Dead Run: North Security And Investigations, #4

By Clara Kendrick

This is the fourth book of the North Security And Investigations series containing 93,000 words of romantic suspense.

 

Jessica Palmero's ex-mafia father turns state's evidence and Jessica suddenly becomes the target of a Cuban mobster. When the NSI team is hired to escort her across the country to a safe location, Jessica comes face to face with her past in Newt Dancer—NSI member—whom she had believed to be dead. Faced with multiple threats as they head out across the country, both Newt and Jessica must confront fears and secrets from their troubled past and learn to trust each other if they hope to come out alive and nurture the long dormant love deep within their hearts…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clara Kendrick
• Release date: Jun 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9798224348084

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

Prologue

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The girl jerked awake, her back smacking something hard. Her heart beat against her ribs and panic sparked when she tried to move and realized her hands were bound and secured to a thick, wooden pole. Where am I? What happened?

Her skull throbbed until she thought it might crack in two. Trying to remember made it hurt worse.

She was on the floor, ice cold concrete beneath her. The thin dress she’d put on that morning wasn’t enough to protect her from the freezing surface. Shivers coursed through her and the cold alone made it hard to breathe. Coupled with her panic, she could hardly get an adequate breath.

Oh God, where am I?

She couldn’t see anything. The room was pitch black. She pulled against her restraints then quickly ceased when pain shot through her wrists and up her forearms. Her hands were tied with wire. And it was cutting into her skin, making her bleed.

Her chest heaved as her panic heightened. Someone... she whimpered. "Someone...help... Sobs filled her throat as she sagged against the thick pole. Please...help... She managed a deep breath and screamed. Help me! Someone! Please help me!"

A heavy, metal door opened somewhere, scraping against the concrete floor, old hinges protesting. She looked around frantically but couldn’t see any light.

Help me! she cried again. "Please!"

Footsteps echoed through the darkness. Many. She cringed against the pole and went silent, struggling to stifle her sobs.

Sleeping beauty has awakened. The voice was male, young, and ominous. And came from a few feet away.

The girl trembled. Please...let me go...

She flinched when a flashlight clicked on and the beam cast an eerie glow up over the young man’s face. He grinned at her, enhancing the creepiness. But you just got here, princess.

Her entire body shook as she pressed herself against the pole. Wh-who are you?

The flashlight beam shifted from his face to hers and she squinted, turning away from the blinding light. "Who I am isn’t important. It’s who you are that matters."

What...?

He walked closer. Daddy is going to pay a shitload to get his little princess back. He squatted before her and ran the light up and down her body. But there’s no reason we can’t have a little fun while we’re waiting.

The sudden rasp in his voice terrified her and she drew her feet up close to her body, huddling in a ball. When he touched her ankle, she cried out and kicked furiously.

Laughter sifted through the darkness. How many were there?

Lights, he said, and an overhead fluorescent light came on, flickering, refusing to hold.

She stared at the young man who looked like he was in his early twenties. His black hair was short around his neck and longer on top, kind of stringy, and facial scruff riddled his jaw and chin. His eyes were black as night in the pale flickering light as he gazed at her.

Bet your rich daddy spoils you rotten, huh? He flashed a cool smile. Bet he keeps the boys away, too. His dark eyes roamed all over her body. There’s got to be all kinds of boys trying to get a piece of this prime flesh. He leaned a little closer, his smile stretching. You still a virgin, princess? Bet your daddy thinks so. All daddies think their little princesses are pure and innocent. But maybe you’ve been sneaking around, dishing it out, spreading those sexy legs for the horny boys sniffing around? Huh?

The girl stared at him wide-eyed. No... she whispered shakily. "I-I’ve never...no."

He sighed and nodded. That’s good. He ran his hand up her calf and she tried to pull away, but he squeezed, gripping her tight. How old are you, princess?

She swallowed thickly. Six-Sixteen...a-almost seventeen.

