Pack Of Lies

PACK OF LIES

By: Rebecca Winters

Copyright © 2013 Rebecca Winters

All Rights Reserved

First Edition

First Originally Published by Page Publishing 2013

ISBN: 978-62838-221-1 (pbk)

ISBN: 978-1-62838-222-8 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

About Rebecca Winters

Rebecca is a married mother of four whose husband is active duty. She has always enjoyed writing since she was young and has written since middle school where she won multiple Editor’s Choice Awards for poems written while in school. After being injured in the military and unable to work her husband encouraged her to write some of the stories she had been talking about wanting to tell. When Rebecca finally sat down, she wrote her first book within the first two months. Her husband sat day after day listening to her story, giving her advice, and helping her edit and decide whether she should keep something in her story or take them out. He was also very helpful taking care of the kids allowing Rebecca to have time to write her stories. Rebecca always says she knows she would not have been able to write her first book or her second book, especially while going through school. Rebecca is very blessed to have her husband and kids as well as the rest of her family that is supportive of her writing career.

More Books from Rebecca Winters

Pack Of Lies

Deceit Among The Pack (Coming September 2015)

A Growing Pack (Coming March 2016)

A New Alpha (Coming September 2016)

Connect with Rebecca Winters

www.facebook.com/Rebecca.winters.author

www.twitter.com/Winters7612

Rebeccawinters2012@outlook.com

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Cover image produced by Eddie Photozine

https://www.facebook.com/Lightandshadowphotocreations/

Cover model: Danni Romero

Prologue

When some people look back on their lives they wonder how they got to the point that they are at and what they could have done differently to change their life.

Well that’s exactly what I’m thinking about while lying on the wet asphalt with my blood slowly oozing out of the gunshot wound that I just received from a 9 mm and a man in a mask.

Way to go Rain, I think to myself. Now what? I try to move only to realize the wound is up to high and the more I move around the faster I lose blood. Dammit! I scream as loudly as possible because it’s the only thing I can do. After everything I survived up until now, my once mundane life turned upside down by one man. Who the fuck is it? I wish I could get to him to see, to rip his mask off. I look around. He’s gone.

What now? What can I do to save myself? If I don’t do something soon I’m going to leave my children behind. That’s the one thing I refuse to do. Get up Rain! Find your cell phone, Rain! Call for help, Rain! No matter what this Bastard can’t win! He will NOT beat me! I don’t care how much he wants me dead and away from Logan, I will not let him dictate my life and my loved ones!

Slowly, I climb to my knees and spot my cell phone. I crawl over to it and dial 9-1-1. 9-1-1 Operator how can I help you? Silence. Hello I can’t hear you. You’re going to have to speak up for me to help you. Again silence. I made it to the phone and was able to dial it but the amount of blood I was losing pumping from my heart was too much. I black out.

Luckily for me 9-1-1 has a trace locator on all calls that are placed. Now the question lingers as to whether they’ll reach me fast enough. Pray they do reach me in time for my son and daughter’s sake.

CHAPTER 1

Everything Ends Where it Begins

4 Weeks Prior

In the heart of Atlanta there is one of the biggest Software design companies in the country called Stiltner Software Design. It makes and distributes software in every aspect of the online world, from Military Security programs to educational games for children. I work in the Military Security Design Program Division. Here everything looks like one big rat race. Hundreds of cubicles crammed together with everyone working so hard in an attempt to outdo the next person. That’s definitely a rat race I’m not going to be a part of any longer than I have to be.

I’m 26 years old and all I do is secretarial work when I know how to do these morons jobs better than they do. God forgive me if I ever made them think that or suggested that because I can’t afford to lose this job. Rory and Jesse are depending on me to take care of them and boy it’s just the easiest thing in the world being a single mother. NOT! All I know is 2 more years and my degree will be finished. Then I no longer have to be this kiss ass secretary that has to correct the simplest of mistakes for these overly educated idiots. Yeah...overly educated. Laugh out loud because that is actually a hilarious concept. Apparently, as soon as they graduated and got those degrees they forgot all about their education.

I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old. When I finish my degree who am I going to get to watch my kids while I’m at work? It’s not secretary work on a 9 to 5 schedule. Crap! There’s another problem I need to fix before it actually happens. A profiler for the Department of Defense doesn’t exactly run on the most of normal hours.

