Life's Raw Enforcement

By Amy Shannon

Two high-priority cases hit the desks of the Sars Springs Police Department. When Markums are seemingly being hunted, the whole town is on high alert, as the police are scrambling to put together the puzzles of hidden clues. Newcomer FBI Agent Nick Gideon has several ties to Sars Springs but not everyone welcomes his arrival.

Partnerships in law and love try to maintain focus as the secrets are slowly leaking out. Love is in the air as couples try to not let their career take away from what they have waiting at home.

Elena starts her new project focusing on the legacy of the family and its town. Will she shed a new light on the law enforcement in the town or will they beg her to bury her project?

Dr. Raina Markum does her best to take care of her husband, who is an injured Markum, as well as keep everyone else’s secrets. Will she be able to hold it together when it becomes obvious to her how to solve the problem of keeping her family safe?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Shannon
• Release date: Jan 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9798215582251

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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Life’s Raw Enforcement

Amy Shannon

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Essence Publishing

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

https://essenceenterpriseus.com/essence-publishing

2023 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

The Entire MOD Life Epic Saga

1 Unwritten Life

2 Rewritten Life (Best Read after Unwritten Life)

3 Unwritten Life's Paths to Destiny (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

4 Written Life's Past Meets Present (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

5 Life's Written Past

6 Life's Unwritten Future

7 Another Written Life

8 Life … Rewritten

9 Unwritten Life & Death

10 Life's Healer

11 Life's Hindering Hope

12 Life's Binding Ties

13 Life's Resurrection

14 Life's Infiltration

15 Life's Revival

16 Life's Depths of Souls

17 Life's Explosion in Time

18 Life's Connections

19 Life's Collision

20 Life's Intersection

21 Life's Final Destination

22 Life's Generations

23 Return to Life

24 Life's Resolution

25 A New Unwritten Life

26 Life's Dissolution

27 Life's Linear Souls

28 Life's Choices

29 Life's Passions

30 Life's Awakening

31 Life's Vengeance

32 Life's Heartful Depths

33 Life's Quaking Souls

34 Fractured Life

35 Life's Drowning

36 Life's Exploration

37 Life's Curative

38 Thicker than Life's Blood

39 Life's Salvation

40 Capturing Life's Midnight

41 Life's ReEvolution

42 Life's Soulful Intentions

43 Life's Jagged Flames

44 Life's Rising Depths

45 Life's Doomed Immortality

46 Life's Raw Enforcement

47 Life's Deemed Corruption

48 Life's Inherent Immorality

49 Life's Retrospective Legacy

50 Life's Torturous Souls

51 Life's Passages

52 Life's Tribulations

53 Life's Spirituality

54 Life's Revitalizations

55 Life's Rapture

56 Life's Sacred Retaliation

57 Life's Fiery Resuscitation

58 Life's Experimentation

59 Life's Redemption

60 Life's Humanity

61 The District Life: Districtive

62 The District Life: Disarray

63 The District Life: Disassembled

64 The District Life: Disapparent

65 Life's Return: Home Sweet Sars Springs

66 Life's Return: The Practice

67 Sars Springs: The finale

Bonus Series:

B1 Life's Perspective: Matthew Garris (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B2 Life's Perspective: Bill Wheeler (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B3 Life's Perspective: Perspective: Mike Dix (Best Read after Life's Connections)

B4 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Rewritten (Alternate Path Parallel to Unwritten Life & Death to Life's Binding Ties)

B5 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Crossroads (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Resurrection to Life's Depths of Souls)

B6 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Intertwined (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Explosion in Time to Life's Connections)

B7 Sars Springs Handbook (Best Read after Life's Torturous Souls)

B8 The Interview: Life's Revelations (Best Read after Life's Fiery Resuscitation)

B9 M.O.D Life Epic Saga Character Guide

Introduction

Two high priority cases hit the desks of the Sars Springs Police department. When Markums are seemingly being hunted, the whole town is on high alert, as the police are scrambling to put together the puzzles of hidden clues.

Newcomer FBI Agent Nick Gideon has several ties to Sars Springs but not everyone welcomes his arrival.

Partnerships in law and love try to maintain focus as the secrets are slowly leaking out. Love is in the air as couples try to not let their career take away from what they have waiting at home.

Elena starts her new project focusing on the legacy of the family and its town. Will she shed a new light on the law enforcement in the town or will they beg her to bury her project?"

Dr. Raina Markum does her best at taking care of her husband, who is an injured Markum, as well as keeping everyone else’s secrets. Will she be able to hold it together when it becomes obvious to her on how to solve the problem of keeping her family safe?

1 Blue Bloods

KAITLYN MARKUM STOOD in her living room and stared out the front window. She turned and looked at the crutches that were gently resting against the wall. She jumped slightly as there was a knock at the door. She smiled as she opened the door.

