Lawfully Treasured Read online

  Lawfully Treasured

  Jenna Brandt

  Contents

  Copyright

  Introduction to The Lawkeepers Series

  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

  It’s not quite the end!

  Sneak Peek of Lawfully Found by Natalie Middleton

  Also by Jenna Brandt

  Join My Mailing List and Reader’s Group

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Copyright

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Locale and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, actual events, or actual locations is purely coincidental. All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email [email protected].

  Text copyright © Jenna Brandt 2018, 2019.

  The Lawkeepers Series © Jenna Brandt 2018, 2019.

  Original cover design by Josephine Blake with photo copyright by Period Images and 123rf.com

  Introduction to The Lawkeepers Series

  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 enthralled 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.

  Visit The Lawkeepers on Facebook

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  The Lawkeepers is a multi-author series alternating between historical westerns and contemporary westerns featuring law enforcement heroes that span multiple agencies and generations. Join bestselling authors Jenna Brandt, Lorana Hoopes, Elle E. Kay, Patricia PacJac Caroll, Evangeline Kelly, Ginny Sterling and Barb Goss as they weave captivating, sweet, and inspirational stories of romance and suspense between the lawkeepers — and the women who love them.

  The Lawkeepers is a world like no other; a world where lawkeepers and heroes are honored with unforgettable stories, characters, and love.

  ** Note: Each book in The Lawkeepers series is a standalone book, and part of a mini-series of sorts, and you can read them in any order.

  Dedicated to

  my husband, Dustin, Badge #5654,

  who inspired me to create this series.

  You’re not only my heart and soul,

  but my own personal lawkeeper.

  One

  The members of the elite Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team for the Boulder, Colorado Police Department huddled together in a local grocery store parking lot, preparing to execute the upcoming high-risk search warrant.

  “We have confirmed intel that two drug dealers with active warrants are currently at a known drug house on Pine Street,” one of the department’s undercover narcotics detectives informed the team. “When you breach the house, be aware the suspects are in possession of weapons, and have violent felony histories.”

  Police officer Connor Bishop’s stomach clenched with apprehension. Though he had been on several assignments before this one, all of them had been at minimal risk. As the newest rookie cop to get a position in SWAT, he knew he needed to prove himself to his fellow officers. Their support was critical to success in the job, not to mention staying safe. His life—and theirs—depended on it.

  The team loaded up on the SWAT truck and headed to the location three blocks away. Once on scene, they hopped out of the vehicle with their tactical vests on and their assault rifles in hand.

  Veteran officer Jim Peterson turned to Connor and asked, “You ready for this, Fabio?”

  Connor internally cringed at the ridiculous nickname the other officer had given him—a nickname that everyone now used to his ever-loving-regret. With his brown hair and blue eyes, Connor had the classic features the modeling scouts looked for. When they told him the income could pay for college, he jumped at the chance. He didn’t realize the other officers would find out about his past and use it to make fun of him.

  Making sure not to show a reaction to the name, Connor stated instead, “I’ve got this, Peterson. Between my training and what I’ve learned from all of you over the past few weeks, I’m prepared.”

  Jim gave him a skeptical look as he rolled his shoulders before taking his spot behind senior SWAT officer Ben Wilks, who took the lead position for the breach team. Behind Jim and Ben, Troy Smith and Connor brought up the rear, serving as cover.

  It was important Connor performed well today, knowing the rest of his team monitored his every move. He often found his sergeant and senior officers watching him to make sure he did his job the way they trained him during SWAT school. No matter how great his test results, marksmanship scores, and tactical examinations, there was always the fear lingering in his mind that one wrong move would get him kicked off the team.

  At only twenty-four years of age, he was the youngest member to get a position on the specialized team. It didn’t help that he transferred from the Clear Mountain substation, a place that all the big city cops considered a podunk area. Add that with the nickname, and Connor already had the odds stacked against him. Connor reminded himself every day, he had to be constantly at the top of his game or h
e could lose his position.

