Trigger (Circle of Justice #1)

by L. P. Dover

  I swallowed hard. “Of course not.”

  “Where’s your ring?” he demanded, glaring at my hand. “I want to see it on you. When you go away to school, I want everyone to know you’re taken.”

  Silently, I prayed to God for help. I didn’t know how long I was going to be able to play along before I panicked. My fight or flight response was on the verge of kicking in. With shaky hands, I reached for Skittles and opened her pouch to get the ring. He watched me slide it down on my finger.

  “It’s a beautiful ring,” I said, voice cracking. He moved closer and I trembled when he touched my face. I’d never been so afraid in my life.

  “What about your boyfriend? Don’t you think it’s time you broke it off?”

  So many scenarios ran through my mind. Was this Cameron’s final moment with him? She must’ve done or said something to make him snap. I didn’t want to do that. “Yes,” I agreed. “I don’t love him anymore. Not like I love you.”

  Releasing a sigh, he closed the distance and I backed into the wall as his body pressed against mine. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear those words come from your lips.” He kissed me and I gave in, waiting for the chance to run. “I love you, Cameron. For the longest time, I—I thought I’d lost you. I thought . . .” He stopped and squeezed his eyes shut. “But then, here you are,” he finished.

  His mind was playing tricks on him. There was something totally fucked up in that brain of his. “I’m still here,” I said.

  His eyes opened. “I came to tell you that once summer’s over, I’ll be moving to be with you. That way, we can be together, just like we always wanted.”

  “I can’t wait.” I tried to move around him, but he grabbed my hips, pushing me toward the bed.

  “You have no idea how happy this makes me. Let’s celebrate.”

  Sucking in a breath, I fell backward as he pushed me onto the bed, and crawled on top of me. Pressing me into the mattress, he grabbed my breasts with bruising force, his arousal pushing into my hip. I tried to scream out, but he slapped a hand to my mouth. “Shush now. You know I don’t like it when you scream.”

  Tears burned my eyes. I could only imagine the vile things Cameron had to endure with him. He moved his hand from my mouth and it gave me the leverage I needed to push him up and away from me. “I’m not ready. I still have to pack.”

  His eyes blazed with impatience. “You can do it later,” he growled, ripping my T-shirt down the front. Next, he tried to restrain my arms, but I jerked out of his hold.

  “I said no,” I screamed, slapping him across the face.

  His head snapped to the side and everything changed for the worse. It brought him back to reality. The murderous glare he gave me sent chills up my spine. Boxing me in with his body, he let loose his rage. “I never let Cameron get away with that shit,” he snarled, gripping my wrists as hard as he could. I cried out as the pain shot up my arms. “Why the fuck do you think I’d let you do it, Emma?” Jerking my arms above my head, he pressed his weight completely on top of me.

  I couldn’t move or breathe. “I could ask you the same thing,” I gasped. “You don’t belong here.”

  He looked at my hand and pulled the ring off my finger. “How do you have this?” When I didn’t answer, he slapped me so hard I was sure he’d split my skin open. “Tell me.”

  The fear I felt earlier turned to rage. I had to fight for myself, for Cameron. “Cameron wanted it found,” I hissed. “That way we’d know who killed her!”

  For a split second, he appeared stunned. I took that as my opportunity. As hard as I could, I jerked out of his hold and elbowed him across the face. Blood poured out of his nose and he shouted in pain. I was able to slip out from under him, but before I could get to the door, he tackled me into the wall and we toppled to the floor.

  “Preston!” I screamed, hoping like hell he could hear my cries through the open window. The impact of the fall made my breath whoosh out of my lungs. Nathan laid on my back, holding my hands together in a tight grip. I gasped for air, then felt the sharp pain on my head as Nathan jerked my head back by the hair, his hot breath on my ear.

  “You thought you could fool me? You’re nothing but a whore, just like Cameron. She fucked up by choosing her boyfriend over me.”

  “What about her mother?”

  He scoffed. “Collateral damage. The bitch tried to intervene.” His weight lifted but then he turned me around, pinning me on my back with his hands holding my wrists.

