Out for Blood: Desert Winds, #2

By Marcy G. Dyer

A demented killer brutally murders Danielle Battershawn's identical twin sister turning her life upside down. As she searches for answers as to why someone would kill her sister, she becomes embroiled in corporate espionage, deceit, and long-held family secrets and begins to question her animosity toward God.

When Dani becomes prey in the killer's crosshairs, an anonymous benefactor hires a security expert, Tyler Covington, to protect her from the ruthless killer who targeted her twin. While Dani tries to come to terms with her sister's death and deal with being the killer's next target, she cannot ignore her growing attraction to the mysterious Ty.

Ty's efforts to protect Dani put his employees in harm's way. As his feelings for her grow, he knows he must keep her safe at any cost, but can he do that and protect his employees?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marcy G. Dyer
• Release date: Nov 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223709886

Marcy G. Dyer

About the Author Marcy G. Dyer is a retired Registered Nurse and suspense/thriller/mystery author. Like so many other writers, she began writing at a very young age, but never took herself seriously as a "real" writer until about ten years ago when she began taking courses and learning the craft of writing. She has had books on the an online retailer’s Best Seller’s list and New Books to Watch list. Marcy is an alumnus of the Christian Writer's Guild and long-time member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of EPIC. She hosts a small critique group for ACFW and is involved in two other critique groups. For anyone seriously interested in becoming an author, she recommends a strong, diverse critique group to help authors hone crafts. She has also been a judge for the Grace Awards and Olympia contests and various ACFW contests. She can be found at http://www.marcydyer.com and http://www.facebook.com/marcydyer

Book preview

Chapter One

Such a beauty. Long , raven curls and dark, confident eyes. The unique allure of this exquisite creature almost made him regret what he must do. Almost.

Leaning near, he kissed her neck, and gazed up at the sky. Stars dotted the black west Texas night. One of the only benefits of living in dusty Odessa. The halcyon night belied his intentions.

He plunged a hunting dagger into her side. Too bad you have to die.

Her big chocolate eyes grew wide, and she screamed as she grabbed her side. Why? Her breathing came in short pants

Newsmonger. You should’ve stayed out of my business. He could see his troubles fading away as the light in her eyes dimmed.

His hands shook from the attack. Those brown eyes remained wide, even after she gasped her last breath. Staring. Accusing. The metallic odor of blood permeated the air.

Satisfied she could no longer hinder his plans, he climbed out of the convertible. She had parked in a clearing next to one of many pump jacks dotting the landscape. Some of the steel equines dipped their heads as they pumped the oil out of the dry earth. Others stood still, like sentries posted to stand guard over the tumbleweeds and mesquite.

He rounded to the backside of the thrumming pump where he had parked his truck and trailer. The trailer contained a power-washer and a hundred-gallon tank containing a strong bleach and water mixture. The mechanical murmur of the pump jack soothed him and helped him focus on the onerous task.

Opening the door of the black Ford F-150, he checked to make sure the plastic sheeting covered the truck seats. He donned a pair of latex gloves to keep blood off the steering wheel before turning on the engine. The Godsmack song A Good Day to Die blared from the stereo. One advantage to being at least thirty miles from the nearest person, he didn’t need to worry about noise arousing curiosity. He pulled next to the red Solara, skittered out and opened all the doors.

He powered on the washer and sprayed the inside of the vehicle with the dilute bleach. The acrid odor of the solution burned his nose and made his eyes water. Did he use too much bleach? He poured gallons through the front and back, paying scrupulous attention to the passenger side. Next, he took a long-handled brush and scoured the doors inside and out, the dashboard, seats, anywhere he thought crime scene techs might find evidence.

Convinced he had disposed of any traces in the car, he turned his attention to the girl. Once content he had eliminated all trace evidence, he cleansed the knife. He stripped and tossed his clothing and the knife in the grass on top of the girl’s things. His muscles ached from the exertion. Why did she have to get involved? He’d cared about her, and she’d made him kill her. He balled up the plastic sheeting from his truck and threw it, the long-handled scrub brush, and the gloves onto the pile. Last, he took the bleach water and bathed his naked body from top to bottom before donning clean clothing. The astringent bleach solution stung his nose, and burned and irritated his skin. At least, he had chosen a soft tee shirt and workout shorts, so they wouldn’t chafe.

