When youre sleeping, p.19

When You're Sleeping, page 19

 

When You're Sleeping
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"Feisty, aren't you?" he growled, recovering quickly. Lunging forward, he grabbed a handful of Amelia's red hair, yanking her head back and exposing her throat. With a sinister grin, he pressed the cold steel of the knife against her body.

  "Please, no..." Sheryl's voice echoed.

  Bryant looked at his prey.

  "The liver or the throat?" he gloated. He then moved the knife to her throat. "Let's make it certain. Good night, Inspector Winters," he hissed, his breath hot on her face. Amelia's eyes widened with fear and desperation as her eyes followed the blade as it began its movement.

  ***

  With a surge of strength, Finn pushed himself off the ground, inhaling deeply as he burst from the water. In one swift motion, he aimed and fired a single shot.

  The bullet found its mark, striking Bryant between the eyes. His grip on Amelia loosened, and his lifeless body crumpled to the ground. The knife clattered against the stone, echoing ominously through the tunnel.

  "Are you okay?" Finn asked Amelia, his voice filled with concern as he rushed over to her side, still panting for air.

  "Thanks to you," she replied shakily, her eyes still wide with shock. As the adrenaline began to fade, Finn's exhaustion returned, his legs wobbling beneath him. He leaned against the damp tunnel wall for support.

  "Never thought I'd be so glad to see that trigger-happy side of you," Amelia quipped.

  "Sometimes it comes in handy," Finn admitted, a small smile creeping across his lips. His thoughts turned briefly to his suspension and the investigation waiting for him back home. "But it's not always appreciated."

  "Trust me," Amelia said, placing a hand on his arm. "This time, it was more than appreciated."

  Sheryl, who had been hiding behind a pile of debris, scrambled to her feet and rushed over to join Amelia at Finn's side.

  "Is it over?" Sheryl asked.

  "There are two other guards around here," Finn said. "So we better not hang around. We'll let the police deal with that."

  Amelia's arms wrapped around Finn, her body trembling as though with a mix of relief and the bitter wet cold. But Finn felt only the warmth of her embrace seep through his soaked clothes, anchoring him to the present moment.

  "Can you guide us out of here with that?" Finn asked, pointing to the map.

  "I think so," Amelia said. "Come on."

  They made their way forward. Occasionally hearing something else moving in the tunnels. But when the sound of the sea turning came to them, and the bright smell of salt on the air, Finn knew they were nearly out. And when the exit came, the stars above greeted them like old friends.

  EPILOGUE

  Finn glanced around at the bustling train station in Helford, taking in the sights and sounds of people coming and going. Amelia walked beside him, her red hair pulled back into a ponytail, looking composed despite their recent harrowing experiences. Beside them, Inspector Ulman walked with an air of renewed respect for the pair. His pristine clothes seemed to gleam even in the dim light of the station, and his large mustache quivered slightly as he spoke.

  "Your assistance has been invaluable, Mr. Wright, Ms. Winters," he said sincerely, adjusting his hat. "I'm grateful we were able to bring down Drake Keatings and his associates together."

  "Thank you, Inspector," Finn replied, a slight smile playing on his lips. “I'm glad you checked out.”

  “As am I,” Ulman said. “But after securing Drake Keatings' ledger and other files from the castle, we know now all of the police officers on his books. I may be a lot of things, but one thing I am not is a criminal.”

  “I'm sorry I doubted you,” Finn offered. “What about the man Bryant? Was he ex-military?”

  “Yes,” Ulman answered. “He was paid a pretty fee for protecting the smuggling ring, but there was an element of loyalty to it as well.”

  “Loyalty?” Amelia asked.

  "Yes," Ulman continued. "Bryant's father had died when he was young, and Drake Keatings took Bryant in."

  Finn shook his head. “The man was probably brought up to be an assassin.”

  “Quite possibly,” Ulman agreed.

  "There's still one thing I can't get off my mind,” Finn then said, tentatively. “ Mulberry's family. Will they be helped?"

