Deadly Connection

by Lenora Worth

  Belle had agreed with Bradley. “You’re solid, Henry. Everyone knows that.”

  Henry’s dark eyes had looked doubtful. Shaking his shaved head, he’d said, “Belle, you know the odds are against me.”

  Belle had touched his bronzed arm. “But you’ve beaten those odds over and over. Don’t give up.” Shrugging, she’d added, “Look at me. I’ve survived the worst.”

  That had made him smile. “And I thank you for coming in when you’re supposed to be resting. I appreciate you, Belle.”

  She’d then slipped in and out of the precinct quickly because she hadn’t wanted to answer any questions about Emmett and her.

  But now Belle worried for her friend Henry and feared Emmett wouldn’t ever come around again. Or maybe she was just letting her anxieties do their thing and run wild.

  “It’s not like you, though,” her sister said while she shook out her still damp mane and then went back to folding napkins. “You got the bad guys and we’re all safe again. It feels good. You’re a hero, Belle.”

  Belle snapped back to attention. “I’m nobody’s hero,” she told Cara, following behind her with silverware for each place setting. “I got involved with the wrong man and made sure another abusive idiot went to jail. But they found each other and they both wanted revenge on me. That almost got me killed.”

  “But you survived and you fought back and maybe you found the right man,” Anita chimed in, looking cute in a plaid tunic over black leggings. “Don’t you think that’s good for us to see?” Then she poked Belle’s arm. “You are not the criminal, Belle. You went after the criminals and brought them down before the rescue team could get to you. You’re kind of a big deal.”

  She needed to listen to her own advice. She’d reminded Henry of how she’d survived. He’d do the same. Henry was tough and always in control. Same as all of them.

  “You’re our role model,” Anita said, grinning at her.

  Belle reached her arms wide. “This role model loves you both.” Her sisters hugged her and giggled.

  “Don’t tell me you’re both going into law enforcement,” she said as they finished putting her mother’s meat loaf on the table.

  “No, but I am,” Joaquin said with a soft smile from where he stood pouring tea into their dinner glasses.

  Mamá put her hands on her hips and whirled to stare at her son. “This is news to me.”

  “Is it true?” Papá asked, his eyes glistening with fear and pride. “Have you thought about this, Joaquin?”

  “It’s what I want,” Joaquin said. “I don’t have to think about it. I’ve lived through it but on the wrong side. I’m going to finish school and then I’m going to apply to attend the police academy.”

  Glancing at Belle, he said, “I hope you’ll give me some pointers.”

  Belle’s emotions shifted like a roller coaster. “I’d be happy to do that.”

  Their mother lapsed into Spanish, and not in a good way.

  They all laughed and hugged her while she ranted on.

  Finally, Joaquin grabbed his mother and gave her a big kiss. That won her over. She held him close, tears in her eyes. “I suppose I should be proud, sí?”

  “Sí,” her children all retorted. Then they all rushed to find their seats.

  The doorbell downstairs rang.

  “I’ll get it,” Anita said. “And yes, I’ll check the peephole first.”

  Belle went about passing potatoes and corn, thinking it was probably her uncle coming to check on them. He’d been so good about having the neighborhood watch members patrolling around their block.

  But when she turned to see who Anita had brought up, her heart fluttered and came alive.

  Emmett, with flowers and chocolate.

  “Are those for me?” her mother deadpanned with a smile.

  “No, ma’am, but I’m sure Belle will share with you,” he replied.

  Belle rushed to take the wildflowers and the box of chocolate. “Nice,” she said. “Very nice.”

  “Cliché, but I was desperate,” he whispered. “Can we talk?”

  “First you eat,” her mother announced, her tone undisputable.

  Belle gave him a beseeching stare.

  “I am hungry,” he said with a grin. “Is that meat loaf?”

  And so they ate, Belle’s gaze hitting Emmett’s when she thought no one was watching. But everyone was watching.

  “So what’s the deal with you two?” Cara asked in her sassy way.

  “Cara!” Her sister gave her a be-quiet glare. Then Anita turned to Belle and Emmett. “But...we all want to know.”

  Belle stood. “That’s it. Marshal Gage and I are going downstairs to my apartment for some privacy.”

  “We’ll want details,” her mother said, shoving two dessert plates at them. “Coconut cake.”

  Emmett took the plates with another grin. “I could get used to this.”

  After they were in Belle’s apartment with the dead bolt on, he took their dessert plates and put them on the counter. Then he turned to face her.

  Pulling her into his arms, he said, “Hi.”

  “Hi,” she replied. “I missed you.”

  “I had to figure out some things,” he replied, his hand moving through her hair.

  “About us?”

  “No, I’ve pretty much decided that I’m in love with you.”

  Belle’s heart did a little dance, a mixture of awareness and anticipation. “That’s good, because I’ve pretty much decided I’m in love with you, too.”

  “I can get used to that, too,” he said, kissing her.

  Belle enjoyed the kiss and then lifted her head back. “But...you have to deal with Randall.”

  “I did try to deal with him again yesterday,” he told her. “But he got away again.”

