Without Justice Read online

  Table of Contents

  Synopsis

  What Reviewers Say About Carsen Taite’s Work

  By the Author

  Acknowledgments

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Chapter Twenty-six

  About the Author

  Books Available from Bold Strokes Books

  Synopsis

  Cade Kelly’s life revolved around her legal career until the day she testified against the largest crime family in Chicago. Now in witness protection, she’s working hard to adjust to a life devoid of the things she used to be passionate about. When she meets the smart and beautiful Emily Sinclair, Cade feels hopeful about her new life, but she learns no matter who she pretends to be, she can’t deny the pull of her past.

  Emily Sinclair is settling into her role as district attorney and she’s ready to find a love interest to share in her success. Cade Kelly captivates her from the moment they meet, but she discovers that despite their undeniable attraction, Cade will challenge her at every turn. What will happen when Emily learns Cade isn’t who she thought she was, and worse, when they wind up on opposite sides in Emily’s first big case?

  What Reviewers Say About Carsen Taite’s Work

  It Should be a Crime

  “Law professor Morgan Bradley and her student Parker Casey are potential love interests, but throw in a high-profile murder trial, and you’ve got an entertaining book that can be read in one sitting. Taite also practices criminal law and she weaves her insider knowledge of the criminal justice system into the love story seamlessly and with excellent timing. I find romances lacking when the characters change completely upon falling in love, but this was not the case here. I look forward to reading more from Taite.”—Curve Magazine

  “This [It Should be a Crime] is just Taite’s second novel…but it’s as if she has bookshelves full of bestsellers under her belt.”—Gay List Daily

  “Taite, a criminal defense attorney herself, has given her readers a behind the scenes look at what goes on during the days before a trial. Her descriptions of lawyer/client talks, investigations, police procedures, etc. are fascinating. Taite keeps the action moving, her characters clear, and never allows her story to get bogged down in paperwork. It Should be a Crime has a fast-moving plot and some extraordinarily hot sex.”—Just About Write

  Do Not Disturb

  “Taite’s tale of sexual tension is entertaining in itself, but a number of secondary characters…add substantial color to romantic inevitability”—Richard Labonte, Book Marks

  Nothing but the Truth

  “Author Taite is really a Dallas defense attorney herself, and it’s obvious her viewpoint adds considerable realism to her story, making it especially riveting as a mystery. I give it four stars out of five.”—Bob Lind, Echo Magazine

  “As a criminal defense attorney in Dallas, Texas, Carsen Taite knows her way around the court house. This ability shows in her writing, as her legal dramas take the reader into backroom negotiations between the opposing lawyers, as well as into meetings with judges. Watching how Carsen Taite brings together all of the loose ends is enjoyable, as is her skillful building of the characters of Ryan and Brett. Nothing But the Truth is an enjoyable mystery with some hot romance thrown in.”—Just About Write

  “Taite has written an excellent courtroom drama with two interesting women leading the cast of characters. Taite herself is a practicing defense attorney, and her courtroom scenes are clearly based on real knowledge. This should be another winner for Taite.”—Lambda Literary

  The Best Defense

  “Real life defense attorney Carsen Taite polishes her fifth work of lesbian fiction, The Best Defense, with the realism she daily encounters in the office and in the courts. And that polish is something that makes The Best Defense shine as an excellent read.”—Out & About Newspaper

  Slingshot

  “The mean streets of lesbian literature finally have the hard boiled bounty hunter they deserve. It’s a slingshot of a ride, bad guys and hot women rolled into one page turning package. I’m looking forward to Luca Bennett’s next adventure.”—J. M. Redmann, author of the Micky Knight mystery series

  Beyond Innocence

  “Taite keeps you guessing with delicious delay until the very last minute…Taite’s time in the courtroom lends Beyond Innocence a terrific verisimilitude someone not in the profession couldn’t impart. And damned if she doesn’t make practicing law interesting.”—Out in Print

  “As you would expect, sparks and legal writs fly. What I liked about this book were the shades of grey (no, not the smutty Shades of Grey)—both in the relationship as well as the cases.”—C-spot Reviews

  Battle Axe

  “This second book is satisfying, substantial, and slick. Plus, it has heart and love coupled with Luca’s array of weapons and a badass verbal repertoire… I cannot imagine anyone not having a great time riding shotgun through all of Luca’s escapades. I recommend hopping on Luca’s band wagon and having a blast.”—Rainbow Book Reviews

