HIGH FLYING
Kaylin McFarren
Distributed by:
Creative Edge Publishing LLC
8440 NE Alderwood Road, Suite A
Portland, OR 97220
Copyright: May 2019 by Linda Yoshida
Cover Artist: Amanda Tomo Yoshida
Editors: Jodi Henley & Aimee Long
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher, except where permitted by law.
ISBN-13: 9781091374799
Printed in the United States of America
If you purchase this book without a cover, you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the publisher, and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this “stripped” book.
To My Besties,
While bringing the vastness of space and time together,
there is no greater thrill than living life on a spinning rock
with the women I love most.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Author’s Note
Praise for McFarren Novels
Guardians of Time
1. Disavowed
2. Name Day
3. Delirium
4. Transported
5. Awakening
6. Fearless
7. Trepidation
8. Reconciliation
9. Forewarning
10. Detriment
11. Pandemonium
12. Treachery
13. Deception
14. Payback
15. Jeopardy
16. Admission
17. Blindsided
18. Redemption
About the Author
Inspiration Behind the Story
Other Books by Kaylin McFarren
Acknowledgments
As with all of the books I write, there are dozens of people to thank for their love, support, advice, insight, patience, understanding, and amazing editing skills. The last two years have been a virtual whirlwind, filled with extraordinary challenges—a kind of crazy Wizard of Oz ride through the land of endurance, both physically and emotionally. There have been frightening health concerns, major surgeries, scary complications, troubling family issues, and heartbreaking losses that still bring tears to the eye. Of course, age also catches up with all of us and even though my mind wants to believe I’m still young at heart, my body begs to differ…quite often.
Yet, in spite of everything, I’ve enjoyed creating new homes, supporting our community, raising funds for cancer research, and traveling from one continent to another. My immediate family (God love them) continues to be my pillar of strength, keeping me upright, level-headed, and moving forward in every regard. I can’t imagine my life without them and will be forever blessed because of their love and kindness, and the joy they bring me every day.
Lastly, I’d like to thank the follow people that have managed to keep me sane, on the plane, and out of the pouring rain: Melisa McPherren, Tami Arashiro, Lynnette Trayhorn, Tami Arnold, Debbie Derr, Judi Swift, Staci Sigala, Jodi Smoke, Madi Deotsch, Heidi Frazier, Angela Fox, Michele Lessler, Ann-Marie Nieves, Aimee Long, Chuck Sigmon, Bill Kelly, Jesus Solis, Ryan Hampton, Jay Farrell, Mark Heyerdahl, and Junko Seckerson. If I’ve overlooked anyone, please accept my apologies and just know I love you too!!
Author’s Note
For the purposes of this story, I’ve bent some of the rules of police procedure and have also created my own fictional places, accounts and events, purely for the sake of entertainment.
It bears mentioning that adult language was used in order to present angry, hard-edged characters, and several violent scenes are depicted due to illegal drug activities conducted by these characters. As with my other books, I tend to dig for facts as I go along. I’ve read pages upon pages of information on killers, violent crimes, and the Mexican cartel, combing through the myriad of facts and reported incidents related to this subject matter.
In addition, the main character uses self-harm to combat her anxieties and fears, which becomes manageable with counseling, growth and character development. Personally, I believe that self-harm is not a mental illness, but rather a behavior that demonstrates a lack of coping skills in situations that are stressful and difficult. Several illnesses are associated with it, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Praise for McFarren Novels
Flaherty’s Crossing
Even though it is a fictional story, it made me reflect on my own life, and how I shouldn’t wait until it is too late to let people that I love know how I feel, or to apologize if I need to.
—CHICAGO SUN TIMES, PAIGE LOVITT FOR READER VIEWS
A well-written book dealing with difficult issues of love, loss, healing, and faith, and never slipping into maudlin territory. A great debut novel!
—SACRAMENTO BOOK REVIEW
Flaherty’s Crossing is a powerful and inspiring read, highly recommended.
—MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
Severed Threads—Book #1
With plenty at stake—erotic chemistry, dastardly villains, a lost relic, an unusual setting, and a touch of the supernatural—this indie novel could stand on any romance publisher’s shelf. The full package of thrills and romance.
—KIRKUS REVIEWS
Crisp writing and sparkling dialogue that will hold the interest of any reader who enjoys a good mystery story that’s well told.
—MARK GARBER, PRESIDENT, PORTLAND
TRIBUNE & COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
I highly recommend this story for people who enjoy romance and suspense. Kaylin McFarren will not let you down! I look forward to future stories in this series.
—CHICAGO SUN TIMES, PAIGE LOVITT,
READER VIEWS
Buried Threads—Book #2
The many levels of this story will engross readers into the world of the Japanese syndicate, a Buddhist monk, and the American couple, while they quickly read to a satisfying conclusion, absorbing the culture the story is set in along the way.
