DI Lorne Simpkins 08 - Hostile Justice

by M A Comley

  There were two surprise visitors waiting for the team when they arrived at the pub. One was Chief Roberts, who looked as though he hadn’t slept for days, and the other was the journalist Derek, who raised a glass at them with the broadest of grins stretching across his face.

  Lorne sidled up to Derek. “Why are you grinning like the Cheshire Cat?”

  “I wanted you to be the first to know, Lorne.”

  “What? Come on?”

  “I handed in my resignation. After running the article over the weekend, praising your team’s efforts, a few of the nationals rang me, asking if I’d consider working for them.”

  “Really? Derek, that’s fantastic.” Lorne kissed his cheek and announced the journalist’s good news to the crowd.

  It looked as though it was going to be a long night. Lorne left Derek celebrating with the team and walked over to Sean. “How are the girls?”

  “They’re both doing remarkably well. Little Sara will be in an incubator for a few days or weeks, they’re not sure yet. Apparently, that’s normal for premature babies. I wish we’d had a baby years ago, Lorne.” He let out a satisfied, “new father” type of sigh.

  She dug him in the ribs. “You won’t be saying that in the future. I’ll give you six months before you start cursing having a newborn in the house, Sean Roberts.”

  Lorne then sought out her husband, who was busy chatting with AJ and Katy. She tugged his arm. “Come on you…‌let’s leave the lovebirds alone.”

  AJ and Katy groaned and shot her an insufferable look. “I give up,” Katy said, shaking her head.

  “Yeah, it’s best not to argue with her, Katy, you should know that by now,” Tony said, laughing.

  “Wise words, Mr. Warner.” Lorne winked at him and dragged him onto the makeshift dance floor. She wrapped her arms around his neck as they swayed to the slow music. “I love you, Mr. Warner. Even though you drive me crazy when you volunteer for dangerous missions.”

  He kissed her then drew back. “It was fun though. You look so happy, Lorne. It’s great to see you back where you belong.”

  She sighed and rested her head against his chest as she looked over at her joyous team.

  It’s great to be back.

  NOTE TO THE READER

  Thank you for reading Hostile Justice; I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading this novel as much as I loved writing it.

  If you liked it, please consider posting a short review as genuine feedback is what makes all the lonely hours writers spend producing their work worthwhile.

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  CRUEL JUSTICE (Justice #1)

  #1 Best-selling novel in two categories, Police procedurals and Women sleuths in both US and UK and Amazon top 20 novel in 2013.

  The headless body of a wealthy widow is discovered decomposing in Chelling Forest. Then a second victim is found. Detective Inspector Lorne Simpkins and her partner, DS Pete Childs are assigned the case. Before they can discover the identity of the killer they must make a connection between the two victims.

  After a third murder, Lorne receives a grisly surprise. Clearly, a vicious serial killer is on a rampage…‌‌and Lorne has become the killer’s fixation.

  Lorne can’t allow her failing marriage or her new boss—a man with whom she shares a sensuous secret—keep her from focusing on her job. She must catch the macabre murderer, or risk becoming the next victim.

  Amazon US | Amazon UK

  IMPEDING JUSTICE (Justice #2)

  For eight long years, Detective Inspector Lorne Simpkins has tracked the vicious criminal known as The Unicorn. But the killer has frustrated MI6 at every turn and remained successful at Impeding Justice.

  When Lorne is targeted in a trap that results in the death of her partner, the tragedy shakes her confidence to the core. Before she has time to recoup, her teenage daughter is kidnapped. More than Lorne’s professional reputation rests on her bringing The Unicorn to justice.

  Amazon US | Amazon UK

  FINAL JUSTICE (Justice #3)

  A ruthless killer returns—and former DI Lorne Simpkins is forced to revisit her ugly past.

  After suffering a breakdown and quitting the force, Lorne Simpkins finds herself embroiled in an MI6 covert operation to hunt down her old enemy, a sadistic and merciless criminal whose ambition is to become the world’s richest man.