  “Taite breathes life into her characters with elemental finesse… A great read, told in the vein of a good old detective-type novel filled with criminal elements, thugs, and mobsters that will entertain and amuse.”—Lambda Literary

  Rush

  “A simply beautiful interplay of police procedural magic, murder, FBI presence, misguided protective cover-ups, and a superheated love affair…a Gold Star from me and major encouragement for all readers to dive right in and consume this story with gusto!”—Rainbow Book Reviews

  Switchblade

  “I enjoyed the book and it was a fun read—mystery, action, humor, and a bit of romance. Who could ask for more? If you’ve read and enjoyed Taite’s legal novels, you’ll like this. If you’ve read and enjoyed the two other books in this series, this one will definitely satisfy your Luca fix and I highly recommend picking it up. Highly recommended.”—C-spot Reviews

  “Dallas’s intrepid female bounty hunter, Luca Bennett, is back in another adventure. Fantastic! Between her many friends and lovers, her interesting family, her fly by the seat of her pants lifestyle, and a whole host of detractors there is rarely a dull moment.”—Rainbow Book Reviews

  Courtship

  “The political drama is just top-notch. The emotional and sexual tensions are intertwined with great timing and flair. I truly adored this book from beginning to end. Fantabulous!” – Rainbow Book Reviews

  “Taite keeps the stakes high as two beautiful and brilliant women fueled by professional ambitions face daunting emotional choices… As backroom politics, secrets, betrayals, and threats race to be resolved without political damage to the president, the cat-and-mouse relationship game between Addison and Julia has the reader rooting for them. Taite prolongs the fever-pitch tension to the final pages. This pleasant read with intelligent heroines, snappy dialogue, and political suspense will satisfy Taite’s devoted fans and new readers alike.”—Publisher’s Weekly

  Lay Down the Law

&n
bsp; “Recognized for the pithy realism of her characters and settings drawn from a Texas legal milieu, Taite pays homage to the prime-time soap opera Dallas in pairing a cartel-busting U.S. attorney, Peyton Davis, with a charity-minded oil heiress, Lily Gantry.”—Publishers Weekly

  “Suspenseful, intriguingly tense, and with a great developing love story, this book is delightfully solid on all fronts. This gets my A-1 recommendation!”—Rainbow Book Reviews

  Reasonable Doubt

  “I was drawn into the mystery plot line and quickly became enthralled with the book. It was suspenseful without being too intense but there were some great twists to keep me guessing. It’s a very good book. I cannot wait to read the next in line that Ms. Taite has to offer.”—Prism Book Alliance

  Above the Law

  “…readers who enjoyed the first installment will find this a worthy second act.”—Publishers Weekly

  “Ms Taite delivered and then some, all the while adding more questions, Tease! I like the mystery and intrigue in this story. It has many “sit on the edge of your seat” scenes of excitement and dread (like watch out kind of thing) and drama…well done indeed!”—Prism Book Alliance

  Without Justice

  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.

  Without Justice

  © 2016 By Carsen Taite. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-62639-561-9

  This Electronic Book is published by

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, New York 12185

  First Edition: December 2016

  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 Sheri ([email protected])

  By the Author

  Truelesbianlove.com

  It Should be a Crime

  Do Not Disturb

  Nothing but the Truth

  The Best Defense

  Beyond Innocence

  Rush

  Courtship

  Reasonable Doubt

  Without Justice

  The Luca Bennett Mystery Series:

  Slingshot

  Battle Axe

  Switchblade

  Bow and Arrow (novella in Girls with Guns)

  Lone Star Law Series:

  Lay Down the Law

  Above the Law

  Acknowledgments

  Thanks to everyone who helped me bring this book to life. Rad for giving my stories a place to thrive. Sandy Lowe for tending to every detail along the way. Cindy Cresap, my editor, for making the editing process more fun than painful. A huge shout out to the entire Bold Strokes team, from PR to proofreading—thanks for everything you do, too!

  Ashley Bartlett, Anita Kelly, and VK Powell—the best first readers in the world! Thanks for your honesty and your willingness to deal with my crazy schedule. Barbara Ann Wright, thanks for your generous willingness to brainstorm plot points anytime, anyplace.

  A special thanks to the Women with Pride (formerly Jewel) book club in Dallas. I love the fellowship and fun we have each month, talking about our favorite books.

  Lainey, thanks for all the sacrifices you make, big and small, to allow me to pursue my dreams. I love you more every day.

  To all my readers—thanks for making this journey so worthwhile. I cherish all the emails, notes, and words of encouragement. This story is for you.