Sars Springs Police Chief James O’Roark stood in the doorway. Katie, what’s going on? How is he?

Stubborn, she crossed her arms as the two of them sat on the sofa.

I see you took his crutches away, James pointed to the crutches resting against the wall.

I had no choice. He thinks that he can just go to work. Dammit, James. He’s supposed to rest. He breaks his leg yesterday in that car accident and thinks he can just go to work today?

Xander is a stubborn man. Gets that from his father.

I think it’s a trait from the entire family.

Probably, he smiled. Katie, are you all right?

Yeah, why? she asked.

You keep rubbing your stomach, he said.

Oh, sorry. I’m fine. This whole mess has given me an upset stomach.

Katie! they heard him yell from upstairs. Give me my crutches! Now!

See? she looked at James. "I called Raina and she said that he needed a few days with that leg propped. I guess Terry is also giving her a hard time, but he’s smart. He’s learned not to argue too much with her. Xander always argues because he knows I’ll give in, but not this time."

How is Grandpa Terry’s leg?

The same but he had a concussion, too, Katie said, as she stood up. James, I don’t even know why this happened.

We’re still looking into it, he said. I don’t know if it was mechanical or not.

Who’s working the case? Katie asked, as she turned toward him. Please, I need to know why my husband’s deputy chief car crashed with him and his father in it.

Detectives Jaime Halter and Linus Douglas. Let me go see him. Would it be all right if I had him do paperwork here?

Yes, if you can get him to take his painkillers. His leg is broken in three places. He has pins in it. It will take longer to heal, and I know it has to hurt like hell, but you know my husband, acts like he’s tough.

James stood up. I’ll talk to my partner, he headed up the stairs. He slowly walked toward the master bedroom at the end of the hallway. Xander?

Deputy Police Chief Alexander Markum looked up from his bed, where he had a multitude of pillows behind his back and under his left leg, which was wrapped in a black cast. James? Oh, thank god you’re here. You need to save me from hell.

James pulled up a chair and sat next to the bed. You could’ve died, you know.

Have you seen dad?

"No, but he’s at home, too. You have to rest. Katie already called your mother."

"Crap," he crossed his arms.

You need to rest. Please, just do it. You work too much as it is. I asked her if I could have you do paperwork and I’ll have Corrina bring over your laptop, but no radio.

James, I hate this. I never miss work unless I go on vacation. This is a bunch of crap. I need to find out what or who did this to us.

We recovered the pieces of the tire from Long Bridge and CSU is examining it.

I swear, I heard a bang, but it wasn’t a backfire or anything. My car is in top shape.

James looked around the room and outside the doorway and then back at Xander. We don’t think it was a mechanical issue but we’re not sure about anything right now. You need to rest this leg. I see she stole your crutches.

Yeah, he said. I know she’s worried about me but she’s not being herself. She’s overly paranoid about my safety.

You’re giving her an upset stomach. Now, just take your pills and I’ll have Corrina bring over some things you can work on here. Rest. Think of it as a vacation.

Who’s covering for me? Xander said.

Elliot will, if I need him to, but I think we’ll be fine, James stood up. I’ll see you later. You need to rest, please.

I will. Will you tell Katie that I’d like to see her?

Yes, he shook Xander’s hand. When are Logan and Mark coming home?

They’re on their way now. Mom called Logan about the accident.

Well, I’ll see you later. I’m sure your brother will be here as soon as he gets home.

He will, Xander said. Then maybe my wife can take a break.

James walked down the stairs to the living room. Katie?

She slowly walked out of the kitchen. Did you talk some sense into him?

Some, James smiled. He’ll take his pills and I’ll have Corrina bring stuff over to keep him busy in that bed later.

Katie hugged James. Thank you so much.

You are welcome, he smiled. I’ll see you later.

Oh, James?

Yeah? he turned around.

Do you know Laura Brown?

The new social worker at the O’Roark house? Never met her.

Katie smiled. Really?

Yes, really, he smiled. I just happened to see her folder when Xander did her background check. That’s all. Oh, Katie, please, don’t try to set me up.

I wouldn’t dream of it, but you know, you could start dating again. Ashley’s been gone a long time.

I know, and I do date, when I find the time, James said. I better go.

I’m sorry, James. I just care about you.

I know, James headed out of the house.

Katie touched her stomach again. It wasn’t for you, she whispered, as she stared at the top of the stairs.

Dr. Raina Markum glared at her husband. "You are not leaving this bed; do you hear me?"

Police Commissioner Terry Markum looked up at her. Doc, I’m fine.

She lightly touched the bandage that was wrapped around his head. You have a concussion and a broken leg. You are not leaving this bed until you rest.

All right. I won’t leave. It’s not like I can. You stole my crutches.

