POTTER (The Trident Series Book 2)

by Jaime Lewis

  The Trident Series

  POTTER

  Jaime Lewis

  Copyright © 2020 Jaime Lewis

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, events, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  The Trident Series - POTTER

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission

  from the author.

  ISBN:978-1-952734-02-1

  Printed in the United States of America

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  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

  Epilogue

  Book List

  About the Author

  Prologue

  Chaz Westlock sat across from one of the most notorious drug dealers in the world. They were meeting at his nightclub, Club 81, near the boardwalk in Virginia Beach to discuss a potential business venture.

  The club’s doors had opened a short while ago, and judging from the crowd downstairs, it was shaping up to be another profitable evening.

  Chaz had met the Colombian at an event his college buddy hosted in Richmond a few months ago. Not once did Chaz consider that attending the event would lead him to much bigger endeavors, such as the one he was about to embark on.

  The event was a networking function amongst business owners. Except these business owners were wealthy individuals, all embroiled in illegal dealings. He had met both men and women who oversaw conglomerates dealing in black market merchandise; drugs, weapons, stolen art, and prostitution a few to name.

  When Chaz and his girlfriend Tenley first arrived at the venue, he was skeptical, but as the night went on, he couldn’t hide his intrigue. Especially when his friend pulled him aside and showed him a spreadsheet disclosing the profit numbers he was earning by running drugs through his club. When he expressed interest in starting something similar within his club, his friend introduced him to Esteban Sanchez. Esteban was the leading supplier. After quick introductions and a brief conversation, Esteban had agreed to meet with Chaz at his club to observe the operation, and only then would he decide if it was the right business decision to move forward.

  He clenched his jaw, remembering that had been the last night he spent with Tenley. She ended their relationship the following week after he had an indiscretion with one of the female bartenders at his club. A night of drunken stupidity that he now regretted. Tenley was a smart woman. He got the impression he hadn’t kept the other business venture quite the secret he thought he did. When she was ticking off all the reasons she couldn’t be with him anymore, she mentioned she wasn’t interested in being around someone who had connections to illegal dealings, amongst other things. He wasn’t sure how she knew about that because while at the event, he had made sure to keep her away during any discussions he had concerning his business.

  Her ending the relationship had burned him on the inside. He never told her he loved her, and he wasn’t sure if he did. Tenley was gorgeous and was satisfying in bed. He cared for her and was possessive of her. He had been pissed when he learned she started dating someone a few weeks later. A Navy SEAL, he later found out from a friend of his.

  He clenched his fists, feeling the anger rise as he thought about her with another man, especially a muscle-headed SEAL who probably thought he stood above everyone else. He knew the reputations of those types of guys. They never kept a woman for too long. Before long, he’d ditch her, and Tenley would come crawling back to him. He smiled as he thought of all the ways he’d make her beg when the time came.

  He took a sip of his brandy savoring the taste of the expensive whiskey. He needed to put Tenley to the side for now. He needed a clear and level head if he wanted to seal this deal. He had even made sure his top staff were on duty tonight to make a good impression.

  Esteban glanced around and looked out the one-way mirror to the club’s dance floor below. “I have to say, Chaz, from what I observed on the short walk up to your office, you’ve got quite the operation. The doors opened less than an hour ago, and you already have a line outside of anxious people to get in. That just shows how popular the joint is. From studying the appearance of the patrons inside, you cater to a higher-end class of people. I like it.” He grinned before taking a long sip of his drink.

  “I appreciate the compliment. I charge a high cover and only serve top-shelf alcohol. That’s to discourage the riffraff from coming in. After all, the majority of our clientele are wealthy and older than the individuals you’d see at other nightclubs in the area. This club is a strict 21 or older to enter, and they must be dressed appropriately. My staff sees to it that my rules and preferences are followed.”

  Esteban’s lips twitched. “Very nice, you take pride in your establishment.” He set the glass down on the table next to him and leaned back against the sofa, crossing one leg over the other. “I’m going to be straight, with you, Chaz. I’ve already checked out both you and your club. Your bank records reveal you are in good financial shape, and the club itself is stable and showing a profit.” Chaz’s nervousness must have shown because Esteban smirked. “Before I make a site visit to a potential venue looking to conduct business with me, I always do my homework.” He raised his eyebrows.

  “I completely understand.” Chaz started to wonder what else the Colombian knew.

  “The type of club you run here has the perfect set-up to conduct the business you are looking to initiate. Sure, the younger kids like to dabble in street products, but you’re talking mainly pot and meth. The problem is you never know when they’ll have money to come back for more. But the patrons coming through your doors, those people have the means to keep coming back time and time again. That is as long as you offer a secure place to conduct transactions.” He gave Chaz a wicked smile.

