Dakota Redemption

By Megan Kinney

Redemption is within her grasp, but the cost might be too high to pay.

Dr. Audrey Hudson has spent the last thirteen years building a life that she can be proud of. As a clinical psychologist specializing in officer wellness, she dreams of opening a first responder retreat center in th

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gire Publishing
• Release date: May 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9798990604216

Book preview

Prologue

Audrey Hudson watched as the pickup’s headlights bounced along the dirt driveway that cut back to the house on her father’s western South Dakota ranch. It was now or never. Her curfew had already come and gone, so what were a few more minutes? She unhooked her seatbelt and slid across the bench seat.

Cole jerked and looked at her when her hip hit his. What are you doing? His voice sounded an octave too high. Put your seatbelt back on.

She laughed. "Cole Wilkins. Do you always have to do the right thing?" She leaned closer and nuzzled his ear with her nose, then kissed his cheek.

The pickup lurched to a stop, and Audrey flew forward into the dash.

Audrey! Cole wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her back onto the seat. I didn’t mean to do that. Are you okay?

She rubbed the sore spot on her forehead, then smiled. I guess that will teach me.

In the darkened cab she could barely see his face. She ran her fingers across his jaw, feeling the rough stubble, then pulled his face down and kissed him. She moved onto his lap, facing him, and deepened the kiss. A moan escaped his throat. He never resisted for long.

Heated tingles spread through her as his electrifying touch spread across her back. His kisses trailed from her earlobe, down her neck, to her collarbone. She lifted her chin, giving him more access. Desire rushed through her charged blood. He fumbled with the buttons on her shirt as his lips found hers again.

Suddenly, he grasped her hips and plopped her onto the seat beside him, then drove on toward the house.

Audrey laughed, then scooted to the passenger side, pulled down the visor, and opened the mirror. The lights on either side illuminated her face. She checked her appearance, finger-combed her dark hair into a ponytail, using the band on her wrist, then buttoned up her sleeveless blouse.

Cole stopped near the house, put the truck in park, and slid out. When he opened her door, she turned in the seat and hopped out. The light from the front porch illuminated the pinched expression on his face.

You don’t have to look so guilty, she said. It’s not like we did anything wrong.

Cole shook his head and ran his fingers through his dark hair. My dad would be disappointed if he knew we were fooling around like that. He taught me better than this.

Desperation clung to her. She needed his love and affection. We love each other. It’s only natural to show it. She stepped closer, slipped her arm around his middle, and looked into his gorgeous chocolate eyes. Come inside, she whispered. My dad’s asleep.

His jaw clenched. Audrey, you deserve to be treated with respect.

You do respect me. And you love me. You’re the only man who’s loved me since my opa died.

A scowl darkened his features for a second. Your father loves you.

Audrey snorted and stepped back. No, he doesn’t. He resents me. You’re lucky to have a dad who cares.

Lucky? For the first half of my life I didn’t have a dad. I barely had a mom. I’m thankful for Hank, but I wouldn’t say I’m lucky.

She smiled and moved closer again. And that makes us soulmates. You didn’t have a dad, and mine . . . well, he’s horrible. It’s like we were meant for each other. And that’s why we should be able to—

I feel the same way, but we’re not even seventeen yet. He grasped her arm. In a couple years we’ll be old enough to get married and do things in the right order. My dad says that’s how you respect a woman.

And how would Hank know? What does he know about women or love? He’s never been married.

No, but his dad was. And Hank saw how his dad treated his mom, I guess. I just know he’s right. Cole moved his hand to her shoulder and kissed her cheek.

Disappointment spread through her. He was right. But Audrey loved him so desperately, and if she didn’t show him, he’d find someone else to love in a few weeks when her mom came to take her home to Sioux Falls. It sucked only seeing him in the summers when her dad had visitation rights. She wouldn’t survive if Cole forgot her.

She drew a breath, trying to ease the ache in her chest. Are you still taking me fishing tomorrow afternoon?

Sure. Travis is coming with us.

