Castle Reef 2: bloodlines

By Andrew B. Sampsel

Following a series of bizarre shark attacks, a visit from a strange humanoid, and discovering a global terror plot along with its malicious architect, the thriller sequel of Castle Reef begins. After a beach parking lot incident, tension escalates within the small coastal town and the nearby city of Brighton. Newlyweds Trent and Julie and the top-secret Counter-Terror Task Force leaders start to uncover more layers of the insidious plan that threatens their community and the world at large. The evil forces continue their relentless pursuit of recapturing the hidden microchip to complete their ultimate technological weapon. Soon, it will be up to Chief Julie Kerrig and the people she loves and trusts to stop them before it's too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798888519660

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Prologue

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

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Epilogue

Acknowledgments and Resources

About the Author

cover.jpg

Castle Reef 2

bloodlines

Andrew B. Sampsel

ISBN 979-8-88851-965-3 (Paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88851-967-7 (Hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-88851-966-0 (Digital)

Copyright © 2023 Andrew B. Sampsel

All rights reserved

First Edition

This book is a work of fiction; therefore, all the characters are fictitious. In addition, the names, places, businesses, agencies, institutions, events, and incidents in this story are a backdrop to the characters and their wholly imaginary actions.

Scripture references are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

To my dear wife, Susan, you are an amazing wife and my best friend. You continue to make this dream become a reality with your keen insight and endless support. I love you forever.

Dedicated with love to Marlene Sampsel and Barbara Van Brunt.

Prologue

Two ominous silhouettes moved swiftly, just below the deep Atlantic surface. These giant programmed predators navigated, unnoticed, about fifty feet apart as their angular dorsal fins occasionally cut through the dark green water and glistened in the early afternoon sun.

Small red diodes at the base of their pectoral fins blinked steadily as the pair of man-eating impostors stayed their course toward familiar waters. These lifelike bull sharks behaved much differently than their sole predecessor assigned to the same region two months ago. It was as if something inside was independently driving them straight toward Castle Reef, less than twenty-five miles away.

Chapter 1

Shirley Allen stood at the double-entry doors inside the police station, taking a long look outside at sunny Main Street. It was Friday afternoon, and the Labor Day weekend had already begun. Despite the setback in June, the news of the strange shark attacks and mass evacuation brought nationwide curiosity to the town, causing a record number of people to visit throughout the summer. As a result, nearly all the businesses in Castle Reef, including the Green Sea Inn, benefited and flourished exceedingly. Although the inbound traffic was now somewhat lighter, the coastal town remained very busy with last-minute vacationers and its many year-round residents.

For local law enforcement, however, things were different. The activity in the town had become too calm and uneventful, primarily where Shirley was concerned. She felt like the historic village was in the eye of a hurricane, with the final ominous wall cloud approaching. Naturally, this concerned the aged, alias veteran police dispatcher, who was the US Secretary of the Counter-Terror Task Force.

Walking back to her desk, she sat in her leather chair and silently prayed before picking up the phone to contact the White House. After pressing the keypad to enter several number combinations on a secure line, she waited patiently, gently touching the small pendant on the delicate gold chain around her neck. The call would be in response to a high-level intelligence report issued less than an hour before. It was a credible threat of a potentially destructive weapon, targeting a United States Embassy on Monday, September 7, the same day Ms. Allen would celebrate her seventy-sixth birthday.

While on hold, Shirley needed a positive diversion to escape the mounting anxiety inside of her. Looking around the room, she fixed her eyes on a framed wedding portrait of Julie and Trent on the corner of her desk. It was hard to believe that two months had passed since she had experienced the joy of seeing her son John give away his precious daughter in holy matrimony. The private sunrise ceremony, officiated by Pastor Hollins, had taken place in a remote location on the highest dune just past the southern jetty. It was a perfect day that made all the previous turbulent years of uncertainty and heartache seemingly vanish. Finally, she realized she had a family again, and everything felt like it could return to normal in Castle Reef.

