Lawfully his, p.1
Lawfully His, page 1
part #17 of The Lawkeepers Series
Lawfully His
A K9 Lawkeeper Romance
Natalie Middleton
Copyright © 2018 by Natalie Middleton
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. For permission requests, please email natalie@natmiddleton.com
Text copyrights: Natalie Middleton
The Lawkeepers Series Copyright: Jenna Brandt and Lorana Hoopes, 2018
Cover design: Abhiraj Rajadhyaksha
Photo Copyright: Depositphotos
Created with Vellum
Contents
Foreword
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
Order The Next Book In The Lawkeepers Series
About the Author
Foreword
There’s just something fascinating about a man wearing an emblem of authority. The way the light gleams off that shiny star on his badge makes us stare with respect. Couple that with a uniform hugging his body in just the right way, confidence, and mission to save and protect, it’s no wonder we want to know what lies underneath.
Yes, what echoes deep inside those beating hearts is inspiring. Certainly appealing. Definitely enticing. Although those ripped muscles and strong shoulders can make a woman’s heart skip a beat—or two—it takes a strong, confident person to choose to love someone who risks it all every day. Anyone willing to become part of a lawkeeper’s world might have a story of their own to tell.
The undeniable charisma lawmen possess make all of us pause and take note. It’s probably why there are so many movies and TV shows themed around the justice system. We’re enthralled by their ability to save babies, help strangers, and rescue damsels in distress. We’re captivated by their ability to protect and save, defend the innocent, risk their lives, and face danger without hesitation. Of course, we expect our heroes to stay solid when we’re in a mess. We count on them for safety, security, and peace of mind. From yesterday to today, that truth remains constant.
Their valor inspires us, their integrity comforts, and their courage melts our hearts—irresistibly. But there’s far more to them than their courageous efforts. How do they deal with the difficulties they face? Can they balance work and life? And how do they find time for love outside their life of service?
We want to invite you on a journey—come with us as we explore the complex lives of the men and women who serve and protect us every day. Join us in a fast-paced world of adventure. Walk into our tight-knit world of close friendships, extended family, and danger—as our super heroes navigate the most treacherous path of all—the road to love.
The Lawkeepers. Historical and modern-day super heroes; men and women of bravery and valor, taking love and law seriously. A multi-author series, sure to lock up your attention and take your heart into custody.
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The Lawkeepers is a multi-author series alternating between historical westerns and contemporary westerns featuring law enforcement heroes that span multiple agencies and generations. Join bestselling authors Jenna Brandt, Lorana Hoopes, Elle E. Kay, Patricia PacJac Caroll, Evangeline Kelly, Ginny Sterling, Barb Goss, and Natalie Middleton as they weave captivating, sweet, and inspirational stories of romance and suspense between the lawkeepers — and the women who love them.
The Lawkeepers is a world like no other; a world where lawkeepers and heroes are honored with unforgettable stories, characters, and love.
** Note: Each book in The Lawkeepers series is a standalone book, and part of a mini-series of sorts, and you can read them in any order.
1
Officer Melissa Campbell’s breathing hitched. The perp in front of her looked incensed that she had disturbed his dealings. His buyer had already panicked and run away. His eyes were bloodshot, showing he had probably consumed some drug he was looking to sell. Her German Shepard, Jimmy, growled beside her.
Melissa’s hands slowly went up to her holster, and she held her gun, waiting for the perp to make his move. The perp tightened his grip on the needle he was carrying. Jimmy’s growling intensified.
She tried to remember what her trainer, Russell, had told her. Breathe. I need to be sure about what to do. I need to be sure. Don’t hesitate or else Jimmy will hesitate too. Her heart thudded, and her knees felt weak. A drop of sweat rolled down her back.
Before she could say a word, the drug dealer climbed the wall in front of him and scaled over to the other side. Melissa had no time to react. She picked up his bag and ran out in the opposite direction and took the next lane. Thankfully, she knew where the back road went. He’s going towards Kettle Cove.
Jimmy sensed this was a chase, and he followed. Melissa took a lane she thought the drug dealer might have used, but he was gone. She immediately called for backup.
“Jimmy, track.” She held out the bag to Jimmy, who sniffed. It didn’t take long for the trained German Shepherd to catch the scent, and then they were off. Jimmy took Melissa through a maze of lanes, and soon they reached the docks.
“Dispatch, come in. I’m at Kettle Cove.”
“Got it, Officer. Sending someone your way,” a voice replied from her system.
Melissa held her gun, ready in action. Jimmy sniffed the air and trotted ahead, trying to find the smell he had to track. Few people were around.
“Sir, I will ask you to step away from the area. The police are chasing someone, and it might be dangerous,” she called out to a lone figure sitting on a bench. The figure didn't move.
Melissa walked up to the figure and repeated what she said. The man stirred and looked at her in surprise. She found herself looking into a pair of deep blue eyes. Jimmy’s barking caught her attention. She turned away.
