Once Upon a Disaster

by Holly Copella

  “I needed to give him enough time to sneak out the back and get the slip on you,” Jade announced then casually shrugged. “It’s nothing personal, Cody.”

  “Don’t believe her,” Vahn announced over his shoulder. “She wants to tear you to shreds.”

  Cody ignored Vahn’s remark and shook his head while glaring at Jade. “I love smart women. We would have been amazing together, Detective.”

  Vahn chuckled at the comment. “She would have killed you in your sleep and made it look like an accident,” he teased.

  Cody frowned and glared at Vahn over his shoulder. He looked back at Jade. “I’m ready to discuss a plea bargain now.”

  Chapter Forty-eight

  Miller and Jade secured Cody and his henchman in a supply closet off to the side of cubicle square. Once they were certain they were contained, she eyed Miller and raised a brow.

  “Are you sure you want to take first watch?” she asked, concerned for her partner. “You should let me take a look at that bump on your head.”

  “It’s covered,” Miller casually informed her with a sly smile.

  Abby approached with a cup of coffee and a first aid kit. She handed Miller the coffee and opened the medical kit.

  Miller grinned at Jade. “Go get some rest.”

  She smiled and shook her head. “I’ll relieve you in a few hours.”

  “Take your time,” he replied cheerfully.

  Jade walked across cubical square and joined Vahn in the breakroom, where he was preparing two cups of coffee. He handed her one of the cups.

  “Sorry I can’t offer you anything stronger,” he announced and playfully frowned. “I heard there was a bottle of booze, but the geeks finished it off.”

  She accepted the cup of coffee and leaned against the counter. “This will do, thank you.”

  Vahn moved closer to her and attempted to pull her into his arms. “I was thinking once the National Guard takes over, you and I could return to your place and grab a nice, hot shower for two.”

  Jade set her cup down and held him back, surprising him. She stared into his eyes with a serious look. “You know what we did tonight was a mistake,” she announced firmly.

  “Tell me about it,” he scoffed and folded his arms across his chest. “Perhaps if you relaxed a little more you would have gotten off like you were supposed to.”

  “No, you and me. That’s the mistake,” she announced with irritation. “I can’t be with a man like you. I’m a detective, and you’re a--”

  “Glorified messenger boy currently unemployed?”

  She cocked her head while glaring at him. “We both know what you are.”

  “People make mistakes.”

  “And it’s my job to put those people away for those mistakes,” she snapped.

  “I was just helping an old friend turn his life around,” Vahn informed her. “Trent did some bad things in his life. Six months ago, he told me he wanted out, but he needed my help.”

  “Help with what?”

  “He discovered Jared was buying and selling underage girls as sex slaves. Yes, he was a trained killer, but he wanted no part of selling young girls,” Vahn informed her. “I only worked for Cody, so I could help Trent find out who Jared was dealing with and help him take them down. He promised he wouldn’t kill anyone if I helped him shut down Jared’s operation. Cody found out about his unauthorized entry into Virtual Play, realized he had turned on him and had him killed for it.”

  “You were friends with a hitman?”

  “No, I was friends with a fellow Marine,” Vahn replied. “He saved my life overseas. When he turned to crime, I turned my back on him. When he wanted out, I agreed to help, because I owed him that much.” He studied her a moment and raised his hands. “Check my criminal record. Before six months ago, I didn’t have one. I’m telling you the truth. I was one hell of a soldier and a fairly unpleasant taxi driver.”

  She stared at him a moment then appeared uncomfortable. “I saw your record. You were a fine soldier,” Jade reluctantly admitted. “It did seem strange that you suddenly turned to a life of crime, especially considering you received high praise from your boss at the cab company.” She stared at him a moment. “I was surprised when he said you just quit one day.”

  Vahn moved closer to her, smiled, and pulled her into his arms. “I’m not a bad man,” he announced. “I’ve never been a bad man. I just wanted to help my brother.”

  She stared into his eyes and held her breath a moment. “I believe you.”

  Vahn ran his hands along her back and toward her buttocks. “So you’ll take me home with you?”

  She removed his hands from her backside. “First the National Guard,” Jade announced then hid her smile and sighed. “Then I’ll take you home with me.”

  Vahn grinned then kissed her warmly but passionately. He pulled away just far enough to look into her eyes and smiled deviously.

  “Don’t forget to bring the handcuffs, Detective.”

  She smiled warmly. “Trust me; I will.”

  Vahn grinned and laughed.

  Chapter Forty-nine

  By the time morning finally came, the National Guard got the gang violence under control and worked on securing the area block by block. Cody’s surviving men were placed under arrest and contained within a prison transport vehicle along with gang members and looters. Jade and Miller explained to the National Guard everything that had happened within the building since their arrival. Once the National Guard packed up and left with their transport filled with prisoners, Miller turned to Jade and sighed.

  “Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m heading home,” he announced. “That is if I still have a home left.”

  “Thanks for providing backup, Miller,” she announced while smiling. “I always knew you cared.”

