Killer Instinct: Crowne Security and Investigations Series, #1

By Jessica A Clements

The Detective
Annalise Gordon, a homicide detective with the Seattle Police Department, is obsessed with trying to catch the Cross Country Killer. When he resurfaces along the same route she took from Orlando to Seattle, she finally figures out that he's really after her.

The Former Navy SEAL
Ethan Williams, a former Navy SEAL and owner of Crowne Security and Investigations, Inc., literally runs into Annalise while running one morning. Ethan had followed Annalise's career since she was a detective with the Orlando Police Department, working on the Cross Country Killer case.

The Case of a Lifetime
With each new victim, the serial killer gets closer to Annalise--his true target. Working side-by-side with the Crowne investigators, Annalise believes she can finally catch the serial killer that has eluded her for far too long.

Good vs Evil
When things heat up between Ethan and Annalise, his lifestyle comes into question. Will she accept him for who he is and what he wants? Will they catch the Cross Country Killer before it's too late? And, will their relationship survive the destructive force of a serial killer bent on revenge?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessica A Clements
• Release date: Jan 28, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224770021

Book preview

Prologue

chap_head8

A

nnalise Gordon crouched down next to the body of the young girl. The humid Central Florida weather had aided in her decomposition, and the medical examiner couldn’t give her a time of death because of the girl’s rapid decay. Still, Annalise knew this was the Cross Country Killer. The girl had dark red hair, almost auburn—similar to Annalise’s own hair—and her profile matched the last ten women the killer had tortured and killed.

What do we know about her? she asked a uniformed officer.

Not much, to be honest. There was no I.D. near her body and no identifying features. She’s a Jane Doe, I’m afraid.

Annalise shook her head. Can we I.D. her by DNA?

It would be a long process, and we would have to assume that a relative had a DNA test in the near or recent past. Chances are—we may never I.D. her. The uniformed officer looked defeated.

Annalise knew the officer, a man named Bradley Cozad. This being Disney World grounds, he worked on their Law Enforcement Force. She wouldn’t have been able to examine the remains or work the case without him present. Once upon a time, he had worked for the M.E.’s department, wanting to be a cop, but something had changed his mind.

He probably thought this would be an easy gig, Annalise thought, looking at the dead girl.

Let’s see if we can piece together what happened to her and backtrack. Maybe we can find a link between her and the others.

Detective, I think you’re missing the obvious. This serial killer is baiting you. Every one of the victims had your coloring down to the freckles on your nose. This person is trying to get your attention.

Annalise gave him a stern look, not appreciating the way he was talking down to her.

Cozad seemed to sense he’d overstepped. Suddenly, he was the picture of respect.Sorry, ma’am. What I mean is—what will happen when he finally does? The young officer furrowed his brow. You’re one of us and, ma’am, like every other officer in this department—we worry about each other. I worry about you.

She thought about his words. He had a point. Since moving down to Orlando for this job—a job she had been angling for since her days in the military—she had worked at solving a handful of serial killer cases. But, this one was different from the others.

Annalise knew in her bones that the killer had followed her...but proving that was going to be difficult and time-consuming. For a while, the trail of this killer had gone cold. There was nothing until the young woman had been snatched from a playground where she’d been busy watching the kids she was babysitting. The playground was situated in the middle of a housing development, yet no one had seen anything. That was about a week ago now.

Did the killer know something she didn’t?

Brad, we should profile the guy. Do you know any profilers in or near the Orlando area? I know the department has one, but I think we may have to outsource this time.

She watched as the man thought deeply and then frowned and shook his head. Damn it!

Annalise sighed. I hate to admit it, but I think we need the Feds on this one. Maybe they can shed some light on how this man thinks.

I think those are the truest words you have spoken all day, ma’am. Brad spoke with a sarcastic smirk ticking one corner of his mouth.

Annalise felt a twinge of annoyance. It was the same old story. Law enforcement was and maybe always would be a boys’ club. We need to get this case solved, man. Continue combing the area, canvas the neighbors—maybe someone heard or saw something that could help. In the meantime, I’m going to call in the reinforcements. Annalise rose from her crouch, gave the man an annoyed scowl, and strode toward her Crown Vic.

Standing amid a copse of trees, a man chuckled.

