Ruined, p.1
Ruined, page 1
Ruined
Addictive Crime Suspense Political Thriller
Andi Easton Series
Book 1
Ava S. King
304 publishing Company
Copyright © 2022 by Ava S. King
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
For questions and comments about this book, please contact 304 Publishing at info@304publishing.com. Visit the official website at www.authoravasking.com
Created with Vellum
I want to dedicate this book to my family and friends.
You are always with me, no matter where I go, and everything you’ve taught me has made me a better person.
Contents
Latest Releases: Ava S. King
Disclaimer
Introduction
Synopsis
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Sneak Peek Agent Red: Fatal Revenge Book 7
Reading Order Teagan Stone Series
Reading Order of Mirror Series
What’s Next?
Acknowledgments
About the Author
About 304 Publishing Company
Latest Releases: Ava S. King
Agent Red Fatal Memory Teagan Stone Book 1
Agent Red Fatal Target Teagan Stone Book 2
Agent Red Fatal Crime Teagan Stone Book 3
Agent Red Fatal Justice Teagan Stone Book 4
Agent Red Fatal Enemy Teagan Stone Book 5
Mirror of Lies - A Jessica Smith Book 1
Agent Red Fatal Death Teagan Stone Book 6
Mirror of Lust - A Jessica Smith Book 2
Ruined: Andi Easton Book 1
Upcoming Releases (2022/2023)
Agent Red Fatal Revenge Teagan Stone Book 7
Christina Harris Mystery/Thriller Series
Agent Red Fatal Pursuit Teagan Stone Book 8
Agent Red Fatal Attack Teagan Stone Book 9
Disclaimer
This work of fiction contains strong language and explicit content and is only intended for mature readers. The story may contain unconventional situations, language, and sexual encounters that may offend some readers. This book is for mature readers (18+).
Introduction
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www.authoravasking.com
Synopsis
Andi is looking forward to a fun-filled night at her best friend’s wedding. But when the newly minted analyst assigned to the Terrorist Threat Assessment Team arrives, her plans quickly unravel.
The bride’s uncle, a longtime prominent senator, is kidnapped. Andi jumps into action to rescue him, but as she follows the clues, she discovers the victim has secrets—dark secrets that change everything.
Will she solve this baffling case before it’s too late?
Chapter One
“You came!” Hilary jumped up from the chair and hugged Andi tightly.
Because of her new position, Andi had already informed her about her possible lateness for the rehearsal dinner. As the youngest member of the Terrorist Threat Assessment Team at the FBI, Andi Easton followed in the footsteps of her father, Jed, a police chief in Washington, DC, and brother, Aaron, who entered the army. Generations of helping the community lived in her heart. In Washington, DC, the Easton name was well known, but she was determined to succeed on her own.
But one person who didn’t like her new role was Paula Easton, her mother. Besides Sunday family meals, she preferred not to deal with her mother, Paula. The tension grew every time she was in her presence, and snappy remarks went back and forth.
“I told you I might be late.” Andi waved at Hilary’s family members around the restaurant.
Andi became best friends with Hilary in high school one day during lunch, and they continued that friendship into college. Although most girls enjoyed partying and dating, Hilary and Andi focused on achieving their academic and professional goals.
Hilary, who stood a few inches shorter with a slim build, came from a generation of a political dynasty and carried it with pride. Hilary was an attractive woman with rosy skin, a round face, and oval-shaped eyes. Whitney, Andi’s other friend she’d met two years ago—a twenty-eight-year-old with spunk and the comedian of the bunch—worked as a nurse. They’d have girls’ nights every blue moon, but once Hilary got engaged, their schedules clashed.
“Andi, glad you could make it.” Levi raised his arm around her shoulder for a hug.
Andi stepped around the table to kiss Hilary’s parents, Marlin and Dee Hawthorn. They were her second parents, and she loved them dearly.
“I had a long day of paperwork.” Andi sat down in the chair next to Hilary.
Their wedding would be a big event and feature in all the major newspapers. A few magazines and local TV stations even wanted to air the wedding ceremony. Levi came from a wealthy family with deep pockets in DC politics, and Hilary was a teacher who wasn’t impressed with his money back in college. Somehow, he broke down her walls, and they became friends. Later, they dated, and now they were engaged.
“How is it going?” Hilary picked up the bottle of champagne and poured it into a glass.
Andi rested a hand on the table. “So far, it’s paperwork and getting familiar with the staff
and operations.”
“So proud of you, Andi.” Hilary covered her palm and squeezed.
Andi returned her squeeze. “Proud of you and can’t wait for tomorrow.”
Hilary leaned over and whispered, “Can you believe I’m about to be Mrs. Levi Baldwin?” She clinked glasses with Andi.