Everyone in attendance had been overcome with great emotion as they witnessed the return of John Kerrig, presumably dead for over three years. The only invited guests were the Stanwick family and Mike Rawlings. There was no press release, the court record was brief, and Shirley instructed everyone not to discuss his appearance. Keeping something like this secret was challenging, but they had no choice.

Suddenly, a polite male voice over the speakerphone interrupted her deep thoughts. Madam, how are you?

Oh, excuse me, Mr. President, you caught me daydreaming. Shirley sat up and quietly sipped her iced tea.

Hah, I often find myself doing that very thing. Sometimes, the First Lady has to bring me back into reality, especially when visiting family, said the president.

It's easy to do. How is everyone, sir? she asked respectfully.

Just fabulous, thanks for asking. Our grandkids are growing up too fast, it seems. I understand your granddaughter just got married?

Yes, sir, just a little over two months ago, on July 2.

That's splendid, Shirley. I hear wonderful things about her from John. His son-in-law seems like a great guy.

They are both my world now. John and I are so blessed, she stated proudly.

The Commander-in-Chief paused. Speaking of ‘the world,' I hate to move this conversation in another direction, but we now have confirmation on the report you received today.

The white-haired senior official sighed. How unfortunate.

My sentiment, exactly. Do you think the Baltic group is responsible for this in any way?

Not sure yet, sir, but I will let you know as soon as possible. John will be in town this weekend.

The president chuckled. Ah yes, that's right, he told me that last week. Happy birthday from the Oval Office, a little early.

Once again, Shirley glanced at the framed portrait, responding softly, Thank you, sir. Every day is a gift.

Amen! Keep me posted. Thank you for your service to our country. I mean that, Shirley, he said warmly.

Thank you, Mr. President.

As the call ended, she secretly pressed the room sweep button located under her desk's front edge. This erased any listening device content within one hundred yards of the phone conversation. The room became quiet once again. Ms. Allen switched gears from the head of the Counter-Terror Task Force to the local police dispatcher almost instantaneously and checked the computer-aided dispatch system. An incoming radio call abruptly broke the silence.

CR86, 10-76 to beach parking lot, a possible 103 in progress, said the male officer.

10-4, 86, keep us posted on the disturbance. Unit 1, did you copy that? responded Shirley rapidly.

Affirmative, Dispatch. CR86, I'm on my way, about two minutes out, stated the female policewoman in a firm voice.

Shirley sipped her tea and whispered to herself, I think the wall cloud has just arrived.

##

I'll be finishing up this week, and it won't be long before I'm Jersey bound to see this gorgeous lady named Karen Anderson, said Mike Rawlings, walking down the hallway with his cell phone on speaker.

I hear she can't wait to see you, the woman said.

Mike laughed. I certainly hope so.

Karen Anderson giggled. I miss you so much, and it's only been a few weeks.

Believe me, I do too. Are you still working from home? asked Mike.

Yes, I am. My new prosthetic specialist will be coming in the morning, said his girlfriend.

Wow, what happened to the local lady doctor who moved with you to Forked River? asked Rawlings, stopping at the bottom of the Green Sea Inn stairway.

If you're referring to Dr. Windstrum, she said she needed to return to Brighton because her brother was dying, explained Anderson.

That's so sad. Mike paused. Hey, hold on a minute.

He lowered his phone briefly and looked out the entry door windows after hearing a police siren outside on Main Street and then quickly returned to their conversation.

Everything all right? asked Karen casually.

Yes, sorry, one of Castle Reef's finest just flew by. Now where were we? Oh yeah, your specialist will be coming to replace the doctor who is moving back to Brighton?

Yep, he's highly recommended and supposed to be really good at the physical therapy component of my recovery.

Is there anything I can do for you in the meantime? Mike asked sincerely.

Ms. Anderson sighed lightly. No, I'm good. Jill's helping out. Thanks for asking, though. I still can't believe you are moving here to be with me.

Karen, you're worth it.