Sixteen. Almost seventeen, he mused. Practically a woman and still a virgin. Wow.

Tears streamed down her face. Please let me go, she pleaded. Please...

So soon? He slid his hand over her knee. "I thought maybe we could help usher you into womanhood. You don’t want to go out into the world inexperienced, do you? He shook his head. A lot of men out there waiting to take advantage of a virgin girl."

"No...please..." She pulled against his grip.

Ah, you’ll have fun. He crawled forward, caressing her inner thigh, his hand slipping deeper between her thighs. "Sex is fun. Real fun. Ain’t nothing in this world like a good, hard fuck."

No! she cried and went into a frenzy, screaming and kicking.

The others standing nearby started laughing. She couldn’t tell how many there were. Most of them were lost in the shadows.

The young man grabbed her and forced her onto her back. The wire cut into her wrists as her arms shifted position. "No...please! Don’t! Childlike terror flooded her. Daddy! Help me!"

Daddy can’t hear you, sweetheart, the guy grinned, breath quickened as he shoved her legs apart.

She screamed and kicked and bucked.

Hold her legs! he ordered, panting harder. He fumbled with his pants. I’ve been waiting all day to get a piece of this.

Her ankles were pinned to the icy floor, legs pulled wide open. The young man ripped her dress open and fondled her breasts roughly. She writhed and struggled. "Stop!"

Her bra and panties were cut off with a knife, leaving her naked before them all.

An evil grin cut across the guy’s face. Let’s make you a woman.

Chapter 1

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Jess?

Jessica blinked and focused on the Cuban man sitting across from her in the limo. Rafael Cortez was a few years older than her and quite good-looking with his thick black hair, dark eyes, sculpted jaw, and strong, fit body. Extremely good-looking. Yet Jess was not attracted to him. But to be fair, she wasn’t attracted to anyone. Hadn’t been for years.

Are you all right? Deep concern resonated from the man. He shifted from his seat to sit next to Jessica. She instinctively tensed, and her arms slid around her waist as she subconsciously scooted a couple inches away. Rafael pretended not to notice, but he noticed. Evidenced by the sudden set of his jaw and the way the skin pinched around his eyes. His tone didn’t change and retained genuine concern. You shouldn’t have had to do this. Anton could have taken care of it.

I’m not made of glass, Rafael, she whispered. And Anton is out of the city today, you know that.

Not made of glass. Was that true? Sometimes it seemed she was.

I didn’t mean to imply... He sighed. "It’s just that the nature of the crime against your brother..."

"I’m fine," Jess insisted, not feeling nearly as confident as she sounded.

His jaw clenching a bit tighter, Rafael nodded and returned to his own seat. Is it a sin to care about you?

No. Guilt stabbed her. I’m sorry. I just don’t like being treated as if I might break at any given moment. I don’t need to be coddled.

I wasn’t trying to coddle you, Rafael said. I was trying to show concern and be a friend.

I know, Jessica whispered. I’m sorry. I’m just... She didn’t need Rafael’s pushing right now. Her mind was too distracted, her thoughts fragmented from what she thought she’d seen back there in the police station. It wasn’t him. It couldn’t be.

Just...?

Nothing, Jess mumbled and turned her face to the window as her arms tightened around her stomach. The weight of Rafael’s stare settled on her and lingered as the limo carried them through the city toward the morgue. She wished he would look elsewhere. He wanted things from her that she could never give him or any man. Though she often wondered if she would be attracted to him under normal circumstances either. She had been once, but that was a long time ago before...

His care for her was sincere but she didn’t think there would ever be a spark between them again, with or without her issues.

Jessica had made Rafael wait in the limo at the police station, but he insisted on accompanying her into the morgue. When they passed through the final door, her stomach knotted, and she faltered. His hand flattened lightly on her lower back, guiding her forward. This one time, she welcomed his touch though failed to truly relax beneath it.

