Taken: An Everyday Heroes World Novel (The Everyday Heroes World)

by M. A. Lee

  Taken

  An Everyday Heroes World Novel

  M. A. Lee

  Table of Contents

  Table of Contents

  Copyright Page

  Introduction

  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

  Epilogue

  Author’s Note

  About the Author

  Also Written by M. A. Lee

  Also Written by K. Bromberg

  Copyright Page

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons living or dead are entirely coincidental.

  © 2020 JKB PUBLISHING, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people.

  Published by JKB Publishing, LLC.

  Cover Design and Formatting by: KP Designs

  - www.kpdesignshop.com

  Editing by Deaton Author Services

  Published in the United States of America

  Introduction

  Dear Reader,

  Welcome to the Everyday Heroes World!

  I’m so excited you’ve picked up this book! Taken is a book based on the world I created in my USA Today bestselling Everyday Heroes Series. While I may be finished writing this series (for now), various authors have signed on to keep them going. They will be bringing you all-new stories in the world you know while allowing you to revisit the characters you love.

  This book is entirely the work of the author who wrote it. While I allowed them to use the world I created and may have assisted in some of the plotting, I took no part in the writing or editing of the story. All praise can be directed their way.

  I truly hope you enjoy Taken. If you’re interested in finding more authors who have written in the KB Worlds, you can visit www.kbworlds.com.

  Thank you for supporting the writers in this project and me.

  Happy Reading,

  K. Bromberg

  Chapter 1

  Todd

  My body shook under the heavy weight held high above my head. Drops of sweat beaded on my forehead, dripping into my eyes and blurring my vision.

  Letting out a loud groan, I pushed myself harder until the bar was high above my head.

  “Come on, Todd, you’ve got this!” Parker yelled.

  Trying to ignore the calls from my SWAT team brothers, I focused on my task at hand.

  Placing the bar back onto the rack, I sat up and rubbed my sore hands.

  It was eight in the morning and my team and I were getting in a workout before we began our shifts. As part of the drug task force team, we were required to stay in good shape. Hence, why we were all working out before most people were awake.

  Working in a big city like Sunnyville, we got our fair share of crimes, but recently, we had seen a tremendous spike in drug related crimes. When I was called on to be part of this task force, I didn’t hesitate before jumping at the chance.

  “Hey, Parker,” I called, watching him stretch in front of the large, floor-to-ceiling mirror. “Why don’t you spend more time working out, instead of looking at yourself,” I chuckled. My scowl shifted to a grin as I saw the disdain cover his face.

  Parker was the newest edition to our team and the youngest. We were giving the rookie a hard time, but it was all in good fun. He had started out with the city’s fire department, but realized he was more interested in hunting down the bad guys than putting out fires.

  Jamie, my best friend, and ex-military team member, slapped Parker on the back as he passed by him. “Yeah, Parker. That pretty face isn’t going to help you bring down the criminals.” Jamie laughed.

  Ace threw his sweat covered towel into a bin and shook his head at our banter. As the silent type, Ace never joined in our ribbing, but he always wore a smile and laughed it off with us. Ace was a Navy Seal, but after losing his fiancée a few years ago, he decided to devote his life to hunting down criminals. He never talked about his loss and we never asked.

  None of our pasts really mattered. We were brothers now-- a band of misfit agents. Each one of us was broken, but this team had saved us.

  For me, my story was a little different than the rest. Growing up the son of a multi-billionaire I lived a life of luxury. My dad had inherited his advertising company from my late grandfather. They ran ads and marketing for famous brands and made good money doing it. My dad had tried to groom me into taking a CEO spot of the company, but I was never interested in his business or lifestyle. Sitting in a stuffy office working with snooty people never fascinated me. Not like working with the force. In my line of work, I could be anyone I wanted to be on any given day. The thrill of taking down the bad guys was my own personal high. To say it pissed off my dad when I turned down the role of CEO, would be an understatement. He basically shunned me. It didn’t matter really, he never raised me. My mom was his fourth wife and to her, I was merely a means to ensuring she would receive a monthly check from him for the rest of her life. Nannies raised me and it was probably for the best. I would hate to think I would ever have been influenced by the likes of my parents.

  “Hey, Todd, are you coming?” Carter called.

  Offering a resolute nod, I pulled myself back to reality.

  I had been so lost in my own thoughts, I hadn’t realized the guys were leaving the gym. Carter was the oldest and most experienced out of all of us. He spent years working as a spy, but after being shot, he earned a spot in a less dangerous role. Well, less dangerous than the job he previously had.

  Trust me, we had our fair share of danger lurking around every corner. But, we had to keep our eyes open and have faith and trust in our band of brothers.