Jimmy was excited.
“Have you found him, Jimmy?” Melissa called out. Jimmy was her partner, her equal. She trusted him to find people, and he was deadly when he caught the scent he had to track. His ears were pointed and his body erect, waiting for action.
“Track, Jimmy,” Melissa called out, and Jimmy shot ahead. Melissa ran after him. The people she passed took one look at her uniform and stepped away. She thanked her stars the drug dealer decided not to stop in an area full of people
They reached that part of town where the boats were anchored. Melissa was alert. He could hide in any of these boats. She moved further than she had ever been. I think this area is where the biggies in town have their boats.
Melissa had never been to this part of town. It was marked 'private', was gated, and was filled with private boats. This wasn't the tourist part of the cove, which had boats for visitors to take a round of Cape Emerald's waters. These boats are beautiful. Where have I come? I've got to be so careful with what I do; I don't want to damage any of these in a confrontation... That'll be the last straw for the Chief. Jimmy walked beside her, alert.
As she crossed an ornate white boat, she noticed a crouched figure trying to inject something in his arm. She put her hand out to steady Jimmy. I want to take him by surprise.
“Put your hands in the air, or I'll set my dog on you,” she called out. The crouched figure jerked and dropped the needle. Her heart raced. This is my job. It is my job to catch them.
The drug user growled and took a steady step forward. Melissa took a step backward. She knew a drug dealer was dangerous when he was high, and who knew what weapons he was concealing. This scenario was what she had trained for. Even though she had top marks when she was training with Jimmy, when it came to real life, she froze. I need to take control. It can’t be like before. It can’t be.
“Put your hands up, and I will not harm you. Take one step forward and I’ll shoot you,” she called out again, desperate to take control. She could see the perp putting his hand in his pocket, and suddenly the situation resembled her first job posting in Longview, Texas.
She felt an odd sense of a premonition as the perp pulled out a gun and cocked it. Melissa felt frozen.
It’s Longview all over again. He will shoot, and it’s all going to be over. I will die.
Beside her, Jimmy’s growling had turned into a confused whine. Melissa’s uncertainty was rubbing off on him. Melissa’s eyes darted to Jimmy and back to the perp. The water glistened behind her.
The drug dealer let loose a string of profanities. Melissa could see his stained teeth when he spoke and the syringe marks on his arm. She took a deep breath and cocked her gun in response. She could hear footsteps behind her and prayed this was the backup she had called for ten minutes ago. But she didn’t dare look. What if he shot the gun? She had to do something. She took a step forward and looked into the perp’s eyes.
As she stared into his eyes, he yelled and shot at her. Melissa’s reflexes kicked into action and she jumped to save Jimmy, and in the commotion, the perp got away. Melissa scrambled to her feet and ran behind him, but she didn’t have to run too far.
Officer Kane Williams had apprehended the perp and was handcuffing him. His stern eyes
“Why didn’t you use your dog, Officer? He wasn't doing drugs in this part of town, so you must have chased him all the way here. Which means you found him in some alley in town. Are you telling me he's here because you didn't use your dog all along? Someone could have been hurt. Are you really that incompetent?” His words stung. Melissa gulped. Kane is right. I should have set Jimmy on him. What’s wrong with me? Her shoulders felt a huge weight on them.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone staring at her. She turned towards the stranger and stared into deep blue eyes. She frowned, not able to place where she had seen those eyes before.
“Are you coming, Officer Campbell?” Kane had reached his car. Jimmy looked at her, his tail wagging. Melissa nodded and walked towards the car.
* * *
“I don't see why we have a K-9 unit. I don't think this newbie can handle anything. I’m telling you, Chief. She stood there frozen. She could have just set that dog on the perp and it would have been over. He got a shot in. Thankfully, this was an isolated area. The part that the town wanted to give to the rich boys and their boats. The rest of us are good enough for this town.” There was disgust and anger in Officer Kane Williams’ eyes. Melissa's heart dropped. No, Chief, don't do it. I need this job. I need my partner.
Chief Jonathan O’Hara just stared at both.
“Kane, I appreciate your candor. We were very lucky you were there as backup today. But the town wants a K-9 unit. With the increase in tourist footballs, we need to have a unit. What I agree with is that our unit needs to be top class.” He looked at Melissa.
“Also, I feel you can't discount Officer Campbell’s efforts in finding the perp. We've been getting reports of drug activity for a while and now we can progress, and that is because this town has a K-9 unit. You need to remember your beginnings too, Kane. Everyone takes time to find their bearings.” He smiled.
Melissa looked up in surprise. The Chief thought she had done a decent job? What!
“Officer Campbell, we know this is new for you, but in two weeks, the town will be hit by a lot of tourists who will be in the state parks. We need you and Jimmy to be at your best. Today's incident cannot be repeated. We can't afford it. I'm expecting better reports.”