He couldn’t quite believe he had gotten away with twenty murders over twenty states. He knew Annalise Gordon wouldn’t give up until she had solved the puzzle that he had created for her

He had intimate knowledge of how her mind worked. He had never had sexual relations with her. In fact, just the thought made him sick. If he were being honest with himself, he never even considered such a disturbing thing. Rather, what interested him was the thrill of the chase—knowing that he could get away with the atrocities he had been leaving for her to find.

He watched her, trying to keep his laughter to a minimum. He couldn’t help it, though. The woman, the one person who should have had his back all those years ago—still couldn’t figure out it was him.

Six months later

Annalise leaned back in her airline seat with a heavy sigh.

She had spent every single man-hour trying to track down the Cross Country Killer. And still, the man’s trail had gone cold—again! The suspect always seemed to be one step ahead.

It had gotten to the point of obsession.

She could say it now—she was obsessed with finding the perpetrator. It was, finally, what killed her drive to excel in her job. She couldn’t focus on any other case; she could only focus on the case that had broken her—the case she couldn’t solve.

It had gotten so bad that her boss had put her on leave of absence. In response, she hopped on a plane back to Seattle. While on the six-hour airplane ride, she couldn’t stop herself from taking out a notepad and a mechanical pencil so she could review her memories and see if she could find any scenarios that would make it easier for her to find the person of interest.

Over the next few hours, she developed a few new ideas. She would need to approach this as a professional. Even so, the thought that the killer may be closer to her than she thought was never far from her mind.

Chapter One

chap_head8

"B

reaking news on the TruCrime weekly podcast! The lead investigator into the Cross Country Killer has moved to Washington. Detective Annalise Gordon, formerly of the Orlando Police Department, has accepted a job with the Seattle Police Department as a homicide investigator. Sources have told us she will head up a task force to apprehend the Cross Country Killer. We will bring you more when we get more information..." —TruCrime Podcast

Annalise woke up at her customary time of just before five o’clock in the morning to go for a relatively short jog around Green Lake Park. She knew that jogging early in the morning, especially in a wooded area, wasn’t the smartest idea she had ever had, but it got her mind in the game. She did her best thinking while running the trails around the lake. She rarely encountered anyone until the end of her run.

This morning, though, she dressed in her rain gear—she was ready to conquer the day. She took it slow at first, sticking religiously to the clearly marked trails. She breathed slowly in and out as she watched her feet. She seemed to have the park all to herself—that was until she ran headlong into what felt like a brick wall and fell to the ground in a heap. Annalise grimaced at the pain in her ankle and hoped all she needed to do was walk off the pain before anyone noticed.

She shook her head, glanced up, and stared. She didn’t know what she was thinking, but the man in front of her was certainly more attractive than a wall. He was drool-worthy in fact.

Uh...umm... I’m sorry I ran into you, she stammered, trying to right herself before she made a fool out of herself.

The man stood there, grinning. You did a remarkable job in doing so, but I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings, either. Let me help you up. The man held out his hand for her to latch onto as she tried to gain her footing.

Thank you.

My name is Ethan Williams. And yours?

Annalise Gordon. It’s been a pleasure, I’m sure, but I need to finish my run. She wanted to hurry the conversation up, but it was apparent that Mr. Ethan Williams wanted more.

As do I before work. Ethan shrugged. I work in private security. Crowne Security and Investigations? It keeps me busy but I still make time for my morning runs. What do you do, Miss Gordon?

I’m a detective with the Seattle Police Department—

I knew your name sounded familiar. You were the lead investigator with the Cross Country Killer case, weren’t you? I followed that case for quite some time. Are you still pursuing the case? Ethan stuffed his hands in his pockets.

Annalise didn’t want to talk about the case. And, for all that was holy, she didn’t want to speak with the stranger any more than she wanted to speak with anyone. She wanted to go home, grab a shower, and get some work done.

Sir, I would much rather start back home—if you don’t mind. Maybe we will ‘run into’ each other again soon.She winked before slowly jogging past the man.

All it took was one step before she knew she could not make it to her car under her own willpower. Damn it all to hell!

Damn what all to hell?

Had she just spoken her inner thoughts out loud?

Yes, you did, Ethan chuckled.

She rolled her eyes. I turned my ankle when we collided. I’m going to limp to my car, try to walk off the injury. She had no intention of showing the man where her car was parked because, who knows, the man could be a serial killer.

I thought you said you were going to jog home?

