Reign of Fire

by Casi McLean

  After a harder than usual workout, she sat on the agreed-upon bench, taking in the setting while she waited for Pearson. The beauty and magnificent fragrance around the basin devoid of the masses calmed her. She closed her eyes and drew in a long breath. A Zen-like tranquility washed over her as she mentally relaxed every muscle from head to toe. A moment later, she glanced at her watch then tapped her earwig. “Frasier, you in place?”

  “As promised.”

  “Wyatt, any sign of our illustrious target?”

  “He’s heading your way right on schedule. You’ll see him approaching at your six in five, four, three, two––now.”

  Her gaze snapped toward the bending path where Pearson approached. “Morning, Mayor.”

  “Ahhh, Drake. Right on time. I like that. Thanks for meeting me so early. I’ve got a jam-packed day ahead.” He sat next to her on the bench and angled to face her then lifted his chin. “Beautiful sight, these cherry blossoms. I never tire of seeing them.”

  “They are lovely.” She scanned the path in both directions.

  “I just need to clear up a few facts about the matter at Battery Kemble Park.”

  “Of course. I appreciate you keeping the details quiet. No need to alarm people needlessly.” He stretched his neck to each side. “Bad enough to have a dirty cop involved in a drug cartel. Broadcasting the matter would only invite negative PR.”

  Harper raised a brow. “I expect so. Media frenzy swarms around rumors involving dirty cops, especially one of such high rank. So, you said you’ve been tailing Ellis for a while?”

  “Yup. Sad. He had a family and a great future ahead of him. One would wonder why someone like that would get involved with a cartel drug ring.” He leaned against the bench. “Why was NCIS staked out at the park that night?”

  Harper expected the question and had her answer prepared in a comment that would trigger Ash to move in. “Ellis’s deal involved a Gunny Sergeant.”

  “No kidding? The boy got in the line of fire. I didn’t go there with the intent to shoot anyone. When I saw Ellis draw a gun, my instincts told me to shoot over their heads, with the intention of scaring the man into dropping his piece. I guess the anxiety of the situation made my hands jerk.” He shrugged, shaking his head. “My gun slipped. But I assure you, the whole ordeal was a huge accident.”

  “Right. My team confirmed your drug case.” She glanced over his shoulder at her approaching associates. “I guess everything checks out. Thanks for meeting me here this morning.”

  “Not a problem.” He stood.

  His back faced the approaching team, consisting of Ash, Emily, and Duke. “I run here almost every day. Can’t beat the view, especially at this time of year.”

  “I agree.” She tilted her head to see around him. “Speaking of a view, Mayor. Here come a couple of my friends. I’d love to have you meet them.” She held her breath then nodded at Ash who immediately dropped Duke’s leash.

  Mayor Pearson turned to see the commotion.

  The moment Duke saw Pearson’s face, he let out a low growl that quickly morphed into a violent bark. He bolted then leapt, landing on top of the mayor who toppled to the ground. The dog sneered over the mayor before his teeth ripped through his jacket and clamped around an arm. Duke jerked his head back and forth, tearing the fabric and gashing the mayor’s wrist, as well.

  Pearson shrieked. “Get this monster off of me.” He twisted his torso, kicking and punching wildly. “I’ll see all of you in jail for this attack.”

  “Heel, Duke.” Ash spoke forcefully.

  The dog abruptly stopped, backed off then sat quietly next to Ash.

  “Why, Mayor, I’m so sorry.” Ash leaned over and grasped his good wrist to help him stand, then loosened his grip to slide into a handshake. “No hard feelings?” Twisting the mayor’s hand upright, he gazed at the fingers now grasping his own. “Interesting ring you have there, Mayor. I’ve seen one like that before.” He squeezed his grip and stared. “Now, where did I see that intricate pattern?”

  Pearson scowled, but said nothing.

  “Whatever could have gotten into that animal? He’s usually very docile.” Emily glared at the mayor with a venomous stare.

