Dead End

by Susan Sleeman

  “Or we could stay out here and make out instead.” He winked.

  “They’d come looking for us, and that wouldn’t make a good impression on my brothers.”

  “I suppose not.”

  “Besides.” She pointed out the window at a silver sedan parking out front. “Malone is here, and she’s so pretty my brothers won’t even notice you.”

  “I’m not sacrificing my sister to save myself.” He laughed and got out of the car. Sierra joined him in the driveway.

  “Sis.” He kissed his sister’s cheek then hugged her. She looked so much like their mother that it shocked him at times. She had dark hair like his and the same dark eyes, but her chin and nose were fragile and delicate. She was nearly six feet tall in her boots and slender. She’d also inherited their mother’s fashion sense.

  He released her, and she hugged Sierra. They’d gotten to know each other this past month, and though they didn’t have a lot in common, he was ecstatic that they liked each other.

  “Sierra says you need to protect me from the big, bad Byrd men.” He smiled at Malone.

  “What?” She laughed.

  “They’re all law enforcement officers and my dad is a retired deputy,” Sierra clarified. “So they might give Reed a hard time.”

  “And you think I can help with that?” She looked honestly confused.

  Sierra nodded. “Just smile at them, and they’ll fall into line. Maybe fall all over themselves trying to be the one you’re most impressed with.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  “I’ve seen it happen in high school, but I’m sure they’re more mature now.” Sierra rolled her eyes and laughed.

  “It sounds like it’s going to be a wonderful evening.” Malone’s eyes twinkled.

  “Don’t you dare make it worse,” Reed said. “You’re here to help me.”

  She started up the steps and gave him that wickedly cute smile she used on him as a child, and Reed knew he was in for trouble. Big trouble.

  Reed took Sierra’s hand, and she wasn’t sure if it was from panic or if he was claiming his territory right up front. Whatever the reason, she was all for hand-holding and followed Malone up the walkway. His sister had nearly black hair cut just below her chin and big brown eyes with long lashes. She always dressed fashionably, tonight in white skinny jeans, brown suede ankle boots, and a soft beige knit top that tied at the waist.

  Sierra glanced down at in her worn jeans and sneakers. She hadn’t even thought to dress up to come to her parents’ place. What was she saying? She never really thought to dress up. It was amazing Reed fell in love with her when she looked like one of the guys all the time.

  He tugged her to a stop at the small stoop and kissed her soundly.

  “For courage,” he said and laughed.

  “In that case, how about more?” She raised up on her tiptoes and locked lips with him.

  “Are you two coming in or what?” Malone asked. “Oh, I see…it’s or what.”

  She laughed, and Reed pulled back.

  “I’m glad to see my big brother so happy, but maybe cool it a bit for Sierra’s family.” She marched into the house.

  Sierra really liked Malone. She was so real and outspoken. A what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of woman. Sierra almost snorted every time Reed kissed Malone’s cheek and treated her like a delicate flower, which Sierra was discovering happened whenever he saw her. Her brothers would as soon sock her in the arm as anything. Maybe if she and her brothers had lost their parents, they wouldn’t take each other for granted as much. She wondered what they might say if they learned she’d been taken hostage by Kuznetsov, and she actually shot a man.

  Because the incident happened outside of all of their jurisdictions, hopefully they would never find out. At least she didn’t plan to tell them, and she’d sworn Reed to silence, too. She convinced him not even to tell them about her bonk on the head or the resulting concussion either. She didn’t want any negative news given to her parents when her dad was recovering from surgery.

  They stepped inside, and her father met them in the foyer. He looked great. Standing tall. Strong again. And he had the same commanding presence he’d had before his illness.

  He held out his hand to Reed who looked surprised.

  “Dad looks a little different from when he was in the hospital,” she said.

  Reed shook hands. “You’re looking good, sir.”

  “Please, it’s Russ.”

  Her mother joined them. “And I’m Peggy.”

  Reed nodded, but Sierra could see he seemed uncomfortable with the thought of calling her parents by their first names.

  Sierra introduced Malone, and Sierra’s parents welcomed her.

  “Everyone’s in the kitchen, but a word of warning,” her mother said. “The boys are watching the Seahawks and Steelers game. Seattle is down by seven and the boys are in a feisty mood.”

  Sierra resisted groaning as she knew that meant they would be tougher on Reed. Something he didn’t miss, and his gaze turned more uncertain. He glanced at her. Here was this big strapping lawman who faced down a killer for her, and he honestly feared meeting her brothers, but he pulled his shoulders back and took her hand. He loved her enough to brave the boys, and she never loved him more.

  She squeezed his hand, and they entered the kitchen behind Malone. She didn’t back away from the loud shouts, but left Reed and Malone to sit on a stool by Sierra’s brothers. Their backs were to an island loaded with game day snacks like hummus, nachos, and a cheese tray. Her brothers didn’t even notice Malone until the Steelers scored a field goal, and she shouted at the screen. Normally, they would erupt in loud boos, but they swiveled almost in unison to stare at her.

  She stood. “Malone Rice. Reed’s sister.”

  Malone went down the row of brothers and shook hands. None of them said a word, just continued to stare.