  “You’re pathetic,” I spat. “How could anyone love a man who has to blackmail them to have sex with them?”

  “I wanted her!” he screamed, pressing his body into mine. “And she’s not here. But you are, aren’t you? My, my . . . how much you remind me of her.” He bent down and ravaged my mouth, forcing his way inside.

  I wanted to vomit. With a wave of adrenaline, I bit down on his bottom lip, hard—teeth slicing into his skin. Turning my head, I pulled my teeth to the side, tearing part of his lip wide open. Gagging, I spit his blood to the floor. As I gasped for air, he let out a roar of pain and rage.

  Without seeing his face, I knew what was coming. Before he could grab my neck, I wound up and punched him as hard as I could under his chin, but it only angered him more. He sat up and let go of my hands, only so he could get a better angle. His hand collided with the left side of my face so hard, my vision dimmed.

  Then, the real pain came. His hands found their way to my neck, grabbing and squeezing so hard, he cut off the oxygen to my lungs. I couldn’t breathe. Clawing at his arms, I drew as much blood as I could. He wasn’t going to get away this time.

  Preston

  The second I heard Emma scream my name, I dropped everything and raced up the front porch stairs. The door was locked, but I burst through with a swift kick and ran up the stairs as fast as I could. Nothing could have prepared me for what I walked in on.

  Nathan was on top of Emma, hands at her throat, blood dripping onto her face from his mangled mouth. She was trying to fight him off, but he was too strong.

  I lunged at him full force and tackled him to the floor. “You son of a bitch!” Punching him in the jaw, the sound of his bones cracking brought a smile to my face. I hit him again and again. Rage consumed me and all I wanted was his blood. He had to pay for what he did to my mother and sister. To Emma.

  I wanted nothing more than to end it all, but I had to make him suffer. It was only fair. Wrapping my hands around his neck, I squeezed. He grabbed at my wrists, his eyes wide and bloodshot. “Do you know who I am?” I demanded.

  He closed his eyes, gasping for the little bit of air I was letting through.

  I wanted him to feel pain and fear, it couldn’t end too soon. “You killed my mother and sister in cold blood, you fucking bastard. Now you’re going to die.” I squeezed harder. “Enjoy hell, cocksucker.”

  His face turned purple and his grip on my wrists loosened. Letting go, I allowed him one last ragged breath, a last dose of hope, before whispering, “Cameron never loved you,” then snapping his neck completely.

  I dropped his lifeless body to the floor and hurried over to Emma, who was on her hands and knees, struggling to breathe. Rubbing her back, I pulled out my phone. “I’m here, angel. You’re going to be fine.”

  She cried and rocked back and forth. “Preston.”

  “Shh, don’t talk. I’m calling for help.”

  Once the call was made and Emma had calmed down enough to get some air into her lungs, I carried her downstairs and sat her down on the couch. Running into the kitchen, I grabbed some towels and wet them, before rushing back to her. The bruises on her neck were already turning dark. I should’ve made the bastard suffer longer.

  Wiping his blood off her face, the sheer weight of the moment hit me and I broke down. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here. This never would’ve happened if—”

  She touched my cheek, her voice raspy. “We never would’ve gotten him if you were. You did nothing wrong.”
/>   I scoffed. “I almost lost you.”

  “But you got him. And I’m still here, baby. It’s a win-win.”

  It wasn’t long before sirens blared down the street and officers charged into the house. The paramedics placed Emma on a stretcher. I wanted to go with her, but I knew I had to stay and explain what happened to the cops. Before they could wheel her out, she grabbed my hand, wincing as she tried to talk. I knew it had to hurt.

  “Emma, stop. You don’t need to talk right now.”

  “Yes, I do,” she whispered hoarsely, pulling on my hand. I moved closer so I could hear. “Get the police to search Nathan’s house. He stole things from Cameron as keepsakes. Her necklace.” She swallowed again. “His name is in her diary. Look for Valentine’s Day.”

  I kissed her hand. “Thanks, angel. I’ll be with you soon.” The paramedics looked at me and I nodded for them to take her away.