  “Let me take a look at your arm.” Harper peeled back the blood-sodden sleeve to reveal a vicious wound. Oh, my, you’re bleeding.”

  Ash stepped forward. “No, really? Here, let me help you.” He grabbed the mayor’s collar and yanked, pulling off his jacket.

  Harper inspected the wound more closely. “Damn, JP, it looks as if you have an older wound a bit higher here on your forearm, and the bite still looks quite nasty.”

  Jerking away his arm, he placed his hand over the wound. “It’s nothing. Just a nip I received from training Police dogs.”

  “Oh?” Emily glanced at her brother now approaching the scene. “Wyatt, how nice of you to meet us here and just in time.” She turned and gazed at the mayor. “Wyatt served in Afghanistan and has a lot of experience with injuries. I’m sure he’d be happy to take a look at the mayor’s wound.”

  Grabbing Pearson’s wrist, Wyatt twisted the appendage behind the man’s back then he snatched the other arm and cuffed him.

  “What the hell is going on here, Drake?” Pearson struggled to spin then glared at Wyatt. “You son of a bitch. You’re messing with the wrong man. If you don’t release me right now, I’ll––”

  Harper held a hand between them. “Let’s not jump to conclusions, gentlemen.” She turned to Emily. “How about you, Alyssa? Is this the man who assisted you climbing from the ledge after Steel went for help that night?”

  Emily scowled at Pearson. “Yes. My ankle twisted, and I couldn’t climb. He appeared from nowhere with a rope in hand and pulled me up the cliff to safety…I was so relieved. I turned and gazed at the river, thinking how lucky I was––that’s when he slid his murderous hands around my neck and squeezed until I slipped into a semi-conscious haze.” She trembled, closed her eyes for a brief moment then continued.

  “My lungs ached for air, but I could no longer struggle. My arms and legs fell limp as he drained the life from my body. But my thoughts clung to a tiny shred of hope. He must have thought I’d breathed my last breath, because he released his grip from my neck, lifted me into his arms, took a few steps then hurled me over the cliff. As I fell, my thoughts flew to my family and the wonderful life I had…a moment of excruciating pain…then oblivion.”

  “Now, I remember where I saw that design on your ring.” Ash’s contempt for Alyssa’s murderer flooded to the surface. His glower shot daggers at Pearson. “The same pattern was etched into Alyssa Rose’s neck when I drug her lifeless body from the Potomac River.”

  After a long silence, Harper turned to Ash. “I think you’ll find the bite on James Pearson’s arm will match Duke’s mouth and DNA exactly. Do you want to read him his rights, or shall I?”

  Ash sneered at him. “Please, allow me.” He scowled as he recited Miranda Rights. “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand these rights?”

  “Son of a bitch.” Pearson yanked at his cuffs then glared at Duke. “I shoulda put another round in your belly before I kicked you off that damn ridge.” He turned to Emily and sneered. “Damn bitch. No one could have survived that fall. Why didn’t you die?”

  Harper patted the mayor’s shoulder. “Looks like you’ve bought yourself a brand-new home, Mayor. You’ve worked hard for this permanent retirement.” She gripped his shoulder. “What do you say we escort the man to his new abode, Wyatt?”

  “My pleasure.” Wyatt sneered. “I hope they fry you for what you did to my sister.”

  “Sister?” JP squinted.

  Emily stepped forward, her gaze shooting daggers. “How rude of me, Mayor. I failed to introduce myself. I’m Emily, Alyssa’s twin.”

  “Twins? Fuckin’ f
igures.” He scowled.

  “You’ll rot in jail, JP. Our evidence is iron-clad.” Ash draped an arm around Emily.

  “Ha. Not likely,” Pearson growled. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with. I’ll be out of jail before the ink dries on the indictment.”

  A tear escaped and trickled down Emily’s cheek. “Over my dead body.”

  Pearson chuckled. “Ha, trust me when I say that would be easily arranged.”

  “We shall see.” Harper sent him an icy glare and yanked him toward her awaiting NCIS team. “Get him the hell out of here.”