The room was cold and chilled her to the bone. She didn’t want to be here. Didn’t want to be faced with the reality of her brother’s death. His murder. His rape and murder. She trembled within, the careful foundation laid down through therapy slowly disrupting.

Keep it together. You’re strong. You’re in control. You are the master of your own emotions.

Dr. Loren’s prescribed mantra flitted through her head. Usually, it calmed her to some degree. Today, it wasn’t working. Rafael pressed his palm more firmly to her back. She longed to take comfort in the man’s presence but couldn’t.

Ms. Palmero. The coroner was a man in his early forties with a lanky frame and haunting features that put him right at home in the morgue. He came forward, hand outstretched, sympathy in his eyes. I’m James Austin. I’m very sorry for your loss.

Thank you, Jess whispered and shook his hand. This is a friend. Rafael Cortez. The two men shook. May...may I see my brother?

The coroner hesitated. Ms. Palmero, I strongly discourage you from viewing the body.

Jess swallowed thickly. I want to see him.

When the coroner continued to hesitate., Rafael spoke up. Maybe he’s right, Jess. Maybe you shouldn’t.

Jess knew they were both right, but she had an irrational need to do this, to look at him and prove to herself that she was strong enough to handle it. I insist. She didn’t sound as commanding as she’d intended, and in fact, her words came out shaky, weak, and uncertain.

The coroner nodded and walked over to the row of drawers and pulled one out. A white covering draped the body. This time it was Jess who hesitated before approaching. Shakes started up inside her, causing her to tremble.

Jess... Rafael’s hand remained on her back, surely feeling her tremors. You don’t have to do this.

Yes, I do, she murmured.

The coroner stood on the opposite side of the drawer and looked at her. Are you sure, Ms. Palmero? The condition of the body...

I know. And I’m sure. She wasn’t. Not at all. And wondered if she was making a huge mistake. Why did she need to see him?

The man nodded again and slowly began to peel back the sheet.

Jess went deathly still as the bare skull came into view, then the face...stripped of all flesh. She covered her mouth, a quiet sob catching in her throat. She subconsciously pressed closer to Rafael who quickly and eagerly slid his arm around her, glad to comfort her. The sheet was drawn halfway down the body, revealing the skeleton of her brother. Bits of flesh clung to his bones. That was all that was left of Luis.

Why did I look? Why did I need to see? She turned her face into Rafael’s shoulder and trembled. The tears she’d been holding back began to seep out. Rafael nodded at the man, and the coroner covered the body again.

I’m sorry, Ms. Palmero, James Austin murmured.

Jess composed herself as best she could and gave him instructions on where to send the body. She left minutes later without saying much else. As soon as they were out of the morgue and back into the light and warmth of the day, she drew in deep shaky breaths.

Jess? Rafael looked concerned.

I’m okay, she whispered.

Inside the limo again, Rafael sat beside her, his arm stretched across the back of the seat. She didn’t tell him to move away. She didn’t want him so close but neither did she want to sit alone. Was she giving him mixed messages? She hoped not but knew he would read whatever he could into it.

When they arrived home, he walked her inside the house.

Do you want anything? he asked.

She shook her head. No. I...I just want to lay down for a while. She smiled weakly. Thank you for going with me.

He smiled back and touched her face. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. You know that.

Jess nodded, uncertain how to respond, and stepped back as his hand dropped away from her face.

I’m really sorry about Luis, Rafael said softly.

Jess stood with her head hung, eyes on the floor, and her heart breaking. He didn’t deserve this. He was a good man.

Rafael remained silent and lightly stroked her arm.

I’m going to lie down, she whispered. She sensed him wanting to follow her upstairs. He remained on the first floor. Jess felt sorry for the man. He was in love with her and she didn’t want that—for his sake as well as her own.

Inside her bedroom, she closed the door and leaned against it. A part of her wished she had invited Rafael to her room. Not for sex, but so she wouldn’t be alone with her thoughts. Not just thoughts of Luis, but thoughts of...

It wasn’t him. It couldn’t be.

