Sin

by Crystal V. Rhodes

“Marva told me that you resigned from Mount Peter and I know I played a major part in that. I’m sorry. That was the last thing I....”

  She placed a silencing finger against his mouth. “No. It was time. I’m at peace with all that’s happened. God has other plans for me.”

  Sin suckled her finger. “I hope marriage is one of them.”

  “Among other things.” She snaked her arms around him, drawing closer. “What else did Mama tell you? Did she say anything about the boys?”

  Sin’s face dropped. When he vanished, he had left letters for Colin and Trevor telling them good-bye. Trust funds were established for both of them, but he knew that money could never makeup for his abandonment.

  He gave a heavy sigh. “No. She hasn’t mentioned them. I’ve forced myself not to think about what they might be going through in the foster care system.”

  Nedra gave him a mysterious smile. “Well, I’ve got some good news about them.”

  Sin brightened. “Really?”

  “But I’ll only tell you if you tell me something I want to know.”

  His brow furrowed in feigned disapproval. “That sounds a lot like blackmail to me.”

  “I prefer to call it an exchange of information.” Reluctantly, she withdrew from his arms and took a seat on the desk beside him. She wanted to see his entire reaction when she told him her news. But first things first.

  “Like I said, I’m pretty good at deduction.”

  “No, you said that you were brilliant at it.”

  “I’ll go along with that. Anyway, I was told today that the Center started receiving anonymous donations about five years ago. Was it you? Did you make some deal with the Feds that this Center would benefit financially from what you were doing?”

  Sin looked astonished. “Why would I do something like that?”

  Nedra grinned. Her mother had been right. There was something inside this building that she needed in her life.

  “Because you’re you, and Reverend Davis would love to become the wife of Sin. Oh, by the way, you’re going to be a Daddy.”

  She proceeded to tell him about Colin and Trevor. The look on his face was one of pure joy.

  EPILOGUE

  On the beach along the Monterey shoreline, Nedra Davis-Reasoner sat nestled on a blanket spread on the sun drenched sand. Nearby, her husband and sons explored the rocky crevices for marine life. Draped in colorful, windbreakers that matched the one she was wearing, the three of them maneuvered the rocks, skillfully, stopping now and then to wave at her.

  These hours, just before sunset, had become the family’s favorite time of the day. The four of them would walk the shoreline for hours marveling at its quiet beauty, enjoying the pleasure of being together and having found each other. No longer would they have to face the world alone.

  Tomorrow they would drive into Santa Cruz, and their family of four would become five. Her name was Gillian, and she was three years old. Nedra had counseled her mother and promised the young woman on her deathbed that she would take care of the child. The woman died from hepatitis, contracted as the result of her drug addiction. She was nineteen years old.

  Nedra sighed. She had always wanted a daughter. They were all excited about the new addition to their family. God’s blessings continuously flowed.

  Nedra’s attention was brought back to her men as the echo of the word “Daddy” drifted into her consciousness. His face was flushed and animated as Colin made his way across the rocks to Sin to show him his latest discovery. Trevor, forever his brother’s shadow, followed him. He didn’t want to be left out of the hugs and kisses bestowed on them by their father. Sin didn’t disappoint either of them. The looks of adoration on their faces brought tears to Nedra’s eyes.

  Yes, life was good. On Sunday they would be going to church to give thanks for all their blessings. There would be five of them attending the service, including Sin.

  THE END

  SNEAK PREVIEWS OF OTHER NOVELS IN THE SIN SERIES

  SECRETS

  Synopsis

  After a devastating loss, Reverend Nedra Davis-Reasoner knows that she can depend on the love and support of her bad boy husband, Sinclair. He has been her rock since their controversial affair led to a love match years ago. Unfortunately, Sin falls short as he harbors a secret and an obsession that threatens to jeopardize their marriage. For comfort Nedra turns to renowned spiritual guru, Adam Casey, a man with deep, dark secrets of his own. Adam is also a man with an agenda. He plans to make Nedra his, but to do so he faces one obstacle. Sinclair Reasoner must be eliminated—permanently.

  PROLOGUE

  Death was his specialty. He was good at it. Why wouldn’t he be? He was a professional, skilled at his craft. His fee was high, astronomical according to some. He refused to do business with those who balked at the price for his services, certain that they did not respect his level of expertise. After all, he had a perfect record. He had been at this for decades and had never been caught or even suspected. He was a master at his craft.

  Accidental death was his forte. His victims never knew what hit them. Insurance monies were dispersed, mistresses became wives, or partnerships became sole proprietorships. Sometimes the motive was revenge. Whatever the case, he did his job well.

  He had never met any of his employers face to face. He never wanted to. Yet despite this referrals were plentiful. Arrangements were made by disposable cell phones. All funds were transferred by wire. No one had ever cheated him out of his earnings. Who would be that foolish? The consequences would be deadly. So he went about his life above suspicion, taking pride in his many accomplishments and basking in the admiration bestowed on him by others. No one knew that he was a killer without a conscious, and he vowed to himself that as long as he lived he would make certain that no one ever would.

