Passionate Retribution

By Amy Shannon

Former NYPD Detective Carly Edwards, recovering from a horrifying attack, is determined to bring her attacker to justice - especially when the police prove to be of no use. With the help of friends, she begins to reconstruct her life. As the past collides with the present, Carly is determined to make the alleged attacker pay for his crime.
Suddenly, love appears from different directions, one from the past, one from the present, and the love in her heart, and she needs to decide. As events and emotions play havoc in her mind, she fears losing control. Soon, friends and family are being injured or killed, and she becomes more determined than ever to get retribution. But is the price too high a price to pay? Will it cost Carly her life? Her friend’s lives?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Shannon
• Release date: Oct 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215483442

Amy Shannon

Amy Shannon is an author, professional book reviewer and literary consultant. Amy is republishing and publishing some for the first time, her MOD Life Epic Saga, which has over 67 volumes, and 9 bonus books.

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Passionate Retribution

Amy Shannon

Essence Publishing

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

ISBN: 9798215483442

2023 Digital Edition

Copyright © 2023 by Amy C Shannon

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permissions of the author, except by a review who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, or journal.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Credits:

Cover Illustration Copyright © 2023

Cover design by Amy Shannon

Passionate Retribution Series

Passionate Retribution

Passionate Retribution 2

Passionate Retribution 3

Passionate Retribution 4

Introduction

Former NYPD Detective Carly Edwards, recovering from a horrifying attack, is determined to bring her attacker to justice - especially when the police prove to be of no use. With the help of friends, she begins to reconstruct her life. As the past collides with the present, Carly is determined to make the alleged attacker pay for his crime.

Suddenly, love appears from different directions, one from the past, one from the present, and the love in her heart, and she needs to decide. As events and emotions play havoc in her mind, she fears losing control. Soon, friends and family are being injured or killed, and she becomes more determined than ever to get retribution. But is the price too high a price to pay? Will it cost Carly her life? Her friend’s lives?

1

CARLY EDWARDS SLAMMED her fist down on the metal table. Dammit! You’re telling me there’s nothing you can do!

I’m sorry. We just don’t have enough evidence. He won’t get convicted, Detective Marshall said.

Do you understand what you have done to me?

Carly, please sit down. Let me explain.

Why won’t the DA file charges? After what that monster did to me, Carly threw her hands up in frustration and turned toward the wall.

I wish I could do something, Marshall said, as he stood up and attempted to embrace her. I’m really sorry.

She shuddered. Don’t touch me! she said to the wall. I’m sorry. Elliot, I’m sorry, she hugged her thin body and turned around to face the detective. I’m so sorry. Please, just don’t touch me.

Carly, please sit down, he nervously ran his hand through his thick, brown hair.

I didn’t mean…

Carly, we’ve been friends for so long. You were my partner. I still think of you as my partner. I know you. I wish I could help. I want to get him almost as much as you do. We just don’t have enough. What we do won’t convict him. Unless we get a confession, it’s his word against yours.

I used to be a cop! Doesn’t that count for something? She anxiously ran her hands through her long auburn hair.

It’s not about your word, Love. I feel terrible about this, but you have to realize there’s no physical evidence to prove what he did.

That’s because of what he did. He was smart enough not to leave a trace of himself. God, Elliot, I couldn’t stop him. I just couldn’t do it. I wasn’t strong enough. I wish I could’ve stopped him.

Carly, please don’t relive this anymore. It’s been over six months.

I live with this each and every day. I can’t get it out of my head. It’ll always be with me. It’s part of me now.

Why don’t you just go home?

And do what? Sit in the dark? Wait for him to come after me?

Do you want me to come with you?

No. Elliot, don’t worry about it, she said calmly.

I’ll keep working on the case. I just wish I could get him off the street, his green eyes saddened.

There’s nothing you can do. But, I’m not going to sit around and do nothing, she sighed, as she stood up.

Carly, don’t do anything rash. I know how you get when you’re hurting. Remember, you’re a cop.

No, Elliot. I used to be a cop. I’m just a tired, broken woman. I have nothing. I am nothing, she walked out.

Elliot ran after her. Carly, please wait.

She turned around and crossed her arms tightly as her eyes met his. Elliot, I need to go home.

Please, take care of yourself. I care about you. I just hope you realize that.

Carly walked out onto the street and took a deep breath as she hailed a cab. The corner of Hadley and Robinson, please, she said, as she got in. Soon, the cab pulled in front of a large apartment building. Thank you, she said, as she paid the driver.

She walked up the front steps and then took the elevator to the tenth floor. She looked up and down the hall before she unlocked her apartment door. She sighed heavily and walked inside.