Jess walked to her bed and sank down on the edge. The memories she’d struggled to bury and lay to rest over the last seven years became unearthed, clawing up out of their grave. She took out her cell phone, clinging to it, desperate to call Dr. Loren and feeling weak because of it. She forced herself to place the phone on the nightstand and laid down on the bed.

She was just managing to drift off when someone knocked on the door. Jess rolled over and mumbled, Yes?

Rafael entered with a cup and saucer. I know you said you didn’t want anything, but I thought you might like some Chamomile tea. It’ll help you relax.

Jess scooted up and accepted the offering. Thank you.

The man lingered then sat on the bed. Jess... his hand settled on her ankle as he stroked her skin with his thumb. If you want to talk, I’m a good listener.

Discreetly drawing her foot away, Jess sipped her tea and gazed at him over the rim of the cup. He was trying so hard to be there for her. So why not let him? She didn’t want to be alone right now. She lowered the cup and stared down at the steaming contents. When Anton told me that Luis had been...raped and murdered, I got so scared.

Of course, you did, he murmured. That’s completely understandable.

She twisted the cup on the saucer as her vision swam. I’m trying to get better, and I thought I was but... she lowered her eyes. Now, with what happened to Luis and... she let the sentence go, not ready to reveal what she saw at the police station. I feel like I’m losing the ground I gained over the last few years.

You’re not. Rafael leaned forward, his stare firm. Your brother was murdered. You’re allowed to be upset, to feel vulnerable. It doesn’t mean you’re back to square one.

I feel like I am.

Rafael straightened. Maybe if you made yourself engage in intimacy with a man, you would gain progress quicker. I don’t mean sex. But just the little things. Holding hands. Kissing... He cocked his head and smiled. You used to like it when I kissed you. He tentatively took her hand and raised it to his lips. If not for that awful event...I would have been your first.

I know, Jess whispered. She remembered the excitement and exhilaration she experienced the first time Rafael had kissed her. It was just before her abduction. She’d been sixteen, almost seventeen. He had been twenty-one. It made her feel special that an older man was in love with her. Her dreams were filled with them making love for the first.

You’ve shut yourself off for too long, Jess, he murmured. "It’s been seven years. I know that what happened to you was horrifying and traumatic, but...it’s been seven years. It feels like you’re not even making an effort to reach out intimately. He kissed her fingertips. I’m right here, Jess. You know I would never hurt you. We can take is slow. I won’t rush you, I promise. I just miss being with you. I miss us."

Jess lowered her eyes. You’re with me every day.

You know what I mean, he said. "I’m around you every day, but I’m not with you. It hurts that you continue to push me away."

She frowned, her chest tightening. "I was gang-raped. Tears formed. I know it was seven years ago, but it was also my very first sexual experience. Under normal circumstances, the first time stays with a woman. But when that first time is violent...it causes psychological damage. I can’t just flip a switch and turn it all off."

Rafael sat back, releasing her hand. I understand that. Tension strained his voice. "But like I said, you don’t even seem to be trying to get past it. When are you going to let me be your boyfriend again? Even just call myself your boyfriend, whether or not we do anything?"

How did she tell him she didn’t have those feelings for him anymore? She had been able to avoid the issue because he’d accepted she wasn’t ready to be in a relationship yet. But his patience was growing thin. He was pushing. And she would have to tell him soon.

Not all men want to hurt you, Jess, he said. "I would never hurt you or let anyone else hurt you. Most men—and especially me—are not like the men who assaulted you. You can’t hide away from the world, Jess, or from love. Or your life will be wasted."

Rafael... Jess sighed and closed her eyes. She felt the bed shift a little, then lips brushed her mouth. She gasped and pulled back. Rafael instantly retreated.

What...what’re you doing? She trembled and touched her fingertips to her lips.

It’s just a kiss, Jess, he murmured. I miss kissing you.

