Protecting You
A McCord Family Novel
By Amanda Siegrist
Copyright © 2015 Amanda Siegrist
This ebook may not be re-sold or re-distributed to another person unless consent is given by this author. If you wish to share this book, please purchase an additional copy. It may not be re-produced in any format for your own rights. If you did not purchase this book, please return to your favorite retailer to purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
All characters in this book are a product of the author's imagination. Places, events, and locations mentioned either are created to help inspire the story or are real and used in a fictitious manner.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
About the Author
Chapter 1
Ava sat at her desk going over reports from the day before. Case files upon case files filtered onto her desk daily. Being one of the supervisors for the crime lab in New York City wasn’t easy, yet, she wouldn't trade it for the world. She loved her job—the tedious paperwork, the grueling crime scenes, the occasional co-workers who were ungrateful and spiteful, or the victims who cried for closure for the loss of a loved one. The joy she experienced from finding evidence to arresting a suspect was worth it. Then bringing it into the lab and dissecting everything to its core.
Nothing could compare.
But some days, her mind could wander into territory that should be left at home.
"Ava? You okay?" Jimmy asked, waving a hand in front of her face.
Ava blinked in surprise. "Oh, sorry, Jimmy. I was lost in thought. This case about the triple homicide down in the West Village area…. I was thinking I need to go back and maybe make another sweep. I have nothing for evidence and it's driving me insane. Maybe I missed something the first time."
"First of all, I highly doubt you ever miss something the first time. And second, that isn't what it looked like you were thinking about. You weren't even looking at the papers in front of you," Jimmy said, sitting down across from her. "Everything okay?"
Ava smiled. "Of course, everything's fine." Jimmy raised a brow in skepticism. She sighed in defeat. "I can never lie to you, can I?"
"No, I guess we just know each other that well," Jimmy said with a tender smile mingled with concern. "Spill it."
"I was thinking about you and Zane. Have you called him today?" She leaned forward as she asked the same question she asked every day for the past six months since she last saw Zane burst into her office.
"No, I don’t intend to until he apologizes for whatever he said to you. Something that I would appreciate knowing, but you refuse to tell me," Jimmy said as his lips formed a tight line. "The way he came barging in here was uncalled for. He needs to respect you and respect me, for that matter. I just want him to be happy for me. Proud of me."
"It doesn't matter what he said. Someone needs to be the bigger person and call. It should be you. You always called him until that day, no matter what he said. I feel like it's my fault and I hate that. Just call him. I would if I knew he'd stay on the line with me," Ava said with a wry smile.
"My answer stands firm. He can call first. It isn't your fault. It was long due. Don't feel guilty. I love my brother no matter what and it'll all work out in the end."
She smiled wide at the one thing he always said about his brother no matter how pig-headed he could be. It amazed her how Jimmy, before the big argument, could still call home, even knowing that Zane would probably ignore everything he said and demand he come home. The attitude never changed.
"Call him, please."
He sighed as she gave him her usual look of disapproval in the matter. "You know, you're just as stubborn as he is. I even think he uses that same look on his face that you have now."
"I can't imagine your brother and I have anything in common. He's very different from me," Ava said laughing lightly.
Jimmy shook his head and started to get a small twinkle in his eye. "No, I'd have to disagree. You're both stubborn. You're both loud and outspoken. You both state your opinions without thinking. You're both willing to stop what you're doing at the drop of a hat if someone needs your help. Maybe you have a funny way of showing it sometimes with that hard exterior, but you both care deeply for family and friends. I'd say you have a lot in common. Perhaps make a good couple. He'd be perfect for you."
"Are you nuts! Me, dating your brother! Are you feeling well today? A fever, maybe," Ava said as she leaned across her desk and tried to feel his forehead.
Jimmy moved his head away laughing. "You both have your hearts in the right place for me. It's too bad they can't connect the way they should."
"Jimmy, get outta here if you keep talking like this. Your brother hates me and I can't say I like the man either. However, I will not go as far as hate for him because he is your brother."
"You know I was thinking of going home for Memorial weekend. You should come home with me. Have you ever been to Minnesota? A farm?" Jimmy asked, the excitement lighting up his face, replacing the sadness with ease.
"The answer's no on everything. I will not come within ten feet of your brother and that's final." Ava sighed. "I do like the idea of you going home, though. It'll be good to make amends. It's time. For someone who's extremely close with his family, this must tear you up not speaking to him."
Jimmy cleared his throat and shifted his legs a little. "Of course, it does. But like I said before, I love him no matter what. Austin keeps me updated. We'll work it out. You're right, probably on Memorial weekend. It'll be good to see his ugly face." A wide smile spread. "Unless you think he's handsome?"
Ava laughed. "Not that again. He holds no candle to your beautiful face, Jimmy."
Jimmy laughed. "I just stopped by to see if you're joining us tonight for drinks at O'Hares. Mahone's birthday and all. I know you two don't always see eye to eye, but just wondering."
