Bound By Blood Read online

  Bound By Blood

  The Dresden Island Series

  Book 1 of 4

  by Clara Lewis

  Copyright © 2021 Clara Lewis – All rights Reserved

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of the trademarks is not authorized, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  STAY UPDATED AND FREE BOOK

  Thank you so much for purchasing my book! Each week I send my readers crimes committed all around the world. I will notify you on any new releases, giveaways, contests, cover reveals and so much more.

  If you are interested to join my weekly newsletter, please click here and it will ask you for your email address. You also get a FREE BOOK whenever you sign up. You may reach me at my email: [email protected].

  Description

  Olivia Hudson is called back to her childhood home on the tiny island of Dresden at the request of a mysterious employer. However, Dresden holds only bad memories and Olivia wants nothing to do with the island, and even more so, its residents.

  As a former FBI agent, Olivia has seen much worse cases. This case means nothing to her and she could easily refuse it. Yet the description of a young woman found dead on the estate of the wealthiest family in town has led her to an unfortunate possibility. The body could belong to Poppy, Olivia’s twin sister, who had gone missing years ago when they were teenagers.

  With the help of a former friend, Sheriff Jordan Peters, Olivia must unravel the clues and find the person responsible for the crime, all the while searching for her missing sister.

  Employed by a powerful, secretive family and fueled by personal feelings, Olivia must remain alert to stay on top of this complex case that leaves her with more questions than answers. Will Olivia finally find the peace she has been yearning for all these years, or will she stumble upon a sinister motive surrounding the island?

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 1

  “Hey, take a look at this.”

  Olivia Hudson lifted her head from her arms and winced as a fresh wave of pain descended on her temples. She groaned and reached her hand out to accept the heavy envelope proffered by her cousin and business partner, Marion.

  With closed eyes, Olivia rubbed her fingers against the stationery. Heavy and textured, the envelope certainly felt expensive. Intrigued, she brought the envelope to her nose and sniffed.

  A familiar scent filled her nostrils causing her to suddenly sit up, ignoring the pain that settled over her left eye. Now, looking at the envelope, Olivia saw just how expensive it was. An actual coat of arms was embossed on the corner.

  She turned to look at Marion and gave the envelope back.

  “Throw it away,” Olivia said hoarsely and fell back on her arms.

  However, Marion didn’t move. She simply stayed where she was and placed the envelope right under Olivia’s arms.

  “I wouldn’t have given you this if I didn’t think it was important. Open the letter, Olivia.” Marion insisted.

  Olivia lifted her head to glare at Marion. She snatched the envelope off the table and tore it open.

  The letter wasn’t very long. It got straight to the point. A body had been found on the estate of a wealthy family and they needed Olivia to investigate the matter discreetly. Olivia had seen enough cases that were like this one that it should have been easy. Except it wasn’t.

  First, she would have to go back to Dresden. Olivia shuddered at the thought. Second, she would have to work for the Barlowes.

  She wanted nothing to do with that place and least of all, that family. She could just refuse; she owed them nothing.

  After what seemed like ages, Olivia put the letter down and sighed deeply.

  “Of all the families,” she whispered with a bitter laugh.

  “Are you going to accept it?”

  Marion sat on the chair across from Olivia and reached out to touch her arm. It was a mild comfort and Olivia was grateful for the contact.

  “I really don’t want to.”

  “You can refuse, Olivia,” said Marion.

  Olivia’s hands shook as she put the letter down.

  “What if it’s Poppy?”

  “Oh,” Marion whispered. She stiffened and her hands dropped to her lap.

  “The victim was female, Marion. They don’t have enough information yet, and their letter was vague about the details.”

  And there it was. A possibility for Olivia and Marion to finally find peace in one way or another. If the body was Poppy’s, then, as heartbreaking as that might be, it would be a step closer to justice.

  Just the thought of Poppy being dead was painful and Olivia felt terrible for even thinking about it. It had been years though. At some point, Olivia had to think of each possibility, and unfortunately this was one of them. If Poppy were still alive, she would’ve definitely come back to Olivia.

  Olivia played with the envelope, deep in thought while Marion stared at the table. The silence was deafening. Both knew what it meant for Olivia to return to Dresden. It would mean facing the unresolved past and the family they believed to be responsible for it.

  Another piece of paper smaller than the letter fell out of the envelope. Marion picked it up and read it, her eyes growing wide as she grabbed on to the sleeve of Olivia’s jacket.

  “Look," she said.

  Olivia grabbed the piece of paper. It was a cheque containing an amount that could cover the costs of a few cases in succession.

  Olivia laughed. “This is so like them.”

  She then stood abruptly, causing the chair to skid across the floor.

  “I’m going home to pack. I’ll take the case.”

  Marion grabbed her wrist. “Should I come with you?”

  Olivia shook her head no and walked out. This was something she had to do on her own.