She plopped on the white sofa and stared at the ceiling. How do I stop this? How can I make this go away? She stood up, walked over to the window, and gazed at the skyline as the sun lowered behind the buildings. Nothing’s safe or sacred anymore. I need to get my life back, but how? He’s out there. He can do this to someone else. He will do this to someone else. He could be watching me right now and I wouldn’t even know it.

Carly slowly sat up, as there was a knock on the door. She dragged herself over and looked through the peephole. She shook her head and opened it. What’re you two doing here?

Carly, we’re worried about you, Peter Barker said.

Very worried, said Derek Walters. We knew you were going to the station and wanted to see how you were doing.

Carly smiled slightly. I don’t know what I’d do without you two. Come on in, she said, as she led them to the sofa.

So, how’d it go? Derek asked, sitting down.

Carly shook her head. Not good. They can’t do anything. It’s been six months, and they have nothing.

Can’t Elliot help you? Peter asked. He was your partner after all.

No. He’s the one who told me. I don’t know what to do. I lost everything because of what that monster did to me. He can just do whatever the hell he wants! She curled her knees up to her chest and hugged her legs. I hate being afraid. I hate not being able to punish him for what he did to me. My body aches with fear. I don’t know how to move on. I have this large pit in my stomach that won’t go away. How can I let the pain go?

We really wish we could help you, Peter said.

I’m sorry. I’m not great company right now.

No worries, Derek stood up and glanced around the room. What you need is a less-sterile environment.

What I need is my life back.

I just meant that this place is just, so, well, um, white and stark. You even dress white and stark. I don’t mean to sound rude or anything, but what happened to the things you used to wear? You used to be so rough and tough. Now, well, you’re kind of a femme.

A femme? You’re calling me a femme? she laughed slightly.

I’m sorry, but, yeah. I didn’t mean to sound…

Derek, do you want to redecorate my place?

Well, I’d love to. You know you could use a new wardrobe, too. One thing at a time, though. I just want to help you in any way I can. I’m not a police officer or anything very important. I want you to be happy. I care about you. You’re not the same anymore. You’re so important to us. We love you very much, he said, as his thin body stood over her.

Derek, sit, Carly said. Derek sat down next to Peter, and she took their hands. You two are my best friends. I love you both. Just you being here is what I need. You two are the most important people in my life.

Ki-Ki, you know we love you, too. You were there for us when we told Derek’s father about our relationship. You held our hands. We just want to help you, Peter said, flashing his friendly, crooked smile.

I hate it when you call me that, she laughed slightly as she brushed her fingers through his sandy hair.

I know, Peter smiled. We love you, Ki-Ki, he said, as he hugged her.

Derek kissed her cheek. Yes, Ki-Ki. We love you.

It’s funny. You two are the only men who I’ll let touch me.

It’s not funny. You just know we’d never hurt you, Derek said. We know you can never go back to who you used to be. You have changed.

And, we’re not saying it’s bad. We’re just saying you’re a new person, Peter added.

Sometimes I just want to curl up and die. I don’t know what to do anymore. I don’t know what kind of person I am. I can’t be a cop. I can’t even be a wife anymore.

Have you heard from Ted lately? Peter asked.

No, just from his lawyer. I should be getting the final papers any day now.

Well, it’s his loss. Any man, who would leave you when you needed him the most, isn’t worth it.

Carly touched Peter’s freshly shaven cheek and smiled slightly. He wasn’t cut out to hold my hand, she said, as she stared at the wedding ring that haunted her finger.

Forget about Ted. You need to focus on Ki-Ki, Derek jumped in, his blue eyes smiling.

Carly laughed. I’ll focus on Carly. How ‘bout that?

The men smiled. Yes. But, how are you going to do that? Derek asked.

Carly stood up quickly. You know, Derek, you were right. This place is way too white for me. What do you think about touches of gold and red?

Kiddo, that would be perfect. I have so many ideas. I could go on forever, his excitement sped up the words coming out of his mouth.

He will go on forever, Peter said. Are you sure you want Derek to redecorate?

Yeah. Why not? I’ve gotta figure out what to do with my life. Maybe a new look in this apartment, this hospital-esq apartment, will help, she paused. I don’t know how to do anything but be a cop and a victim. Oh, I just wish I knew what to do.

The first step is removing that ring from your finger. You have enough reminders of being hurt. You don’t need any more, Peter said.

It’s so hard, she twirled her ring. I just don’t know how to take it off.

Please, Derek whispered. Give me your hand, he kissed it gently and slowly pulled the ring from her finger. Over and done. Take care of Carly, please, he handed her the ring.

She looked at the ring in the palm of her hand. Thanks, Derek, she smiled slightly.

If you need anything from us, we’re right next door, Peter said, as they stood up.

Carly stood up and hugged them. Thanks. I really needed this. Derek, go shopping and let me know when you’re ready to start. In the meantime, I’ve got a lot of thinking to do.