Melissa nodded and stood up. The Chief had rapped her on her knuckles, but somehow it didn't seem like such a bad blow.
2
Erik Flynn didn’t mean to step out of his house. No. He didn’t step outdoors. Not on an off-schedule day. If it weren’t to restock his pantry or grab a drink, Erik Flynn wouldn’t be caught dead outside. Not literally, of course. The only place Erik loved murders was when he wrote them.
Ah yes, he remembered why he set out of the house in the first place. They frustrated him. It was a message from Diana, his publicist. Thinking about her made him grind his teeth. Why wasn’t she letting him live in peace? Probably because they gave you a $100,000 advance on the next book and you’re nowhere near completion.
Staring at a blank page for days had not helped his case. He tried, he did. But those Derek Stiles mysteries weren't going to write themselves. He didn’t know how the first six turned out to be so great. Now that a traditional publisher had picked up the series, things were getting serious.
Erik sighed. It is a big deal. Getting a traditional publisher for your books is a big deal. They want more of Stiles. But what can I do? I feel so empty. I have nothing left.
Erik grunted. His deadline was looming, and his creativity had abandoned him. Not knowing where to go, he paced in his neighborhood. Just then, he got a message from his only friend in town, Jack Dawson.
I’m taking you for lunch, Flynn. Meet me at The Good Table at 12. No excuses.
Erik shook his head. There was no convincing Jack once he set his mind to something. Plus, he hadn’t stepped outside in a while.
Before his analytical mind could convince him otherwise, he switched off his laptop and went outside. He stayed in a lovely property at the edge of a park, so he got a magnificent view. But, going outside the house without going to the grocery store was a new experience. The reclusive Erik Flynn is going outside. He smirked.
It was a pleasant day in Cape Elizabeth. He had been living in the town for four months, and yet the town was as alien to him as it would be for a tourist. He was a loner, and he loved staying on his property. And yet, he had Jack. His only friend in Cape Elizabeth. It was a miracle he found Jack, what with him pushing people away. He didn't actually find Jack; Jack just waltzed into his life and quickly become a shoulder to lean on.
He hadn't seen Jack for a while. In his drive to get something written, he had locked himself inside the house, pushing away temptation. He walked to The Good Table, not wanting to take his car. It wasn't too far away; nothing in Cape Elizabeth was.
* * *
Jack Dawson was already waiting in the restaurant when Erik arrived. He smiled and waved to him, and Erik made his way through the restaurant till he reached the table. Jack was a retired police officer who lived on the scenic Shore Road. His family was one of the settlers at Cape Elizabeth, and his family home was one of the most beautiful homes in town. Erik used to go there often, and loved the peace and tranquility.
“You look pale, Erik. Have you holed yourself inside for all this time?” Jack eyed him critically.
“And a good day to you too, Jack.” Erik took his seat and picked up the menu. A waiter approached them and looked at them, ready to take their order.
“Are you gentlemen ready to order?” Their waiter smiled at them.
“I’ll have a baked haddock please, with a side of French fries and some house salad.” Jack smiled at the waiter.
“And I’ll have a spicy black bean burger with the fried shrimp salad.”
“Okay, gentlemen, thank you for your order. The house salad today is a tossed Greek salad. I’ll get the meal as soon as I can.” The waiter smiled and collected their menu cards.
“Nice guy, the waiter,” Jack remarked, watching as he placed the order. He turned to look at Erik.
“So, you were saying?” Erik tried to nudge the conversation towards the sudden lunch plan.
“I was saying you need to get out of the house more. And I meant to ask about your writing. I haven’t seen you for over three weeks, Erik. I was worried.” Erik could see worry lines appearing on the old man’s face.
“I’ve been writing…” He caught himself as Jack stared at him. He sighed. Jack could read him like an open book. Before he could continue, the waiter walked in with their lunch.
This looks great, thank you." Jack beamed at the waiter. He winked at Erik and picked up his fork and dug in. Erik couldn’t resist taking a bite of his burger. The two friends spent the next couple of minutes eating. The food was delicious, and that negated the need for conversation. Erik felt uneasy lying to his friend about writing, especially when things hadn't been working out for him so much.
"I haven’t written a word," Erik blurted.
"What?" Jack put his fork down and focused his attention on Erik. Erik gulped. It wasn’t easy admitting his failures to anyone. But he was tired of keeping up appearances. It wasn't easy to get back into the zone. Every effort felt futile. His advance money was dwindling, and even though he was earning from his other books, he knew it was a matter of time before another author would be in the readers’ minds.
"It's been a failure, Jack. I read and re-read my earlier novels, and I doubt I can recreate the same magic. I've been staring at an empty page for so many months. I even took writing courses and read so many books. Nothing is helping." Erik felt a little lighter admitting this to his friend.