  “SWAT 1, is your team ready for entry?” Sergeant Brian Winger asked over the radio from inside the truck.

  “Copy that, Sarge,” Ben said as he pressed the button on his radio. “We’re in position, and ready for deployment.”

  “Be advised, locations of suspects have not changed. You have permission to breach,” their sergeant stated.

  Connor squared off his stance, gripping his rifle firmly while pressing it against his shoulder, never taking his eye off the scope. He took two deep breaths to steady himself, sending up a silent prayer for God to protect their team.

  Ben raised his hand and gave the signal to move forward. Once they reached the house, they lined up against the outside wall nearest the front door, posting up for entry.

  Loud, thumping music could be heard from the inside of the building. Jim moved towards the front entrance with the battering ram—a long, thick pipe—and slammed it into the door. The side of it splintered, then burst open, allowing the officers to spill into the room on high alert.

  The first suspect was sitting on a couch, hunched over a table with a mountain of drugs on it. His eyes grew wide with shock. “What the—”

  But before he could finish his sentence, Troy rushed towards him, yelling, “Get down! Get down on the ground now. Hands out to your side.”

  The man complied, scurrying from the couch and putting his arms out in opposite directions.

  “Don’t move,” Troy commanded, keeping his rifle trained on the suspect on the ground to make sure he didn’t move.

  Ben gestured for the rest to move into the next room to continue the search for the second suspect. As they entered the kitchen, there was no one in sight. They moved through it until they were in the back hallway.

  Ben opened the first door. He and Connor scanned the room while Jim stood guard outside. They exited the room and continued down the hallway. They opened the next door to find the suspect standing in the middle of the bathroom.

  The man’s hair was wet, and steam filled the room, making it plain he had just gotten out of the shower. He was midway through buttoning up his shirt when he saw the officers. His hand darted towards the sink in front of him where a gun sat on the edge.

  “Stop right now. Don’t do it,” Ben shouted at the suspect. “You won’t make it to that weapon before we pull the trigger.”

  The man froze, hesitating for a moment before he obeyed the senior officer.

  “Get down on the ground now,” Ben commanded. Then shrugging over his shoulder, he said to Jim and Connor, “Sweep the rest of the house.”

  Both men continued down the long hallway. There was still one more door at the end of the house. Troy opened it, allowing both officers to enter the empty room.

  They returned to Ben who continued to monitor the second suspect on the ground.

  “Anything?” Ben inquired.

  They shook their heads.

  “Okay, I’ll radio in to inform Sarge we have both suspects in custody,” Ben stated as he reached up and pressed the microphone button. “Sarge, this is SWAT 1. We have both suspects in custody.”

  Out of the corner of his eye, Connor saw movement down the hall. He found it odd since they had just cleared the entire house. He whipped to the side, pulling up his rifle and leveling it in the direction of the movement.

  To his shock, a man was at the end of the hallway but sprinting at them full speed. In his hand was a shiny metal knife. “Stop now. Drop the weapon or I’ll shoot!” shouted Connor.

  The man had no intention of stopping, and continued to charge at the officers. Without a second thought, Connor pulled the trigger. A moment later, the bullet struck the suspect in the shoulder, causing him to tumble to the ground. He let out a groan as Connor moved towards the suspect with his rifle still trained on him. He kicked the knife out of reach as Jim came up beside him.

  “Whoa, that was close,” Jim stated with tension in his voice. “Good catch. Where do you think he came from?”

  Connor shrugged. “I have no idea, but we need to radio in we need medical to be sent to our location for an injured third suspect.”

  “Go ahead,” Ben shouted from the bathroom. “Tell them what happened.”

  Once the team was safe, relief flooded Connor as he realized how close his team had come to getting hurt. He sent up a silent prayer of gratitude to God for protecting them.

  An hour later, two suspects were in custody and on their way to jail. The third suspect was on his way to the hospital to have his wound patched up before he joined them.

  “It turns out, there was a guy in the attic. It was where they were keeping their cash and most of their drug supply,” the SWAT sergeant explained. “The third suspect was up there working on packaging for distributions. This is why the informant was unaware of his presence.”