  Chapter Thirty

  Watching Wyatt and Harper drag Alyssa’s murderer to jail should have elevated Emily’s mood. Instead, a veil of sadness shrouded her. For the first time in her life, she felt utterly alone. Leaning against Ash’s strong chest, she laid her head on his shoulder. How could she return to Atlanta now? Here, in Washington DC, she had sensed Alyssa’s presence more than ever, and she feared she’d lose that connection if she returned home. Of course, she still had Wyatt. Would he ever consider a move to Washington? She gazed at Duke sitting next to her then leaned over and scratched behind his ear. “What do you think, boy?”

  Standing again, she leaned against Ash and angled her head backward to gaze at him. She didn’t want to walk away from this man, not now…not ever. Her heart pounded, and her breath caught in her throat every time she saw him. Journalists could find work anywhere, especially here in the Nation’s Capital.

  Running his fingers softly over her hair, he followed them with a gentle kiss. “Wow, you totally blew me away with that Alyssa narrative. If I hadn’t known better, I would swear the story came straight from her.”

  Emily turned to face him. “It did. I explained precisely how Alyssa felt and how she died.”

  “You channeled her?” He tilted his head. “I mean you couldn’t know that, right? I realize you two communicated, but you said she couldn’t remember.” He shook his head. “You sounded so natural, you swept me into the scene…I could almost see her…such fear and ultimate acceptance of her death. Plus, the details fit the crime scene perfectly. The thing is, though…” He scratched the stubble on his chin. “I never told you about the strangulation marks on her neck. And Quint made sure they didn’t show when you saw her body. So, how did you know? Did something happen that I missed?”

  Lowering her gaze to the ground, she drew in a long breath. “Yes. Something happened.” Lifting her gaze to again meet his, she smiled softly. “I coded on the operating table. I died, Ash. But the moment I flat-lined, Alyssa somehow brought me back. Her love…fear or perhaps her energy fused with mine and clung to life. We became one entity who needed to live. And at that moment, her memory merged with mine as well, bringing to the surface what she couldn’t bear to recall.”

  “Oh, Emily. I can’t even imagine how you must feel. But what a wonderful gift…albeit bittersweet.”

  “I suppose. What scares me is I haven’t felt her since I awakened from the anesthesia.” A single tear escaped to roll down her cheek. “I hope she’s not gone forever.”

  Crooking his finger, Ash wiped away the droplet then lifted her chin until their gazes connected. “She’ll always be with you, Emily. And so will I––if you’ll let me. This might not be the time to mention this fact, but in case you haven’t noticed, I’m crazy about you. I’ve never thought much about commitment, marriage, or the idea of a soul mate, but from the moment we met, I haven’t stopped thinking about you. When you simply stand next to me, my breath hitches and my heart pounds so hard in my chest it scares me. I love you, Emily Rose, and even though we’ve only known each other a short time, I can’t imagine my life without you by my side.”

  His confession sent a sensuous wave of desire pulsating through her, stirring her thoughts to unbridled passion. She wanted this man more than any she’d ever known. But Emily possessed all of her sister’s memories, including those about sparking Ash’s fire. How much of his passion had Alyssa conjured, and would telling him destroy any chance of a future together?

  His soft lips brushed hers, tickled and teased, until she fully surrendered. His mouth covered hers, and she melted into his embrace. Finally stopping to breathe, she cupped her hands onto his cheeks. “I love you with all my heart, Ash, and because I love you, I must be honest.”

  “Tell me anything, but I want you to know nothing you can say will change how I feel.” He kissed her forehead.

  “I pray you’re right.” Emily drew in a long breath before gazing again into Ash’s beautiful blue eyes. “I now know Alyssa had something to do with our chemistry. How much, and to what end, I’m not sure, but seared in her memories, my sister delighted in how she fanned the flames between us.”

  A grin stretched between his cheeks as he released a chuckle. “Then I should thank Alyssa for whatever part she played in bringing us together.”

  “But what if she is pulling the strings? What if Alyssa created the passion we feel?” She pursed her lips.

