In The Dead Of Night: Never Back Down action suspense thriller, #1

Copyright © 2015 by Sandy Paull.

www.sandypaull.com

National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry (ebook)

Creator: Paull, Sandy, author.

Title: In the dead of night / Sandy Paull.

ISBN: 9780994227836 (ebook)

Subjects: Suspense fiction.

Dewey Number: A823.4

Publishing Consultant: Linda Diggle – www.bookboffin.com

Editor: Paul Vander Loos – www.about.me/Paul.Vanderloos

Internal Layout: Loaded Spring Communication Design - www.loadedspring.co.za

Other titles by Sandy Paul:

Clouds of Grey (2014)

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (for example, a fair dealing for the purposes of study, research, criticism or review), no part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, communicated or transmitted in any form or by means without written permission. All inquiries should be made to the publisher.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you to my family for all your encouragement and support over the years, and for allowing me the time to follow my dream.

To my loving husband, Bryan, who has offered reassurance and endless support, promoting me on social media.

A very big thankyou to Paul Vander Loos, my editor and friend, for his ongoing encouragement and wisdom.

And to Warwick Hays, CG artist, for his knowledge and creativity in designing the dramatic book cover.

A big thanks once again to Linda Diggle, who has facilitated the e-publishing of this book. Your friendliness and easy-going nature is greatly appreciated. It has been a pleasure working with you and your associates and I look forward to future endeavours.

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PROLOGUE

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

PROLOGUE

Michael Cameron knew he was in trouble the moment he caught sight in his rear-view mirror of the two men running towards their vehicle. He accelerated through the gates and headed back into town, and to the police station. His heart was racing. He had always thought he was working for a highly reputable company, but a pattern of break-ins and subsequent upgrades to security systems had aroused his suspicions. Erica Johnson from Sydney head office had secretly concurred with his findings. She’d asked for the evidence to be collected and posted off to her in the afternoon’s post. He’d nervously obliged and taken a trip to the post office during his lunch break. He’d also taken photos of the documents as a precautionary measure and sent them to his personal phone, which had been unintentionally left at home in his rush to leave this morning. It would be well and truly flat by now. His loving wife, Courtney, had waylaid him because today they were finding out the sex of their unborn child. His 13-year-old twins, Sarah and Mitchell, and four-year-old son, Ben, could barely contain their excitement at breakfast time.

The road was slippery from a previous downpour.

Michael gripped the steering wheel and kept an anxious eye on the headlights looming up from behind. He gnawed his lip and felt compelled to do something he never did ‒ use his phone while driving. He retrieved it quickly and rang his personal mobile. It went straight to voicemail. Hi, this is me leaving a message to myself, he said, instantly feeling silly. I’m on my way home and my suspicions have been proven correct. The company has been organising break-ins to their own client’s premises and influencing them to upgrade to more expensive security systems. There’s been dozens of them apparently, and not only here. Erica Johnson at head office has also become aware of this. It amazes me that no-one had seen this before and taken it up with management, but I’ve sent the relevant documents to Erica. These bastards won’t be getting away with this. Erica’s going to hide the envelope in the bottom of her filing cabinet until we figure out the best way to tackle this situation. I have also sent copies to my phone. He skidded around a corner. I don’t know why I’m saying all this, but anyway, better safe than sorry. I hope the flowers turned up for my sweetheart today. Wish I could have been at the scan.

The car following sped up and drove on the wrong side of the road.

Michael wedged the phone under his thigh and put both hands back on the wheel. The other vehicle careered into his. He gasped with fright and fought for control. His vehicle fishtailed onto the shoulder and finally back onto the road. He bared his teeth and retaliated with his own attack, slamming them further away. Take that you bastards! He put his foot down. This evidence is going to put you all in jail! He yelled at the closed window. You sons of bitches!

His vehicle was violently rammed once more. He was tossed about as his car veered awkwardly from side to side. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel and glared towards the man in the passenger seat of the offending car. The man smiled menacingly. Michael frowned, and suddenly saw the bend in the road directly ahead. He cried out and clung on. There was nowhere to go except straight ahead. The guard rail was obliterated in seconds. Airbags deployed instantly. Debris flew in all directions. His car went airborne and his eyes widened, focussing on a barrage of trees dead ahead. The crash was thunderous. His vehicle rolled and tumbled, creating a path of destruction behind him, to finally flip and rest on an embankment. Smoke and heat filled the air. His eyes flickered. Blood poured from wounds inflicted from the collision, but he felt nothing.

