Toxic Justice
TOXIC JUSTICE
Justice #18
M A Comley
Jeamel Publishing Limited
Acknowledgments
Thank you as always to my rock, Jean, I’d be lost without you in my life.
Special thanks to Karri Klawiter for creating such a superb cover.
My heartfelt thanks go to my wonderful editor Emmy Ellis @ Studioenp and to my fabulous proofreader Joseph Calleja for spotting all the lingering nits.
And finally, thank you to all the members of my wonderful ARC group for coming on this special journey with me and helping me to grow as an author. Love you all.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author M A Comley
Published by Jeamel Publishing limited
Copyright © 2018 M A Comley
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are a 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.
Contents
Also by M A Comley
TOXIC JUSTICE
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Epilogue
Letter to you, the readers
Keep in touch with M. A. Comley
About the author
Also by M A Comley
Blind Justice (Novella)
Cruel Justice (Book #1)
Mortal Justice (Novella)
Impeding Justice (Book #2)
Final Justice (Book #3)
Foul Justice (Book #4)
Guaranteed Justice (Book #5)
Ultimate Justice (Book #6)
Virtual Justice (Book #7)
Hostile Justice (Book #8)
Tortured Justice (Book #9)
Rough Justice (Book #10)
Dubious Justice (Book #11)
Calculated Justice (Book #12)
Twisted Justice (Book #13)
Justice at Christmas (Short Story)
Prime Justice (Book #14)
Heroic Justice (Book #15)
Shameful Justice (Book #16)
Immoral Justice (Book #17)
Toxic Justice (Book #18)
Unfair Justice (a 10,000 word short story)
Irrational Justice (a 10,000 word short story)
Seeking Justice (a 15,000 word novella)
NO Right To Kill (DI Sara Ramsey Book 1)
Forever Watching You (DI Miranda Carr thriller)
Wrong Place (DI Sally Parker thriller #1)
No Hiding Place (DI Sally Parker thriller #2)
Cold Case (DI Sally Parker thriller#3)
Deadly Encounter (DI Sally Parker thriller #4)
Lost Innocence (DI Sally Parker thriller #5)
Web of Deceit (DI Sally Parker Novella with Tara Lyons)
The Missing Children (DI Kayli Bright #1)
Killer On The Run (DI Kayli Bright #2)
Hidden Agenda (DI Kayli Bright #3)
Murderous Betrayal (Kayli Bright #4)
Dying Breath (Kayli Bright #5)
The Hostage Takers (DI Kayli Bright Novella)
Torn Apart (Hero series #1)
End Result (Hero series #2)
In Plain Sight (Hero Series #3)
Double Jeopardy (Hero Series #4)
Sole Intention (Intention series #1)
Grave Intention (Intention series #2)
Devious Intention (Intention #3)
Evil In Disguise – a novel based on True events
Deadly Act (Hero series novella)
Merry Widow (A Lorne Simpkins short story)
It’s A Dog’s Life (A Lorne Simpkins short story)
A Time To Heal (A Sweet Romance)
A Time For Change (A Sweet Romance)
High Spirits
The Temptation series (Romantic Suspense/New Adult Novellas)
Past Temptation
Lost Temptation
Clever Deception (co-written by Linda S Prather)
Tragic Deception (co-written by Linda S Prather)
Sinful Deception (co-written by Linda S Prather)
The Caller (co-written with Tara Lyons)
TOXIC JUSTICE
TOXIC JUSTICE
Prologue
After a long, tedious day at school, Jonathon Giles rushed home, anxious to get involved in his homework. It was a subject that had interested him for years. He’d spent many an hour discussing the D-Day landings with his grandfather from a young age. He felt exceptionally fortunate that this term his class had been given the task of delving into what happened during Operation Overlord. There was a negative to the project, though, one that saddened him deeply—the fact that his enthusiasm wasn’t matched by his fellow pupils.
He couldn’t believe his ears when he’d heard all the complaints from the other students when their history teacher, Miss Marchant, announced the next subject they would be dealing with. His heart rate had risen within seconds the moment she’d said the cherished words.
“Hi, Mum. I’m home. I need to crack on with my homework.”
“Hey, before you go upstairs, Jonathon, I’ve got a present for you,” his mother called back from the kitchen.
He dropped his scuffed, heavy bag in the hallway and entered the kitchen. “I need to get on, Mum, what’s up?”
“Here you go. Grandad called round today. He apologised he couldn’t wait around to see you as he had an eye appointment at the hospital late this afternoon.”
“And? I really do have to get on, Mum,” he replied impatiently.
“Sorry, I know how conscientious you are with your homework. Anyway, he bought you this.” She held out a package that was bound in wrapping paper depicting several sports items.
