Tall, Dark & Deadly: Agents of the Bureau, #1

Tall, Dark

& Deadly

An Agents of The Bureau Novel

Kharma Kelley

Tall, Dark & Deadly

Copyright © 2016 by Kharma Kelley. All rights reserved.

Formatting: www.Word-2-Kindle.com

Editor: Brittany Clarke

Cover Design: Kharma Kelley

This Kindle 1st edition published by

Wicked Bayou Press

kharmaj.kelley@gmail.com

www.authorkharmakelley.com

No part of this ebook may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. This is an illegal act and punishable by law. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to locales, events, business establishments, or actual persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.

Acknowledgements

I’m thrilled for this opportunity to thank a few people for their help and support on my road to publication. Writing in the modern world is hard work, so please know that every time I received a hug, critical feedback, a shoulder to cry on, a stiff drink and a barrel of laughs, it did not go unnoticed. I’m so grateful to have had such amazing people throughout my publication journey.

To Micah, my husband, thank you for all the support, laughs, late night rantings and flexibility as your wife went on to spend a huge chunk of her time writing dirty vampire books. There’s no word ever spoken by God or man that sums up the love I have for you. To Vickie, my bestie, thank you for introducing me to Wattpad. It helped awaken a discipline in me to continue to grow as a writer.

To my family I send thanks for the enthusiasm you showed in this book. You’ve always supported my creativity. I love you. Thank you for believing in me.

Thanks to my editor, Brittany Clarke, for your professional expertise on my debut novel.

Thanks to my amazing beta readers, critique partners, and cheerleaders: Alexandria Lee, Neisha Asher, Dana Brown, Kara Bays, Heidi Harris and the incomparable Idah Kemunto.

To Nick and Jules for teaching me fundamentals of good creative design to make awesome marketing materials and book covers for this book.

Thanks to all my fabulous Wattpad readers, friends and followers. Without you, this book wouldn't have happened. You kept me dedicated and I love you for it!

Finally, in memory of my brother, Mark. Though you’re gone, your love and enthusiasm for writing for the world continues to inspire me with every moment I miss you. Life is too short for regrets so this one’s for you, bro. Shine on, you crazy diamond.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

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

Epilogue

Coming Soon...

Chapter One

"Would you just look at these shoes? Can I please just finish doing this in my sneakers? They're in the trunk of my car!" Chloë chunked the shovel in the earth hard, leaning against the handle. She felt her brand new royal blue pumps sink further into the soft, putrid dirt and groaned in dismay.

This was total crap.

Not only had she totally screwed up by listening to Eddie earlier, which had lured her like the grandest of chumps, but she hadn’t brought any protection at all. Not a single legitimate weapon. Nada. Just a sore neck from the tranquilizer he’d darted her with. Yeah, that was real smart Chloë, she thought to herself. If I get out of this alive, I'll never live it down how this nasty Cockney bastard got the drop on me. I must be slipping.

That's okay. I’d rather not deal with any of your trickery considering you're almost done anyway. Edward pulled out his gold pocketwatch and checked the hour, his other hand pointing a flashlight at the dig site. "Let's get a move on, shall we? I haven't got all night. I'm missing The Vampire Journals. I love that show."

Ugh. You're a bigger loser than I thought. I have a less lame life than you, and I have three cats.

Edward hissed at her in response, exposing his yellow fangs. I'd be nice if I were you. I'm getting a bit peckish, and I can either treat you like an appetizer or a buffet, your choice. He straightened to his full height, puffing his chest out like some classic superhero trying to establish dominance.

Chloë rolled her eyes at his ridiculous attempt at threatening her. Gods, what the hell did I see in him anyway?

She stopped shoveling and put her hand on her hip. Her eyes cut through to him.Sooo, is this because I dumped you back in '48? Is that where all this hostility is coming from?

Edward scoffed and rolled his eyes. I think you have that backwards, don't you think, love?

Uh, no I don't. In fact, I distinctly remember telling you to, quote unquote, 'piss off' and firing arrows at your chest as you ran from my apartment. It was by far one of the greatest moments of that decade for her. Kicking Eddie's ass out of her life had given her freedom. If only she’d done it sooner, maybe she wouldn't have been reaping the stigma of their association even still. Seeing him only reminded her of the kinda shit she had been through in the past and how it always seem to find her.

Edward gave Chloë a sinister grin. I think you were playing hard to get...and I decided there's far prettier and plentiful fish in the sea. Not to mention, you were simply an enormous pain in my ass! He pointed at her. Now shut your hole and keep digging that one!

"You know, this would be faster if you didn't drain my powers away from me. But noooo, you had to get all greedy and scared of the little hybrid vamp from the Bureau. Forcing me to do your dirty work. And I mean dirty work, because my Jimmy Choo's are now completely ruined! She began to stomp them into the ground, driving the point home but caking more mud onto her legs and feet. You see? Ruined. Just like what you did to our relationship. Chloë scoffed at him, scanning him from head to toe. Well, I don't expect you to understand, considering these shoes are worth more than your entire outdated outfit. Are you going to a Steampunk convention or no?"