She clenched her teeth. Of course he was. It wasn’t that she didn’t like Cole’s twin, but she’d really hoped for the time alone with Cole himself. She stood on her tiptoes, her lips close to his. He closed his eyes, and power and longing twisted inside her. She sucked in another breath, and her throat spasmed. Turning away, she coughed into her hand until her throat stung and her eyes watered. A bug. She coughed again. Flew down my throat. She laughed. Sorry.

He smiled, dimples forming on his cheeks, and squeezed her shoulder. You’d better get inside while we’re both thinking straight.

She narrowed her eyes. If she stayed here in Alkaline with her dad, would Cole eventually cave? Probably, but would she hate herself for pushing? Most likely. She nodded. Good night.

Good night. He pulled her in for a tight hug and laid his forehead against hers. Don’t forget, you’re my girl.

Those words filled her with warmth and security more than if he’d confessed his love. To be his girl meant she belonged to him, and she desperately wanted that.

He released her and climbed into his truck. She meandered up the dirt path to the porch, climbed the three steps, then turned around. Cole was watching her from the truck’s window. She waved, and he did the same.

As he turned around and headed for the road, she opened the front door and stepped into the dark house. The rancid smell of cigarette smoke made her grimace. How disrespectful Dad was to smoke in Oma’s house only a month after her passing. In moments like this the pain of losing Oma was acute. Audrey quietly closed the door and tiptoed across the wood entryway to the stairs.

A lamp turned on in the living room. Her dad sat in his recliner, a cigarette between his fingers and a beer on the end table next to him. He still wore his dirty work shirt, jeans, and boots. Come in here, he growled.

She froze with her hand on the banister. Chills rippled over her bare arms, and her body stiffened. He was gruff and rude, but surely he wouldn’t hurt her, not over being a bit late. Sorry I’m after curfew. The movie ended later than we thought.

He took a drag of his cigarette, then snuffed it out in the ashtray. His eyes narrowed as he stood on wobbly legs. I said come here.

His harsh tone sent shivers through her, and she swallowed hard.

He limped closer, bringing with him the smell of beer and sweat. You were supposed to be home an hour ago. What were you doing with that Wilkins boy?

We went to see a movie. That’s all. That was the truth, but her stomach churned. It wouldn’t matter.

He pointed a finger at her. Liar! Your shirt isn’t buttoned up right.

She looked down. Sure enough, the top few buttons were in the wrong holes.

You whore! His hand flew out and struck her face, sending her reeling backward. She tripped over her feet and fell, the back of her head hitting the bottom step. Pain exploded and shot down into her neck, and the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.

His face, red with rage, hovered over her. She needed to get away from him. But when she scrambled to her feet, he grabbed her neck with one hand and squeezed. Unable to breathe, she punched and kicked at him. He pushed her to the floor. She coughed and heaved in air through her burning, aching throat.

I ain’t supporting another brat if you get knocked up. He stepped over her and limped up the stairs.

The room spun, and she closed her eyes. He’d actually hit her. He’d yelled and thrown things, but he’d never before hit her. She couldn’t stay here.

Nausea rose within her as she pulled herself to her knees. She wiped her lip with her arm, leaving a bloody smear across it. Her whole body trembled as she stood. She took a step, lost her balance, and clung to the railing.

She had to get out before he came back downstairs. After stumbling to the door, she flung it open and ran out of the house. Her vision swirled, and she fell on the dirt driveway. Bile crept up her throat as she imagined her father coming after her.

Cole. His place was only half a mile away, and he would help her. She swiped at the blood dripping down her chin, got up, and fled into the pasture that separated his ranch from hers.

Thankful for the light from the nearly full moon, she ran as fast as she dared across the uneven ground. Her foot struck something hard. She stumbled to the ground, her hand sliding into a cactus. Spikes of pain burned her palm. She crawled to her knees and glanced behind her, searching for her dad. Seeing only half a dozen cows lying huddled together calmed her nerves a bit, but it didn’t mean she was safe. She had to keep moving. Energy flared as she rose to her feet and took off running again.

