Torn in Two

by Vincent Morrone

Overview

In small towns, secrets are like bodies. People kill to keep them buried. Detective Ollie Miller has a new partner. A man once framed for murder, who's now haunted by dark secrets. When the remains of five corpses are discovered, Detective Miller realizes there is a monster among them. The woman he loves, Ashley Duncan hides her past. Abused by her sadistic, alcoholic father, Ollie will need to show her a man's touch can heal her tortured soul. But can he protect Cole Duncan, a traumatized child who will once again come face to face with a killer? Because in a small town, a monster called Jericho watches them all.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781509223879
Publisher:	Wild Rose Press
Publication date:	05/13/2019
Series:	Torn , #2
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.79(d)

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

Leave 'em with a Smile

For the first time since her arrest, Diana Lakeland thought she might actually survive. Making good on her word, the Chief of Ember Falls PD actually arranged for a decent lawyer to come from out of town, one that she was sure had no connection with anyone who wanted her dead.

Well, that wasn't quite true. Attorney Stephanie Howard very much knew someone who would like her dead. She was friends with Drew Duncan. Close friends in fact. How close, Diana wasn't sure, but while Ms. Howard was able to remain professional, the lawyer had also made her disdain for Diana very clear from the start.

"The only reason I'm doing this is because Drew asked me to," Stephanie said within seconds of meeting Diana.

"You'll be paid." Diana extended her hand. Seeing Stephanie curl her lip in disgust, she put it down.

"I don't want to shake your hand." Stephanie tossed her briefcase on the table. "And I don't want your money. What I want is for you to tell the chief what it is you know. You were Kelli Duncan's counselor and you worked with the two cops who murdered her. Helped kidnap her son. I want to know why. Who had Kelli Duncan killed?"

Diana folded her arms and smiled. The open hostility made her feel better. She knew when people were faking, and this bitch wasn't. There was something in the pretty lawyer's eyes that told Diana that Stephanie wanted to punch her new client in the nose. It wasn't someone who wanted Diana dead that was the problem. It was those people who were actively plotting her demise that Diana worried about. They'd act nice and sweet to Diana's face, and first chance they had, stab her in the back.

"I'll talk," Diana said. "Once there's a deal and I know you'll be able to keep me alive."

Stephanie leaned on the table between them, putting herself right in Diana's face. "You're not getting any deal without telling me what you know."

Diana grinned and took a seat, studying the woman in front of her. Stephanie was easily described as stunningly beautiful, and everything about her; her perfect figure contained in a smart black pants suit, her red hair that was flawlessly styled, her immaculate pedicured nails, screamed class and elegance.

"Tell me something." Diana leaned back in her chair and let her gaze slowly run up Stephanie's body. "How close are you and Drew Duncan?"

Stephanie stiffened. "What?" She shook her head. "Why?"

With raised eyebrows, Diana leaned in closer. "Are. You. Fucking. Him? Or for that matter, have you ever?"

Stephanie looked positively scandalized, which gave Diana her first true laugh since her life hit the shitter. Being a trained therapist, Diana considered herself a pretty decent read of people, and the outrage displayed on her new lawyer's face wasn't because Stephanie was a prude, but because she'd touched a nerve somewhere under that flawless skin.

"My relationship with Drew is none of your business," Stephanie said.

"I'm afraid we have a difference of opinion there." Diana studied Stephanie, measuring every facial tic, trying to read what was going on behind those pretty eyes of hers. "Let me make my meaning clear. I know Duncan wouldn't shed a single tear if I suddenly found myself on the wrong end of a shiv while in jail, and sooner or later, that's what's going to happen to me, but I also know that he wants something. He wants to know what I know. So, I need to know if you're loyal to him."

Stephanie scowled as she pulled out the chair and sat down. "Let me lay my cards on the table. I am here for one reason and one reason alone. Because Drew asked me to be here. I'm not going to talk about my relationship with him, but know this. If it could help Drew, I'd sell you down the river. Lawyer/client privilege be damned."

Diana arched an eyebrow as she considered Stephanie. "You love him, don't you?"

Stephanie folded her hands, crossed her legs and stayed quiet, and her silence spoke volumes to Diana.

"Fine." Diana shrugged. "I know the real reason why Kelli Duncan was killed. If it makes you feel better, I tried to keep it from happening. I actually did feel sorry for her." Diana recalled the first time she'd seen Kelli Duncan, a pathetic shadow of a real woman. "She was weak. I tried to make her strong enough so she wouldn't need her damn brother back in her life, but she just had to go there." Diana began to examine her nails which she'd bitten down to the stubs since being arrested. The worst part was that she had nothing left to chew.

Stephanie opened her briefcase and pulled out papers. "Needing family is not weak."

Diana rolled her eyes. "Sister, let me tell you something I've learned over the years. Family will fuck you over more than anyone else." Her hands fidgeted, and not for the last time she wished she had a cigarette. "I don't suppose you smoke."

Stephanie looked up briefly. "No. And if I did, the answer would still be no. Let's go over today. It should be very simple. You go in and say nothing. I speak for you. If you're asked a question, you whisper in my ear and I answer for you. With the charges you're facing, you won't be granted bail and quite frankly, if you're as worried about your life as you say you are, it's better for you to remain in custody."