  A few minutes passed and the chief of police walked in. His name was Grady McConnell and he was a good friend of my father and Glenn. He also knew I was part of the FBI. “Preston, it’s good to see you again,” he said, holding out his hand. “I just wish it was under better circumstances.”

  I shook his hand. “So do I.”

  He glanced at the stairs, where two of his men came down. “What’s going on?”

  “Nathan Cramer’s body is upstairs. He’s responsible for the deaths of my mother and my sister, and he also tried to kill Emma. I also have reason to believe he’s the man who murdered Shelly Price.”

  His mouth flew open. “Seriously? It was Cramer this whole time?”

  I nodded. “Most of the evidence is in my sister’s diary. He blackmailed her into having sex with him, while she was still in high school. And he has also recently been following Emma around.”

  For the next twenty minutes, I went into further detail over the evidence of Nathan’s interactions with the people he killed, and the events of our past week.

  Grady whistled when I was done. “That is some crazy shit.”

  “Yeah, tell me about it.” I looked at the clock, wondering how Emma was doing, and that reminded me of what she’d said. “Oh, and Emma told me before she was taken away, that Nathan had stolen some of Cameron’s things as keepsakes. You need to look for those things when you search his house. The diary should tell you what to look for.”

  “We will,” he said with a nod. “Now go, I’ve got this covered. I’m sure your dad will want to know what’s going on. I’ll be in contact first thing in the morning to ask you and Emma some further questions.”

  “Sounds good.” Rushing out to my car, I got in and hurried to the hospital. It was time I gave my father the news.

  By the time I got to Emma’s room, the doctor was already inside checking her out. Emma smiled when she saw me, which made some of my tension go away. But seeing the bruising on her cheek made the anger come back. The thought of anyone hitting her made my blood boil.

  “Other than a bruised neck, cheek, and vocal chords, and a few lacerations on her mouth, she’s good to go,” the doctor said. “Are you going to be the one taking care of her?”

  I nodded. “Yes.”

  “Okay. She just needs plenty of rest, ice for the neck, and fluids. The sooner the swelling goes down, the sooner her voice will return to normal.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Wheeler,” Emma whispered carefully.

  Once the doctor was gone, Emma tried to pick up her shoes and I helped her. “I got it, angel.” She sat back down and I slipped her shoes on her feet. “Has anyone called your parents?” I asked.

  She shook her head. “I was hoping we wouldn’t have to, but once the media finds out, I might not have a choice.” Unfortunately, she was right. “Have you told your dad yet?”

  “No. I wanted to see you first.” Her eyes widened and I held up my hand. “I’m going now, I promise.”

  “I’ll go with you.”

  “You don’t have to, Emma. Bryce is on his way here to take you back to Glenn’s.” I wanted her there, but I knew she’d already been through too much.

  She wrapped her arms around my waist. “I want to stay with you. Besides, I’d like to see your dad again.”

  I didn’t have it in me to argue with her. Besides, I wanted her with me, probably more than she wanted me. Knowing I could’ve lost her terrified the fuck out of me. Holding her hand, we took the elevator to my father’s floor. The door to his room was cracked open slightly, and I could hear his labored breathing.

  Emma looked up at me and her eyes said it all—he wasn’t long for this world.

  We walked in and my father’s eyes fluttered open. He coughed and a weak smile spread across his face. “My boy,” he croaked.

  “Hey, Dad.” I pulled the chair from the window and placed it next to mine. Gesturing for Emma to sit, I took the seat beside her.

  Emma nodded at him. “Hi, David.” He turned his head and she smiled sweetly. “It’s good to see you again.”

  His eyes narrowed as he took in her bruised face and neck, then he turned an angry glare my way. I could tell he wanted to blow up, but he didn’t have the strength.

  With pursed lips, I shook my head. “I didn’t hurt her, Dad.”

  Sucking in a ragged breath, he closed his eyes. “Good. I don’t think I could muster the strength to beat your ass.”

  “I’m sure you could, if you tried.”

  He opened his eyes and tried his best to smile, then he glanced over at Emma again. “Who hit you?” he asked her. “Hopefully, my son made them regret it.”