He mustered a whispering breath. Courtney. His eyes slowly closed and his head rolled to one side.

CHAPTER 1

Damian Lincoln turned to the security guard standing beside him. Is everything as it should be, Ryan? No-one is trying to break into anything or run away with something that doesn’t belong to them, are they?

Ryan gave a brief smile. No, sir. Everyone is behaving themselves. He stood relaxed, but menacing. Your brother certainly knows a lot of people. It was good of you to let him, and his friend, have their going-away party here.

Damian pursed his lips. I’m still not convinced it was. The whole population of Sydney seems to be wandering in, and he appears to be greeting every one of them by name. He narrowed his gaze towards the people who were ogling his collection of priceless antiquities, displayed within the specially-crafted glass cabinets. His trust levels were nil tonight. He shifted in his stance. I just hope Matthew behaves himself along with everyone else. The night is still young. Anything could happen between now and morning. An obscene amount of finger food and alcohol was delivered earlier and I’m not looking forward to seeing the mess these people leave behind.

Ryan glanced about and smiled. There’s no need to worry about that either, Mr Lincoln. Matthew has apparently organised a cleaning service to come here around 9am tomorrow, and make your home spic and span again.

Damian frowned. You’re kidding? He held his stomach and swallowed hard. Now I am more than just worried. You know, Ryan, Matthew and I might share the same roof, but there’s no love lost between us … everyone knows that, so why is he being nice? He stared, confused. Your presence here was a surprise in itself. I had no idea you guys were being asked to come along.

It was a surprise to us, too. We didn’t even think he knew where your building was, but when he approached me the other day, I couldn’t say no. And besides, you’re a good boss, and you have a lot of expensive stuff worth protecting.

Thank you, Ryan. I really appreciate what you’re doing for me, Damian said, nodding, but my brother is up to something, I can feel it.

Ryan eyed the staircase. I might just do a quick round upstairs to make sure the ‘Out of Bounds’ sign is still in place at the entrance to the third level, and then check the second floor.

Damian nodded. Good idea. I don’t want anyone up on my floor. There should be enough room for everyone to mix and mingle on the first two levels, plus the ground floor. If not, they can just go outside.

Ryan agreed. My thoughts exactly. Elliana is patrolling out front at the moment. She’ll keep everyone under control. Dave is in the backyard, and Tess is alternating between the first and ground floors.

Excellent. That should make me feel a little safer.

Ryan patted Damian’s back. See you soon.

The crowd seemed to part for the stocky security guard. Damian was glad Ryan and some of his team members were here. They were all well-equipped to deal with any given situation, especially Ryan. No-one would be game to tangle with him. His muscles made Damian’s look small.

Damian glanced at his watch and sighed. God, it was only 7pm. He wiped his face and went for a walk outside.

By 9pm, the music was well and truly cranked and the ground floor was standing room only.

There you are! Matthew shouted above the din of the crowd.

Damian tensed inwardly as he watched his brother carry two wine glasses above his head and weave his way through the people trying to dance.

It’s a great turnout, don’t you think? he beamed. Everyone seems to be having a great time, except for you, of course, but we all knew that would happen.

Damian huffed. Have all these people come here tonight because they actually think something of you, or is it just to consume the free spread you’ve put on?

Does it really matter? Matthew said, smiling and scanning the many faces in front of him. As far as I can tell, you’re the only one here who can’t wait to see the back of me for three months. He handed over one of the glasses. Anyway, I know you don’t drink much these days, that’s why I’ve only given you a little bit. I would like to make three toasts.

Damian reluctantly accepted the drink and faced his brother.

Okay, let’s get to it, Matthew said, raising his glass. The first toast is to irresistible women and their seductive ways.

Well, that’s a surprising toast coming from you, Damian said sarcastically, chinking his glass to keep the peace and swallowing a mouthful. Jesus, what the hell is this? He pulled a sour face and scoured his tongue on the roof of his mouth. I think my tastebuds just curled up and died.

Matthew frowned and savoured a sip of his own. What the hell are you complaining about? This is a good drop. Your tastebuds must be out of order.

Damian gaped. This is putrid. I don’t have to drink all of this, do I?

Yep, you sure do. I’m not fighting my way through that crowd again. Matthew rubbed the base of his chin, pretending to be deep in thought. I know, he said, feigning excitement. What if I said that one day I intend to do something completely out of character and take care of you for a change?