Edward rolled his eyes. Time was running out for him to get what he’d come for and he was almost sure she was stalling him, waiting for the drug he’d given her to wear off. Just dig, damn you, Chloë! Trust me, I don't want to be here with you any longer than necessary!

Fine! Chloë continued to dig with such force and rhythm she had dirt flying everywhere. She had no idea what he was looking for out here. Edward hadn't been on anyone's radar for quite some time. No one seemed to care about him, and many teams were far too busy with other crimes out there. But old Eddie Boyette was clearly up to something. He’d come prepared. He’d aptly sprung an old trap for her and even made sure he darted her with a dose of E-19, making sure her strength and powers weakened enough to abduct her. Bastard. Who knew he would grow half a brain after all these years?

A loud thump punctuated her thought as she struck something hard against the shovel. Scraping some of the dirt away, she saw a wooden top. Edward quickly pushed her away and carefully loosened the object from the earth.

Chloë rolled her eyes. Yeah, you're welcome, douchebag.

Edward knelt down and rubbed the dirt off the box until he hissed a curse. His fingers brushed against the silver writing and burned like crazy. There was a very old script written on the top and a big silver lock sealing it. Edward meticulously avoided the silver parts, hissing when his fingers got too close. Whatever the box was, it wasn't vamp-friendly. He sat back, smiled, and looked up at her conveying in silence her purpose for being there in the first place.

So this is what you needed me for, eh? To play pop-a-lock for you? Chloë folded her arms. No thanks. Being a half-breed was a pain in the butt, but it did have its advantages. As a Dhampir, Chloë was quite a commodity to the Bureau as a rare creature with vampire strengths but none of their weaknesses, such as sensitivity to silver and sunlight. But it also made her a target for naughty little vamps who needed to circumvent some natural defenses.

Edward began to hiss as he stood up and grabbed her throat, squeezing. I've had enough of your lip, love! Now you open that box and you'll never hear from me again. Or else I'll drain you dry right here and now and find some other little scamp to do the job!

Chloë sneered at him. He had some balls alright to treat her like this, but that didn’t mean he was joking. The Boyettes were all vile and bitter bastards, and every day since her incarceration, she'd regretted running with them. Regretted the feelings she once had for the rogue standing before her. "You may as well get it over with then because I have no idea what's in that box, and, frankly, I rather die than help you do anything or your mangy brothers! So go to town, asshole!" Feeling that familiar warm sensation beginning to manifest in her bones, she determined it was either now or never.

With fangs exposed and salivating, Edward leaned into her. Your choice, love.

Chloë tightened her grip on the shovel handle and swung with all her might across his face, sending him flying onto his back. Wielding it back to the ground, she immediately stepped on the shovel, breaking off the spade and giving her an instant wooden stake as a weapon. Edward came snarling towards her, wrestling her to the ground with the broken shovel handle between them. Don't you worry about those shoes, Chloë! Now I'll make sure you're buried with them!

Using her power, she hurled the spade part of the shovel at his head, knocking him off her. As she struggled to her feet, she saw him reach for the box, which she willed away out of his reach just in time. Tsk, tsk, tsk. I don't think so, Eddie. I think I'll take this box as a parting gift for my trashed shoes and the 100 years of my life you trashed as well.

Edward slammed his fist onto the ground. No! You have no idea what you're doing! Give to me or I'll hunt you down like an animal! As he attempted to get up, Chloë willed the handle into his leg, sending him back to the ground screaming. Chloë tucked the box under her arm.

Finding an opportunity, she began the run for the car where at least her emergency cell was hidden. Edward quickly rebounded, following her when Ethan materialized in front of her and his wave of energy forced her back, sending her butt-first into the grass. Armed with his crossbow and without hesitation, he shot a silver-tipped arrow into Edward's chest and watched him immediately turn into a pillar of ash and dust.

Chloë sought to catch her breath as Ethan's cell rang a tune of Queen's Another One Bites the Dust. As his ringtone silenced, he answered with a deep, deadpan voice. Ethan Raines speaking...Yeah, I found her...she failed to check in. He cast her a vexed stare. She's alive...

Chloë sighed at his chiding look as his 6’4" frame towered over her. In revenge, she knocked his hand away as he offered to help her up, but Ethan didn't react. He just quietly watched her as she pulled to her feet.

What are you doing here? I totally had this! Chloë frowned. She dusted herself off and kicked off her muddy, broken heels. So much for being a lady. Looking at Ethan's clothing, Chloë figured he must have come from a meeting of some sort. He was not typically in a suit when she saw him, but today he looked straight out of an Armani ad. He had short, dark hair and a set of baby blues that were strangely behind a pair of black framed glasses. She’d never understood why he wore them. Part of her thought that maybe he did it to remember his earlier human life. All she had were her guesses that tried to piece together the enigma that was her boss.

Placing the phone back into his coat, he surveyed the area. Mind telling me what is going on? And why are you not in the office at check-in?

Look, I know what you're going to say, but I had absolutely no intention to play Buffy out here tonight.

