American Gunner 2

Book 2: Gunner

by Eddy Clark, D. Andrea Whitfield

Genres: African American; Action & Adventure Romance; Crime Fiction

Synopsis

More than a thriller, this pulse-pumping saga offers a captivating glimpse into a treacherous underworld filled with grit and suspense. Fans of crime literature should be prepared for an exhilarating ride as they buckle up and ride shotgun in this gripping page turner.

Though battle-wounded and scarred, Raphael has survived the criminal underworld in Benin with the help of the US government. Together with his wife, Essie, and their adoptive son, Kaion, they enjoy a seemingly picture-perfect life. Their harmony is shattered when CIA agent Rhys unexpectedly shows up at their doorstep.

No aspect of life comes without a cost, and Raphael soon realizes that even his comfortable existence has a price. In a move to bring down Abaku, the mastermind behind US financial scams and the same man responsible for the international wire fraud that nearly cost Raphael his life, the US government opts to cash in their favor, endangering the lives of those Raphael cherishes the most.

To expose the elusive enemy, Raphael must delve deeper than he ever imagined, putting his family at risk and questioning loyalties. Betrayal lurks around every corner as he is coerced into joining an elite government agency, and the stakes are higher than ever before. As the casualties mount in this deadly game of cat and mouse, Raphael must discern friend from foe in order to survive and save his family.

 

Release date: May 21, 2024

Publisher: Black Odyssey Media

Print pages: 288

Sample

Preface

~Previously in American Gunner

It’d been six months, and Raphael had taken the money that was once Alex’s and flipped it in a myriad of ways. He cleaned up her under-the-table businesses and moved everything into legit ventures that passed the government’s smell test. Shayne left everything to Kaion in the event of her death, and those funds sat in an interest-bearing trust for Kaion until he turned twenty-one. In the meantime, the lawyer worked it out where he was able to receive two grand a month, which was damn good for a child under eighteen with no job. It gave Kaion a sense of independence, which Raphael felt was needed more than anything in this world. Raphael and the attorney were able to teach him how to save the money and invest it. So far, he’d been good with it. He’d always been a stellar kid, and he’d made strides since being with Essie and Raphael.

Essie and Raphael had even tied the knot. It was a small ceremony, with only the pastor, Kaion as Raphael’s best man, Rhys as their witness, and them. Although Essie missed her sister and would have wanted her to be there, it was perfect for them with their family. She was more excited to be Mrs. Raphael Waters than she was concerned about who wasn’t there. As long as it was them and Kaion, the day was complete. They were living comfortably in the Meridian-Kessler area of Indianapolis. Raphael owned a security firm and a few cocktail-hour lounges while Essie focused her time on selling her original art pieces to the buppies and companies. Kaion was a star basketball player and a straight-A student. They were comfortable and happy.

Raphael walked into the house, removing his parka and snow boots, followed by Kaion, who did the same. The play-boxed each other as they strolled through the house, following a succulent smell to the kitchen. Raphael stopped in the doorway and held onto the top of the door frame as Kaion rushed into the kitchen and playfully tickled Essie from behind.

“Kai!” she shouted and giggled. “Stop scaring me like that.”

“You like it, woman.” Raphael laughed at their interaction.

Essie turned and playfully popped Kaion with the dishtowel. “I told you about coming into my kitchen without washing your hands first, and you let him get away with it. I should pop you, too.”

Throwing his hands up, Raphael motioned with his head for Kaion to head up the stairs. “Go shower up and change before dinner, kiddo.”

“A’ight. I’ll head up so Essie can soothe your bruised ego,” Kaion joked, referencing his win in football as he dashed up the stairs.

“You got lucky!”

“And you’re getting old!” Kaion shouted back.

Essie laughed as Raphael turned to her. “Oh, so you are laughing at me too?” He walked to her and pulled her into his arms.

Pursing her lips, she said, “Turnabout is fair play. You laughed when he about scared me to death.”

“I am getting old, though. These steps are getting a little slower,” Raphael admitted jokingly.

“As long as you still know how to move in the bedroom.”

Raphael kissed her. “Depends. Are you going to soothe my bruised ego?”

Cupping his chin in her hands, she bit her lip. “I’ll do you one better and lick your war wounds, too.”

“Shit, fuck this dinner then.”

“You need sustenance.”

Raphael licked his lips. “You give me all the sustenance I need.”

Essie’s hands flew to her mouth as she struggled to hold in the howling laughter that erupted from her. “So nasty, Mr. Waters.”

“You like it, Mrs. Waters.”

“I do.”

