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    City of Dead Men (A New Eden Tale)
    City of Dead Men (A New Eden Tale)
    City of Dead Men (A New Eden Tale)
    Ebook317 pages4 hours

    City of Dead Men (A New Eden Tale)

    By Gerald Lopez

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    About this ebook

    Things in the town of New Eden have been quiet, but that’s about to change. Ken and Mason have been living happily together raising their two adopted sons. But police officer Ken’s new case will affect those he loves, including Mason. New people have come to town—some good and others bad. Familiar characters face big changes in their lives even as others are fighting for survival. And everything leads to the mysterious city of dead men.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherGerald Lopez
    Release dateMar 3, 2018
    ISBN9781370843312
    City of Dead Men (A New Eden Tale)
    Author

    Gerald Lopez

    Gerald was called to write at various times in his life. When he was young, the writing consisted of plays and short stories. Then he explored the fine arts and literature, earning a bachelor’s degree in the latter while minoring in art history. In his studies he was fascinated by and enjoyed analyzing characters, their personalities and motivations. To him it’s always been the characters who make a story special. Once again writing has taken hold of him. In the past it was just an amusement, but now—for Gerald—writing is a passion to live, eat, and breathe.

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      Book preview

      City of Dead Men (A New Eden Tale) - Gerald Lopez

      Copyright © 2018 by Gerald Lopez

      All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

      This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are 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.

      Cover Art Copyright © 2018 by Gerald Lopez

      Acknowledgments

      My special thanks go to Beta readers: Brandi, Joyce, Diane, and anyone else whose name might have gotten away from me, for their comments, and often extremely helpful suggestions.

      Table of Contents

      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

      Chapter 17

      Chapter 18

      Chapter 19

      Chapter 20

      Chapter 21

      Chapter 22

      Chapter 23

      Chapter 24

      Chapter 25

      Chapter 26

      Chapter 27

      Chapter 28

      Chapter 29

      Chapter 30

      Chapter 31

      Chapter 32

      Chapter 33

      Chapter 34

      Chapter 35

      Chapter 36

      Chapter 37

      Chapter 38

      Chapter 39

      Chapter 40

      Chapter 41

      Chapter 42

      Contact the author

      About the author

      Other books by Gerald Lopez

      City of Dead Men

      (A New Eden Tale)

      Chapter 1

      Scary Beginnings

      HUSH, HUSH, NOW, Steven, Mason Kincaid said to his fussing son as he rocked him in his arms.

      Mason looked around at the dark wood trim of the Craftsman style house he’d grown to love so much. He liked how the living room was open to the kitchen yet still retained a charm all its own.

      The poor lil darlin’ misses his Papa, Gran said looking at Steven as she rocked Jason while sitting on the sofa. They’re old enough to miss his presence now.

      We all miss Ken, Mason said. I, for one, could’ve used his help chasing two crawling boys around the house. Just a minute ago I was thinking back to how much Ken and I instinctively trusted one another when we first met. Not many men would invite someone who was practically a stranger to stay in their home.

      True enough, Gran said. If I hadn’t had an appointment to get my nails done I wouldn’t have needed the day off and I could’ve given you a hand with the boys, hun.

      I get it, Mason said, still holding Steven while walking around the room. You have to look beautiful for your man.

      He’s not my man yet, Gran said. I’m still fighting a woman over in the new town section of New Eden for him.

      Mason chuckled then spoke in an exaggerated sports announcer voice. And it’s the new town section of New Eden versus the old town historic area of New Eden in a battle for the ages… or at least a week or two. He chuckled again. How can that guy resist a classy, old town New Eden lady like you, Gran? Especially after you got all dolled up just for him.

      It was the middle of the night and, except for the boys in their arms, Gran and Mason were alone in the house.

      Papa, Steven said and cried. Pa—aapa!

      Papa’s not here, Mason said. Try to get some sleep, Son.

      It’s hard to believe the boys are a little over a year old, Gran said. I still remember when you came to town a year ago to get them and their mother—God bless her soul. The boys were such wee little things back then.

      Who knew such small boys could piss and shit so much, Mason said and chuckled. He saw Gran pointing to the swear jar and smiled naughtily. I’ll put a dollar in later. The poor jar’s seen fuller days.

      Lord knows the money in that jar could’ve bought me a vacation when you and Ken first put it out.

      Ken, Mason said softly. If only we’d had more time before—

      The sound of a car driving up to the house startled everyone and Jason began to fuss.

      Papa! Jason said. Papa!

      It’s not Papa, sweetness, Gran said as she looked down at Jason before giving him a kiss on the top of his head. Oh, how I wish it was though.

