Kendall wrinkled her nose. “He’s bald.”
“Devon is, too,” Zoann soothed, indicating the child with a nod of her chin and a tender smile at him. “Ryan was born with a full head of hair, though. Just like Harley and CJ.”
“I can’t believe my son is finally here,” she whispered, drawing in a shuddering breath.
Zoann smiled, her eyes growing misty. “He is. Welcome to the world of Moms,” she said as she stood and headed to Val.
Kendall turned her attention to Meggie, who sat at the table next to them with Bunny.
Bunny got to her feet. “Excuse me,” she said. “I’m going to start lunch.”
“Umkay,” Meggie responded with a smile.
The moment Bunny walked off, Kendall cleared her throat, remembering their last confrontation. “Thanks for helping with my ceremony at the hospital.”
Meggie nodded. “Anytime,” she said quietly. “I’m glad you and Johnnie made your way back to one another.”
“Th-thank you for inviting me to Mort and Bailey’s vows. I don’t know if I would’ve gotten the courage to come back.”
“You would’ve, Kendall,” Meggie responded. “Love conquers all.”
They stared at each other and Kendall shifted awkwardly.
“I know what happened in Hawaii.”
Perhaps, a few weeks ago, Kendall wouldn’t have recognized the hurt in Meggie’s voice. Worse, if she had, she wouldn’t have cared. Now, she both heard and cared.
Shame burned into her, and she blinked to clear away gathering tears. Delivering her son hadn’t stopped the waterworks.
“Meggie, I’m so very sorry.”
“I’m so angry with you,” Meggie said with her own tears. “I’d never disrespect you in such a manner and make a play for Johnnie under any circumstances.”
“I was in a very bad spot.”
Meggie swiped at her tears.
“I love Johnnie,” she went on. She didn’t want to have this cloud between them, but right now, with Rory’s recent birth, Kendall wasn’t up to this conversation. “I love him so much.”
“Whether you believed it or not, I considered you my friend. Friends don’t hurt each other. I defended you over and over again to Christopher.”
“And, Johnnie,” Kendall added sadly.
Meggie scowled.
“Can we start over, Meggie? Redo it all and wipe the slate clean. I started off being a mean, spiteful bitch to you.”
Meggie’s chin wobbled but Rory’s wail snapped Kendall away from the conversation. She got to her feet, and headed to the bar.
Johnnie turned to her and offered their son to her. Her heart melted at the sight of the little red face, screwed up in tears. A tiny cap covered his head and his little fists shook.
A bout of nerves seized Kendall, but she grabbed Rory and cradled him in her arms, cooing softly to him. “I think he’s hungry.”
In the hospital, the nurses had prepared his formula and brought it to Kendall, along with Rory during his feeding time. She frowned. “Do we have formula?”
“Yes, gorgeous.” Johnnie led her to their room, where a cradle and changing table had been added. After guiding her to the bed, he went to the changing table and found a bottle, along with a can of formula, then began searching for a can opener.
“You have to sterilize the bottle.”
“You mean boil it?”
She nodded, and sat on the edge of the bed, engaging her entire body in rocking her son. She wanted to cry at his distress, especially knowing it would take a few minutes to prepare his formula.
“Lay back, sweetheart. I’ll take him and get him fed.”
“No. Can you get his formula? I’ll comfort him.”
Johnnie’s eyes smoldered with a depth of emotion Kendall had never seen. “I love you.” He clasped her face between his hands. “Kendall, my gorgeous, beautiful, brave lady. My wife. I think I loved you from the moment I first laid eyes on you.” He stared at Rory. “I’ll always love you. Even if you hadn’t given me my son. That you have and are already such a wonderful mother only makes me love you more.”
“Oh my God, Johnnie!” Who knew he’d had such sentiment locked inside of him. “I love you, too. So very much.”
A moment later, he left her and Rory alone. Not knowing what else to do, she laid her hand gently on his back and urged his head onto her shoulder, then began to sing the words to her favorite song. She was so emotional, that when he began to quiet, tears slid down her cheeks.
Despite how much she adored Johnnie, Kendall had never known a love like she felt towards her baby boy. She’d always mourn her sister’s and mother’s loss. But she no longer wondered why Marie had never loved her as a mother should. That had been her mom’s responsibility, not Kendall’s.
Each horrible moment she’d gone through had brought her to this one. To begin her life anew as a wife and a mother with a motley crew of friends, who really accepted her just as she was. Even Outlaw to a point, although it was for Meggie.
As to her, Meggie, Kendall felt free somehow. All those months, that she’d disparaged Meggie, and she’d resented the differences in their relationships with their men. But, now, Kendall had Johnnie and his love. She had their son.
She finally belonged, and she couldn’t have been happier.
As if on cue, a knock sounded on the door. “Come in,” she called.
Meggie walked into the room and Kendall tensed, unable to read the girl’s face.
