Fractured Shields

By Blake Patrick

A powerful love story. Lucas has a secret, but will Jane discover it before it's too late?

When Officer Jane Mitchell is paired with the enigmatic Officer Lucas Donovan, little does she know that her life is about to take a dramatic turn.

Set against the backdrop of Cloverdale's bustling 19th precinct, Jane and Lucas embark on an undercover mission posing as a married couple, only to find themselves tangled up in a web of danger and deceit.

"Fractured Shields" is a powerful story of love, sacrifice, and resilience that will leave readers breathless.

If you enjoyed "The Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks, you'll love this romantic and suspenseful journey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blake Patrick
• Release date: Dec 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223841890

Blake Patrick

Blake Patrick brings nearly three decades of frontline police experience to the literary world. Serving as a bastion of law and order in the UK for 29 years, Blake dedicated his career to the pursuit of justice, not only as a detective unravelling the intricate webs of criminal minds but also as a Family Liaison Officer, providing a compassionate bridge between the force and the families touched by tragedy and crime. Retiring the badge, Blake has since brandished the pen, channelling years of amassed knowledge, humanity, and street-smart wisdom into writing. Although this passion for storytelling was always a flickering flame throughout their policing career, it has only recently roared to life with the completion and publication of their works. This newfound courage to share stories comes from the very essence of a life spent in service to others and a personal milestone of triumph over the daunting vulnerability of creative expression. Blake's works are a unique blend of gritty reality and the rich, complex tapestry of human emotion, informed by an intimate understanding of crime's impact on people and society. Each narrative is not only an act of exploration but also a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, often exploring themes that resonate deeply with readers from all walks of life. Married for 39 years, Blake's personal life is as rich and fulfilling as their professional one. Together with their spouse, they have nurtured a family that has grown to include two children and three grandchildren, creating a strong, loving foundation that has undoubtedly influenced Blake's writing. Often, it's within the animated discussions and suggestions from these family members that seeds for stories are planted. Whether it's delving into subjects of personal intrigue or taking up the gauntlet thrown by a family member's curiosity, Blake approaches writing with the same fervour and commitment once reserved for solving cases. Readers can expect a journey through pages that not only enthral but also enlighten, crafted by someone who has not only observed life from the sidelines but has been an active participant in its most challenging arenas. Blake's books promise to be a sanctuary where the thrill of the chase, the depth of human connection, and the subtleties of life's intricate narratives converge. 

Book preview

Fractured Shields

Table of Contents

Title Page

Fractured Shields

First Encounter

Undercover Operation

Pretend Becomes Real

The First Fall

Secrets of the Past

The Stakeout

In Too Deep

Trusting the Partner

Broken Protocols

The Big Bust

Aftermath

The Twist - Lucas’s Secret

Love Beyond Duty

Moments of Bliss

Fractured Time

The Last Case

Stand By You

Final Goodbyes

Legacy of Love

New Beginnings

Sign up for Blake Patrick's Mailing List

Also By Blake Patrick

About the Author

Blake Patrick

Fractured Shields Copyright © 2023 by Blake Patrick

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

For further information please contact the Author here:

[e-mail]

https://Blake-Patrick.co.uk

Book cover created by Mehreen Shaukat

1st edition 2023

First Encounter

Rain cascaded down the tall windows of the 19th precinct, each droplet on its own hurried mission. Inside, the hive of activity mirrored the frenetic pace of the rainstorm outside. Officers wove between desks in a choreographed dance of duty, phones rang off the hook, and above all, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee tried valiantly to mask the ever-present scent of ink, paper, and latent tension.

Amid this bustling symphony, in the very nucleus of the storm, sat Officer Jane Mitchell. Her chestnut hair, restrained in a practical bun, had a pencil casually tucked behind one ear. The lines of her face, usually so expressive, were neutral as her intense eyes flitted across the report in her hand. That razor-sharp focus had not only earned her a place in the precinct but respect and admiration, even if begrudgingly from a few of her male counterparts.

A soft, playful tap on her shoulder brought her back to the here and now. She lifted her gaze and was met with the familiar teasing eyes of her long-time partner, Officer Derek Simmons.