Jess looked away. Dr. Loren said I shouldn’t—

Dr. Loren? Rafael snapped, making her jump. "You know what I think? I think Dr. Loren is the problem. He isn’t letting you get better. He’s got quite the little money-maker in you. For seven years, he’s been benefiting financially from your problems. Why the hell would he want you to get better?"

Stop it, Jess whispered, her voice quavering. Dr. Loren is a good man and he cares about my mental and emotional well-being. Her eyes hardened as they filled with tears. "That’s more than I can say about you. She swallowed thickly. Please...just go."

Rafael stood. You know, Jess, he mumbled. "Someday, you’re going to have to take back your life and stop waiting for the good doctor to tell you when it’s okay to start living again." He walked out with a stiff stride and rigid posture, closing the door firmly behind him.

Jess stared after him, tears shimmering. Today of all days he had to come down on her? Was he really so selfish as to take advantage of her vulnerability on this day? The question was rhetorical as the answer was quite obvious.

•

Rafael descended the stairs, his heart pounding, mind reeling—and crotch throbbing. What did he just do? Why did he do it? Take advantage of her vulnerability? She didn’t want him to kiss her, touch her, nothing. His persistence would end up putting her off entirely.

It isn’t you she’s pulling away from—it’s her fear causing it.

Bullshit. Sometimes he didn’t think she would want him even if she wasn’t afraid. And maybe she was using the fear as an excuse to put him off. He still wanted her like crazy. Had taken many cold showers over these last few years as he waited for her to get better. When the showers didn’t work, he used his hand. And on occasions, when he needs more than his fist, he found himself a willing slut.

Stop it, he hissed at himself as his feet struck the ground floor. Just cool your shit— He grunted as he collided with another body as he rounded the corner into the hall. He righted himself quickly and stepped back. I’m sorry, he offered stiffly to the older man. Then frowned. Anton? I thought you were gone.

Clearly, the man murmured. His stepfather, Anton Delgado, was in his late thirties with a very genteel exterior that camouflaged an old-world gangster. At five-foot-nine, he was dwarfed by Rafael’s height, yet hardly intimidated by it. He had practically raised Rafael from his teen years. Anton looked him over; he didn’t like Rafael all that much. He had never said so, but Rafael knew and couldn’t deny that it sometimes gave him the chills. Is Jessica home?

Up in her room.

She went to the police station and morgue alone? An edge crept into the older man’s voice. He’d always treated his goddaughter more like his child than he had Rafael, even though he’d been married to Rafael’s mother and accepted the role of father.

No. I went with her, Rafael informed.

Anton nodded. Good. He didn’t mean it. Is she asleep.

I don’t know.

You just came from her room...did you not? Accusation flared in Anton’s eyes. Anyone who cared to pay attention knew that Rafael still had a thing for Jessica. And Anton paid attention—to everything that went on in this house, especially concerning his goddaughter.

I took her some tea, Rafael replied. She was awake when I left her. He walked away without further details, certain the man might castrate him if he knew the rest.

•

Jessica couldn’t fall back to sleep. She stared at the high ceiling, her mind and body numb, wanting to cry for Luis yet nothing came out. She didn’t want to think about her brother being gone forever. And she didn’t want to think about the other, either, because it stirred up emotions that frightened her. Emotions she wasn’t ready to approach. She tried to control her thoughts. Dr. Loren had taught her to take control and not allow her thoughts to run haphazardly through her head, dragging her this way and that. In controlling her thoughts, she could control her fear and the memories that caused the fear. But nothing was working today.

Another knock. She tensed. Had Rafael come back?

Jessica?

She relaxed when Anton’s voice drifted gently through the door. Come in.

The older man entered and gazed at her with deep sympathy. I’m so sorry, Jessica. I should have been here to go with you today since your father couldn’t be.

She sat forward. It’s all right, she whispered. Anton was like a second father to her and she was nearly as close to him as her real father. I survived. She offered a small, weak smile that pushed tears into her eyes.