And your hand, she said.

Dammit. I have so much work to do at the restaurant and the station.

Bella is handling the restaurant and I called Daddy, she grinned.

"Crap," he crossed his arms.

What? she stood up as she kissed his cheek.

He’s worse than you are when it comes to making me rest, Terry said.

"No one is worse than I am. I do not want you to try to convince Daddy that you can get up or go to work," she said.

I wouldn’t do that, would I? he grinned.

"Yes, you would. You two have a history for getting into trouble," she smiled.

Best buds, you know, Terry said.

Yeah, I know he’s your partner, but please, let him help out with your work but rest.

He reached up with his left hand and touched her cheek. I love you, Doc. I’ll behave.

Good. Xander was also giving Katie trouble, but he’s resting now.

Is he OK?

He’ll be fine. It will just take a long time to heal, she said. I wish I knew what happened.

Me, too. I heard a bang and then the car lost control. I don’t remember much after that, he said. Of course, I’m old, so my memory sucks.

No, it’s not about that. Trauma can cause memory loss. You may never remember but I’m sure CSU will figure it out. They’re pretty smart, she said, as there was a knock on the front door. She headed out of the room and down the hallway and opened the front door. Daddy?

How is he? Jim O’Roark asked, as he hugged his daughter.

Stubborn, she said. "You can see him but don’t let him convince you to help him out of here."

I won’t, Jim said.

"I’m serious," Raina said.

I would never, Jim smirked.

Yeah, you would, but please, don’t, she said. He’s in our room.

Jim kissed her cheek and headed down the hall toward the bedroom.

He walked into the room. Is there a reason my daughter doesn’t trust us?

Terry looked up and smiled. "You have to ask?" he laughed.

I guess not, Jim said. Don’t expect me to help you escape.

I won’t. I’m too tired right now, Terry said. I think she slipped me my pain meds.

Probably, Jim said.

So, did you hear anything?

CSU is still investigating it, Jim said. James has detectives assigned from Major Crimes.

Terry slowly moved forward. Can you hand me that pillow?

Sure, Jim took one of the pillows off the chest at the end of the bed. Behind your back?

Yeah, thanks, he said, as he lightly rubbed his temple.

Jim put the pillow behind his back. So, she hid your hand, too?

Yes, he muttered. I hardly ever wear it, but I need it to use crutches or hold on to things to get around. I also need it to type.

She’s going to let you type?

I don’t know, he said. I don’t know how long she’s going to make me stay in bed, but I’ll listen to her.

Good, Jim said.

Hey, are you and Alex OK?

Yeah, we’re good, Jim said. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking.

"Uh-oh," Terry said.

What do you mean?

Whenever you’ve been thinking, you either cheat or quit jobs. So, which is it?

You keep track? Jim laughed.

Yeah, Terry said. But it’s easy with you.

"Well, this time, it’s neither of those options. I will never cheat on Alex."

And you don’t want to quit being a cop or my partner in Destino, do you?

No, he said. I don’t know. I thought about being a father again. I know, I’m old and Alex is … well … done having children. I know that Alessa was her miracle child, but that’s when she was with Eric. I had always wished that I could give her a child, but she doesn’t want anymore.

Oh, you’re not trying to compete with Al and Lily, are you?

Why would you think that? Jim asked.

Because, between you and your brother, you both always are snide to Al. Now that he and Lily have Grace, you act all … I don’t know.

"No, it’s not that. She’s a sweet little girl. I’ve seen Al hold that little one and he’s a good daddy. He never had that chance with Raina … because she was mine."

See? There you go again, Terry said.

"Well, anyway. I know … Raina is mine, Matthew’s, and partly Al’s, but I raised her."

It’s not about Alessa, is it?

No, she’s good. Well, she wants to get her own place now, but Eric is having a fit. I wish I could help, but I don’t know what to do. I don’t have a say in Alessa’s life. She’s Eric’s daughter but he’s being unreasonable.

I know, Terry said. I tried to talk to dad on her behalf, but it’s like hitting a brick wall.

She is old enough, Jim said.

I know, he said. I had an idea, but I haven’t talked to anyone about it yet. I have to get back on my feet.

Jim stood up. You will. I’ll check in on you later. I should get to the precinct.

Hopefully, CSU will have something, Terry said.

I hope so, Jim said. I think Mike and Maddy were working on the car. I’ll see you later, he left the room.

Raina walked into the room. You need to rest now, she covered him up with a blanket and removed the extra pillow from behind his back.

I will. I am tired, he said. Are you going to the hospital?

Not today. I’m your personal doctor, she kissed his mouth softly. I don’t mean to be bossy, but I want you well.

Me, too, he lay back against the pillow. I love you, Doc, he whispered, as he dozed off to sleep.

