Under The Shadows: Alexander Ranch

Under The Shadows

Alexander Ranch

Marla Josephs

Published by Marla Josephs, 2017.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

UNDER THE SHADOWS

First edition. July 17, 2017.

Copyright © 2017 Marla Josephs.

ISBN: 978-1386468325

Written by Marla Josephs.

Also by Marla Josephs

Alexander Ranch

Into Thin Air

Faceless Fear

Under The Shadows

Alexander Ranch

Alexander Security and Investigations

Under Suspicion

Reluctant

Reluctant

Betrayed

Traveling Love

Road Trip

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Also By Marla Josephs

Under the Shadows

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Further Reading: Under Suspicion

Also By Marla Josephs

Under the Shadows

By Marla Josephs

Copyright Beverly Fields 2014

Published by Tempfield Press

© Tempfield Press and Beverly Fields, December 2014

Cover photo by Beverly Fields and Amado Temporal

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Prologue

Laura Ramirez began feeling uneasy as she got out of her car at the tour office. For days now she’d felt an eerie sensation that someone was following or watching her. She’d felt stalked. But, that was silly. She told herself there was no one following her, and nothing out of the ordinary going on. She’d tried to ignore the strange feeling. There was no reason she should be feeling this way. Who would possibly be stalking her? But, now that the hair was starting to stand up on the back of her neck, she couldn’t brush the feeling off so easily as unreasonable or trivial.

When she’d gotten the text message earlier from Sergio asking her to meet him here, she’d thought nothing of it. There was nothing unusual about the text. They always communicated via text when they were working. She looked around at the empty lot. Most of the tours would be gone by now. She and Sergio would often walk along the path in the woods behind the building. Meeting here had two advantages. It provided them some much needed privacy, and it was actually a beautiful place to walk and steal a few romantic moments together. No. There was nothing unusual about his request. But, now that she’d arrived to find the lot completely deserted, a trickle of unease made her skin tingle. There was no sign of Sergio either. She could see no one, but she felt she wasn’t alone. 

She’d pulled into the gravel drive, made her way to the back of the building, and hopped out quickly in anticipation of seeing Sergio. But, as she approached the building, it just felt empty. There were several of the larger and smaller tour busses in the yard, but even they seemed settled, as if they hadn’t moved in quite some time. That was it. That’s what was creeping her out, she told herself. It was just too still. There was no movement at all.

The late Costa Rican sky was turning different hues of red, yellow, and blue as the sun set. It was technically green, or rainy, season here in September. But, it was close enough to the equator that it was still hot and muggy.

Laura approached the back door to the tour office and gave it a gentle pull. Of course, the door to the building had been locked, indicating that there were no more tours that would be returning or leaving tonight. However, the hour was not so late that this would-be a given. Depending on the tour schedule, there could be night tours leaving, or drivers from day tours returning at this hour on any given day after they’d dropped off the last of their guests at their hotels. So, the hour itself wouldn’t necessarily mean the place would be deserted. The locked door, complete emptiness and silence, however, were definite. That’s usually how she and Sergio liked it, and why they chose this spot. They could be totally alone when they met here and found the place empty. They had to be careful considering they worked together. Well, not really together. They worked at the same resort but in different departments. Still, dating someone where she worked would be frowned upon. Since they didn’t work in the same department, and didn’t have a manager and subordinate issue, they could probably get away with it if they advised Pedro, the owner. However, discretion would still be paramount. And, Laura wasn’t sure she was ready to have their relationship defined just yet. Coming clean to Pedro would be saying that she and Sergio were at a more serious point than she was sure they were. If things continued to progress, she was sure they would eventually have to come clean. But for now, Laura wanted to take it slow.

The prickle of awareness grew stronger and skittered across her skin. She jerked her head around, half expecting to see someone standing a few feet away. Nothing. No one. She circled the building and was headed back to her car when something whizzed by her head and embedded itself into a tree. Her body reacted before her mind could process what had happened. She took off like a jackrabbit, running into the nearby trees for cover. Her eyes were frantically searching for the source of the projectile that had flown past her, but she saw nothing. She had a sinking feeling that the projectile was a bullet. Someone had shot at her!