  Lorne tracks the madman through France, attempting to thwart his plans and bring her long-time nemesis to Final Justice.

  Amazon US | Amazon UK

  FOUL JUSTICE (Justice #4)

  Detective Inspector Lorne Simpkins is back on the force. Before she can get comfortable with her new partner, newly-promoted DS Katy Foster, the two are assigned a tragic murder case that looks like a robbery gone wrong. However, when another wealthy footballer’s family meets the same deadly fate within twenty-four hours, it is clear the crimes involve something far more sinister.

  Keeping her focus on unravelling the complex case isn’t easy for Lorne when she learns news that throws her personal life into a spin—her fiancé, M16 agent Tony Warner, is involved in a dangerous covert operation in Afghanistan.

  But innocent people are dying on her patch, and someone must catch the killers. Lorne can’t allow this Foul Justice to prevail.

  Amazon US | Amazon UK

  GUARANTEED JUSTICE (Justice #5)

  Retired DCI Lorne Simpkins thought she knew what she wanted when she started an animal rescue centre with her husband Tony. Although saving and retraining exploited dogs is fulfilling, Lorne can’t help but feel that something vital is missing from her life. Linda Carter is brutally raped and left for dead in an alley. By some miracle, she survives, but now she lives each day terrified by the perpetrator’s final threatening words—that her sister, Fiona, will be his next victim.

  The sisters decide to adopt a guard dog and contact the rescue centre. During a home check to see if the girls and their flat are suited for a German Shepherd, Lorne witnesses Linda’s horrendous injuries. The young woman knows the identity of her rapist—wealthy, playboy Graham Gibson—however, the police haven’t made an arrest. The shocking story turns into a life-altering moment for Lorne. She decides to become a Private Investigator, and urges the girls to let her take up their case. Little does she know that more victims will come forward to accuse Gibson of rape.

  Lorne is determined to see this vicious criminal behind bars, but is anyone ever guaranteed justice?

  Amazon US | Amazon UK

  ULTIMATE JUSTICE (Justice #6)

  A ship wreck—

  Dozens of bodies washed ashore—

  Clear evidence that evil has made port in London.

  The horrific case piques the interest of P.I. Lorne Simpkins. It doesn't take long before Lorne learns that young, helpless women are being caged and sold to the wealthy and salacious. Old wounds are wrenched open when she suspects a cover-up by the very authorities that should be keeping lawful order. Can she trust the self-serving journalist bent on making the human-trafficking ring his next big story? When her daughter is involved in a life-threatening accident, it's difficult for Lorne to keep her head in the game. But Lorne and her ex-MI6 husband, Tony, are determined to end the repulsive slave trade and bring the criminals to justice—even if it means Lorne ends up locked in a cage herself.

  Amazon US | Amazon UK

  VIRTUAL JUSTICE (Justice #7)

  Internet Dating—A Stalker’s Paradise

  P.I. Lorne Warner is back in Virtual Justice, the seventh installment in the Justice series.

  The body of a strangled woman draws Lorne into an intricate investigation that expands swiftly when a second innocent is murdered. A serial killer is on the loose, plucking victims from Internet dating sites. But when a third victim—this one male—is discovered, Lorne is forced to admit her worst fears…she is on the trail of a serial killer duo.

  Lorne’s personal life grows complicated as her sister, Jade,
struggles to come to terms with their father’s death. Lorne suggests drastic measures to cure Jade’s grief.

  The answers are out there, but will Lorne solve the crimes and find the killer before the next victim dies?

  Amazon US | Amazon UK

  TORN APART (Hero series #1)

  Everyone understands about the no-go districts—areas of the city so overrun with gang violence even the police stay away. In this book, the first in a new series, DI Hero Nelson sets out to combat the issue.

  When Saskia Hartley and her nine-year-old son are run down outside a restaurant, DI Nelson knows it is no ordinary hit-and-run incident. He's looking at a homicide case…‌‌and the evidence points to the brutal Krull Gang. When two prostitutes are murdered, but little interest is given to the women on the Krull's payroll, Nelson connects the dots.

