Safe House: North Security And Investigations, #1

By Clara Kendrick

This is the first book of the North Security And Investigations series containing 77,000 words of romantic suspense. It can be read as a stand-alone book or you can continue reading more in the series.

 

This series is darker and sexier than my previous books. Adult readers only. Touches on sensitive subjects. Read with caution. Lots of suspense, mystery, and romance. No cliffhangers!

 

Love strikes when you least expect it…whether you're ready or not…

 

Kim Sander's life is suddenly spun into chaos when her ex-boyfriend turns up dead just two blocks from her apartment. When the killer leaves a message on her answering machine, confessing to the crime, she is convinced she knows who he is. The only problem is—the suspected perpetrator died twelve years ago. Is she losing her mind? The notion taunts her as even her own brother questions her account of the incident after the message mysteriously disappears off her machine. Was it really ever there?

 

Beau Halsey isn't happy about being dragged out for a night of clubbing by the two youngest members of his private security team, who are convinced he just needs a "woman" to loosen him up. But Beau has his own way of meeting women and it is a scheduled, controlled way, as opposed to random hookups. However, as soon as Beau encounters Kim Sanders at the club, who has also been brought along unwillingly by a well-intentioned friend, he starts to feel his composed determination falter.

 

When the chaos that has hit Kim's life draws in Beau and his team, he is suddenly up against a faceless assailant intent on tormenting his new client, a belligerent sibling insisting he is better capable of protecting his sister…and a raging storm of emotions and passions he isn't at all ready to weather…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clara Kendrick
• Release date: Jun 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9798215724248

Clara Kendrick

Discover the captivating world of Clara Kendrick's romantic suspense. With her masterful storytelling and skillful blend of intrigue, romance, and passion, Kendrick draws readers in and keeps them hooked until the very end. Get ready to be swept away by her thrilling and steamy tales of love and suspense. Signup and follow at: Books2read.com/ClaraKendrick Facebook.com/AuthorClaraKendrick

Book preview

Chapter 1

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Are you going back home this weekend? Brenda dug out her keys on the way to her car. Kim walked beside her, the Halloween party behind them still going strong as the frat boys and sorority sisters got drunk, mingled, coupled...whatever their pleasure. Kim had had enough partying for one night and enough cheap pickup lines by the highly immature fraternity boys.

Yeah. Have to go home every so often and check on my brother, make sure he’s behaving himself.

Do boys ever behave?

No. Kim was a tad unsteady on her feet and nearly misstepped when she left the sidewalk for the parking area. Shit.

Easy, girl. Brenda grabbed her arm. Next time you decide to party, maybe don’t wear heels? You’re going to break your neck.

Kim smiled. But there’s something about heels that makes my ass look good.

Your ass always looks good, woman.

I’d have to agree.

The two women jumped and spun around. Kim groaned and rolled her eyes. What do you want?

Nick Mitchell leaned against the car parked next to Brenda’s, thumbs hooked lazily in his belt loops. The heavy eyelids and slightly slurred speech betrayed his inebriation. Just thought I’d drop by, see how you’re doing since we broke up. He looked her up and down. Say I miss you and I’m sorry.

Yeah, Brenda scoffed and shook her head. Why don’t you take your lying, cheating ass on down the road?

"Was I talking to you, Brenda?"

Brenda turned on him, her Spanish/African fire sparking like the Fourth of July. "Boy, I don’t give a shit if you were talking to me or not. This is my girl and no one disrespects my girl then comes crawling back, expecting to get a little sumpin-sumpin. Uh-uh. You’d best tuck your tail and slink away before I neuter you like the dog you are."

You go, girl. Kim pursed her lips in a tight smile and cocked an eyebrow at her ex. Well, what you waitin’ for, fool? Kim mimicked Brenda. Get on outta here. I ain’t into your scuzzy ass anymore.

Straightening, Nick huffed. You’re just putting up a front for Brenda, he said. I know you been missing me when you’re lying in bed all alone, thinking about what a great fuck I was. Does it get you wet? Bet you finger yourself while thinking about me, don’t ya?