"Of course, I'll be there. Mahone can be a jerk, but he has some good points to him. I know your answer stands firm, but I'll ask you again tomorrow like I always do if you called him. No more talk like we had today about him. That will never happen in a million years. You know I don't date anyway."
"Stop working so much and you'd have time to date more. Live a little, Ava." Jimmy stood up with a smile. "And never say never. I like our conversations. I can always count on you to say it straight. My answer will stay the same unless he calls—which I would let you know."
"Did you come all the way down to my office to ask if I was going to Mahone's birthday party? You know I would never miss that. He would never let me live it down. What's on your mind?" Her eyebrow rose in anticipation.
"You got me. I was wondering if you knew if Tiffany will be there tonight."
Ava couldn't hide the grin as his cheeks turned red. "Yes, she'll be there. I talked to her earlier. Are you finally going to ask her out? Because I think it's time."
"No. Are you kidding me? I can't ask her out. She would say no. I was just hoping to see her beautiful face and ponder the thought of asking her out. I'll never actually ask her out, though."
"Jimmy, you're nuts. She would love to go out with you. Trust me, I'm a woman, and I know when another woman looks at a man that she wants. Just do it." Ava chuckled. "I should've known you would
come here asking about her. She never made it to the last gathering we had and you were so bummed. Why do you torture yourself?"
"I don't know. I've built up some confidence, but I have a while to go before I ask the woman of my dreams out," Jimmy said, shaking his head at Ava's smirk. "Stop. Forget I asked."
"Never say never, Jimmy. I will just load you with a few drinks tonight and get you alone at a table with her. It's time, Jimmy. You've wondered from afar way too long. Tonight's the night," Ava said with complete certainty. "If you don't, I will for you. How embarrassing would that be for you?"
"Don't you dare, Ava."
"Hey, what's an honorary sister if I don't act like one," Ava said jokingly. "I'm an only child. This is the only time I can act like a sibling."
"We'll continue this conversation tonight. You're not saying anything to her. I think I'd rather you bother me about my brother," Jimmy said seriously.
"Ooo, you really like her more than I thought. Here I thought you hated when I bring up your big brother Zane." Ava laughed as Jimmy walked out waving good-bye, refusing to hear anymore.
Ava still felt bad, but deep down was proud of Jimmy for standing his ground. He was finally showing his brother that his feelings mattered. One problem at a time. The brother issue would take patience and time. Asking out Tiffany, not so much. She already had a wonderful plan in mind tonight to help Jimmy. She couldn't wait. He deserved to be happy.
He wasn't hard to look at either. Soft brown hair with small bangs that swooped to the left. A gorgeous smile and beautiful baby blue eyes. She saw the way Tiffany looked at him. Even other women they worked with looked at him with stars in their eyes. Jimmy was oblivious, as he didn't think of himself like that. He was just a nice, down to earth guy. Even his accent was cute. Although, he insisted Minnesotans didn't have accents—everyone else did.
His parents had raised a wonderful man. Something she told him a few times. She never told him how cute he was, though. She joked lightly with him about his looks. That was about it. Even his brothers, Austin and Zane, were handsome in their own right.
Austin had that ladies man look with a slight swagger to go with it. He also had soft brown hair like Jimmy, but with rich brown eyes that sucked a woman in with one piercing stare. She almost sunk to the floor the first time she met him. She had spent some time with him when he visited Jimmy every so often. He was just as sweet and down to earth as Jimmy. She had overcome her initial attraction with ease, feeling a brotherly affection, as she did with Jimmy.
Zane was a whole different matter. She hated admitting it, but he was good-looking, too—in a little more rugged way. His facial features a little harsher. Or it could have been the anger imploded on his face that gave her that impression. She met him only once. It could only be described as a disastrous encounter. She could still recall his black hair that held a slight wave, his bangs sliding to the right as he advanced at her with his deep green eyes that sliced her open. His words had no effect on her at all, but his eyes had ripped her apart with one penetrating glare. She was amazed Jimmy suggested what he did.
Her and Zane—never!
Another officer knocked on her door, making her push all of her thoughts about Jimmy and his issues to the back of her mind.
"Come on in, Officer Dalture," Ava said, pasting a professional smile on and got back to work.
***
Ava made her way out of the building for her last call of the day. Sarah, one of her crime scene investigators, went home sick. Ava decided to cover the rest of her shift.
Normally supervisors didn't go out into the field as often, but Ava loved it. She still worked in the field as much as she could, detesting the paperwork part of her job. She enjoyed the sensation of arriving to a crime scene and dissecting everything to the core, finding the evidence, looking for clues. It was like finding pieces to a puzzle hidden within another puzzle.
She worked her butt off every single day, no matter if she was sitting behind a desk or working at a crime scene. Hell, she worked hard to even get a job with the crime lab. It wasn't easy with no experience to gain entry into her field. She managed to start as a rugged crime scene investigator, working double shifts to get as much experience under her belt as possible—when it was offered—which was often. Crime never sleeps in New York City.