The blonde-headed scientist giggled again. I think I'm falling in love with you.

I'm already there, said Mike in a higher tone after clearing his throat.

The front desk and dining room were vacant, except for a couple of servers preparing tables. Trent Green came through the kitchen doors, noticed Mike holding his phone, and headed in his direction.

Hey, Rawlings, I don't want to have to fire you for fraternizing with our customers, Trent shouted, bursting into laughter.

Hi, Mr. Green. Sorry, this guy keeps pestering me! exclaimed Karen from the other end of the call.

Mike blushed. Hey, I'm just trying to help and be supportive.

With one of cupid's arrows sticking out of your back? joked Green.

Karen and Mike both laughed. Trent stepped closer and put his hand on Mike's shoulder.

I'm sure going to miss him, but I know he's doing the right thing. Besides, one day, you both will be back here. Maybe sooner than you think, said Trent, winking at his best friend.

I appreciate everything you and the community did for me during my time at the Green Sea Inn and in the hospital. I don't think I could've made it otherwise.

Trent smiled at Mike. Well, we love you, and we're praying for both of you guys.

Give my love to Chief Julie, will you, please? Karen asked earnestly.

You bet! Trent looked at the time displayed on the phone and widened his eyes. Hey, I gotta get moving. It's the last hurrah of the summer, and we're about to get really busy. See ya, Karen. Say hello to Jill for me, and please stay in touch.

I sure will! Goodbye, Trent. Talk to you soon.

I'm afraid I have to get moving, too, Ms. Anderson. Some light bulbs need changing, and I need to check on a project I'm working on before dinner, said Mike reluctantly.

As the couple finished their conversation, Trent grinned at Mike and proceeded to the front desk computer to review the guest schedule. He was sad to see his best friend move away, but he knew it was vital for him during this season of his life. Mike would be leaving soon after the holiday, and Francis O'Reily would be his replacement as the head of maintenance at the inn. Although Rawlings always had difficulty relating to the Irishman, this would be an excellent opportunity for him to learn patience during the training process.

Chapter 2

The swift and final punch dropped the obese man instantly onto the beach access parking lot. Ian Reynolds wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and took inventory of the other two unconscious men scattered on the late afternoon, hot asphalt nearby. He was surprised at how easily he was able to take down all three individuals. A large crowd stood in amazement while many cell phones documented the event that lasted nearly four minutes.

Are you okay? asked Ian, kneeling to address the visibly shaken Kendra Baker.

I guess so, thank you, she said, sniffling as she arranged her beach cover-up.

Nobody will ever do that to you again, not on my watch! stated the muscular student as he surveyed the motionless bodies.

The two shorter men surfaced when I was outside the breaker line. They both swam toward me and tried to grab at me. I got out of the water to leave, but they followed me to my car.

As the onlookers began to disperse, Ian helped Kendra to her feet.

I'm sorry I didn't see it happening. I was finishing my shift for the day, and it wasn't until I heard you scream that I noticed you were in trouble.

They were trying to take me to a big van that had just pulled up, the frightened young lady said.

The buff lifeguard looked around the parking lot. I don't see any van.

It must have driven off when you were fighting, Kendra explained.

Ian walked her further away from the men and gave her his beach towel.

You're Kendra from the Green Sea, right?

She nodded and turned toward the sound of the approaching sirens. Yes, I am, Ian.

It looks like we'll have to answer some questions from the police, but you'll be okay. I'll make sure of it, promised Reynolds, standing between her and the men, who were beginning to stir.

Young man, it looks like you are in some deep trouble! remarked an elderly lady, briskly walking by with a folded beach chair.

Dude, I would get out of here before the cops arrive if I was you, said another college student as he put his surfboard into the back of his Jeep.

Ian's coworker and friend Randy interjected, Don't listen to them, Ian. I saw it all, bro!