  He glanced at the beautiful vista surrounding them. “You see these cherry blossoms?”

  She nodded.

  “Every tree grew from a single seed” ––he splayed his hand and stretched his arm from left to right, displaying the panorama––“do you see what beauty grew from those tiny seeds? Whatever your sister did to encourage us is nothing compared to what we can grow together. Besides, you said you haven’t felt Alyssa’s presence since your surgery. That means what we feel for each other right now is all us.”

  Her heart filled with sheer bliss and pounded so hard she thought it would burst. “I love you so much, Ashton Frasier.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his sensuous lips. “For so many reasons.”

  He smiled. “I’m so glad you do, and I promise my list is longer than yours.”

  “Oh my gosh, the list.” A brigade of ants swirled down her arms as she remembered Alyssa’s letter.

  His forehead lines pinched together. “What list?”

  Raising a brow, Emily paused, and the corner of her lips curled into a smile. “When we heard about Alyssa’s death, Wyatt and I dropped everything and rushed to DC. I threw my clothes together, and grabbed my purse, forgetting earlier that evening I’d stuffed my mail into the side pouch. With everything going on here, I totally forgot about the mail, until this morning, when I ransacked my purse for a pinch-clip to pull back my hair. Apparently, Alyssa sent me a letter before she died.” Emily reached into the purse slung over her shoulder and retrieved the envelope then handed the missive to Ash.

  “Do you want me to read the message aloud?” Ash squeezed together the lines above his nose.

  “No. I’ve already read what I can. The rest is encrypted, but it appears to be some kind of list. Alyssa’s note says Benedict Mathis bumped into her at Starbucks and her mail flew everywhere. She thinks the mysterious list fell from his jacket pocket when they cleaned up the mess.”

  “No shit?” He opened the envelope, drew out several pages then scanned the contents.

  Watching him read the letter, a knot twisted in her stomach. “My guess is this letter is what The Association wanted so desperately to retrieve.”

  “You’re right. This definitely looks like a list. I’m pretty sure between my resources and Harper’s, we can break the code.” He tucked the note into his pocket then drew Emily into his arms. “But it could take a lifetime to expose the entire mystery. Do you think you could put up with me for that long?”

  Emily nodded. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  As they kissed, a flutter of cherry blossoms drifted on the soft breeze, caressing the couple as if nature blessed their promise.

  ***

  A deep serenity washed over Alyssa’s transparent image. Melding with Emily during surgery had taken every ounce of energy an apparition could muster. In doing so, she surrendered to the spirit world. Now, she could see and interact with other ghosts who helped her understand her new craft. Regaining energy would take time, but
time was no object for Alyssa. She had eternity to watch over the growing family she loved.

  THE END

  Dear Readers,

  A personal request: If you enjoyed this story, please post a review. Reviews are the lifeblood of an author’s world. Warm Regards, Casi McLean

  I hope you enjoyed Reign of Fire, Book #1 in my Deep State Mysteries. If you loved Emily and Ash’s story, be sure to watch for the release of Book 2 in October 2019

  The List: Alyssa’s Revenge

  Not only will Emily and Ash return for a cameo of their new life together, but Alyssa, Harper, and Wyatt have a story to tell of their own, filled with mystery, mayhem, and more.

  In the meantime, if you love romantic suspense with a time travel element, checkout my Lake Lanier Mysteries Series, and please feel free to drop me a note any time through casi@casimclean.com … I always love hearing from readers, and I’ll respond personally every time.

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  About the Author:

  USA Today Bestselling Author, Casi McLean, pens novels to stir the soul with romance, suspense, and a sprinkle of magic. With strong, believable heroines and delicious hot heroes to tempt the deepest desires, she fans the flames, sweeping readers into their innermost romantic fantasies. Her fans devour her exceptional romantic suspense and lovable characters. Try one story. You’ll see, hear, and feel the magical eeriness of a fateful night, believe in time travel, be mystified by supernatural, or feel romantic suspense––but most of all you'll want more!