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  Sparks of Deception

  Shattered Lives Book Four

  Barb Shuler

  Sparks of Deception (Shattered Lives Series; Book 4)

  © Copyright 2017 Barbara Shuler

  Published by Barbara Shuler

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, including electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This is a work of fiction which is only recommended for those 18 and older due to violence, strong language and adult content. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, (living or dead), places or actual events is purely coincidental.

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it to the seller and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

  Cover Art : DepositPhoto

  Cover Design by: Madhat Books

  Edited by: Mindy Seal & Emily Maynard

  Formatted by: Annie Anderson

  Contents

  Other Books by Barb Shuler

  Acknowledgments

  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

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Epilogue

  SPARKS OF DECEPTION PLAYLIST

  Living in your Hell (Book 5) SNEAK PEEK

  Connect with Barb

  About the Author

  Other Books by Barb Shuler

  Shattered Lives Series

  My Own Nightmare

  Somewhere I Belong

  Shatter Me Whole

  The Cowboy Way Series

  Wrangled By Love

  A Rescue Series Novella

  A Marshall’s Courage

  Primal Darkness

  Anthologies

  Dirty Fairy Tales - What Big Teeth

  Dedication

  For those of us who have been ‘lost’ at times and feel as if you have no place to call home, You do. Home is where you choose to leave a piece of your heart and soul. It’s not the place that makes a home, but the love and happiness a place brings you.

  Acknowledgments

  There are so many people that make this process possible. I have to give a HUGE thank you to my beta team (Kelly Graham, Mindy Seal, Jo Dawson, Paula Shuler, Julie Borem, Jennifer Amerson and Emily Maynard) who are simply the best. Without y’alls feedback, encouragement and occasional kick in the butt, I couldn’t do what I do.

  A special thank you also goes to:

  My BFF’s, Emily Maynard and my twin, Jennifer Amerson to whom I can’t do any of this without. You are both not only my sounding boards, my muses on the bad days and my sanity on the others, y’all are the reason I am able to do this and make it make sense.

  My evil, yet very awesome critique partner, Annie Anderson. You my dear friend are my rock and I couldn’t keep on track without your guidance! Thank you for always being there!

  My Squishy, Kelly Graham. You, my Stella loving crazy girl, make each of my rants/freakouts about what to do next make sense. You hold my hand and kick me in the butt (haha) when needed.

  My other twin, Mindy Seal, thank you for all of your help with this book and the others. Your insight is greatly appreciated.

  My cover Ninja, Shari J Ryan of Madhat Covers. You took a image and made it into just what I wanted and needed. You are a rockstar.

  Love you all more than I can put into words! I have the best team around! Bar none!

  Don’t let the change make you see things negatively.

  Stay positive and strive to come out on top.

  #NeverGiveUp

  Prologue

  A lot can happen in life. Until you live through it, you don’t fully understand the consequences of your actions. Actions have consequences. Who knew, right? These can be either great or small, and some can even be dire. It all depends on you, and the way you carry yourself in life up to that point.

  You’d think that growing up in a small town would save you some of the real world drama. Small towns are supposed to be safe, quiet places to raise families. Kids can be out in the street and not have to worry about getting snatched, or killed by gang bangers or your common drug dealing assholes. You know the kind. My town should have been that way, but it wasn’t. I should have had a loving family, but I didn’t. I grew up in a home that sucked. Like seriously sucked monkey balls. My Gran was a mean old bitch. If you did something wrong, she whacked you with the Bible while shouting “Jesus will save your rotten soul”. Maybe it was just me she did that to. So, yeah, fun times, man. Not!

  Let's not mention my alcohol consuming, drug using and dealing "parents". I have no idea where my biological dad is. The one that was supposedly my father was always out partying and selling my mom off to the highest bidder. Saddest thing of all… she let him. She had no respect for herself at all. None. The few times in my life that I can remember her being ‘sober’ she treated me as bad as Gran, if not worse. It’s as if it were all my fault. She got drunk or high, had a child, and all but abandoned me, yet it was all my fault. I was left to fend off Gran as a kid. I had to believe life could be different.

  My life changed when I was chased down - and I mean that literally - by Deputy Drew Landry. One of Burke’s finest, who had come looking for my help on a case. I put my computer knowledge to work. In the long run, that day changed my life for the better. It’s also managed to put me in danger a few times, but you know, it’s experiences like those that teach you what’s real in your life. It’s the difference in what matters and what doesn’t. The who and why of it all, if you will. One day I was hungry and scared to sleep, ‘cause, lets face it, you never knew what Gran was gonna do next if she was having a bad day. My so called parents were seldom around, cause they were always drunk or high off their asses. What role models I had. I wonder if I could have gotten away with whacking people over the head with a Bible? Might be some fun, ya know? Until they died. Sad thing is, I don’t miss them, I don’t miss that part of my life. I have grown and moved on from it all.

