Buried Grave Secrets, page 1
“What do you think we’re dealing with here?”
“One grave. I’m a bit confused about the location.”
“What do you mean?” Colt asked.
Jordyn pointed to the edge of the graveyard in the distance. “The cemetery ends over there.”
“You’re thinking criminal activity?”
“Possibly.” She picked up her bag. “I want to photograph the perimeter to get a clear picture of the scene.”
“I can’t leave you to do that alone.” Colt tugged on Bones’s leash.
“I realize my dad called you in, but I’ll be fine. Besides, you and the other constables are nearby.” She didn’t wait for a reply and made her way across the property.
A flicker in the balsam firs caught her eye. What is that? She squatted for a better look.
Bones barked somewhere behind her.
A shot rang out, dirt flying at her feet.
“Jordyn! Get down!” Colt’s cry came as another shot pierced the early-morning air.
As she dove to the ground, covering her head with her hands, a thought arose.
She’d found a grave someone wanted to keep hidden.
Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author who lives with her husband, Jeff, in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters and moved by her inspirational message. Visit Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com, where there’s suspense beyond borders.
Books by Darlene L. Turner
Love Inspired Suspense
Border Breach
Abducted in Alaska
Lethal Cover-Up
Safe House Exposed
Fatal Forensic Investigation
Explosive Christmas Showdown
Alaskan Avalanche Escape
Mountain Abduction Rescue
Buried Grave Secrets
Visit the Author Profile page at LoveInspired.com.
Buried Grave Secrets
Darlene L. Turner
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
—John 8:12
For DiAnn Mills Your mentorship shaped my writing journey. Thank you.
Redheads rock!
Acknowledgments
My Lord and Savior, thank You for Your blessings and goodness. Help me to always shine for You!
Jeff and my sissy Susan, I couldn’t do this without your support. Thanks for believing in me when I struggle with my own inadequacies. I love you both very much.
Dr. Janna Andronowski, thank you for helping me understand the world of forensic anthropology. I appreciate you taking time to video chat with me and answering my many questions. Anything I embellished for fiction is totally on me.
My agent, Tamela Hancock Murray, thanks for your continued guidance in my writing journey.
My editor, Tina James. I love working with you. Thank you for making my stories shine!
Darlene’s Border Patrol, thank you for reading my books and helping spread the word. I’m thankful for the friendships we’ve developed!
My readers, I’m grateful for your support. Thank you for reading my books.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Epilogue
Dear Reader
Excerpt from Tracking Stolen Treasures by Lisa Phillips
ONE
A dark, creepy graveyard. Not how forensic anthropologist Dr. Jordyn Miller wanted to start her day. However, she had no choice. After receiving an anonymous tip, police had found an unmarked grave along the tree line at the edge of her town, Charock Harbour, Newfoundland. Jordyn needed to examine the bones at the scene before an approaching hurricane hit her region. Storms on the Rock were devastating, and she couldn’t have any evidence destroyed.
Flashing lights from the police cruisers and the crime scene forensic van parked in the Charock Cemetery lot, along with raised spotlights stationed around the site, announced their presence. If the nearby neighbors hadn’t already been awake, they would be by now, and soon a crowd would form—even in the early morning. She knew how most residents in small towns liked to talk. It was only a matter of time before word spread about the mysterious discovery in their community of twenty thousand. Time to get to work.
Jordyn ducked under the yellow caution tape and clicked on her flashlight, catching a glimpse of a skeleton in its beam. She headed toward the crime scene investigator who’d called the chief medical examiner and requested Jordyn’s presence at the scene. Since the site was near her home, she’d arrived immediately. At five in the morning, darkness still blanketed the region, and the gruesome sight before her sent chills slithering down Jordyn’s spine. She stopped in her tracks and moved the light over the mound of soil beneath a balsam fir. Even though she was accustomed to bones, her gut churned at the mystery surrounding the grave.
“Thanks for getting here so quickly.” A male police officer approached and stuck out his gloved hand. “I’m fairly new to the team. Constable Harley Lavigne.” He gestured to a female officer scouring the property. “Constable Sara Greer and I have secured the site for you.” He paused. “Wait, you’re the premier’s daughter, aren’t you?”
Jordyn cringed. Why did people always associate her with her father? She’d made a name for herself within the forensic community. However, the Honorable Russell Miller had just been reelected and demanded their entire family celebrate in the limelight, which meant she’d had to spend time with her twin sister, Morgan, and her husband, Tyler—Jordyn’s ex-fiancé. It had been years since their betrayal, but it still felt like yesterday.
