by Iris Bolling
Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Books by Iris
Prologue
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
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Epilogue
Private Stock
Iris Bolling
Copyright © 2019 by Iris Bolling
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.
Printed in the United States of America
ISBN: 978-0-9990176-8-5
Library of Congress Control Number:2019918523
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are with the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, locales is entirely coincidental.
SIRI AUSTIN ENTERTAINMENT LLC
www.siriaustin.com
www.irisbolling.net
Books by Iris Bolling
The Heart Series
Once You’ve Touched The Heart
The Heart of Him
Look Into My Heart
A Heart Divided
A Lost Heart
The Heart
The Heart Always Wins
Night of Seduction Series
Night of Seduction/Heaven’s Gate
The Pendleton Rule
Gems and Gents Series
Teach Me
The Book of Joshua I – Trust
The Book of Joshua II – Believe
A Lassiter’s Christmas
Ruby…Red Slippers & All
The Book of Adam – Hypnotic
The Book of Timothy – Symmetry
Phire: I’m Just Saying
The Book of Matthew: Adonis
Prologue
The impact of the bullet ripped through Cainan Scott’s side with a fiery trail so intense it caused him to fall forward. His trained ear caught the swish of the second shot, propelling him to spread his arms to cover AnnieMarie Dunning’s body, then he pushed them both to the side of the building, protecting them from more harm.
“What the hell is happening?” AnnieMarie screamed out.
“Stay down,” Cainan said as he reached down to his ankle holder. Pulling out a concealed weapon, he pushed her further behind him.
“You have a gun?”
“Stay behind me,” he shouted as he fired shots towards the roof top that was more than 100 feet away. There was no way his bullets would reach the attackers, but it sure as hell would let them know he was armed.
“Shots fired…. Possible active shooter on the grounds.”
Cainan heard men yelling in the distance. His mind relaxed at the realization that security was running towards them. However, his body stayed at alert, acting as a shield between danger and the woman he loved.
“Cainan, what’s happening?” AnnieMarie asked.
“Someone is shooting at us,” he replied keeping his eye on the roof top.
“Again?” AnnieMarie huffed. “Who in the hell have we pissed off now?”
Cainan could not resist a chuckle. “I don’t know, sweetheart, but whoever it is has a rifle with a damn good aim to reach this far.”
“Where is it coming from?”
Cainan moved them further back into the corner of the building. “Rooftop across the street.”
“We need to get inside, Cainan,” AnnieMarie stated. “If they shift to the right, we’re an open target.”
Security officers reached them with their weapons drawn. Police sirens could be heard in the distance.
“Is anyone hurt?” One officer asked as the others surrounded the entrance.
“Two shots, automatic rifle, rooftop across the street,” Cainan replied.
“Copy that,” the office repeated the location into his radio. “I have an injured employee behind the building. Send additional officers to this location.”
“I’m not injured,” AnnieMarie looked down at Cainan. “Were you hit?”
Cainan nodded as the officer bent over him to assess the injury. “Looks like it went straight through.”
“Oh my God, Cainan,” AnnieMarie screamed as she saw the blood flowing to the ground. “Where are you hit?” Her hands quickly roamed his body. She drew back as she touched his left shoulder. Staring at the blood on her hand, she jumped into action. Pulling off her blazer, she balled it up, handing it to the security officer. “Use this to apply pressure.” She scanned the area. The backs of the men who had formed a barrier around them was all she could see. “We have to get him inside.”
The officer took the jacket then pressed it against the wound. “Can you stand Mr. Scott?”
“Yes,” Cainan replied.
“I’ll get the door,” AnnieMarie ran out just to be stopped by another officer. The security officer shielded her body, then literally carried her inside the building.
“Put me down, damn it,” She yelled.
“Put her in here.” Chrystina Price ordered.
“I'm staying with Cainan.” AnnieMarie shouted.
“No ma’am, you are not,” Chrystina huffed as she glared at the security officer. “You keep them separated until we know what the heck is going on.”
The officer placed AnnieMarie on her feet. “Yes ma’am.”
“Chrystina, I need to be with Cainan.”
“And you will be. As soon as I know you are not in danger.” She turned sharply to face AnnieMarie, “Do not come out of this room unless you want to meet my alter ego. Trust me, you do not want her to come out.”
AnnieMarie huffed as the door slammed, closing her inside. The safe room had a comfortable sitting area, with a sofa, several chairs, and a table in the center. A television monitor hung on the wall. There was a kitchenette, to the right of the door, a conference room next to it and a bathroom further down the hallway. She reached for her cellphone, but realized it must have fallen out of her pocket when she hit the ground. Her purse was somewhere outside as well.