Randy stepped forward to ensure the men on the ground didn't leave. The first patrol car arrived, and Officer Hill quickly made his way through the parked cars, moving people away from the scene. He used his shoulder microphone to relay a series of codes and then approached Ian, Randy, Kendra, and the three unidentified men, now barely sitting up.

What seems to be the problem here? asked Hill firmly.

These guys were harassing Kendra, Officer, the muscular Reynolds stated.

Yes, sir, I saw it all. They were trying to attack her, defended Randy.

So it looks like we had ourselves a little disagreement before the golden hour? the policeman asked sarcastically, adjusting his sunglasses.

Kendra wrapped the towel around herself and shivered slightly.

It's true, Officer. They grabbed me and tried to force me to go with them.

Turn around, Tyson, Hill ordered Ian. Anything on you that's going to poke me?

Sir, excuse me, this is uncalled for. I did nothing wrong, grumbled the lifeguard.

The officer glanced over at the men on the pavement and Randy as he frisked Ian's pockets. Let's see. I got your cell phone, keys, and wallet.

Are you finished, Officer? asked the irritated college student.

Yep, I knew it, you're JK's boy, snickered Hill, looking at Ian's driver's license.

A rush of anger flooded Ian's veins. It took everything he had not to respond physically to the officer. Randy made eye contact with his friend and shook his head, encouraging him to stay in control.

Ian Reynolds is my name, sir, he said firmly.

Well, you sit tight and don't go anywhere, JK's boy, while I visit the Three Musketeers over here, mocked Hill, slightly chewing his toothpick.

I don't think he believes us, Ian, scoffed Randy.

Chill, I'm sure these guys have criminal records. We're only college knuckleheads, but these guys are rotten to the core. I can feel it. Ian wiped his bloody knuckles on his tank top.

The injured men were now standing. The heavyset man was breathing hard and covering his left eye while the two shorter men wiped the blood off their noses and beards.

Officer Hill approached cautiously with his hand on his holster. Gentlemen, what seems to be the problem this afternoon?

You had better let us walk away or things won't end well for you, huffed the tall, overweight man, dabbing his swollen eye.

Excuse me? Hill stepped closer, glancing at the other men who were looking at him with no expression.

You heard me. I wouldn't proceed any further with your small town, law enforcement nonsense or you'll be very sorry, trust me, the large male taunted, moving toward the officer.

Officer Bradley Hill had never met a person like this before. He had previously faced numerous threats from drunken drivers, but this was different. It was surreal. His heart began to pound rapidly, and he drew his weapon.

Get your hands in the air and kneel, facing me! shouted Hill.

I warned you. You had your chance, the portly man said, smirking.

Do it now! Hands in the air! On the ground, all of you! barked the officer to the noncompliant man.

Hill held his gun sideways as he spoke quietly into his radio. Within seconds, another patrol SUV pulled up with its blue lights flashing. Ian, Randy, and Kendra noticed a familiar figure emerging from the vehicle. The three thugs looked to see who was approaching.

What did the officer tell you to do? asked the stern and steady female voice.

The huge man began laughing and repulsively drooling from the corners of his mouth. The only way to get things done right is with a woman like you! the unkempt individual snorted, defiantly stepping forward.

The female officer instantly deployed her Taser in one smooth motion and engaged it, sending the over three-hundred-pound man to his knees.

We don't have time for this, sir. We don't need your threats or disobedience when we tell you to comply. We need your cooperation. Do you understand me? instructed the authoritative policewoman, who quickly radioed dispatch.

The rotund male was speechless as he shook in pain. Hill moved quickly behind and brought his arms down, adding extra handcuffs to secure him. Still stunned by Ian's punches, the two shorter males complied and allowed both officers to cuff them. None of the men had any identification on their persons.

Sit him down on the bumper of my rig after the EMTs remove those probes. In the meantime, the other two can go in the back cage of your cruiser until we sort all this out.

Sure thing, Chief, but you're going to need to get the whole story from the Reynolds boy over there, said Hill, nodding to the side.

The vigorous officer exhaled and spoke softly, His name is Ian, okay?