  Tears fell down her cheeks. “He did more than that. I’m sure he wants to be the one to tell you.”

  “I got him, Dad,” I said, the words catching in my throat. The emotional toll it had taken on us, on our relationship . . . it was all too much to process.

  Tears welled in my dad’s eyes, his heart rate spiking, sending the machines into a frenzy. He tried to wipe his eyes, but didn’t have the strength. When I grabbed a tissue and did it for him, he touched my arm. “Who was it? Tell me everything.”

  And that was when I sat on the side of his bed and told him every last detail, from beginning to the end. It was as if the weight lifted off my chest when I was done. I felt like a free man. I’d spent years obsessing over my mother and sister’s murders. The guilt had plagued me every day of my life.

  My father wept. “My baby girl.” He shook his head, dealing with the pain of his daughter’s loss all over again. When he was all cried out, he looked at me and patted my hand. “You did it. You did what I couldn’t do. I’ve never been more proud.”

  I reached for his hand and squeezed. “I’m just sorry it took so long.”

  “No. You made it right on time.” His eyes grew tired, but he made an effort to look at me before he closed them. “I love you, son. Thank you.”

  Emma turned her head and wiped away her tears, but mine fell openly down my face. “I love you too, Dad.”

  We left his room to let him get some rest and headed home, only to receive a call from his nurse later that night, informing me that he’d passed in his sleep.

  Emma

  The past three days had been a complete whirlwind. The funeral for Preston’s dad happened the day before, with just a small gathering of his closest friends, mainly those in the FBI, including Glenn. Even though it was hard on Preston, he pushed through it. We barely had time to rest with all the media attention. He hated having to be in the spotlight, but solving the Hale case was huge, especially since he was part of the family.

  A knock sounded on my door before it opened. I didn’t have to look to know who it was.

  “Angel, you coming back downstairs?” Walking up behind me, Preston wrapped his arms around my waist.

  I leaned back against his chest, loving the way he made me feel safe. “I am,” I replied with a sigh. “I just needed a break. We’ve barely had time to breathe. My parents like you though. They can’t seem to stop talking to you.” They’d come as soon as they’d heard, a
nd hadn’t left my side since.

  His breath tickled my neck when he chuckled. “That’s a good thing.” He kissed me and I shivered. “But break time’s over, baby. Grady’s here. He wants to see us.”

  We’d been waiting to hear what the police found at Nathan’s house. I was more than curious. “All right, let’s go.”

  Once downstairs, I waved at my parents, who were busy talking to Mrs. Walker and her husband. Preston took my hand and led me down the hallway to Glenn’s office. Glenn leaned against his desk with his arms crossed, his focus on Grady, who sat in a chair across from him with a folder in his hands. When we walked in, they both looked at us and smiled.

  Grady stood and held out his hand. “Emma, it’s good to see you again.”

  I shook his hand. “Same to you.”

  Glenn glanced back and forth, from me to Preston. “Cramer’s house has been thoroughly searched. Grady is here to tell us what they found.”

  All eyes turned to the chief of police. He handed the file to Glenn and when he opened it, there were some photos, but I couldn’t tell what they were of. “We found Cameron’s necklace and a few other items that belonged to her in Nathan’s house. We also found a picture and a bracelet belonging to Shelly Price.”

  Deep down, we’d known he was the culprit, but it was nice to get proof. Her family would get the answers they needed. I celebrated the victory in my head, then focused back on what Grady was saying.

  “Nathan’s uncle was tracked down in Columbia, and questioned. He had borrowed Nathan’s truck so he could pick up a living room set.” That explained why we thought Nathan was in Columbia. “He was informed of his nephew’s death, and he wasn’t at all surprised.”

  Brows furrowed, I looked at Preston, who seemed just as confused as me.

  “Why is that?” Preston asked.

  Grady nodded at the file. “Apparently, Nathan Cramer had a history of mental illness, with violent mood swings. He took medicine for it, but pills can’t fix everything.”

  I scoffed. “How was he even able to work in the school system? Don’t they do background checks?”