Heart of the Storm Read online

  Heart of the Storm

  Synopsis

  Juliet Mitchell is doing just fine. Her career with the Shell Creek Police Department is on track, her son, Declan, is amazing, and for the first time in a long time, life is simple, if unremarkable. Until a dead body is found outside the Shell Creek Library.

  Sienna Bennett doesn’t know how she ended up here. She’s overwhelmed as a big city victim advocate, her soon-to-be-ex-husband is living in their pool house, and she feels like her stepson, Declan, blames her for the state of their family. She needs something else to focus on.

  Juliet and Sienna might share a history with Declan’s dad, but they’re nothing more than friendly acquaintances. When they’re thrown together in the midst of the biggest investigation Shell Creek has ever seen, neither anticipates a forbidden attraction. It definitely isn’t worth upending the life they’ve worked so hard for. Is it?

  What Reviewers Say About Nicole Stiling’s Work

  In the Shadow of Darkness

  “I really liked this story because it concentrated on the relationship between two women. You get enough of the vampire lore to establish Angeline, and then you’re thrust into this mysterious, intriguing and beautiful story of two people wanting love. This is a must read for anyone who’s into supernatural romances and anyone looking for an unconventional love story between two lovely women.”—Lesbian Review

  Secrets in a Small Town

  “This was a good story. The mystery of who the stalker was along with the developing relationship between Savannah and Micki had me reading that I didn’t realize the end was upon me until I saw ‘Epilogue.’ If you’re looking for a good mystery with a heavy dose of sexual tension, then this one will definitely keep you on the edge of your seats in more ways than one.”—Lesbian Review

  “I really enjoyed this book. The chemistry between Savannah and Micki is believable and the conclusion is sweet.”—poetryandreview

  “The romance was an enemies to lovers one, and I liked how the characters themselves were surprised by it, how fast and how easily it happened. I’m always amazed at the quality of some debut novels…and [I] look forward to the author’s next one.”—Jude in the Stars

  Heart of the Storm

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  Heart of the Storm

  © 2020 By Nicole Stiling. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-63555-790-9

  This Electronic Original Is Published By

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, NY 12185

  First Edition: December 2020

  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

  Editors: Victoria Villaseñor and Cindy Cresap

  Production Design: Susan Ramundo

  Cover Design by Tammy Seidick

  eBook Design by Toni Whitaker

  By the Author

  Secrets in a Small Town

  In the Shadow of Darkness

  Heart of the Storm

  Acknowledgments

  Many thanks to everyone behind the scenes at BSB. I’m so lucky to be a part of this wonderful and supportive family.

  To my editor, Victoria—as always, I’m so grateful for your tightening and sharpening and your constant reminders that an em dash and a hyphen are NOT interchangeable.

  My wife, my kids, my parents, and everyone else who has helped me slog through the procrastination—I love you all and couldn’t do this without you. Thank you.

  Dedication

  For Uncle Ronnie, a wonderful man and my favorite lieutenant. Always loved, always missed.

  Chapter One

  “You know this is embarrassing, right?”

  Juliet Mitchell ignored her son and pulled her SUV into the driveway of his father’s sprawling modern farmhouse. She slapped the brim of his baseball cap down over his eyes.

  “Listen, Declan. You are my only son, and if I want to sob while dropping you off to go to this godforsaken baseball camp, then I will do it. You can’t stop me. Come on, let’s go get your dad.”

  Declan grumbled but followed Juliet up the stone walk toward the front door. Will Bennett opened the door with an apologetic smile. Juliet gave him a once-over and frowned at the suit and tie he was wearing.

  “I didn’t realize this was a formal occasion.” She rested her hand on her hip.

  “It was totally last minute, I swear,” Will said, running his hand through his hair. His graying temples only added to his stereotypical distinguished businessman persona. “It’s for a big client, and I can’t miss this meeting. I know it’s Saturday, but this was the only day they had available. Dec, will you be upset if I don’t go with you guys?”

  Declan shrugged. “Not really. I could have just grabbed a ride with Josh and the other guys. Mom’s the one turning this into a Hallmark movie.”

  Juliet glared at Declan, wondering how she’d made it fifteen years without strangling him. “I thought it would be nice for both of your parents to see you off. Next time I’ll call you a cab and blow you a kiss from the living room.” She turned to Will. “You could have called me to let me know.”

  “I still wanted to say good-bye in person. Hey, why doesn’t Sienna go with you? That way you don’t have to make the drive back alone,” Will said, seemingly proud of his suggestion.

  Sienna walked into the foyer, her eyes wide as saucers. “What was that?” she asked.

  “Will, I’m sure Sienna has better things to do than sit in a car with me and Dec for the next three hours. It’s fine, really.” Juliet didn’t want Sienna to think she didn’t want her to tag along, but what the hell would they talk about once they dropped Declan off? Sienna was nice enough and they got along fine, but they hadn’t shared more than fifteen minutes of conversation in the nine or so years she’d known her.

  “No, really. Juliet, I know you hate to drive alone, and Sienna was just saying that she didn’t feel like hanging around the house today. You guys will have a blast.”