He arched an eyebrow. Is that so?

Um hmm.

He adjusted his glasses.Do you remember the conditions of your work release, Ms. Hunter?

"Ugh, I hate when you do this! Chloë threw up her hands, exasperated.Yeah, yeah. I know. I only work on sanctioned assignments from The Bureau. No rogue missions. No hero complexes. No deception. No escape. No eating after midnight. I get it. But you weren't around, and I figured I could handle this. For heaven's sake, Ethan, it was Eddie Boyette. He's a damn burnout. Buffy wouldn't fear Spike."

Ethan started walking toward the dig site. "But then again, this isn't Buffy or The Vampire Journals, is it? Also, you're not supposed to be in any contact with your previous comrades." Ethan sighed, pushing up his glasses. He’d immediately expected the worst after hearing she had a lead on Edward doing some trafficking. He couldn't keep count of how many times she'd gotten herself in some sort of bind, and getting involved again with her terror of a gang would mean the end for her. The Bureau watched her like a hawk, as with any work release program, but even more so because Chloë was special. Fiery and outspoken, she was very different in many ways from other vampires.

Chloë trailed behind him and made a deep sigh of defeat. Look, Ethan, I wasn't meeting him for Starbucks, Okay? I heard surveillance spotted him in the area and wanted to get rid of him, that's all. I wasn’t taking a very dark walk down memory lane.

Chloë, I had my reasons when I restricted you from the field as part of your release. You're not ready, you know that. In the field, we have to rely on one another. You can't be some lone avenger or you'll get dead. He turned and locked eyes with her. The intensity of it made her stiffen. What if he drugged you? Or got some Fae creature to put a spell on you? I can't be everywhere, Chloë. And I can't have you being put in any danger or risking the lives of the team. He glanced down at her muddy feet. What happened to your shoes? Then he looked at the old wooden box sitting at the base of her feet. And what the hell is that?

Chapter Two

Chloë stood over Ethan's desk as she examined the lock. Ethan, leaning against the window, kept staring at the script on the box but remained cautious not to touch it. Did he tell you what was in there? Why he wanted it so badly?

No, he wouldn't tell me, Chloë replied. She was itching to bring up the fact that if he hadn’t been so quick to put an end to old Eddie, maybe she would’ve figured it out. She pursed her lips at the expired thought. It wasn’t worth bitching over. Besides, whether she liked it or not, Ethan had good timing in a pinch. "What I do know, however, is that Eddie stole a lot of things for other vampires, and he was always neck deep in crap regarding bad supes. No telling what he was up to this time." Immediately, Chloë began to feel a little embarrassed by her association with such a jerk. Granted, it was a long time ago when she’d still been a baby vamp and fascinated with finding someone to accept her for who she really was. Admittedly, it had taken her far too long to figure out that Eddie had just been just using her, just like he’d done again tonight. He and his psycho brothers had always enjoyed hurting people and involving her in their schemes. As bittersweet and conflicting as it was, Chloë was relieved that Eddie was gone. Ethan hadn’t even given him a chance to hurt her. Unfortunately, that also hadn’t allowed a chance for him to explain what he’d been up to.

Ethan took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. This writing is very old. I've seen it somewhere before, but I can't quite place the origin. He pushed himself from the window and leaned in to take a deeper look. Definitely Fae, but what kind, I'm not sure. If I was a guessing man, I would say it's a Woe.

Chloë grimaced at the foreign term. A what?

A box of woe, he continued. Like Pandora's Box. Ethan peered at her through the top of his glasses. "Remember that firm example of a young woman not listening to and following instructions?" His tone was full of insinuation that Chloë would’ve been wise to ignore.

She rolled her eyes. Yeah, smart-ass, everyone knows about Pandora letting out all the troubles of the world. But they are out the box, right? The damage has already been done.

"Well, they are out of the box she possessed. He ran his fingers over the wood and then around the area of the silver lock. What they don't tell you is that there are other boxes out there. Some have got some real nastiness out there that’s been festering for eons. One can even re-use these boxes to trap another supe in there. You can't get out of it on your own, so usually the creature inside is unsavory and looking to wreak havoc. Revenge. Hence the name: a Woe."

Chloë shrugged. Don't remember them teaching us about this in vampire academy.

Ethan looked up at her quizzically. I didn't know you went.

She smiled and shook her head. Ethan, I'm joking. Of course not, I would have gotten kicked out. Besides, I'm not a vampire blue blood like someone I know. She coughed in his direction as she picked up the lock.

If you're insinuating I'm a snob, you apparently don't know me that well.

Isn’t that the truth, she thought. Three months working with him and, besides what his reputation at the Bureau rumored, Chloë knew very little of her handsome supervisor. She remembered what those eyes of his had looked like when he’d come to visit her in Level 6, a turning point in her life. Being locked in a cell for so long had made her hallucinate, and when he’d come to her cell, part of her had thought he was a mirage. His towering height and boyish charms had been nothing short of beguiling. She hadn’t realized he was, in fact, real until he’d shaken her hand