"I lied. I need to be at my job in... She glanced at her Apple watch. ...thirty minutes. So, if you don’t mind—" She grumpily indicated he should move aside. She realized she might be late on her first day at the Seattle PD.

If I don’t mind—?

Just let me hobble over to my car so I can get to work, Annalise snapped at him, trying to keep her cool—and failing.

How about I help you to your car?

Fine. Just hurry up or I’m going to be late. She shook her head, barely able to hold back her annoyance.

What do I get out of this, my lady?

Annalise couldn’t help but roll her eyes again. How about dinner at Ivar’s Acres of Clams?

Sounds like a date. Ethan cocked his eyebrow confidently.

What was up with the man? She sighed in response. It doesn’t have to be a date; we could just pretend to be friends.

Darlin’, we haven’t known each other long enough to be friends. Let’s get you home so you’re not late for your first day at your new job. He winked at her.

Annalise had to admit to herself that Ethan was a charmer—unless he was chuckling at her inane thoughts. She checked herself. She had been on enough dates with charming men that she knew that underneath all the charm, there was rarely a gentleman in the rough.

She shook her head. She didn’t want to be reminded of why she was single. She had to get her mind off where her thoughts were taking her.

Hey, are you okay? Ethan asked as he helped her limp to her car.

Yes, I’m perfectly fine. Now, can we please get to my car? She almost shrieked when Ethan lifted her into his arms and raced across the parking lot to where her car was parked.

Do you need me to drive you home?

No, I don’t think so, but thank you for asking. Remember, dinner at Ivar’s is at six o’clock. If you’re late, I leave, she said as she turned the key in the ignition.

Gordon!

Annalise had just walked into the police station on Pacific Highway when she heard her name being called through a closed door. She glanced down at her watch and rolled her eyes. Apparently, the captain was one of those if you are five minutes early, you’re ten minutes later-type of guys.

She pulled open the door and stepped into the captain’s office.

I see you finally arrived, the man said from behind his desk.

Yes, sir. She caught herself before she said more.

I dropped a case file on your desk. The captain pointed to a small desk facing away from the only window in the room. You need to make the case a priority. Welcome to the Seattle PD—now, get to work. The man smiled and winked at her.

Annalise sat down at her new desk and pulled out her laptop and cellphone. They alone made the desk seem small. By the thickness of the file, the case had been re-examined many times over the years.

She thumbed through it. She remembered the case all too well. The Maggie Crowne Case. It wasn’t your average run-of-the-mill missing person case—it was the missing person’s case of the century. The woman was the wife of millionaire General Isaac Crowne. Her body had never been recovered. She had been presumed dead for going on twenty-five years.

Annalise had her own thoughts on what had happened.

Maggie was last seen in a little town named Bonney Lake. Supposedly, she had gone up to visit a friend of the family and was never seen again. The man she had gone to see was now serving time in prison for the deaths of at least ten women. Since there was nobody to confirm that Maggie had been murdered, her case was being treated as an unsolved missing person case. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much evidence to go on. And, what there was had been compromised long ago.

Of course, the man would give me the one case that would get my mind off the one that I couldn’t solve. She rolled her eyes while she mumbled to herself.

What case? came a familiar voice from behind her.

Ethan? What are you doing here? she gasped, turning to find the man standing behind her chair, leaning on the partition with his arms crossed.

They called my company in to assist on a case. I assume you are the person I need to speak with? He impatiently tapped his foot, waiting for her to speak.

They called you? Are you stalking me? Annalise glared at him.

No. Nothing like that, I promise. Ethan raised his arms in surrender.

Then, you should probably speak with the captain first—

If you hadn’t been staring at the file in your hand, you would have seen me come from my godfather’s office. The man had the audacity to chuckle.

I’m sure he’s told you all about this missing person’s case from twenty-five years ago? She worked to hide her emotions. She hadn’t expected that Ethan and her boss would be related.

He did, he replied briskly.

Annalise nodded. She was so close to losing what little control she had over her emotions. What kind of business do you own?

I’m part owner of Crowne Security and Investigations.

The firm you told me about in the park.

Yes. We’re a private-sector security and investigative service. I have some high-profile cases that I’ve helped with. The original owner of the company retired a couple of years ago. Since then, I’ve been running it.

So, you work with the police?

I’ve helped the Seattle PD with a couple of cases.

Of course, the man and his sexy muscles would own a security service.