      So, do I, Mason said. He heard the sound of two car doors closing and padded barefoot to the front window where he peered around the curtain.

      Who is it? Gran said.

      It’s Marian, Mason said, and Gina’s with her.

      That’s strange, Gran said. We weren’t expecting them.

      Mason opened the door before Marian had a chance to knock.

      Wow, Mason said when he saw Marian. Don’t you look nice.

      Police officer Marian’s long brown hair was down in soft curls, her face was heavily made up, and she wore a skimpy but flattering dress and stiletto heels. Gina who stood next to her wore shorts, a bright, tie-dyed T-shirt, and sneakers.

      Thanks, it’s just my current undercover costume, Marian said. But this isn’t a social call, folks.

      What’s wrong? Gran said standing up.

      Anna, you need to stay calm, Marian said to Gran whose face had grown pale.

      What’s happened? Mason said, feeling his heart starting to beat rapidly.

      I need for you two to put on your shoes, Marian said. Gina will stay with the boys.

      Oh my God! Gran said. Stop playin’ and tell me what happened.

      You know Ken and I have been working deep undercover the last couple of weeks, Marian said. There was a shootout a few hours ago. Ken’s been shot and rushed to the hospital. I’m here to drive the two of you there.

      How serious is it? Gran said. And don’t lie to me, girl.

      We need to get there ASAP, Marian said.

      Mason handed Steven to Gina then quickly put on his deck shoes.

      Can you handle the boys alone? Gran said to Gina.

      Hi, everybody, Layla said as she walked in the still open front door. I got here as soon as I could to help with the boys. She brushed back her red hair then walked to Gran and took Jason from her. Don’t worry about anything here, just go be with Ken. She kissed Gran’s cheek.

      Mason couldn’t tell if it was his hand shaking or Gran’s as he walked her down the steps to Marian’s car. When everyone was in the car, Marian put the police lights on and they hightailed it to New Eden Hospital. Marian dropped Mason and Gran off in front of the hospital. After going inside and speaking to the receptionist, Mason walked Gran to the waiting room and helped her to a seat.

      I’m scared, Mason, Gran said.

      So am I, Mason said rubbing his arms. He was in a T-shirt and shorts and was feeling cold. He’ll be fine. Ken is tough, he’s got a lot to live for—you, me, the boys. He felt a strong hand on his shoulder and turned to see Marian behind him.

      You’re right, you know, Marian said. Ken has a lot to live for and he knows it.

      That’s why he needs to find another—less dangerous—career, Gran said then dabbed at her eyes that were red and swollen from her nerves.

      I think he may have to after this, Marian said. Ken’s not the type to deal well with desk duty.

      It’s that bad then, Gran said.

      He’ll need recovery time, Marian said.

      A slender woman with short, blonde hair who looked to be in her mid-fifties walked their way wearing scrubs. She smiled then spoke.

      You must be the family of Officer Ken Cannon, I’m Doctor Josephine Hinkley.

      How is he? Mason said while holding Gran’s hand.

      He’s made it through, I’m happy to say, Dr. Hinkley said. One of the bullet wounds was easy to care for since the bullet went straight through, barely grazing him. The second bullet grazed him as well but hit a major artery. He’d lost a lot of blood by the time the ambulance got there. Things could’ve gone either way because of that blood loss.

      Good God in Heaven, Gran said. I’m Anna, Ken’s grandmother, Dr. Hinkley. The man with me is Ken’s legal spouse Mason Kincaid.

      So you’re the Mason, Ken kept mentioning, Dr. Hinkley said. He’s been tough through all of this. For you and ‘his boys’.

      We adopted my deceased sister’s twin sons, Mason said. "Ken’s their Papa and they are his boys."

      The three of you were foremost in his thoughts when he was wheeled in here, Dr. Hinkley said. Ken’s a big, tough guy but he’s gonna need rest… lots of it. If he’ll let you, he can do with some spoiling as well. The shootout he was involved in was bad, but the good guys won. Still, these sort of things take it out of even the most seasoned police officers. And Ken does have a broken leg that’ll take time to heal.

      What about the young man who was brought in with Ken? Marian said.

      He’ll be fine, Dr. Hinkley said. "We’re keeping him at least overnight because of the sharp blow to the head he received. The bullet just grazed his buttocks so he’ll be fine there. I am somewhat concerned about his mental state, though. This was a lot for all of you to go through Officer Marian."

      I understand and the department already set up time for me and the police shrink to talk, Marian said. It’s established procedure after one of these things go down.

      When can we see Ken? Gran said.

      They’re getting him transferred to his room now, Dr. Hinkley said. He’ll be hooked up to machinery so we can monitor him—just as a cautionary measure. And he’ll be very tired.

