Shawland Security: book 1 Read online

  Author History

  My name is Kelly McMullen Lowe and I was born on March 19, 1986 to the proud parents of Christine Greenlees Beaumont Steedman and Hugh Patrick McMullen. My parents taught me the value of life and they showed me how to succeed. I married David Lowe, on December 30, 2006 and we have two wonderful children named Dylan and Tianna. Over the last couple of years, I was unwell and I put all of my time into my family and reading. In 2012 I wanted to commit myself to writing my own novel. I have put a lot of time and effort into all of my books. I hope that you all enjoy them, as much I did writing them.

  Acknowledgments

  First of all, I would like to thank Kellie Dennis at Book Cover by Design for helping me to create a beautiful cover for my tenth novel. You have helped me through a difficult time when I couldn't find what I was looking for. I will always be grateful to you for your help with picking my cover photo.

  Second, I would like to thank Karen Sanders for editing my book. This process has been so much easier with you on my side. You answered all of my questions and I hope to have you as my editor for a long time to come. You keep pushing me to be the best I can be, and for that I am truly grateful.

  Also, I would like to thank my family and friends for putting up with me over the last couple of years. My husband will get some sense out of me for a couple of weeks, until I start writing again. This book would not have been possible if it wasn't for the support of my husband. I love you to the moon and back.

  Next, I would like to thank my children for being my little angels. I love you dearly and you mean the world to me. I hope that one day you will be able to read mummy's work. In the meantime, Dylan, you can read the blurb. My son is my little book worm. I hope when he gets older, he will still enjoy reading just as much.

  Finally, to my readers. Thank you all for purchasing my books. It means a lot to see so many of you reading what I write. All of your lovely reviews and comments make everything worthwhile. Your willingness to buy The Beautiful Life Trilogy gave me the nudge I needed when I was at a low point in my life. I have made lots of new friends from all over the world. That wouldn’t have been possible, if it wasn't for my writing. I would like to thank everyone on my street team. Without Suzie and the other ladies, I would be snowed under with promoting books. You ladies take a lot of the pressure off and I thank you for that.

  Special Acknowledgements

  I would like to thank the ladies of my street team for everything they do for me. There’s so many of them that I want to thank individually, but I don’t want to miss anyone out. Each day, the tags and shares touch my heart, and I love you all dearly. I’m so blessed to have you all in my life.
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  Dedications

  I would like to dedicate this novel to a few ladies who took the time to read and help beta read this novel. These ladies have been amazing. I couldn’t have got this brand new series off to this amazing start without you. Yvonne Eason, Beverley Ann Hopper, Toya Richardson, Angelina Smith, I love you ladies and the shenanigans you all get up to with these characters.

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  Prologue

  Eight Years Ago

  Caleb

  "CPD isn’t going to be the same without you, buddy. How does it feel to officially be finished with the police force?" asks Al, my partner at work.

  I shrug. The police force has been my life since I left school. I walked into Chicago Police Department straight out of the police academy. I worked my ass off to get to lead detective in the murder investigations department, but my passion isn’t there anymore. I’ve done it all. I can’t be stuck behind a desk all day, so this is as far up the tree as I will ever go. There are only so many murders you can solve before they all look the same. I think I’m one case away from flipping that humanity switch completely, and I’m not ready for that. I still have a lot I want to achieve in life.

  "In a way, I'm going to miss it here, but I know I'm moving on to do bigger and better things. Shawland Security will be my family adventure. It’s something my brothers and I can get stuck into. We’ll be our own bosses. No more orders will be barked at me from the chief. Let's face it, Detective, things have changed a lot since we were in uniform. Now it's all paperwork and politics. Both of which I can't stand."

  "No change there then. You've always hated paperwork. Just know that I'm going to miss you. We've been partners for a long time, and no one, I repeat, no one will fill your boots. Things will be different without you around here. "

  I punch his arm. "Don't get soppy on me now, big guy. I'm sure Craig will pair you up with someone half decent."

  "He better, or I'll soon be knocking on your door for a job."

  I smirk. "You'll have a job with me any time. Come on. Let's get these drinks. I’m parched."

  I pull open the bar door and everyone claps, cheers, and walks towards me at once. I'm surrounded by my team, people I've worked with throughout my ten years on the police force, and my close friends and family.

  "Surprise." Al punches my shoulder. I block his hand and pull him into my arms, slapping his back.

  "Thank you for this, buddy.”

  I’m shocked that my team mates kept this quiet. They have no brain to mouth filter. I don’t know how many times the goons have ruined a surprise party for one of the team. Nothing is sacred in the CPD.

  "Come on, everyone. Quiet down a moment. I just want to thank you all for coming out tonight. Better still, thank you for keeping your mouths shut and keeping a surprise. You're all getting better at that." The room erupts into laughter.

  I shake my head and laugh along with everyone. I'll never forget what Al has done for me over the years. He's been my rock to lean on, and I'll miss not having him to cover my back. I don’t trust many people, but if you can work your way into my life, you’re a special person.

  "Caleb has been my partner for a lot of years."

