Lawfully Challenged Read online

  Lawfully Challenged

  Ginny Sterling

  Contents

  Preface

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Epilogue

  Afterword

  Lawfully Yours

  Lawfully Mine

  Lawfully Wanted by Jenna Brandt

  Lawfully Wild

  Preface

  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 captivated 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.

  One

  May 2016

  Mayhew, Texas

  “I am so excited,” Cindy Lance breathed aloud to herself as she inhaled the scent of her coffee. She’d spent all night tossing and turning. Her mind was racing with excitement and wonder as she tried to imagine what breed of dog she’d be assigned to in the morning. She was there at Starbucks every morning, faithfully, like clockwork. A creature of habit. Same brew, same time, same location. Grande, bold, with cream and no sugar. Tall, dark and bitter… just like she liked her men, she always joked. Sad thing was, she was bragging about something she had no idea about. It was to make small talk and fit in with the girls behind the counter. She was a self-proclaimed coffee snob and was so grateful that Starbucks now had reward points to keep her habit affordable.

  When she walked in the building, it was the same thing every day. Her life was routine and uneventful. Today was the start of something new, a new chapter to her life. She ignored the humorous smiles, hesitant looks, and occasional glances of skepticism on their faces. She would let nothing, absolutely nothing, bring down her enthusiasm for her day!

  She had a love/hate relationship with her uniform. Loved it, because of the pride in what she did. Hated it, because she always felt like she had a roll over her belt or the pants were too snug. Working out did nothing but give her padding a bit more definition. She was a healthy girl and knew it. No scrawny chick here – and no wimp either. Those smirking men would have their delicate hineys handed to them if she ever had to subdue them. She’d do it and cheerfully hand them their man-card, if the need arose.

  Sexist snobs.

  That was one thing that was tough about what she did for a living. Why on earth couldn’t a pretty woman be a police officer? She’d worked hard on the force to get to where she was… and today it all paid off! She’d been accepted to the K-9 program and her life was about to change forever. The next several weeks would involve training her new partner and becoming the front-line officer for the forensics team.

  Cindy had earned her degree in forensics, whipping herself directly into the academy upon graduation. There were other routes she could have taken, but she wanted to make sure she had a career just in case law enforcement was too much for her to handle. She’d heard tales of failing out because it was no longer “imagining” taking down a perp anymore.

  It was real.

  Real guns, real criminals, a potential lawsuit each time you arrested someone. That was one thing that you were never prepared for. Just when you thought you’d seen everything, there was something new that chilled your soul or made you numb.

  Being a K-9 officer meant you were smart, quick, adaptable. You were now responsible for yourself as well as your partner. It was a dream and she was eager to have a furry partner that wouldn’t whine about having to be out on patrol. Instead, he could hang his head out the window and sling drool around town when they weren’t doing a presentation. That was the other thing that interested her: the chance to talk to others about law enforcement and how the community could help. As a K-9 officer, she would be expected to be the face of the department. Doing tours, speaking at schools and other events.

  She’d been drawn into law and forensics when she’d heard her best friend from high school had gone missing. It was terrifying the not knowing and the wondering what had happened. All of the other students had wanted to help, fanning out in the woods around the neighborhood where she’d lived. No one could have ever imagined that they’d have touched branches in the area, walked around the body or touched the body to check for a pulse. The crime scene had been disturbed leaving a cold trail. Her killer had never been found. This scarred Cindy mentally and she vowed to teach, learn and help other families have the closure they deserved.

  “What kind of dog are you hoping you get? It’s never too late to change your mind, you know,” Chief Jeff Martin told her, interrupting her thoughts. He’d snuck up behind her as she stood by the trash can at Starbucks, stirring in some cinnamon into her coffee in an attempt to try something new. Time to chuck routine out of the proverbial window! He was an overprotective father figure to her and had made her feel welcome from the very beginning at the precinct. She was pretty sure that it was because she reminded him of his own daughter. They were both very fair-haired and about the same height. His daughter, however, was a dentist, not an officer.

  “No. I know. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the chance you’ve given me.” She’d worked hard for this opportunity, but it never hurt to thank the man either. He’d really had her back when one of the other officers had applied as well. She’d been selected based off his glowing recommendation letter.

  “You’ve earned it. Now, seriously, I don’t think they have any corgis or fru-fru dogs. You gonna be okay taking this on?” Rolling her eyes, she smiled at him. Fru-fru dogs? She wasn’t expecting Hooch or Cujo. She also knew it wouldn’t be a breed that would lick the criminal to death and then roll over for its belly to be petted.