I glance at the clock only to realize that it’s already 1 A.M. and I’ll have to be back to work soon. I had put the kids to bed a few hours ago and started on my homework feeling like my life is one big repetitive cycle that I can’t seem to get off of anymore. Kids, work, home, kids, school, bed and repeat. I was sitting and looking at my computer screen for so long I had lost track of time. Here it was 1 a.m. and I still had yet to finish my assignment before bed. I was completely stuck. How could I write a paper for Sociology about human interactions and the way their behavior changes when they fall in love if it’s something I don’t know myself?

*Ring, Ring* Shit now who is it, it’s after midnight? Hello, Hey Chris. Yes I know what time it is. Do you? Well don’t you think it’s kind of rude for you to be calling me at almost 1 a.m. when you know I have to get up for work tomorrow and I’m in the middle of finishing my assignments tonight? I know you didn’t think about that and it’s not a problem this time but….

Rain, I know you’ve been dodging me but the fact of the matter is, you don’t go out with anyone. Maybe you think you’re too good for everyone, I don’t really know for sure but what I do know is you’re not getting any younger, you don’t have a degree, you’re nothing more than a meager secretary and you should be more than happy I’m even offering to take on the responsibilities that come with dating you. Most men wouldn’t accept a woman that has two kids with no father. Are you going to go out with me or not?

No Chris, I haven’t changed my mind. I’m still not interested in going on any dates with you or anyone else for that matter. Please don’t take it personally but I have 2 children and school to worry about on top of work and I just don’t have time for men right now. Yes, I know perfectly well how old I am. Thanks so much for reminding me. I understand I’m not getting any younger and I should be very grateful to any man that would be willing to take on a woman that has 2 children, but right now that’s just not my concern. I can take care of my kids by myself just like I’ve been doing since the day they’ve been born.

So, basically what you’re saying is you don’t think I’m good enough for you.

OK, you can think what you want, that’s fine.

You do understand that this is my final offer for you and then I’m going to stop being nice to you and giving you the opportunity to have a man that has a good job and is willing to accept your brats and provide for them and instead I’ll move on to someone with less baggage, that’s also better looking.

Yes, Chris, I accept that this is your final offer before you move on. Thanks for calling me and giving me the opportunity. Just for the record though, if you ever refer to my children as brats or baggage again you will be eating all of your food through a straw from now on.

CLICK! What an IDIOT!!! Like I’m supposed to be grateful that some middle management loser is trying to goad me into going out with him because he thinks I have a lack of options.

Mommy, what’s wrong?

Nothing baby just a wrong number, what’s wrong? Why are you up this late?

I’m thirsty, says Rory.

I just love the way you hear a 2 year old say they’re thirsty. After giving Rory a drink and putting her back to bed I went back to finish my assignments and finish cramming for this Interview with this guy, Logan Something or other that has some bits and pieces in our company and I have no idea what they are although I handle almost all of the company’s finances and assets. I have to say, this irritates me a little more than I care to admit. Logan Winters, that’s what his name is. What the hell does he have to do with our company and why the hell are they sending me instead of some other big shot that’s supposed to be in charge. I don’t like it, but then again what can I do besides bite my lip and do as I’m told. Who loves to take it up the ass when management says? Apparently, this girl.

. . . . . .

OK, its 9:30 a.m. and this jackass was supposed to be here a half an hour ago and he still hasn’t showed up yet. If he’s not here in 5 minutes I’m out the door and the damn bosses can do their own damned meeting. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Still nothing ten minutes later. THAT’S IT! I’ve had enough of this bullshit of keeping the secretary waiting because she’s a nobody. I’m Outta here!!

OH, FUCK ME!!! That big ass door just flew open to damn near catch me in the face as I flip backwards rolling across the table. As I look up I see a sexy man gaping at me in surprise as I smooth my dress back down. Holy Hell, this is one sexy man, and his arms look strong when they’re reaching out as if in an attempt to try to catch me. Oh my God I can smell his cologne and it smells so good. What the hell is this man wearing? Not to mention his face. He isn’t the typical version of sexy you’d see in most men with an arrogance I’d love to smack out of them, but more of a shy unknowing version of sexy. Almost shy like. Wait, I have got to get away from this man. The last time I was this weak to a man it got me two kids, and left on my ass to fend for us all and no clue as to how to deal with it since I wasn’t enlisted anymore.

You can stop staring at me now, whoever you are.

My apologies, my name is Logan Winters and I’m your 9 a.m. appointment.

Well, that’s all well and good for you, Mr. Winters, but as you can tell it’s currently 9:45 a.m. and to say that I am a less than patient person is putting it mildly. Now I’ve waited this long out of respect to yourself and whatever connections you have to my job, but now I have a job to get back to.