You’re talking out loud again, Annalise. Again, the man had the audacity to chuckle.

She sighed. Since I’m new to the case, an extra set of eyes would help. She looked around her. I need a bigger desk!

Lucky for you, I have my offices close by and we can take the case file with us. That and I’m sure you skipped breakfast. I have an open tab at the local doughnut shop. They deliver two dozen old-fashioned doughnuts to the shop every day.

Sounds good. Let’s go. Oh, I must let the captain—

I’ve already okayed your little outing with the captain. Remember, he’s my godfather.

Annalise was annoyed with the man’s forwardness but still nodded. Fine. Let’s get going before the man changes his mind.

Chapter Two

chap_head8

At the Crowne Security and Investigations, Inc. building

E

than Williams knew many things. But, how to keep himself from falling for the enigmatic detective wasn’t one of them. He had suggested to his godfather that he should be allowed to pitch in and help the detective on the missing person’s case. He knew the captain tossed the case file to any new detective who joined his ranks. This case was his father’s own unsolvable case.

Ethan’s father was a private investigator who had tried to solve his sister’s missing person case. The man was never the same after failing. The loss of his sister had plunged him into a deep depression. He never did recover and died while Ethan was deployed in Afghanistan.

He guided Annalise Gordon to his large office with an adjoining conference room. He motioned for her to take a chair and a doughnut.

I’ll be back soon. Make yourself at home. I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about the case, but I need to give my men their marching orders before I can give it, and you, my full attention.

There is more here than I realized. I’ll sift through the reports and pictures. By the time you come back, we should be able to make sense of what we have.She stared down at the file as she took a bite of a doughnut.

Fine. If you need anything, I’ll be in the conference room with my men or you can speak with Connie, my receptionist. Ethan stepped away from the intoxicating scent of Annalise’s body spray and ambled his way into the conference room.

When Ethan entered the room, he found several of his men already waiting for him. He could sense the wheels turning and the overwhelming need to tell his friends that the woman in the next room was off-limits.

It looks like the boss man has already called dibs on the pretty lady next door. Patrick O’Malley stroked his bald head.

If that look of his didn’t show it, a blind man could’ve seen that one coming, Brody McAllister pitched in.

That’s enough, you two! I will say this once: Annalise isn’t someone to mess with. Ethan scowled.

It isn’t working, bossman! Keith Brady chuckled.

What isn’t working? Keith’s younger brother, Samuel, asked.

Never mind, you big dunce, Keith snapped at his brother.

Cut it out! We have a lot on our plate, including a cold, missing person’s case. I need a team to go to the Amazon to locate and extract some missionaries that have gone missing. I need several detailed plans ready to implement by the end of the day. Ethan’s annoyance at his teammates (or employees—either worked, depending on his mood) was growing.

A collective groan rose.

No. We are wheels up tomorrow morning. Alpha Team, you are running point on this. Get a plan for me ASAP. Beta Team, you are going to be helping me track down leads for this missing person case. It’s been twenty-five years, so it may be slim pickings, but try your best. Follow up with Dex.

One of the men rolled his eyes. Dex (aka Dexter) was Sam’s nickname from when he was a SEAL, and he was by turns brilliant and annoying.

Ethan frowned to get them back on track. See if there’s anything in the databases that we can’t see on our own. Let’s move! He stepped away from his men.

Sir. Brody stood up from his chair. Is the pretty lady already taken or can I put my name in the hat?

If I hear one more thing from any of you pertaining to Miss Gordon, I am going to fire the lot of you. Get to work! Ethan stomped out of the room and to a small kitchenette that was home to the coffee maker.

Ethan sighed. He loved the smell of coffee. He took out a coffee cup from the cabinet above the coffee maker and poured himself a cup of the brew. He wasn’t truly awake until he had his second cup.

Are you going to hog the coffee or do I need to get my machine while I’m here? Annalise asked from the door.

Yes...I mean, no... he stuttered.

You sound almost like what I sounded like earlier this morning. Annalise pushed past him to get to the coffee.

He frowned at her.

What? she said, turning to him. You can’t have doughnuts without coffee to wash them down.

She had a point, but he would not concede, and then he thought better of it. Help yourself, he said as he took his cup of coffee with him to his office.

Ten years earlier

Ethan strode down the halls of Nathan Hale High School on his last day of school. He had a crush