He stood back from the area where he’d washed and sprayed the rest of the solution onto the caliche surrounding the cars and his bathing area, hoping to eradicate any hairs or skin cells.

After finishing, he moved to the dry landscape. Almost a year since any measurable rain, the grass and mesquite would spark like kindling. He poured a bottle of lighter fluid over the clothing and surrounding grass, struck a match, and dropped it. Flicking several more lit matches onto the dry earth, he grinned. It could burn for days.

Moving back to the clearing he stood next to the vehicles and watched the flames dance to the music of the crackling and popping brush as it burned. Mesmerized, he stared until the acrid smoke intensified and stung his eyes and nose. Heat wafted over him. The fire might surround the clearing, but with the hard-packed caliche drive encircling the pump jack, the car and the body.

Fears of prison time somewhat assuaged, the man climbed back into his truck and headed down the dirt road toward I-20. As he pulled onto the highway, he glanced in his rearview mirror. The flames shot high in the sky.

Chapter Two

Awelcome blast of cold air cascaded over Danielle Battershawn’s face as she strolled through the door at Starbucks and joined the long line of customers. The delicious aroma of fresh-brewed coffee permeated the room. She needed her caffeine jolt this morning.

The man in front of her wore a brown felt fedora and a leather jacket. Her gaze slid down to his khaki pants. He completed his outfit with a whip attached to his belt on one side and a holster on the other. Was this guy for real?

So Indy, how’s the archeology game?

The man turned sparkling, eyes the color of the west Texas sky on her, and a glimmer of a smile touched the corners of his mouth. Hi. I’m Pastor Rex Williams. The Indy getup ties into a sermon. It’s senior day and the teens are running the show. They picked out my clothes for today. He shook his head. At least I came up with a sermon that I can tie it.

Dani laughed. Now that would’ve piqued my interest as a teen.

The first service starts at nine. He leaned near. You’re welcome to join us.

Interesting. She motioned to her clothes. Not sure I would fit in.

Sure you would. The pastors wear jeans. In fact, I’ll bet you money if you come visit you’ll see one or two other people dressed about like you.

In a tank top, jeans, and flip-flops? A drastic change from the old days of suits and ties. And autocratic, condescending preachers who inundated teenage girls with guilt.

True. By the way I’m pastor at Christ Community Fellowship.

No kidding? That’s where my dad and sister go.

Who’s your dad?

Jason Battershawn.

He’s a great guy. Pastor Williams winked. You know, he would love to see you in church this morning.

Dani glanced at the floor. Janine was right. Her sister’s words echoed in her ears. It’s time to let go of the bitterness and anger toward God. I might just do that. Someday. She forced a smile. It was nice to meet you, Pastor Williams.

Just Rex. I don’t believe I caught your name.

Dani.

Ah, the dialysis nurse. Jason is quite proud of you.

Dani paid for her coffee and headed to her car. Someday. Dad always asked her to join him at church. Each time he asked, she said, Someday. She glanced at her blue jeans and tank top again, took a swig of her hot coffee. Someday had arrived.

A FEW MINUTES BEFORE nine, Dani entered the church and found people milling about in the immense foyer. A curved information desk flanked one wall.

Spider legs crawled up her spine, making her shiver. Why did she decide to do this today, and why didn’t she call Janine to ask her to meet her in the parking lot? The packed church closed in on her, and she turned to leave, but several worshipers stopped to greet her.

A chubby blond wearing crop pants, a tee shirt, and Birkenstock sandals ushered her through the sanctuary doors. Welcome to Christ Community. My name is Ellen. May I help you find a seat?

Dani scanned the large auditorium. She turned her gaze back to Ellen. Thank you. I’m looking for my father and sister. They’re members here.

Maybe I know them?

Jason and Janine Battershawn.

The woman smiled. Jason and I are in the same Life Group. I’ll show you where they usually sit.

Dani forced a smile in spite of the butterfly tap dance in her stomach. Thank you. Why couldn’t her family choose a nice, small church? One where she might fit in instead of feeling like an outcast in a sea of those who belonged.