  “Don’t be silly. I took down Barnes last time we scrimmaged at the gym. If I can take a big guy down like him, I can hang on to a pup.”

  “I
wouldn’t brag if I were you,” he told her with a grin plastered on his ruddy face. “There is something feral about having a hundred pounds of angry dog headed straight for you. Remember, Cindy, I did this. It’s going to be the hardest reward you’ll have ever earned. This isn’t a pet you are taking on. It’s a new partner, a potential weapon that can be just as deadly as your sidearm.”

  “I know, sir. I’m ready.” Or at least she prayed that she was! This was going to be quite a change at her home and in her life. All the books she’d read up on dogs told her to put away things, tuck wires behind bookshelves and to not leave anything out that they could eat or choke on. She’d gotten down on all fours and searched her house, preparing. She felt like a new mom preparing for her baby to start crawling. Her fur-baby. To have a live creature dependent on you at all times seemed so unfathomable, but people adopted pets all the time. This would be like going to the range and picking out a new gun. A weapon that barked and pooped a lot.

  “I’m sure you are. Have you reached out to Wesson yet?”

  “Yes, I sent an email in reply when I was instructed to be at the kennel at nine sharp.” Thinking about it now, she realized that Wesson’s email was very curt. It was all of ten words to her and didn’t even address her as a person at all.

  “Tell him to take it easy on you.”

  “Cause I’m a girl?” she teased, sipping on her coffee.

  “No, cause he’s a bit of an ass.”

  “Language,” she prompted, knowing she sounded like a prude. The others teased her at the precinct. However, she knew in her heart that there were other ways to describe a person or an issue. Colorful metaphors, as Spock put it best in the movie.

  “It’s the truth. You don’t get the nickname ‘Mad-dog’ Wesson for no reason.”

  “Is he insane or mad? Why is he training our canines?” she asked curiously. If the man had issues, he sure didn’t need to be training an animal that could potentially save her life one day. You had to be disciplined, didn’t you?

  “He isn’t nuts, just a bit abrasive. But he has a way with them that is something else. He was military, and I think he earned the name there.”

  “Gotcha. Jarhead the puppy whisperer?” she joked and saw the angry look on Martin’s face. She’d forgotten he was a retired Marine and didn’t appreciate her sense of humor at the jarhead nickname.

  “Sorry.”

  “I certainly wouldn’t call him that to his face if I were you. Get going, Officer Lance, or you will be late. And good luck with your new partner.” Chief Martin grinned and gave a mock salute with his Frappuccino. He was a closet sugar fiend and his frappes were the only sugar he was able to sneak in and hide from his wife, Millicent. She heard him on the phone one day swearing that he drank his coffee black and that his A1C had to be incorrect. The venti frappe in his hand outed him each time his bloodwork was required to keep his Type 2 diabetes in check.

  “Thanks,” she said lightly, shaking her head and laughing. She headed out the door towards her unit that waited in the crowded parking lot near the precinct.

  Pulling up to the kennel, she saw that there were a few others already there to get their dogs as well. She wasn’t sure how many were scheduled to arrive, only that she was to be there at nine promptly as per Officer Wesson’s curt email. She’d been the only person from her precinct selected to be assigned to K-9 duties. She was a few minutes early, enough time to chug down the remainder of her coffee and dispose of the cup. Getting out of her car, she ran over to the trash bin and prepared to fling the cup inside, fully intent on joining the others with a moment to spare.

  “NAME?”

  Cindy jumped at the loud bark coming from nearby. Glancing over towards the tall man that yelled at her, she did a double take. He was gorgeous. Tanned, dark hair with a thick five o’clock shadow. Rippled biceps that went on for days. He looked like he could have stepped off the pages of a Men’s Health magazine. The coldest set of black eyes she’d ever seen stared at her like she was vermin.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Did I stutter? What is your name, Princess?” he snapped as he studied the clipboard. Perhaps Chief Martin was correct in his assessment of Mad-dog Wesson’s personality after all. She was the only woman there, so he had to know what her name was. He was just being difficult.

  “Well, it’s not Princess, I can tell you that!”

  “No, it’s apparently LATE or TARDY. Name?”

  “Its eight fifty-”

  “LATE. Name?” he cut off again, tucking the pencil behind his ear as he glared at her. She stood there with her empty coffee cup in hand, stunned at the malice directed her way. What exactly was his problem?