  DI Nelson has to decide whether he's dealing with a turf war or something far more sinister.

  Amazon US | Amazon UK

  SOLE INTENTION (#1 Intention Series)

  Former police officers Ellen Brazil and Brian Lynx have joined forces to start a successful missing persons investigation firm which has just been contracted to find the wife of bodybuilder Will Endersbe. Ellen discovers that a number of women with similar features and hair colour have also vanished in the Worcester area. Ellen and Brian suspect a serial kidnapper is to blame, and without a body, the police are happy to leave the case in their hands to solve.

  Hoping the women are still alive, Ellen digs for clues and races to find the women, despite her troubled private life and a meddlesome stepfather with a violent secret.

  Amazon US | Amazon UK

  GRAVE INTENTION (#2 Intention Series)

  Private investigator Ellen Brazil is hired to find ex-banker Charles Dugan, who disappeared after his mansion burned to the ground. Ellen quickly discovers that Dugan’s new profession—playing poker full time—has earned him a circle of very dangerous “friends.”

  Ellen’s investigation is disrupted when her mother is injured, leaving Ellen to wonder why her mother’s abusive husband has gone missing when he should be at the hospital. Ellen finds herself trying to solve two cases at once while smoothing over her own personal issues.

  When she learns Dugan has plans to flee the country, Ellen knows it’s imperative to find him before the gang he owes money to discover his whereabouts and carry out their grave intentions.

  Amazon US | Amazon UK

  It’s A Dog’s Life

  This is a 12,000 word novelette that takes place between Cruel Justice and Impeding Justice and is based on actual events.

  It may not be homicide, but to DI Lorne Simpkins it’s still murder.

  When a reporter friend of DI Lorne Simpkins gives her a tip about a story involving ex-racing greyhounds, Lorne is sceptical.

  But after delving into it, she’s horrified to discover the grisly fate of racing dogs that are no longer useful to their owners—and she’s determined to bring the cruel and uncaring owners to justice…

  “Animal welfare is so close to my heart, the real-life plight of these former racing dogs moved me to tears. I’m delighted to donate all profits of the book to PUPS, The Protection of Unwanted Puppies Society.”

  Amazon US | Amazon UK

  Merry Widow

  This is a 5000 word short story to accompany the best-selling Justice series.

  It’s just an ordinary day in the life of D I Lorne Simpkins until she gets a phone call from a woman whose husband has died in unusual circumstances.

  Lorne takes up the case with disastrous results for both her and her partner DS Pete Childs.

  Amazon US | Amazon UK

  A Time To Heal (a romance novella)

  Family Liaison Officer, Chloe Fullerton is helping hero pilot, Captain Steve Ewing, recuperate from injury after he landed his stricken plane, avoiding a major disaster.

  Chloe’s sworn off love ever since she lost the love of her life. But the spark between her and Steve makes her feel she may yet love again. There’s turbulence ahead though—Steve’s ex-wife is determined to wreck his and Chloe’s blossoming relationship.

  Novella approx 33,000 words.

  Amazon US | Amazon UK

  A Time For Change (a romance novella)

  Based on a true story.

  Danielle Pires’s life is going well. She has a boyfriend who wants to marry her and is building a reputation as a talented and hard-working interior designer. Keen to expand her portfolio, Danielle is delighted by a request to breathe life back into the Victorian Mansion that handsome Scott Jordache is renovating.

  Her parents, meanwhile, have organised a surprise Caribbean cruise to give her a much-needed break.

  Danielle sets sail only to discover Scott aboard the same ship, but mysteriously travelling under a pseudonym. Intrigued, she feels torn between mistrust and being drawn in by his charm.

  Should she let herself fall for Scott or return to the security of the man she left at home?

  33,000 words.

  Amazon UK | Amazon UK

  A Twist in the Tale

  Six short stories with a twist at the end.

  Amazon US | Amazon UK

  High Spirits

  This is a true account of a paranormal experience I encountered when I moved into my first house in France.

  The cover is a true picture relating to the story.