Finally, the back of the Wilkins ranch house came into view. Cole’s bedroom window was dark like the rest of the house. She stopped at the closed window, panting to catch her breath, and rapped on the glass.

An owl hooted in the distance, and she shivered.

She knocked again. Cole! she whispered, her lip hurting more with the movement of her mouth.

Something on the window clicked, and the lower pane slowly rose.

Relief engulfed her. Cole.

Audrey? The surprise in his tone was undeniable. What are you doing here?

I need to talk to you. I need your help. Tears slid down her face. She wished she could see him, or better yet touch him, but the flimsy screen separated them.

No. Audrey, you’ve got to go home. His loud whisper sounded panicked. I can’t do this. And if my dad—

A frenzied urgency tightened her lungs. You don’t understand. I need you.

He shook his head. I can’t. I’m sorry, but this is for our own good. One of us has to be sensible.

But—

Good night, Audrey. I’ll see you tomorrow. He closed the window.

She sank to the grass, held her pounding head in her hands, and sobbed. How could he do this? He’d said he loved her. And if Cole wouldn’t help her, who would? Going back wasn’t an option—ever.

She wiped her face with the bottom of her shirt and slowly got up. She’d walk all the way to Sioux Falls if she had to, but she wasn’t going back to her dad’s place. There had to be someone, somewhere, who would help her. If not Cole, then maybe another neighbor would help. Rosemary was the only one she knew, but she was friends with her dad. Would she help or send her home?

She’d reached the dirt road that led to Alkaline when a pair of headlights came over the rise. The pickup skidded to a stop twenty feet from her, and she squinted but couldn’t make out the truck model or the driver. If it was her dad, she’d run back through the fields. He wouldn’t be able to keep up with his bum leg.

The pickup door opened, and a boy approached her and swore. Audrey? What happened to you? The voice was familiar. Cole’s brother, Travis.

Embarrassed, but also relieved, she felt her legs weaken, and she wobbled on her feet.

He rushed over and held her steady. Who did this to you? Was it Cole? I’ll kill him.

She shook her head. Cole would never hurt me. At least not physically. But he’d just torn her heart in two, and the pain of that now bested her other injuries.

Then who?

My dad. He got mad when I came in after curfew.

He did this to you? Travis slipped his arm around her. Come on. I’ll take you home.

She pulled away from him. She was never facing that monster again. No! I can’t go back there.

Not your home, mine. He blew out his breath. Cole’s going to want to kill your father even more than I do.

She hadn’t thought of that. No doubt Cole would confront her dad, but it wouldn’t be her dad who got hurt. She couldn’t let that happen. No. Not there either. Cole can’t see me like this. My dad . . . if Cole goes after him, Dad will kill him. How about Rosemary’s?

Travis stared at her with eyes just like his brother’s; then he nodded. Okay. I’ll take you to Rosemary. She’ll know what to do. He helped her to the truck and up into it.

As Travis peeled out toward Rosemary’s home, she laid her head against the side window, willing it to stop throbbing. Tears continued to slide down her face, stinging her lip even more, and her chest clenched to the point that she could barely breathe.

How would she ever trust a man with her heart again?

Chapter one

Thirteen years later

Audrey studied the police officer who sat on the dark leather couch across from her desk. His slumped shoulders, downcast face, and tapping foot indicated a man with a mess of suppressed emotions.

Officer Tice stared at his fingers resting in his lap and rubbed them against each other. I want a divorce.

Audrey sat straight. Not another failed marriage. Maybe it could be saved, but the odds were not in his favor. The divorce rate was above the national average for first responders. What made you come to this decision?

He blinked. When he lifted his head, she could see the sweat beaded on his forehead. It’s too hard pretending everything is fine.

What would happen if you told her what you’re feeling?

He scowled. I can’t do that. She can’t handle my job. Whenever I try to talk to her about things that happen on shift, she shuts down, says the stories stay with her. He wiped his sleeve across his forehead. Like they don’t stay with me?

I understand. And how would a divorce help you?