She could hear nothing but her accelerated breathing and the pounding of her feet as she ran. She was running full out when a searing pain hit her, sending her sprawling into the dirt. Even knowing it was likely futile, she’d somehow scrambled up, and took off running again. She wadded up what she could of her shirt and pressed her fist firmly into her hip. The pain was becoming unbearable. She was limping now and not sure how much further she could go when she heard a car’s tires squealing on pavement and peeling away.

Chapter 1

Lela’s eyes opened slowly. She smiled as she picked up the scent of food cooking. Ethan must be in the kitchen making breakfast. The memories of the night before came flooding back. She’d finished training her new personal assistant, and was now officially a part-time director at Hanley’s Pet Care Services.

Six weeks ago, Logan, who ran the family owned Alexander Security and Investigations, had asked her to think about reducing her hours at Hanley’s. He wanted her to work for him as a consultant without killing herself working two jobs. Lela had currently been working full-time at Hanley’s, while also consulting for the Alexanders. As a result, she’d been in a zombie state more often than not. Her job as Director of Operations for Hanley’s Pet Care Services was demanding enough. The added hours of consulting on various cases for the Alexanders was nothing less than brutal. When the consulting hours and her work hours ran together and piled atop each other, she was left with little time to sleep. Besides making her cranky, she didn’t feel that all the hours of work left her in any condition to be very effective at either job. Luckily both the Alexanders and John, the owner and her boss at Hanley’s, were willing to let Lela decide how to divide her hours. Thankfully, neither wanted to lose her services. It was nice to feel needed.

She’d decided to reduce her hours at Hanley’s, and John had agreed to let her train an assistant. She’d been able to begin training a new assistant right away since there were several people already on the support staff that could easily be promoted to the task. After careful consideration, she’d chosen Frank. Frank was already in an assistant management position overseeing the training facility. As Hanley’s provided every service from training to veterinary care and boarding, Frank just needed to learn how the other facilities operated and what things he needed to do as an Assistant Director of Operations. Having completed his training yesterday, Daisy, Ethan, and Shane had decided to take Lela out last night to celebrate.

Shane had opted to go home after the festivities, as usual. He never stayed, though she’d told him several times he was welcome to do so. Daisy and Ethan stayed over all the time. It had started out being their jobs as part of Lela’s protective detail when a crazy man had been trying to kill her. Once the job was over, they just never stopped staying over. That was actually how she’d met the Alexanders. They’d protected her when she’d had the misfortune of witnessing a shooting... Ethan’s shooting actually. But that’s another story.

Lela had been tired before they’d taken her out to celebrate last night, so she’d slept in this morning. With Frank’s training, her workload, and the few cases the Alexander’s had her consulting on, it had been quite busy these last six weeks. Mercifully there hadn’t been any difficult cases she’d been asked to consult on.

Hearing light footsteps coming down the hall brought her attention back to the present. She knew it was Daisy, and that she’d purposely allowed the sound of her steps to reach Lela’s ears. The Alexanders could be as quiet as cat burglars when they wanted to be. Moments later, she saw Daisy’s head peep around the corner of the bedroom doorway.

Oh good. You’re awake, she said as she entered. Then, she strode in the room and perched herself on the other side of the bed with a mug of coffee. Food’s almost ready.

Is that coffee for me? Lela asked hopefully.

No. I wasn’t sure if you were awake. But, I guess I could go get you some, she said with an exaggerated frown as she made herself comfortable. Daisy was the sister of Logan’s wife, Grace. And, Ethan was their cousin.

I wouldn’t want you to go to any trouble, Lela muttered sarcastically. After all, it was only you guys that dragged me out last night and kept me out drinking.

Now, now, ladies, Ethan said entering the room with a tray of food and a hot, steaming, mug of coffee. Don’t start bickering.

Lela immediately pushed herself into a seated position.

We never bicker, Daisy countered flippantly.

Of course not, he said dryly as he placed the tray in front of Lela. Hot coffee, French toast, sausage, and a side of fruit for you.

Gosh, I love you, Lela murmured with genuine feeling as she savored her first sip of coffee. When they’d met, she’d found out quickly that Ethan not only loved to cook, but he was damn good at it.

