For Justice

by Jeannette Winters

  For Justice

  Turchetta’s Promise Series

  Book Three

  by

  Jeannette Winters

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  Renzo Turchetta left his SWAT unit and sided with his brothers battling evil in a more global role. The demand was constant and rapidly turned into his exclusive purpose in life.

  Hydria Vose loved her profession as a patrolwoman for the LA law enforcement unit. Every day brought unique challenges. There was one she aimed for, obtaining the position of Detective.

  Renzo knew Hydria’s reputation. She was out to prove herself in any manner she could to secure a promotion, even if it meant putting herself in grave danger. That’s why he’d denied her request when she applied for his SWAT team years ago. She accused him of being personally responsible for obstructing her career advancement. She wasn’t entirely mistaken.

  When Hydria receives notification that her younger brother went AWOL from the Marine Corps, she takes it upon herself to find him. Hydria knows something happened to him, but the government won’t give her any answers. Her resources are limited, and she is forced to reach out for help.

  Copyright

  Google Play Edition

  An original work of Jeannette Winters, 2018.

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, places, events, business establishments or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to Muriel for taking the time to chat about all my stories. I’m amazed how well you know them all. Also to Mulberry Vineyards for letting me use your beautiful vineyard in my book. It’s a perfect combination, my stories, your wine!

  www.mulberryvineyards.com

  Karen Lawson, Janet Hitchcock, E.L. King and Marion Arche, my editors you are all amazing!

  To my readers who continue to inspire me with endless messages and kind words. Always make time for romance.

  Cover design by MLDGraphics

  Hate to say goodbye to your favorite characters? The perfect solution is a Synchronized Series! One world. Three authors. Character cross-over. Triple the amount of books. Binge reading at its best.

  Each author’s books are full stories you can enjoy individually! But putting them all together weaves an even more pleasurable reading experience.

  Table of Contents

  Cover

  Title Page

  About the Book

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  Synchronized Series

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Other Books By Jeannette Winters

  Chapter One

  ‡

  “Listen, Vose, for years you’ve been hounding me to give you a shot, and here it is,” Commander Diaz barked.

  Hydria Vose had weighed her options, and there weren’t any. She was her brother’s only hope. “Commander, I know, but what else can I do? I know Steve isn’t AWOL. He’d never—”

  “What has the Marine Corps given you to make you believe otherwise?” When she didn’t answer, Diaz continued, “Exactly. They are looking at the facts, and you are . . . driven by emotion. I get it, he’s your kid brother, but he’s no child. You can’t let his foolish actions ruin this promotion for you. Hell, Vose, if you pass this up, there might not be another chance. You’ve wanted this promotion for years. Now you’re not only passing it up but quitting the force? Why are you willing to walk away from it?”

  “Steve is all I have, and I’m not going to stop until I find him.” Even if it means giving up my dream. It wasn’t an easy thing to do, but Hydria got up from her seat, removed her badge, and laid it on Commander Diaz’s desk, then did the same with her service revolver. “I appreciate you considering me for the team.”

  Diaz got up and extended his hand. Hydria took it, knowing this was where they parted. A month ago she never would have thought this was where she’d be standing, what she’d be forced to do. Under any other circumstance she’d have submitted her resignation weeks in advance. Instead she was only able to give him seven days notice. Diaz had believed she’d retract it and stay with the force, take his promotion offer. And as much as it pained her to walk away from a career, she knew it was the right decision. “I hope you find what you’re looking for. You’re a damn good patrol officer. I’m sure you would’ve proven yourself as a valuable member of my SWAT Team.”

  “Thank you.” And she meant that, because although he was gruff and opinionated, Commander Diaz’s belief in her abilities had actually given her the courage to do what she was doing now.

  Hydria left his office and went to clean out her locker. She’d been part of the LA Police Department for eleven years. She’d been lucky and got in as soon as she graduated from the academy at age twenty-four. Hydria had mapped out her career and thought she would’ve advanced long ago. But she’d encountered a stumbling block. A man who believed she wasn’t ready. I wouldn’t be where I am today if you hadn’t stood in my way Turchetta. I hate that your lack of trust in me thwarted who I could have become.

  It was easier for her to blame all her woes on Renzo. She’d been passed up for promotions even after Turchetta left the force four years ago. As she tossed in the last few items from her locker, she was angry at herself. Not only had someone she’d admired not trusted her, but that distrust had caused her to doubt herself. That wasn’t the case any longer. She had more arrests under her belt than most people in her department. That didn’t seem to mean anything. Hydria’s struggles hadn’t changed. She couldn’t keep a partner. It didn’t matter if they were rookies or seasoned officers; they all said the same thing about her. She wasn’t afraid to rush in, even in the face of danger. Do you really want someone who’ll shit themselves and duck for cover?