  “It’s a good thing Fabio saw that third suspect coming at us when he did or it would have been one of us rather than that suspect riding to the hospital.”

  “Don’t call him that anymore,” Ben ordered. “He’s proven himself today.”

  Appreciation filled Connor’s heart. It was the first time the senior officer had praised him. Yet, he didn’t want the rest of his team to think he was getting a big head.

  “Thanks, Wilks, but I did what you trained me to do,” Connor clarified, making sure they knew he didn’t want to take the credit. “I don’t expect special treatment because of it.”

  “Good, because you’re not getting any, Fabio,” their Sergeant said as he came up to the group, “but you did good in there. Glad to see you can handle yourself.” As he stood beside the SWAT truck, he added, “Let’s get everything packed up and head back to the station. Once we fill out our reports, we can go grab a bite to eat.”

  The team nodded, then loaded their gear into the truck before hopping in the back to wrap up the night.

  Two

  Darkness, dust, and silence filled the ancient church as Hayley Hall entered the lost piece of history. Next to her was Victor Dulouge, her boss, and the head archaeologist of their expedition.

  A solid wall of debris hid the entrance to a cave which housed a secret third century church. Over a millennium had passed since it was hidden after being covered up during an earthquake and subsequent mudslide. A scroll they found on their last historical church site had led them to this place.

  “Did you ever think we would stand on such sacred ground?” Victor inquired with awe, his French accent thick with excitement.

  “Sacred? I wouldn’t go that far,” Hayley scoffed, lifting her camera and snapping a series of photos. “Filled with forgotten treasures, perhaps, but rich with an untold history, definitely.”

  “It always amazes me how cynical you are,” Victor stated as he placed one of the portable lights and hooked the cable to it. He clicked the switch, and the light illuminated the west side of the chamber. “Three years you’ve worked for me, and together we’ve uncovered two buried churches, a half a dozen scrolls filled with words by the first Christians, and even a piece of the cross Jesus Christ was crucified on. Yet, you still doubt.”

  “I wish it proved His deity to me. If it did, perhaps I would be more like you,” Hayley admitted as she adjusted her bandana to keep her brown hair out of her similarly colored eyes. She clicked another series of photos along the west rock wall. “I admire your faith, Victor, and wish I could find the same conviction.”

  Victor took out another light and positioned it on the east side of the chamber to finish lighting the area. “I’ve spent my life searching for pieces of Christian history to prove the existence of the Messiah. For me, each new discovery is like a puzzle piece sliding into place.”

  “I see this place for what it is—a treasure trove of history—not what it represents to a select minority of people.”

  “It saddens me that through all you’ve seen with me, you’re still running from the truth.”

  Hayley stiffened, uncomfortable with the astute observatio
n. “I like to travel and see new things. As an archaeologist photographer, I’m able to do both. It’s nothing more than that.”

  Victor shook his head. “I’m not arguing that’s part, but I think it goes deeper. Why do you run from everything, Hayley?”

  She didn’t like that Victor could see her so clearly. When people got close, they hurt her. Perhaps it was time to cut ties with Victor after this job.

  “Miss, Miss, you have a message,” a child’s voice behind them interrupted.

  Hayley turned around to find one of the local teens from the nearby town of Belpasso, Sicily. He had worked for them by carrying their supplies from the hotel to the base camp they had set up outside the cave.

  “Matteo, what are you doing in here?” Victor asked. “We told everyone to wait until we determined the site safe for entry.”

  “I’m sorry, Signore, but Miss Hayley has an urgent message that came into the hotel. A worker drove me out to the camp to deliver it.”

  Hayley moved over and took the message from the boy’s outstretched hand. “Thank you, Matteo.”

  She opened the folded paper and read the contents.

  Hayley,

  Your mother has fallen and is in surgery to repair her hip. Before the doctors took her in, she asked me to call you. Please come home at once. You’re needed to run the paper in her absence.