Yeah, that’s what they all say, Ethan retorted with a wink.

Where’s my tray? Daisy pouted.

I didn’t think you needed one since you were eating as I was cooking, Ethan smirked. Did you tell Lela about the meeting?

No. Not yet, Daisy answered, snagging a strawberry from Lela’s bowl of fruit.

What meeting? Lela asked with a frown, pausing with a strawberry halfway to her mouth.

Logan called this morning, Daisy explained. Apparently, something has come up.

What time do we need to be there? Lela asked, hoping it wouldn’t be too soon.

I told him you probably wouldn’t be good for anything before at least 1:00, Ethan chuckled knowingly. It’s only 10:30. You’ve got time.

Good looking out, she said lifting her coffee mug to him in solute. She knew Ethan was making fun of her, but she didn’t care. She was tired and didn’t want to rush out of bed into a meeting. It was Saturday for goodness sake! So, she sat back and enjoyed her delicious breakfast in bed. Then, she took her time getting up and getting dressed.

Daisy and Ethan left soon after breakfast. Once she was alone, she found herself mentally preparing to see Jordan. It had also been six weeks since they had broken up.

Jordan, Logan’s younger brother, was also part of Alexander Security and had saved her life several months ago. His rescue of her had set her life on a new course that had been far from smooth. Things had definitely gotten more complicated since the Alexanders had barged their way into her life. She and Jordan had started dating after some fits and starts. For a while, things had been great. Then, about six weeks ago, they’d broken up.

They’d worked together briefly twice since their break-up. She thought at first that there would be a lot of tension and awkwardness, but there hadn’t been. Jordan seemed to be going out of his way to make her feel comfortable and keep his distance. He was strictly professional. Still, she got a jolt every time she saw him. She missed him way more than was healthy, but knew their break-up had been for the best. He’d started turning into this overprotective, aggressively possessive, caveman. Then, he’d morphed into this overbearing, order giving, and explosive jerk.

In the last six weeks, however, Jordan had been reserved. He’d reverted back to being a total gentleman each time he’d been around her. It was as though the maniacal protectiveness and overbearing demeanor had never existed. He was cordial and genuine when he greeted her, but otherwise didn’t interact with her unless they were asked to work together. Working with him during the last two cases since their breakup had gone smoothly, but had still been very painful. Being around him so soon after their breakup, and having to maintain a professional yet distant demeanor, had been difficult. She couldn’t exactly say that she regretted her decision to break up with him. She just couldn’t seem to stop missing him so much.

She and Jordan had spent so much time together. It was hard for her to let people in, but somehow Jordan had found his way. Once he was there, he’d become a fixture. Now, she was feeling his absence. He’d invaded every area of her life in such a short period of time, she hadn’t even been aware it was happening. She’d even gotten used to feeling him next to her at night as she slept. Now, she just felt empty.

The two interrogations they’d worked together had been excruciating. She’d been so riled up inside, it was a wonder she was able to pay attention long enough to get through them. Now, she was getting ready to see him again. As she grabbed her car keys and headed for the door, she tried to prepare herself for that kick in the gut feeling she knew she’d get when she arrived at the Alexander Ranch and saw him again. She arrived 20 minutes later.

Hello, Lela. How are you? Jordan asked as she opened her car door. Of course, he had driven up right before she had. When she pulled into the Alexander’s main drive, he’d been exiting his own vehicle. He’d walked over to the car. That little ache in her heart got stronger at the sight of him. She sat there for a moment, taking in his tall frame, broad shoulders, and easy smile as he stood there holding the car door for her.

He was wearing jeans and a heather grey t-shirt. Nothing special, but he might as well have been wearing something designer the way it showed off his lean muscles and trim waist. She could see the outline of the top of his six pack through the soft fabric of the shirt. And then she reminded herself she wasn’t supposed to be ogling him. She turned to grab her purse to stop her wondering eyes and mind.

I’m good, Jordan. How are you? she replied as she slid from the car. She gave what she hoped was a friendly smile that didn’t show the crazy mix of emotions that were already churning through her.