  “Some backup,” he muttered. “I let you get drugged, kidnapped, and chased by a front man for the mob. You’re only alive because you can take care of yourself.” He then hesitated and looked across the trashed office to where Vahn sat on the bullet-riddled front desk and waited for her. “And a little help from the rent-a-goon over there.”

  “He’s not so bad,” she replied.

  “The jury’s still out,” Miller remarked then smiled. “I’ll see you in the morning at the precinct briefing.”

  “Yeah, I’ll be there.”

  Rafael joined Dani by what was left of her desk. She looked around with disgust and sighed.

  “This place is pretty much trashed,” Dani remarked then glanced at Rafael. “Do you think they’ll rebuild?”

  “I’m sure it was insured,” he informed her. “Virtual Play can afford to rebuild.”

  “I wonder if there’s anything left of my apartment,” she remarked while scratching her head.

  “Maybe we should stop by there, pick up a few things, and take you back to my place,” he suggested. “It was structurally sound when I left.”

  “With all the looters, there’s no telling what you’ll return home to,” she remarked.

  “I actually don’t live in the city, and I have a great security system,” he informed her while pulling her into his arms.

  Dani smiled warmly and ran her hands along his chest. “Are you sure you don’t mind if I stay a few days?”

  “Well, you wanted more face-to-face conversations,” he teased while grinning.

  “Actually, what I want most right now is a stiff drink, a hot shower, and someone to hold me while I sleep,” she replied while running her hands along his chest.

  “Who did you have in mind?” Rafael teased.

  Dani smiled and nudged him. “Either you or Boyd. I’m not too particular.”

  “I’ll support your decision either way.”

  Dani smiled and kissed him warmly on the lips. He returned the kiss then pulled away and fidgeted slightly.

  “There is one small detail I failed to mention,” he announced with a slight grimace. “I should probably tell you before you find out when we get
to my place.”

  “You’re not married and into threesomes, are you?” she gasped with concern.

  “Oh, God, no. I mean, I was married ten years ago, but she died,” he replied then managed a tiny smile. “No, it’s mostly been just me and Jade against the world.” He again fidgeted and turned serious. “It’s just, well; ten years ago I had to take in that very pushy niece of mine after her parents died. She forced me to put my intellect to good use, and, well, I founded Virtual Play. I’m the president. I own the company, the building, and hundreds of game patents.”

  Larson walked past him and patted him on the back. “It’s about time you confessed,” he announced then grinned. “Your games were starting to bore me.”

  Rafael shooed Larson away then looked back at Dani. He drew a deep breath and gave a dreary sigh. “I live in this big, old ugly mansion with mean maids who never let me clean. It’s pretty awful.”

  “You’re the big boss?” she gasped then appeared stunned while staring at him. “You’re my boss?”

  “Technically, no. I’m Larson’s boss,” Rafael replied with a teasing smile. “He’s your boss. I’d rather just repair the computers.”

  “You sent me the flowers?”

  He appeared embarrassed. “Yes, that was me.”

  “That was very sweet of you.”

  His look turned serious. “And not because I was afraid you’d sue,” he quickly announced. “I’ve cared for you for a long time, Dani.” He looked around the disastrous office and became tense. “We need to go. I’m getting weird about wanting to clean this place even though they’ll probably just demolish it.”

  Dani smiled lustfully while clinging to him. “I’m pretty filthy myself. I could use a good scrubbing.”

  “That sounds enjoyable.”

  Dani linked onto his arm as they headed through the rubble to the shattered door.

  “I have a big jetted tub in the master bath,” he informed her cheerfully.

  “Is there room for two?”

  “I don’t take up much room.”

  Jade watched Rafael and Dani pass through the broken door. Rafael gave Jade a sly smile along with a wave. She stared after them, hid her smile, and shook her head.

  Vahn placed his arms around her from behind. “Is it just me or is Uncle Rafael getting lucky tonight?”

  “I think he might be,” Jade replied then became concerned. “God, I hope he doesn’t call me for pointers.”

  “Don’t worry,” Vahn teased. “I think his new friend has it under control.” He then hesitated. “Are you going to tell him about Cody and the car wreck?”

  Jade considered the question. “Eventually,” she replied. “I don’t want to ruin his weekend plans.”

  “That’s very thoughtful of you,” he remarked then playfully pressed against her while kissing the back of her neck. “Are we clear to go?”

  She hid her smile and enjoyed the way he pressed against her. “Unless I’m mistaken, you’re halfway there already.”

  “Don’t you worry about me,” he announced. “I’m prepared to do a lot of prep work tonight.”

  Jade hid her smile, turned to face him, and placed her arms around his neck. “I know I’m going to regret this, but I’m ready when you are.”

  He pulled her against him and grinned. “Oh, yeah,” he groaned softly then turned serious. “But we should probably wait until we get back to your apartment.”

  Jade hid her smile and kissed him warmly but passionately on the mouth. He returned the kiss then pulled away and led her from the office.

  The End

  Other books by Holly Copella!

  amazon.com/author/hollycopella

  Reviews left on Amazon are appreciated!

  “The Battle for Andrea Maria”

  A cruise ship attack turns six survivors into overnight celebrities after they take credit for the heroic act of a stowaway who died saving them.