  Dedication

  To Lainey. I can’t imagine a life without you.

  Chapter One

  August

  Cade Deluca stood at the podium and surveyed the grand jurors who were listening in rapt attention to the testimony of Gil Biermann, the moneyman for the Oliveri family. Biermann was the perfect witness, offering an edge-of-your seat tale about finances of all things, without venturing into CPA lingo that could send a layperson scurrying for a nap.

  Every few minutes or so, she lobbed him a question just to remind the grand jurors they were in a proceeding instead of watching Goodfellas, but while he was talking she ran through a mental checklist of her prosecution of Vincente Oliveri and his hierarchy. The arrest and subsequent flipping of Biermann had been pivotal. His knowledge of the internal workings of the Oliveri family’s enterprises was key to taking down the dynasty of illegal business ventures Oliveri had built during his reign as don of one of the most powerful mob families in Chicago. She’d had to make more promises than she preferred to get him to talk, but by enlisting the feds who were also pursuing Oliveri, she’d been able to secure Biermann a spot in witness protection, and her only expense was the promise of continued cooperation with the feds’ investigation.

  Biermann’s testimony lasted the entire day. Cade took the last few minutes to get him to summarize the key points so they’d be fresh in the grand jurors’ minds when they returned the next morning to consider indictments for several of the key players in the Oliveri family enterprise. Once she secured those charges, she’d flip the next person, and the next until she had enough to indict Vincente and his oldest son, Mario. She’d work many late nights to make that happen, but the prize would be worth every moment of her abandoned social life.

  The grand jurors filed out, and a few minutes later, two suited federal agents appeared to escort Gil from the building. She didn’t envy her key witness’s role, but he’d put himself in harm’s way by hooking up with Oliveri in the first place, which squelched any sympathy she might feel. With a sigh, she packed up her briefcase and strode out into the hallway. A couple of hours of work waited in her office, after which she’d pick up takeout from the deli down the street on the way home.

  She was a few steps from her office door when someone called out her name. She recognized the uniformed Chicago cop who’d been working with the federal detail, but she couldn’t quite remember his name. Michaels, Morris, something that started with an M. She invited him into her office.

  “Actually,” he said, “I’m only here to deliver this note from Agent Reilly.”

  A small prickle of unease crept across her skin, but Cade accepted the folded paper. She barely had it in her grasp before he tipped his hat and walked away. She watched him recede into the shadows of the dark hallway before she opened the paper and read the curt note. Biermann wants to see you before we take him to the motel. Car out front.

  Pressure built behind her eyes. If Biermann had additional demands, he obviously had no sense of timing. He’d already delivered the goods and, at the end of a very long day, she had no patience with the petty details of his whiny needs. She didn’t want to leave the building before she finished her work for the day, but she knew it was probably easier for her to go outside than for the federal agents to re-park their car and drag their posse back inside. Until she had her indictment signed and delivered, she’d humor her star witness.

  She pulled out her phone to text Reilly that she’d be right there, but the long day in court meant the battery had died, which was likely why Reilly had sent a note to catch her. She shook out her frustration and made her way to the lobby.

  Befitting the hour, only one security guard was on duty, and he barely looked up as she passed by him. She hustled down the courthouse steps and was about halfway down, when she spotted the midnight blue van the feds had used to transport Biermann to and from court idling across the street. She looked both ways before she crossed, but her p
rimary focus was on the vehicle in front of her. Cade assumed a game face, ready to hear whatever Biermann had to say, but prepared to fight to keep him in line.

  The closer she got to the van, her shoulders tensed and her annoyance started to morph into a growing feeling of unease. When she was only a couple of feet away, she looked inside the windows. A spark of pure terror shot up her spine.

  The driver of the van was slumped over the steering wheel, blood splattered in a chaotic red spray on the window next to him. For a few paralyzed seconds, she just stared, until instinct took over. She ran to the side of the van and tugged on the door handle until it opened, revealing a bloodbath. Agent Reilly and his partner were on the floor of the van in a pile on top of Gil Biermann, identifiable only by the gaudy ring on his left middle finger, the one she’d told him not to wear to court.

  Holy shit. “Help! Somebody call an ambula—”

  A tall, thin man pointed a gun with a silencer at her. She’d never met him before, but she’d seen his picture plenty of times. Leo Fontana was the top enforcer for the Oliveri family, and she had no doubt he was responsible for the carnage in the van. A second ago, she’d mourned the death of her case, now she was going to die with it, on the street in front of the place that was supposed to deliver justice and protect the public from harm.