  Standing, I wiped down my face and then threw my towel in the bin.

  “I’m right behind you, brother,” I said, following the guys out of the room.

  An hour later, we were showered and dressed in our suit pants and dress shirts. It was time for our morning meeting when we would learn about our next case. This was my favorite part of each day. I lived to fight crime. Maybe I had some weird superhero complex, who knows. Either way, I loved to go undercover, spending my days and nights observing the ins and outs of hard core criminals and their enterprises. Our purpose was to sometimes gain the trust of the individual or organization to learn how to gather the information and evidence we needed to take them down. Living a double life for some, I could see causing problems. However, for me, it just made the job that much more exciting. Unlike some of the older guys on the force, I didn’t have a wife and kids to worr
y about at home. And my extended family was nonexistent. I guess you could say that made me the perfect person for the job. Not to mention, I wasn’t forced to wear a stiff suit or awkward looking uniform. I was able to wear plain clothes, civilian clothes, instead of wearing a uniform. This helped us avoid detection or identification as a law enforcement officer. I mean, I didn’t think our tactics would be very helpful if I rolled up into one of my sting operations with a bright shiny badge that said police officer. I had to blend in with the crowd I was investigating. However, plain clothes police officers typically carried normal police equipment and normal identification.

  As Detective Marshall walked into the room, I sat up a little straighter in my chair. His balding head seemed to glow under the fluorescent lights of our conference room. Sipping his steaming black coffee, he held a file with our newest job. Detective Marshall had over thirty years of experience working with various task forces and held my utmost respect. He was stern, yet fair and remained in great shape, even in his aging years.

  Everyone hushed as Detective Marshall stopped in front of the room. He placed his coffee mug on the dark wood podium and then looked out at all of our eager faces.

  “Alright, boys, we have a new high-profile case,” he began.

  My heart rate kicked into gear. I always got excited when we got a new case.

  “As you know, crime rates have spiked in Sunnyville over the last few months. Drug related deaths and arrests are on the rise and our community is fed up. We have obtained information that a new gang has moved down here from Michigan. The River Kings are one of the nation's largest drug gangs and have brought their business to Sunnyville.” He paused, and pulled out some papers.

  Passing the papers down the rows of tables, we each took one. The handout had a photo of the gang leader, Marcus King.

  “This guy isn’t your average drug lord. He has now moved into human trafficking. He is luring young women into his operation. He gets them addicted to drugs, uses them as sex pawns, and then they entice other men to get involved in his drug business. He is dangerous and has taken on a local drug lord here in town,” Detective Marshall huffed.

  “So, these guys will surely be armed with heavy security,” Carter piped in.

  Nodding, Detective Marshall continued.

  “Marcus King is living in a penthouse in downtown Sunnyville and has plans to meet up with another gang leader, Tommy Marko, with the Southern Bloods. Our informants believe they are about to join forces and create one large drug enterprise,” Detective Marshall finished, and gave us time to review the handouts.

  “What is our timeline on this, sir?” Parker asked.

  “I want these guys brought down within three months. Just remember, these guys are dangerous and have ties to various murders from Michigan to Florida. You need to develop your plan and then deliver it to me by tomorrow morning,” Detective Marshall stated before leaving the room and heading toward his small office.

  As the guys and I moved closer to work, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. This was what I lived for and, together, we would bring down a notorious drug leader.

  Chapter 2

  Ally

  I stared up at the worn out looking building and sighed. With a box containing my only possessions, I stood on the sidewalk. This was not how the online pictures looked when I sent in money to rent this apartment. Groaning, I adjusted the box in my arms and then walked up the steep steps to the apartment upstairs.

  After my parents were killed in a car accident during my junior year of high school, I was left with nothing but memories and their life insurance policy. I used the money to pay for my tuition to the University of Sunnyville. Without a family, all I had was an education and the hope to restart my life.

  “Miss, are you lost?” a voice said from behind me.

  As I stopped at the top of the stairs, I spun around and spotted an older woman with silver hair and kind eyes.

  “No, ma’am, I am the new tenant of this apartment,” I said, pointing to a black door with chipped paint. A silver 2 hung sideways, alerting me that I was in deed, in the right place.

  Just my luck. To be honest, I wished I were lost. The pictures and the reality of this place didn’t match and I was starting to get a little upset. It wasn’t like I was a snob or anything. Before my parents died, we lived in a middle-class neighborhood and I never had fancy things. However, being a young, single female in a big city, I had hoped to be in a more safe environment. I had been assured by the apartment owner that this was where all of the local college kids lived, but upon arrival, I hadn’t seen many people my age.