“No. I thought we’d be two old ladies sitting on the porch together.” Andi chortled and gulped down the champagne.
Andi loved her best friend, but Hilary didn’t have the best track record with dating. Each one disappointed her, from minor things like not paying for meals to significant issues like cheating. Andi had often thought they’d end up living together because Hilary was too set on perfection.
When the restaurant’s doors opened, all eyes turned to the guest who arrived twenty minutes late. As Senator Ted Hawthorn entered, a flash of temper lighted Hilary’s eyes. Andi’s gaze followed him as he shook hands with onlookers and waved.
“I told him not to come if he would be late,” Hilary hissed, putting on a fake smile when her uncle approached the table.
“Look at my beautiful niece.” Ted cupped Hilary’s face and pressed a kiss on her cheek.
Ted Hawthorn was known for making a show out of anything if invited. Hilary’s uncle on her father’s side was all about appearances and staying in power.
“You’re late,” Hilary replied, raising an eyebrow.
A hard gleam appeared on Ted’s face before he grinned and released his grip. “Levi, I hear you’ve been doing well for yourself,” he said, ignoring Hilary’s admonishment.
“Mr. Hawthorn.” Levi extended his hand to Ted.
“Mr. Hawthorn! Sorry, sir, you have a call.” Their waitress motioned toward the phone held by the bartender.
A flicker of irritation and impatience shone in Ted’s eyes. “Everyone knows I’m off the clock, but I guess the life of a senator never ends.” A chuckle echoed from his chest, and he turned to walk toward the bar, taking the phone in his grip.
Andi placed the napkin on the table, tapping Hilary on the shoulder. “I need to run to the restroom.”
She walked out of the private dining area and passed the bar on her path to the bathroom. Andi pushed the stall door open and sat, quickly finishing her business. Once she flushed, washed, and scanned over her makeup, she went to the door. She gripped the knob to open it and noticed a spot on her shoes.
Someone cried out in pain on the other side of the door, and Andi jerked it wide. The hallway was empty. She glowered. The door to the men’s bathroom opened, and a guy walked out.
Andi lifted a hand. “Excuse me, did you hear something weird a minute ago?”
“Like what?” His brows blended together.
“I don’t know. Maybe someone was hurt.”
“Sorry, I didn’t see anything.” He shrugged and sauntered back to his table.
“Andi! Andi!” Hilary motioned for her to come back to the dinner table.
“Maybe I’m hearing things.” Andi laughed to herself and strolled back to the party, taking her seat.
“All right, we’re going to finish the night with a big thank you to everyone who came,” Hilary said with a raised glass, standing next to Levi.
“Honey, you don’t want to wait for your uncle?” Hilary’s mom suggested.
Then Hilary blinked and looked around for her uncle.
“He probably left to go home. Just like him to come and get everyone riled up. Let’s finish so I can wake up and marry my fiancé tomorrow,” Hilary jested, pressing a kiss on Levi’s lips.
Andi glanced around the table
“To the happy couple!” a guest shouted.
Everyone clapped, and Hilary’s engagement ring flashed as she held Levi’s hand.
Everything ran smoothly. Andi waited and watched as the final touches were made to Hilary’s makeup. Bells rang to announce the arrival of more guests, who were asked to donate to charity instead of bringing gifts.
There was a knock on the door.
“Come in!” Hilary called, gazing into the mirror through her veil.
Her father stood outside the door. “Everyone is prepared.”
Hilary said a silent prayer and checked her appearance in the mirror one last time. “I’m ready.”
“You look beautiful, honey.” Her dad helped her with her train and linked their arms.
Hilary waved her hand in Andi’s face. “Andi.”
“Huh?”
“Are you zoning out on me already?” Hilary laughed.
“No, just thinking how gorgeous you look.” Andi touched her arm.
Hilary blew out a nervous breath. “Come on. We have a wedding to attend.”
Hilary emerged from the dressing room with her bridal party and made her way to the entrance of the chapel.
“Now or never, Hilary,” her dad whispered.
“Daddy, don’t start. I’ll always be your little girl.” Hilary wiped the tears from his eyes.
The music started, and the doors opened to reveal the church decorated in white and silver. All the guests stood and gasped in awe. Hilary smiled and watched the bridesmaids move slowly down the aisle in front of her. She took a step when the church doors burst open on all sides, and the FBI and local police swarmed the place with their guns drawn.
“Oh, my God!” Hilary’s bouquet dropped to the ground as she raised her hands in the air.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Marlin shouted.
Levi rushed to Hilary and took her hand when the police interrupted.
“Everyone, stay where you are,” an agent commanded.