  Chapter 2

  Olivia breathed into her hands, willing them to warm up. After checking her watch, she let out an annoyed groan. She was supposed to have been in Dresden by now.

  Just how much longer should she have to wait for the boat? She had forgotten how cold this side of the country was. Her coat was too thin.

  Were her employers particular about the time? She couldn’t remember and it slightly worried her. She hated them, but she had to retain a semblance of professionalism. Some small part of her wanted to show them how much she had changed.

  Olivia dug in her bag for her phone. With frozen fingers, she struggled to dial Marion’s number. Olivia had left her cousin to deal with the clients at the office. Marion hated being confined there and preferred to be out in the field, doing the investigating herself. However, with Olivia gone, there was no one else to take care of the office and keep things in order.

  After a few rings, Marion picked up.

  “Did you get there safe?” Marion asked.

  “Only halfway,” Olivia replied. “I
’m still waiting for the boat to take me to the island. It’s freezing. How’s the office?”

  Marion sensed Olivia’s anxiety and indicated for her next client to keep waiting.

  “I hate it here, it’s stuffy. Let’s hire someone for the office when you get back, okay?”

  Out of the corner of her eye, Olivia saw a small fishing boat making its way through the water. Unsure if it was the boat she was supposed to get on, Olivia ignored it.

  “Sure, I actually compiled a list of candidates,” Olivia laughed.

  The boat came to a complete stop in front of Olivia. She stepped aside to make way for the boat’s driver as he set foot on the pier. He sat on a nearby bench and scrolled through his phone.

  Olivia continued her conversation with Marion.

  “I can’t wait to be back in the sun,” she complained. “I’m terribly underdressed for the weather. Thanks for picking up Marion—I’ll see you soon.”

  With her phone call over, Olivia felt less anxious. She took a deep breath and faced the lake. A part of her wished the body discovered wasn’t Poppy, but another part of her wanted Poppy found. This was all giving her a headache.

  “Ms. Hudson?”

  Olivia turned around and faced the man seated on the bench earlier. He held his hand out and Olivia shook it. It was warm.

  “I take it you’re taking me to Dresden?”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  Olivia cringed.

  “Please just call me Olivia," she said.

  If Olivia thought that the weather was cold enough already, she wasn’t prepared for the wind and the water that splashed onto the boat. She shivered involuntarily.

  “Look into the compartment on my left; there’s a jacket there you can wear.”

  Olivia nodded and lifted a thick jacket from the compartment. The jacket felt like a warm hug and she was utterly grateful to the man steering the boat.

  “Thank you. I didn’t get your name, sorry, I had a lot on my mind a while ago.”

  “Liam,” he replied without taking his eyes off the water.

  “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Liam. Thanks again for the jacket.”

  Liam didn’t say anything, and kept his eyes trained forward. Something about him looked familiar, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. He was dressed in a scruffy fisherman’s sweater and faded jeans. His head was covered with an old beanie and his jaw sported an unkempt beard.

  Olivia saw the familiar pier show up in her line of vision. She stood up from her seat and walked over to Liam.

  “I haven’t been here in ages,” she told him.

  “Neither have I,” he replied curtly, as he steered away from the pier.

  Silently, she tapped his arm and pointed to the pier.

  “I’m supposed to be there?”

  Liam chuckled.

  “The family wants this case to stay quiet, so they decided it’s better for you to just go directly to the estate.”

  “How much longer?” Olivia sat back down and crossed her arms, an almost impossible feat with how thick her jacket was. She buried her head into the collar a little bit more.

  He didn’t answer, and Olivia fought off her frustration. How was it possible that she’d been saddled with the most insolent fisherman on the planet? The rocking of the boat and the warmth of her borrowed jacket soon soothed away her annoyance, and she found herself drifting off.

  Olivia woke up to Liam gently shaking her shoulder.

  “We’re here. I’ve carried your bags inside the house, so you can just make your way through the front door.”

  Olivia nodded, “Thanks Liam.” She stood up slowly, feeling a bit lightheaded. She stumbled and Liam held her arm.

  “You okay?”

  “Yeah, I just need to wait until I can feel my legs,” Olivia said chuckling. “You go on ahead.”

  Seeing the Barlowe mansion once again stirred up a bunch of negative feelings that made Olivia nauseous. The door knocker was there; the only thing left to do was knock. The butler would be standing by the door and he’d open it immediately. She’d be led into a room and they would have a proper, civil discussion and she’d have to ask a series of polite questions to get to the bottom of everything.

  And yet, she hesitated. She raised her hand again but couldn’t bring herself to knock.

  “Come on, you’re here to do a job. Do the job. Verify. Leave," she whispered to herself.

  For the third time, Olivia put her hand on the door knocker.

  “Excuse me, ma’am? This area is private property, do you have a reason to be here?”

