Tormented Past: An East Tennessee Mystery Series, #1

By Jessica West

 

 

  Belle has many reasons to doubt God's presence. The biggest being the death of her husband, which left her a single mother by age twenty-three. After her daughter's kidnapping, someone burns down her home. The perpetrator shoots at Belle and rams her off the road. The accident causes her to lose her memory. Being held against her will, the perpetrator gives her debilitating drugs, which cause her to lose her mobility. Constantly running for her life, she questions if God is repaying her for her wayward years. With time running out, she runs into the arms of the last person she ever expects to see, her high school crush, and the lead detective. 

  Paul Newman pleads with God for a chance to seek Belle's forgiveness, high school's heartaches lingering in his mind. But he never expects it to be in the middle of dodging bullets and fighting against her obstinate ways. His job, protecting the victim, not falling in love with her older, more mature version. Now, he just has to remind himself of his mission. It'll take God's protection and their will to live to make it out of the cross hairs alive. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessica West
• Release date: May 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224774890

Book preview

Chapter One

Belle’s footsteps echoed in the nursery as she placed the laundry basket on the floor. Normally her baby greeted with her babbles before she even turned the lights on. Not this morning. She anxiously wondered if her sweet-faced baby was alright. Stepping to the baby crib, she quickly tugged at the blanket, revealing what lay beneath.

Nothing.

Mary?! Where are you? Belle kneeled on the carpet and peered under the crib, her eyes adjusting to the dimly lit space.

With her heart racing, she meticulously scanned the small room, her eyes darting from one corner to another, hoping to find any trace of her baby. Breathe, Belle. She could have just climbed out of her crib and walked away. Her shaky voice betrayed the overwhelming blend of desperation and fear she felt.

Babies crawled out of cribs all the time. But not something Mary had ever done. Haunted memories flooded her soul as she pushed past the anxiety. She couldn’t lose Mary. Not after everything they had been through. If she was overreacting, so be it. But she needed to feel her daughter’s soft embrace to still her fluttering heart.

Calm down, Belle, and focus. Where would she have gone? She took slow, deep breaths, feeling the cool air fill her lungs. The soft sound of her breaths echoed in her ears.

She loved baths. Belle rushed out of the nursery and down the hall, the sound of her hurried footsteps reverberating through the empty house. The bathroom door lay opened, creaking slightly. Oh, dear God, no! she whispered, her voice trembling.

She had an indescribable fear of her daughter falling into the toilet and drowning. Belle switched the lights on, the sudden brightness causing her to squint. She sighed at the empty toilet; the porcelain was cold to the touch.

Mary! This isn’t funny. Mommy’s getting nervous. Belle walked down the hall; her footsteps muffled by the plush carpet. She strained her ears, hoping to hear any baby sounds. Silence. Belle stopped in the living room, the soft fabric of the couch supporting her trembling body. She grabbed Mary’s stuffed bunny off the cushion, its fur comforting against her fingertips. She frowned; the worry etched on her face. Baby bunny misses you.

God, where is my baby? She can barely walk. Please bring my baby back. After searching the entire house in record time, Belle bent over, wiping tears from her face. Where was she? Had her mom taken Mary with her, forgetting to let her know? Yes, that made sense.

Belle opened the front door, the warm breeze brushing against her face. She stared at the car pulling into the driveway, the sound of the engine growing louder. Her heart pounded in her chest, the rapid beats echoing in her ears. Sweat popped off her forehead, leaving a salty taste on her lips. She just needed one glance from her blue-eyed daughter. Just one glance.

You won’t believe all the deals I found today. Her mom, Lea Smith, grabbed an armful of bags out of the trunk.

Where’s Mary? Belle stepped off the porch, almost running to the backseat.

Honey, I left first thing in the morning. I didn’t check on her because I didn’t want to wake her up. Mrs. Smith slammed the trunk shut, never taking her eyes off her daughter.

A groan escaped from Belle’s lips. This was not happening. She wasn’t in the big city anymore. Nothing bad happened in a rural town where everyone knew each other and crime hardly existed.

Mrs. Smith glanced at Belle and dropped her bags, the sound of them hitting the ground echoing in the quiet neighborhood. Belle ... what’s going on?

Belle’s face was ashen, tears formed in her greenish brown eyes, reflecting the worry in her heart. I-I can’t find Mary.