  Life has many roads and paths to follow and I am grateful mine has led me to a place where I’m not only safe, but protected (not that I need that now) and loved. I have a family - though they do not share my blood - that loves me for me. I have parents that give a shit about me. And siblings that I love with all of my heart. Tyler and Elijah will always have a big brother to watch out for them, and kick ass for them when it’s needed.

  I have two best friends that are the best. We’re thicker than thieves in the bank vault after dark. Alana “Lana” and Carter were all I had for a while. Now that I can share them, and grow with them in a positive light, things have gotten so much better for us all. Lana, Carter and I have had our fair share of troubles over the last couple of years
. A lot of that stems from years of not being confident in asking for help. Not being able to feel comfortable standing on our own two feet to say, “fuck you” to the assholes bothering us. That’s changed for the most part. I won’t let us revert back to those kids. I’m in the mind set now to knock you on your ass, then ask what the problem is. This is why we get into a lot of trouble now.

  The fact that I happen to have fallen in love with my best friend doesn’t hurt. Wait, I don’t mean Carter. Let’s just clarify that. Not that it would be wrong but, no, definitely not Carter. Though I do love him - just not in the “I want to kiss him stupid” kind of way. I mean Lana. My beautiful blonde haired butterfly who literally holds the key to my heart. She owns it and I will always do anything and everything in my power to keep her safe. That has no boundaries. I will not sleep until I know she is safely home and tucked into bed. She isn’t eighteen yet, so there are limits to what is respectful for us to do in public and private. Not that I would ever disrespect her in that way, but a guy can hope that one special day will come. And it will, because she is my one. The one. The moment she decides it’s right. Until then I am her best friend, her boyfriend and her protector.

  Now there is a new threat on the horizon, one none of us saw coming. This town is a cesspool of dirty deeds kept hidden for generations. I can guarantee you this, I will not rest until I uncover all the dirty little secrets this town holds. One by one I will peel them back and display them for all to see. The longer it takes me to find her, the longer this search will go on.

  No one is safe until I have the woman I love back in my arms.

  Hell isn’t big enough to hide in. I will find her. I will find the man that took her and I will have justice. My kind of justice.

  1

  School Sucks

  Derek

  “Mr. Landry, would you care to tell us what is so interesting outside?” I cursed myself as I turned to face Mrs. Turner. The frumpy old bat was a pain in the ass, but I guess she meant well. I’d gotten lost in my own head when I’d seen Lana and her gym class out on the lawn doing some sort of workout. Looked like it was no fun for any of them, but... I shouldn’t have been staring. Carter kicked the back of my chair and my eyes once again went to Mrs. Turner. She raised a brow and scowled at me. “Do you have the answer to the question I just asked the class?” she snapped.

  “How long did the Battle of the Alamo last. She wants dates, too,” Carter whispered behind me and I grinned as I nodded my head.

  “Yes ma’am, sorry. To answer your question, the Battle of the Alamo was fought from February twenty-third to March sixth.” It was what she was looking for, well sort of, anyway. She was still scowling at me.

  “What year did this take place?” she asked, with her hands on her hips. She was like a thousand years old, that stance did nothing for her. I sighed and answered the old crow.

  “Eighteen thirty-six, Mrs. Turner.” I looked back out the window and muttered, “You know, the same year you were born.”

  “When did the Texans defeat the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto, Mr. Landry?” she again asked me.

  I sighed and sat up straighter in my seat, looking back at her before I spoke again. “Ma’am, that battle happened on April twenty-first, eighteen thirty-six, ma’am.”

  “I'd watch my tone, Derek Landry. You've got an awful smart mouth. Your grandmother taught you better than that,” she said. I bristled. All that woman taught me was how much being whacked with a Bible friggin’ hurt. Shame she never opened it up and read the message inside. I looked back out the window, searching out Lana. I took a deep breath in order to calm my frazzled nerves. This lady was on the verge of making me forget my good manners. I really didn't want to be rude. Plus, Dani Lynn would skin me.

  “Eyes in the classroom Mr. Landry. You’ll stop watching the girls gym class and pay attention while in my class,” she said as she went back behind her desk. I rolled my eyes - which was a bad habit I blamed on Lana - and went back to staring out the window. I watched as Principal Jennings walked out to where the girls were. Lana’s face scrunched up. I could tell from here she was talking fast. Was she in trouble for something?