  Juliet watched Will’s gleefully happy expression fall as both she and Sienna stared at him with uncomfortable, frozen smiles.

  Sienna broke the silence. “Okay, then. I’ll go get my bag.” She walked out of the room slowly, casting one last disdainful look at Will.

  When she was safely out of sight, Juliet slapped Will on the arm. “In what world would you think this is a good idea? I suck at small talk, you know that. I would have been fine by myself!” Juliet whispered harshly.

  “I just thought it would solve everything. You’re pissed that I can’t go with you, she’s probably pissed that I have to go into work again, and Declan is pissed at the world. It’s a win-win. Besides, with everything going on between us, I thought Sienna could use a friend.” Will shrugged.

  “And you really think I’m the best person for that job? Are we supposed to commiserate about you being an asshole?”

  “Okay, that’s a little harsh. I’m trying, I really am. You know I don’t want my marriage to fail. But being separated isn’t helping that.”

  Juliet looked down. Maybe she had been a little too severe. She knew firsthand that Will wasn’t a bad guy, just
a little self-centered. “You’re right, I’m sorry. I know you’re going through a rough patch right now.”

  “Rough patch. Right.”

  “Are we ready to go?” Sienna asked, a small backpack slung over her shoulder. “Where’s Declan?”

  “I think he’s in the kitchen raiding the fridge. No surprise,” Will said.

  “Dec! Time to go,” Juliet yelled. She smiled at Sienna. If she was uncomfortable with the idea of being stuck in a car for the foreseeable future with Will’s estranged wife, she could only imagine how Sienna must feel.

  Will shot Juliet a grateful look and wrapped Declan up in a bear hug. Even though he was fifteen, it was his first full week away from home. Juliet fought the urge to join in.

  Pushing the unlock button on her key fob, Juliet ushered everyone out to the driveway. She watched as Sienna slid into the passenger seat, her perfectly coiffed hair bouncing softly on her shoulders. The July humidity obviously had no effect on her. One thing was certain—Juliet had no problem seeing why Will had been attracted to her. She dripped with feminine sensuality, from the tips of her dark mahogany hair to the red toenails that peeked out of her wedged sandals. Juliet looked down at her worn sneakers and felt like a clod next to her.

  “Everything okay?” Sienna asked.

  Juliet blushed, obviously caught staring at her. “Yeah, sorry. I was just calculating the route in my head and sort of spaced out.” Lies.

  “Come on, Mom, I don’t want to be late. If I’m the last one to get there, I’ll get stuck with a shitty roommate,” Declan complained.

  “Language!” Juliet said, adjusting her rearview mirror.

  “Sorry, a shitty bunkmate.”

  Juliet couldn’t help but smile as Sienna stifled a laugh.

  “Funny guy. Just keep your mouth shut until we cross into New Hampshire, okay?”

  The ride was easier than she’d imagined. Sienna and Declan talked about Boston sports, something that Juliet watched from time to time, but wasn’t nearly as interested in it as the two of them were. They listened to nineties music while Declan mocked Sienna and Juliet for singing along. By the time they crossed the Eaton town line, Juliet realized she’d actually been enjoying herself.

  “There it is.” Declan pointed out his window. Up ahead was a huge banner hanging from two telephone poles welcoming baseball players from all over New England. Juliet couldn’t remember her broody teenager sounding as excited as he did at that moment in a very long time. It did her heart good.

  “Okay, baby boy, this is it. I won’t see you until next Saturday. Text me every hour so I know you’re okay,” Juliet said, meeting him at the back of her vehicle. She promised herself she wouldn’t cry, but her eyes filled just the same.

  “I’ll text you once a day before I go to sleep, okay? Any more than that and they’ll call me a mama’s boy.” Declan hefted his equipment out of the back and swung it onto his shoulder.

  “If the shoe fits…” Juliet shrugged.

  “Stop. Love you, Mom. I’ll see you next week.”

  Juliet smiled and grabbed Declan’s face. It was like looking in a mirror. They shared the same light blond hair, the same hazel eyes, the same lopsided smile that had manipulated more than a few people over the years. “Love you, honey. Be good. Have fun.”

  Sienna stood next to him with her hands in her pockets. When he turned to her, she opened her arms. “Have a wonderful time, Dec. I’ll make sure your dad doesn’t raid your ‘secret’ stash in the kitchen cupboard.”

  Declan hugged her tightly. “Thanks, Sienna. Thanks for coming along for the ride. Dad’s always so busy.”

  She gave him a sad smile. “Yeah, he is. Now go, before they label you a stepmama’s boy at the same time.”

  Declan smiled and turned toward the front gate. “See you guys in a week!”

  Juliet chewed her lip and looked at Sienna. “Do you think we should go with him? Make sure he gets settled in okay?”

  Sienna laughed lightly and put her hand on Juliet’s shoulder. “Definitely not. He’d be mortified if we walked him in like it was his first day of kindergarten.”