You know she’s learning how to climb. She probably climbed out of her bed and fell asleep somewhere. Lea tried to reassure her; her voice filled with concern.

Mom, I looked everywhere. Belle rushed to the front door, her heart pounding in her chest, the thumping reverberating through her body. I can’t lose her like I did Jeffery.

With a sudden loss of strength, her knees buckled as she slid down to the wooden steps. Belle’s hands shook. She placed her head between her knees, rocking back and forth. Scenes from twenty months ago flashed into her mind. God, I can’t do this again. Do You even care?

I won’t let you go back to that dark place. Her mom reached down and pulled Belle to her feet. I’ll help you search for her.

Mrs. Smith led the way into the house. She flipped the light switch on and glanced around the semi-messy living room. My sweet grandbaby, come give me a hug.

I never should have moved back. Belle slid her hand along the top of the couch, feeling all the strength from her knees disappear.

Belle and her daughter, Mary, moved back to her childhood home four weeks ago. In the small town, time seemed to move at a different rhythm compared to the city she had tried to fit into. The city life brought the weight of stress and anxiety, an invisible burden that pressed down on her shoulders.

After graduation, she left her unhappy teen years behind and ran off to Knoxville to start her photography career. The bustling streets of the city welcomed her with a cacophony of honking horns and bustling footsteps. She felt a surge of excitement as she embarked on this new chapter of her life.

But the city proved to be a treacherous place for her. The scent of addiction lingered in the air, intertwining with the stench of the streets. She became an easy target, her vulnerability making her susceptible to the darkness that lurked in the shadows.

Amidst her despair, a ray of light appeared as Jeffery; her hero. He rescued her from the clutches of her bondage, and she plunged in love with him. They married just months later, their union a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

For two blissful years, she reveled in the joys of her marriage and the success of her photography business. The sound of camera shutters clicking filled her days, a symphony of creativity and passion. Life seemed perfect.

But fate had other plans. One phone call shattered her world, the shrill ringtone piercing the silence. In an instant, her husband was gone, leaving behind only memories and unanswered questions.

As she grappled with the pain of loss, another surprise awaited her. The joy of motherhood mingled with the sorrow of widowhood as she discovered she was pregnant. Her husband would never know about this new life growing inside her.

But pregnancy brought its own challenges. The relentless waves of nausea and fatigue overwhelmed her, her body succumbing to hyperemesis gravidarum. Each day became a battle for survival, her emphasis on enduring the next nine months.

Finally, the day arrived. Her daughter’s birth was a whirlwind of emotions, the sound of her first cry echoing in the delivery room. Juggling her career and the responsibilities of single parenthood proved to be more difficult than she thought. Almost a year later, she made the tough decision to move back home, seeking support and solace in familiar surroundings.

As she pondered her next steps, her mother’s urgent voice broke through her thoughts. Startled, she turned to face her mother; worry etched on her face was obvious. The room rained with coldness; the air was heavy with tension.

Her mother’s trembling hands hovered in the air; her eyes filled with tears. Belle’s own voice came out sharper than intended as she expressed her concerns. She wiped away a stray tear, the wetness against her skin a stark reminder of her vulnerability.

Confusion and fear clouded her thoughts as she questioned why someone would want to harm her baby. She had left her troubled past behind, dedicating herself to a clean and sober life. The unfairness of it all reflected on her heart, her faith in God shaken.

A sudden sound interrupted their conversation, a distant barking echoing through the house. Belle’s instincts kicked in, and she hurried towards the back door. Maybe Mary had wandered outside. The shattered glass startled her, the shards sparkling in the air as they scattered across the kitchen floor. Drops of blood stained the pristine tiles, chilling her to the bone.

She stooped; her trembling hands picking up her baby’s lovey. She shook off the fragments of glass, the jagged edges cutting into her skin. Panic rose within her as she called out for her mother, the urgency in her voice mirroring her fear.

Her mother rushed into the room; her own shock obvious as she surveyed the scene before her. What in the world? The sobs escaped from her lips uncontrollably, her hands covering her mouth in disbelief. In this moment of chaos and uncertainty, Belle longed for her father’s presence, his steady guidance and wisdom. He’d be back in a few days. Stay strong until then.

