Promised Box Set Read online

  Promised

  Box Set

  James Kipling

  Promised Box Set

  Copyright 2018 James Kipling, Dipasha Tara Raj Publications House

  License Note:

  Thank you for purchasing this e-book. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be reproduced, copied and distributed for commercial or non-commercial purposes without permission from the author.

  If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to purchase their own copy online where they can also discover many other works by this author.

  Thank you for your support.

  Table of Contents

  Book 1: Inheritance Summary

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Book 2: Betrayal Summary

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Epilogue

  Book 3: Only Time Will Tell Summary

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Book 4: Abduction Summary

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Book 5: The Hitman Summary

  The Hitman: Secret Billionaire

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  The Hitman: Inseparable

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  The Hitman: A Secret Past

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  The Hitman: A Desperate Chase

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  The Hitman: An Impossible Chase

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Four weeks later – Damien’s birthday.

  Book 6: Dead Men Don’t Talk Summary

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Book 7: Hunted Summary

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Book 8: Stranger in Our Midst Summary

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Quest for Justice

  Summary

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Thank You

  Book 1: Inheritance

  Summary

  Welcome to “Inheritance”. Love, scandal, murder, and luxury cars await you. Growing up with money has taught Jasper that he can have what he wants without working for it. It has also attracted a gold-digging girlfriend that thinks the same thing.

  What is Jasper willing to do to inherit his uncle’s money? What is Jasper’s girlfriend willing to do to ensure that he does?

  In this face paced,
modern take on part of the human condition, we meet characters who are motivated by greed, love, and Family. We learn that no matter how far society has progressed, we are still the simple creators we have always been.

  And in the end, we learn that blood is still thicker than water and arsenic is still a viable option for murder.

  Chapter 1

  Barton under Cinderwood was slumbering gently under a rare, English summer sun. The tailored and manicured gardens ran along both sides of the road into the village. The traditional pub was serving lunches to tables sat outdoors, which were sporting smart umbrellas. The clientele was well dressed or at least thought it was well dressed in ripped designer jeans and up to date fashion tops. Designer handbags were stored under the tables, but still made a statement. Their upwardly mobile owners preened themselves as they displayed their success. Barton was a sought after middle England village with a golf club, a marina where the canal ran close, and it boasted house prices most people could never afford in a lifetime.

  The beautifully kept, open plan front gardens gave way at one point and large wrought iron gates made a statement in the row. Between the mock Tudors and tall chimneys, the gates led into a driveway that wound away into some trees that masked the house from prying eyes. The house was called Carte Blanche.

  Inside the comfortable and well-furnished living room, Julian Conroy and his long-time friend Dr. Henry de Lando were having a glass of whiskey. Julian was swirling the glass and contemplating. Henry de Lando sighed. “I know it’s hard to hear, Julian. At least it’s me that is telling you the bad news and not in some sterile hospital room.

  “I do appreciate that, Henry. We’ve been friends for a very long time. Thanks for all that you do.” He paused “But I will have to decide how to deal with it.”

  “You are thinking about Jasper, aren’t you?” Henry asked sympathetically. His friend nodded.

  “Our family has never had a good record of handling money.” He thought for a while. “An historic family that has managed to waste away about four fortunes over the centuries.”

  “You’re the exception to the rule, Julian. Not all family members are feckless and spendthrift.” The doctor replied. “You may have made the first stock market gains by chance, but you’ve looked after it well. You’ve never been tempted to throw it all away.”

  Julian Conroy took a sip of the single malt and nodded. “Jasper has been brought up here and takes this lifestyle for granted. What would he be like if he had to stand on his own two feet? We had quite a row about that before he went on holiday.” Both men thought for a few moments and Julian said at last, “I think I am going to cut off the money and make him stand on his own. He wants to marry Melissa, I think, but a lavish wedding is not something I want to shell out for. I would imagine that they think I will buy them some wonderful house as well.”

  “What about telling him about your health? He will need to know sometime. He is your next of kin.” Henry de Lando asked.