Motioning for her to follow, Ellen led Dani toward the front of the room. He’s right there at the end of the second row.

Her dad stood talking to Dani’s best friend, Leandra, who leaned against the front row seats. She smoothed her luxurious purple dress. It provided a perfect contrast to her smooth dark skin. Dani sighed. Anything looked good on her dainty frame. If only God had seen fit to sculpt her a little more like Lea.

Dani turned her attention to her father. Such a handsome man. He still had a head full of sandy-blond hair, but time had streaked it with silver. Though average height, he always stood ramrod straight and stayed fit. She tiptoed behind him and slipped her arm around his waist. Hiya, handsome.

Her father glanced at her, and his hazel eyes grew bright. Dani. What a nice surprise. He put an arm around her and kissed her on the cheek.

Leandra gave her a hug. ’Bout time you decided to show up.

The music started and the congregation rose. Dani leaned close to Dad. Where’s Janine?

She’s on her way to Dallas on assignment.

Disappointment enveloped Dani. She hadn’t seen her twin all week. She’d call her later this afternoon and catch up.

The praise and worship band completed the last song, and Pastor Rex showed a clip from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. His sermon about obeying God even in the midst of chaos engrossed Dani. He highlighted joy-stealing moments from the movie.

Her thoughts turned to the in-patient hospice where her mom died when she and Janine were sixteen. Talk about a joy-stealing moment. No child should ever know the agony of watching her mother die such painful death.

Later that same year, Janine’s boyfriend had abused her, physically and emotionally. Anger simmered in Dani’s heart at the memories. How does God expect obedience and joy after allowing those things to happen?

UNDER THE CLOAK OF darkness, the man donned latex gloves. He picked the lock on the back door to Janine’s house and tiptoed over the threshold. The soft fragrance of her perfume permeated the air. Such a shame. Inquisitive mongrel. They could’ve shared something real together, but she had to play buttinski and stick her beak into his business, cutting short their love affair. He clenched his hands into fists as anger threatened to engulf him, but he shook it off and turned his attention to his search.

Where did she hide it? He pulled books off the shelves, thumbed through them, and overturned the bookcases. He slashed furniture cushions and dug through the foam, and ripped up the corners of the carpeting. As small as the drive was, the witch could’ve hidden it anywhere. He pulled her antique glassware off the fireplace and broke each piece. Empty.

Uttering a string of curses, he pounded the sheetrock with his fist. It caved in leaving a gaping hole and releasing the pressure that had built up in his chest. He pulled pictures off the walls and slashed open the backs. Maybe she hid it in an air vent. He unscrewed each one, stuck his hand inside the duct, and felt around.

Cursing again, the man moved from room to room, dumping out contents of cabinets, drawers, the dresser, and desk. He turned over the furniture and checked the backsides and underneath.

He stalked into the bathroom, checked under the cabinets, and behind the mirror. Where did the conniving broad hide the flash drive? He slashed her bed to ribbons, dug through the stuffing, and pulled out handfuls of the cotton batting, but found nothing.

Blood pounded in his ears as he loosened up his shoulders. He slammed his fists into the drywall again creating more holes. Stupid heifer. He forced deep breaths and unclenched his fists. If he let the rage consume him, he’d never find the drive. He searched the entire house once again.

Nothing. What did she do with it? Why didn’t he get it from her before he killed her? He closed his eyes marveling at how one action had swept him from falling in love with the woman to despising her. Why did she betray him? They could’ve had a good life once he got the money.

He gritted his teeth as he slipped out the front door, removed his latex gloves, and stuffed them in his pocket. As he wove through the sprawling subdivision, he hummed the tune to Death’s Head.

Knowing Janine, she gave it to her sister for preservation. He would search Dani’s house. His heart clenched. If she gave it to Dani, she’d dig for answers like a dog with a bone. After he had the drive, he’d dispose of her. Doing away with both of the meddlesome twins would solve two problems for him. He allowed himself a smile at the thought of ridding the world of Dani. She’d never been kind and loving like Janine.