—SAN FRANCISCO BOOK REVIEW
Buried Threads, an erotic thriller, combines the action and adventure found in a Clive Cussler novel, the plotting and romance of Danielle Steel’s books, and the erotic energy and supernatural elements of a work by Shayla Black.
—LEE GOODEN, FOREWORD REVIEW/
CLARION REVIEWS
More than a murder mystery, [Buried Threads] mingles a treasure hunt, an international race against time, a dark prophecy, Japanese culture, erotic encounters, and a clever killer’s modus operandi into a story that just won’t quit.
—DIANE DONOVAN, MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
Banished Threads—Book #3
As with Severed Threads and Buried Threads, book three closes on a cliffhanger—one that indubitably will keep readers on edge. Well written and absolutely enthralling, Banished Threads is a wonderful addition to McFarren’s award-winning series!
—ANITA LOCK, PACIFIC BOOK REVIEW
This intricate escapade is as carnal as it is cerebral. If you’re into vivacious prose and bodice-heaving melodrama, this just may be your cup of tea.
—JOE KILGORE, THE US REVIEW OF BOOKS
Family secrets, engaging characters, the heat of romance, and a standout suspense plot with a twisty, surprise ending make Banished Threads a must-read addition to McFarren’s popular Threads series.
—CHANTICLEER BOOK REVIEWS
Twisted Threads—Book #4
A sexy mystery that brings the timeless themes of murder, revenge and family loyalty to
the high seas. A great series for fans of romantic suspense.
—BELLA WRIGHT, BESTTHRILLERS.COM
Kaylin McFarren has written a novel with a mix of intrigue, romance and action, resulting in a story for readers wanting adventure and love all in one exhilarating book.
—ELLA VINCENT, PACIFIC BOOK REVIEW
The layers of deliciousness never end, and the seamless writing that incorporates multiple genres into one engrossing story truly provides non-stop action and entertainment for all tastes!
—SHERI HOYTE, READER VIEWS
A tantalizing glimpse into a secret world of desire. Dive deep into the layers of this intoxicating blend of twisted pleasure and intricate mystery. Edgy, fierce, and undeniably stimulating.
—ALICIA TOMELLOSO, SAN FRANCISCO BOOK REVIEW
In the beginning, God created man,
but things didn’t get interesting
until man created the airplane
and a strong-minded woman to fly it.
Guardians of Time
Dark, ugly demons led to twisted extremes;
Escape came with jet fuel, igniting her dreams.
A friend lost her life, trapped in death’s evil snare,
Left her hurt and confused, and street urchin fare.
Six months became years, and the danger she knew
Aroused her passion with a stunt flying crew.
Her wings touched the heavens, her future looked bright,
Then fate intervened, turning morning to night.
A dark storm filled the skies and threatened her life,
Provoked indecision and internal strife.
Fact became fiction and the truth became lies
When a time portal opened, clearing her eyes.
A chance meeting set forth by destiny’s hand
Revealed a dark secret in commonplace land.
Her father’s commitment to rescue a friend
Left hardships behind and fences to mend.
In this world, she fought foes, exposed evil deeds,
Singled out corrupt lords, addressed hindered needs.
While reliving bad mishaps, deaths and heartaches,
She thought she could alter her share of mistakes.
But karma is based on the rules we abide,
On the friendships we earn and love we provide.
As guardians of time, we’re given one voice,
One door to walk through to make the right choice.
— KAYLIN MCFARREN
-2013-
1
Disavowed
“Denial is the way we handle what we cannot handle.”
— ANONYMOUS
Skylar Haines quietly retreated into her bathroom with a box cutter and locked the door. With her back pressed against the wall, she slid downward until she met the coolness of the tiled floor. She pulled up her sleeve. Soft pink lines, like paint strokes, crisscrossed the pale skin of her forearm. It had been a while. The blade glinted menacingly as she moved it with a shaking hand. The first cut was quick—the wound shallow, drawing little blood. Even so, Skylar instantly calmed. Her shoulders relaxed, and her breathing evened out. The suffocating panic ebbed away and was replaced with a comforting sting, a sensation she would gladly focus on. The next two cuts were similar, lightning fast one after the other. She pulled off a piece of toilet paper and pressed it to the shallow cuts, hissing a little as she applied pressure. After a few seconds, she lifted the paper and noticed that the bleeding had already stopped.
It wasn’t enough.
This time, she paid more attention. She lined the blade up parallel to her previous cuts and slid it through her skin deeper. Blood instantly bloomed. She sighed. The tightness in her chest lessened as the blood ran down to her wrist and hand. It dripped onto the floor, stark red against the square white tiles, leaving her surprisingly calm. She dragged her finger through the blood and drew a smiling face next to the puddle of red.