  Ulman nodded gravely. "We've made arrangements for his wife and children. They'll be taken care of, I assure you. As Mulberry was an exemplary constable, his wife will receive Mulberry's pension for life. Obviously no cure for the grief, but his children won't want for anything. They are very young, but me and some of my colleagues will keep an eye out for the family, make sure they know their father was a hero, when they're old enough."

  "Good," Finn muttered, running a hand through his blond hair. "He didn't deserve what happened to him."

  "Indeed, he didn't," Ulman agreed. "There were some... Discrepancies... Unofficially, I suspect Mulberry was blackmailed into assisting Keatings. It's a shame we might never know the full story. Though I noticed your report never made any mention of it. For that, I'm thankful."

  "Whatever the reason, Mulberry had the courage to stand up to those monsters in the end," Finn insisted, clenching his fists. "That makes him a brave man in my book."

  "True," Ulman conceded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "It takes guts to defy men like Keatings. You all demonstrated that bravery as well."

  "It's nice of you to escort us, Inspector Ulman," Amelia said, changing the subject.

  "It's my pleasure. I just wanted to see you off."

  "Or make sure we really got on the train and left," Amelia joked.

  Ulman let out a hearty laugh. Finn was taken aback by it. It was the first time he had seen that side of the man.

  "You should laugh more often, Inspector," Amelia said.

  As they continued walking, Finn couldn't help but feel the weight of the case still pressing down on him. He knew there was more to uncover, more victims to find justice for, but for now, it was time to take a step back.

  "Here we are," Ulman announced, stopping in front of their platform. "Your train will be arriving shortly."

  "Thanks again, Inspector." Finn extended his hand, which Ulman shook firmly. "Safe travels," Amelia added, offering a warm smile.

  "Goodbye, and good luck," Ulman replied, tipping his hat, but staying on the platform.

  As the train pulled in with a screech of metal on metal, Finn and Amelia stepped closer to the edge of the platform. The past few days had been a whirlwind of danger, discovery, and undeniable chemistry between them. But as they boarded the train together, Finn couldn't shake the feeling that their story was far from over.

  Amelia glanced around the bustling train station, her red hair gleaming under the bright lights. She looked back at Ulman, her green eyes filled with concern. "Inspector, do you have any idea how extensive this people trafficking ring was?"

  Ulman sighed, running a hand through his thick mustache. "I'm afraid I don't know the full extent, Miss Winters. Other agencies have been brought in to help, but it's going to take time to uncover everything."

  "Those poor women," Amelia murmured, her voice heavy with sympathy. Finn could see the pain in her eyes, and he knew she was thinking about the countless victims of Drake Keatings and his associates.

  "Indeed," Ulman agreed, his expression somber. "It's a disturbing thought. But we've made progress – all of the Keatings and some of the Brentfords have been arrested. And we've identified the last victim, her name was Frances. Her family can at least have closure. It's a small victory, but a significant one."

  "To small victories," Finn said.

  Ulman tipped his hat.

  The distant rumble of an approaching train broke the silence, heralding the next leg of their journey. Finn and Amelia exchanged a smile. As they stepped onto the train, Finn knew they were more than just partners in solving crimes – they had kissed, and for a brief moment, made magic. But Finn didn't know if that was the end of it. People do extreme things when facing the end together.

  The doors slid shut behind them as they found their seats. The train empty but for one or two other passengers.

  Settling into the cushioned seats, Amelia asked softly: "So, Finn, do you think think this was our last case before you head back to the US?"

  "I don't know," Finn admitted, the thought of leaving England behind a sad one. "But for now, I guess we'll just have to see where this train takes us."

  "Indeed," Amelia agreed, her gaze meeting his once more, both aware that the path ahead was as unpredictable as the cases they solved together.

  Just as Finn and Amelia shared a smile, the train beginning to pull away from the station, Finn's cell phone buzzed in his pocket. He frowned, pulling it out and glancing at the caller ID. It was Rob.

  "Excuse me, Amelia," he said, swiping to accept the call. "Hey, Rob. What's up?"

  "Finn," Rob replied, his voice tense. "We've got a problem. Your boss from the FBI, Director Seward, called me to let me know the details. Max Vilne has escaped custody. Hearing what your boss had to say... My God, Vilne is a piece of work."