Belle’s older brother arrived at that moment, exhaustion apparent in his tired eyes and disheveled appearance. I had a challenging day at work. You would not believe how many flu patients I cared for today.

Stephen. His mother’s voice was a little above a whisper.

He stepped into the kitchen and blinked his eyes as if he was trying to wake up. What is going on?

Mary’s gone. Belle couldn’t hold her emotions inside anymore. She slid to the floor and sobbed. Her chest heaving for relief.

Stephen grabbed his phone and stepped toward his sister. Remember, hands off everything! On his knees, he reached out for his sister’s hand and effortlessly lifted her to her feet.

My baby is—

He stroked her cold, clammy hands before cradling her on the couch. You’re in shock, he said, noticing her pale complexion and vacant expression.

I’m not one of your patients. Belle’s voice cut through the tension in the air as she leaned over, dry heaving. Who would kidnap her sweet baby?

He pulled his phone out, sending a text. Sis, just calm down. I’ve texted my detective friend.

Detective friend? He wouldn’t. Belle shook the thought out of her mind. Her daughter, not past regrets, was her focal point.

Their mom staggered towards the worn-out couch, her hand trembling as it reached out to wrap around her daughter’s waist. With her other hand, she caressed the soft strands of Belle’s dark blonde hair. The scent of their home, a mix of old furniture and faded memories, hung heavy in the air.

I don’t know what’s going on, but we will find Mary, she whispered, her voice filled with determination.

G-God is punishing me for my wayward years. I’ve already lost my husband, now my baby!? Belle buried her face in her mom’s shoulder, muffling her words. Tears streamed down her cheeks, leaving salty trails in their wake. Why does God hate me so much?

Stephen, his eyes red and puffy from crying and lack of sleep, gazed at his mother and then at his sister. The weight of worry etched dark lines on his pale face. The detective will be here in a minute, he said, his voice laced with a mix of hope and fear. You’re not alone anymore. We will find her.

Belle, overcome with anxiety, leaped to her feet, but her body betrayed her as dizziness washed over her. She swayed unsteadily, feeling as if the room was spinning around her. I have to find Mary. I can’t sit here and do nothing.

Stephen clamped a firm hand on her shoulder, guiding her back down onto the couch. You can’t do that, he pleaded, his voice filled with concern.

You’re not my boss, Stephen. I will do anything to find her, Belle retorted, her voice quivering with determination and desperation.

True, but I’m a doctor, and you need to be in decent health, for Mary’s sake. Stephen towered over Belle’s slight frame. He resembled their father, the striking similarities between them uncanny.

I think the police are here, Lea announced, her voice barely audible over the blaring sirens that pierced through the silence of their home.

Belle let out a frustrated sigh, her shoulders slumping as she took a deep breath. The overwhelming scent of worry and fear filled her nostrils, making her feel nauseous. Vivid images of her baby girl flooded her mind, intertwining with the unsettling thoughts that threatened to consume her.

DETECTIVE PAUL WALKMAN stepped into the room. His piercing brown eyes seemed to slice right through her heart. He was more handsome than she remembered. His black hair curled at the end, making his brawny appearance soften.

Belle blinked her eyes in disbelief. She hadn’t seen him in years, but she figured he was off playing detective in some big city. It took her many years to get his charming face out of her mind. In high school, he was the guy of her dreams. Yet, she berated herself constantly over her foolish crush. He was unworthy of her affection, and his arrogant attitude proved her point. Her mind knew they would never have a relationship, let alone friendship. But her heart was treacherous and stuck in a romance novel.

What is he doing here? She mouthed the words to her brother, who stood inches from her.

A crooked grin spread across her brother’s face as he turned away from her.

She was going to give him a piece of her mind whenever she got him alone. Was this her brother’s sick attempt at playing matchmaker? Not happening. Stephen knew their history, or lack of one, and should not push his best friend into her complicated life. Besides, someone took her baby. She did not care how time had matured his boyish charm into a manly allure. Her focus was on her baby.

Walking toward her, Detective Paul Walkman’s badge collided with something in his pocket, producing a distinct clanking sound. Ms. Smith.

She let out the breath she was holding as irritation filled her eyes. Mrs. Newman.

My apologies. He ran his fingers through his damp hair and glanced down at Belle. This wouldn’t work - there were too many reasons stacked against it. Some of which Belle didn’t want to think about.