His mouth quirked in a half-smile, his way of signalling something interesting. Seems like the precinct’s just got a bit more interesting, he murmured, nodding subtly towards the entrance.

Following his cue, Jane’s gaze drifted and settled on an unfamiliar figure. The man, tall with a confidently upright stance, was ensconced in a quiet conversation with Captain Rodriguez. She couldn’t see his face, but there was something about the set of his shoulders, the disciplined air around him, that indicated a man well-acquainted with his duty.

Curiosity piqued, Jane quirked an eyebrow at Derek, Who’s the new face?

Lucas Donovan, Derek leaned in conspiratorially, his voice barely above a whisper, revelling in being the bearer of news.

Came in from the 23rd. Rumour has it he’s the guy who cracked cases that had everyone else stumped.

While Derek spoke, Captain Rodriguez gestured towards their table. Lucas turned, and suddenly, Jane found herself looking straight into a pair of captivating hazel eyes. There was an inexplicable depth to them, a hint of tales untold and battles fought. The hum of the precinct momentarily dimmed, the world narrowing to just the two of them.

But the spell was broken as Rodriguez and Donovan started navigating the maze of desks, drawing nearer with every step. Straightening in her seat and pushing the report to one side, Jane braced herself for the forthcoming introduction.

With a clear and commanding voice, Captain Rodriguez introduced, Officer Mitchell, this is Officer Lucas Donovan. You’ll be teaming up for the undercover assignment.

Caught off guard, Jane’s gaze darted to Derek, whose own expression mirrored her surprise. Before she could articulate her thoughts, Rodriguez continued, Simmons will be transitioning to narcotics. Donovan’s expertise is critical for this operation. You’ll both need to rely on each other.

Drawing a steadying breath, Jane extended her hand, professionalism masking her inner turmoil. Welcome to the 19th, Officer Donovan.

Lucas took her hand, his grip simultaneously strong and reassuring.

Please, it’s Lucas, his voice was unexpectedly warm, textured with hints of past nocturnal operations and confidential exchanges.

I’ve been briefed about your accomplishments, Mitchell. I anticipate our collaboration.

Their handshake, seemingly mundane, was electrically charged, resonating with an undercurrent neither could precisely identify. As it ended, the energetic hum of the precinct returned to envelop them. Yet, for both Jane and Lucas, this was merely the prelude to an intricate dance of fate, trust, and the unforeseen challenges the future held.

Undercover Operation

The 19th precinct was always buzzing, an ever-churning vortex of activity. But today, a unique undercurrent of tension and anticipation threaded through the atmosphere. Hushed whispers circulated, covert glances exchanged, and in the midst of it all, a briefing was about to begin, one that would mark the start of an operation like no other.

Jane stood by the large glass window of the briefing room; her gaze trained on the cityscape beyond. Her thoughts were a whirlwind, still coming to terms with the sudden reassignment of Derek and the induction of this Lucas Donovan. She was pulled from her contemplation by the entrance of Captain Rodriguez and Lucas. She turned to face what lay ahead.

The room was semi-circular, with large screens adorning the walls. Officers filled every available seat, their focused faces illuminated by the soft glow of the digital displays. At the head of the room, Captain Rodriguez cleared his throat, signalling the start of the briefing.

Good morning, everyone, his voice, always firm and authoritative, commanded immediate attention. As most of you are aware, we’ve had a surge in criminal activities related to the Casimir syndicate. Their operations have grown bolder, their network more extensive, and their roots in our city, unfortunately, deeper.

The screen behind him lit up, showcasing a web of connections, locations, and profiles of known members of the syndicate. As Rodriguez delved into specifics, Jane couldn’t help but feel the weight of the task before them.

Our intel, Rodriguez continued, indicates a major transaction occurring in three weeks. This is our chance to infiltrate, gather evidence, and finally take them down.

The room was thick with palpable determination, every officer ready to play their part. However, Jane’s anticipation spiked when Rodriguez began detailing the undercover operation, revealing it would require two officers to pose as a high-profile couple seeking to make a significant investment in the syndicate’s ventures.

All eyes are now on Officers Mitchell and Donovan, Captain Rodriguez declared, ushering them to the front. Lucas, exuding an