Stopping next to Kendall, she held out her hand and cleared her throat. “Hi,” she said softly. “I’m Megan Caldwell.”
Kendall’s released a sobby laugh. “Hi, Megan Caldwell. I’m Kendall Donovan.”
Meggie smiled, her eyes bright. “Welcome home, Mrs. Donovan.”
The End
Kathryn C. Kelly
Misconduct
A Death Dwellers MC Novel
By Kathryn Kelly
Copyright 2015 Kathryn Kelly
This book is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this eBook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this eBook and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Formatting by Swish Design & Editing
Cover design by Crystal Cuffley
Cover Image Copyright 2015
Misconduct
A Death Dwellers MC Novel
The final full novel of the series tells the story of Digger Banks, traitor to the Death Dwellers MC. His brother and club enforcer, Mortician, is charged with the task of putting him to ground. Will both brothers survive, and can the Death Dwellers withstand another betrayal and tragedy?
DeLonn Donovan, you’re awesome. Thank you for being my friend. I look forward to working with you in the future.
To Survivors everywhere—Never give up and always believe.
I’d like to start off by thanking my mother and my daughters. Without their support and understanding, I couldn’t seclude myself to bring my characters to life. Creating the world of the Death Dwellers is so much fun, but it is also time-consuming. Thank you for never complaining.
After Misled’s release, I decided to continue with the series because of the overwhelming response. Over the months, lines have been drawn, especially between Christopher and Kendall. Your passionate loyalty on both sides continue to inspire me, even as the series comes to a close.
Without a solid team behind me, producing each book wouldn’t be so seamless. Thank you Kaylene Osborn and Kimberly Osborn of Swish Design and Editing for top-notch editing and gorgeous graphics, Crystal Cuffley of Rockin’ Red Promotions for my beautiful cove
rs, and Claire Richards, the best assistant in the world.
August 5, 2015 changed my life forever with the breast cancer diagnosis. To everyone who has sent me words of encouragement and advice, I can’t thank you enough. When you contact me just to say hi or to check on me, my spirits are lifted. It feels like old times because that’s what you always did. I may be slower to respond, but I’m no less appreciative.
Jordan Marie, you took matters into your own hands and did what you do best—handled it. You took the time out of your busy and hectic life to help me. I love you, lady.
Kaz Blonde and Kaylene Osborn, thank you for my beautiful bouquets and for reminding me to stay strong! Kim Beale, Nanee Magee, Savannah Morgan, Jen Wilder and AC Bextor, I always look forward to your messages.
Danni List Werner, Melanie Cooper, Crystal Cuffley, Claire Richards, Angie Stanton, and Kristin Inselman, you’re the bestest friends a girl could ask for. I love you all! Once I kick cancer’s ass and send up a lot of prayers in thanks, we need to celebrate Magic Mike style. I vote for Dallas or Miami. ;-)
Zoey Megahey, the rocking pixie cut you gave me made it easier when it came time to shave my head.
DeLonn Donovan, Travis Lee Ferguson, and Daniel Sobieray, it continues to be a pleasure to work with you.
Neal and Robbie Gibson, thank you.
If I’ve forgotten anyone, please forgive me.
Much appreciation and love to you always.
Dear Reader,
Originally, I intended to have Peyton Cooper as Digger’s love interest. As Ellen’s sister, there was a built-in backstory and point of conflict. If you’ve followed the series, you may remember Ellen was one of Outlaw’s women from Misled, book number one. However, Peyton ended up being a rather reprehensible and unredeemable character. Her lack of repentance for her actions made me not like her. Therefore, I couldn’t defend her as I do Kendall during lively discussions about Johnnie’s heroine on my Facebook page.
Before I realized I utterly detested Peyton, I’d written about her and her motivations, even looking into her past with Ellen. Because Sharper is mixed into this, I’ve kept their POVs in, as if Peyton remains the heroine.
Therefore, Digger is the only Death Dweller who starts off with two heroines.
I hope you enjoy this tale of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. And, of course, Outlaw.
Blurb
Dedication
Acknowledgments
A Note To The Reader
Table of Contents
Part One – A Past Comes To Haunt
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Part Two – Mistake Number Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Part Three – The Key
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
A Note to the Reader
Play List
Three Christmases Ago
All the hustle and bustle prior to Christmas Day, purchasing gifts, planning menus, attending parties, wishing good cheer to everyone, always came to this. An anticlimactic disappointment that sank like stone in the pit of Peyton Cooper’s belly. Like everything else in her life, the holidays divided her feelings. Each year, she anticipated the season, just as much as she loathed it.
Her mother often discussed the old days when Christmas hadn’t become so commercialized. Audra always pinned the avariciousness of retailers on the declining importance to the actual reason for the season.
Peyton scoffed, sick to death of seeing that annoying little phrase plastered on too many church signs to count.