It will help her. I don’t want her living with me. I don’t even sleep in our bed anymore. I tell her it’s because I don’t want my snoring waking her, but it’s because of the nightmares. I don’t want her to know how frequently I have them. I’m always angry and snapping at her and the kids. They’ll be better off without me.

Have you told her that you want a divorce?

No, but she’ll probably be happy about it. She’s been begging for me to get help. And even threatened to leave me if I didn’t.

Meeting with me is the first step. Is she willing to meet with someone too?

He slouched over again. Probably.

Audrey pulled a brochure from the top drawer of her desk and handed it to him. This is a retreat for police officers who are struggling with post-traumatic stress. It’s in two weeks. They have counseling and breakout sessions for both you and your wife. And it’s free. You only have to pay for transportation. What do you think?

His forehead scrunched as he opened the trifold brochure. Can’t you just help me?

This would be in addition to our sessions. We’ll still meet for as long as you need, but if your marriage is in crisis, the quicker we intervene, the more likely you’ll be able to save it. And their therapy sessions have proven to be very effective in treating trauma-induced stress.

Where is it? He flipped through the brochure.

This one is in San Antonio. They hold these retreats all over the country, but I don’t think you should wait any longer than you have to.

He nodded. I wish there was one closer. It’ll be hard for my wife to be that far away from our kids.

I understand. But the only way to heal your marriage is to make it a priority. The distance of these retreats made convincing officers of the need more difficult. She’d been mulling over this problem for years now. Maybe it was time to put her plan into action, make her dream a reality.

He refolded the brochure. I’ll talk to my wife.

She smiled. I really think this could help you.

When Officer Tice left her office, Audrey went to the closet and pulled out the long white tube standing in the corner. She popped off the end, pulled out the blueprints, and unrolled them onto her desk.

The white lines forming the front of the retreat center she’d had designed inspired her. Five years was a long time to sit on a dream while people suffered. After rolling up the plans and sliding them back into their cardboard tube, she turned on her laptop and started searching MLS for available property.

She’d always envisioned building the retreat center in the Black Hills, but land there was expensive. After an amateur job of searching, she rubbed her eyes. It would be better to contact a realtor. She tapped the Find a Realtor button and scrolled through the pictures. Too many to choose from.

Her desk phone buzzed, and she hit the intercom button. Yes?

Dr. Hudson, your one o’clock is here, Crystal, her receptionist, said.

She hit the button again. Great. I’ll be out in a sec. Crystal? Do you happen to know any realtors in the Black Hills?

Actually, my cousin’s a realtor in Rapid City. I’ll send you his contact information.

His? Uneasiness squeezed her stomach. She’d have preferred a female realtor. Thanks.

###

After a full afternoon of appointments, charting, and paperwork, Audrey finally found a minute to call Crystal’s cousin. Picking up her cell phone before she found something else to do, she dialed the number and put it on speakerphone.

The voice that answered on the third ring was low and smooth. Mason MacIntosh here. How can I help you?

My name is Audrey Hudson. I work with your cousin Crystal, and I’m looking for some land in the Black Hills.

Isn’t everyone? The market’s hot right now. How much land are we talking? And are you wanting any dwellings on it? Sewer and utilities already accessible?

Audrey rubbed her temples. This was already complicated, and it was just the beginning. I’m not sure. I want to build a retreat center for law enforcement officers struggling with burnout. I’d like enough land to build a five-thousand-square-foot center, along with stables and land for horses to graze. Ideally, close to Forest Service land so riding and hiking trails would be available.

Mason whistled. That’s a steep order at the moment. Are you looking to build immediately or down the road?

I wouldn’t be able to build until I’ve raised all the funds needed, and right now I’m not sure what my costs will be.

So you’re just pricing out land. Have you been preapproved for an amount?

No, but if the price is right, I might be able to buy the land now. She pulled her notepad closer, grabbed a pen, and wrote call bank about preapproval, research grants, and fundraising possibilities; contact a contractor. Hopefully, all the money she’d been stockpiling and the equity in her home would be enough for a down payment.