Kim grabbed Brenda when she started to make good on her neutering threat. It’s okay, Kim murmured to her friend and sidled over to Nick. Guess you think you know me pretty well, huh? She scraped a polished nail through the hollow of his throat then teased the top button of his shirt.

Nick shifted and cleared his throat. Damn straight.

You can read my mind like an open book? She blew softly on his throat and brushed her body against his; he was already hard as a rock.

You know it, baby, he rasped.

Kim raked her teeth across his earlobe. What am I thinking about...right now? She pressed her hips to his crotch.

You’re thinking about my big, hard dick.

Mm. Kim nibbled his earlobe. "You are intuitive." She bit down hard and Nick yelped—then grunted and dropped to the ground as Kim kneed him between the legs. Nick curled up in pain, clutching his package, sweat beading his flushed face.

"You bitch."

Why’re you upset? Kim asked. "You were right—I was thinking about your dick, you dick."

"That’s my girl." Brenda pointed at her. Uh-huh.

Nick managed to get to his feet and limp away, muttering curses. The women ignored him.

Sure you don’t want a ride home? Brenda opened the driver door. I know you’re a tough bitch, but maybe you shouldn’t be walkin’ that fine ass down the street at night.

Maybe I’ll get lucky. Kim rocked her hips and wiggled her brow.

If some punk-ass man tries to pick you up off the street, he ain’t your Mr. Right.

Kim shrugged and smiled seductively. "Maybe I’m just looking Mr. Right Now."

Uh-huh. Brenda rolled her eyes and laughed. You ain’t no slut, baby.

I could be.

No, you couldn’t, Brenda countered. You’re too classy to be trashy. Besides, your brother would bend you over his knee and spank your little white ass if you gave it away like a sweet treat on Halloween. She pointed at Kim. "Respect, baby. If a man’s not givin’ some—he ain’t gettin’ some. You hear?"

Kim saluted her. Yes, ma’am. I hear.

Alright then. You be careful walking home. Keep that lethal foot cocked and ready.

Aye-aye, captain.

Brenda smirked and slid into the car. Kim waved as she drove away. As soon as the car was gone, Kim’s spirits dropped a few notches. She glanced back in the direction that the wounded Nick had retreated. Kim would never in a million years admit it to Brenda, but Nick hadn’t been altogether wrong about his assumptions. Maybe she didn’t get off to memories of him, but there were plenty nights she laid alone in bed and missed his presence...and yes, the sex, too. He was arrogant about his bedroom skills, but that didn’t mean he was lying about it. He was the best fuck she’d ever had.

Respect, baby. She hadn’t gotten much of that from Nick—just a huge dose of his love muscle morning and night. Kim groaned and headed on down the sidewalk, away from the party, putting distance between herself and her ex who, to her dismay, continued to wield a smidge of power over her. Maybe not her heart—but definitely her libido.

At the end of the block, with the frat party still within a safe distance, Kim stopped at the curb. On the far side of the crosswalk, the sidewalk led through a long stretch of shadows. Her age-old fears crept in and momentarily paralyzed her. Maybe she should have accepted the ride home. She hated Halloween. It was on a Halloween night that her whole world had come crashing down.

You can do this, she whispered. Her hands flexed at her sides. Control your fears or they’ll control you. It was always so easy to feel brave when Connor was there, coaching her through her fears and anxieties. But her big brother couldn’t babysit her for the rest of her life. Taking a deep breath, she released it slowly and stepped off the curb. Her drunkenness and high heels didn’t help as her legs turned rubbery from fear. She staggered a bit then caught her balance. If someone was watching and saw her come from the frat party, they would surely peg her as a strung-out college slut. She supposed she looked the part.

Her steps slowed as she approached the opposite curb. She hugged her waist and tried to see through the shadows. This was a safe part of the city; college girls walked these streets at night all the time. But there was always that one night when it wasn’t safe.

The same way a child’s home could be safe for years, then one night, without warning...it turns into a murder house.

No one was safe anywhere. Not really. Safety was an illusion. Kim wished she didn’t know that. Ignorance was bliss. But once a person was educated on the matter, the bliss was replaced with fear and paranoia.