“I’m Dr. Jordyn Miller.” She couldn’t resist emphasizing the word doctor. “Sorry, I don’t shake hands while working. You understand.” Truth be told, her colleagues often teased her over her fear of bugs since she had to both dig in the soil—which was full of creepy-crawly creatures—and clean the bones at the Health Sciences Centre in Charock Harbour, close to the university, where she taught. The office of the chief medical examiner had appointed her to lead a unit in their work across the province. Part-time professor, part-time forensic anthropologist; it was the best of both worlds. “Thank you for sending over your police photos. I appreciate it.” She had reviewed them carefully before arriving at the site.
A white news van drove into the cemetery lot, and a female reporter exited.
Great. That was all they needed. Now word about a hidden grave on the outskirts of town would be blasted into every home.
“Of course.” The constable stuffed his hand in his pocket. “Our team has finished with the scene. It’s all yours.” He gestured toward the approaching reporter. “I’ll keep them at bay. You do your investigation.”
“Thank you. We can’t have anyone contaminating the scene.” Jordyn walked over to the mound of soil and inspected the grave. A full skeleton lay exposed in the dirt. No coffin. Odd. She squatted and set her bag down, peering back toward the parking lot.
Constable Lavigne raised his hands to block the reporter from advancing any farther. Constable Greer joined him as more onlookers tried to advance past the caution tape.
With them in control, it was time to examine the scene.
Jordyn withdrew her sketch pad and pencil, then drew a map of the area. Over the next couple of hours, she documented the grave and took pictures of the site as much as she could in the dark. She’d learn for sure whether this person had died of natural causes or something more sinister after providing her findings to Dr. Vance Chambers, their medical examiner.
Her cell phone chimed, and she fished it out of her bag. Her father.
Watch your back. Got a threat against your life. Sending protection your way.
What? Really, Dad? I don’t need your help.
Their shaky relationship had come to a head recently when she’d questioned him about a childhood memory that had resurfaced a few months before. He had told her to leave it alone, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d buried an important event from years ago.
She typed a reply.
I’m fine. Why would anyone threaten me?
She waited for a response.
Something about getting out of his graveyard.
She tensed and glanced around the property. How did anyone know she was there? She observed the reporter’s van, and suspicion prickled the hairs on her arms.
The constables on site will keep me safe. Gotta get to work.
Another ding.
Get in your car and wait for protection.
Not happening, Dad. I have a job to do. Jordyn resisted the urge to mumble out loud and stuf
Moments later, squealing tires caught her attention, and she pushed herself to her feet.
An East Newfoundland Constabulary SUV with the words K-9 Unit on the back flew into the parking lot.
Jordyn held her breath as the vehicle’s door opened. Please don’t let it be him.
Constable Peters stepped out.
Jordyn’s shoulders slumped. Thanks, Dad.
Her father just had to send the man who’d broken her heart as her protection detail. However, she knew the reason why. Constable Colt Peters’s protector and patrol dog was one of the best.
Colt had been training his German shepherd, Bones, since he was a puppy. Jordyn had fallen in love with both the dog and his handler almost immediately. After Tyler’s betrayal, she’d never thought she’d love again, but Colt’s personality had made it so easy.
A mistake she’d regretted ten months later, when Colt broke up with her for reasons she still didn’t understand. The hole he’d left had been unbearable. Even in their small town, she’d been successful in avoiding him. Leave it to her dad to open that proverbial can of worms.
Colt opened the rear door, and Bones jumped out. Colt attached his leash and headed Jordyn’s way.
She walked toward them, as she didn’t want the duo close to the grave. “Colt, you didn’t have to come.”
“And face your dad’s wrath? No thank you.” He rubbed his K-9’s fur. “How’ve you been?”
“I’m fine. I don’t need protection, Colt.”
Bones whined and looked up at his handler.
Colt chuckled. “He wants to say hi and is asking my permission.” He unhooked the K-9’s leash. “Release, Bones.”
Jordyn knew that meant Bones was temporarily off duty, so she bent beside the dog and petted his head. “Good to see you, my friend.” She eyed Colt. “You too. Hope you’ve been well.”
Colt smiled. “I’m good. Busy.”
She resisted the urge to stare at his handsome face and the cute dimple in his chin. Even after ten months, the pain still sliced through to her core.
Bones snuggled closer, as if sensing her feelings, and licked her face with sloppy kisses.
I’ve missed you, too, bud.
Jordyn suppressed the rush of emotions and stood, noting the growing crowd of curious onlookers. Obviously, word had spread quickly, even on the outskirts of town. “We have to keep these people back. Can you help the constables? I have to finish my preliminary investigation and bring in my team.”
“What do you think we’re dealing with here?” Colt asked, putting Bones back on his leash.
“One grave. I’m a bit confused about the location.”
“What do you mean?”
