Grave Secrets (A Tangled Web Book 1) Read online

  Grave Secrets

  A Tangled Web Series, Book One

  Haven Rose

  Copyright © 2018 Grave Secrets by Haven Rose

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted by U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior permission of the author.

  The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, establishments, or organizations, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously to give a sense of authenticity. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. This story is intended for mature audiences only.

  Cover by: Fanderclai Design

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  Acknowledgments and Dedication

  Blurb

  Cast of Characters

  Prologue

  1. Ruby

  2. Ryan

  3. Ruby

  4. Ruby

  5. Ryan

  6. Ruby

  Chapter 7

  8. Ryan

  9. Ruby

  Chapter 10

  11. Ruby

  12. Ryan

  13. Ruby

  14. Ruby

  Chapter 15

  16. Ruby

  17. Ryan

  18. Ruby

  19. Ryan

  20. Ryan

  21. Ruby

  Epilogue One

  Epilogue Two

  More by Haven Rose:

  About the Author

  Stay Connected

  Acknowledgments and Dedication

  I want to say thank you to all who’ve helped as I begin this journey. Having too many people to express my gratitude to individually is a good problem, so I will just say how thankful I am for the support, answered questions, offers of help, etc., that you’ve all so graciously extended.

  But, there are some I need to mention personally. First, my husband, for always being there, offering whatever I need when I need it, and at times knowing what that is even before I do, and for loving me as I am. We met young, as in fourth grade, and he’s been a part of my life ever since, starting as friends and becoming the love of my life. I would be lost without him and I hope he knows how much I truly adore him. All my heroes are based upon him.

  Second, Tonya, a woman who has quickly become one of my best friends. When I first shared my plot idea for Grave Secrets, and it was very rough at the time, her first response, after an excited “OMG!” was “You have my full support.” Who wouldn’t love someone like that? She’s been with me on this from the beginning and her friendship and support has come to mean the world to me.

  Third, to those who willing to take a chance on me, words can never express my appreciation for that opportunity. As a reader myself, I know the plethora of books available and for someone to choose mine just makes all this even more special. I know my stories won’t be for everyone, and my plots may not be complex, but the love the couples find with one another, and the friendships that are formed, are the true story, and I hope that shines through.

  Thank you again!

  Some secrets refuse to stay buried…

  Ruby Monroe lost her mom at a young age, and she'd always believed it was due to a car accident. When she finds proof stating otherwise and starts asking questions, strange things begin happening, including the certainty she’s being watched. When a call for help is answered by the town’s sexy new dark-haired deputy, she knows her life isn't the only thing in danger, her heart is too.

  The truth has a way of being revealed…

  Ryan Daniels is burnt out. He loves his job as a detective, but when a recent case results in the criminal going free, he knows he needs a change. When his dad's old friend mentions his small town is hiring, Ryan takes a step toward a new life. What he didn't plan on was meeting the woman of his dreams, nor that he may lose her after just finding her.

  Who will be left standing in the end?

  Cast of Characters

  Ruby Monroe – Heroine. Going to school for graphic design.

  Harold (Hal) Monroe – Ruby’s dad.

  Joy Monroe – Ruby’s mom. Deceased.

  Ryan Daniels – Hero. A detective in New Haven

  Martin Daniels – Ryan’s dad.

  Evelyn Daniels – Ryan’s mom.

  Deacon Kennedy – Ryan’s partner and best friend.

  Bobby Parker – Ruby’s best friend.

  James Parker – Bobby’s dad, and the Sheriff of Colebrook.

  Alex Moore – Part-time employee at the hardware store/high school senior.

  Will Shepherd– Colebrook deputy. Friend and former Army buddy of Martin.

  Mr. Johnson – Colebrook realtor, Ryan’s new landlord.

  Silas Jackson – Officer on record for Joy’s accident, now retired.

  Dan Jones – Colebrook deputy.

  Mrs. Wilson – Secretary for the Sheriff’s Department.

  Tony Mason – A new doctor in town, taking over the practice from his uncle, Robert.

  Mindy Harris – A nurse. Friend and former classmate of Ruby’s.

  Prologue

  Ruby

  May 23, 2005

  Colebrook, Connecticut

  "This is where mommy sleeps now."

  I look around as daddy and I stand near the old oak tree in our small town's cemetery. I know mommy's family planted it long ago, numerous ancestors taking their final rest here as well, so it seemed fitting to place her there as well. You'd think the weather would be rainy, as if feeling my pain. But, no, the sun is shining, birds are chirping, and there's a nice breeze. It may sound silly, but it makes it seem as if nature, the earth, is welcoming my mommy, and is honored to watch over her as she sleeps.

