Deadly Devotions: North Security And Investigations, #5

By Clara Kendrick

This is the fifth and final book of the North Security And Investigations series containing 52,000 words of romantic suspense.

 

With the receipt of four morbid Valentine's Day cards, the NSI team and the women in their lives are pulled into a deadly game of cat and mouse, orchestrated by a disturbed individual from Hannibal North's distant past bent on brutal revenge…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clara Kendrick
• Release date: Jun 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9798224592241

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 kid in the chair was fifteen. His dark hair was short and appeared to be professionally styled. His handsome face flawless and smooth as a baby’s butt. For a fifteen-year-old, he was built strong with an impressive muscle base. The only feature that offset his perfection was his murky green eyes, reminiscent of a swamp. Considering who he shared blood with, Special Agent Morris suspected that was all that resided behind those eyes—a swamp. A dead pool of decay and perversion.

Agent Morris took a seat across the table from the boy. Did you know what he was, Henry?

The kid stared at him with his swampy eyes, his lids heavy, and said nothing.

Has he done this before?

Slowly craning his head to the side, the boy’s murky dead stare bore into Morris. He was a creepy little shit, Morris would give him that.

Does any of this bother you? Morris asked. What he did? The fact that he’s in prison and never coming back to you? Any of this get to you at all?

Henry blinked slowly. He’ll be back.

Morris leaned forward. No, he won’t. He sank back in his chair and studied the kid. You knew about it, didn’t you? What he was doing. Did you help him? Did you...participate? Maybe he used you as bait. That pretty face of yours...who would suspect you were a bad seed?

You think I’m stupid, the kid replied with casual calmness. But I’m not. I don’t have to answer any of your questions. He leaned forward and slid his hands halfway across the table, his eyes narrowing. You’re not going to keep him. He will appeal, and when he does...he will get out.

Morris smiled. I admire your optimism, kid. Hold onto that because I guarantee you...it’s all you’ve got. Now, why don’t you wise up and tell us where the others are.

Other what?

"The other bodies of the women who didn’t get away."

The boy smirked. "I don’t know what you’re talking about. There are no other women. And the one who got him thrown in prison was wrong. I don’t know who did those things to her, but it wasn’t him. And in the appeal trial, they’ll prove it. He will get out."

If he does, then I’ll be waiting. And watching. A leopard doesn’t change his spots. And in the meantime... he winked at the boy. I’ll be keeping my eye on you, Henry. I’ve got a hunch... Morris stroked his chin and nodded, ...that he taught you well.

Chapter 1

KIM

I’m really glad you’re here. Kim handed her brother a cup of hot coffee and sat down on the porch step beside him. I’ve missed you.

Connor Sanders sipped his steaming drink and stared out at the tree line. I’ve missed you, too. His eyes were distant, a little vacant.

Why haven’t you visited since... She cradled her warm cup in her palms and gazed at the dark contents.

Her brother shrugged and mumbled, I thought maybe it was best if I kept my distance for a while. Give you and Beau some space and privacy. He raised the cup to his lips. Mostly you.

Why mostly me?

Connor slowly rubbed his lips together, his focus on the woods, a tension in his face. I don’t know.

Kim didn’t believe him. He knew. And so did she. There was lingering hurt inside her brother—hurt that Kim could have ever thought he meant her harm. Beau had forced him to face how he himself contributed to Kim’s ability to see what wasn’t actually there, but it had wounded him nonetheless that the person he was closest to, whom he loved the most in this world...could think such horrendous things about him. Connor wasn’t the only one suffering the aftershocks of those events.

I don’t know what else to say except I’m sorry, Kim whispered. And I’ve said it already, over and over. It was a terrifying time for me, I wasn’t thinking straight, and Brenda was planting doubts in my head and... she swallowed. Just tell me what to say, or do, to make it better, Connor?

Connor looked at her. Is that why you thought I was keeping my distance?

Isn’t it?

No.

Kim frowned. Then why?

Connor held her gaze a moment then looked away. I took Beau’s advice, he murmured. I started therapy.

Well...that’s good, right?

Her brother shrugged and rested his elbows on his knees, he expression troubled. It isn’t easy to sit there and listen while some stranger explains how and why I’m so fucked up.

I’m sure they didn’t say that.

Same difference, he whispered. He shook his head. There’s things I’ve done that... he licked his lips. "That I’ve never told you about. I don’t know if they could be classified as bad things, but they’re certainly a product of my fucked-up persona." Tears started to fill his eyes and he blinked them back, turning his face away.