  She listened while he filled her in. “Emmett, I’m so sorry. It must be hard, knowing he’s the only family you have left around here. I think it’s good that you’re stepping away.”

  Emmett’s eyes held hers, the misery in his words showing in his expression. “I have to step away, but I won’t stop thinking about him or hoping he’ll do the right thing. But I can’t be the one to bring him in. I’m too close.”

  “I understand,” she said. “But this won’t be in our way, will it?”

  Emmett looked into her eyes. “You mentioned my not having family here, but Belle, when I’m with you and your family, I feel at home. I think I’ve found my people, my person. I want to be with you.”

  “And my family?” she asked, tears in her eyes.

  “Yes, oh, yes.” He lifted her and twirled her around. “I get meat loaf and coconut cake. Are you kidding me?”

  Belle laughed while Justice woofed a happy bark.

  “And you get me, Marshal Gage.”

  “That’s the best part of all.” He touched his finger to her chin. “I want to marry you and come home to you and get in arguments with your siblings and...be here to guide them and help them. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

  Belle kissed him and then said, “We’ll need the rest of this floor.”

  “For our family?”

  “Yes.” She ruffled his hair. “For our family.”

  “I might have rescued you that day in the park,” Emmett said, “but you saved me.”

  Then he kissed her again before they both dug into their cake and smiled at each other.

  Justice sighed and sank down on his haunches. His work here was done.

  * * *

  Look for Henry Roarke’s story, Explosive Situation, by Terri Reed, the next book in the True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn series, available in July 2020.

  True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn

  These police officers fight for justice with the help of their brave canine partners.

  Copycat
Killer

  by Laura Scott, April 2020

  Chasing Secrets

  by Heather Woodhaven, May 2020

  Deadly Connection

  by Lenora Worth, June 2020

  Explosive Situation

  by Terri Reed, July 2020

  Tracking a Kidnapper

  by Valerie Hansen, August 2020

  Scene of the Crime

  by Sharon Dunn, September 2020

  Cold Case Pursuit

  by Dana Mentink, October 2020

  Delayed Justice

  by Shirlee McCoy, November 2020

  True Blue K-9 Unit Christmas: Brooklyn

  by Laura Scott and Maggie K. Black, December 2020

  Keep reading for an excerpt from Plain Refuge by Dana R. Lynn.

  Dear Reader

  I hope you enjoyed this K-9 story set in Brooklyn. I’ll admit I didn’t know much about Brooklyn, New York, when I started this book but I loved finding some of the beautiful spots in this part of New York City and seeing my characters come alive on the pages. It’s always a challenge to write about death and crime, especially in a place you’ve only passed through while going to the airport.

  But we always strive to make our K-9 stories as authentic as possible while maintaining a wholesome love story. I hope I hit that mark with Emmett and Belle. I loved Belle’s big family but I also ached for Emmett, who seemed so alone in the world. I grew up in a large Southern family, so while I was a fish out of water, I identified with some of the issues Belle had to deal with. This is an exciting series and I’m happy to be a part of it. I hope you’re enjoying it, too.

  Until next time, may the angels watch over you. Always.

  Lenora

  WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS BOOK FROM

  Courage. Danger. Faith.

  Find strength and determination in stories of faith and love in the face of danger.

  6 NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE EVERY MONTH!

  Plain Refuge

  by Dana R. Lynn

  ONE

  “Are you close to making an arrest, Lieutenant?”

  “Hold on a second.” Aiden Forster glanced around, scanning his surroundings to ensure his call was private. He pretended to be messing with his helmet while he waited for a woman jogging with her dog to go by. Then he lifted his head and glanced around again. No one was in sight. Good. He raised his cell phone to his ear, making sure to keep his voice low. Just in case there was someone lurking in the shadows. He knew all too well that information in the wrong hands could be deadly. He’d been a lieutenant in the Narcotics division long enough to witness some routine operations go horribly wrong without warning. Police work could be brutal. Sometimes devastating.

  “Close, ma’am. I hope to be able to have enough to move on within the next two weeks.” He chose his words carefully. Mentioning evidence or the chief’s title were not words that would be misinterpreted if overheard.

  Please, Lord, let me be telling the truth.

  He had pulled over to take the call from his chief, knowing she was getting anxious to have this case over and done with. He was in full agreement with her there. The movies had made undercover work seem so cool, but the reality was the work was grueling, taking its toll emotionally and spiritually. After being on this operation for six months, he could feel it wearing him down. Every night, he pulled out his Bible, trying to build up his strength for the next day.

  For nearly half a year, Aiden had played the part of Adam Steele, a hardened hired killer and drug dealer. His rap sheet was all fiction, created to give him a reputation for ruthlessness. His chief had also allowed several “leaks” to the press about him.

  All of it paid off when he’d been contacted by Phillip Larson to do a few jobs on the side. Mostly drug related. It wasn’t enough. The chief knew that Larson was involved with running drugs in the area. What they needed was proof to link him to cartels coming across the border, as well as two contract hits on politicians fighting against the cartels. Up to this moment, Aiden hadn’t learned anything that could connect Larson to anything larger than some minor drug trafficking. Today could be a huge break in the case. Larson had invited him to his house for a private meeting with an important client.