  Olivia sighed. She observed his uniform. It was brand new and ironed to perfection and his boots were polished. A rookie cop. That meant trouble for Olivia; they were so meticulous and impossible to deal with.

  “Yes, I do, I was invited to the house,” she replied. Her patience was wearing thin and her nerves were getting worse by the second.

  Normally, if this were any other case, she’d be cool and professional. She had made a name in the FBI for being level-headed and logical, yet here she was, irate and cold. The officer obviously didn’t believe a word she said. He raised his eyebrow and out of the corner of her eye, Olivia saw his hand rest on his firearm.

  “Oh, come on!” she complained.

  She put both her hands up. “I’m going to get a letter out of my bag and you’re going to read it. Keep your hand off your weapon, just in case, okay?”

  The officer nodded stiffly. Clearly, he did not like being told what to do.

  As Olivia dug the letter out of her bag, she heard another voice coming from around the corner.

  “Olivia?”

  Exasperated, she threw her hands in the air, the crumpled letter in her hand.

  “What now?” she asked.

  The owner of the voice chuckled. Olivia squinted at him, making sure if he was who she thought he was.

  “No way—Jordan?”

  Jordan put a hand on his partner’s shoulder and explained to him that Olivia was expected. Jordan was a few years older than her and Marion. By the time she left, he had gone off to become a policeman. Nothing much had changed about him other than his height and build. He was taller and no longer the boy who went to the same school as she did.

  “So, you actually became a cop?” she asked him, eyeing his uniform.

  The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled, “That’s Sheriff Peters to you, Special Agent Hudson.”

  His partner’s eyes widened in surprise.

  Olivia waved it off. Of course, her parents had told the whole town about it.

  “I’ve retired. I take it you’re here for the case?” She looked around him and his partner, expecting more people.

  Curious, she asked, “Where’s the CSI unit?”

  “That would be the three of us," Jordan replied. “They’ve set up a tent near where the body was found, and that is where we will be doing the investigation. We can contact labs when we find some samples but other than that, we can’t have any contact with anyone outside. The county coroner is around here somewhere. Believe me when I say they have everything we need.”

  Olivia frowned. It was going to be difficult not having Marion as backup. There was secretive and there was the Barlowes. They took the word “private” to a whole new level.

  “If they keep going like this, I’m pointing fingers at them first," she muttered.

  Jordan gently guided her aside as he knocked on the door. Olivia’s shoulders relaxed. His partner pushed past her but gave her a look that said, “I’m watching you.”

  Olivia stifled a laugh.

  The family butler led them all to a room where Olivia faced the Barlowe family. Olivia could tell that nothing in the room, from the furniture to the décor, was an online purchase. They were probably handcrafted by some genius artisan. The family sat, still and regal as if they were being painted.

  Alice Barlowe, the matriarch, smiled with her eyes and nothing more. Olivia barely saw her when she wa
s younger, and this was the first time that she saw her up close. The two men who sat on either side of her glared at Olivia. She wasn’t sure if they disliked her or if they looked like that when they weren’t smiling for the public.

  Now them, she remembered. As a teenager, Olivia saw these two Barlowe men everywhere. They loved to go out and socialize. Her parents were esteemed accountants and worked for the Barlowes, so it was a common occurrence for her to see them at home and at the country club when they had events.

  Eustace Barlowe, the eldest, fidgeted in his seat. Olivia noted that he often looked at his watch. John Barlowe, the younger brother, snapped at Eustace to stop looking at his watch. Despite being the younger brother, he clearly was in charge by the way Eustace flinched and mumbled an apology.

  They both gave her tight smiles which Olivia did not return.

  Olivia reached into her bag and brought out the research documents she had compiled on the way here. Before she could speak, Alice interrupted her.

  “We can start once everyone is here.”

  Olivia was confused. Who else were they waiting for?

  It was all so awkward. She had avoided looking at the family and directed her sight to anywhere around them. Whoever it was they were waiting for; they were taking their time.

  Unknowingly, Olivia began to tap her foot. One of the Barlowe brothers cleared his throat and glared at her. She stopped immediately but soon found the need to fiddle with something—anything.

  Finally, she heard the heavy doors open and someone walked in. Olivia was sure this was who they’d waited for. She lifted her head and made eye contact with none other than the man who steered the fishing boat.

  If she had been drinking coffee, she would have comically spat it out. She could have connected the dots herself. Liam smiled shyly and waved. She waved back weakly.

  And you call yourself an investigator.

  “Sorry for being late, I had to take care of a few things.” Liam ducked his head and quickly took a seat.

  Olivia noticed he sat farther away from his brothers. She hadn’t connected the dots because of his scruffy appearance. The Liam she remembered was always meticulously dressed. Like the rest of his ridiculous family. Her whole being burned with resentment. If she had known it was Liam Barlowe, she never would’ve gotten on the boat. After all, wasn’t that how Poppy disappeared?