What things, Connor? Kim asked uncertainly.

One of the German Shepherds—Achilles—lumbered out of the house and flopped down on the porch behind Kim, his back touching her. She absently reached around and ruffled his fur. Since she and Beau had taken up residence at the safe house, Achilles had become Kim’s shadow. All the dogs had taken to her, but Achilles made it personal. She couldn’t set foot anywhere on the property without him trailing after her. She joked with Beau about Achilles being his animal spirit and how Beau kept an eye on her while he was away.

When Connor didn’t answer, Kim pressed gently, Connor? What things?

He hung his head and pushed his hands through his hair. Things I did with women.

What do you mean? If you’re talking about sex...I’m good not knowing the details.

Not the sex, he whispered. The other stuff.

The other stuff? "What...other stuff?"

The things that... he exhaled and raked his fingers through his hair again, "...that I wanted the women to do, to...be."

Kim frowned. I don’t understand. What do you mean what you wanted them to do and be?

Rising from the porch, Connor descended a couple steps then paused, his back to Kim. I picked up random women based on their appearance and...and had them play a role. He rubbed his mouth and stared off into the distance. A specific role. Same one, every time.

What role? Kim whispered.

Connor remained silent as if he hadn’t heard her. When she thought maybe he hadn’t and started to ask again, he cleared his throat and clamped his hand on his hip and still didn’t turn around. I had them play the role of...Heather, he whispered with a sick tone. I always chose girls who resembled her. He finally turned and looked at her. She stared back at him in mild shock. He chuffed. You think I don’t know that’s some borderline serial killer shit?

Uh... Kim frowned and shook her head. No...I mean...you just role-played and...and had sex?

Connor nodded.

"No...it isn’t serial killer shit, Connor. It’s...unusual...but you weren’t forcing them to do anything against their will... her brow pinched. Right?"

No, of course not.

Okay, then, she smiled with a shot of relief. Did you really think he would do that? She didn’t. But it was reassuring to hear him say so. Kim stood and lightly gripped his arm. Connor, we both suffered an extremely traumatic event when we were younger. You never really dealt with it before now. And then what happened with Heather...

Connor chewed his lip, anxiety in his eyes. That doesn’t freak you out? What I just told you?

Freak me out? Kim smiled. No. Like I said, it’s unusual but I kind of get it. You were hurting inside, more than you realized, and maybe it eased that pain to...pretend from time to time.

A doubtful smile played precariously across Connor’s lips. Sure you don’t want to cart me off to the looney bin? I think they pay you to commit someone.

Kim rolled her eyes and laughed softly. I’m not that hard up for money. Her smile darkened. But I’ll keep that in mind if I’m ever down on my luck.

Connor chuckled and draped his arm around her shoulder, tugging her against him. "Good to know I can count on you, sis." He kissed her on the top of the head and wrapped her in an affectionate hug, holding her for a long moment in silence.

Connor? Kim pressed her lips to his shoulder. Is there something else bothering you?

He held her a fraction tighter before letting go. The look on his face said there was more troubling him, but he shook his head. Nothing I want to talk about right now, he murmured.

The pain that crept through his eyes frightened Kim as she was immediately reminded of the man Beau told her about...who had committed suicide on their last job because of unreciprocated feelings. After all this time, Connor still suffered the loss of Heather. But surely, he wouldn’t take such drastic steps. If he was going to do it, wouldn’t he have done so long ago? Still, the thought of it terrified her.

I should get back to town, Connor mumbled.

What? Why?

I need to get a hotel room...

Kim frowned. Why? You can stay with us. I want you to.

His face pinching, Connor shook his head. I don’t know if it would be a good idea to confine me and Beau in close quarters.

What’re you talking about? Kim smiled. Beau likes you. And you like him, don’t you?

He’s a good man, Connor admitted. But you know me. I rile people up wherever I go.

Kim laughed lightly. So, don’t rile.

Not possible, he sighed. It’s just who I am.

Taking his hand, Kim looked at him sincerely. "I want you to stay here, Connor. It’ll be okay. You and Beau will only have to endure each other every few days. Since it’s such a long drive to the city, he sometimes stays at his old apartment. Sometimes, I go in and stay with him."

Connor smooshed his lips back and forth. And when he is here, at night...I have to listen to you guys getting hot and heavy? He feigned a grimace. Yeck.