  “You guys are acting like you’ve never seen a woman enjoy football before. Glad to talk the sport with any of you, any time.” She laughed.

  “A woman after my own heart.” Sierra’s youngest brother Erik, the real charmer in the group, got up and mocked a faint.

  Malone laughed and dipped a carrot in hummus, totally ignoring Erik and the others. They came to their senses and turned to grab snacks, and their gazes landed on Reed. The intense force of their study had to be stressing Reed out. Nothing like five lawmen scoping you out. Reed assertively returned the same force-filled stare.

  Aiden got up, stepped over to Reed, and jutted a hand at him. He’d recovered well from the kidney donation, but he was still off work. It was risky for him to return due to having only one kidney. She hated that his sacrifice might have cost him the job that he loved.

  He eyed Reed. “Might’ve mentioned you two were a thing when we met.”

  Reed accepted Aiden’s hand, and her brother’s grip looked like it was meant to punish, but Reed took it in stride. “We weren’t at the time.”

  Sierra clapped her hands as loud as she could to gain everyone’s attention. “I want to make this easy on Reed, so line up in order.”

  Reed let go of Aiden’s hand to look at Sierra. “Order?”

  “Mom and Dad graciously named these brutes in alphabetical order as they were born. Makes it easier to remember their names.”

  “Hey, we’re not forgettable,” Brendan complained, but Sierra was glad to see he went to stand next to Clay, and the others fell in line.

  “The loudmouth is Brendan who you might remember from Caulfield’s murder scene,” she added, but made sure her tone was light. “He’s the family sniper and likes to shoot down ideas, so be wary of him.”

  Brendon shot out a hand. “Good to meet you, even if you’re a fed.”

  Reed took Brendon’s hand. “Multnomah County Sheriff’s Department, right?”

  “Is there any other?”

  “Hear! Hear!” her dad said.

  Sierra looked at her bother. “He’s also SWAT and a literal sniper.”


  “Next up is Clay.” Sierra tapped her middle brother on the arm. “ICE agent and the idea man. You get stuck on anything, just ask him. He’s full of—”

  “Ideas,” Clay jumped in. “Hey man, don’t let these guys get to you. They aren’t nearly as tough as they make out.”

  Reed smiled, seeming to like Clay.

  “Before you sign onto Clay’s fan club.” Sierra eyed her tallest brother coming in around six foot three. “You should know he’s just protecting you because right now you’re the underdog. Once you’re part of the family, he’ll give as good as he gets.”

  “Yeah, what she said.” Clay grinned, turning on the charm as he glanced at Malone.

  “She’s off limits,” Reed snapped out. “Malone, I mean. The last guy I’d want her to end up with is someone in law enforcement.”

  “Is that so?” Drake bristled, lifting his shoulders and looking Reed directly in the eye. Sierra might be the black sheep of the family, but Drake was the bad boy, living life on the edge, which likely made him better at his job in fugitive apprehensions as a U.S. Marshal. “Odd comment coming from a G-Man.”

  Malone waved a hand with nails tipped in light pink polish. “He thinks he has to protect me, but don’t take it personally. No man, no matter his occupation, meets Reed’s criteria.”

  “Sounds like he’s a good brother.” Aiden clapped Reed on the back and everyone except Drake nodded.

  Sierra resisted groaning. Reed could very well have made enemies of her brothers with the law enforcement comment, but Malone just redeemed him.

  “We think the same thing,” Drake said. “We know the dangers of our jobs and don’t want to see Sierra wind up being a widow.”

  “Hey,” Clay said. “Remember Fibbies are paper pushers for the most part. Never heard of an LEO dying from a paper cut.”

  Sierra looked at Reed and expected him to grimace or snap, but he laughed and held out his fist to Clay. They bumped hands and both gave a nod of acceptance.

  “Guess I gotta like a guy who can laugh at himself.” Drake reluctantly shoved out his hand to Reed.

  “Besides, now that Sierra’s going to the range with me to learn to shoot, she can protect me,” Reed said.

  “She went to the range with you?” Aiden gaped at Reed. “And shot a gun?”

  Reed nodded.

  Drake shook his head. “Don’t know how you managed that, but you’re a more convincing man than all of us. Including Dad.”

  “Now that we got all that man posturing out of the way,” Malone said. “Commercial’s over. Can we watch the game again?”

  “Sure can,” Erik said. “Want to sit with me?”

  Sierra rolled her eyes. “And last but not least, the charmer is my youngest brother, Erik. He’s a PPB officer and thinks he’s God’s gift to women.”

  “Can’t argue with that.” He laughed and shook Reed’s hand.

  “The game,” Malone pointed out. “Let’s watch already.”

  She got a ready acknowledgement from her brothers. Clay mocked holding out her stool for her, but instead of falling for his obvious attempt to flatter her, she rolled her eyes.

  Sierra faced Reed. “I don’t think Malone needs you to protect her. If she can hold her own in this room, she can hold her own anywhere.”

  Worry narrowed Reed’s eyes. “Maybe.”

  “Remember, I don’t much appreciate the brother protection act, and she might not either.”

  “She’s never complained.”