Control your fear. Kim stepped up on the curb and walked into the shadows. Her pulse began to pump, slamming her heart against her ribs, shortening her breath. Just keep walking. There’s no one here. No danger. Her heels clicked against the concrete, echoing off the brick wall of the building to her left. Up ahead, there were street lights. And although safety within the light was an illusion as well, it was an ingrained false security that she still clung to. Her pace quickened and she wanted to run, get out of the darkness, into the light.

Don’t run. That’s giving into your fear. Just walk. One step at a time.

She took controlled breaths and stared straight ahead, her pulse starting to calm—until she heard the footsteps behind her. Before she could stop it, her heart exploded into a frenzy and panic seized up her throat. I can’t breathe.

The footsteps came closer...closer...bearing down on her. She glanced around behind her and her eyes widened; a person in a white mask and black hoodie was following her, just a few yards behind. Images from the past exploded through her head and panic exploded through her.

Kim quickened her pace, practically speed walking, arms like vices around her stomach. Her vision blurred as an uncontrollable fear overtook her. The footsteps quickened and she felt hot breath on her neck. It’s just your imagination. He isn’t that close. It’s Halloween. He’s not a threat. Calm down.

She couldn’t.

Shit, she choked and broke into a run, racing for the light, head pounding.

The footsteps picked up speed behind her.

Tears streaked her face and her arms loosened, pumping at her sides like a seasoned runner. Her heels cracked against the sidewalk, her throat working as short, hard sobs burst out of her. She ran into the light and up the nearest set of steps, grabbing at the glass doors—locked.

"Fuck, she cried and rushed to the intercom buttons and began pressing one after another frantically. Help me! Someone! Please!"

Shoes slapped against the sidewalk, bearing down on her from the shadows. She pressed into the crevice by the intercom board, panic tearing through her. When her masked assailant burst from the shadows, she turned her face into her arms and choked on her cries.

Hey! Wait up!

Kim gasped and looked around quickly. The college guy raced past the steps, wrenching off his mask—a zombie mask...not a white mask, and his sweatshirt was charcoal gray...not black—as he veered out into the street, sprinting toward two other costumed guys crossing to the other side.

What the hell, dudes? he shouted and slowed to a fast walk as he caught up to them. You just leave without me, assholes?

Kim stared at them as they rough-housed with each other and moved on down the opposite side of the street. Her chest heaved and she bent over, drawing deep breaths. Fuck, she whispered shakily, tears dripping off her face. She glanced back down the sidewalk from where she’d come; no white mask assailant in a black hoodie. Just shadows. Her mind had been playing tricks on her.

Hello? Is someone there?

The intercom crackled and Kim jumped. She stared at the buttons, swallowed hard, then hurried down the steps and on up the sidewalk, hyper-vigilant as she walked two more blocks to her apartment building.

•

You need to get a grip, girl, Kim scolded herself as she opened her apartment door and entered. She closed it behind her and engaged the multiple deadlocks then stared at them and shook her head. Yeah. What a grip.

She walked into the bedroom, sat on the bed, and tugged off her high-heeled boots. Her heart continued to thump with force as she slowly combed her fingers through her long, dark hair. She groaned and left the bedroom for the bathroom, stripped down, and spent the next twenty minutes beneath a hot shower spray. By the time she turned off the water, the tension in her body had receded some and she was starting to feel extremely foolish and irrational about the panic attack.

When are you going to let the past rest in peace and move on with your life? She didn’t have the answer to that, though she wished the answer was right now. But she knew it wasn’t. She just hoped it was soon. Even now, safe behind her many deadlocks, she felt vulnerable. She didn’t like living alone but forced herself to—at Connor’s urging. He said if she relied on others to feel safe, then she would never conquer her fears. He was right, but she still didn’t like it, being alone.

Kim went to the kitchen and prepared a pot of coffee. When it was ready, she spiked her first cup with bourbon and leaned against the counter, cradling the warm cup in her palms.

Her thoughts returned to Nick. As much of an asshole as he was, she had felt safe when they’d lived together. Not emotionally, so much, but physically. And the constant fucking kept her mind preoccupied, shoving her fears to the back of her mind.

Maybe you should have asked him to walk you home. But it didn’t take a genius to guess where that would have taken them.

Her body warmed to the idea, though her heart and mind berated such notions. I don’t want him back—I just want the distraction...and the sexual satisfaction. She hadn’t fucked anyone since they’d split up.