  The cruise is just what Jess needed--a bit of harmless fun far from her daily grind. But what begins as a relaxing vacation turns into a desperate fight for her life when terrorists take over the ship and start piling up bodies. Teaming up with a mysterious stowaway, Jess attempts to send out a distress call but knows they cannot wait for help to come. If she or the few remaining passengers have any hope for survival, Jess must act now. The papers dub it “The Battle for Andrea Maria,” but to Jess it is the moment she fought side-by-side with her enigmatic Romeo, saving the ship--and losing him. She thinks the story ends there, but really, the nightmare is just beginning…

  “Insanely Deadly”

  When the dead return to life, it’s up to an admiral’s daughter and a mildly insane, former war hero to save their small town.

  Jetta Cross, a Navy Admiral’s daughter, is tasked with keeping her father’s comrade, a former war hero turned town crazy, grounded in the real world. Capt. John Hunter is still fighting the war in his head, where imaginary dead people are part of his world. When a viral outbreak brings about a zombie uprising, Hunter is left to his own devices. He must resume his role as a one-man commando unit in order to destroy the ravenous undead. With Hunter still fighting his own inner demons as well as the undead, the townspeople fear their zombie neighbors may not be the only threat. Stranded at the island’s luxurious resort with a handful of workers, Jetta is forced to live up to her father’s reputation and take charge of the deteriorating situation at the hotel. She must wage her own war against the infected before the government declares her hometown a total loss.

  “Deadly Institution”

  A town recluse suspected of killing his wife teams up with a young woman in order to stop a killer.

  After being accused of murdering his wife, Konrad Asher turns his back on the town that once adored him. Ten years later, he still holds his grudge and the title of the most feared man in town. With the reopening of the burned mental institution, where his wife had died, former employees are now murdered one-by-one, throwing suspicion back on Asher. A young local reporter, Jacey, is forced to reveal her long-time friendship with the infamous recluse in order to clear his name not only in the recent murders but to exonerate him in the death of his wife as well. Will Jacey’s relationship with Asher invite the killer closer to her? Or is the killer already in her life?

  “Screenplays: The Island Collection”

  “Jungle Princess”, “A.L.F. Resort”, “Brighton Island”

  Discover how romance and fun in the sun can be downright chilling!

  “Jungle Princess” is a romantic/thriller that leaves a teenage girl stranded on an island with two male shipmates and a creature of “unknown” origin. She soon discovers the island is home to an abandoned prison with several prisoners roaming free. What really killed over one hundred prisoners? And is it still out there--?

  “A.L.F. Resort” is a romantic/thriller set on an island resort with Artificial Life Forms as the main draw. At this resort, all your fantasies come true…until a malfunction removes safety inhibitors on the A.L.F.’s. Zombies, biker gangs, and mobsters run amuck, turning fantasies into nightmares. A young reporter gets more of a story than she anticipates, but will she survive long enough to write the story?

  “Brighton Island” is a romantic/thriller set on a private island. When the owner’s niece brings her psychic friend to the mansion, his presence awakens the spirits’ tortured souls. As the psychic attempts to solve the old murders, the niece is confronted with the possibility that she’s next to join the mansion ghosts. Stranded on the island with a crazed killer, her uncle wages his own war to save them. Will his “shock and awe” tactics actually save them or get them killed?

  “Death Displacement”

  A grief-stricken man travels back in time to seek revenge on the woman who murdered his girlfriend but inadvertently falls in love with her.

  Kane is about to marry the woman he loves. His life is perfect. A few weeks before the wedding, a vindictive woman from his girlfriend’s past mysteriously arrives and kills her. He l
earns of a traumatic accident that happened five years earlier, which triggers Riley’s hatred for his girlfriend. Distraught over his girlfriend’s death, Kane uses an antique time machine to travel into the past in order to find and destroy the woman responsible. When he runs into Riley’s younger self, he realizes she’s not the monster she later becomes, and he can’t bring himself to destroy her. With a little help from his oddball friend from the past, they formulate a plan to prevent the accident that sends Riley down her destructive path. Kane’s plan backfires when he falls for the younger Riley. His new tortured existence is further complicated when future Riley, his girlfriend’s killer, shows up with her own devious agenda that doesn’t include him. Will he be able to stop the time ripple, which ultimately ends with his girlfriend’s death? Or will future Riley take him out of the timeline forever--

  “Awaken the Dead”

  A grieving innkeeper struggles to keep her haunted hotel out of foreclosure.

  After losing her parents in a suspicious boating accident, Harley Brandon is determined to keep the family hotel out of foreclosure. Unfortunately, the hotel ghosts have other plans. Built with tainted money, the century old Horizon Hotel thrives on a tradition of murder, scandal, and suicide. As the paranormal activity increases to alarming levels, Harley discovers the truth about the hotel and its residents. Can Harley save her friends from the hotel’s frightening hidden secrets?

  “Dead Village”

  After strange happenings isolate a small resort town from the rest of the world, nearly one hundred residents seek refuge at the closed hotel. Only eight survive the night. And that’s just the beginning…