Jordyn pointed to the edge of the graveyard in the distance. “The Charock Cemetery ends over there. I understand the funeral home was about to expand their plots, but this grave is still close to the plot line.”
“You’re thinking criminal activity?”
“Possibly, but I don’t like to speculate.” She picked up her bag and placed the strap over her shoulder. “I want to photograph the perimeter to get a clear picture of the scene. Once my team arrives with the drone, we’ll get a better view. Meanwhile, why don’t you help Constable Lavigne?”
“I can’t leave you to do that alone.” Colt tugged on Bones’s leash.
“Look, I realize my dad called you in, but I’ll be fine. Besides, you and the other constables are nearby. Trust me, I’m perfectly safe.” Instead of waiting for his reply, she turned and made her way across the property. Dad, you really didn’t need to send a babysitter.
Ugh! She was testy and needed her morning pumpkin spice latte—her seasonal favorite. There’d been no time to stop for one as she’d hurried to get there.
In the glare of her flashlight, Jordyn studied the ground and walked toward the property’s tree line. A flicker in the balsam firs caught her eye. What is that? She moved to the right and squatted for a better look.
Bones barked somewhere behind her.
A shot rang out, dirt flying at her feet.
“Jordyn! Get down!” Colt’s cry came as another shot pierced the early-morning air.
As she dove to the ground, covering her head with her hands, a thought arose...
She’d found a grave someone wanted to keep hidden.
* * *
Constable Colt Peters whipped out his SIG Sauer and unleashed his K-9. “Bones, guard!”
Bones bolted toward Jordyn, barking ferociously. He positioned himself in front of her like a sentry guarding their subject.
Another shot echoed throughout the area.
Colt raised his gun and fired toward the tree line, praying for Jordyn’s protection. Lord, keep her safe. He silently chastised himself for not acting on his instincts to stick closer to her side. Now he’d never hear the end of it from their province’s premier—her father.
Colt had his own reasons for saying yes to Russell Miller’s call. The site of the skeletal remains was near the area where Colt had left his brother ten years ago after they’d had a huge fight. Colt had seized the opportunity to check out the site for himself. His brother, Linc, had gone missing after a night Colt would never forget—the night his mother stopped talking to him. The night he abandoned his brother. She blamed him for her older son’s disappearance. Memories of that night cut through him like a fresh wound. They’d fought about a girl. Colt had confessed how much he liked her but then found Linc kissing her in the college library. Colt’s anger had escalated on their drive home, when Linc told him the girl had said she didn’t like Colt and only felt sorry for him. Linc had asked her out. Colt had stopped the car and told him to walk the rest of the short distance home. However, he’d never made it home. The guilt had driven Colt to go into law enforcement, and ever since he’d become an officer, he used the resources at his disposal to try to locate Linc, but he’d been unsuccessful. It was as if his brother had simply vanished. Now Colt wanted to learn if the remains that had been found there were Lincoln Peters’s.
He hit the button on his radio and called for backup when he reached Jordyn. He crouched beside her. “You okay?”
“I’m fine. Is the shooter gone?” Jordyn raised her head.
Constable Lavigne approached, panting. “What direction did the shot come from? Greer and I were keeping the crowd back.”
Jordyn pointed. “I noticed a flash over by the tree line.”
“I called it in,” Colt told him. “Get Greer to secure the perimeter until other constables arrive. The suspect hasn’t fired again, so he’s probably gone, but we have to guard Dr. Miller.”
“On it.” The younger officer raised his weapon and dashed toward the trees.
Colt helped Jordyn stand. “That wasn’t smart. You should’ve stayed close. Seems like your father was correct in asking for my help.”
He didn’t miss the scowl on her face, but she remained silent.
She knew he was right.
“Let’s get you inside your van.” Colt turned to his German shepherd. “Bones, guard.”
The dog moved closer to the beautiful anthropologist. A long strand of brown hair escaped the hood of her personal protective suit, and Colt resisted the urge to tuck it back in. He also ignored the glare in her narrowed eyes.
“Colt, this attack proves something sinister is going on here.” She gestured toward the trees. “That shooter doesn’t want me to find anything else, and that tells me there’s more.”
“More remains, you think?”
“Possibly. I’ve mapped and photographed the scene, but I’ll need the team to bring the rest of our equipment. In the meantime, I’m going to look closer at the grave.” She scooped up her bag, which had fallen to the ground when she dove for cover. “If you and Bones want to protect me, you both need to keep your distance. Don’t contaminate anything.”
He hissed out a breath through his teeth. “You’re still as stubborn as ever.” And as beautiful. He kept the latter thought to himself.
“Determined, not stubborn. There’s a difference.”
He didn’t miss her teasing tone before she headed toward the unmarked grave.