  “You must be Allison,” the woman said, offering a kind smile. “I am Gloria Lynn. I am the apartment manager. I have your keys for you,” she said, reaching into the pocket of her oversized shirt.

  “Hi, you can call me Ally,” I said, offering her a smile, too.

  I took the key from her hand and set my box down. Unlocking the door, I was met with a musty odor. Great, this place hadn’t been cleaned.

  Pushing the door open further, I noticed that this was a studio apartment. The kitchen area and living space were combined in one area. To the right was a bed and dresser with a curtain hanging as a makeshift wall. To the left was a door, which I assumed led to the bathroom.

  Reaching down, I picked up my box and thanked Ms. Lynn.

  Closing the door behind me, I blew a loose strand of my blonde hair out of my face.

  Setting the box on the kitchen counter, I took in my surroundings. To pay for utilities and buy a few items to spruce up the place, I would need to get a job soon. It would have to work until I got a job and could afford something in a nicer part of town.

  On the drive to the apartment, I had noticed several bars and restaurants near the college campus. Surely, I could find work at one of those. Tomorrow, after a warm shower and some rest, I would set out on finding employment. For now, I would unpack and make the best of a bad situation.

  ****

  I awoke the next morning with a crick in my neck. The mattress was worn thin and didn’t offer much support. But, it was free and was all I had. Dressing in the only black skirt I had, I opted for a button down white shirt and black flats to finish my ensemble.

  I was pulling my hair up into a tight bun when my phone chimed, alerting me to a text message.

  Brianna: Hey, girl, just checking on you.

  I smiled as I read the text. Brianna was my best friend and the sole person who I had leaned on when my parents were killed. Without any grandparents or aunts and uncles, her family had taken me in my last year of high school. She was all the family I had left and I missed her terribly.

  Me: Hi! I am about to go find a job.

  Brianna: Awesome. Text me later so I know how it went. Good luck!

  My heart filled with warmth as I thought about Brianna. She had been accepted into Nevada State University, but was hoping to transfer to Sunnyville University next year. We just couldn’t stand the idea of being apart. With her positive energy surrounding me, I braved a smile.

  Leaving the apartment, I was thankful that the weather was warm and the sky was a beautiful and calm blue. I had two weeks before classes began, so I needed to get a job now. Textbooks and food would be expensive and the money left from my parents’ will only cover my tuition.

  As I began walking down the block, I realized I wasn’t that far from the center of downtown and the college campus. Sure, I wasn’t in the most upscale area, but in the sunlight, it wasn’t so bad.

  It was around ten-thirty in the morning, so I knew most bars and restaurants would just be opening to get staff prepared for the coming crowds. Most college students would be moving in next week, so I knew I had the upper hand when it came to landing a job.

  Stopping at the first bar I came to, I looked up and read the neon green sign: Hooligan's Bar.

  It had an industrial chic look to it and instantly I liked the vibe. Outside, metal tables and chairs lined the sidewalks
and the windows were open allowing fresh air inside the pub. Opening the glass door, I was greeted by a hostess who was rolling silverware into black cotton napkins.

  “Hey, we aren’t open yet,” she said with a warm smile.

  Stepping in a little further, I brushed my hair out of my face. “Hi, I’m actually looking to see if you all are hiring. Is there a manager here?” I asked.

  I was super nervous, but I needed to rein in my confidence.

  “Actually, he’s right there,” she said, pointing to an older man sitting in a booth. “Hey, Gus, come here,” she called, like she was beckoning a friend and not her boss.

  I stood there, a bit stunned, but when the heavy set man approached, he stuck out his hand for me to shake. “Hello,” he said, an inviting grin revealing a set of wrinkles to welcome me.

  “Hi, I’m Ally. I was hoping you had a job opening,” I said.

  I had only had one other job in my life and that was babysitting the neighbors’ kids in my old neighborhood. Hopefully, that would suffice.

  “Well, what can you do?” he asked, eyeing me.

  “Umm, I can clean tables, take orders-- anything you would need,” I said.

  He looked over at the hostess and she shrugged her shoulders.

  “I tell you what, Ally. I could really use another waitress around here. With school starting back up soon, our evening and night crowds get busy. Do you think you can handle that?” he asked.

  “Of course!” I beamed.

  I had no idea what I was about to get myself into, but he was offering me a job and I wasn’t about to back out now.

  “Perfect. Stop by here tomorrow at the same time and I will have you fill out paperwork and get you fitted for a uniform,” he finished, and then walked back toward the back where the bar and kitchen area were.

  Beaming, I was beyond thrilled to have landed a job on my first try.