  Finn felt a jolt of panic shoot through him. Finn knew that name. It was a name he hoped he would never hear uttered again. Vilne was a serial killer Finn had spent two years tracking before he confronted him during the Nancy Milligan hostage situation. Finn still had the scars from that case, and the man was without doubt the most twisted and intelligent criminal he had ever encountered.

  "When did it happen?" Finn asked, almost frightened of the answer.

  "A few days ago," Rob said. "The thing is... They called because they have intel that, somehow, and they have no clue yet how he managed it... He managed to escape the US and come to the UK. And... They think he has you firmly in his sights."

  Finn felt sick. Vilne had a history of torturing people and their loved ones both psychologically and emotionally. If he had really made it to the UK and wanted revenge on Finn for putting him away, not only was Finn not safe, but neither was anyone he cared about.

  "Rob... Where is Demi?" Finn asked, anxiety rising in his throat.

  "She's at my house," Rob said. "She's quite safe."

  Finn rubbed a bead of sweat from his forehead. "Rob. Listen to me. She's not safe. You need to get her out of there, now!"

  NOW AVAILABLE!

  WHEN YOU’RE SANE

  (A Finn Wright FBI Suspense Thriller—Book Five)

  FBI Special Agent Finn Wright, put on leave after bending too many rules, is needed by his detective friend when an American couple is found dead in their estate in Scotland, their mansion burned by fire. With their brash personalities and gaudy reno, the Americans had attracted many enemies—and yet the killer, Finn realizes, may be someone that no one would ever suspect….

  “A masterpiece of thriller and mystery.”

  —Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone)

  WHEN YOU’RE SANE is book #5 in a long-anticipated new series by #1 bestseller and USA Today bestselling author Blake Pierce, whose bestseller Once Gone (a free download) has received over 7,000 five star ratings and reviews.

  Recently put on leave and divorced after he caught his wife cheating on him, Finn needs a fresh start in life. He thought a visit to an old friend in a tranquil small town in England would be a good step—until his friend needs his expertise with a series of murders in spectacular estates. With the local police chief impressed, Finn is asked to stay on, as they need his help.

  As Finn’s eyes are opened to a world of storied wealth, history and privacy, he realizes that he has much to learn—but that killers are universal….

  A page-turning crime thriller featuring a brilliant and tortured FBI agent, the Finn Wright series is a riveting mystery, packed with non-stop action, suspense, twists and turns, revelations, and driven by a breakneck pace that will keep you flipping pages late into the night. Fans of Rachel Caine, Teresa Driscoll and Robert Dugoni are sure to fall in love.

  Future books in the series are also available!

  “An edge of your seat thriller in a new series that keeps you turning pages! ...So many twists, turns and red herrings… I can't wait to see what happens next.”

  —Reader review (Her Last Wish)

  “A strong, complex story about two FBI agents trying to stop a serial killer. If you want an author to capture your attention and have you guessing, yet trying to put the pieces together, Pierce is your author!”

  —Reader review (Her Last Wish)

  “A typical Blake Pierce twisting, turning, roller coaster ride suspense thriller. Will have you turning the pages to the last sentence of the last chapter!!!”

  —Reader review (City of Prey)

  “Right from the start we have an unusual protagonist that I haven't seen done in this genre before. The action is nonstop… A very atmospheric novel that will keep you turning pages well into the wee hours.”

  —Reader review (City of Prey)

  “Everything that I look for in a book… a great plot, interesting characters, and grabs your interest right away. The book moves along at a breakneck pace and stays that way until the end. Now on go I to book two!”

  —Reader review (Girl, Alone)

  “Exciting, heart pounding, edge of your seat book… a must read for mystery and suspense readers!”

  —Reader review (Girl, Alone)

  WHEN YOU’RE SANE

  (A Finn Wright FBI Suspense Thriller—Book Five)

  Did you know that I've written multiple novels in the mystery genre? If you haven't read all my series, click the image below to download a series starter!