  He just had to play his part for a little bit longer.

  It was getting harder to continue the charade. The evil he faced, indeed a part of each and every day, was slowly breaking him apart.

  What really terrified him was the way the line between right and wrong seemed to be blurring. Not that he didn’t still understand what was right. But he was aware on an alarming level of the desensitization occurring in himself.

  He had to hold on for just a little bit longer. If he could get what he needed, he could pull free. Then he’d go on a long vacation to recuperate. He’d earned it.

  “I’ll give you the two weeks, but it might be necessary to pull you out sooner if you can’t get it.” Her strong voice with its subtle Midwest accent pulled him back to the conversation.

  When he started to protest, Chief Daniels interrupted him. “I’m serious, Aiden. You’re one of my best lieutenants, but I’m concerned about your state of mind.”

  So was he. As much as he wanted to find justice and put Phillip Larson behind bars, he was beginning to wonder if he was losing himself in the dark world he’d been inhabiting. Still, the thought of giving in and allowing Larson to remain free to kill and harm those who got in his way made his teeth ache.

  He couldn’t do it. His own partner had been a victim of Larson’s evil reach. Tim had gotten an anonymous tip about a major deal going down. He had called it in and requested backup. Aiden had gotten there to aid his partner as soon as he could, but it wasn’t fast enough. Tim had been ambushed, killed with a single shot to the back of his head. He owed it to Tim to end this. Then he could put his guilt at not arriving in time behind him. And it would be nice to be able to tell Tim’s widow that her husband’s killer had been brought to justice.

  “I’ll get him, ma’am. Then I’ll be done with this cover for good.”

  And, hopefully, he’d never need to go undercover again.

  “See that you do. Are you on your way to him now?”

  “Yep. He called a meeting. Not sure what about exactly. All I know is he said an important client would be meeting us at his house. And not to be late, if I knew what was good for me.”

  “Keep me posted, Lieutenant.”

  He ended the call and put the phone back into the zippered pocket of his leather jacket. Pushing his helmet back onto his head, he kicked the motorcycle to life. The one part of this gig he enjoyed was being able to ride his motorcycle every day. The chief had allowed it because she felt it fit in with the image he was cultivating. When people looked at him, they saw a ruthless man willing to do anything if the price was right.

  Larson had left his garage open. That wasn’t like him. Was he expecting someone else? Aiden was puzzled. He’d never met anyone more emphatic—almost fanatical—about privacy. While most people wouldn’t think anything about leaving a garage door open, he knew that Phillip Larson would be furious that anyone walking by could look and see even that little bit of his life exposed.

  Keeping to their established protocol, Aiden ignored the open garage and drove his bike around the block, using the alley to pull in behind the house, where his bike wouldn’t be visible from the street. He removed his helmet and placed it on the bike, then he covered the motorcycle with the tarp that was left for that purpose.

  Aiden slipped his sunglasses on and strode toward the house. His stomach muscles tightened. He forced his shoulders to relax. He was Adam Steele now, not Aiden Forster. Adam Steele, one of Phillip Larson’s trusted associates. Larson had no idea that some of the information he’d supplied, as well as some of the business he’d drummed up, had been carefully orchestrated with the cooperation of his colleagues at the poli
ce station. A bitter taste filled his mouth. The adrenaline rush he’d first experienced after he’d been chosen for the undercover operation had died out months ago. When this case was closed and Larson was in prison, he’d be released from this identity that he’d grown to despise.

  Adam Steele was ruthless, a man who had no compunction about committing any number of felonies. At least, that’s what Phillip thought.

  When the time was right, Aiden would take great pleasure in letting the man know just who had been working with him for months.

  At this very moment, though, he needed to get his head in the game. Phillip Larson was a shark. If he scented any weakness or hint of deceit, he’d be out for blood. Rolling his shoulders one last time, Aiden took in a deep breath and slipped into the persona of Adam Steele.

  He approached the house by the back door, as he’d been instructed to do. The low rumble of an engine halted him before he entered the house. Someone was pulling up the driveway.

  That was not in the plan that Phillip had told him on the phone last night. No one else was supposed to be at the house until after their business was concluded.

  He knew Phillip would not have changed plans without telling him first. The man was very rigid. He liked to control every moment and didn’t like surprises. Anything that affected his image or how his business was managed was methodically planned out and handled.

  Aiden changed direction. Keeping close to the outer garage wall, he made his way around the side of the building to where he had a clear view of the driveway.

  An unfamiliar vehicle was rolling up in plain sight. Not good. Maybe whoever it was would leave quickly. Maybe it was just someone who’d gone the wrong direction and needed to turn around. The car halted and shifted into Park.

  There seemed to be two people in the car. Aiden couldn’t get a good view of the girl sitting in the back seat, but he could clearly see the woman in the front. Dark sunglasses hid her eyes, and her hair was pulled back into a thick ponytail high on the back of her head. It was a bright coppery red. Oval face, high cheekbones. Her mouth was drawn into a frown.