“Darn it,” she snatched up the phone on the desk then dialed her office.
“Dunning Bank & Trust, Public Relations Office.”
“Phillip…”
“Where are you? We are on lockdown in the building…..”
“Phillip…” she attempted to interrupt her assistant.
“The media has gotten wind of whatever is happening. Several outlets have called for comments and they are going live in ten. Why in the hell are you not answeri
ng your phone?”
AnnieMarie took a calming breath. It wasn't often that cool, calm Phillip Haynes was flustered. Having a second shooting at the job would shake anyone's nerves. With that in mind she had to do two things. Redirect the media then reassure the employees that the building is safe.
“Cainan was shot. I do not know how extensive his injuries are. Security separated us. We are in the safe rooms downstairs.”
“Are you hurt?”
“No, but I am covered in blood. Bring me a change of clothes. Have the camera crew ready to go live in five. Get Wade Tyson at WRGN on the line. Tell him I have an exclusive if he can get his best reporter ready to go in five.”
“On it,” Phillip replied. “So you know, I'm coming down strapped.”
“I would not have it any other way.”
AnnieMarie disconnected the call. She began pulling off her blazer as she walked towards the door. A security officer was on the other side when she looked out.
“Get me an update on Mr. Scott’s condition and location.”
She closed the door not waiting for a response and fully expecting to have an answer to her request. Walking into the restroom, AnnieMarie checked her appearance in the mirror. What in the hell just happened? The question ran through her mind She only had a minute or two before she would have to go on camera. The blood on her hands screamed angrily at her. She turned on the faucet to find her hands shaking, which pissed her off more. How dare someone take away her inner security on her own turf? Her Uncle Walker had taken away her inner security when he killed her father, correction when he had someone else to do the dirty work.
“I’ll be damned if I'm going to let that happen again.”
A tap on the outer door caught her attention. Picking up paper towels from the counter she wiped her hands.
“Yes?”
An officer walked through the safe room door. “Ms. Dunning, Mr. Scott has been taken to the hospital with non life threatening injuries.”
“Thank you. Are we still on lockdown?”
“Yes ma’am,” the officer replied as Phillip and the Media team entered the safe room.
“Were there any other shots taken?”
“No. No other reports of gunfire or injuries.”
“Thank you.”
The officer stepped out as the media team staged the safe room for the broadcast.
“The connection to the network will be up in two.” Phillip said as the team began setting up the equipment.
“Here, change your blouse,” he gave her the hanger. “Don’t worry about a blazer. Touch her up, Jacquelin,” he said to the makeup artist.
“Two minutes,” the cameraman warned.
“Cool, calm, in charge,” Phillip said then stepped out of the camera’s view.
Myles and Chrystina slipped into the room just as they were about to go live.
Phillip put his fingers up to give her a countdown. Three, two, one. Then he pointed to her.
“Ms. Dunning, there were reports of fires shot on your location. Can you tell us what is happening there?”
“Hello Rachel, thank you for asking,” AnnieMarie smiled. “There was gunfire in the area of Dunning Bank & Trust headquarters building. Fortunately, it was prior to the building opening. Most of our employees were en route.” She replied to the comment, then listened for the next question.
“Is there any danger for the employees?”
“Not at all. The building is safe and secure for employees as well as customers. The doors opens at 9 am.”
“Good news all around.”
AnnieMarie smiled, then nodded her head. “Thank you, Rachel.” She waited until the green light on the monitor turned red.
“We are out,” Phillip sighed.
“Good job, AnnieMarie,” Myles walked over then hugged her.
AnnieMarie looked up at her big brother. “Any word on Cainan?” She asked as she stepped away from Myles and took her purse and briefcase from Chrystina.
“The bullet went in and out,” Chrystina advised. “Jerome is heading over there now.”
AnnieMarie exhaled a sigh of relief. “Good. I’m going to head over that way.”
“No,” Myles stated. “You cannot see Cainan right now.”
“Why not?” She asked taking a step back from him.
Myles and Chrystina shared a look then turned back to her.
“What is that look for?” She asked.
“Phillip,” Myles turned. “Will you give us the room please?”
“Of course,” Phillip replied. “Let’s go people,” he said to the crew. As they packed up, he glanced at AnnieMarie.
She read his unspoken request and knew he wanted to be filled in when she got back to the office. She gave a slight nod just as Phillip and the other employees walked out the door.
