When in doubt, p.1
When in Doubt, page 1
When In Doubt
Synopsis
Jeri Wylder is a dedicated police officer doing her job, paying her way, and looking for Ms. Right, until a call at a drug house goes terribly wrong. She’s suspected of a crime she didn’t commit and is forced to do two things that go against her beliefs: see a therapist and prove a fellow officer is corrupt.
Simone Sullivan is trying to save her historical apartment complex and its occupants from redevelopment, but someone wants to see the building destroyed. When Jeri arrives on her doorstep after a vandalism incident, Simone’s life takes a turn that challenges her personally and professionally.
Simone is the woman Jeri has been waiting for her entire life. Love would be a lot simpler if the threat of arrest wasn’t hanging over her head. But when the perpetrator sets their sights on Simone, Jeri will risk everything to save her.
What Reviewers Say About VK Powell’s Work
Line of Duty
“Ms. Powell is an expert at writing police procedurals, and with this book, she also shows us just how talented she is at combining that with a lovely romance.”—Rainbow Reflections
“I love a sexy butch cop, and Finley Masters was everything I needed. Not only was she damn hot, but she was a tormented soul, and that, my dear friends, just made her even sexier.”—Les Rêveur
“I find myself wanting to reread the book, because the path each character takes is unique. The series of moments where their beliefs are tested and transformed are both big and small. I loved the pacing and I enjoyed that nothing ever felt like filler. …I like to think of reading a story as entrusting yourself to the pilot of an airplane. You’re in highly capable and talented hands here. I am already looking up other VK Powell books to buy.”—Lesbian Review
Second in Command
“I love the family at the centre of the Fairview Station series, and their various careers in and around law enforcement and other public service professions. …I greatly enjoyed the scenes involving the whole Carlyle family and was cheered to see various of the more peripheral members find their own place in the scheme of things.”—The Good, the Bad and the Unread
“I enjoyed the storyline and felt like the plot twisted more than once and made turning the page more exciting. The secondary characters in this book (and Captain’s Choice) were excellent, and I thoroughly enjoyed every time the Carlyle family get around the dinner table.”—Les Rêveur
Incognito
“[F]ast paced, action packed and keeps you glued to the page.”—Lesbian Reading Room
“Incognito by V.K. Powell is the kind of intrigue/thriller novel that I enjoy. …If you enjoy a good mystery with interesting characters and a bit of romance, then try this book.”—Rainbow Reflections
“Well written main characters with plenty of chemistry. A good supporting cast as well that provide some good laughs and emotional feels. A fun read with enough action and romance to keep you interested.”—Kat Adams, Bookseller (QBD Books, Australia)
“The strongest part of the book was the interplay between leads. …Both women learned to keep people at arms’ length, Frankie with her abilities to become almost anyone, and Evan with her almost obsessive need for rules and order. They clash, because Frankie’s often mischievous behavior is so out of what Evan thinks she needs. But they are attracted to each other, and it does blow up their world view a bit.”—Colleen Corgel, Librarian, Queens Borough Public Library
“If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced romantic intrigue novel with action, romance and humour, this might be one for you.”—C-Spot Reviews
“[T]his book is exciting and fast-paced and the chemistry between the two main characters is great.”—Jude in the Stars
Take Your Time
“The last book in the Pine Cone Romance series was excellent, and I reckon VK Powell wrote the perfect book to round up the series. …If these are the sex scenes VK Powell can write, then I have been missing out and I will definitely be checking out more because WOW! All in all… Fantastic! 5 stars”—Les Rêveur
Captain’s Choice
“VK Powell is the mistress of police romances and this one is another classic ‘will she won’t she’ story of lost loves reunited by chance. Well written, lots of great sex and excellent sexual tension, great character building and use of the setting, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read.”—Lesbian Reading Room
Deception
“In Deception VK Powell takes some difficult social issues and portrays them with intelligence and empathy. …Well-written, enjoyable storyline, excellent use of location to add colour to the background, and extremely well drawn characters. VK Powell has created a great sense of life on the streets in an excellent crime/mystery with a turbulent but charming romance.”—Lesbian Reading Room
Side Effects
“[A] touching contemporary tale of two wounded souls hoping to find lasting love and redemption together. …Powell ably plots a plausible and suspenseful story, leading readers to fall in love with the characters she’s created.”—Publishers Weekly
About Face
“Powell excels at depicting complex, emotionally vulnerable characters who connect in a believable fashion and enjoy some genuinely hot erotic moments.”—Publishers Weekly
Exit Wounds
“Powell’s prose is no-nonsense and all business. It gets in and gets the job done, a few well-placed phrases sparkling in your memory and some trenchant observations about life in general and a cop’s life in particular sticking to your psyche long after they’ve gone. After five books, Powell knows what her audience wants, and she delivers those goods with solid assurance. But be careful you don’t get hooked. You only get six hits, then the supply’s gone, and you’ll be jonesin’ for the next installment. It never pays to be at the mercy of a cop.”—Out in Print