  I know she's not really sleeping. I may only be ten, almost eleven, but I'm smart. It's just, that's what my daddy calls it, and I know he's hurting. He misses mommy. I hear him talking to her at night, like she's still there, saying how much he loves her. That he wishes he could be with her, but he would never leave me. They always called me their "precious jewel," which is why I was named Ruby. They said they knew I would grow up and change someone's life. I still don't know what they meant by that.

  But right now, all I am is a little girl who misses her mommy and wishes she could make her daddy smile again.

  Chapter One

  Ruby

  May 10, 2017

  In case you're wondering, I did get my dad to smile again, but it was never the same. Oh, don't get me wrong, we laughed, we had fun, and, because as life does even though a piece of you is missing, we went on. He became both mother and father to me, and we only grew closer as the years passed, leaning on one another for comfort. But he lost some of his joy for life, literally, as my mom's name was "Joy."

  Grief moves at its own pace for everyone, and it took a few months for our new reality to sink in. There were times we'd hear a car in the driveway, thinking my mom was back from running errands or visiting clients in town, only to remember she would never be home again, and it was simply the mailman. Or we'd put a third plate out for dinner, then be unable to eat at the table once we realized what we'd done. But, day by day, it got a little easier, though the pain remained. Some were worse than others, such as birthdays, their anniversary, and my first day of school after losing her.<
br />
  As I started each new school year on the first day, dad would make breakfast, then, after eating, while I got dressed, Mom would pack my lunch, adding a candy kiss with a note saying, "My precious jewel, I know you'll be fine, but here's a kiss from mommy in case you need it." We'd wait for the bus, and then, once it would pull away, Mom would stand there, waving, until she could no longer see it. That night, I'd tell them about my day over dinner, my choice, and Mom would serve my favorite dessert, her homemade lemon cake. I remember being sad and crying about not having mommy's kiss. Dad was confused, not being aware of it, until I told him what she did. He wiped my eyes, and, knowing where mommy kept the treats, found the bag of kisses, and made sure I saw him put one in my lunchbox. He told me, "Ruby girl, I know mommy can't share hers with you now, but she'll be with you the whole time. So, daddy put his kiss inside, and now you'll have both."

  About three years ago, I started noticing a few women in town being friendlier than usual to my dad, bringing him casseroles and such, asking if he wanted to meet for coffee, etc. Of course, at twenty, I knew what that meant. I asked him one night why he didn't accept any of the coffee dates or do more than kindly thank them for the food. He said, in complete seriousness, "Ruby girl, your mom is (yes, I caught his use of the present tense) the love of my life. There could never be anyone but her for me. In my heart, she's still my wife, and nothing will ever change that, nor would I want it to."

  Tears, right, because isn't that the most beautiful thing you've ever heard?

  My parents grew up together and were always friends, and it was never more than that until my dad, upon overhearing their mutual friend, Todd, saying he was going to ask her out, that he discovered his own feelings for her. I remember when I was younger, before we lost mom, of course, not after because I knew it would hurt my dad too much to tell it, I would always beg him to share the story. I wanted to hear it, instead of him reading me the usual bedtime story, because my parents' love for each other was my own little fairy tale. Dad said, after hearing that, he was jealous, but couldn't figure out why, and then it hit him. He didn't want Todd to ask her out. Yeah, he was a nice guy and all, but no one was good enough for my Joy. My Joy? Where did that come from? I mean, we're friends, and have been for years, but she isn't mine. Okay, so I may wonder what it would be like to hold her hand, to have her give all those special smiles to me and me only, and I picture kissing...oh crap, I'm in love with Joy.

  See, it got to you too, didn't it? It's like that magical moment written about in books and movies, and you can't help but root for them, and just know they're going to end up together. And, they did. Granted, it didn't nearly last long enough, but dad has said, though his Joy was taken from him far too soon, they lived every day as if it were their last. They never let an opportunity pass them by to make sure the other knew just how truly they were loved.

  Before I went to bed the night I asked my dad about him dating again, I played the tape I had secretly made of him telling me their story shortly before we lost mom. I wanted to be able to hear it at any time, but hadn't listened to it for years, the pain just too much. And as I did, thinking about his response to my question, I decided right then that I wanted that type of love for myself and refused to settle for anything less.

  Honestly, I haven't had much of a dating life. I've gone on a few, but none provided that feeling, like two puzzle pieces snapping together because you've found a match. Plus, having known most of the men my age our whole lives, it's hard to see them in a romantic light. Yes, there may be some attraction and good kisses with some of them, but really, if I can recall when you almost ate a bug on a dare...I bet you just shuddered too. Granted, Bobby was only ten, he didn't do it, and we've never viewed each other as more than friends, but still, you get my point. Memories like that really narrow down your dating options.