I’m good, he nodded, returning a friendly smile of his own as he closed the car door. He looked totally at ease. They made their way up the steps to the entrance of the huge Alexander home together in silence. He opened the door and stepped aside to let her precede him inside.

Meetings in the conference room. Can you let Logan and the others know I’ll be there in just a moment?

Sure, she replied a little surprised. She wondered where he was going, and then reminded herself it was none of her business. None of her business was becoming her new mantra. He headed for the stairs that led to the bedrooms, and she continued down the hall to the conference room.

She was both relieved and disappointed once he left her side. Lela sighed inwardly. She’d have to get over these conflicting feelings. She was the one who’d broken things off, after all. And, she was the one who wouldn’t even discuss things after she’d made that decision. So, she had no right to be yearning for him and missing him now. It was for the best.

Daisy, Ethan, Shane, and Logan were already in the conference room when she entered.

Good. You made it, Logan said rising from his chair to give her a hug in greeting.

Finally, Ethan said under his breath with a smirk. Lela wrinkled her nose at him.

Now we’re just waiting on Grace and Jordan, Logan said resuming his seat.

Jordan arrived at the same time I did, Lela informed them as she took a seat next to Shane. He told me to let you know he’d be right in.

As if on cue, Jordan walked through the door. And, for her second surprise of the day, he came and sat right beside her. Since their break-up, Jordan had been keeping as far away from her as possible. She’d half expected him to try and talk to her about it in the first few weeks, but he hadn’t. After his initial attempt to talk had failed, he hadn’t tried again. He’d simply stayed away. Even when they’d worked together he was always pleasant, but made no attempt to speak to her unless it was necessary and involved the case. He would always sit as far from her as possible, even during interrogations. This was a first that did not go unnoticed. There were surprised looks on everyone else’s faces before they were hastily concealed.

Considering their rocky beginning and subsequent ups and downs, the rest of the Alexander clan stayed out of their relationship for the most part. Logan had asked if she would have a problem working with Jordan when they’d first broken up. She’d assured him there wouldn’t be any problems on her part, though she wasn’t so sure that was the complete truth.

Grace’s entrance helped dissipate the awkwardness she felt as everyone stopped trying to pretend their focus wasn’t on her little area of the table.

Sorry I’m late, Grace said, hastily taking her seat next to Logan.

You’re never late, Logan said, his warm brown eyes on his wife. You just signal the beginning of the meeting.

Grace grinned back at him and he winked.

Daisy cleared her throat. Can we get started here before I get sick?

We got a request for assistance with a case in Costa Rica, Logan chuckled.

I want it! Daisy called out.

Nope. It’s mine! Ethan said. pointing to himself. Me, Logan. I’m your man.

You got the last one! Daisy glared at Ethan before turning a look of pleading on her brother-in-law. It’s only fair that I get this one, Logan.

Lela looked around and noticed Shane and Logan looked amused while Grace looked patiently indulgent. Lela assumed she probably looked as confused as she felt.

Who said either of you would be going? Logan asked, holding his hands up to stop their arguing. It worked. The cousins both paused and then began looking between Jordan and Shane.

As I was saying, Logan continued pointedly. We’ve been asked to conduct an investigation on a case in Costa Rica. And, since my wife accused me of never taking her on a vacation, I thought we’d all go.

Grace turned an incredulous eye on her husband. I’m not sure this qualifies. I seem to remember asking why you never took me on vacation. And, I specifically remember pointing out that I never get to go anywhere unless we’re on a case. How is this different?

Shut up, Grace, before you ruin it for the rest of us, Daisy hissed at her sister. Grace rolled her eyes before returning her narrowed eyes back to her husband and fixing him with a hard stare.

It’s different because you don’t actually have to work this case. It’s a missing persons case. These guys, he said gesturing to all of them around the table, can interview persons of interest and handle things while we have a vacation.

Right, Grace said dragging the word out in a voice that sounded totally unconvinced.

Works for me, Ethan said quickly.

Me too, Daisy chimed in.

Doesn’t sound half bad, Shane added with a smile. When would we need to leave?

Lela glanced around the room totally befuddled. Did this mean he intended for all of them to go? If so, did they really expect her to just pack up and run off to Costa Rica?

