McAllister Justice Series Box Set

by Reily Garrett

  If not for the threat over her head, she would’ve stormed out. Royden knew her, knew that the helplessness roiling in her gut would find expression one way or another.

  His high-handedness earned every bit of her ire.

  * * * *

  Abby stewed the entire way home, not daring to open her mouth due to the venom that would spill. As usual, Royden’s heart was in the right place, but the Neanderthal streak comprising his ego forced him to act on her behalf.

  “You know you overstepped your bounds.” Despite not being able to imagine her life without him in it, she needed him to respect certain limits.

  His quiet capitulation, “I know,” spoke volumes.

  On the rare occasions they’d argued, they always came to an understanding. Regardless of what he said now or promised, his instincts would always force him to protect in any way he thought appropriate.

  The question remained, could she live within that mindset.

  “Abby, I can change, grow, adapt.”

  He also knew how her mind worked.

  In fiddling with the ring about her neck, she knew she’d made him nervous. Manipulation was not a part of her arsenal. In relationships, as in court, she faced issues head-on. “I know. And so can I. I love you.”

  “You’re my world, Abby. My reason for getting up in the morning.”

  “And you’re one of the reasons I follow the letter of the law, but like you, I’ve crossed a line today that I can never redraw. It’s a slippery slope.” She covered his hand resting on his thigh, letting him know through touch that they would survive the storm.

  “And I thought you did it so you could bail your brothers out of trouble. Don’t worry, we’ll have each other for a guide.”

  She twisted her lips in a pout. “I’m still pissed off at you.”

  “I know. I deserve it.”

  “They’re never going to take me back.”

  “Which is why we’re going to start looking at rental space for your new office.”

  “I don’t know if I have enough—” She didn’t want to finish the sentence, didn’t want to depend on Royden financially. It would be another mark against her struggle for independence.

  “We’re in this together, Abby. I don’t have the specific education to help with the type of work you do, but I can help you get started. It’s the least I can do.” A shrewd grin matched the look in his eye before he gazed out the driver’s window. “On the other hand, if you wanted to make it legal, you could always put the ring on. What’s mine is yours.”

  She’d never been a waffler. “I will. However, I don’t want to spend my honeymoon looking over my shoulder. Do you?”

  “No. I do understand and respect your reasoning. So, let’s work with what we have and need right now. That includes a space for you to work.”

  “But I’m not bringing anything to the table. I still have student loans and will for at least three more years.”

  “Abby. Do you think me so shallow that I see dollar signs when I look at you? I know it’s not how you see me.”

  “No. I see the man who makes me complete.”

  “Good. Then you understand how I feel. If we were the same in every way, we wouldn’t be compatible. You’ve spent your entire life proving to your brothers that you can handle yourself. Well, you’ve succeeded. It’s time to set that aside and move forward.”

  By the time Royden pulled into his driveway, they’d settled their differences, which still left Abby without a job and the threat of a stalker. It didn’t mean she wasn’t mad; she was pissed, but mutual respect and understanding shaved the edge off her need to lash out.

  “Royden, if the killer was good enough to track me to New Zealand, then he’s good enough to know I’d move in with you after leaving my apartment.”

  “Probably, which is why Caden and Lucas were here earlier sweeping the house for audio/video eavesdropping. Lexi and Katt are working on electronic security.”

  “As much as my family interferes in my life, they’re always there when I need them, even without my having to ask.”

  “They’re family.”

  “As far as work, I can think of several clients that will leave the firm. I’m going to have to find space, and supplies, and an assistant.”

  “Are you thinking about Mitzie? You two work well together, right?” Hesitation tempered his voice.

  “We’ve talked about it before. She said if I ever left, she wanted to come with me. Now, I’m not sure that’s a good idea. At least until we know more.”

  “So, how do you feel about lunch and a quiet afternoon? Meanwhile, we can look online and find some potential office space to check out.”