  “You’re right, you’re right. Okay, we should just go. Otherwise I’m going to start blubbering and no one wants that.” Juliet took a deep breath and got behind the steering wheel once again.

  “He’s a good boy,” Sienna said thoughtfully, while buckling her seat belt. “I know he can be a smart-ass, but you and Will have done an amazing job with him.”

  “Thank you,” Juliet said. “And so have you. It took Will and me a while to find our stride after Declan was born, but we really made it work. Declan is lucky, Will’s a great dad. I’m lucky too. This could have gone a whole lot differently if Will wasn’t the kind of guy that he is.”

  Sienna sat quietly. “He never really talked about it much. When I asked him in the past, he’d just say that the two of you had a fling in college and ended up with a baby.”

  Juliet nodded. “Well, that’s the gist of it. I knew I was into women, but I guess I just wanted to be really sure before I closed that chapter of the book of my life entirely. Turns out I was really sure.” Juliet shrugged.

  “What made you…” Sienna trailed off.

  “Decide to keep the baby? Will and I had already split up by the time I found out I was pregnant. We decided that we made better friends, since I was actually a lesbian and all,” Juliet said, smiling. “I don’t know, really. When my pregnancy test came back positive, all of a sudden I wanted nothing more than the baby growing inside me. I called Will and told him. I also told him he had no responsibility toward me or the baby, but I felt he should know. He was quiet for a minute, and then asked me if we could raise a baby together without being together. I told him I didn’t know, but we could sure try. And here we are, fifteen years later.”

  “That’s amazing, really. That you two have been able to maintain an amicable co-parenting relationship after all these years.” Sienna looked down at her folded hands.

  “It hasn’t always been easy, believe me. We’ve fought hundreds of times over the years, and I’m sure you’ve heard about them. But we always try to focus on what’s best for Declan. And that’s the thing that got us through.”

  Juliet stole a quick glance at Sienna before turning her eyes back to the road. She looked sad, but Juliet was hesitant to bring up the elephant in the room. Will had given her the crib notes version of what was going on between them, but she wasn’t sure if Sienna knew that she knew.

  “I assume you know?” Sienna asked.

  Well, that was that. Juliet sighed.

  “Very little.”

  Sienna nodded and looked out her window. “I don’t think Declan knows. Not yet, anyway. But he will when he returns home.”

  Juliet swallowed. She wasn’t sure how much she should engage in the conversation. But Sienna was opening up to her, so Juliet didn’t want her to think she wasn’t interested or didn’t care. Besides, Will said she might need a friend.

  “Why, are you planning on having a sit-down with him? Has it gotten that serious?”

  “Will has been slowly moving some of his things out to the pool house. I—we—think it would be best if we spent some time apart to, you know, look at things with a clear head,” Sienna said.

  Juliet hadn’t realized it was that strained between them. Will had told her that they were having problems, that the communication wasn’t there, that they weren’t seeing eye to eye on very much at all. He hadn’t given her a whole lot of information, but she’d gotten the feeling that he didn’t necessarily see it as all that bad. Juliet had assumed that they would work it out.

  “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.” Juliet felt the urge to reach over and squeeze Sienna’s hand but decided against it. She didn’t know her very well, and the thick silence that hung over them was uncomfortable enough. Though she’d known Sienna for nearly a decade, their interactions had mostly been limited to pleasantries and cheering on Declan at his baseball games.

/>   Sienna cleared her throat suddenly. “Enough of that. Will mentioned that you’re a fan of horror movies?”

  “Yes! I just wish I had someone to enjoy them with. Dec thinks they’re corny, Will thinks they’re stupid, and my friend Celeste thinks they’re too scary. So, I’m usually on my own.” Juliet was glad Sienna had changed the subject. She didn’t want her to be miserable for the rest of the car ride home.

  “I’m actually a huge fan too. I can remember sneaking in to the third Nightmare on Elm Street when I was ten or eleven. Scared me to death.” Sienna smiled, casting a side glance at Juliet. “Been a fan ever since.”

  “Come on! That one is actually my favorite of the whole series.”

  By the time Juliet pulled her SUV into Sienna’s driveway, they’d discussed everything from slasher films to psychological horror to post-apocalyptic sci-fi. After spending that amount of time together, Juliet could officially say that she liked Sienna. She’d only wished that she hadn’t waited to realize it until Sienna and Will were on the precipice of splitting up.

  “Hey, Sienna,” Juliet said as she opened the passenger door. “Thank you for coming with me. This would have been pretty boring without you.”

  “Oh, you’re welcome. I’m glad I came. It was really nice getting to know you better.” Sienna leaned in, surprising Juliet with an awkward hug. Juliet returned it and gave her shoulder a quick squeeze. She smelled like a heady combination of vanilla and jasmine.

  “Please don’t say anything to Will about…” Sienna motioned to herself. “You know. I don’t want him to think I’m gossiping about it.”

  “No, no, of course not.” Juliet shook her head vigorously.

  “Thank you,” Sienna said. She smiled brightly at Juliet before shutting the car door and walking up the pathway toward the house. She gave a final wave as she closed the front door behind her.