We’re getting ahead of ourselves, Logan stated. First, let’s talk about the case. Then, you guys can run off to start packing.

Lela raised her hand.

Yes, Lela? Logan asked, looking amused.

So ...am I supposed to be part of this too? she asked skeptically.

Well, yes. We’d like you to come along as well, Logan said. It will make the interviewing go much quicker. Like I said, this is a missing persons case. The missing person is a normal, and we don’t have any indication of activity from any drainers or healers. So, these cases are usually pretty easy. We’re only being called in because we can likely find the person much faster than the regular authorities could. However, if you can’t make it, we would understand.

Of course, you can make it, Daisy insisted. I’ll be stuck with these guys if you don’t.

I don’t know, Lela mumbled. Going to Costa Rica did sound appealing, but it was so sudden. When would we be going and for how long?

Well, like I said, it’s a missing persons case, Logan repeated. So, time is of the essence. A resort owner I’m acquainted with in Guanacaste had an employee go missing. She didn’t show up for her shift Friday or today. Apparently, this is totally out of character for her, and he’s convinced something’s wrong. If he’s right, she’s already been gone for twenty-four hours. No one has seen or heard from her since she left work Thursday evening.

I’m guessing, another reason he called us is because the last thing he needs is his guests panicking and fearing that they’ll be abducted, Ethan interrupted.

True, Logan confirmed. He wants to keep this quiet and get it solved. As far as the timing goes, we’d need to leave tomorrow at the latest. I can only estimate the completion date. We hope to have it solved within a day or two, but you know how that goes.

Knowing the Alexanders as she did, they probably could solve it that quickly. They possessed skills and abilities that normal people didn’t, like speed, sight, strength, and hearing, just to name a few. According to the Alexanders, they were normal people. They were just people with added abilities. But normal people, or normals, as they called everyone else who didn’t have superior abilities, would likely not see them as regular people. Lela sure didn’t. And, that would be why they kept their abilities a closely guarded secret.

Come on, Lela, Daisy practically whined. This’ll be fun.

You think a missing persons case is fun? she frowned.

We’ll make it fun. I promise, Ethan grinned.

She was starting to be disturbed by how they all seemed to be taking this so lightly. Were they really using a possible abduction as a reason to take a semi vacation? If she hadn’t known the Alexanders for the last few months, she’d probably think they were pretty cold. For now, she was trying to reserve judgment and assume they were just a bit jaded from dealing with this type of thing all the time. She noticed Jordan hadn’t said a word so far. She stole a glance his way only to see him watching her.

Why don’t you continue with the details of the case and let Lela think about it, Grace suggested, saving her from having to answer right away.

There isn’t much to go on, Logan explained. That’s why we need to get there and get started gathering more information. Apparently, Laura Ramirez, a manager in the hospitality department, left with plans to meet her boyfriend who also works at the same resort. Only, the boyfriend claims they weren’t supposed to meet that night. No one has seen her since. She just seems to have vanished.

That isn’t much, Jordan agreed, finally speaking.

And, that’s why we need to get down there, Logan said.

Lela sighed in resignation. A girl could do worse than to take on an assignment in Costa Rica. She knew that the other members of the Alexander family and staff traveled all the time to work on assignments. Or, she assumed they did. They never told her about cases she wasn’t working on. Yet, when she was asked to join their team, the thought that she could be going out of the country never crossed her mind.

And, once we solve the case, we’ll have plenty of time to stay and enjoy Costa Rica, Daisy added.

That’s true, Logan confirmed. Pedro, the owner of the resort, has reserved rooms for us for as long as we need them. We’ll also be provided with all-inclusive packages so we don’t have to worry about food either. We’ll need to blend in with the other guests there as much as possible. So, any excursions we book will also be included. It’s a sweet deal, and it cuts Pedro’s cost as well to cover all of our expenses.

I’m in, Shane shrugged.

Good, Logan nodded. Grace and I are leaving tonight. Anyone that wants to catch the flight out with us tonight is welcome. Otherwise, you can leave tomorrow morning. Just let Maya know right away. She’s the one booking all the travel on this one.