  “Officer Cynthia Lance, Twelfth Precinct.”

  “I don’t care what precinct. I just asked for your name, Princess.” Wesson said abruptly and turned to walk away. Several of the other officers around her held back smirks as their eyes glittered with laughter. She could feel her face flush with heat as her temper rose. Either way, she wouldn’t let him dissuade her or prove to the others that she couldn’t do this. Dropping her cup in the bin, she ran over and joined the others. Falling in line, she listened carefully.

  “You are here to get the animal I assign to you. Some of them are green dogs and others are titled. I don’t care what you prefer because I am here to decide what will fit you. What will suit you. If you are in the field and your life depends on your partner, you want one that will listen to you, trust you. So, no pretty little French poodles,” he said snidely, one side of his lip curling up in a grin that made her fists clench as he looked directly at her.

  “No pretty little puppies. These animals are warriors. They are police, just like you. You will treat them with honor, respect and admiration for the unflinching loyalty you are about to receive from your new partner. If you can’t give that in return, you need to leave now and not waste my time. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, sir!” they all called out in unison.

  “Good! Now I have had each of your records sent to me and your profiles from your captains. Social media gives out a lot of information, as well as do some of your buddies at the station. I probably know your personalities, traits and fears better than your own mommies. There will be no questioning my decisions. Ever. Are we clear?”

  “Sir! Yes, sir!”

  “Now, come forward when your name is called. Smith. Carson.” Mad-dog Enoch Wesson’s voice commanded attention and each person ran forward when called as he stood near the kennel door. It took a moment and they were handed a leash, along with a file folder. At the end of the leash were some of the most beautiful animals she’d seen. Strong, almost regal looking as they stood at attention. Two men received Rottweilers. Large, beautiful black animals with orange markings on their faces. Three German Shepherds were handed out, also stunning to see as they stood almost waist high.

  “Lance!”

  Cindy practically leaped forward and headed towards where Wesson stood. As she got closer, she found herself looking him boldly in the face and analyzing his posture. He was studying her, watching her. She felt like it was almost a silent test, one she wasn’t about to fail either. The arrogant man had thrown her off kilter by suggesting she was late, even if she wasn’t! In a silent battle of wills, she stared him down. Black eyes were locked on her clear blue ones. She wouldn’t blink or look away. Glaring at him, she straightened her shoulders and held tight. Silently, she accepted the file folder he handed her and didn’t move a muscle. She stood there for what seemed like forever, until he suddenly gave a slight smile that made her knees weak.

  “Give me the blue leash,” she heard him say over his shoulder. Tearing her eyes away, she noticed that all the shepherds had green leashes and the Rottweilers were on red ones. What exactly was on a blue leash? Looking back at Wesson, she had a sinking feeling of dread in her stomach. Did he hate her for some reason? What had her coworkers told him in her profile analysis? Out of the doorway came the most beautiful dog she’d eve
r seen. She truly had to fight the urge to kneel down and scratch his belly. This wasn’t a pretty puppy, but a trained officer. She had been given a Belgian Malinois.

  Cindy stared at Wesson in surprise and awe. This was a gift, a true treasure! Malinois were the most intelligent, protective and hardworking animals. But the smile Wesson had given her made her wonder if something was wrong with the dog. Malinois were also known to be destructive and neurotic, but loyal to a fault. Abruptly, Wesson turned away from where Cindy stood and addressed the group.

  “This is your new partner. And in the file, you will see copies of my notes on behavior, training and suggestions. Each dog has been trained to heed my voice, my command. The next few weeks, they will begin learning who you are. If you are shy around your dog, it will be shy. If you are hateful or angry around your dog, you’ll see violent tendencies erupt and I will recommend you be taken from the K-9 unit immediately. We don’t take kindly to abuse or mistreatment of our coworkers – so don’t think you can do it with your dog either.”

  Crossing his arms behind his back, Cindy found herself admiring how broad his shoulders were. Wesson could have been devastatingly handsome, until he snapped his orders out at you. She could practically imagine him at home with his wife.

  Cook! Clean! Wash the laundry! NOW! And her favorite?

  YOU’RE LATE!

  Holding back a laugh, she realized he was still speaking and looking directly at her. “Lance! What is your first lesson?”

  “Get to know your dog and lead them on leash, sir!” she answered quickly, snapping to attention. Good thing she’d studied what her duties and expectations would be.