Are there no other detectives in this town? Belle bit her lip as the harsh words slipped out.

The detective raised his eyebrows and frowned. Belle — I mean Mrs. Newman—

Listen, sis, he’s the best detective there is. So, put whatever animosity you have with him aside, and let’s find Mary.

Scenes from high school popped into her mind. She never fit into the popular crowd. Her nemesis, his sister, made every day miserable. They constantly reminded her of how worthless she turned out to be. His sister’s goal was to torment her and make sure she never rose above her circumstances.

She thought Paul was different. He was one year older than her and her brother’s best buddy. Paul was standoffish, but he seemed kind. Until he humiliated her in front of the entire school, multiple times. His rejection wounded her heart more than anything his sister ever did.

I don’t like this, but I need to find my baby. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at the detective in front of her.

Other officers came and examined the crime scene. In their investigation, they delved for evidence; dusting for fingerprints and collecting blood samples. The house was busy as officers scrambled to collect the evidence.

Can you tell me the last time you saw your daughter? Detective Paul Walkman pulled out his notepad and scribbled on it.

Belle fought back tears as she rubbed her misty eyes, refusing to break down in front of the detective. She would not give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She promised herself back in high school she would never let him see her heart again.

I—I went into her room around midnight and she was sleeping. Belle squeezed her mother’s hand. I slept in a little later than normal. When I went into her room this morning, she was gone.

Did you hear anything unusual during the night?

I can’t remember. Belle cleared her throat as heat filled her face.

Did you take anything after midnight that would hinder your awareness? Paul rubbed the side of his jacket, the rubbing fabric filling the silence.

Like narcotics? She jumped to her feet and stepped towards the fireplace. Belle thought the conversation was heading in the wrong direction. Gossip travels fast in this town. No wonder why I wanted to get away from this place.

That’s not what I meant, and you know it. Each word he spoke felt like a searing flame, leaving a lasting impact.

Don’t tell me you didn’t think it, she said, her voice dripping with accusation. Belle threw her hands in the air, frustration clear on her face as she jerked her head. I have no confidence in your ability to bring my daughter to safety, she declared, her words laced with skepticism.

Belle, high school was years ago. I’m not the same person anymore. He stepped to the fireplace and placed his hand on hers. I regret every tear I caused you to shed.

You think too highly of yourself. Why would I care enough about you to cry? She ran her hand over her cheeks as heat creeped onto her face.

He hung his head down and moved his hand away from hers. I heard about your husband. I’m so sorry for how your life has turned out.

Oh, because you’ve gotten everything you wanted in life. She wiped her eyes as tears threatened to escape. Why was he bringing out the worst in her?

Not everything. He glanced at her, then stepped away.

Was he implying that he once cared about her? She hoped at one time it was true. But he didn’t even stand up for her and showed hostility towards her in public. She flipped the pages of her memory and tried to remember any hint of affection on his part. She shook her head. It didn’t exist, besides the summer of her sixteenth birthday. And he made his choice, and he never looked back.

Stephen cleared his throat. Let’s play nice, you two. We have a baby to find.

I’m sorry. I was being unprofessional. Let’s start back at the top.

PAUL CLOSED HIS EYES, feeling the weight of his words as he whispered a quick prayer to God. The room was brightly lit, with a faint scent of baby powder lingering in the air. He never expected to see her again, the memories of their high school days flooding his mind. The echoing laughter of his intimidating peers still haunted him, drowning out his own desires. She, with her ethereal beauty, seemed unaware of her own allure.

His heart ached as he recalled how his sister had bullied her, and how he had silently stood by, unable to reveal his secret admiration. Years had passed, and he had given his life to God, hoping for a chance to reconnect. But fate had already intervened. She married, forever out of reach. The possibility of restoration or a relationship seemed like a distant dream. Yet, in this moment, hope flickered within him.... No, he had to get the thoughts out of his mind. She clearly hated him, and he didn’t blame her for it. He had a job to do. His job, not fate, brought them back together again.

Do you have any enemies? His words roared through the tiny room.

I’ve only been back in town a few weeks. I can’t think of any. Belle shifted her arms on the mantle.

Belle—Mrs. Newman, you’ve had no hostility towards you at all? He stared into her hazel eyes. Hints of green surrounded the light brown. Sorrow etched lines around her eyes and he wanted to pull her into