  The feeling of intimidation was wearing off, and Chaz felt the excitement start to bleed through him. Esteban was interested. Now he had to close the deal. Clearing his throat, he asked, “As far as the type of product, are you talking pills? Something in that nature.”

  Esteban waved his hand, dismissing the question. “That shit is for amateurs.” Leaning forward, he gave Chaz a serious look. “I’m going out on a limb, considering you and I don’t have a true business rapport yet. I like the club, the atmosphere, and the location is perfect for what I’m about to propose to you.” Chaz sat up straighter, giving Esteban his full attention. “I have something in the works right now to secure a new product, but I don’t have access to it just yet. However, I believe with your help, you and I can work as a team to secure it. Until we can make that happen, I’ll supply you with the purest cocaine available for distribution.”

  Chaz’s heart kicked up a beat. He couldn’t believe this was really happening.

  Esteban grinned. “I’m a fairly good judge of character. You’re youn
g and ambitious. I like that, and I know you won’t try to screw me over.”

  “Never,” Chaz told him.

  Esteban sat back. “The main product I am pursuing hasn’t made its debut in this area. You would be the first.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Heroin. And not just any heroin, I’m talking about top-line direct from Colombia. Before you ask, sure, any person can go out on the street and buy heroin from a dealer, but I’ll guarantee you they aren’t getting the stuff I’m talking about. I would bet at least half of the people you have downstairs are in the market for something like this.”

  “I am even willing to cut you a deal on the cost,” He smiled and stood up. “So what do you say? Are you in?”

  Was he in? Chaz shook his head. This deal was an opportunity of a lifetime and one that would never come again. Was it risky? Sure, but as the saying went, you can’t get ahead without taking a risk. He stood, and the two shook hands, sealing the deal.

  “So how does this work?” Chaz asked excitedly, eager to begin. Esteban chuckled.

  “Well, first things first. I need access to the heroin. This is where I’ll need your help. Which, in return for your assistance, is why I’m charging you fifty percent less than my normal asking price.”

  Chaz wasn’t educated on the variations of heroin in the market, and Esteban most likely knew that, so he wasn’t sure what he was looking for Chaz to help with. “This is all fairly new to me, so I’m not quite sure how I can be of help.”

  “You see, there are two main operators in Colombia. One is owned by a man named Miguel Dias. Our families have butted heads for as long as I can remember. I have it on good word that Miguel is selling off his businesses. I want the heroin.”

  “But he won’t sell it to you because of the history between your families?” Chaz stated.

  Esteban laughed and pointed at him. “See, you’re smart. No, Miguel would never consider selling to me, but if I have something he wants, I’m sure he would reconsider.”

  “And what do you have that would make this guy renege on a decision his family would possibly disown him over?”

  Esteban picked up his brandy glass and took a sip. He looked at Chaz and smiled wickedly. “Tenley Cortez.”

  Chapter One

  Present Day – 2 Months Later

  It was dark as she tried to dig through her purse to find her house keys. The set of hands landing on her waist from behind frightened her, causing her to jump and scream. Her scream was short-lived when a hand came down over her mouth, muffling her cry, and sending her into a panic.

  The person securing her held firm. He pressed his front against her back. She felt his warm breath on the back of her neck. Seconds later, she recognized Chaz’s angry voice, and it sent chills down her spine.

  “You defied me, and I told you I’d come find you, Tenley.” He uncovered her mouth and turned her in his arms, not releasing her. When her eyes locked onto his, she could tell from his dilated pupils that he was on something. She glanced over to her best friend’s driveway next door and nearly sobbed when she didn’t see Alex’s SUV parked there.

  Chaz’s slimy hands slid up her sides and stopped just under her breasts. He squeezed her ribs. She tried pulling away, but he yanked her back.

  “What do you want?” She asked with an attitude.

  He laughed. “What do you think I want? I want you.”

  He moved in like he was going to kiss her, and she could smell the alcohol on his breath. She turned her head as his lips skimmed her cheek. He had an evil laugh.

  “I knew you’d play hard to get.”

  She snapped her head up, looking at him. He was much taller than her five-foot-three frame.

  “I don’t play games, Chaz. We broke up, get over it. You need to move on. God knows I have.”

  That must have been the wrong thing to say because things went spiraling out of control very quickly as he swung her around. Her back hit her car door. She cried out, and Chaz was in her face.

  “I’ve heard all about that Navy guy you’ve been fucking. I hope you’ve had your fun because it is all coming to an end.”

  With tears in her eyes, she stared up at him. “What?”

  He shoved her again, and the door handle dug into her back.

  “I want you back, Tenley. We belong together.” He took her face between his large hands and pressed his body against her. “Don’t fight it, baby. I’m going places, and you are going to be right by my side.”

  She shook her head, causing his hands to fall from her face.