Chapter Three

Dani dialed Janine’s cell phone, but once again reached her voicemail.

Janine, call me as soon as you get this message. I’ve been trying to reach you all day. Call me. She paced her living room. It was so out of character for Janine not to return calls. Could she be that engrossed in research for her story?

Dani chewed her bottom lip and dialed her dad’s number.

When he answered, she blurted out, Have you heard from Janine? I’ve been calling her all day, and she hasn’t called back.

Her father cleared his throat. No. I’ve tried to reach her, too. I just called the hotel... His voice cracked. And she never checked in.

Dani choked back a sob. Why didn’t Janine call if she didn’t go on the trip? Tentacles wound around her heart choking the breath from her lungs. I’ll be right there. This could not be happening. Dani headed for the garage with her Border collie, Einstein, close on her heels. He jumped into the Mustang ahead of her. Once in the car, her Bluetooth system connected, and she voice dialed Leandra.

Lea, I need you. Janine’s missing.

What? Have you talked to her office?

No, but she didn’t check into the hotel in Dallas. I’m headed to Dad’s right now. I guess we need to file... Where could she be? Janine wrote human-interest stories for a local magazine, not hard-hitting exposés on crime.

Mom and I’ll meet you at Papa Jason’s.

Dani pulled into the driveway of her childhood home, a sixties ranch-style house. She climbed out of the car, and Einstein flew to the porch ahead of her. He probably expected her father to greet him with a treat, as usual.

Knock, knock. Dad it’s me.

Her father rounded the corner into the living room. Stress lines etched his forehead. Baby. He pulled her into an embrace. I’m worried sick.

Have you called her boss?

He nodded. She was supposed to go Dallas to interview a pediatric oncologist who holds clinics here monthly. She never checked in to the hotel and never showed for the interview.

Dani tried to quell the herd of buffalos stampeding across her heart. We need to call the police.

He collapsed onto the sofa. I—.

The front door opened and interrupted his words. Leandra and her mother barged in. Momma Davis took a seat beside Dani’s father. She took his hand. Jason, I’m so sorry. We’ll pray for a quick resolution.

Dani grabbed the phone, and dialed 9-1-1. The operator answered and she choked on her words. How could admit Janine was missing? She swallowed over the lump lodged in her throat. I need to report a missing person. My sister’s disappeared.

LEANDRA ANSWERED A knock on the door, and led a young officer into the living room. Hello. I’m Officer Jones. You need to report someone missing?

Dani nodded. Yes. My sister.

What makes you think she’s missing?

"She went to Dallas on assignment for West Texas Today, but she never made it to the hotel or the interview. I’ve called her cell and home numbers, but she’s not answering. She’s not returned any of our calls either."

The officer jotted a note on his pad. How long has she been gone?

She left Sunday and was supposed to be back tomorrow, her father said.

Could she have disappeared intentionally? Jones furrowed his brow. Maybe gone off with a boyfriend?

She’s the most responsible person I know, and won’t worry Dad like that. Besides, she’s not dating anyone. Dani paced the floor. Something is very wrong.

Let me get some basic information to begin with. The officer asked a list of questions. Now, can you describe her to me?

Dani ran a hand through her hair. She looks like me. We’re identical twins. Black, naturally curly hair. Her’s comes just below the shoulders, dark brown eyes, five foot eight, one hundred and thirty pounds.

When the officer had completed his questionnaire, Dad handed him a sheet of paper. Here’s a copy of Janine’s driver’s license and car registration.

Jones’s eyebrows shot up.

Sighing, Dad frowned. When Dani said Janine is responsible, it was an understatement. I have copies of all of her important documents. Just in case. I dug these out of my filing cabinet.

Officer Jones took the paperwork from Dad and spoke into his shoulder mike. After he finished making the call, he turned to Dani’s father. Okay sir, I’ve called in a BOLO — it means be on the lookout. If any officer sees the car, he will pull her over. If she has intentionally disappeared, we won’t be able to give you any information without her permission.

Dad nodded. I understand, but she didn’t just walk away. Not Janine.

Unlike Dani. A pang of guilt stabbed her heart. Janine was the responsible one. Always trying to make up for the misery Dani caused