We’ll see you later. Bye, Ki-Ki.

Carly closed and locked the door behind them and then looked around her large apartment. He’s right. Besides, it’s Derek. Anything he’ll put together will be beautiful. I need a change. This isn’t even who I really am. Who am I really?

She opened the desk drawer and placed the ring carefully next to her wedding picture. She gazed at the picture for a little while and smiled. Good-bye, Ted, she whispered.

She plopped down on the sofa and put her feet up. Am I a new person? Yes, I guess I am a new person. What kind of person am I? Where’s Carly? She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Elliot’s words played repeatedly in her head. I wish I could do something. I’m really sorry, her mind flashed to the monster’s face. She jumped up with a start. I can’t let him do this to me. Eric James will pay for what he did to me! She stretched out her left hand as if it were a gun and mimicked a shot.

She shook her hand. Dammit! I can’t even do that. I can’t even hold a gun anymore. Let alone pull the trigger, she stood up and walked into the bathroom. She ran the hot water over her left hand. Some detective, she whispered, as she looked in the mirror. Can’t even hold a damn gun!

I’m the only detective on the force who is left-handed, but I could shoot better than any man could with his right. I always teased Elliot at the shooting range because he had to use both hands to steady his shot. Now, I can’t even hold a pen.

She dried her hand off and walked into the kitchen. She poured a glass of white wine and walked into the bedroom to lie down. She turned on the television and impatiently flipped through the channels until she found a program that interested her.

2

CARLY SLOWLY CLIMBED out of bed, walked into the bathroom, and removed her pajamas. She stared at her thin body, covered with hammer-claw scars, in the full-length mirror. She touched the long scar around her throat. I’ll never forget as long as these are here to remind me.

She turned on the hot water, stepped inside the tub, and washed her long auburn hair. She got out of the shower and put on her robe. She dried her hair with a towel as she walked into the kitchen and turned on the coffee pot.

She opened the door to retrieve the paper and noticed a man walking down the hallway. She closed the door quickly. As soon as she closed it, he knocked. She looked through the peephole. Who are you?

I have a package for Carly Edwards-Richardson.

Can I see some ID please? The man held his delivery company ID up to the peephole. Sorry ‘bout that. You can never be too careful, she said, as she opened the door.

Not a problem. Please sign here, he pointed to the clipboard.

After she signed her name, he handed her the envelope. She closed the door and sat down on the sofa. She opened the envelope, even though she already knew what the contents would be, the final divorce papers. She read the documents and threw them on the floor. She opened the smaller envelope and pulled out the letter.

Dearest Carly, the letter began. I know you hate me and the last person you’d ever want to hear from is me. This is the end for us. I’m sorry I left, especially when you needed me most. I guess I wasn’t used to you needing me to take care of you. You were so strong and independent. When I found you, I didn’t recognize the battered and broken woman. Even when you healed, you weren’t the same. I hope you can forgive me, though, I’m not asking you to. I just wanted to tell you I’m sorry. I hope someday you can just let it go. Ted, she crumpled up the letter, threw it across the room, and stormed in the kitchen.

Her hands shook nervously as she poured a cup of coffee. Battered and broken? Yeah, I guess that’s me, she sipped her coffee and stared out the window. How do I change? I’m reminded every single day, she closed her eyes and thought of the monster’s face. I need help, she whispered, as she picked up the phone and dialed.

Law office, how can I help you? the secretary answered.

Yeah, hi, Agnes. This is Carly. Is Abby available?

She’s in a meeting right now. Can I help you with something?

Does she have any openings today? I know this is last minute, but I really need to speak with her.

Yes, actually. She just had a cancellation. Is one o’clock OK?

Yes, thank you. I’ll be there, Carly hung up the phone, leaned back in the chair, and sighed. She turned on the television and then went to her room to get dressed.

While she was buttoning her white blouse, there was a knock on the door. She hurried to the door and looked through the peephole. Elliot, what’re you doing here?

I’m sorry to stop by without calling, but I was worried about you. I needed to see how you were doing.

Come in and have a seat. Don’t mind me. Just a late start today, she said, as she finished buttoning her blouse. Not that I have a job or anything.

That’s why I’m here.

What’re you talking about? The disability’s OK. I can almost afford my place, she laughed slightly.

Why can’t you come back to the force?

Elliot, you know why. There’s no way I can shoot a gun. My left hand is useless. Besides, you can’t do what I did and come back.

Carly, it’s not all about shooting a gun and that other thing’s almost forgotten.

How can I defend anyone when I couldn’t even defend myself? Carly raised her voice.

Carly, what he did to you was horrible, but you survived. Not many people could survive that kind of attack, but you did. You were and still are strong. You’re the strongest woman I know. No. You’re the strongest person I know. I’ve seen firsthand what you can to do criminals.