      Understood, Gran said. We won’t bother him, I promise.

      I know you won’t, Dr. Hinkley said. He mentioned your name too, Gran. It’ll do him good to see at least you and Mason. His boys will have to wait until he gets home. She smiled then left the room.

      Gran held onto Mason tightly for a moment and Mason kissed her cheek.

      It was bad, Marian said. We thought we had every angle covered but some of the drug dealers went rogue. They wanted all the cocaine for themselves and made a power grab at the same time. Those idiots took all of us by surprise. Things could’ve gone a lot worse. Thank God they never pegged Ken or me for cops.

      God was definitely looking out for you and Ken, Mason said. Did you get all those bastards?

      Yeah, Marian said. The bad guys were wiped out. We had no choice really—it was them or us. At the end it was a free-for-all bloodbath. I’ve never seen anything like it. There was so much coke that every man went after it on his own.

      No loyalty among thieves or drug dealers, huh? Gran said.

      None at all, Marian said.

      Now it’s just time to clean up the mess, Gran said.

      Yes, Marian said. Hopefully there won’t be too much of that. But you never know.

      Chapter 2

      Happy Reunions

      HI THERE, KEN said groggily when he woke and saw Mason in the recliner next to his hospital bed.

      Hi, Mason said, stretching his arms and yawning. You’ve looked better.

      I feel like hell, and I’m tired of the sling on my arm and the broken leg already, Ken said. The bad guys got me good with a couple shots—I’m sorry, babe.

      For what? Mason said.

      I put myself in harm’s way when I have you, the boys, and Gran to worry about. God knows I didn’t do it on purpose but—I’ve missed you like crazy. Can you make your way around the wires and tubes sticking out of me and give me a kiss?

      I’ll give it my best shot, Mason said. Geez, I can’t believe I said that.

      Ken chuckled. Mason got out of the recliner then carefully kissed Ken on the lips. He was about to pull away when Ken raised his head, kissed him hard and slipped his tongue in. They kissed for several seconds before Ken laid his head back again.

      You really did miss me, Mason said as he ran his hand along Ken’s full but short red beard. I’m surprised the hospital didn’t shave that.

      There was no time, Ken said. I was losing a lot of blood. I’ve missed being with you in our bed, and I miss our boys waking us up in the middle of the night.

      They’ve missed you too. They both cry for their papa all the time. I don’t like you going undercover. It’s your job, I know you love it, and I don’t want to be a bitch about it. But, two weeks was too long—you’ve missed too much in the boys’ lives.

      Yeah. This case was important, though. The guys who ordered the hits on Robbie and your sister are dead, Mason. They came to the meeting in person. There won’t be any trial or jail time. It was a setup by their own people to do away with them.

      Doesn’t that mean someone else will replace them?

      Not any time soon. All the bigwigs were in that room.

      That’s strange, isn’t it?

      Like I said, it was a setup, Ken said. Only the guys doing the setting up got caught in their own trap. Did you miss me, Mason?

      You know I did, Mason said. I don’t sleep well when you’re not in bed next to me. And my body misses yours for other things as well. He grinned.

      Yeah, ditto. When I’m outta this place I’ll show you how much my body missed yours. Two weeks was like a lifetime away from you and it all went down so fast. We—you and I—didn’t have much time to discuss things before I left. I know I can’t work that sort of case again. But we got ‘em, babe. Robbie and your sister can finally rest in peace.

      Peace and my sister aren’t exactly two things I picture going together, Mason said. Thank you, Ken. For getting the bad guys and for pulling through. I need you in my life, more than I can ever say.

      I know, because I need you in the same way, Mason.

      Oh, Mason said. I don’t know if anyone told you—the boy—Pierce is doing fine.

      I’m glad to hear that, Ken said. Pierce is a young guy with a sad tale similar to Robbie’s story. He was from an abusive household, survived on the streets by hustling, and eventually got caught up with the bad guys Marian and I were looking to take down. Pierce was a big help to us, Mason. If there’s a way we can do something for him, I’d like to try.

      We can get him a job at the hotel, if he’s up for it.

      He told me once that he wanted to be a chef. And unlike Robbie, Pierce is serious about it

      I’ll talk to Ray and see if he can use an apprentice in his kitchen, Mason said, then ran his fingers through Ken’s long, straight red hair. Your hair’s resting on your shoulders.

      It’s too long, I just grew it and the beard because I was going undercover.

      I like them both, Mason said. Don’t be in a rush to do away with either. He leaned in close and whispered in Ken’s ear. The look is really turning me on. He started to kiss Ken when they were interrupted.

      Save some of that for me, Gran said as she walked into the room.

      Hi, Ken said.