He frowned and took the package. “It’s not my birthday, not for a few weeks. What is it?”
His mother’s pretty but worn face broke into a smile. She folded her slim arms and gestured for him to get on with it. “Open it and see.”
Jonathon tore a corner of the package, and once he realised what was inside, he ripped the paper off in seconds. “Wow! Grandad really is ace. Look, Mum. Isn’t it cool?”
“He told me what it was. He’ll be thrilled you like it. Maybe we can all sit down and watch it together this evening when your father comes home.”
“Really? I’d love to see the DVD, but what about Gracie?”
His mother waved a hand in front of her. “She’ll probably be going out with her friends as usual. Leave her to me if she doesn’t. Your father and I are both interested in watching it.”
“Brilliant. I need to get on now, Mum. I’ll ring Grandad later and thank him before we watch it.” He gripped the World War II DVD close to his chest, ran into the hallway, picked up his bag and continued to stride up the stairs two at a time. He grinned broadly while he set up his homework at his desk.
He gathered all the reference books he’d picked up from the library, which he’d visited on Saturday morning, and spread them out in front of him. Then he took the fresh A4-lined pad his mother had bought him during her recent shopping trip and flipped it open to a new page.
Before long, he’d filled two full pages and hadn’t even got to the nitty-gritty of what had happened on June 6th 1944 when the allies had come ashore in Normandy. He was there, in his mind’s eye. One of the first young men to have stepped foot on Omaha Beach under fire from the German bastards hiding along the coastline. He was aware of other members of his squad yelling out in distress when the bullets pierced their limbs and they fell into the water, dead.
His mother’s voice broke into his daydream. “Jonathon, are you going to be long? Your dinner is almost ready.”
“I’d like to get this finished first, Mum. Almost there now. Can you put mine in the oven?”
“All right. Not too long or it’ll spoil. It’s your favourite, cottage pie.”
“Yum! Promise not to be too long.” Determined to finish his homework quickly, he bent over his books and again found himself immersed in the warfare that took place around that time. He paused to look up a fact that had suddenly evaded him. He smiled eagerly, knowing he was putting all his efforts into making this the best homework project he’d ever written, aware he’d gain top marks, as usual, because the rest of his class treated history in particular as a joke. The only form of history most of them were interested in was what happened to them last week or the previous year at the most. Shallow, that’s what they were, selfish and shallow beyond words.
He was just reaching for the large textbook at the back of his desk when his phone signified a text had arrived. Annoyed, considering it a distraction, he was tempted to ignore it but at the same time intrigued to read what it said.
You think your so smart. No one likes a smart arse. We all hate you. The best thing you can do is save everyone grief by killing yourself. No one will miss you. Go on DO IT!
A dark cloud descended. His enjoyment of receiving the gift from his grandfather was instantly forgotten, along with his enthusiasm for the project he had so far put his heart and soul into. He should have laughed at the grammar issues in the text, but he couldn’t.
Why? Why me? It’s as if they’re watching me. Why can’t they just leave me alone?
Sheer desperation guided his next movements. He’d placed a hook in the ceiling months ago when the texts had started to appear. Now he rearranged his school tie around his neck and tied the end around the hook. Then he jumped off the bed, and it wasn’t long before he was back there, on Omaha Beach, instead of racing to the beach for cover, firing at the enemy as he ran. Now he’d fallen, along with several members of his regiment, into the sea, drowning, his life seeping from him as the waves crashed over his head.
Drowning until all the pain was forgotten.
Barbara Giles greeted her husband with a kiss. “Have you had a good day, love?”
“The usual. The boss told everyone to expect redundancy announcements over the next few months.”
His wife gasped. “Oh my, how dreadful. I hope you won’t be affected.”
Paul shrugged. “Who knows with him? You know how much he revels in keeping certain nuggets of information close to his chest. I reckon I’ll be all right, given my record and how many years I’ve been at the factory, but who knows with him? What’s for dinner? I’m starving.”
“Cottage pie. I’ll just get you yours.” Barbara crossed the room to the oven and, using her pink oven glove, removed one of the plates keeping warm and placed it on the table in front of him. “There you go. I’d better check how Jonathon is getting on. He adored the DVD Dad gave him. He wanted to finish off his project before he ate. I told him we’ll sit down and watch the DVD with him this evening, if that’s all right?”
“I’m looking forward to it. That was a nice gesture from your dad. Not surprised the boy was thrilled about it, knowing how much he loves anything to do with World War Two. You’ve done enough, love, you sit down and eat yours, and I’ll go and check on him. Where’s Gracie anyway?”
“She’s at the dance club, should be home soon. Thanks, love, I’d appreciate that. I’m a little exhausted truth be told. Running around paying all the household bills in town takes its toll eventually.”