All my training didn’t protect me! She spat.

He hit you in the head with the hammer claw. How could you fight back if you were unconscious?

Carly stared at him. But, he still overpowered me enough to do that.

Partner, you need to forgive yourself. None of that was your fault. It’s been six months. Don’t you think you should give yourself a break?

I don’t know how. I just don’t know how. If I was awake, I could’ve stopped him.

His voice rose slightly. You need to stop this! You’re blaming yourself for the attack and blaming yourself for being knocked out. I know how badly he hurt you. I can’t stand seeing you suffer like this. Carly, I care so much about you. You’re my partner and I want my partner back. I need my partner back. Please, try to help yourself, so I can help you. It’s a damn good thing you weren’t awake. After what he put your body through, you do not need to remember every single blow he inflicted on you.

I don’t need to remember. I see the scars every single day. How can I not blame myself? I let my guard down.

You have to get someone to help you realize it’s not your fault.

Elliot, my husband left me because I was NOT strong enough. Can you imagine what Ted felt when he found my battered and bloodied body in the middle of the bedroom? That’s why he left me.

You’re not responsible for Ted. He obviously didn’t love you enough to help you. I was there. I took care of you. You don’t owe Ted anything. Stop feeling guilty over Ted leaving you! He doesn’t deserve you!

The problem is more that I don’t deserve anyone. I really don’t blame him for leaving. I know he just loved me enough only for me to take care of me, she turned to the window. At least that’s finally over.

What do you mean?

I got the divorce papers. And lucky me, I was honored to receive a good-bye note from Ted. Wasn’t that sweet of him? she asked sarcastically.

I’m sorry, Love. I just want to help you. Before I can, you need to help yourself. Carly, when’s the last time you cried?

I don’t cry! she spat, as she turned toward Elliot.

That’s part of the problem. You need to let it out or you’ll explode. Please, it’s the only way to help yourself.

How do I do that? All I know how to do is shoot a gun and kick the crap out of people. What good’s that when I couldn’t stop him? Tears formed in her eyes. I couldn’t stop him. Damn, I just couldn’t stop him! I can’t take the pain anymore! She dropped to the floor and cried harder.

Finally, Elliot sighed. Please, Love, just let it all out. You’ve been keeping it bottled up for so long. Just let it all out, he kneeled beside her, careful not to touch her.

Elliot, what am I supposed to do? I can’t move on with my life because it’s just not the same, she cried.

I’m here for you. You need to know that. Whatever you need, I’ll be right here for you. I’ll always be here for you.

She wiped her eyes and caught her breath. You have your own family to worry about. Maggie needs you, too.

Maggie loves you and you know it. You’re part of our family. She’s as concerned about you as I am.

I never wanted to be burden to you or her.

You’ll never be a burden, he looked into her green eyes. Carly, we love you. I told you I’d get him. I let you down. I wish I could’ve done more.

It’s not your fault, Elliot, she managed a small smile. Without the evidence, it’s just not possible.

I’d love to wrap my bare hands around his neck and…

Don’t. He’s not worth it. With your strength, you’d snap his neck in two, she said, as she stood up and faced him.

I just wish I could hold you right now. I wish I could touch you, his voice broke. I wish I could take away all your pain.

I’m sorry, Elliot. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, she sobbed. You’re my partner and we’ve been through so much. I wish I could let you.

I understand more than you know, Love. You’re very important to me, he wiped an oncoming tear from his eye.

I think I’m feeling a little better now. Go on to work, please. I’ll be all right. I promise, she walked him to the door and hesitantly kissed his cheek. Um, you really could use a shave.

His eyes lit up and he smiled. I’ll see you soon, he said, as he left.

Carly sat down on the sofa and curled up with the pillow. I’ve gotta be OK. I just have to be, she laid her head down and cried.

After a little while of just letting the tears flow, she walked into the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face. She looked in the mirror at her red eyes and smiled. I don’t remember the last time I cried. Thank you, Elliot. Thank you, partner.

She ran her fingers through her hair and shook her head. She opened the medicine cabinet and grabbed the scissors. Time for a change, she whispered, as she grabbed an area of hair and cut it. She kept snipping and cutting until the hair was shoulder length. She brushed her hair again and smiled. After she cleaned up the piles of hair that fell to the floor, she put on her jacket and left.

Carly walked to Abigail’s office, which was located a few blocks away from her apartment. She walked into the large office building. She waited until an empty elevator was available, headed for the fifth floor, and made her way to Abigail’s office.

Hi, Carly said to Agnes. I’ve got a one o’clock appointment.

Agnes smiled. Yes, Mrs. Richardson, your aunt will be with you in a few minutes.

Thank you. And it’s now Ms. Edwards,