God, I’m fucked up. She chuckled dryly. There was no humor evident in the empty sound and numbness threatened to creep in and overtake her. She cut herself one more time to keep it at bay. It had been a horrible day, and she could barely keep the tears from welling in her eyes. It was days like today when she needed this release most—when she was reminded of her inability to fit in, to seem average and do the things “normal” people do to overcome disappointment. All that mattered at that moment was the appearance of red, escaping her body, making her fears and anxieties fade away.
She squeezed her fist and watched the blood flow quicken, thinking about her best friend and the argument they’d had over a stupid boy, of all things. But at least she had this—the blood pooling on the floor. The semblance of control over her life. And yet what good did it do her?
Just one week earlier, she stood outside the school counselor’s office debating on going inside. Although she hid it well, she was trapped in a world of despair, going through the motions purely for the sake of living. Only her arms told the true story, and she hardly ever revealed those. Once her secret became known, she could be sent away, locked up in the looney bin where her mother had spent the last three months of her pregnancy—a pregnancy that produced a child almost as screwed up as her. Yeah, it was true. Skylar owned it and fed it, and even though she was a case study in personality disorder, she didn’t see the point in crushing it.
Footsteps thundered up the staircase. “Skylar, are you in there?” Her grandfather rattled the doorknob. Then he pounded his fist on the door. “Damn it!” he yelled. “Unlock this door right now!”
Who told him? Her therapist? Dr. Pissant?
“Skylar!” He tried the doorknob a second time before slamming his fist against the door. “Open it!”
Her voice trembled, “What do you want?” She took a quick breath and added, “my stomach’s upset.” She bit her lip and glanced at the fancy white towels hanging next to the sink. How was she going to clean this up? Panic started to build and she screamed, “Leave me alone!”
“You’re sick again?” her grandfather roared. “That’s the third time this week.” His footsteps retreated in the direction of his bedroom then became quiet, allowing her the time she needed to clean up. She emptied the toilet paper roll and crawled on her knees, smearing blood across the tiled floor, turning the white grout to pink. Her head felt a little woozy, requiring her to pause and steady her breathing. Before she could flush all the evidence, her grandfather was back, sliding a key in the lock. The door flew open, hitting the wall.
He stared down at her bewildered. “What’s going on here?” His eyes traveled from her face to the line of blood on her arm, still dripping.
She stood and just looked at him, realizing he’d never understand.
“Skylar…what did you do?”
She planted a hand firmly on the counter and saw stars. Maybe she stood up too quickly. “Don’t worry, Grandpa. Pain numbs everything, if you let it.”
His hazel eyes darkened; his disdainful expression froze in place. “You’re sick,” he spat. “Just like your mother.” He stormed out and returned thirty seconds later with a little bundle of gauze and tape. Without warning, he grabbed her up by her wounded arm and threw her on her bed before angrily bandaging her. Then he stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
For the next two weeks, Jessop Haines loosened his restrictions and ignored Skylar’s irrational outbursts, perhaps believing she would off herself if pushed too far. But she wasn’t sure how to handle this new freedom or how to end her despair. All she wanted was to be like everyone else. To feel calm, cool and accepted—to overcome her chronic, debilitating fears and dark moods.
As a result, she reached out to one of the band members at her school—more out of desperation than anything else. And surprisingly, they became good friends, walking to and from school together on a daily basis. Adrian was a curly-haired comic-book freak who lived four doors down. He was considered a rich nerd by everyone at Washoe High, and yet their opinions had n
o effect on him. Or at least, it seemed that way. Between classes and after school, he spent hours in the library or wrapped up in his extensive list of activities: music, drama, photography, yearbook, chess and debate team. He also had a cousin by the name of Roxy Capellan who moved into his house temporarily, right after the holidays. She was Columbian, beautiful, outgoing and incredibly kind. And in no time at all, she was considered one of the coolest kids in school.
On one particularly awful day, Roxy opened the locker next to Skylar’s and introduced herself as president of the Make You Smile Society, which she obviously wasn’t, since it didn’t exist. And although Skylar felt inadequate whenever Roxy was around, Roxy made a point of sitting across from her in the cafeteria, delivering her brand of jokes and silly anecdotes to make her laugh. She even helped Skylar stand up against bullies in the hallway and to the mean-girl cliques that gathered around lunchroom tables, turning her into Skylar’s cherished friend and superhero.
Although her grandfather had made a habit of telling Skylar to ignore the ridicule she faced at school, he offered no other comfort. It seemed he could barely tolerate her and hated the interruptions she caused. But despite everything, Roxy was always there, in her corner, encouraging her to stay strong. She taught Skylar to dismiss the mean looks, cruel insults, and snide remarks she was forced to face on a daily basis.
After school one day, Adrian approached her in the parking lot and asked if she’d like to watch a new movie at his house. It was a remake of an old classic and according to Adrian it was getting outstanding reviews. Skylar had missed him and was about to say yes when Roxy swooped in, offering to take her shopping at the local boutique mall. Without hesitation, she agreed and Adrian kindly smiled, leading her to believe he understood.
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