Paul pecked her on the cheek and walked up the stairs to fetch his son. He knocked on the door. There was a large sign on the door: ADMITTANCE NOT ALLOWED. “Jonathon, son, can I come in?”
There was no reply. He placed his ear against the door but heard nothing. He pulled down on the handle. The door opened—at least he hadn’t locked himself in. When Paul extended the door fully, he was shocked to see his son’s body hanging from the ceiling.
“No! Jonathon!” he shouted, rushing across the room to rescue him.
The clonk of his wife’s footsteps filtered his mind as she ran up the stairs. “What is it, Paul? What’s going on?”
“Don’t come in here, love. Just don’t. Ring for an ambulance. Quickly!”
It was too late. Barbara was already standing in the doorway. Her bloodcurdling scream would live with him forever.
Chapter 1
Lorne was tearing around the kitchen as usual first thing, grabbing the toast as it popped up and slathering it in butter. Sod the diet, she fancied some good old full-fat butter on her toast for a change instead of her usual scraping of Marmite.
“Whoa, save some for us, Mum. Bloody hell, you know what they say, ‘A moment on the lips…’” Charlie chastised her smugly.
Lorne pulled a face. “It’s only one day. You know what it’s like when you wake up craving something that can be deemed as a guilty pleasure.”
“Yeah, it’s usually chocolate in my case.” Charlie laughed. “Do you have time for a quick chat over breakfast? I was hoping to speak to you last night, but several people wanted to stay behind for a chat at the agility club which meant I got home later than I’d anticipated.”
“Sure. By the expression on your face it must be serious. What’s up?”
Charlie poured them both a cup of coffee and sat at the table opposite her mother. “Well, you know I haven’t been with the force that long…”
Lorne shook her head. “You’re not thinking about chucking in the towel already, are you, love?”
Charlie chuckled. “If you let me finish a complete sentence for a change, you’ll find out what my intentions are, Mother.”
“Eek, sorry. Go on. I promise to sit here, lips sealed until you’ve finished speaking, how’s that?”
“Perfect, if only I could believe you.” Charlie silenced Lorne with a raised hand when she opened her mouth to offer a fiery retort. “Okay, as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, I’ve been given the option of taking up one of two new posts.” Lorne’s eyes widened, and she pulled an imaginary zip across her mouth, allowing Charlie to continue. “One of the posts is with the vice squad and the other is working with the K9s.”
“Oh my God. That’s fantastic, love. Please tell me you’re considering the latter and not the former option?”
“Yes, Mum. Although, there’s something intriguing about the vice post that I can’t dismiss. It would be a dream come true if I began working with the dogs at work.”
Their German Shepherd, Sheba, whimpered slightly from her bed in the corner, and they both laughed.
“I think someone might get a little jealous, but what an absolute privilege it would be for you to work alongside these highly trained dogs, love. I know which post I’d grab, given the choice.”
“I know you would.”
“When do you have to give your decision?”
“This morning. HR are hoping to fill the positions ASAP. I know I shouldn’t be hesitating about this. Working with the dogs would be a dream come true, but then so would sinking my teeth into what the vice squad has to offer.”
“It’s a dangerous role, love. One that would test your resolve to the limits. I don’t doubt for a second that you’d be up to the task but…”
“Given what The Unicorn put me through, you think I’d crumble, is that it?” Charlie completed the sentence for her mother.
“No, I’m not saying that. I just thin
k the risks are higher in that role.”
“I’ll dig up some statistics at work, weigh things up before I accept either position. I just wanted to run things past you before I said yes to either role.”
Lorne reached across the table and squeezed her daughter’s hand. “I appreciate you telling me before you accepted. It means a lot. Right, I need to get a wriggle on or I’ll be late, we both will. Do you want a lift?”
“Would you mind? I can get Brandon to pick me up later if he wants to go out after work, although to be honest I could do with a night in this evening.”
“Everything all right between you two?” Lorne asked, rising from the table and swilling her plate and cup under the tap.
“Of course. He’s wonderful. You know I think the world of him. I just think what with work being full-on at the moment, plus having to help out at the agility club a few nights a week, it would be nice now and again to put my feet up and gorge on a huge bar of chocolate.”
“He’s doing your waistline a favour by keeping you occupied then, right?”
Charlie hitched on her coat. The September mornings were now getting chillier as they approached October. Lorne did the same with her black woollen coat. They both ruffled Sheba’s head as they walked out the back door, knowing that Cindy, the kennel manager, would be in periodically during the day to let her out for a run in the paddock.
They set off for the station and continued their conversation en route, Lorne mostly listening to Charlie enthusiastically telling her how much she enjoyed the role she was in but also that she needed more excitement in her daily life. Her daughter was very much like her in that respect—Charlie detested paperwork.