  “Lexi and Katt have already been looking.” Abby shook her head. “My family seems to stay one step ahead of me.”

  “They love you.”

  “I know. Can Lexi find out who put that video on the net?”

  “If anyone can, she’s the one. If not, I’m sure she can figure a way to destroy whatever sites—”

  “Don’t say it, cowboy. If it’s not legal, I don’t want to know.” It was a coward’s way out. At this point, Abby wanted to protect Royden, too. “At least they didn’t catch us in anything—physical.”

  “Whoever it is, recorded a very private part of your life.” Royden’s hands clenched around the steering wheel before he cut the engine. “Let’s get inside and relax for a bit, talk, and map out a game plan.”

  Royden’s home paralleled the man himself. It didn’t fit any one particular style, more of an eclectic mix of architectures that welcomed and relaxed the observer. Inside, subdued patterns and colors added to the soothing nature of a lived-in home.

  The few belongings she’d kept in her office required two trips to the house, deposited in the small study downstairs.

  When they’d settled on the sofa with a cup of coffee, Abby thought about her next step. “Even my laptop belonged to the firm.”

  “Just as well. This way you’ll build your practice from the ground up, complete with electronic security, good proximity to your ideal location, and if you set up on the outskirts of town, you’ll have a great view.”

  “You’ve been thinking about this for a while.”

  “Guilty as charged.”

  “What about him?” Whereas she’d accustomed herself to controlling a situation, she recognized Royden’s sideways approach. Effective, but lacking the confrontational aspects she employed. The end result remained the same.

  “I’ll keep you in the loop every step of the way from now on.”

  “As it occurs?”

  “Yes. As events happen, you’ll know where the investigation is going. But—I expect the same in return. I want to know where you are at all times, who you’re with, and what you’re doing.”

  “Well, thank you for not hiding a tracking device in my briefcase, though I’m sure its crossed your mind. As independent as Katt is, I’m surprised she hasn’t strangled my eldest brother.”

  “That’s because as a private investigator, she goes looking for trouble and it saved her life not long ago. You don’t.”

  “She saved herself by bashing the prick with a shovel. As far as me, trouble finds me anyway. I guess Katt’s keeping an eye on Credlin.”

  “Yes.”

  “The man’s worth millions. He’s not going to do his own dirty work.”

  “Which is why we’re keeping a very close eye on him.”

  “Meaning Lexi is hacking his life to pieces.” Abby covered her eyes with her hand as if that could disperse the image of her friend going to any length to achieve her goal. “She’s got her own hands full now. It makes me wonder, why she and Ethan haven’t set a date for their wedding, yet.”

  “I think they want to coordinate with Caden and Kaylee, and Billy and Remie.” Royden set his empty mug on the side table and nudged her closer. “I’m surprised Megan and Lucas don’t tie the knot at the same time.”

  “Let’s talk about us...”

 
Chapter Twenty-Three

  “Come now, Brad. Surely, you can do better than this. Your supervisory skills seem to be slipping.” The slow glide of Havoc’s fingertips down his flank toward his swelling flesh took the sting out of her words. “First, she wouldn’t go out to dinner with you, then she gets fired instead of put on temporary leave.”

  “Hey. When I talked with Salsman first thing in the morning, I told him she had a jealous ex stalking her. The timing was perfect. He was furious, like his star pupil got caught smoking in the bathroom.” Brad urged her to her back before leaning over to suckle her breast. “Damn, Havoc. You sure live up to your nickname.”

  “Then why did he fire her? That wasn’t supposed to happen. You obviously oversold the information.”

  A soft plop released his prize. “No. One of her brothers along with her boyfriend showed up. Detective Patterson told Salsman Abby quit. It took her by surprise as much as my boss. He was going to suspend her until we sorted it out. He loves little power plays.” Doubt crossed his features, the kind of look one got after stepping in a pile of manure. “How did you get that video anyway?”