  “What’s going on out there?” Carter said as he leaned over to look out the window as well.

  “Dunno…” I said. “It looks as if Ms. Jennings has a broom up her ass again about something.” Ms. Jennings was pointing for Lana to go back into the building. I watched until she disappeared. There was a ‘thwack’ on my desk. Yes, it was a shit move made to make me jump but I'd seen her out of my peripheral as she stalked to my desk. I looked up to meet Mrs. Turner’s glaring gaze.

  “Do you need to join the girls gym class? Are you missing out on giggling and gossiping?” she snapped.

  “I’d like to join them, but it wouldn’t be to giggle and gossip,” I smirked and crossed my arms over my chest. I was already gonna get in trouble, might as well make the punishment that I knew was coming worthwhile. Dani Lynn was gonna kick my ass either way. “I hear they're even sexier in those little gym shorts when you get a closer view.”

  The old bat gasped and I rolled my eyes again. Good grief, I had to stop that shit. I was becoming a girl... I hadn’t said anything out of the way, well nothing for her to act like this. She acted like I had offended her or something. Was she mad that I didn't want it to be her? I chuckled out loud and Carter kicked my desk. I heard him chuckle behind me as we all watched Mrs. Turner flail. She was a substitute teacher as it was. No one liked her ‘cause she was a nasty old bat. She needed to go to her retirement home already and leave us be. I shook my head and sighed at myself. That was uncalled for, but she really needed to fuck off.

  “You go to the principal's office right now, young man. I don’t want you back in my class today!” She turned on her heel and moved back to her desk to grab the pink pad and write out a slip for the principal's office. I grabbed my pack and tossed it over my shoulder before walking to the front. When I had the slip in my hand I walked out of her class. There was no way to reason with the old bat. I’d just have to hope that Dani Lynn listened to me when I tried to explain what happened this time. Anytime Mrs. Turner subbed I got into trouble. It was a damn game to her. I swear.

  When I walked into the office Lana was coming out of the door leading to Ms. Jenning’s office. I stopped. She came right to me and I hugged her tight. I wiped away the tears she had running along her cheeks..

  “What’s wrong, butterfly?” I asked as I skimmed my thumbs along her cheeks.

  “Coach Miller hates me,” she said as her cheeks turned an adorable shade of pink. Her voice dropped a little as she continued. “I told her I was having lady issues and couldn’t work out on the field. She said I had to. I said no and she tried to make me do squats anyway. When I refused again she called the she-beast in there,” she said pointing to the office she just vacated.

  I snorted and then cringed. “Uh, yeah…” I relaxed at her smile and shook my head. I leaned down and kissed her nose. “Do you feel bad? Need to go home? I can take you? I can miss one English class.”

  “Oh, um, no.. I’m okay. I just didn’t want to do those stupid workouts,” she said, grinning up at me now. I figured the tears were because the she-beast would have called her mama, and now things would get dicey. Lana hated being in trouble and she hated drama. The only woman I know that does all she can to not have drama. Weird, I know.

  “You little minx,” I smiled as I kissed her lips softly. Just as I pulled back I heard the she-beast screech out my name.

  “Derek Morris! You stop that fornicating this minute!” I looked up and raised a brow.

  “A kiss is not fornicating, ma’am and my name is Landry,” I said, slowly, my anger from earlier returning. Lana’s hand tightened on my arm. I pulled her closer.

  “You watch your tone, Mr. Landry. Why are you in here, anyway? Shouldn’t you be in class?” she said, her hand on her hip as she glared at me.

  “Uh, I was sent by Mrs. Turner,�
� I said, holding out the pink slip. She snatched it, I sighed. I was too old to have to deal with this shit. Graduation couldn’t get here soon enough. Another month, then I was free. Thank fuck.

  “My office, now. Miss McKenna, get your butt back to gym class,” she said, giving us both a look of disgust. I gave Lana’s hand a squeeze and leaned in to kiss her nose.

  “I’ll see ya in a bit, butterfly. Meet me and Carter at the Jeep, okay?” I whispered. She nodded and I moved to follow the she-beast into her office.

  Two hours later I walked out of the school and to my Jeep. Needless to say, the she-beast had called Dani Lynn as soon as I was in her office. She really loved getting me into trouble. Though, I guess I did it to myself. The conversation had been normal, the usual “he did this, you need to teach him better” kind of shit but then the woman crossed a line. The she-beast made the mistake of talking down to and about me, like I was some piece of trash. Even going as far as saying I'd be failed for the semester. That would keep me from graduating. Oh, the joys of being a kid of the Landry’s - even if they're not much older than I am, or blood kin - that they will fight for you is amazing.