All the while, I make sure I’m making my way, slowly, further from this man because just the smell of him, the sight of him, is making me weak at the knees. I can’t afford this. I have too many people depending on me to stay focused and not let my emotions cause any problems.

The further away from this man I moved the closer he moved towards me. He seemed to be closing the distance faster than I could get away from him. What the hell does this man want from me?

"Mr. Winters, what exactly is it that you want from my company?’

I don’t want anything from your company Ms. Harvey, what I want is from you.

I don’t understand Mr. Winters, you called for this meeting. You were forty-five minutes late, then you tell me that you don’t want anything from my company, but something from me? What can I possibly do for you?

It’s very simple Ms. Harvey. I only hire the best and have had many investigators checking into all of my personnel and the personal and professional lives of probable candidates. To say that your name has come across my desk more than once is a vast understatement.

Mr. Winters, I still don’t understand what it is you want from me seeing as how I already have a job.

Ms. Harvey, I understand you have a job at the moment but that is also contingent upon how this conversation goes. I’m going to be frank with you, I get what I want, and right now I want you. Personally and professionally.

EXCUSE ME?!?

I don’t know what part of that statement was unclear.

"Well, let me see? First of all, my job is threatened if I don’t agree to come work for you, and to be frank, I don’t like to be bullied. Secondly, WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN YOU WANT ME ON A PERSONAL LEVEL!?!’’

Please lower your voice Ms. Harvey as there are other employees working here.

GOOD! Maybe then they’ll see what a controlling prick you are

At that point Mr. Winters burst into a fit of laughter. Once he finally stopped laughing he finally spoke.

You see Ms. Harvey this is exactly why I want you here. You’re fiery and hold nothing back. You’ve been through a lot in your life and you don’t take any shit from anyone. I respect that, and that’s exactly the kind of person I’m looking for. Someone that can take shit from other people and not be intimidated and give it right back without hesitation. From what I’ve seen from you over the last three years you don’t date, you are very professional but very blunt all the while maintaining your professional courtesy. Once you’re done you go home to take care of your kids and study to earn your degree. You’ve been a single mother for the past 3 years almost, seeing as how your ex left you before you even found out you were pregnant with your second child, but instead of letting it destroy you, you ran with it to make yourself better so you can be a better mother. Does that pretty much sum it up? Oh wait, I forgot, you have a Chris Ingle from Middle Management at your company that’s been hounding you for a date and you keep refusing. What was his latest argument? Oh yes. You’re not getting any younger and you should be grateful any man would consider you with the baggage of 2 kids and an unfinished degree. Is that right?

After about 10 seconds of remembering how to close my mouth my cheeks flamed red, I stalked up to Mr. Winters while watching him back away as quickly as I stalked toward him and as I leaned into him I quietly said,

You forgot my bank information, rent, annual salary and children’s names if you’re going to go that in depth on my information. And what the hell are you doing, tapping my phone or something because that conversation just happened last night. However, since were sizing each other up here or dick measuring if that’s more of a preferable term for you then let me give it a try. You’re single and have been for at least the past 6 years. You grew up poor because your parents didn’t want you to know money since they were too selfish. You, Mr. Winters definitely over compensate with everything including your office, staff and attempts at relationships but are failing miserably this time. You can take your disaster of a giant messy office and shove it up your ass along with your black marble desk and leather furniture.

As I started walking away, Mr. Winters flipped open a folder and started rattling off some information.

Currently you have less than $200.00 in the bank, pay $675.00 in rent for a shit hole apartment that doesn’t quite accommodate your family, annual salary of $22,000.00, and children’s names are Rory Harvey D-O-B 7-26-10 and Jesse Harvey D-O-B 4-6-08. The really sad thing about this is you have truly gifted children Ms. Harvey that deserve to be in a school for gifted preschoolers, yet that’s something you can’t afford. I thought all you wanted was the best for your children, Ms. Harvey?

This made me see red! I turned on my heel and marched over to Mr. Winters and gave him the best right hook I could manage. After seeing him fly through the air and bounce off the bookshelf, then the chair, I felt satisfied. He stood up and dug out a handkerchief from his lapel and wiped his nose and mouth and started to speak, but before he had a chance to I cut him off.

"Mr. Winters, I have now and always want the best for my children and would have and will do whatever it takes to give them the best I possibly can. I may not be able to give them much now, but they have what they need. I will do anything and everything it takes to give them the life I messed up for myself. I don’t want them to struggle like I’ve had to. If that means that I have to work all day, spend my evenings with them and then spend my nights finishing my degree then that’s exactly what