“Fascinating and complicated characters materialize, morph, and sometimes disappear testing the passionate yet nascent love of the book’s focal pair. I was so totally glued to and amazed by the intricate layers that continued to materialize like an active volcano…dangerous and deadly until the last mystery is revealed. This book goes into my super special category. Please don’t miss it.”—Rainbow Book Reviews
Justifiable Risk
“This story takes some unusual twists and at one point, I was convinced that I knew ‘who did it’ only to find out that I was wrong. VK Powell knows crime drama, she kept me guessing until the end, and I was not disappointed at the outcome. And that’s not to slight VK Powell’s knack for romance. …Readers who appreciate mysteries with a touch of drama and intense erotic moments will enjoy Justifiable Risk.”—Queer Magazine
“Justifiable Risk is an exciting, seat of your pants read. It also has some very hot sex scenes. Powell really shines, however, in showing the inner growth of Greer and Eva as they each deal with their personal issues. This is a very strong, multifaceted book.”—Just About Write
Fever
“VK Powell has given her fans an exciting read. The plot of Fever is filled with twists, turns, and ‘seat of your pants’ danger. …Fever gives readers both great characters and erotic scenes along with insight into life in the African bush.”—Just About Write
Suspect Passions
“From the first chapter of Suspect Passions Powell builds erotic scenes which sear the page. She definitely takes her readers for a walk on the wild side! Her characters, however, are also women we care about. They are bright, witty, and strong. The combination of great sex and great characters make Suspect Passions a must read.”—Just About Write
To Protect and Serve
“If you like cop novels, or even television cop shows with women as full partners with male officers…this is the book for you. It’s got drama, excitement, conflict, and even some fairly hot lesbian sex. The writer is a retired cop, so she really writes from a place of authenticity. As a result, you have a realistic quality to the writing that puts me in mind of early Joseph Wambaugh.”—Teresa DeCrescenzo, Lesbian News
“To Protect and Serve drew me in from the very first page with characters that captivated in their complexity. Powell writes with authority using the lingo and capturing the thoughts of the law enforcers who make the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against crime. What’s more impressive is the command this debut author has of portraying a full gamut of emotion, from angst to elation, through dialogue and narrative. The images are vivid, the action is believable, and the police procedurals are authentic. …VK Powell had me invested in the story of these women, heart, mind, body and soul. Along with danger and tension, Powell’s well-developed erotic scenes sizzle and sate.”—Story Circle Book Reviews
By the Author
To Protect and Serve
Suspect Passions
Fever
Justifiable Risk
Haunting Whispers
Exit Wounds
About Face
Side Effects
Deception
Lone Ranger
Take Your Time
Incognito
When in Doubt
Fairview Station Series
Captain’s Choice
Second in Command
Line of Duty
When In Doubt
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http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com
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© 2021 By VK Powell. All Rights Reserved.
ISBN 13: 978-1-63555-956-9
This Electronic Original Is Published By
Bold Strokes Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 249
Valley Falls, NY 12185
First Edition: June 2021
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.
Credits
Editor: Cindy Cresap
Production Design: Susan Ramundo
Cover Design by Tammy Seidick
eBook Design by Toni Whitaker
Acknowledgments
First, to Len Barot, Sandy Lowe, and all the talented and insightful folks at Bold Strokes Books, thank you for allowing me to transform my law enforcement experiences into stories of survival, the struggle to balance love and livelihood, and the fight between good and evil. I am grateful for the opportunity and for the guidance you continually provide on each project.
Cindy Cresap, many thanks for your time and attention on this manuscript. Your perspective and insights were invaluable. The steady doses of humor didn’t hurt either. Hopefully, I learn something new with each book.
To my beta readers—D. Jackson Leigh and Jenny Harmon—you guys are the best. This book is better for your efforts, and I am truly grateful.
And last, but never least, to all the readers who support and encourage my writing, thank you for buying my books, sending emails, and giving shout-outs on social media. Let’s keep doing this.
Chapter One
Jeri Wylder strapped the equipment-heavy gun belt to her waist and glanced around her ranch-style house, wondering when it would truly feel like home again. After reclaiming the family residence, she’d expanded the living, kitchen, and dining rooms into an open-plan space with a more modern feel, but renovation couldn’t fix everything. Now, silence echoed off the walls. The friendly banter over breakfast, sharing highlights of her day with her parents while making dinner, and creating a bedtime jingle with them before sleep were only memories.
The first few years back, she’d tried to fill the void by burning through every online dating site and friend referral for the right woman to share her home and possibly even start a family, but no one felt quite right. No one excited her physically, made her need and feel needed, and grounded her after a day of negotiating domestic disputes and chasing criminals. Megan, her current flavor of the month, wouldn’t be happy with that thought. She breathed a sigh of frustration mingled with loneliness and headed toward her car in the driveway.