  The job that he had been hired to perform this time should be simple. The target was an easy one. He hadn’t chosen the method for the kill yet. There were a variety of options that he had used before, and all were successful. The deaths had been ruled as accidents. He had no doubt that it would be the same this time.

  His destination was the Monterey Peninsula, where he planned on taking a much needed vacation after this job was completed. Eliminating human beings could be tasking.

  Sometimes he wished that the path that he had chosen in life was more visible, and then everyone would know how good he was at his profession. He was a good actor as well. He played the part of the average man so skillfully that no one came close to guessing his true character. If that should occur, it would be the end of his covert activities, and it was exciting having a secret that no one knew. He found great satisfaction in a job well done, and he was certain that the one coming up would prove be just as fulfilling.

  CHAPTER 1

  Reluctantly, Nedra Davis-Reasoner opened her eyes as the morning light filtered through the colorful skylight high above her head. As dramatic as the dazzling prisms of light could be there were times when she wished that they had not added the unique feature to their bedroom. This was one of those times.

  Slipping a plump pillow over her head, she closed her eyes and waited for sleep to return. She was exhausted. That was the price to be paid for a night of unbridled passion. It had lasted into the early hours of the morning and the little devil inside of her smugly whispered that it was well worth it. She and her husband, Sinclair, had done everything but swing from the chandelier. Her lips curled into a satisfied smile at the memory

  Sleep had began to reclaim her when suddenly the cocoon of warmth in which she was burrowed was removed, leaving her long, lean body laying bare for all to see. Fortunately, the only witness to her nudity stood over her with the fluffy down comforter in his hands, and he was nude as well.

  “Up and at ‘em!” Sinclair Reasoner declared. “If I have to get up this early then so do you.”

  Dropping the cover to the floor, he proceeded to add insult to injury by pulling one pillow from over her face and the other one from bene
ath her head. Nedra took a swat at him. It missed. He leaped back, cackling in delight.

  Turning over on her back she hoisted herself up on her elbows. Beneath sleep-laden eyelids she glared at him, inducing more laughter from her playful spouse.

  “I don’t see what’s so funny,” Nedra growled, wondering how he managed to muster so much energy. Pulling herself up, she sat on the side of the bed. “I’m tired.” She released a long yawn to emphasize her point.

  Still chuckling, Sin tossed the pillows aside, took both her hands and pulled his listless wife to her feet. Wrapping her in his arms, he folded her curvaceous body against his and brought his lips to her ear.

  “I know of a little somethin’ somethin’ that could give you a quick pick you up.” He rubbed his member against her as it begin to spring to life.

  Nedra turned out of his arms and slapped at him again. “Get that thing away from me! That’s what caused my sleep deprivation in the first place. I thought that we were supposed to slow down in our forties.”

  “Not me.” Sin struck a pose. “I’m Superman!”

  “No, you’re a sex fiend!” Retrieving a pillow, she threw it at him.

  Dodging her weapon, Sin’s dark eyes twinkled as he watched Nedra’s 5’ 10” frame drag across the room toward the bathroom to get ready for the day. How could he love one person this much? After eight years of marriage, this tall, brown skinned beauty could still stop the beat of his heart with one sultry glance from her gorgeous eyes. Her intelligence and grace were what men dreamed of when seeking a mate. She was gentle and kind, but no pushover by any means. An ordained minister, Nedra Davis Reasoner was not only the love of his life, but she was also as sexy as hell. He was a lucky man. She was perfect, and he looked forward to being with this woman until the end of his life.

  When Sin walked into the bathroom, Nedra was already in the large, etched glass shower. She knew that he would be joining her and was waiting. They had been taking most of their morning showers together since they first got married. The ritual had provided a refuge from their three children. There they could make love without interruptions and it still served that purpose. This morning the best that they could do was lather one another’s bodies, wrap themselves in fluffy towels from the warming rack and move to their individual dressing rooms to get ready.

  After dressing, Nedra felt a little more energized, but it was going to be a long day. It was Friday, and at the non-profit organization, where she was Executive Director, an important visitor would be making his appearance. Adam Casey, the distinguished spiritual leader, renowned speaker and bestselling author was in town. For the next few weeks he would be on the Monterey Peninsula observing their organization and consulting with their staff about the work they did with the children of drug addicted parents.

  The office had been abuzz with anticipation since learning of his pending arrival. Everyone who worked there was flattered that someone of Casey’s prominence had singled out their small operation for special attention. Of course, the fact that their program’s achievements had received numerous local and state awards wasn’t to be ignored, but his presence confirmed that the work they did was being recognized. So, today was special. Nedra knew that she had to be on top of her game. She wanted to make a good impression, and bags under her eyes just wouldn’t do.

  After carefully applying her makeup and choosing a flattering outfit, she entered the bedroom, just as Sin breezed out of his dressing room. As he scurried around looking for this and that, Nedra caught a whiff of his expensive cologne and stopped in her tracks. It wasn’t only his scent that had halted her steps, but the entire essence of the man. He was the CEO of an import business that he had founded years ago and he looked every bit the part. Dressed in a steel gray suit that was tailored to perfection, he had complimented the suit with a pale pink shirt and gray silk tie with pink designs. The man looked good enough to eat. Her husband was truly fine. It was a fact that she sometimes forgot.