Huh! Damian scoffed loudly. That would definitely be worth drinking to, but is that a threat or something I should be looking forward to? He felt uneasy. Or both?

Matthew gave a casual shrug. You can take it any way you want. You’ve certainly bailed me out of a lot of things over the years. Maybe it’s time I actually gave you a thought, literally.

Damian swirled the contents of his glass and grimaced. I’m not looking forward to this.

I know, but drink up. Matthew watched his brother closely as he took another huge sip. Damian’s expression was receiving a few grins. Okay, last one, he said, putting on a serious face. To happier times and less stress.

The glasses were reluctantly clanged and when Damian finished the contents, Matthew relieved him of the glassware. What a good boy you are, finishing that to the last drop. Now, my suggestion is for you to take it easy and go with the flow. He took a step back and grinned at his brother’s scowling features. You’re going to be in seventh heaven very soon, dear brother, and one day you might even thank me for what I have just done.

Damian gulped. Apprehension filled him. He reached for his throat. What the hell did you do? Have you poisoned me? Do you hate me that much?

Matthew was aghast. What? No! Calm down! What kind of person do you think I am? I’ll never go to prison for the likes of you.

A woman came towards them and attempted to lure Matthew away. He resisted her flirtatious behaviour and glanced back to his brother. You’re going to live, Damian, although you may want to die to start with.

Matthew smiled and offered a salute. I guarantee you’ll be feeling like a new man tomorrow, especially after the good time you’re going to receive tonight. Just remember to breathe. He faded into the crowd.

***

Courtney Cameron loved everything about this multi-storey home with its beautiful decor, the artefacts on display, and the massive chandelier hanging above the atrium. It was just a shame she couldn’t enjoy its true worth without all these people cluttering it up.

She had come to this party under the insistence of her work colleagues, and a good friend, and now that she was here, she was feeling rather nervous. This was apparently the place to be if you wanted to meet someone special, and Courtney did, for a purely selfish reason ‒ to replace the child she’d lost when her husband had died. She didn’t want to taint his memory by having another relationship, but for months now, all she had been able to think about was increasing the number in her family. She just hoped her children didn’t judge her too harshly, if and when it ever came to pass. The men at this party were more than willing to strike up a conversation with her, but she just couldn’t make herself take that next step. She’d never hopped into bed with a stranger before. There had only ever been Michael.

She spied her friends sitting around a coffee table and sighed. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves except her, and she’d had enough of mingling and trying to be someone she wasn’t. It was time to go home. She squeezed her way through the dancing crowd and halted abruptly when a blonde-haired man stepped in front of her. She stared into his gleaming eyes and gulped. He wasn’t bad looking, but not her type. She stepped back and felt her waist being caught from behind. She gasped an apology and glanced upwards to see a man with dark brown hair and a lustful smile. She gulped again. The man in front advanced closer and forced her backwards. Courtney stumbled and inhaled sharply when she became the meat in their sandwich.

Where have you been all my life? the blonde man asked, grinding his hips against hers and running his fingers down the length of her arms. How about we get to know you a little better before our departure tomorrow? We guarantee you’ll have a good time.

The man behind licked the exposed flesh of her neck and rubbed his hands up and down her thighs. Yeah, what a good idea. We could find a quiet room upstairs.

Courtney’s breathing faltered. She had missed having male company during the last two years, but being groped in public wasn’t the way she wanted to experience a man’s touch again. She cringed and quickly hailed her friends with a furious wave. Her voice rose above the crowd. I could use a bit of help from you guys!

They saw her and quickly rose to their feet.

The man in front leaned closer and whispered his inner most desire about what he’d like to do with her in private. Courtney’s eyes widened. He finished off by nibbling her earlobe and giving a sensual smile. She wanted to slap his face, but was too busy fending off the other man’s hands from reefing up her stretch-fitting skirt.

Three women weaved their way towards her and attached themselves to the two men.

We would love to take care of these two, wouldn’t we, girls? one of them said, holding the blonde man’s chin and puckering his mouth for a kiss. I’m sure we’re going to get along real fine. She promptly kissed him.

Giggles and gasps were given by the other two women.

The men’s hands were captured and held; their bodies urged away. The dark haired one went more willingly than the blonde. Courtney drew a ragged breath and shivered from the inside out.