Diana laughed. "You sure about that?"

Stephanie put down the paper she was reading and met Diana's gaze. "Yes. The General has called in over a dozen favors. Right after you're arraigned, you're going to be transported to a federal prison."

"The General?" Diana asked. "Is that the old man that Wilson kept bitching about?" Seeing the insult show on Stephanie's face, she realized she was not only correct, but that she'd also hit another nerve. "Man, Wilson hated him. If he had gotten the chance, he said he was going to find him and beat the crap out of him."

"Really?" Stephanie surprised Diana with the almost amused tone. "That would have been fun to see. The General would have kicked his teeth down his throat and handed him his own ass."

Stephanie placed the papers on the table. "Nobody who has any connection here in Ember Falls, past or present, has any connection there. The warden is a personal friend of the General. You'll be in extreme high protective custody. You'll be as safe as possible, which is safer than you deserve. Once there, you'll meet with a special prosecutor at the federal level. Another favor the General called in for Drew from some well-connected associates who have owed him. He's not going to be pleased if this all turns out not to be worth the chips he's cashed in, so you better not disappoint. You get one shot and only one. You tell us everything you know and we'll do right by you. That doesn't mean you walk."

Stephanie leaned in close. "Be very clear on that. You will see the inside of a very small cage for a very long time and I will personally toast when they turn the key. But you get to live and maybe even breathe free air one day, although it'll be at an age where your long, dark hair has gone grey." Stephanie allowed herself a small smile. "You screw us over, I will make sure you're put into general population with a very big target on your back."

Diana had thought she might be able to cut a sweeter deal, maybe when she gave more details on who she could hand them, but the cold stare she was getting from her lawyer told her she was shit out of luck. Maybe she could get a country club of a prison when she met this special prosecutor, but somehow she felt that unlikely.

It was, however, probably the best she could hope for.

"Fine." Diana blew out a breath in frustration. "You get me to the special prosecutor, I'll sing like a fucking bird."

Stephanie pushed paperwork forward. "You better. Or I may just kill you myself."

* * *

Two hours later, Stephanie accompanied Diana as she was escorted to the court building. They were driven there in a police van, but the good Chief of Ember Falls had allowed a single man from McAlister Security to ride with them. His name was Brent Stevens, a dark-skinned man who Stephanie had gotten to know on the way over here. He had a lovely wife, three young children and was just a bit of a Star Wars nerd. All the other court officers were dressed in body armor with helmets and faceguards. Diana was now wearing a pants suit that Stephanie had picked up for her in her place, accessorized by a thick, bullet proof vest.

They made it to the court without incident. Once there, they waited in a private room. Everyone remained stoic, except for Diana who was becoming more and more fidgety. She'd tap her foot, pull at her clothing, bite at the corner of her mouth and grind her teeth. "God, doesn't anyone have a cigarette?"

Stephanie shook her head, happy to see the woman so worried. Normally with clients, she was very good at trying to soothe them. In her briefcase, Stephanie always carried cigarettes and a lighter even though she hadn't smoked in nearly a decade. Stephanie also carried a pack of gum with her for the nonsmokers, but she had no desire to do anything remotely nice for a woman who had hurt Drew so badly. "No, and there's no smoking in a court building."

"What about gum?" Diana asked.

Stephanie resisted the urge to pull out a stick for herself while insisting she had none. Instead, she ignored Diana as several officers came into the room and tried to walk past them. Brent quickly put himself in front of Stephanie and insisted the officers find an alternative route. They shot several dirty looks, but didn't argue for more than a few seconds. Just as they cleared out, another officer came into the room. This one signaled that it was time to head in.

They all rose and headed into the courtroom. As they entered, Stephanie saw Drew Duncan standing with his family. He was dressed in a jacket and tie, which he filled out like it was a suit of armor. He still sported a few small scratches from his deadly struggle with his sister's killer last week, but otherwise he looked healthy. To his right was the very pretty officer that Stephanie had met briefly on her last trip to Ember Falls. Even while on duty, she was extraordinarily beautiful. She wore her long, dark hair back in a tightly pulled ponytail and very little makeup, but her big brown eyes and olive toned skin made her striking.

Stephanie couldn't recall her name, but despite being in uniform, the officer reached down and took Drew's hand the moment they were in sight.

To Drew's left was Ashley Duncan. She was tall, thin with auburn hair that was wavy and a little wild. Stephanie heard that Ashley had been the one to deck Diana, and it looked like she'd like to do it again. Her eyes were narrow slits and her hands were balled into fists.

There was another face that Stephanie recognized, although it took her a moment to place him. It was the son of Ember Fall's Chief's, although the last time Stephanie had seen him, he was in uniform like the female officer who was now whispering something comforting into Drew's ear. Looked like Ember Falls had a new detective.

"Bitch," Diana muttered just loud enough for Ashley to hear her.

Ashley started to come forward, but both Drew and the man on her other side stopped her.