  “Nothing is happening between us, Chaz. I’m happy with my life.”

  The backhand to her face came out of nowhere, stunning her.

  “We are going to be happy together, Tenley. We need each other.” He spat at her. Oh my god, he has lost his mind. Chaz had become verbally abusive toward the end of their relationship, but never had he laid a hand on her.

  He caressed her cheek, where a bruise was already forming. “Look what you made me do.”

  She flinched at his touch, and she pleaded with him. “Please don’t do this. Please just let me be.”

  “No can do, sweetheart.” He looked down at his watch. “Before I go, I want to hear you say it.”

  She just looked at him. Did he want her to tell him that he was crazy?

  He gripped her hips, grinding himself against her.

  “Tell me that you are mine.”

  She shook her head, and that set him off again. He threw a hard punch into her stomach, and she sunk to her knees, gasping for air.

  He lowered himself so he was directly in her face. Tears streamed down her cheeks as pain tore through her insides.

  “Game over Tenley. Get rid of the boyfriend, or he dies. And just because he’s a SEAL doesn’t mean he’s invincible. Accidents can happen.”

  Before she could say anything, he held her face and plunged his tongue into her mouth. She tried to pull away, but he was too strong. She bit down on his tongue, and he pulled back roaring like a lion. She didn’t see the kick coming until it was too late as his Italian pointed-toe dress shoe made contact with her midsection, causing all the air to leave her. She couldn’t breathe, and then an excruciating pain shot through her stomach. She grabbed hold of her belly while Chaz looked down at her with disdain.

  “I’m letting you off easy tonight, Tenley. Next time I text or call you, I expect an immediate response. Don’t make me come for you again. You won’t like the punishment.” He fixed the buttons on his sleeves. “I’ll call you in a few days to make plans. There’s someone who wants to meet you.”

  He started to walk away and then turned around. “Oh, and Tenley, don’t even think about mentioning any of this to anyone. If I hear you did, I’ll kill them too. That includes your pretty little neighbor next door. And don’t think I won’t know. I know a lot of people, and I’ve got my eye on you. I’ll be in touch.”

  Tenley heard the car door slam, followed by the sound of the car driving away. Tears streamed down her face as she lifted herself off the ground. When she stood, another pain shot through her stomach, causing her to double over.

  NO!

  ◆◆◆

  Tenley vaulted up from the nightmare. She was all twisted up in her blanket, and sweat coated her body. Every night for the past two months, she’d been reliving the worst day of her life. She laid her hand over her belly as her heart rate started to slow. Looking down where her hand rested, she couldn’t stop the tear from falling from her eye. Every day and every nightmare reminded her of the precious gift she lost to the hands of a monster.

  Shaking off the anger, she rubbed her tired eyes and glanced over at the clock on her nightstand. The red numbers were blinking at her. Shit, the power must have gone out in the middle of the night when that storm came through. She looked at her watch, and she gasped before flying off the bed. It was one-thirty in the afternoon. She was supposed to be at Alex’s house at one o’clock.

  “Shit, shit, shit!�
�� She cursed as she tore through her closet, looking for something to wear to the Christmas dinner. Ace and Alex were hosting the Christmas festivities, and everyone was supposed to be there. Including Potter, the one man she had been trying to avoid for nearly two months since she sent him a text message telling him she needed some time. It had helped that Potter had been deployed with his SEAL team for most of that time, but those few days he was stateside had been challenging. Potter wasn’t the type of man to sit back and accept that they needed to hit brakes. She couldn’t blame him, though, because her text to him had been very vague. What was she supposed to tell him? She’d been trying to protect him.

  She thought she would have figured out a solution by now, but that hadn’t happened, and Chaz was becoming more and more persistent. Since the day that prick had confronted her in her driveway, she’d been successful in avoiding him and his demands. Being a nurse in the ER of a busy hospital was a benefit as far as her situation went. Hospital ERs always needed extra manpower, especially around the holidays, which gave her the means to work as many hours as she wanted. Doing so had kept her out of Chaz’s grasp for the time being. The downside of the ordeal was that she pretty much lived at the hospital, only going home to do laundry and check her mail. She honestly thought Chaz’s sudden and violent reemergence in her life would have been short-lived, but this didn’t seem to be the case, because she noticed a week or two after the incident with Chaz that a silver car had been following her anytime she left her house or the hospital. That led her to believe that Chaz was dead serious when he said he would be watching her. She was even afraid to use her phone for fear of him having it tapped.

  Her mother and Alex had been the two main people hounding her. She knew they wanted answers. But unfortunately, she couldn’t give them any even though it was killing her inside. She had kept communication with them short, again using work as an excuse.

  She took a deep breath and exhaled as she stepped into her red holiday dress. She glanced into the mirror; today was going to be very tough, but she had to make an appearance.