Andi lifted her dress and marched down the aisle, shocked by the familiar gear. DC was known for its theatrics, but this was beyond the average interruption. “Victor, what’s going on?” Andi demanded, resting a hand on her hip. She felt a knot of nerves in the pit of her stomach.
Victor’s eyes remained glued on Andi’s dress, and she waved her hand in front of his face for him to focus.
“Sorry to cut your friends’ event short, but we have a situation,” he said.
Her spine stiffened as he spoke. “What situation?”
“The senator is missing,” Victor answered.
The congregation erupted in gasps.
“Wait, what senator?” Andi’s palms became clammy.
“Senator Hawthorn.”
“My uncle!” Hilary screeched.
She yanked out of Levi’s hold and stomped over to Victor and Andi. Marlin and Dee hugged each other tightly.
Victor nodded, not taking his eyes off Andi. They’d been partnered up since she joined the unit seven months ago. At first, he didn’t want to be associated with her because he knew it would draw heat from his coworkers. To them, Andi was a beautiful woman who shouldn’t be in this line of work, and he thought people wouldn’t take her seriously.
“How do you know he’s missing?” Andi probed.
“We got a call and a ransom note. They won’t return him unless they receive a certain amount of money,” Victor explained.
“He was with us last night. I’m sure he’s here.” Hilary motioned around the church.
Andi scanned the guests.
“That’s one of the reasons we came. I need my team to question the guests,” Victor said.
“But that will take forever, and it’s my wedding day!” Hilary pouted and started to cry.
Levi gripped her shoulders, turning her around to face him. “Honey, stop crying,” he said, wiping her tears away.
Victor shook his head. “Sorry, but we have a United States senator missing. This is a priority-level situation.”
The police motioned for a line to be formed. Victor gestured for Andi to talk to her friend’s family.
“Hilary, calm down.” Andi tried to reassure her, rubbing her back.
Victor looked away while Andi pulled Hilary and Levi to the side of the church.
“Andi, do something,” Hilary pleaded.
“I’m so sorry, but if he is missing, they need to investigate. I can’t go against my team. What about rescheduling until tomorrow?” Andi handed over the tissues she had with her.
“You have to be kidding!” Hilary snatched the tissues out of Andi’s hand.
Andi observed the FBI and police, listening to their conversations. “If it were up to me, this wouldn’t be happening, Hilary, but I’m still new on the Terrorist Threat Team.”
“He’s probably just running late,” Levi remarked.
Andi agreed with a nod to ease the tension.
“Probably. Levi, can you write down the list of guests at the dinner party last night.”
Levi tapped his pockets for a pen. “You think that will help?”
“Anything to move this faster would help,” Andi said.
“My uncle cannot be missing. He’s a senator, for God’s sake. Don’t they have security?” Hilary yanked her veil off and stomped her feet.
“Baby,” Levi tried to comfort her.
“Levi, make them leave,” Hilary pleaded and gripped his suit jacket tightly.
“Hilary, I promise, I’ll get your wedding back on track,” Andi said.
Hilary shouted as she pointed at the door. “Then tell them to leave!”
Andi sighed and strolled over to Victor, who was talking to a detective.
“Sorry about this, Andi,” James, the other TAT agent, spoke.
“Thanks, James. What do you know so far?” Andi asked.
“We have video footage from the restaurant, plus the note—” James began.
“I’m sorry, Andi, you’re too close to this. We can’t give you any information,” Victor said.
Andi’s dark eyes settled on him. “You’re kidding me, right?”
Victor knew Andi could go on until the sun came up if someone said no to her. Surely, he didn’t want to fight in front of the entire crowd of guests. “This is your best friend’s wedding,” he reminded her.
James watched them go back and forth.
“Don’t keep me out of this. As you say, this is my best friend’s wedding. I talked to the senator last night,” Andi revealed.
James interrupted, “How was he?”
“He was fine and went to take a call.”
“And?” Victor took notes as she talked.
“I don’t know. I went to the bathroom.” Andi closed her eyes when she remembered the suspicious noise from the hallway.
Victor’s eyes narrowed on her. “What is it?”
Andi rubbed her forehead. “Shit,” she murmured.
“You know something?” James asked.
“It could be anything.” Andi had worked her whole life to get into this position and help prevent such crimes from occurring. It caused her chest to tighten. She was finding her footing in her new role, and something unexpected had happened under her watch. If word spread that the senator had been kidnapped under her nose, everyone at work would talk about her. Being the daughter of a cop brought pressure.
“Tell us.” Victor crossed his arms, waiting for her to speak.
“Um, well, I heard a weird noise in the hallway after using the bathroom,” Andi recalled.
“A weird noise?” he repeated.
Her eyes were puzzled. “Yeah, it was brief and not loud, but I could have sworn it was someone hurt.”