Kim smacked his arm and laughed. So, stuff cotton in your ears.

"What? You’re not going to offer to abstain for my sake?"

Abstain? Kim cocked an eyebrow and grinned mischievously. "Have you seen Beau Halsey? The man is irresistible...especially between the sheets."

Connor grunted and held up his hand. "Overshare. Overshare."

Besides, Kim teased. "If I held out on him because of you, then...yeah...you and he might have a problem. The boy works all day, and sometimes we’re apart for a couple days or so. When he comes home, he deserves his...down...time." She rocked her eyebrows, pouring on the sexual implication.

Oh...God... Connor stepped back, making the cross sign with his fingers, warding her off. "No more. No more. I don’t need that image burned into my brain."

I’m kind of fond of it, Kim needled with evil glee.

I’m definitely going to get a room in town, Connor groaned.

No, you’re not, Kim laughed and gripped his arm. You’re staying here—no matter how painful it is for you.

Connor scowled. You’re such a peach.

•

I hear you’re going to be having a house guest, Ethan smirked, and Beau drilled him with a cool glare and grunted. Ethan chuckled. Aw, come on, he’s a good guy. It’ll give you two the chance to bond.

Bond? Beau huffed. Not likely. We parted on civil terms, but Connor Sanders and I don’t mesh. I’ll be nice, for Kim’s sake, but it isn’t going to take long for someone like him to wear out his welcome.

I’m sure the two of you will get along fine, Ethan grinned, wholly amused.

Beau looked at him dryly. If you like him so much, you could offer him room and board during his stay.

Ethan backed off. "Oh, no. I don’t think so. He’s your brother-in-law."

"Not yet."

He’s going to be, Ethan smiled. Might as well start working on family relations now.

Releasing a hard breath, Beau leaned against the vehicle Ethan was working on. He might end up moving here—permanently.

What? Ethan withdrew from under the hood. Seriously?

Beau shrugged. Not positive. It hasn’t been mentioned. But the last time Kim talked to him on the phone, he’d mentioned he was thinking of moving. He didn’t say where, but my money is on him moving closer to Kim. He’s been overprotective of her most of her life, that doesn’t just go away because she’s with me.

What about his job? Ethan asked. Do you think he’ll transfer to the NYPD?

Probably. If he makes the move.

Ethan smiled. Could be a good thing. You said Kim worries about him. Him being closer would ease her concerns and give you a chance to get to know him better as well.

Beau wasn’t convinced it would be a good thing. Kim would be happy, and he wanted her to be happy, but he and Connor were both alpha males in Kim’s life and that could cause friction if they lived in close proximity to one another.

•

Connor reluctantly stowed his bags in one of the spare rooms. As much as Kim wanted this to work—it wouldn’t. Beau Halsey was a good man and was good for Kim, Connor wouldn’t try to contest either fact. But Connor and Beau were not compatible. Maybe for a short visit, if they both tried. Connor didn’t know how long he would be in New York, though. There remained some important things he hadn’t divulged to Kim. Like the fact that he wasn’t with the Boston PD any longer—their decision, not his own. After the fact, he discovered he wasn’t all that broken up about being respectfully kicked off the force. All things considered, maybe law enforcement wasn’t his field anymore.

He placed his bags in the closet without unpacking. He would wait until Beau came home before he decided if staying here was the best option.

Kicking off his shoes, Connor laid down on the bed. The window was open a few inches and a comfortably cool breeze wafted through the thin curtains. The first time he’d been to this place, he’d almost died. Kim had almost died. Shit, Beau, too. Crazy, homicidal bitches aside—this was a pleasant escape from the chaos of the city. Had it just been Kim living here, or even Kim and Jesse—Connor got along fine with the older man—he might suggest renting a room and staying on for a while. But living in the same house with Beau Halsey would be a disaster waiting to happen. The two men were not sympatico.

He released a pent-up breath and tucked his arms under his head and stared at the ceiling but didn’t close his eyes. Unpleasant images awaited behind his closed lids. Images that morphed into bad dreams should he fall asleep. These days, he only slept when it was absolutely necessary. The bad stuff remained, even while awake, but he had learned how to distract himself. He couldn’t do that while asleep.

•

Kim had invited Connor to go riding with her and offered Nico for his mount. The large black gelding was gentle and desensitized to nature’s jump-scares. Beau had been working with Geronimo—as well as Kim—and had them both trained quite well. He’d taught her the method, so she could work with the horses as well,