I’m on my way to meet a client right now, but I’ll do some research and get back to you. Is the number you’re calling from the best way to contact you?

Yes. Thanks. This retreat center has been a dream of mine for the last five years. I’ve been so overwhelmed with all the details that I haven’t done much but have blueprints drawn, though. I’d appreciate all the help you ca—

My pleasure. Talk to you soon. Silence.

Seriously? She sat back in her chair. He could have at least let her finish her sentence. Maybe she’d find a different realtor. A woman this time. One who had time for her. She turned back to her laptop and the realtor page on the screen.

But there were hundreds to choose from. Perhaps she’d give Mason one more chance. She scrolled through the beautiful images of the pine-dotted hills in the listings, imagining where she’d build her retreat center on each plot of land, planning out the stables that would be full of horses and the different therapy options she’d provide.

She smiled. Nothing was going to dampen her renewed enthusiasm. Not the daunting tasks she needed to accomplish or a rude realtor.

###

The next morning, after researching possible grants and loans late into the night, Audrey walked into her office with a large cup of coffee and a doughnut from the tray in the lobby.

Crystal sat at the reception desk, clicking her acrylic nails on the keyboard as she typed. Her highlighted hair was curled to perfection, and her makeup complimented her natural beauty. But it was her bold confidence that intimidated Audrey, like the cheerleaders in high school had. She straightened, hoping to slip past her with her usual nod.

Crystal glanced up and waved her over. How’d it go with my cousin? He’s single, you know.

Audrey groaned. She didn’t take Crystal for a matchmaking busybody. To be honest, he was a little short with me.

Crystal blinked her fake eyelashes. Don’t write him off so quickly. He’s very successful and was probably busy. He’s driven, just like you.

What’s that supposed to mean? Audrey set her cup onto the desk harder than she’d meant to.

Crystal tapped her red nails on the counter, unfazed. You’re always strutting through here like a Paris fashion model. It wouldn’t hurt to relax a little. Maybe Mason isn’t for you, but . . . She scrolled through her phone, then grinned up at Audrey. I know just the guy. He’s hilarious, and you need someone to show you a good time. She pursed her pink lips in a pout that most likely worked with her harem of suitors. Please, let me set you up.

As if they shared the same taste in men. I’m not looking for a relationship, and I don’t need a man to make me happy. If someone can’t be content without a relationship, they won’t be happy in one.

I’m not trying to find your soulmate. You just need someone to lighten you up a bit. You’re so stiff and serious all the time.

Audrey straightened her shoulders. Inviting Crystal into her personal life, even a smudge, had been a big mistake. It’s called being professional.

It makes you seem stuck-up. Don’t you want someone to share your burdens with? Hug you when you’re sad? Laugh with you? Take you to dinner?

Fifty percent of marriages end in divorce. Seems like relationships are more likely to become a burden than ease one.

Crystal tilted her head. Who broke your heart? Not all men are jerks.

All of them. No one, she whispered. I don’t need a man. I need a realtor.

Suit yourself. Before she could move out of reach, Crystal grabbed the doughnut out of Audrey’s hand, then threw it into the trash can behind the desk. You don’t need that garbage. You’ll thank me later. She pulled a bright red apple out of her lunch bag and set it on the counter.

Audrey stared at her, speechless. Did Crystal realize that Audrey had the ability to fire her on the spot? The woman had guts.

Audrey’s cell phone dinged, and she pulled it out and listened to the voicemail as she headed to her office. It would be best to calm her anger before she confronted Crystal about her rude behavior.

Dr. Hudson, my name is Marc, and I’m a nurse at Monument Hospital in Sturgis, a male voice said. We have your dad here and need to discuss treatment options with you. Please call me back as soon as possible.

The anger she’d just pushed down resurfaced. Speaking of men she didn’t need in her life, her dad was at the top of that list. She hadn’t spoken to him in thirteen years, and he wouldn’t want her meddling in his affairs now.

Sorry, dude. You’re going to have to deal with him all by