  In her mind, her fearlessness should make her an asset, not a liability. Yet, at each interview for a promotion, it was brought up again and again. No one thought she was capable of acting as part of a team. She didn’t believe that was a fair statement, but she did what her superiors suggested and took additional training to get where she was today. Asked to be part of the toughest team in the department. But in her current state of mind, she was useless to the team and anyone else who would depend on her.

  Hydria closed her locker door and swung her black canvas bag over her shoulder. She looked around the locker room; it was empty. She was rarely there except for shift change and discussing what the day had been like. Was this the end of her career as a police officer? She hoped not. There are other police departments. I can alwa
ys start again. After I find Steve.

  The hardest part of walking away from her job was losing the friendships she’d made. There weren’t many, if she was honest, but those who had taken the time to see behind the tough-girl façade knew her job had been her life. Apart from Steve. A few surprised officers shook her hand and wished her well, providing a balm to her aching heart. All the time I’ve given here. As she walked out the front door of the police station, Hydria felt as though she was alone. It was an odd feeling because she always knew what her next step was. Although she worked best alone, Hydria didn’t doubt for a second that her fellow officers wouldn’t be there for her. Yet on this, she had no one backing her. The one person she always counted on was the one missing. And no one will believe me.

  Once inside her car, Hydria pulled out her cell phone and called a number Diaz had given her. Although he didn’t want her to leave, Diaz was at least pointing her in the direction of someone to help her. She’d asked Diaz how he knew Bennett Stone. Diaz said there were things best not discussed. That was an understatement based on everything that was happening.

  At least this guy’s on the East Coast. Calling the number, she waited, thinking it would go to voicemail.

  “This is Stone.”

  The man’s voice was gruff and sounded as though she’d woken him. Hydria had forgotten the time difference. It was two in the morning here in California, but back in Boston Massachusetts, it was only five. I thought people in Boston were always move. Guess that only starts after sunrise.

  “Hi. I’m sorry to call you so . . . early. I’m looking for Bennett Stone.”

  “You got him.”

  “My name is Officer Hydria Vose from LAPD. I was given your number by a friend.” There was no need to mention the fact she’d quit. If it comes up, I’ll mention it.

  “That’s usually how it works. What do you need?” Bennett asked.

  “My brother is missing. I need your help to find him.”

  “I’ll be in the office at nine. Come in and bring all the information with you. I’ll look it over.”

  “Look it over? What does that mean?”

  “It means I’ll let you know if I’ll take the job when I have more details.”

  Hydria couldn’t believe it. “You’re serious? There’s a missing Marine, and you have to think about it?”

  “And that’s key information I didn’t have a minute ago. I’ll meet you in the office within the hour.”

  Hydria was glad Bennett seemed more enthusiastic to assist, but there was one problem. “I’m on the West Coast. California to be exact. I can be in Boston tonight. Can I send you the information, and we can discuss when I get there?”

  “You’re that sure I’ll take you on as a client?” Bennett asked.

  Not one bit. She had no choice but to be honest. “I’m that desperate.” Had it been her imagination or had she heard him swear under his breath? Hope that’s not a bad sign.

  Bennett’s tone changed as he firmly said, “I’ll text you where to send the information. Not committing to anything more than reviewing it. Understood?”

  It wasn’t the answer she wanted, but she knew once he saw what she had, Bennett would understand her plight. She could tell by his response he had served his country too. Bennett Stone understood that once always faithful . . . always always faithful. It reminded her of Steve and what he said. Semper Fi. “I’ll be there tonight.”

  As soon as she was off the phone, Hydria booked the first flight to Logan Airport. There wasn’t much time to pack, but this wasn’t a vacation. All she needed was clothes for a day or two. Once Bennett took the job, she would come back to California and continue with her own search. Just wish I knew where else to look.

  Sitting at the airport, Hydria sent all the files she had to the encrypted email address Bennett provided then closed her eyes and waited for her flight to board. Never would she have thought it would come to this. She’d made call after call to get in touch with Steve’s CO but always came up empty-handed. Hydria used to believe in the system. It had been fair and just. But no longer. Now she knew it was manipulated by many different factors. And at the top was money. Something or someone was blocking her from finding Steve. What I need to know is who and why.

  A reality check caused Hydria to admit to herself she couldn’t do this alone, and everyone she worked with was as restricted as she was. Finding Steve was going to require unconventional methods. Things I can’t be involved with while on the force. Supposedly Stone had no issue using them and seemed to be successful at it too. If Commander Diaz hadn’t told her Stone could be trusted, she never would’ve shared a single thing with him. This was Steve’s life she was risking. And she was banking on Bennett Stone being able to pull off the miracle she needed right now. But something like that was costly, and she didn’t have the type of funds in her savings account to hire someone like Bennett. That’s why it’d take a few days to cash out her retirement.