  “Have you ever asked her about it?”

  He shook his head.

  “Might want to do that.”

  He frowned and drew her into the hallway. “Are you going to get upset when I get protective, because I gotta tell you, it’s going to happen? I protect the people I care about, and I care about you more than I can put into words.”

  She opened her mouth to say she wouldn’t like it, but then realized she did like it coming from him. She twined her arms around his neck. “I very much like your willingness to protect me no matter what.”

  His mouth fell open.

  She chuckled.

  He circled his arms around her back and pulled her against him. “Glad to sign up for the detail. I can even protect you from your brothers.”

  She smiled at him. “Since you turned me into a gun-toting person, I’ll protect you right back.”

  He threw his head back and laughed. “From the looks of things, I might need it because I plan on becoming a permanent part of this family.”

  “You sure you want to do that?”

  His expression sobered. “I’m sure I love you and want you with me for the rest of my life. If those guys come along as part of the package, I can tolerate them.”

  His declaration of a lifetime commitment should have her running scared, but she honestly wanted to spend her life with him, too. She’d learned this past month that loving someone as intensely as she loved Reed didn’t mean giving herself up. It meant finding a way to weave love into the tapestry of her life. And they’d both managed to do that. To love, and yet, be who God intended them to be.

  But she still needed to take things slow, and it was way too early for her to make an official commitment.

  She leaned into him and softly murmured in his ear. “I love you, too, Reed Rice. I never thought I would find a man as incredible and amazing as you are. I think we’ll be spending a lot more time together.”

  He groaned and settled his mouth on hers. He kissed her with intensity, and she kissed him back and didn’t care if her entire family walked in on them. This man changed her mind about relationships, and that included her thoughts on her family, so if they did pop into the room they should be thanking him. At least that’s what she would tell them. If she ever decided to come up for air.

  *

  PRE-ORDER DEAD HEAT - BOOK 4

  Coming March - 2020

  Nick Thorn, computer cybercrimes expert with FBI Agent Piper Nash

  Tracing cyber criminals is his job…

  When hackers breach hospital security to steal patient records and begin blackmailing them, Veritas Center’s cybercrime expert, Nick Thorn is hired to locate security holes and patch the system. But he doesn’t stop there. He wants to bring down the hacker and make her pay. Problem is, he inadvertently inserts himself in FBI Agent Piper Nash's sting to catch the same hacker, and Piper has no choice but to arrest him and force him to stand down.

  But the job just turned personal.

  Nick finds himself attracted to Piper and wants to comply, but when his grandmother falls prey to a cyber-attack by the same hacker, he takes the assault very personally and will stop at nothing to find the hacker. Not even stop for Piper’s warnings to take care. They’re in a dead heat to the finish line, but what Nick doesn’t realize is the hacker has no intention of going to jail, and she’s reserved a bullet with Piper’s name on it. With time ticking down can Nick partner with Piper to find the killer before a point-blank shot takes her out?

  Dear Reader,

  In the past we have tried to schedule a book release every three months, but I am now working with another publisher on an exciting series called Homeland Heroes with the first book, Seconds to Live, releasing in December. So this means a short break in the release schedule for the Truth Seekers. But…we will make up for that break by releasing the next three books in the Truth Seekers series in March, April, and May.

  You can PRE-ORDER DEAD HEAT now. In the meantime, I’d be honored if you would check out Seconds to Live. Here’s a bit of information about the exciting first book in the Homeland Heroes series.

  The Seconds are Ticking Down Before Someone Dies

  When cybercriminals hack into the US Marshals’ Witness Protection database and auction off witnesses’ personal details to the highest bidders, the RED Team led by FBI Agent Sean Nichols begins a high-stakes chase to find the hacker. But before he can even get started, the first witness is targeted and barely escapes with her life. Sean believes P
hantom, an obsessed hacker who previously outwitted the top minds in the field, is behind the attack, and Sean needs this witness’s help, as she’s the person who has come closest to discovering Phantom's identity.

  Trouble is, she’s a witness under the care of US Marshal Taylor Mills, and Sean is reluctant to work with the captivating marshal who knows his deepest secrets. But Phantom seems to be one step ahead at every turn and will stop at nothing to kill the witness, so to stop the hacker, Sean and Taylor must learn to trust each other as danger draws ever closer.

  PREORDER SECONDS TO LIVE NOW

  Thank you for your support. It means the world to me!

  Susan Sleeman

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  Want to see more of the Cold Harbor characters in action? Keep reading for a sneak peek of the books in my new Truth Seekers Series where the Cold Harbor characters work side-by-side with the Truth Seekers of the Veritas Center.

  THE TRUTH SEEKERS

  People are rarely who they seem

  A twin who never knew her sister existed, a mother whose child is not her own, a woman whose father is anything but her father. All searching. All seeking. All needing help and hope.

  Meet the unsung heroes of the Veritas Center. The Truth Seekers – a team, that includes experts in forensic anthropology, DNA, trace evidence, ballistics, cybercrimes, and toxicology. Committed to restoring hope and families by solving one mystery at a time, none of them are prepared for when the mystery comes calling close to home and threatens to destroy the only life they’ve known.