One of her friends threw a quick glance over her shoulder. Scram while you can. We’ve got this.

Courtney didn’t need to be told twice. Her insides were a quivering mess. She ploughed her way through the throng of dancers, and headed for the nearest exit, but it was blocked by security guards addressing an issue with some people. She caught sight of the blonde haired man peering above the crowd. She ducked down and tried to weave her way up the stairs. She paused behind some party-goers and peered around. The dark haired man was also seen looking about. It seemed the girls hadn’t been able to acquire their attention for long at all.

Her heart thumped in time with the music. She turned and ascended to the first level. It was crowded too. The doorways were blocked. She hurried along as best she could and stopped behind a pillar to see if her pursuers were following. Her eyes widened when she saw them at the top of the staircase, talking to some people. Fingers were pointed in her direction. Courtney gasped and stayed low as she continued round towards to the next flight. Her father would be livid if he knew she was running scared. He would have told her to stand and fight, but there were two of them, and she didn’t want to cause a scene.

The three rooms upstairs were also jam-packed with people, drinking and laughing. She weaved her way along towards the end and slumped when she saw the staircase chained off. You’ve got to be kidding me, she panted, rubbing her brow. She shot a quick glance back the way she’d come. She received a few curious glances, but that was it. No-one appeared interested in why she was there.

She toyed with her long plait and tried to remember what she’d seen from ground level. The third floor had been circled by a continuous line of ornate balustrade with open sections each side of the pillars. From her position at the time, she had seen the top part of three normal doors and a full glass one at the end. She nibbled the end of her thumb nail and wondered what the odds would be of someone looking up at that very moment when a door was opened, or closed. She pulled a face and figured it would be slim to none. All she needed to find was a drainpipe, a trellis, or a tree to climb down from, and then this place was history.

Courtney didn’t want to be disrespectful to this home-owner’s privacy, but her situation was desperate. She stepped over the chain and proceeded upwards, close to the wall. Her knees trembled with every step; her mouth dry from fear. She didn’t want to hear anyone yelling out for her to come back. And no-one did. She reached the top safe and sound and moved swiftly along to the first door. It was locked and so was the second. She hurried to the next one and prayed it would open, and smiled when it did.

Hello, she whispered, opening it a fraction and peering into the darkness. Is anyone here? She listened for a response above the booming beat of the music and pushed the door wide enough to squeeze through. The light from the chandelier streamed in and revealed a portion of the room’s layout. Courtney quickly noted the thick folds of curtaining hanging on the far wall, and wondered if there would be a balcony on the other side. It was worth the gamble. She hurried inside and closed the door behind her.

***

The full meaning behind Matthew’s words had left Damian quite concerned for his wellbeing. Three years of abstinence was taking its toll and his hormones were soaring out of control. The hatred he felt for his brother right now was immeasurable. He wanted to punch him out and just keep hitting, but he could barely stand, much less breathe without shuddering. All he could think about was having his needs fulfilled.

And he did want to die … from humiliation. The looks, and all the body touching he’d been receiving as he tried to make his way across the crowded floor was affecting him greatly. Moans had escaped, along with deep, ragged sighs. He reached the main wall of the foyer and welcomed the support. He cast his eyes upwards towards the sanctuary of the third floor and wondered if he could possibly make it before shaming himself in public. He licked his dry lips and fanned his heated body, silently thanking God he’d worn a loose-fitting shirt. His stomach muscles spasmed. He clenched his hands and focused on the balustrade. He saw the door to his study suddenly open. He frowned and blinked. Seconds later it closed shut.

Ryan made a path through the guests.

Mr Lincoln, a female has just entered the restricted area. Would you like me to retrieve her for you?

Damian straightened his shirt and shook his head. No, thank you. I’ll take care of it. It will give me something to do.

As you wish. He turned away and wandered towards the glass cabinets he’d been overseeing previously.

Damian pushed his shoulders back and ventured through the mass of people, guarding himself profusely against all the knocks and alluring smells. Three flights of stairs was a long way to go in his state, and he’d found out that any angered emotion only served to heighten his feelings of desire. On more than one occasion he’d had to take steadying breaths before continuing onwards. He hadn’t been surprised to hear that a female had gone in to one of his rooms. Matthew was never short on female company, and he didn’t mind paying for it either. He had obviously put a lot of thought and money into this going-away party, more than Damian had been aware of. Some would think an act like this was commendable, but not Damian. He hadn’t consented to this and he didn’t know if he possessed the inner strength to throw a female out of his study. What if she tried to seduce him? Would he be able to resist her? He growled and closed his eyes tight. Why couldn’t Matthew have just minded his own business?