  "Ouch! First name basis, I'm in trouble," I joke.

  Anytime we're together he calls me by my surname, Shawland, or shortens it to Shaw. First name basis usually means he’s pissed off.

  "I'll miss his mouth and sarcasm first." Everyone in the room laughs and claps. “But seriously, you better keep in touch, buddy. We've seen it all and then some, but now the world is your oyster. You're starting out with your brothers in this security business, and I couldn’t be prouder of you. "

  Someone hands me a bottle of beer and I raise it. "To family."

  Even though a lot of the people in this room aren't blood related, they're still my family. We've shared grief, heartache, love, and most importantly, friendship. I might not be working in the district anymore, but I'll never be far away.

  My brother, Clay, walks in front of me and squeezes my shoulder. He's the middle brother; he's just finished his time in the army as a sniper after eight years. He's one part of Shawland Security. It was all his idea and we rolled with it. "You good, bro?"

  "I'm better than good. I'm ready for this change. I just wish I could convince Al to join us. "

  Al is the only thing that is making me doubt leaving a steady job. I’ve never been a risk taker before, but this adventure feels right. We’re the only ones who can change our lives for the better, and this is my chance to change what I’ve become comfortable with.

  "One day he'll be glad to join us. Listen, Chris is running late. If he can't make it home tonight, he'll meet us at the compound in the morning."

  I nod. Chris is our youngest brother. He's the only one of us who doesn't have any military or police background, but he's the fitness freak. He has worked as a personal trainer for the last five years, training athletes or
fitness fanatics like himself. He might lack our background in crime and military, but he's the fittest, fastest, toughest badass out there. He'll fit in perfectly and make our team the best it can be. I know I wouldn’t like to cross him if he’s having a bad day.

  "Right. I plan on getting drunk. "

  I down my bottle of beer and walk over to the bar to get another one. Everyone in here has come to say goodbye to me tonight, but I don't see this as a goodbye. I see it as an opportunity. New doors are always opening, and you've got to do what's right for you. Being a detective was starting to drain the life out of me. At least at Shawland Security, we'll be able to take on the jobs we want to work. We won't wake up one morning and be thrown into a rape or murder case. We'll have better control over our lives, which is one aspect I'm looking forward to, because being a cop leaves you very little personal time. Christ, I can’t even remember the last date I went on, then when said date found out I was a cop, they sprinted away quickly enough. No one wants to date a cop… ever.

  Yeah, I’m mighty glad to be closing the door on CPD.

  Today marks the end of one road, but the beginning of another.

  Chapter 1

  Seven years later

  Spike

  The deep hunger within is consuming me. I need to capture another girl. Another pure girl that looks just like her - the woman who tossed me to the curb when she realized I was different. When she realized that evil shone through her little angel’s eyes. I didn’t fit into their perfect lifestyle. I didn’t follow the rules of society, and I had no intentions of fitting in. I knew I was different. I was unique. I was special. But I also liked myself the way I was.

  I need to quench this deep, twisting pain in my stomach. This pain that keeps me awake at night, planning the games for my next victim, imagining what I’ll do to them. The very thought excites and enthralls me.

  I’ve driven up and down past the airport entrance all night, but sitting in the shadows, I feel defeated. I’ve been on the lookout for my next possible victim, but nothing captures my attention. Until I spot her. She turns my head slowly. It’s like I’m in a slow-motion clip. She’s a beautiful brunette. She can’t be very old. Older than I usually go for, but beggars can’t be choosers. I see her stamping her foot as she can’t hail a cab. Her frustration is evident for all to see. She’s a feisty one. My feisty little one.

  I pull out of my space from the shadows and drive a few feet past her. I pull up to the curb and get out eagerly. When her eyes meet mine, my heart pounds in my chest, my palms go sweaty, and my dick stirs to life in my pants. She’s so much prettier up close.

  She’s perfect.

  I open my trunk and turn to her. “You need a ride?” I ask cheerily.

  Please say yes.

  She smiles brightly at me, showing me her perfect white teeth. She rattles off some address she’s meant to be going to, but I’m not listening to that part. I’m not the slightest bit interested in where she wants to go. I already know where I’m taking her. I put her luggage in the trunk, climb into the driver’s seat, and thank the Lord that she’s mine.

  She’s in my cab.

  Tonight hasn’t been a waste after all.

  I watch her in my mirror for a moment. She blows warm air into her hands delicately. She’s stunningly beautiful. Just like her. The one who has plagued my thoughts since I was a child. The one who makes me do these things to these girls.

  “Been on holiday?” I ask her.

  “Work. I was an aid worker in third world countries. I’m just returning home from Africa to surprise my family.”

  It’s like I’ve hit the jackpot with this one. Little Miss Goody Two Shoes thinks she’s good, working with kids. Well, she’s about to wish she stayed in whatever country she just arrived back from, because I’m about to break her in ways she didn’t think possible.

  I drive in the opposite direction from where she thinks she’s going. It’s only a matter of time before she realizes we’re not going where she dictated to me when I stopped my cab. I don’t take orders from anyone, least of all from a little bitch that I own.