  That's okay, though. I'm still friends with them, as well as the girls from school, and I know they would do anything for me, as I would them. That's how our town works.

  I'm also concentrating on school. I've already achieved an associate degree to become a graphic designer, and am only two months, a week before turning twenty-three to be exact, from graduating with my bachelor's. Thankfully, I've been able to do most of my courses online, however, when I do need to attend in person, the campus isn't that far away. Plus, I started my own business last year, and have acquired a few clients, including the mayor as his assistant hired me to maintain the city's website, hoping to encourage more visitors.

  As I juggle all of that, along with helping my dad at our family's hardware store, which he'd inherited from his dad, as often as possible, and ensuring our dog, Boots, gets the exercise he needs, my life is full.

  Okay, so maybe there are times, some being when I really miss my mom and can see the sadness my dad tries to hide, that I would love to have that special someone in my life to wrap his arms around me and let me know I'm not alone. But for that to happen, the perfect man for me would have to almost magically appear one day. And really, what are the odds of that ever happening?

  Chapter Two

  Ryan

  Three days later...

  New Haven, Connecticut

  Ryan Daniels couldn't do this anymore. All my life, the only thing I'd ever wanted to be was a cop, just like my dad and grandfather. I started college immediately after high school, studying criminal justice. I was accepted into the police academy shortly after obtaining my associate's. A year after my training was complete, I entered the bachelor's program, taking classes online, finishing sooner than expected as I took as many courses as possible. Within two years of graduating, I was given the opportunity to become a detective. Now, at twenty-eight, I was burnt out. It feels as if no matter what I do, how hard I work to put away the bad guys, it's never enough. My breaking moment? That would be yesterday, Friday, after learning the guy my partner and best friend, Deacon, and I had spent two weeks collecting evidence against for attacking a woman had gotten out on bail. His lawyer had somehow convinced the powers that be that his client wasn't a flight risk. Of course, within three hours of his release he was gunned down by one of my fellow officers while attempting to murder the woman he was accused of attacking. Apparently, in his obvious questionable brilliance, he decided if she couldn't testify, then he couldn't be guilty. Thankfully, the woman's husband came home from work early and was able to call 9-1-1, holding the man off long enough for us to arrive. The criminal was the only casualty, and though the couple were injured, they were minor ones.

  I went home once my shift was finished, drank more than I normally would, and thought about my life and what I wanted out of it. I know, I know, while indulging in the liquid anesthetic, aka tequila, wasn't necessarily the right time to make such a life altering decision. But today, awake and sober, I knew it was the correct one for me, and something I discovered I’d been thinking about for longer than I realized. I was at peace with my decision. Now I just needed to turn in my resignation, figure out my next step, and tell my parents, though not necessarily in that order.

  Though I know my dad, Martin, and mom, Evelyn, will fully support me in anything I do, I worry they'll be disappointed in me. I know at my age I probably shouldn't think that way, but my parents and I are close. They'd been told they couldn't have any children, so when they'd conceived me a year after that heartbreaking news, they viewed me as a miracle. You'd think that would mean I was given everything I'd ever wanted, but that wasn't the case, and I will always be grateful for that. I learned from a young age to be thankful for anything I received, to use manners and treat others with respect, as well as the importance of hard work. They'd also shown me what true love was like and that it wouldn't be fair to me or anyone else if I accepted less than the same for myself.

  On that note, yes, I've dated, but I've never got any inclination they were the woman I was searching for. There were a few first dates in my past, though nothing like what one would expect from someone my age. I was just too focused on my sc
hooling, and then later working, as I continued my education, to even be interested. So, years ago, I stopped even trying, meaning I haven't had any contact with a woman since that wasn't regarding my job or school. That may sound unbelievable, but it's true, and I really don't feel as if I'd missed anything by not being a part of the dating scene like my peers. As I've gotten older, I have wished from time to time that the woman for me would enter my life. It would be nice to have that connection with someone, a partner in life to share my day with, encourage me when I was feeling low, and to love and be loved. Maybe someday she'll appear, but just as I know my present is no longer in New Haven, I know neither is my future.

  As I pull into my parents' driveway, I try to gather my thoughts before stepping out of my truck, but my mom must've heard me arrive because she's standing in the now open doorway, a big welcoming smile on her face. Upon seeing her, all the nervousness leaves and I know everything will be okay.

  My six-three frame towers over my petite mom, her arms tight around my waist, well, as much as they can, considering they aren't even close to connecting. I know my job is hard on her. Yes, she spent years as a cop's wife, but she still worries every time we say good-bye, aware it could be the last.