Damian dragged himself up to the third floor and forced himself to walk upright towards his study. Matthew was going to be black and blue by the time he was finished with him, and a wheelchair might even be required for boarding the plane.

He inhaled a few ragged breaths and opened the door.

***

Courtney waited for her eyes to adjust to the darkened room before attempting to navigate her way towards the curtaining. The room wasn’t totally pitch black and she welcomed the soft glow of a wall clock. It made her feel not so alone. She stretched out her hands to feel the way and walked cautiously across the carpeted floor. She bumped into a few things and cursed quietly while rubbing the affected areas. Her fingers finally touched the folds of material. She immediately crouched down and reefed up the hem, only to headbutt the door after ducking under. It rattled from the assault. For God’s sake, she cried out, rubbing her forehead and looking beyond the glass to see a security screen leading onto a balcony.

She scuffled further along towards the door seams and let her fingers trace the outline of the locking system. She flicked the latch and gently slid the first door aside. She tried to open the screen door, but it wouldn’t budge. She wasn’t fazed. This was the first time she’d ever had to break out of somewhere. She was usually breaking in. She reached for her purse and quickly retrieved a piece of copper wire.

The thumping beat of the music suddenly became louder, before being muffled once again. Courtney froze in place with her senses on full alert. Someone had just entered the room. She strained to listen and smothered a gasp when she heard the sounds of heavy breathing. Panic rose within her. Had the two men found her? She furiously jigged the lock.

The curtains were flung aside.

Courtney shrieked and attempted to stand. Her legs were shaking. She stumbled into the door and dropped the wire.

What the hell are you doing behind there? Damian asked fiercely, dragging the woman backwards along the carpet. Were you planning to steal more from me than the obvious? Heeled shoes were lugged off, and stockinged feet vied madly for traction. Damian felt her body slipping within his grasp and adjusted his hold, but the silk fabric of her shirt kept riding up over her midriff. His forearm was being beaten against with something hard. He snatched the offending item and tossed it to the floor.

Courtney thrashed about and pushed hard against his body. Leave me alone!

Damian groaned loudly and bowed his body away. If this is part of your seduction plan, he growled, totally unprepared for a fight, I suggest you consider a more gentle approach in the future. I don’t like it rough. He fought to subdue her and collected a heel to the shin. Jesus Christ!

Take your hands off me, Courtney yelled. I don’t want to seduce you.

He imprisoned her wrists and forced her to hug her own body. He panted from exertion. This is a restricted area and you shouldn’t be in here. He tried unsuccessfully to sidestep her attacking feet and groaned from another assault. He staggered with her towards the high-backed lounge nearby. If I’d known you were going to fight me I would have called for back-up. He kicked her feet apart and thrust his knees into the backs of her legs.

Courtney grimaced from having her ankles bashed. Please, let me go. Her heart pounded in time with the music being played downstairs. You don’t want to do this to me. She struggled to distance herself from the crushing weight of his body, and his aroused state. An image sprang to mind. She gasped and squeezed her eyes shut in the hope to erase it. This can only end badly for both of us.

Damian bent his knees and rested his chin against the top of her head. He closed his eyes. Can you please stop fighting me? His words were a forced whisper. Her movements rescinded slightly after a few moments. I’m sure I’m not the first man you’ve been with, and I’m not going to hurt you. He inhaled a deep breath and expelled it with a moan. You’re wearing the most alluring perfume. It’s driving me crazy. He swallowed hard and spoke in halting sentences. Believe me, I wish there was another way around this, other than the obvious, and I’m not looking forward to soaking in an ice cold bath. He nuzzled her hair and began kissing her cheek. I was hoping to resist all temptation, but it seems you are irresistible.

Courtney felt confused, and ashamed at how easily this man was arousing her. His moans and sighs were creating an urgent need within her, more than she’d thought possible, and it was taking everything in her power not to turn her head and taste what his lips had to offer. But she didn’t want this man’s affections, whoever he was, not after what happened downstairs. She licked her parted lips and panted. Please, there has to be another way? She strained to support his body weight and think of something less exciting. You have to let me go.

He sighed into her neck and teased her with moist caresses. Was the offer too good to refuse?

Courtney