Thursday, July 20, 2017

Conduct Unbecoming by Dellani Oakes

Have you ever read a book that just made an impact on you? Well, that is exactly what Ninja Tattoo did for me!! I was so intrigued by Teague that I just needed more. I had to contact the author and beg her to write another book with Teague. Conduct Unbecoming is just that. Dellani does not disappoint in this book at all. She remained true to her characters and even added me as a new character! The question now is, how do I Get Dellani to write book 3? ~ Aileen Aroma
Welcome to Florida where there are sandy beaches, balmy breezes—and dead bodies on the beach. Unfortunately, the police suspect Teague's friend, and former battle buddy, of the killing. Teague knows Nadeya is innocent, but proving it won't be easy. She's disappeared and the last anyone heard from her, she was looking for this man in connection with her fiancĂ©'s murder.
Teague needs to find Nadeya before the police do. He must discover who killed the man on the beach and protect his friends and loved ones. Fortunately, he's not alone. Joined once more by his cousin, Joel McMurtry, they are augmented by one more—Jasper Waters. He's another police officer and former Marine. Adding to their numbers are Vivica, Teague's fiancĂ©e, Nadeya and her best friend, Aileen. The bad guys really don't stand a chance.
Join Teague and friends when they dodge bullets, rescue kidnapped victims and take an the airboat ride of their lives. It's an adventure they won't ever forget—provided they live through it.
Excerpt from Conduct Unbecoming


Nadeya waited with her back to the brick wall of the Sheriff's Department. Her dark glasses concealed a good bit of her face, her hair obscured much of the rest. She wore it down and the black tendrils fluttered wildly in the breeze off the river. A tang of briny water reached Teague's nostrils. He smiled, telling Nadeya of the change of plans before placing the call to Isobel.
He told her how to find Old Fort Park and strolled north with Nadeya. They passed the small county courthouse on their left. Teague smiled at a couple of the officers out on break. They were having a smoke, but watching their environment.
Slowing down, Nadeya stiffened. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"No. But I don't see a choice here. We could use her help. Her husband has connections."
A silver Maserati circled the park, stopping at the sign on the corner. Teague waved.
"How did you know it was Isobel?"
"No one else around here drives a Maserati. She always had expensive tastes."
The window scrolled down. Teague told her where to go park. He and Nadeya followed on foot. He was pleased to see that there were no other people in the park. Scanning the landscape, he took in details. Two men to the northwest on bikes, near Isobel's car. They were vagrants, but mostly harmless. No doubt, they were making Isobel nervous. The Maserati would attract their attention, as would the woman driving it.
To the south, he spotted a car and that was basically it for at least two blocks all around. There was some activity at City Hall, but not enough to matter. The two of them walked over to Isobel's car. The men on bikes moved on, leering at Nadeya and giving Teague a thumb's up.
"Friends of yours?" she asked.
"No, but I know 'em."
"You know everyone."
"Not really."
She made a face. "Even—over there—you knew everyone. You can walk in a room full of people and know their life stories and be pals with them two hours later. I don't know how you do it. You never met a stranger."
Teague chuckled. "I'm shy as hell, just full of blarney. I learned from my dad."
Isobel got out of her car, clicking the remote. She wore black Louboutin's covered with spikes. Her black pencil skirt was slit on both sides. The ruffles on her black silk blouse fluttered in the wind. Her hair was up in a French twist and she wore a pair of pink Louis Vuitton sunglasses that cost roughly the same amount as Teague's monthly rent. The wind changed and her scent wafted toward him, making Teague's nostrils twitch. He'd always loved the way she smelled. There was something bold and commanding about it that made him feel weak. He stumbled.
Nadeya nudged him, giving him an odd look.
"Sorry," he whispered.
His companion ogled the front of his pants, making him blush. How could Isobel have that effect on him after all this time? He loved Vivica, but here he was sporting a boner for another woman.
"I will pound you, McTeague," Nadeya gritted her teeth as she muttered. "Put that away!"
Isobel stepped forward, arms open to Nadeya. The other woman stood well away, wary and cautious. The hairs on Teague's neck rose. Something wasn't right. Even as careful as they'd been, someone had followed them. Nadeya felt it too. Immediately, the two of them eyed their environment. Across the bridge on a small, innocuous island, sunlight hit metal where none should be.
Reacting instinctively, Teague grabbed Nadeya, pulling her down. His body slammed into the concrete, though she landed on the grass. The window of the Maserati exploded. Broken glass flew in every direction as the bullet buried itself in the headrest.
Isobel screamed hysterically, dropping awkwardly to the ground. Pieces of glass peppered her skin with blood, but she was otherwise unhurt.
"I didn't know. I swear I didn't know!" she screamed. "I didn't know he'd do this."
Teague rose to his knees. Another bullet ripped open the ground beside his right hand. Fucker can't shoot worth dick. Rolling to his left, he took cover behind a huge live oak. He tried to see the island from this position, but it was blocked by the corner of the marina and the angle of the bridge. Dialing the police, he reported the shooting, knowing the gunman would be long gone before they arrived.
© Dellani Oakes 2017


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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 51

Mrs. Bannister bustled in a couple minutes after Obi and Clive arrived. "Thank goodness you're here," she said to Clive. "...