  This story is 5000 words.

  Amazon US | Amazon UK

  Read the first chapter of TORN APART the exciting new novel in a new thriller series by M A Comley.

  PROLOGUE

  Saskia Hartley knew she was the luckiest woman alive. She had a man who worshipped her and a son who told her daily she was the best mummy ever. After arriving at the school gates, she got out of the Range Rover to stretch her legs. She’d had a long day, and traffic had been annoyingly heavy for some reason. She couldn’t believe she’d made it before the school bell rang.

  A couple of the other mums were chatting away and laughing outside the gates, but she wasn’t keen on joining them. They’d never really shown any interest in getting to know her anyway, which was fine by her. She had a hard time figuring out why that was, and she flipped between thinking they disapproved of her Russian background or the fact that she had married into English gentry. Either way, they could stick their friendship where the sun didn’t shine. Shallow people really pissed her off.

  A petite blonde pulled her sports car to a stop beside Saskia. Jilly Soames waved as she got out of the car and came to meet her. “Hi, Saskia. Well, are you looking forward to the summer holidays?”

  Shyly, Saskia smiled. “I love the holidays with Laurence. We have a full itinerary over the coming months. It’s our special time together.”

  Jilly looked at her in disbelief. “Really? You mean you don’t farm Laurence out to your other relatives during the holidays?”

  Shocked, she replied, “No! Why would I want to do that? What’s the point in having children if you don’t want to spend time with them?” The bell rang, and she started towards the gates.

  Jilly broke into a trot to keep up with her. “Well, two weeks with my kids, and you’d soon understand my point of view.”

  Saskia laughed softly. “You are funny, my friend.” She waved when she saw Laurence struggling across the playground with his school trunk. He burst through the gates, dropped the trunk, and flew into her arms. She clutched him tightly and whirled him around, much to the nine-year-old’s delight. “Darling, I’ve missed you so much.”

  “Not as much as I’ve missed you, Mummy.”

  Releasing him, she bent down to help him with his trunk, but her son, being the little gentleman that he was, refused to let her help carry it. “See you soon, Jilly. Have fun.”

  Jilly waved and mumbled, “Fat chance of that happening. You two enjoy yourselves over the holidays.”

  “We will,” Saskia called over her shoulder. She pressed the key fob to unlock the car, hoisted his trunk in the boot, then sett
led Laurence in the backseat before jumping behind the wheel and setting off.

  “Mum?” Laurence asked hesitantly.

  “Yes, love.” Saskia had an idea what was coming next.

  “Can we stop off and get a McDonald’s?”

  She smiled and gazed in the rear-view mirror at the large grin lighting up his adorable face. They went through the same ritual at the end of every term. After being cooped up in boarding school for weeks on end, every boy in the school craved a burger the second he was set free. Oh, how she had missed her Laurence.

  “If we must. We’ll stop at the one up the road before we head for the motorway again.”

  She heard Laurence rustling around in his bag for something, then watched as he plugged in his iPod. She was glad to have him back. Her heart felt lighter somehow. She’d been excited about seeing him for weeks, much to her husband’s amusement. Rupert teased her constantly about the way she doted on her son.

  She pulled into the McDonald’s car park a few minutes later. Saskia preferred to eat on the premises rather than use the drive-through facilities after making that mistake once and having the smell linger in the car’s upholstery for weeks—even after she’d had it thoroughly valeted.

  They left the vehicle, engrossed in idle chatter, they neglected to see the Astra speeding towards them.

  “Watch out!” a man shouted at Saskia.

  She yanked her son backwards just before the car flew past. Searching for safety, she rushed through the front door of the restaurant and immediately crouched down in front of her son. “My God, are you all right? The idiots could have killed us.”

  The boy trembled, tears welled up in his terrified eyes. He tried to put on a brave face and gave her a small smile to reassure her. “I’m okay, thanks to my Supermummy.”

  She hugged him, and they walked up to the counter to select their meals. The restaurant was quiet, but she had a feeling that wouldn’t last long when the other schools in the area finished for the day.