  Steve had been only twelve years old when an auto accident stole their parents from them. Hydria, nine years his senior, had stepped into the role of legal guardian until Steve turned eighteen and joined the Marine Corps. She’d tried discouraging him because in her mind he was a sweet innocent kid. A few years in he’d proven her wrong. Steve was capable of much more than she’d given him credit. Hydria would never doubt him again, no matter what proof said otherwise. Steve was, and always would be, an honorable man.

  Steve was like her in some ways. He was stubborn and thickheaded. They’d spent many hours butting heads when he was young. And whenever he didn’t want to hear what she had to say, he ignored her for weeks at a time. Diaz said that only confirmed the Marine’s findings that Steve didn’t want to be found. But none of them knew Steve like she did. There was no way he’d be gone this long without any contact. Heck, it’d been five weeks. Hydria wasn’t sure how, but she was going to make them all eat crow when Steve came home safe and sound, and the truth came out. I promised Mom and Dad I’d take care of you, Steve. Why do you always have to make it so darn difficult? Just call me.

  “Stone, I appreciate the offer, but I have a job . . . unless you’re worried about the competition,” Renzo Turchetta said while sitting across from Bennett.

  “You honestly think I’d ask you to come to my office so you could tell me no?” Bennett laughed. “Besides, we seem to be working together more than not.”

  That, unfortunately, was an accurate statement. The Henderson family had required more assistance than Stone could handle and for good reason. Neither Stone nor the Turchettas had ever thought they’d be taking on a country and overthrowing a government. But sure as hell, that’s exactly what they had done in Tabiq. It was a delicate process and a long-term commitment. One my brothers and I will back you up on at any time.

  “How are things going in Tabiq?” It always seemed to be the topic when they spoke. Renzo was a bit shocked Stone hadn’t already brought it up.

  “That’s why I asked you here.”

  “Figured. When do I leave and what do you need?” There was no doubt Renzo would go there if needed. Those people had suffered horrendous acts of violence and cruelty. If it weren’t for the Henderson family stepping in to right the wrongs of the past, that country wouldn’t have a chance. But that’s all they had. A chance. Their future wasn’t written in stone. It was still unstable, and if the Henderson family pulled out now, Renzo knew it wouldn’t be long before corruption and greed swooped back in. And it would be worse than ever before.

  “Normally I’d go to Rafe, but I heard he became a father recently.”

  “Yeah. A boy. Can’t believe his wife, Deanna, agreed to name him after Rafe. Thankfully little RJ seems to be a sweet kid like his mother.” Both men laughed; Rafe’s reputation as an ass was well deserved. The only time Rafe wasn’t was when he was home with his family. Which seems to be more often now. “I’m glad you decided to call me instead. My other brothers and I are picking up the slack, and Turchetta’s Promise is act
ive and ready as always.” They had plenty of their own work, but they would never ignore a counterpart reaching out. It didn’t mean the answer was going to be yes, but Renzo would hear Bennett out.

  “Tabiq is a difficult situation. We take two steps forward and one step back. It’s not only that the people of Tabiq don’t trust the Hendersons, it’s the influence from others outside of Tabiq. Your brother Gabe has been instrumental in keeping us abreast of potential threats.” Bennett ran his hand through his hair. “Even when I was in the Marine Corps, I didn’t cross as many scumbags as I do there. They are a different breed. These men hide behind corporations, pretending to be righteous. There’s only one thing they want: money, and they will use anyone for their own financial gain.”

  “Are you saying you need Gabe back?”

  Bennett shook his head. “Although Gabe is the best, he trained one of my men on what to look for. They still are in constant communication. I wouldn’t want to be the one trying to hide something from Gabe. I don’t think there’s anything he can’t hack into.”

  Renzo didn’t know everything Gabe was capable of, but he did agree with Bennett: Gabe wasn’t one to cross. He might not be a weapons expert, but he could do some serious damage with a few strokes on the computer. But if Bennett didn’t want Gabe, what did he need?

  “Is it manpower you require? If so, I can spare a team, but that’s it at the moment.” Turchetta’s Promise was taking on more men, but they still needed to be integrated and trained. Although they were all veterans, there were things they needed to learn to function effectively in their new roles. Like how to walk the gray area.

  “No. It’s a new case I’m considering taking on.”

  Renzo wasn’t sure why Bennett would consider taking on another client if he didn’t have the ability to execute it. But Renzo shouldn’t judge. It wasn’t as though Rafe hadn’t done that with Turchetta’s Promise in the past. Actually, that is how Rafe met his wife. Renzo would have to say there were times, rare ones, that it worked out better than expected.