  “I was nicknamed Havoc for a reason. I snagged it digitally. The bitch shouldn’t be so full of herself to send porn through the mail. Interception happens to be a particular talent of mine.” And when Lexi finally traces that email back to you, the cops will knock on your door. Because Brad had been such a good sport, she’d scramble the evidence before PPD could file formal charges.

  “O—kay. I just don’t want to be implicated in something illegal.”

  “Damn. I knew the McAllisters would be persistent, but I figured the shrink would see her as too much work.”

  “He’s a psychologist, not a psychiatrist.” Brad frowned as his hand stroked downward over her tight stomach. “What’s the scar from?”

  The last thing she needed was for her target to be distracted. “Childhood accident.” In fact, her stepbrother had decided to test her pain tolerance with a knife. One of his many tests she’d survived to prove her worthiness. She remembered the agony which accompanied the crimson beading along the line drawn with the sharp blade.

  “You said you’d see Credlin’s account swing my way, but he tried to hire Abby away from the firm. Now that she’s quit, what’s to stop her from taking up with him?”

  “Let me worry about Abby. Credlin won’t employ her. That was just a red herring for her boss’ sake. I wanted him desperate enough to keep her yet torn with the need to protect his firm’s reputation.” She shrugged a shoulder. “Just messing with your boss’ head.”

  “Can’t say that I mind that. He makes me sick sometimes.”

  “Yeah? You should cook him longer.”

  Since she’d worn a wig when seducing the other attorney, she hadn’t needed to dye her hair again. The fact her current mark would never work for Credlin wasn’t something he would discover until it was too late. At that point, he wouldn’t talk due to his part in harassing Abby.

  “You’re the one trying to kill her?” His hand stilled on her mound.

  “Of course not. Do I look like a sharpshooter and explosive expert?” She took a deep breath and arched her back, pressing her breast into his hand. “I just sent the pie to take advantage of the situation. If she weren’t such a slut, she wouldn’t have a string of jealous ex-boyfriends on her heels. My best friend loved her in law school, but her career path took precedence. She used him.” Tired of waiting, she straddled his body and took him within her grasp. “Are we going to talk or are you going to give me some penis pudding?”

  ONCE SATED, she curled against his side, running limp fingers through the light furring on his chest. It seemed he’d accepted her part in scaring the bitch, but now she had a bigger problem.

  The detective’s home employed security she couldn’t circumvent. To navigate her new strategy, she needed information. The McAllisters were so paranoid, Havoc couldn’t get close enough to observe the bitch’s comings and goings. Nailing her at the detective’s house would’ve been fun but wasn’t an option. Success depended on Abby being alone and following sequential steps in a timely manner.

  “You’re right, you know.” She lowered her voice to a sultry whisper, wanting to distract as well as inform. Threats wouldn’t gain his cooperation as well as positive incentives. This mark’s buttons included greed and ego.

  “About?”

  “Abby. I shouldn’t have sent the pie. It was mean and I regret it. I’d make amends but she’d probably hang up if I called. If I went to her house, she’d probably have her boyfriend arrest me.”

  “Hmm. You may be right. He’s wound pretty tight.” Brad rolled his hips forward to encourage further play.

  “I admit it when I’m wrong, but I should apologize face to face, when Patterson isn’t looming over her.”

  “First you’d have to find out where she’s staying.”

  “No doubt, she’s shacking up with her latest joystick, that detective.” She let just the right amount of petulance color her tone.

  “He should be easy enough to locate.”

  “But I don’t want to show up when he’s there,” she whined.

  She wouldn’t set one foot near the property until devastating the entire family, knowing how they joined forces. “Do you think you could call her? Maybe apologize for not backing her up. You could tell her you’ll get her job back. Find out if she’s by herself so that I could go and grovel.”

  “I suppose I could do that.” His gaze focused inward as he reached for her.