"Shut your damn mouth," Stephanie ordered. "Or I swear to God, I'll slap your face right here and —" Stephanie spotted movement in Diana's mouth. "Where the hell did you get a piece of gum?"

Diana grinned. "One of those uniformed guards. Some men can't help but take pity on a defenseless damsel in distress." She looked over to the door where the armed guards had disappeared behind. "I'd say he was the cute one, but I couldn't see any of their faces. Who cares?"

Stephanie nearly did hit her. "I do. You can't chew gum in a court room." Stephanie reached into her pocket and pulled out a small tissue. "Get rid of it."

With a roll of her eyes, Diana took the tissue, spit the gum out into it, and shoved it into Stephanie's hand. Revolted, Stephanie put it in her jacket pocket for lack of a garbage pail. "You're disgusting."

Diana shot another dirty look back at the Duncans, and Stephanie followed her gaze.

Ashley Duncan was visibly shaking with a desire to choke the life out of Diana, refusing to blink. Drew's face was a mask of fury.

Grinning, Diana was the first to look away. "They're going to kill me."

Stephanie shook her head. "We'd have an easier time protecting you from them if you told us who they were."

Diana started to shake. "No, I mean the Duncans. They want me dead."

Refusing to look at her client, Stephanie reviewed the paperwork in front of her. "You bet your ass they do, but they need you alive."

Diana searched the rest of the courtroom, rubbing her arms.

"Would you calm down," Stephanie hissed. "You're shaking like a leaf and I don't have the patience or compassion to try and talk gentle to you. And why are you smiling?"

Diana pulled at her collar. Her skin was clammy and she was beginning to sweat.

Diana undid her top button, rubbed her arms and continued to tremble. Resigned to having to try to calm the woman, Stephanie mustered what little compassion she could and spoke in a soft voice. "Diana."

Diana nearly jumped out of her seat. She rubbed her neck and continued to search for the threat she seemed certain was coming.

"Here, drink some water." Stephanie picked up the pitcher that was provided at the defense table, poured some into a glass and handed it to Diana who accepted with hands that were shaking so badly that she could barely sip the liquid without spilling it all over herself. Drops of water splashed Stephanie's hands.

Diana swallowed the water in one gulp and her grin widened.

Stephanie recognized the panic in Diana's widening eyes and realized this was more than just jitters.

Diana began to spasm uncontrollably. Her legs kicked out, knocking the table away, and Diana tried to grab onto to Stephanie. Amid the screams from the courtroom, Diana fell out of her chair, her skull hitting the hardwood floor with a crack.

Diana tried to say something, but nothing came out except a gurgle. Her back arched painfully and her legs continued to kick and seize. Her chest contracted as if her lungs were on fire.

Ashley Duncan was yelling, "Don't let that fucking bitch die."

It was Stephanie's green eyes that Diana locked onto. Somehow, she'd managed to grab Stephanie's hand. For the first time since they met, Stephanie felt a hint of compassion for Diana.

"Diana, we're going to get you to the hospital," Stephanie said. "Tell me who did this."

Diana gasped desperately for breath as if she were drowning. She cried for help, cursed, and called out for her father as she continued to spasm violently, grinning the entire time, her eyes wide with fear and agony. She bucked hard, arching her back so much that she lifted off the ground.

With one last strangled gasp, the spasms stopped and Diana collapsed. Her spine bent backwards and her eyes opened wide. She gave one last twitch and died with an unnatural and haunted grin permanently cemented on her lifeless face.

CHAPTER 2

Jericho

"What the hell happened?" Chief Ann Miller asked the moment she burst through the door of the conference room at the police station. Ollie sat at the table wearing his brand-new suit. His grey tie was loosened, but still around his neck. He started to stand, but Ann quickly waved him back into his seat. "We'd been so careful. How the hell did someone get close enough to kill her?"

"I don't know." Ollie rubbed his hand over his face. He sank back into the chair and sighed. "I've been trying to get in touch with the entire crew that escorted Diana to the court building, but one of them is missing."

Ann's eyes narrowed. "Who?"

"Vic Miranda." Ollie shook his head. "I can't believe Vic would do anything. He's a good guy."

Ann took a seat opposite her son. "I tend to agree, but Vic has a new baby at home. Any chance someone threatened him?"

Ollie wanted to say no. Vic Miranda had been one of his first friends since coming into the Ember Falls PD. Most officers had kept him at a distance, afraid to get too close to the son of the chief, but Vic was a nice guy and it just wasn't in his nature to be anything but friendly.

Loyalty couldn't be used to explain away Vic's disappearance from the courthouse. Or the fact that he was late today, something very out of character for Vic. According to the others in the detail, Vic had shown up just as they were getting ready to load Diana onto the transport van.

"Where's Duncan," Ann asked.

Ollie couldn't help but notice how tired his mother looked. "He's looking for Vic."

Ann nodded. "How are you and he getting along? Still okay with the thought of him being brought on as your partner?"

(Continues…)

---

Excerpted from "Torn in Two"
by .
Copyright © 2019 Vincent Morrone.
Excerpted by permission of The Wild Rose Press, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

---