A tiny yelp drew her attention to her neighbor’s front porch and an energetic wire-haired terrier. “Toto, what are you doing outside at dinnertime, boy? Did Mrs. Doyle forget you again, or were you chasing some bitch around the neighborhood?” She patted him and received a vigorous shake of his tail. She could’ve sworn he grinned at her. “I’m guessing the latter. Let’s get you inside before your mom panics.” Mrs. Doyle had become a surrogate grandmother when Jeri moved back, and they spent hours sharing stories and dissecting the problems of the world. Often when Jeri came home at night, she’d find leftovers on her front porch from Mrs. Doyle’s latest cooking binge—steak and Guinness pie, Irish stew, or scones.
She found her neighbor’s key on her ring next to a four-leaf clover Mrs. Doyle had given her, eased the front door open, and scooted Toto inside. “Good boy.” She’d normally stay and chat, but when they started talking, it led to rounds of sherry or Jameson’s and stories about Ireland, and Jeri couldn’t be late for work. On the way, she thought about her lovely elderly neighbor and her scrappy little dog. She’d asked Mrs. Doyle once why she named him Toto. Her answer still made Jeri smile.
“Think about it, girl. A story about a quest to the Emerald City, which had to be an Irish pub. And the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, no doubt ossified punters, who saw Munchkins, witches, flying monkeys, and different-colored horses. I just imagine me boy Toto doing the same on his nightly prowls.”
“I do love the Irish,” Jeri said as she parked and sprinted to lineup.
Her zone partner, Randy Mardis, and his best friend, Carl, held court at the back of the room near the bulletin board filled with wanted posters, and the rest of the squad huddled around. Carl was telling a story and suddenly whipped his ASP from the holder, flicked the expandable baton open, and simulated sword fighting. He was a testosterone-fueled asshole who’d probably wet himself at the first sign of real trouble or shoot first and ask questions later—exactly the kind of person the department didn’t need. A few of the guys laughed at his antics, most didn’t. The sergeant waved for quiet as he entered, putting an end to the hijinks.
Randy joined her at their usual table near the front, and she nudged him with her elbow. “Your boyfriend is on a roll today. I swear you two could be brothers. Hell, you even dress alike.” She pointed to the sleek Italian leather gloves he and Carl wore on duty every day, summer and winter. “Should I be jealous of this bromance?”
“Fuck off, Wylder. You know we grew up together in NoHo.”
She’d heard his story of two inner-city kids from Weehawken, New Jersey, a town parallel to Midtown Manhattan and separated by the Hudson River, who fought their way through school and drug wars together. “Yeah, but still, if you’d prefer him as a zone partner, I’d be okay with it.”
He shook his head. “I’m good.”
After the daily briefing and zone assignments, Sergeant Bruce waved his officers out of the room. “Okay, studs, get out there and police the city. And don’t get into any shit I’ll have to write up tonight. I’m not in the mood.”
Jeri pocketed her notepad and followed Randy toward the patrol car lot. He lumbered side to side as if his bulky muscles overburdened his frame. She loved working with him because his size alone deterred most suspects, and he was always good for a laugh, but tonight he seemed unusually reserved—no snarky comebacks to the sergeant and not even a joke about the scraggly ginger fuzz Carl was trying to coax into a respectable beard. “You all right, partner?”
He clicked the lock of the patrol car and popped open the trunk and doors. “I guess.”
She leaned against the car and studied his eyes that were usually alive with mischief. Tonight, they were flat and vacant. “Your mom?”
He nodded. “Things aren’t looking good.” He searched the back seat of the patrol car and trunk before stepping closer. “I wouldn’t mind checking on her before it gets too busy. She was having a lot of trouble breathing when I left.”
“Do it. I’ll cover the calls. Just shoot me a text when you’re clear.”
“Thanks, partner,” Randy said. He slid the driver’s seat of his patrol car back, climbed awkwardly inside, and then waited while she checked her vehicle, loaded her equipment, and got in before he stuck his hand out the window and counted down. “In three, two, one.” They blasted one quick warbling yelp of their sirens at the same time. The daily ritual was a parting nod and, they both agreed, brought luck.
Jeri grabbed the mike. “Car Eleven-thirteen, ten-forty-one. Badge One-five-two.” Checking on duty gave her a rush every time, and she held her breath, waiting for that first call.
“Ten-four, Car Eleven-thirteen.” The telecommunicator acknowledged but nothing immediately followed.
“O—kay,” Jeri breathed. Maybe Randy would have time to check on his mom and get back to their area before the calls started. She rolled her window down and inhaled the cold night air, loving the chilly tingle in her nostrils and down her throat. Unless it was pouring rain, her window was always open. She needed to see, smell, and hear her surroundings. Cocooning herself in a patrol car like some officers denied her senses and felt like a liability.
She cruised her zone—the central business district and outward past the University of North Carolina Greensboro—checked the hotspots and waved to shopkeepers who stayed open for the first Friday celebrations of each month to catch the crowds. The CBD swelled during office hours with suited businesspeople but spewed them out at five o’clock in favor of trendy college-aged kids and a different level of vitality.