  “It’s going to take me a few days to get up my nerve and put together an appropriate speech, but for now, I think there’s something more important on your mind.” With her goal achieved, she decided to enjoy the fruits of her labor. The putz wouldn’t know she’d used him until Abby was dead, too late to go to the police.

  Her brother had laughed at her bungled efforts against the McAllisters but gave his stamp of approval on the doctor she’d used as an experiment. He’d warned her taking a life up close and personal entailed a different mindset and required practice before claiming the ultimate prize.

  The result had proved more satisfying than she could’ve imagined and fueled her desire to hear Abby beg in the same fashion. Not that she’d pleaded when in the basement prison.

  That’s what separates an artist from a nerd. Daryl had so much to learn and for once, she would be the teacher.

  HAVOC never dreamed of becoming an assassin as a small child. She’d spent her formative years ducking the swing of her father’s belt or fist. More to the point, she’d avoided following in her sibling’s steps in going to college. She smiled at the thought of sending Daryl a postcard from Europe, gloating on her success.

  From an earlier recorded conversation, she had the name and address of her next victim, but not the phone number. That detail had required a bit of research.

  A simple phone call had secured the first part of her plan. The next would satisfy her need to maim along with testing her manipulative skills.

  Lottie hadn’t known about Abby’s resignation, but agreed to meet at the remote diner where there was little chance of a familiar face spotting them. Knowing enough about the firm allowed for a seamless conversation to set up the ruse.

  On arrival, the gullible twit had crumbled with the gun pointed at her gut. Securing her in the back seat had taken seconds on the far corner of the lot.

  Now, the rearview mirror revealed nothing but dust, trees, and an old café that had seen better days. Final success would occur near a remote cabin she’d prepped earlier. This victim was weak and deserved death for sniveling and drooling on her back seat. It takes the fun out of playing.

  “Did Emilio send you?” A choked sob interrupted Lottie’s trembling words. Whimpers escaped as she shifted to adjust her position, hog-tied with her hands and feet secured in a knot behind her.

  Havoc regretted leaving her face down. Now she’d have to clean the stolen car. “Someplace secure, just like I p
romised. I always keep my promises.”

  “Are you going to kill me?”

  “Depends on how well you play your part.” A shame she hadn’t thought of this to begin with, but if she had, she would’ve missed the pleasure of the CEO’s body. He’d been the most delicious specimen of male she’d ever enjoyed.

  Besides, this way I can ruin three attorneys and one rich executive with one blow. Even Daryl couldn’t accomplish that.

  She hated attorneys. They’d told her brother he might not serve time, yet she knew he’d be lucky to ever see the light of day again as a free man. She’d spent long enough pumping staff for information while just pumping staff.

  The possibility of knocking Detective Patterson down a few pegs made her smile. Shrinks were so much more fun to play with. With Abby’s impending death, many people would suffer. Cataloguing their declines as collateral damage provided wonderful side benefits.

  As far as Lottie’s death, the gang’s meddling already provided the stage for her brutal murder. It gave no pleasure to frame them, but too many loose ends would raise suspicion.

  The shack she’d secured lacked easy access or neighbors for miles. No one to hear the screams or stumble upon body parts. The sum total equaled the perfect backdrop to terrify McAllister when the time came—without threat of discovery.

  Once she cut the engine, she took a deep breath. Victory was so close, so sweet. From the back seat, little whimpers were just the beginning of a beautiful memory.

  Fresh air, filled with the scent of pine and earth along with the sounds of songbirds, set the scene for her next act. Pride filled her chest. She’d defeat her personal demons and forge a new life for herself. She’d be every bit as good at this as her brother.

  “Okay, honey. Let’s move it.” The rope around Lottie’s ankles cut with a slip of the knife. Grabbing her victim by the wrist bonds, Havoc yanked her back and out of the vehicle, banging the girl’s shins en route.

  “I-I’m coming. I’m going to cooperate.” Tears smudged the dried tracks on her face. “What are we doing here?”