The man came to her and sat down. He wrapped his arm around her and kissed her head. I should have been here, he repeated.

She hugged him, fighting a sudden well of tears. Rafael went with me, she murmured and instantly felt the man stiffen.

Anton leaned back and ran his hand over her hair. He hasn’t been pressuring you, has he?

No, Jess lied. Anton had a strained relationship with his stepson as it was. Jess didn’t want to add fuel to that fire. She could handle Rafael.

He better not, Anton said. It’s high time he learns that this world doesn’t revolve around him and his whims.

He’s harmless, she whispered. And I think, deep down, he knows I’m not attracted to him that way. That wasn’t true. Or if it was, he refused to admit it. She laid her head on Anton’s shoulder. I’m not attracted to anyone that way. I probably never will be.

Sweetheart. Anton pressed his lips to her hair. You will. It just takes time.

It’s been seven years, she whispered. I thought I was moving past it all until...

Anton frowned. Until what?

Jessica closed her eyes, a tightness in her gut. Nothing, she mumbled, the lie sliding heavily from her lips as the face of the young man from the police station drifted up behind her eyes, bringing with it all the horrifying memories of the past...and the disturbing emotions.

Did everything go all right today?

She sniffed and raised her head. Yes. Anton produced a white handkerchief and gave it to her. She wiped her eyes and blew her nose. I had them send Luis’ body to the funeral home that Daddy specified.

Did you...look at his body?

Jess nodded, fresh tears rising. How could someone do that to him?

I don’t know, Anton whispered and held her close.

A shaky breath escaped her, and she lifted her head. The detective said that the man who killed Luis was murdered, too.

Is that so? Anton didn’t seem as shocked as Jess had been.

She raised her eyes to the older man’s face and he met her stare, unwavering. Who do you think killed him?

Does it matter? Anton asked. Eye for an eye. He got what was coming to him.

He wasn’t the only one. The gang of men who had raped her when she was sixteen were all slaughtered shortly after she escaped and returned home. At the time, she’d been too traumatized to consider the source of their sudden brutal demise. As the years passed, she just wanted to forget—all of it. But she hadn’t. She hadn’t forgotten the vicious rape and she hadn’t forgotten...

Jess blinked and shied away from her current thoughts. The detective wants to speak with Daddy when he returns home.

About what?

She said the case. Jess grew uneasy as Anton just stared at her. You don’t think he’s a suspect in the other man’s death...do you? I mean, he wasn’t even here when it happened, was he?

Anton smiled and stroked her hair. Do not worry about your father, he said. He didn’t do anything wrong and he’s not going to be a suspect. I’m sure the detective just has a few standard questions for him. He kissed her head. Everything will be all right.

Jess leaned against him, feeling some relief. Sometimes it seemed Anton was the cornerstone of their family, even more so than her father. To her, he was like a watchman, seeing everything, making sure they were all taken care of. Even her father. She didn’t know all the details of her father and Anton’s friendship, just that they had become friends in their late youth back in Cuba, before her father had married her mother. It was after her mother died that Anton became a permanent fixture in their lives. In some ways, filling the void left behind by her mother’s death. Jess often confided in him.

She thought about doing so now but held back. She didn’t know why. Maybe she wasn’t ready for the reality that the part of her past that she thought was dead and gone...was, in fact, alive and well.

Chapter 2

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Sometime during the night, Jess’ own sobs woke her up. She clutched her pillow, crying uncontrollably into the softness, Luis’ name on her lips. She had made it through from the time she learned of her brother’s death until she took care of the arrangements yesterday. Had her mind been waiting for all the necessary steps to be taken care of before it broke?

She grabbed tissues from her nightstand and wiped her eyes as fresh tears continued to form and slip free. She crawled out of bed wearing just a t-shirt and panties. One of her brother’s old t-shirts he’d left behind when he walked away from the family. Wearing it made her feel closer to him. She’d been using it for a nightshirt since he’d gone away.

Plucking fresh tissues from the