The sound of the doorbell startled them out of their kiss. It was unusual for them to have unannounced guests. In fact, the only visitors they have ever had were their next-door neighbors or one of Kaion’s friends. All of those interactions were planned.

With a scrunched face, Raphael made his way to the front door. Although Essie didn’t go into the foyer with him, she moved to the living room so she could hear what was being said.

Rather than announce he was at the door, Raphael pulled out his cellphone and quietly activated his doorbell camera. He saw that it was Agent Rhys Lander and pressed the speaker activation on the app.

“Rhys, what brings you by on the impromptu visit?” Raphael inquired, his tone all business.

“I’d rather come and inside and speak about it, if that’s all right with you.”

After a few brief moments, Raphael opened the door and stepped outside. “Essie and Kaion are inside, so if you have some bad news, I’d rather you prep me first so I can prepare them.”

“Understood,” Rhys said. “Both are serious. Can we talk in private?”

Exhaling, Raphael agreed and opened the door. When they walked inside, Essie looked panicked. Raphael walked to her and kissed her lips. “It’s all good. Rhys and I are going to my office. You and Kai stay up here.”

Essie looked at Rhys. “Next time, call.”

Rhys held his hands up. “My apologies, Essie. Will do.”

Raphael led Rhys downstairs to his office then closed and locked the door, activating his noise scrambler so that no one could hear their conversation. Raphael motioned for Rhys to sit in the chair in front of his desk, and Raphael sat at his desk.

“I would say good to see you, but showing up like this, I know it ain’t. So, hit me with it. What’s good?”

Rhys leaned forward. “I wanted to check on you all since Alex’s passing and I have an update about her death,” Rhys stated with a pause to give Raphael a moment to respond. Instead, Raphael moved his hand in a circular motion indicating for him to continue. “As you know the initial reports stated she hung herself in her cell. My inside people said the Zos teamed up with the DeMingos, though. You know how it goes in the cage.”

“Damn. The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” Raphael murmured, more to himself than to Rhys.

That news wasn’t a surprise. Alex had crossed the Zos and the DeMingos in a major way. On the outside, she was protected, but not on the inside. Hearing her death was the result of being murdered caused a lump to form in Raphael’s throat, and he swallowed to clear himself of emotion. He’d been responsible for locking Alex away and still harbored a lot of ill feelings for her, but a small piece of him still held some regard for Alex. Perhaps it was based on the friendship he thought he had with her, or maybe it was because of his feelings for Kaion. Either way, hearing the details of her demise was a hard pill for him to swallow.

“Thanks for delivering it to me personally. I think it’s best if we keep that news to ourselves and not inform Kaion or Essie. The less bones we dig up the less we have to bury.

Rhys nodded. “Sure thing. Fair enough.”

“Also, thanks for allowing me to bury Alex by her aunt. She would have wanted that.”

Rhys tilted his head in gratitude. “It was the least we could do for Kaion. He deserved peace after the losses he suffered.”

After a brief pause to brace himself, Raphael swiped his hand across his face. “What’s issue number two?”

Rhys sat back. “In good news, Dage’s companies and accounts were seized, and Jabal was killed when he tried to escape custody.”

Raphael fanned his hand, interrupting him. “All of that is old news.”

“Welp, I didn’t know you knew, but I should have figured you’d find out. It was my way of prepping you for the bad news. Abaku popped on the map in Africa. He’s come out of hiding and is back to his old tricks with new buyers.”

“And what’s that got to do with me and Essie? He’s not looking for her, is he?”

“Not that we know of. The investigation is just focused on the deal and locking him up for good.”

Raphael eyed him. “So, if we are not under a direct threat, what does that have to do with us?”

Rhys leaned forward. “You’re the only person outside of law enforcement who was able to penetrate so closely to the underground association. Hell, you were closer. I had to come to you directly with this because it’s an ask, but not really. The CIA is cashing in on the favor for Kaion.”

He removed a slip of paper and slid it to Raphael. “Of course, with compensation.” He tapped the paper. “We need your assistance locating and bringing down Abaku once and for all.”

“First of all—” Raphael leaned in closer to whisper his words. “That shit you did to Shayne was your call. I just wanted her out of the way.”

“And she is permanently out of the way. You don’t get to determine how. Just be grateful for what it is. Still, whether you liked the terms or not, the government is ready to settle up this debt. Hence, it’s an ask, but not really.”

Raphael understood. It was time for him to repay his debt. He didn’t understand why Abaku, though. Although Abaku was the big fish, he’d never had direct connection or contact with him.