Hill stopped and reluctantly apologized, Yes, ma'am.

She slowly approached the college lifeguard and smiled. Ian, are you some sort of superhero or what?

The twenty-one-year-old put his head down and muttered, Hi, Chief Kerrig.

What happened here, guys? Kendra, are you okay? asked the female officer compassionately.

Yes, Julie…I mean, Chief, sorry. I'm just a little shaken up, but I feel better knowing you're here, admitted the teen.

Those guys tried to kidnap her and put her into the back of a red van, inserted Randy, pointing toward an empty parking space.

Did anyone get a description or a tag number? inquired Julie, straightening her blue hat's visor.

It was a camper van, and it was dark red. That's all I can remember, recalled Kendra as she opened her beach bag.

They took off while I was— Ian stopped midsentence.

Detaining the suspects? the police chief finished.

I guess so, something like that, admitted Reynolds.

Julie looked across the parking lot and noticed security cameras on a light pole and the guard station. You're going to have to watch it, my friend. You might come across the wrong person one day, and things may not end well for you.

Yeah, we all remember the night on the beach two months ago, right? laughed Randy.

Ian gave his friend a stern look. Good point, Chief. I can tell you that these guys aren't on any vacation, and they aren't from around here either. I'd never seen any of them before until this afternoon.

The big man wasn't in the water harassing me, just the two other guys, added Kendra, holding her cell phone.

In what way, sweetheart? Julie asked tenderly.

They just came out of nowhere and tried touching me inappropriately. Both were speaking in a foreign language really fast, explained the teenager in a whisper.

Chief Kerrig did her signature neck roll and studied the handcuffed men.

What about the big guy?

Orca came out of the van. I saw him, Randy announced. I think it was one of those fancy Mercedes vans.

Really? That's interesting. Julie tucked her thumbs under her duty belt.

I'm going to be late for work now! Can I please call Mr. Green? pleaded the recently turned seventeen-year-old.

First, let's call your parents and have them meet you at the station. After you give us a written statement, I think you should go home. I'll let Trent know. He'll understand, consoled Julie.

Yes, Chief. Kendra nodded.

Julie calmly instructed Ian and Randy. Gentlemen, I will need you to get your things and come to the station and do the same if you don't mind?

Sure thing, Chief. I'm sorry, I didn't want to see Kendra get hurt or— said Ian.

Julie cut in. You're a lifeguard, remember? You save people. We'll talk to you guys soon, okay?

Officer Hill reluctantly gave Ian his belongings, stood beside his patrol car, and watched the young men move toward the lifeguard station. Julie looked around the parking lot quietly, thinking to herself.

Are you just gonna let Ian go to the station alone, Chief? asked Hill.

That's correct. He did the right thing, Julie said firmly.

The police chief adjusted her sunglasses and rested her hand on the Colt 1911 in her holster.

Hill grunted. But isn't he known to be a troublemaker, like his old man?

He used to be, Brad. Julie paused and looked at the detained men. I feel there's more going on here. Hang on.

Yes, ma'am, agreed the officer.

Stepping away by herself and using her shoulder mic, the newlywed police chief quickly relayed to Shirley the descriptive information on everyone that was being detained. Then they spoke to each other over the radio using a series of specific numerical codes which only they could understand. Afterward, she slowly returned to Officer Hill and crossed her arms.

Let's see if we can get anything out of these guys after Mirandizing them. Then we'll send them over to Brighton County Corrections, advised Kerrig as the EMS vehicle arrived.

Why not bring them to our station for processing? the perplexed officer asked.

Chief Kerrig folded her arms. These men will need to be handled differently. We'll just let the sheriff's department take it from here.

If you say so. I'll help the EMTs take those probes out of the big fella and wait for County to show up, Hill said, adjusting his gloves.

Follow the deputies until they get to Brighton, then come on back to the beach, directed Julie.

Will do, Chief, said the short and stocky officer.