      Don’t ‘hi’ me, Gran said. How are you feeling?

      Sore but ready to go home, Ken said.

      Ha, Gran said then kissed her grandson on the cheek. You look like shit. Don’t worry I’ll put a dollar in the swear jar later. A man with two small children at home needs to be more careful about things.

      Yes, Ma’am, Ken said. I’ll be more careful about the cases I take on.

      Screw that! Gran said. You need to see about a new career.

      We’ve been through this before, Gran, Ken said.

      Knock, knock, a red-haired nurse said as she walked in. I’m here to change Ken’s dressings. Who will be his caretaker at home?

      I will, Mason said.

      Then you can stay and watch, the nurse said before turning to Gran. You can go outside and talk to the others waiting to see Officer Ken.

      Others? Gran said.

      You’d better see who’s there, Gran, Ken said.

      Okay, Gran said. "But we have not exhausted the topic of your career yet." She left the room.

      Mason and Ken looked at one another and chuckled. After Mason watched the nurse and took mental notes of things, he left the room to look for Gran. She was in the waiting room with her daughter Lauren, who looked pale, next to her. Everyone’s mutual friend, Chanda, was sitting cross-legged on a chair with her eyes closed in deep meditation or prayer.

      How is he, Mason? Lauren said.

      Ken looks a bit rough, Mason said, His arm’s in a sling and he’s got a broken leg but he’s already talking about going home.

      Well that’s a good sign, right, Momma, Lauren said to Gran.

      I would say that it is, Gran said.

      Mason saw the nurse exit Ken’s room and wave bye to him. He waved back then addressed Ken’s mom.

      Lauren, I think you and Gran can go in and see Ken now.

      Thank you, Lauren said then kissed Mason’s cheek. Come on, Momma. She took Gran’s arm and the two walked to Ken’s room.

      Mason let out a sigh.

      Pretty scary business, huh? Chanda said.

      Yeah, Mason said then sat in the chair next to Chanda’s. And things had been quiet for so long. At least in terms of shootouts. We hadn’t been in one since that mess at the hotel with Melody Morgan and her people. I guess we were about due. He smiled.

      The boys will be glad to have their papa back home, Chanda said.

      They’ve missed Ken as much as I have, Mason said. I understand why he had to stay away. He was in deep cover and didn’t want the bad guys to be able to trace him to us. But these past two weeks have been difficult to deal with. At least we’ll have Ken home with us again. That’s one bright spot in this mess.

      Yes, well it may not be all that bright a spot, Chanda said as she uncrossed her legs and smoothed out her ankle-length, semi-sheer, floral skirt. Men like Ken don’t do well when it comes to sitting around at home. You’ll need to find ways of making him feel useful.

      Actually that did occur to me, Mason said. I was hoping spending time with the boys would keep him busy for a while, but I know what you mean. Just knowing he’s supposed to take it easy will make him not want to do it. And I’m guessing he won’t be going into work anytime soon. He can’t do active duty with a broken leg.

      They’ll probably send someone out to him to get his side of how the events unfolded. Chanda ran her hand through her long, blonde hair then smiled at Mason.

      Did your meditation or prayer give you any special insight into this situation? Mason said. I remember you had plenty when it came to the hotel and the ghosts.

      No ghosts this time, Chanda said. Bad men—yes. Lots of bullets again—yes. No ghosts, though. I will definitely keep you and Ken in my prayers. I’m not one to put bad thoughts in the air, but you may have a rough time of it with Ken. He won’t want to lie around in bed all day.

      Maybe I can do something to change his mind about that, Mason said. At least for a couple of days before he gets antsy. Then I’ll need to come up with a new plan.

      After two weeks apart, the two of you will be like newlyweds. It’s too bad that Anna moved out of your place. She could’ve kept Jason and Steven entertained while you were busy with Ken. She smiled.

      We couldn’t hold her to staying longer when her house was ready early. Gran was so excited about how the renovations at her place had gone. She’s fairly close by anyway and I’m sure she’ll be over to check on Ken in between chasing after Harrison.

      Dina Morell is giving her quite a bit of competition there, isn’t she?

      She is, Mason said. But I think our Gran has already stolen Harrison’s heart. He smiled.

      Your smile seems genuine, Mason, but there’s something behind those sparkling blue eyes of yours. What are you holding back?

      Chapter 3

      Wounded Men

      IS IT THAT OBVIOUS? Mason said.

      To me, Chanda said. What is it? You can trust me.

      "I know. But it’s tough, Chanda. A year or so ago Ken and I had to deal with gunfire at the hotel with that crazy old lady and her henchmen. People were shot that day—just not anyone I cared about. Today… watching the nurse cleaning Ken’s wounds

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