She filled the gin to the brim of her glass, drowning out her mother’s slurred disapproval. For the past couple hours, she’d been drowning out everything Audra had been muttering. The same old sorry crap added to Peyton’s unsettled feelings.
Ad nauseum, Audra moaned about missing Peyton’s father. The man left for another woman, then lured Audra back for reconciliation before leaving again for a different woman. Her mother blamed herself for the dick-loving, pussy-eating slut Peyton’s sister, Ellen, had become. She also regularly reminded Peyton of all the blood on their hands.
Draining half her glass, she glared at her mother. Or, more aptly, Dr. Audra Cooper. Only, Dr. Cooper passed off her Hypocritical Oath as Hippocratic. Audra had been running scams since Peyton’s and Ellen’s father left the first time. In the last five years, however, she’d outdone herself, somehow becoming a doctor when she’d barely finished high school because she’d been pregnant with Ellen.
Peyton understood Audra’s actions. Their family needed to survive, and she meant for them to do it in style. Continuing the high life her mother had given them was the reason Peyton had fucked her way through medical school. College. Hell, high school.
So many demons she’d had to fight. This latest, the one she assisted her mother with, would cling to her for the rest of her life.
Fitting, when her mother offered assisted suicide to the terminally ill.
Peyton finished her drink and laid her glass against her overheated forehead. How the hell had her mother gotten clients anyway? Audra certainly hadn’t been able to advertise her services: Death for Dollars.
However she succeeded at her murder-for-hire schemes should be book-worthy. Or Lifetime Channel movie worthy. Unfortunately, anyone who saw Audra now wouldn’t believe her capable of murder.
She looked so frail, her light brown hair interspersed with gray. Age spots dotted her arms and her face was haggard with wrinkles.
Audra sobbed, the words incoherent. Not that Peyton really cared. As soon as Ellen arrived and Peyton gave her sister her gift, she’d get away from both her and their mother.
She had a hot date with her co-worker’s husband.
Footsteps pounded down the hallway. So lost in her thoughts, she hadn’t even heard the door opening. A moment later, Ellen appeared and trudged into the small dining room, a step up from the days they’d lived in a motel.
Peyton sniffed at her older sister’s appearance and turned her head. Unlike Peyton’s dark hair, Ellen’s strawberry blonde hair added to her sister’s hardened features. Ellen had their father’s blue eyes, while Peyton had their mother’s brown ones.
For long moments neither of them spoke, each assessing the other. Whereas Peyton wore an elegant, rust-colored pantsuit, Ellen’s short leather skirt and black chiffon blouse underscored their difference. In Peyton’s eyes, she was class and Ellen was trash.
“You eat yet, babe?” Ellen asked, always the first to cave in their staring contests.
Whore she might be, but the sadness in her sister’s voice compelled Peyton to narrow her eyes. The utter defeat in Ellen’s features shocked Peyton. What was wrong with her sister? She was a Cooper woman and Cooper women had all sorts of shade.
They’d never met anyone who could best them and who they couldn’t exploit in some form or fashion. So why did dark circles ring Ellen’s blue eyes? Eyes that al
ways snapped with arrogance and belligerence were now dull and filled with pain.
“Ellie?” Audra called.
“I’m here, Mama,” Ellen said quietly.
Audra stood and rushed to Ellen, enveloping her in an embrace. Peyton choked when Ellen tightened her arms around Audra’s neck and burst into tears.
Real worry and concern hit Peyton and she bit her lip. Things must be really horrendous in Ellen’s life for her to be so broken up. Audra guided her to one of the dining room chairs and helped her into a seat. Swaying, she clutched the edge of the table and swallowed.
Peyton sighed. “Mama, go wash your face off with cold water. It’ll help clear your head.” Unlikely after all the crying she’d done and alcohol she’d consumed. Peyton wasn’t even sure why they’d bothered with glasses. They both had fifths of gin at their place settings. “I’ll talk to Ellen until you freshen up.”
Audra wiped her nose on her gold, sparkly sleeve. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” The days of Ellen and Peyton getting into physical fights had long passed. Peyton tolerated both Audra and Ellen, but she was so much better than they were. She lived in an expensive apartment with fine furniture. Wore designer clothes. Drove a sports car. Was in her first year of residency.
And assisted Audra in doling out death.
Peyton scowled. “Go!” She hadn’t meant the word to come out so harsh, but she really wanted to be in her new lover’s bed, rewarding him for gifting her with the diamond earrings she wore.
Audra scampered away and Peyton leaned back in her chair. She grabbed the gin and tipped the bottle back. “What’s the matter?”
Ellen lifted woeful eyes to her and palmed her tears away. Her mouth twisted in a bitter smile. “I was supposed to get married,” she croaked, hoarse with tears.
Wait. What? Ellen married? At the ridiculous idea, she almost burst out laughing. Instead, she lifted a brow. “Uh-huh.”
Death Dwellers Motorcycle Club:: Fifteen Bad Boy Biker Books Page 225