Maya worked for the Alexanders, though Lela really didn’t know what her exact title or job was. From what she could tell, it appeared Maya, and another woman named Rene, did something administrative for the Alexanders. Returning her mind to the case, Lela wondered what she might be getting herself into. She’d worked only one other missing persons case, or rather a kidnapping case, with the Alexanders. Luckily, they’d successfully rescued the victim and returned him to his family. But, she knew they wouldn’t all end that way.

So, this girl could already be dead? she asked quietly.

That is a possibility, Logan answered gravely. We really don’t know what’s going on yet, or what we’ll find.

No one said anything for a moment as she gathered her thoughts and made her decision.

I’m in, she breathed.

Daisy let out a squeal of delight. We’re going to have so much fun. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit, maybe more than one.

We do have a case to solve, Daze, Lela chided.

I know. And, we will, Daisy grinned.

You didn’t get that excited about me going, Grace pointed out, frowning at her sister.

That’s because you usually spend all of your free time with Logan and the kids. Now, I’ll actually have someone to hang out with.

The kids will be staying here, Grace replied smugly. And, I definitely intend to have a vacation.

Everyone’s passports are up to date, right? Logan asked.

Everyone confirmed that their passports were valid.

Good. Is there anyone wanting to travel today? Logan inquired.

Everyone else confirmed that today was indeed when they wanted to travel. It was Saturday. Suddenly feeling like she didn’t want to be left out to travel alone, Lela figured she might as well go today so she could travel with everyone else.

Alright then, Logan stood. Maya will be contacting everyone with travel arrangement information.

With that, everyone scrambled off to go pack.

I know these guys seem eager to go on a trip, but they do care, Logan said, placing a hand on her shoulder to stop her as she headed for the door. It’s just that we deal with so much in our line of work, we have to look at the positive side as much as possible.

She nodded, knowing he was right, and then made her way out the door. Lela had barely gotten home and started packing when the phone rang.

Hi, Lela. It’s Maya.

Hey, Maya. I guess you’re calling to tell me how fast I should be packing? she teased.

You have time, Maya chuckled. Your flight doesn’t leave until six in the morning.

Oh, joy, she grumbled sarcastically. I just love getting up at zero dark thirty.

Yeah, I kind of figured that when Daisy fell out laughing when I told her I was calling you next. But, hey. At least you get to go to Costa Rica. I just get to make the reservations. I’d trade you any day. Logan says you’re a normal. But, I’ve never booked reservations for any other normal.

Maya’s last statement reminded Lela that she had no idea why the Alexanders would have her participating and tagging along on so many cases, especially if she was a normal. It was standard protocol that they didn’t divulge anyone’s abilities unless necessary, and no one ever asked. Drainers, like Logan and Jordan, could literally drain the life force of living things. Healers like Grace, Daisy, Ethan, and Shane could heal any living thing to some degree. So, with that knowledge, there wasn’t much reason to wonder about other drainers or healers. How they could help on a case would be clear. But, Lela was neither.

Trust me, I’m a normal. Half the time I have no idea why I’m tagging along, she assured Maya feeling a bit uneasy. She liked Maya. She couldn’t say they were friends, but she couldn’t say they weren’t either. She’d joined Daisy and Lela sometimes when they’d had girl’s night out. And, she actually did trust her. Still, she didn’t feel comfortable telling Maya why the Alexanders felt the need for her help. She knew Maya hadn’t been digging for information with her comment. But, that was a secret that no one in her own family even knew besides her brother, Blake.

Maya just laughed and let her know that someone would be arriving to pick her up at 4:30 am to take her to the airport.

Four-thirty! Lela practically yelled into the phone. Don’t these Alexanders know I’m not a morning person? I’d better go to bed now if I’m going to get any sleep.

Like I said, I’d trade you anytime, Maya teased good naturedly. They hung up and Lela resumed her packing, vowing to just relax for the rest of the day. It was hard for her to sleep during the day, so naps didn’t happen very often. Still, she could use the time to just unwind and relax. She hadn’t had much time off the last few weeks.

Chapter 2

Jordan was ringing Lela’s doorbell promptly at 4:29 am. He thought he could hear movement inside, and the