  Blake Pierce

  Blake Pierce is the USA Today bestselling author of the RILEY PAGE mystery series, which includes seventeen books. Blake Pierce is also the author of the MACKENZIE WHITE mystery series, comprising fourteen books; of the AVERY BLACK mystery series, comprising six books; of the KERI LOCKE mystery series, comprising five books; of the MAKING OF RILEY PAIGE mystery series, comprising six books; of the KATE WISE mystery series, comprising seven books; of the CHLOE FINE psychological suspense mystery, comprising six books; of the JESSIE HUNT psychological suspense thriller series, comprising thirty-five books (and counting); of the AU PAIR psychological suspense thriller series, comprising three books; of the ZOE PRIME mystery series, comprising six books; of the ADELE SHARP mystery series, comprising sixteen books, of the EUROPEAN VOYAGE cozy mystery series, comprising six books; of the LAURA FROST FBI suspense thriller, comprising eleven books; of the ELLA DARK FBI suspense thriller, comprising twenty-one books (and counting); of the A YEAR IN EUROPE cozy mystery series, comprising nine books, of the AVA GOLD mystery series, comprising six books; of the RACHEL GIFT mystery series, comprising thirteen books (and counting); of the VALERIE LAW mystery series, comprising nine books; of the PAIGE KING mystery series, comprising eight books; of the MAY MOORE mystery series, comprising eleven books; of the CORA SHIELDS mystery series, comprising eight books; of the NICKY LYONS mystery series, comprising eight books, of the CAMI LARK mystery series, comprising ten books; of the AMBER YOUNG mystery series, comprising seven books (and counting); of the DAISY FORTUNE mystery series, comprising five books; of the FIONA RED mystery series, comprising eleven books (and counting); of the FAITH BOLD mystery series, comprising eleven books (and counting); of the JULIETTE HART mystery series, comprising five books (and counting); of the MORGAN CROSS mystery series, comprising nine books (and counting); of the FINN WRIGHT mystery series, comprising five books (and counting); of the new SHEILA STONE suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); and of the new RACHEL BLACKWOOD suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting).

  An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Blake loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.blakepierceauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.

  BOOKS BY BLAKE PIERCE

  RACHEL BLACKWOOD SUSPENSE THRILLER

  NOT THIS WAY (Book #1)

  NOT THIS TIME (Book #2)

  NOT THIS CLOSE (Book #3)

  NOT THIS ROAD (Book #4)

  NOT THIS LATE (Book #5)

  SHEILA STONE SUSPENSE THRILLER

  SILENT GIRL (Book #1)

  SILENT TRAIL (Book #2)

  SILENT NIGHT (Book #3)

  SILENT HOUSE (Book #4)

  SILENT SCREAM (Book #5)

  FINN WRIGHT MYSTERY SERIES

  WHEN YOU’RE MINE (Book #1)

  WHEN YOU’RE SAFE (Book #2)

  WHEN YOU’RE CLOSE (Book #3)

  WHEN YOU’RE SLEEPING (Book #4)

  WHEN YOU’RE SANE (Book #5)

  MORGAN CROSS MYSTERY SERIES

  FOR YOU (Book #1)

  FOR RAGE (Book #2)

  FOR LUST (Book #3)

  FOR WRATH (Book #4)

  FOREVER (Book #5)

  FOR US (Book #6)

  FOR NOW (Book #7)

  FOR ONCE (Book #8)

  FOR ETERNITY (Book #9)

  JULIETTE HART MYSTERY SERIES

  NOTHING TO FEAR (Book #1)

  NOTHING THERE (Book #2)

  NOTHING WATCHING (Book #3)

  NOTHING HIDING (Book #4)

  NOTHING LEFT (Book #5)

  FAITH BOLD MYSTERY SERIES

  SO LONG (Book #1)

  SO COLD (Book #2)

  SO SCARED (Book #3)

  SO NORMAL (Book #4)

  SO FAR GONE (Book #5)

  SO LOST (Book #6)

  SO ALONE (Book #7)

  SO FORGOTTEN (Book #8)

  SO INSANE (Book #9)

  SO SMITTEN (Book #10)

  SO SIMPLE (Book #11)

  FIONA RED MYSTERY SERIES

  LET HER GO (Book #1)

  LET HER BE (Book #2)

  LET HER HOPE (Book #3)

  LET HER WISH (Book #4)

 

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