Let's see if these guys have anything to say, Kerrig continued, moving toward her SUV.

Julie's gut instinct told her something was disturbing about the sudden appearance of the men. Ian Reynolds was right; this wasn't just a fistfight in a parking lot over a girl. So why were these men in Castle Reef, and why did Shirley want them sent to Brighton?

Chapter 3

The dark-red Mercedes Sprinter van, traveling on Richmond Avenue, turned right onto Wise Street and headed south two miles into one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the city of Brighton. Seeing the empty driveway of his current residence, the man behind the wheel breathed a sigh of relief.

Keep things looking normal as long as you can, he muttered to himself.

He had intended to return to his workplace shortly after the trip to Castle Reef Beach, but the incident in the parking lot changed everything. So instead he called his office and gave instructions to close the business at four o'clock accordingly.

The red van continued to creep up to the large home quietly. He nodded and smiled politely at his neighbors, who were preparing their large boats for the Labor Day weekend. Then, suddenly, the center console vibrated, and he glanced at the cell phone screen to see the dreaded words: Unknown Caller. He tapped the Bluetooth device in his right ear.

Were you followed? asked the person using a liquid-sounding voice-changer device.

The driver glanced into the rearview mirror and swallowed.

No, I don't think so. Everything was working as planned until we ran into a big problem.

Did you fail us? demanded the vocally altered individual.

I had to—

We will talk later tonight! the individual interrupted, abruptly hanging up.

After parking the van in the attached garage, the irritated man quickly entered the house. It was dark and cold throughout every room. All the furniture was covered with white sheets, except for the living room sofa and coffee table. Several hours would pass before the next call would come. He had plenty of time to check the inventory in the basement vault.

##

Mayor Neil Hillsdale stepped away from his desk into the newly remodeled office space inside Castle Reef's Town Hall. After being ravaged by the previous mayor during a drunken rage two months ago, the office environment had significantly changed. The hallway and interior walls had been removed and replaced with low-profile dividers, comfortable furniture, and large plants. It was relaxed yet professional for both the employees and visitors alike.

Vicki? Joan? I want to tell you gals how much I appreciate all you do here for our town and me personally, said Hillsdale, sipping his latte.

Why, thank you, Mayor Hillsdale, Vicki replied, looking up from her laptop. We sure love working here. You're the best!

If it hadn't been for Vicki talking me into staying, I had planned on quitting. But you, sir, have restored my confidence in men! blurted out the Bostonian redhead, laughing.

Thanks, ladies! The new mayor smiled and looked around the room. Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention? I just wanted to say you all are doing such a great job. Labor Day weekend is upon us. So let's all go home! There's nothing that can't wait until Tuesday morning, said Hillsdale in a cheerful, loud voice.

Everyone stopped for a moment. Then there were gasps of delight and handclaps. Soon the workers gathered their items, thanked the mayor, and began leaving.

Joan looked at Vicki and back at the mayor with a raised eyebrow. Where did your wife find you, sir? asked the snarky secretary.

I showed up on her doorstep one cold winter morning. I had fleas and was nothing but skin and bones, Neil said with a straight face.

Vicki Stanwick began to snicker. I think he got you, Joan!

Joan put her head down and began to blush. Good one, Mr. Mayor.

Speaking of my wife, Gina and I wanted to invite you to join us this holiday weekend if you don't have any plans, Joan, the mayor asked warmly.

Joan Bradford sat motionless in her chair with her mouth wide open. Only the fiddle-leaf fig tree in the planter nearby moved slightly.

That is so awesome, Mayor Hillsdale! How kind of you. I was just about to see if Joan was doing anything special for the weekend, Vicki remarked.

Well, Joan? We're going to our lake house, and there's plenty of room, Hillsdale smiled.

Um, yeah. I mean, thank you, sir. But, wow, I'm speechless, Joan said softly.

You? Speechless? Vicki cackled as she stood and put her laptop in its case.

"See you tomorrow morning? I think you're really going to hit it off with