A hard knock on her door made her jump and spill some of her coffee. Shit. She grabbed a hand towel and wiped her shirt then set the cup aside and stared at the door, her heart rate crawling back up to a dangerous level. She didn’t move, her terror coming back in an instant.

Another knock, then, Kim. Baby, it’s just me. Can we talk? Nick’s thick, muffled voice pressed through the heavy door. He rapped his knuckles three times in succession. "I know you’re home. Just let me in. I’m sorry. I was a total shit tonight and...before. I know you were the best thing that ever happened to me and I totally fucked it up. I’m sorry."

Had she somehow willed him to follow her home?

Be real, girl, Brenda’s voice chided. The fool made his own choice to come after you, like some horny dog. Don’t you dare let him in. I know you’re smarter than that, baby girl.

Was she? Her scare on the street and excessive alcohol consumption greatly depleted what smarts she possessed. She didn’t want to be alone tonight. The biggest mistake she could make right now would be to let that asshole into her apartment. But she wasn’t always the best at detouring around mistakes.

She walked over to the door and leaned against it. She wore just her towel and knew it would disappear the instant Nick came through the door. Seconds after, his dick would be inside her as the man did what he did best.

Kim quivered, her inner muscles flexing. Is that what she wanted? Really?

She disengaged the first lock, then the second. She closed her eyes, breathed deep, then unlocked the last dead bolt and backed away from the door without opening it. The doorknob twisted and Nick entered. His heavy eyes crawled lustfully over her nearly naked body before finally reaching her face. Wasn’t sure you would let me in after the knee to the nuts.

I shouldn’t have let you in, she murmured...

Chapter 2

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Please, God, let it have been a dream. Just a bad dream. Kim didn’t open her eyes as she rolled over in bed and hesitantly reached into the bed-space beside her. Her fingertips touched cool sheets and nothing more. She opened her eyes to slits, then all the way; she was alone. A hard sigh of relief escaped her—until she realized she was naked beneath the sheets and when she moved, all the tell-tale signs of a hard night of fucking were there.

Last night, she hadn’t wanted to be alone, and she had craved the sex, but this morning...she didn’t want the hassle of dealing with Nick Mitchell and trying to figure out how the hell to get him out of her apartment—and her life—and make him stay out.

Maybe not inviting him in for a midnight fuck would be a good first step is keeping him out—ya think?

Yeah, I get it, she mumbled, annoyed at her own inner voice, which sounded a hell of a lot like Brenda. Would she have let him in if she hadn’t had a scare on the walk home? She’d wanted someone there because she felt vulnerable and unsafe. Her own fears worked against her, instigating her to do stupid shit just so she could feel secure.

Nick Mitchell was not the answer to her insecurities, though. She knew this. She knew this all too well. Yet the thought of taking a new man into her life frightened her as well. People wore masks that hid dark things. And some were clever enough to wear them for a long, long time until they had their victim one hundred percent fooled into believing they were the person they were pretending to be. And as soon as the guard came down—the monster beneath the mask would burst out.

Kim sighed and crawled out of bed, pulling on a t-shirt. You should be writing horror stories, she mumbled to herself as she walked out into the kitchen. At least you’d be getting something out of this crazy shit in your head.

She entered the kitchen, fully expecting to find Nick perched on a stool, drinking coffee, reading the paper—as if he belonged there.

The kitchen was empty. Kim looked at the floor where Nick had fucked her senseless last night; his clothes were gone. Nick was gone. Hope sprouted within; had he just wanted a quick final hook-up as well? God, she prayed it was so. She was finally starting to, sort of, get her life together. The last person she needed sniffing around her was Nick Mitchell. The guy was a one-way ticket to shit town.

But such a great lay, huh, Kimmy?

Shut up, she muttered and walked over to the coffee maker. Nick hadn’t fixed a fresh pot, and last night’s batch sat cold in the carafe. Kim dumped it and prepared a new pot. She sat on a stool at the counter and stared at her cell. Sooner or later, she had to tell Brenda what she’d done. Better to get it over with. Rather than call, she sent a text instead, asking her to come over, she needed to talk.