“If Abaku isn’t my threat, then why him?”

Rhys sat back and eyed Raphael closely. “I have a little intel for you that no one knew until as of late. Abaku and Dage were in this together, not as an employer to an employee, but as partners. Dage was the cover man for all the underground operations. He didn’t run it. It was their way of always keeping the real culprit covered.”

“Abaku,” Raphael seethed.

“Exactly,” Rhys said and leaned in close. “And the greatest piece of intel is that Abaku’s half-brother was Dage.” Raphael’s eyes bulged. “Essie didn’t know. Neither did Sienna, we believe.”

Anger coursed through Raphael’s veins as he looked Rhys directly in the eyes. “I’m in.”

Chapter 1

The silk sheet slid across Sienna as her smooth, mocha-brown legs stretched out across the bed. Freeing herself, she eased on her back and lifted saddened eyes to the ceiling. Most days she was able to shut the events of the last year out of her mind, but today, that would not be possible. She swallowed the thick lump that formed in her throat before casting her eyes to the bedside table, only to find that her water glass was empty. Empty just like her heart and soul. Closing her eyes, she forced back the gamut of emotions that coursed through her mind, but still a stubborn tear escaped and slid down the side of her face, teetering at her defined jawbone as if it were debating whether or not to fall onto her shoulder.

“What bothers you this morning, Sienna?” Abaku asked, startling her.

She gasped as she inadvertently met his eyes in a sidelong glance. “I thought you were asleep.” She hurriedly wiped the tear from her face.

Abaku propped on one elbow and eyed her profile. His hands were massive, and she felt the thickness of his forefinger as it slid down the side of her face. “I am always hyper aware of my surroundings. I felt your turmoil in my slumber.” Using his forefinger, he gripped her chin and gently turned her face to his so that they were eye to eye. “And you did not answer my question. What is wrong?”

Taking a deep breath, Sienna swallowed back her emotion. “It’s just…it’s Dage’s birthday today. Or would have been his birthday.”

Realization, then shock, then sadness, and last anger flashed in Abaku’s eyes at Sienna’s words. Today would have been his brother’s birthday had it not been for the treachery of Essie and the hands of Raphael. The memories of his brother’s death sullied the remembrance of his born day. It always would until the day that both Essie and Raphael met their maker. Then and only then could Abaku celebrate his brother’s life.

Sienna raised a hand to Abaku’s cheek. “I’m sorry. That’s why I didn’t want to burden you. I know how difficult it is for you.”

Sienna’s soft eyes pulled him in. He was ready to get up and go burn down the entire US just to get to Raphael, but something about the way Sienna soothed him calmed his burgeoning fury. Hell, she’d been the reprieve he needed last night when his thoughts had begun to wander back to his deceased brother. It was how they wound up in bed together. He wished he could lie and say it was the first time, but it had been one of several. It seemed they always found each other during times of turmoil, and their comfort of choice was sexual trysts. He hadn’t wanted to taint his brother’s memory by sleeping with his widow but having to flee their home in Benin to Nigeria, all they had was each other. Eventually, Abaku’s needs outweighed loyalty to a ghost, and he figured if anyone was going to have Sienna, it should be him. He was his brother’s keeper, after all.

Lifting her hand to his lips, he kissed the back of it. “My only concern is for you. I want to make this right for us, for you. We’ve hidden out long enough. All of the money is in place. I can get a team together. It’s time for us to finally leave these meager means in Nigeria and head to Dubai. I think it is time to devise a plan to get rid of Essie and Raphael.”

Sienna’s heart pained a bit at the sound of Essie’s name. She had no qualms about making Raphael pay, and she wanted revenge on her sister for what she had done. The only thing that gave her pause was the very thing that egged her forward in the plan; Essie was her sister. The loyalty that was embedded for her only sibling pulled at her heartstrings. Oh, how she loathed that shit. She wanted to rip out every connection her heart felt for Essie, the same as Dage was ripped from her arms and her unborn child ripped from her womb.

“I know. I know. But can we not discuss this today?”

The impatience brooding in Abaku was evident. “If not today, when? You have been avoiding this like the plague. Don’t you want to avenge my brother—your husband’s—death?”

“Yes, of course, I do—”

“And what about baby Da’Jenna? Is her life not worthy of revenge?”

Saddened eyes turned cold as flames of anger flickered in Sienna. “How dare you?” She sat up, coming to her knees. “You know I’d do anything for my child!”