“One of you want to tell me what you know about Cainan that I don’t?”
“Why don’t we take a seat?” Myles stated.
“I do not need to take a seat, Myles,” AnnieMarie countered. “I need you to tell me what I am missing. Do not make the mistake Daddy did. That bullet was centimeters from me. Stop trying to protect me and tell me what I need to know to protect myself.”
“All right,” Myles inhaled. “You will not be able to see Cainan right now.”
Chrystina took her hand.
AnnieMarie looked down, then took a step back. She did not need to be coddled. She needed to be spoken to as a grown woman. “Myles, I’m waiting.”
“The FBI has Cainan in protective custody. They will remain with him until a team is sent in from New York.” Myles explained. “No one is allowed in or out of his hospital room.”
“The FBI? Why?” AnnieMarie asked. “Is he under arrest?”
“No,” Myles advised. “He is not. He is in protective custody.”
“We sent Jerome over to ensure Cainan’s safety,” Chrystina advised.
“Safety from what and who?” AnnieMarie tilted her head to glare at them. “My patience is not at a point to play word games, Myles. Tell me what I need to know or I will walk out that door to find out on my own.”
“I believe Cainan should be the one to explain,” Myles replied.
“Since no one can see or speak to him, that isn’t possible.”
“AnnieMarie….”
That was it. She had given them a chance, AnnieMarie felt it was time to leave. Myles stopped her when she reached the door.
“AnnieMarie, Cainan is an FBI agent.”
She stepped back glaring, waiting for him to continue.
“He came to work with Dad in the Witness Protection Program. He was working undercover in a case involving a mob family. The case hasn’t been set for trial. The FBI believes they have been searching for Cainan to try to keep him from testifying against them.”
As the information began to sink in, AnnieMarie had hundreds of questions forming in her mind. “The people who shot him today, are they a part of this mob family?”
Myles shrugged. “We really don’t know. His partner with the agency is en route here. We will know more when they arrive.”
“In the meantime,” Chrystina stepped closer. “We have to keep you safe.”
“Like Daddy tried to do?”
“Exactly like Daddy tried to do,” Myles replied.
AnnieMarie took a moment to process all that she heard. Cainan had been lying to her all this time. She smirked as she walked around the room allowing everything to sink in. They talked for hours on end for months and he never once gave any indication that he was not who he said he was. She stopped then looked up at Myles.
“Is his name Cainan?”
Myles nodded. “His name is Cainan Scott Wagner.”
“Well at least that part wasn’t a lie,” AnnieMarie said as she took a deep breath then exhaled. With a slight nod she said, “Okay. I’m going to my office now.”
“Do you want to talk a little more about this?” Chrystina asked.
“No,” AnnieMarie sho
ok her head. “But I do have a question for you two. How long have you known?”
Myles and Chrystina glanced at each other.
“Special Agent Roark gave me the information the day Grace was kidnapped. Cainan came to me around the same time.”
AnnieMarie nodded. “Okay,” she picked up her things. “I will be in my office.” She said then left the room.
Myles and Chrystina stood there looking at the closed door. “Is it me or did she take that news a little too calmly?”
“No.” Myles placed his hand on the small of Chrystina’s back to lead her out of the safe room. “It’s a clear sign that hell is about to rain down on Cainan Scott. God help him.”
CHAPTER 1
“I am not a child. I’m a grown ass women,” AnnieMarie mumbled as she stepped onto the elevator.
“Good morning,” she smiled at the employee on the elevator. “It’s a beautiful day isn’t it?” She said while seething inside.
“Was there gun shots this morning?” The employee asked.
Her mind was trying to determine who she was angry at the most, Cainan, Myles or her father, while replying to the employee. AnnieMarie believed the truth was always best.
“Yes, there were shots from the roof top across the street.” She touched the employee’s shoulder. “I don’t want you to worry,” she said in a most reassuring voice. “We are completely safe here. Now tell me, how is your sister doing? Is she home from the hospital?” She smiled. “How is the baby.
The question did exactly what AnnieMarie wanted, distract. The employee began talking about her new niece, forgetting all about the thoughts of gun shots. This was why it was important to know your employees. Knowing what’s important to them was a part of the job for all of the executives at Dunning. As the proud new aunt beamed on about how smart the week old baby was, AnnieMarie thought about the betrayal from the very people she loved. When was this family going to learn that she is a grown woman, not a child to be kept in the dark?
“She sounds adorable,” AnnieMarie said as she stepped off the elevator. “My best to her and the baby.”