Get ready for the yelling, Kim warned herself as she sent the message and began the wait for her friend to arrive and ream her ass.

She didn’t have long to wait.

Brenda walked through her door twenty minutes later. What’s up, baby girl? She paused and stared at Kim perched on the stool in her white t-shirt and nothing else. Kim could feel her own despair emanating out of her and Brenda didn’t miss it. What’s wrong? She closed the door and crossed the floor. You kind of look like shit.

Thanks, Kim smiled weakly. I feel like shit.

Where're your panties? She eyed Kim. Don’t tell me you picked up some joker off the street after all and let him get a piece of you.

Kim whimpered and sagged against the counter, her head on her arms. "I wish."

What do you mean you wish? Brenda fixed them both a cup of coffee and came back to the counter. "You mean you actually did something dumber than that?"

"Way dumber," Kim moaned into her arms.

To be dumber than that... she murmured slowly, expression uncertain and wary, "...would have to involve a certain dumbass that I know you didn’t hook up with."

Kim didn’t respond as she curled her arms over her head and clutched her hair.

Are you freaking kidding me? Brenda exclaimed. "Seriously? How the fuck did that happen? You kicked him in the balls and sent him crawling away. That should have been the end of it right there. What the hell, girl?"

Kim finally raised her head, eyes heavy with self-abhorrence. I...I had a scare on the way home, she said thickly. I-I thought someone was following me. There was this guy, in a mask...

It was Halloween, Kim. There were masked men everywhere.

I know. It’s just that... She trembled. It looked like the same mask from...

Brenda softened. "It wasn’t. No one’s after you, sweetie. All of that is in the past. He’s dead. You said you saw his dead body yourself, right?"

Yeah, Kim whispered.

The dead don’t come back. You don’t have to keep being afraid.

How does a person stop being afraid? Kim looked at her imploringly. I just feel like it’s not over. Like he isn’t finished with me.

He’s dead, baby girl, Brenda murmured. "He’s finished—with everything. And what happened back then, it wasn’t personal. He wasn’t after you, that wasn’t why he came into your family’s home. It was a home invasion. You said your family owned a lot of nice stuff. That’s why he was there—he was a thief."

It felt like there was more to it than that, Kim said unsteadily.

There wasn’t, Brenda assured. "And even if there had been—he’s dead. His purpose for breaking into your home all those years ago is now moot. His death rendered it moot."

Kim rubbed her face then nodded. Yeah. I know. She sighed. "I tried to face my fears last night, walking home alone. But as soon as I saw that guy behind me, I couldn’t control the panic. I tried. But I couldn’t. I ran from him...started beating on the door of some random apartment building...totally losing my shit. She swallowed and wiped her damp eyes. When I got home, all I could think was that I didn’t want to be alone. Then...Nick showed up. And I knew I shouldn’t let him in. I knew it. But even though he’s an asshole, he was...safe. He made me feel safe just by being here."

Brenda sighed and reached over, squeezing her hand. I’ll give you a free pass on this one, she said. "I won’t tear you a new one this time. But, sweetheart, you have got to pull it together. Letting an ass like Nick Mitchell back in just because you don’t want to be alone is going to hurt you in the long run. And it won’t take long. She looked around. Is he still here? In bed?"

No. Kim sipped her coffee. He was gone when I got up. I mean, maybe he doesn’t want me back. Maybe he just wanted to prove to me and himself that I still wanted to fuck him. And now that his ego is sufficiently inflated, maybe he’s gone for good.

Brenda stared at her doubtfully. Nick Mitchell is a leech. If he thinks he’s got a foot in your door again, he isn’t going to leave on his own. He’ll be back. And when he shows up, you better be standing at that door with a baseball bat to knock his ass back out of your life, once and for all.

Kim smiled. A baseball bat?

Whatever it takes to get it through his thick skull that he isn’t welcome here and you’re not his booty call or play toy. No fool is going to treat my girl that way.

Kim laughed quietly. Maybe I should just switch teams and hook up with you.

What? Brenda waved her off. No way. I’m a bitch. I’d drive you nuts, girl.

More than Nick?

Brenda grinned. "Don’t let that prick turn you off of dicks. Believe it or not, there are still some