I love you, too, she kissed his forehead and left the room.

SVU Captain Elliot Haskell walked into the kitchen and smiled at his wife, Starr. He kissed her cheek as he sat down at the table. Looks good.

Yeah, it’s special, she kissed him softly on the mouth.

What’s the occasion? he asked, as she dished out the pancakes, toasts, eggs, and bacon onto their plates.

It’s your birthday, she smiled.

Oh, I thought I already got my present, he touched her hand as she poured them both a cup of coffee.

Well, yes, that was part of it, she blushed. And tonight, it’ll be just you and me.

Where’s Ely? he asked.

Still downstairs. I told him we wanted a private breakfast, she smiled as she sat down next to him. I also told Mick that, too. He went in the office early.

I like this kind of morning. I don’t have to be in until 10, he smiled.

I know, she smiled. I do have another present for you, but I thought you could open it upstairs later.

I’d like that. After breakfast? he grinned.

Definitely, she smiled.

What time do you have to go in?

I’m staying home today. I don’t have a lot of work to do, just have to read some briefs and Charles wanted to talk to me. So, I guess I’ll call him later.

Hmm, I wonder what he wants, Elliot took a bite of his food.

Not sure, she said. So, how is it?

"You know what would make this better?" he smiled.

What’s that?

"If we ate naked," he said.

I am not sitting naked on this wooden chair, she smiled.

Then we can eat upstairs, he raised his eyebrows up and down. You know that food and sex go hand in hand.

Only the way you do it, she smiled. All right. Since it is your birthday… she and Elliot grabbed their plates and coffee and headed upstairs to their bedroom. She set the plates on the tray that was on the dresser and carried it over to the bed.

Elliot sat next to her on the bed and put his arm around her. Honey, what’s wrong?

It’s nothing. I just want you to have a good birthday, she smiled.

As long as I’m with you, I’m having a great day. Honey, every minute that I’m with you makes me have a great day. It’s like I can celebrate being born because of the happiness you give me.

You’re pretty sexy when you’re poetic, she smiled.

I’m also hungry, he kissed her neck as he took off his robe. You promised…

She slid her robe off her shoulders. I never break my promises, but I didn’t put it on yet, she looked down at her scarred chest.

Elliot kissed her shoulder. You don’t have to put on the prosthetic for me, you know. I think you are so sexy, no matter how many scars you have. Do you know what I see or feel when I touch your scars?

No, what? she asked.

Life, honey. Life. Your life. Our life. The life we have because of the scars, he gazed into her eyes. In my mind, in my heart, I celebrate every single day of our life together. Our children. Our love. Our love in this bed… he raised his eyebrows up and down.

I love you, Elliot, she kissed him passionately. Still hungry?

Just like you, he smiled.

You are so sexy when you’re hungry, she kissed him.

So are you, he said.

Want to eat or make love first? she smiled.

Eat, they said at the same time. Elliot took a forkful of food and fed it to his wife.

Bill Wheeler straightened his holster as he walked down the corridor to the homicide department. He walked into the office and noticed Captain Walter Markum, sitting behind his desk. Walter?

Walter didn’t respond. He kept staring at the top of his desk.

Walter?

Walter jumped slightly when Bill sat on his desk. What?

Are you all right? he asked.

I’m sorry. Did you need something?

Peter said you’ve been here since six. What’s going on? Bill asked.

I don’t know, he said.

Walter, it’s me. I’m not just your partner; I’m your uncle. What’s going on?

Walter stood up and walked over to the window. "Ever since the girls came back from visiting Erica and Craig, they’ve got nonsense in their head."

Faith and Hope are giving you problems?

They want…

What? Bill asked.

"Boys," he muttered.

Is that all? he asked.

No, Walter said. Now, I know that 15 means boys. Bella and I weren’t that young when we were together.

Hold on. Wait. You had girls before Bella. You were 21 and she was 17 when Matteo was born.

"I don’t want to talk about him," Walter sat back in his chair.

I know that Matteo is dead, but that’s no reason to forget his life and how it came about. So? Your girls want to date. What’s wrong with that?

It’s not just that. They think they know what they want to do with their life, he said.

What? They want to be a reporter?

"No. That I could handle. They want…"

What?

Hope wants to be a cop like her…

Father?

"No, grandfather," Walter said.

And you’re mad because she idolizes James?

No, he muttered.

Well, what does Faith want to be?

A chef, Walter said.

Like her mother, right?

Yeah, like her mother, Walter said.

Um, do you remember when your brother wanted to design and fix cars? Bill smiled.

Yeah, I was little, but I remember dad getting mad at him. I think dad thought he should be a doctor like he was.

"But he came around. Now, William is one of the pit crew leaders of the NASCAR™."

I know, Walter said. "I get it,