  “Where are we? This isn’t the way to my address.” A little voice pierces my ears.

  I watch her in the mirror, rummaging through her bag to find what I presume is her cell.

  “I’m taking you home.” I snigger.

  Looking at her through the mirror is invigorating. I feel powerful and alive. She makes me crazy with need. I want to taste every inch of her, inside and out.

  “This isn’t the way to my home. Just pull over. I’ll find my own way there.” Her panic picks up and her breathing becomes heavier.

  She pulls out her cell, and I deliberately drive over a tree stump, making her bang her head off the chair in front of her, dropping her cell to the ground. I smile. Hearing her shriek with fear is the biggest boost to my endorphins.

  “You are home, little one.”

  I pull up outside my little piece of heaven and get out of the cab. I take in a deep breath of the beautiful night air.

  “Let’s get this party started.” I laugh.

  I open her door and drag her out of her seat. The time for being nice is over. This is my game now, and I’m in charge.

  My one rule: Don’t play nice.

  She falls down onto her knees, giving me the perfect view of her delectable backside. I push my groin against her ass painfully hard. I need her now. I can’t wait. I lift strands of her hair and smell it. The vanilla shampoo turns my stomach. She needs to be dirty. She’s too clean. She smells just like her.

  “We’re going to have some fun. You’ll like that, won’t you, little one?”

  She elbows me deep in the stomach and I fall off her, gasping for breath.

  Fuck! She’s going to get away.

  That’s the only encouragement I need to get up, pain and all, and catch her. Now I’m seeing red. No one fights me or hurts me. No one. Not anymore. I throw her down to the ground harder than I think is possible for me. I wrap my hand in her hair and grasp it tightly, banging her head off the ground once, twice, three times. Her limp body lies on the ground, moaning. This is how I like my girls - complying.

  “And this, my little one, is just the beginning of our beautiful story.”

  Chapter 2

  One Year Later

  Caleb

  "How do we get these boring cases?” asks Clay as he huffs and takes a drink of his coffee.

  "Someone's got to do it. We can't pass all the shitty cases onto the other guys. Take one for the team, bro."

  I look through the binoculars and try to see any movement from the office block in front of us. We're following a fifty-three-year-old man, because his wife of thirty years thinks he's cheating. This is our fourth day following him, and tonight's the only night he's been late out of the office. We’ve watched him go to dinner with a young blonde, but it’s not enough to agree with his wife.

  Clay's right. These private investigation cases are boring, but they're more common than we ever anticipated when we started this business eight years ago. They keep our business floating by nicely. They pay the bills and let us lead a comfortable life.

  "He's probably in there fucking his secretary."

  I roll my eyes at my brother. Out of the three of us, he's the only one that doesn't watch his mouth. His language can be very colorful, which I blame the army for. I wish I had a dollar for every time my mom tells him off for it when we’re all together. He’s the brother that hits out first and asks questions after. I’m the reasonable one. And then there’s Chris; he’s the silent one. He doesn’t pass judgement or offer his opinion until he’s sure. I think we work well, because together we can see every side of an argument.

  "We need proof. His wife hasn't paid us to go on a gut feeling. I sometimes worry about your attitude."

  "No need. I just need a little bit of excitement."

  "Bingo!" I say rather too loudly. It's a good job we’re not in earshot.

  Clay picks up
his camera and starts snapping pictures of the man with his tongue down a young blonde’s throat. It's kind of gross, because he looks old enough to be her father. I would castrate any man for touching a daughter of mine like that. The man pushes the woman against the wall and slides his hand up her skirt. I think we can all imagine what he’s been up to. The horny old dog.

  "That's all the proof we need. Let's get out of here and we can pass all of this onto the wife tomorrow. Case closed."

  “We can show the wife these photos. She might want more proof,” I say to Clay.

  “Seriously? Does she want us to catch him dipping his wick? That wasn’t a friendly goodbye kiss, bro. Trust me, tonsil tennis like that is a kiss to say, ‘I’ve just fucked your brains out. This is until the next time.’”

  “Coming from the expert.” I roll my eyes and shake my head at my brother.

  I wait until the man and woman drive away separately. I start the truck and drive off. The case might be boring, but there is something very satisfying about saying ‘case closed.’ In eight years, we've never failed one case. We've found out cheating husbands/wives. Found missing persons. Kept people safe. Helped the police with cases and grown our business into something we never thought possible. Maybe it's the fact that Clay and I had made a name for ourselves in our previous careers. Maybe we've just worked extra hard to do well. Or maybe we've just had a lot of luck on our side. Who knows? All I do know is this is where we're meant to be.

  This job was made for us.

  ***

  Clay throws the file down on my desk and I sit back in my seat. "You're more sympathetic to these cases. Do you want to tell Mrs. Jamieson what we found out about her darling husband last night?"

  I nod and throw my pen down on the table. "You okay? You've been in a bad mood for days. You've got no empathy for anything, and you're really getting on my last nerve."