“Your child and Dage’s!” Abaku said, meeting her heated gaze. “They took your family away and started their own. While you lay here husband-less and childless, Essie is in the US living it up as a wife and a makeshift mother.” He gripped her face in his hands, a crazed look in his eyes. “She took life from you and lives that life in the states. Your life!”

The harsh reality of Abaku’s words, compiled with the grief she felt for Dage and Da’Jenna, destroyed Sienna, and she crumpled onto the bed a mess of tears. Abaku laid down next to her, pulling her into his arms as she wailed. He coddled her, knowing that no additional words were needed. He’d finally broken through the barrier wall of her love for her sister. He hadn’t wanted to push her buttons in that manner, but he was desperate to move forward with his plans, not only to avenge his brother’s death, but to get back to his money schemes. While Sienna was stuck in her “woe is me phase,” he had money lying on the table that needed to be made. And while he cared for her, he was growing intolerant of her incessant pity parties. He had love for her because of his brother—and her sex was otherworldly. No wonder his brother wifed her up. However, she would not come between him and his payback or his paycheck. Especially not his paycheck. She needed to get on board, because now that he had access to Dage’s financial assets, he had no problem throwing her overboard.

Once her cries were little more than whimpers, Abaku lifted her face and kissed her cheeks, then her lips. Sienna melted into his arms as he moved from her lips to her neck. “I didn’t mean to upset you, my sweet Sienna. But we have to make moves. I don’t want to make them without you.” He trailed his kisses down her collarbone to her breasts. “Help me. Help me devise a plan to take back what was stolen from us.”

Sienna was lost between hurt and lust as Abaku’s lips encased her thick nipples and his tongue encircled them, delivering slow and soft licks. When her eyes rolled back, a devilish smile spread across Abaku’s face as he eased down her body, tracing kisses between her breasts and down her stomach to the crease at her thighs. Sienna’s stomach muscles clenched from the pleasure. She had not meant to fall into a sexual relationship with Abaku, but too many lonely nights were disastrous for her aching heart and throbbing yoni. He’d been the mental release and the stimulation she needed to assuage her mind and body, even if it was only temporary. In a strange way, she loved him because of his connection to Dage, which allowed her to feel close to him, but she’d never fall in love with Abaku because her heart would forever beat for Dage.

“Ahh!” The moans slipped through her lips as Abaku’s tongue found its way to her sweet succulence.

Her legs gaped further apart as he lapped at her ripening bud and moistening folds. As the pleasure mounted, her hips fell into a rhythmic sway with his mouth. Abaku would never admit it to Sienna, but he was addicted to her sugary honey. It was a feast fit for a king—or a prince, rather. And feast on it, he did. Gripping handfuls of her full buttocks, he held her body close to him, feverishly dipping his tongue inside and scooping her savory essence. When his lips closed around her bud, he lightly suckled on it the way she loved.

“Ahh, Abaku,” she moaned, gripping his head in place and tilting her pelvis to meet his mouth.

Abaku released his mouth from around her sex. “Tell me you’re with me. We’ll devise this plan together.”

Panting, Sienna gazed down at him. Lust filled her as she bit her lip. “Please, don’t stop.”

Grinning, Abaku captured her bud again, causing her to shout out his name in pleasure. She was almost there, he could tell. She withered beneath him as he held her in place. He was determined to suck her into submission. He lifted again.

“Tell me, Sienna.” She pushed her hips toward his lips, and Abaku shook his head, keeping her body in place with his massive arms. “No, tell me.”

“Yes, God, yes, Abaku. We’ll plan it,” she said in a rushed tone because she needed him to finish what he’d started.

With a smirk, Abaku went in for his kill shot. Her sex wet his mouth deliciously as her sensual screams and moans serenaded them in a perfect backdrop. Her sweetness on his lips was enough to harden him to full salute, and it was time for her to perch on the prince’s throne. Lifting up, he revealed his hardened tool, priming it with a few slow strokes, then slid across the bed, lying down on his back.

Once Sienna had released, the reality of what she’d agreed to struck her. She felt so ashamed. Tears welled in her eyes because she felt guilty for her betrayal, both to Dage and Essie. However, what was done was done. Abaku had no remorse for seducing her into an agreement on that day—of all days. Yet another reason she’d never be in love with Abaku. He lacked compassion on the lowest of levels. It worked out for her protection, but it opened the door for him to stomp on her heart. She was about to lie beside him when she felt a strong hand grasp her arm.

Pulling Sienna atop of him, he whispered, “You rode my face, now it’s time for you to ride me.” With a pop to the ass, he pulled his arms behind his head and waited for her to mount him.

Although Sienna was drained and still saddened, thoughts of Dage f. . .