Before she knew it, she slid right into the supervisory position with the skills and education she possessed. She had double majored at NYU in chemistry and biology, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in both studies. Two years ago, she even earned a Master of Science degree in chemistry. To say there wasn't tension with her co-workers, she would be lying. But she also wasn't afraid to ream into them or speak her mind about their dubious opinion on the matter. Get over it. She had devotion and over-the-top work ethic, while they slacked around and meandered their way through the job.
She was committed to her job and proudly displayed her hard work behind her desk. The shopping trip to purchase the perfect frame for each diploma was a trial. Nothing was right for her. It was too dark brown, not delicately carved in perfection, or the glass didn't shine with glory.
Her best friend Ashley had come with her, finally snatching a frame with annoyance, throwing it into her arms, saying, "This one works. Let's have some drinks now to celebrate already." It had been black, straight-edged with precision, tiny gold emblems in each corner of the glass that sparkled with elegance. She hadn’t seen that one and instantly agreed with her. Or maybe it was the thirst for drinks finally overcame her eagerness for the perfect frame. Sometimes when she walked into her office and saw her degrees hanging with pride, she felt content and complete inside.
Ava made her way to Greenwich Village where officers received a call for a home invasion. The suspect entered through the front door of apartment 202 and started attacking the occupant. Ava wasn't positive whether it was random or if the homeowner was a specific target. The victim, a twenty-three year old, white female, was en-route to the hospital with multiple stab wounds. The first responding officers felt a faint pulse, even though her torso had been layered with deep cuts. A neighbor called 9-1-1 and the same officers that called for an ambulance secured the scene. The suspect fled before the officers arrived. No weapon could be found near the victim.
That was the only information relayed to her. It was now her job to find the physical evidence to support an arrest and trial of the suspect—perhaps even help in identifying the suspect. Her phone rang as she pulled up to the apartment building.
"Hey, Jimmy. I'm coming tonight, don't worry. I have to process a crime scene first in Greenwich Village," Ava said as she grabbed her crime scene kit from the passenger seat and then exited the car.
"I know that. I got the call myself. On Twelfth Street, right?"
"Yeah, that's the one. Any update on the woman yet? Did she make it to the hospital?" Ava nodded a greeting at the officer standing outside the building.
"She died on the way. It's now a homicide. Are you there yet?"
"Just walking up to her apartment door now. See you soon, Jimmy," Ava said as she nodded at the other officer standing by the woman's apartment door.
"Okay, I'm about five-ten minutes out. See you soon, Ava," Jimmy said, then hung up.
Ava put her phone away, set down her crime scene kit, and put on a pair of gloves. She turned toward the front door and hollered, "You didn't touch anything other than where you had to help the victim, correct, Officer Sampson?"
Officer Sampson stuck his head into the doorway. "Yes, Ms. Rainer. Nothing else was touched. She was in the bedroom when we arrived. We secured the scene."
Ava smiled in appreciation and turned back around. She was critical of all her crime scenes. A few officers and detectives despised her because of her demanding ways. She had a certain way she operated and well—you had better do it correctly. There was no excuse for disturbing evidence, not securing a crime scene well enough, or even letting in wandering citizens enthralled by a dead body. It was
inexcusable in her eyes and she let them know. They never made a mistake again.
The living room was a mess. The couch sat overturned on its back, a few cushions slashed open. The glass coffee table was shattered, pieces of glass blanketing the floor. Her eyes followed the trail of glass that had traveled into the kitchen. Dishes were strewn about the counter, more glass peppering the ground below, making it difficult to walk without stepping on a few pieces. There were also a few scattered drops of blood in the living room and kitchen area.
She grabbed her kit and made her way to the bedroom, pausing at the bathroom to the right. It appeared untouched, but she would fully examine that later as well. She continued down the short hallway, the small living space only a one-bedroom apartment. What did the twenty-three year old woman do? Greenwich Village wasn't cheap to live in—even a one-bedroom apartment.
Walking through the open bedroom door, the massive bloodstain on the bed said plenty. The majority centered in the middle with a small amount pooling to the floor. She glimpsed around the room, taking note of the bedroom door that stood half hanging on its hinges. The woman clearly had the door locked briefly before the suspect tore it down. A few bottles of perfume and jewelry lay scattered on the ground, most likely having sat atop the dresser next to the door.
The closet doors were tightly shut, a blood smear on the handle. Curious about that, she set down her crime scene kit and opened it, removing a sterile swab to take a sample from the door. One quick swipe and done. She capped her swab stick and slowly opened the closet door.
Before she had time to react, a man dressed all in black slammed into her, knocking her onto the bloodstained bed. The swab went flying out of her hand as he held her down with his body, piercing her left shoulder with the same bloodied knife that killed the other woman.
The knife sliced through her body, the pain ricocheting everywhere. He pulled the knife out, brought his hand swiftly up and back down to stab her again. Ava screamed and brought her knee up into his groin area. He dropped to the ground slightly, but regained his stance quicker than she thought he would. Kicking again, she managed to roll from the bed. Her body moved toward the door as her mind centered on the icky substance clinging to her back and the throb radiating in her shoulder.
Protecting You (A McCord Family Novel Book 1) Page 1
