. Let’s see if we can discover what that reason was before something happens. Implement the buddy system. I know it’ll take longer, but I don’t like the idea of anyone being out alone when we don’t know what we’re up against. Let’s protect each other and this plant.

Ed divided the men into groups and gave them each a section to check. It was going to