  With his smooth chocolate brown complexion, dark deep set eyes and full sensuous lips, accented by a well trimmed moustache, Sinclair Reasoner was the kind of man who turned women’s heads. The prominent clef in his chin and the threads of gray in his close cut hair only added to his good looks. His smile could weaken a woman’s knees and his sense of style rivaled that of models on the cover of magazines. Sinclair could accurately be described as 6 feet 2 inches of male perfection, and he was all hers. The thought was like a shot of adrenaline as Nedra gave his bottom a love tap when he passed by. Sin stopped and turned.

  “Well, it looks like you’ve perked up.” His voice was tinged with amusement.

  “Sure enough,” Nedra wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

  Grabbing her around the waist, he drew her to him. “Does that mean I’ve got something to look forward to tonight?”

  Nedra kissed the tip of his nose. “Maybe.” Slipping from his embrace, she steered him across the room. “But first we’ve got jobs to get to.”

  Sin fell in step with her as they entered the hallway. “I bet you’re excited.”

  “About Adam Casey coming today?”

  He drew back. “No, I’m talking about the DNA test. The results arrive today.”

  “Oh, that’s right!” Nedra brightened. The maternal side of her family had submitted to DNA tests to find the origin of their African ancestry. This was going to be a good day.

  STRANGERS

  Synopsis

  When celebrity attorney, DANA MANSFIELD first encounters security specialist, JAMES STARR, she is openly hostile. She can’t help but wonder if this stranger holds the key to the disappearance of two children whose lives she is trying desperately to save. Shocked by her hostility, James is no less wary of Dana, especially when he discovers her connection to his enemy, Sinclair Reasoner—a man whom he has sworn to kill on sight. As events threaten to spiral out of control and the attraction between Dana and James grows, lurking in the shadows is another stranger, a man whose sinister presence is destined to lead to love, redemption and revenge.

  PROLOGUE

  As he sat in the corner of the tiny structure that served as a café and gossip center, the man sipped his cup of coffee lazily while reading the newspaper. He sat alone with his back to the wall, facing the dozen or so wood hued table and chairs occupying the minute space.

  He was friendly enough, nodding and smiling at his neighbors who drifted in and out of the building. His fellow islanders greeted him in return, but they respected his privacy. Rarely did he include himself in conversation or gossip. Years ago he had appeared among them as a tourist, and stayed to establish himself as a resident. Still he remained a stranger among them.

  Since the day of his arrival on the island he would come into the café and order a cup of coffee and a breakfast roll. He would meander over to a bin where an assortment of old newspapers lay in a stack, dig through them, withdraw one, and then go sit at a table where he would sip, eat and read. The newspapers were usually left in the café by tourists, but he didn’t seem to mind that some had been there so long they had yellowed from age. He would read each page meticulously, his actions so perfectly timed that he completed his coffee and roll the same instant that he finished reading. Afterward, he would neatly fold the paper, withdraw a writing pen from his pocket and put a mark on the front of the issue so that he wouldn’t withdraw it from the bin again. This had been the man’s routine for years and it had never varied—until today.

  The café owner was caught by surprise when the man stood so suddenly that he knocked the half full cup of coffee from the table to the floor. The earthen mug shattered into pieces. He looked up in time to see the look of shocked disbelief on the man’s face as he stared at the newspaper page in his hand. Before the owner could get to the table to clean up the thick dark liquid seeping into the worn wooden floor boards, the man had rushed out of the building carrying the newspaper page in his hand. He hadn’t finished his roll nor had he read the rest of the paper. More importantly, h
e had forgotten to leave the generous tip that he always left for the owner

  Resigned, the owner gathered the remaining sections of the paper as he wondered what could have possibility caused the man to leave so quickly. Glancing at the masthead of the newspaper pages left behind, he noted that this particular edition was a few years old and was some entertainment publication called Variety.

  CHAPTER 1

  Dana Mansfield was close to hyperventilating. She had to get a hold of herself before she passed out. Her body was trembling and she tried hard to pull herself together as she made an attempt to understand what was happening. First, there had been the telephone call and then—

  “Hello?”

  Dana jumped. The voice was deep and masculine and it was coming from the waiting room which she thought was deserted. Her eyes shifted toward the open doorway while her mind raced. Who could that be? She hadn’t been expecting anybody. The staff had gone for the day and she was here alone, or so she thought. Could it be the caller? Her first impulse was to rush to the door, close and lock it, but it was too late as the voice suddenly materialized into the shape of a figure blocking the entire doorway.

  The man was tall—very tall—at least six feet six, with a muscular build. He was dressed casually in blue jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers. Some sort of tattoo adorned the bulging muscle beneath his t-shirt sleeve. His complexion was golden brown. His head was shaved bald. He sported a neatly trimmed goatee and he wore sunglasses. His persona certainly didn’t calm the anxiety that she was feeling. He could be the stranger who had called.