  “I’ll leave it all for the moment. See how things go when he comes back from this holiday with the girlfriend.” De Lando smiled at his old friend.

  “I’m not too taken with her either.” The two men raised their glasses and savoured the single malt in companionable silence. Then Henry asked his friend “Do you ever feel bitter that your family threw everything away?” Julian Conroy took another sip of his whiskey and thought back over the years.

  “My father was only one in a long line of Conroys who found a passion for something and spent every penny they had. Unfortunately, my father went so far that in the end he had to sell Conroy Towers. Even the other feckless characters hadn’t gone that far.” He paused. “But no, I’m not bitter. A bit sad maybe, because my mother had only married into the Conroys and ended up with nothing.

  “You helped her though and brought up the boy.” Henry said. Julian nodded.

  “The car crash was one more awful thing, I suppose, but Jasper ended up here. He’s never wanted for anything, and he had a first class education. I just always worry that he will fritter away all of my estate when I’m gone. Maybe it’s in the genes. He is a good man, really, but I do worry.” Henry de Lando nodded.

  “I can see where you are coming from, but he is your next of kin and he has done nothing wrong.”

  “Apart from being in the hands of a little gold digger. Am I just too suspicious there? Is she just a nice girl that I don’t like very much? Maybe two marriages and two divorces have made me suspicious.”

  “She does like to live the high life, I’m afraid.” De Lando answered. “But that’s not uncommon in young people these days with their designer shoes and electronic gadgets.”

  “I will try and persuade Jasper one more time to get a job.” Julian told his friend. “And see what the reaction is. I won’t stop his allowance, but I will stop any large amounts of money and think about what to do if I die.” He hesitated. “I should say when I die, shouldn’t I?” Dr De Lando put down his glass. “You have about a year according to the tests, Julian. It’s not a good thing to hear, even from a friend. I am so sorry. The tablets will help. I’ll leave you a supply and keep popping in to give the injections.” He looked at the glass “And scrounge a tot of this single malt.”

  ***

  Jasper Conroy and his girlfriend Melissa were at the same time checking out after a flight from Bermuda. It was a wonderful two weeks. Despite the long travel time, Melissa still looked like the film stars she emulated. Her tan was always just a little too much, a little too much cleavage on display, and she was at great pains to always be dressed in the most up to date styles. There was no doubt, the girl did look spectacular. Hair extensions, wonderful makeup, and lots of jewellery made a statement. Jasper was always pleased when men could not take their eyes away from her. She had changed on board the plane to arrive looking wonderful and was sporting an emerald green fitted, short skirted dress with a highly patterned, long jacket made in some floating, ethereal material. The peach of her high heels picked out the identical shade of the colour in the jacket and a small clutch bag in the same colour. She carried no other luggage and assumed someone else – Jasper- would do that. Melissa had very dark hair to which her talented hair stylist added a faint sheen of colour and the most striking green eyes. Jasper often remarked how he loved those green eyes, but most women might wonder if maybe there was little help from contact lenses.

  She walked sleekly beside him as he had a hand luggage in each hand, found the rest of the luggage, and waited whilst he took care of everything. They headed for the car in the long-term car park. “Oh Baby. It has been absolutely fabulous. It has been such a special holiday. Thank you, Jasp.” As he fastened his seat belt, she leaned across and kissed his cheek. “I think we can just fall into bed and sleep off the jet lag.” Jasper smiled and rolled the car smoothly away. It felt good to be under his own steam again, although a car is not a lot of use in Bermuda. This was a serious piece of machinery and had cost his uncle a lot of cash. Jasper loved the car with a passion that Melissa found hard to comprehend. He enjoyed the feel of the engine and let Melissa chatter away about the holiday, the clothes, what her friend Annabel would say about her new shoes… They pulled up at the canal side apartment he rented. He parked in his reserved space. The place had security and the air of a rather superior hotel, but it suited Jasper at the present time.

  He paid someone to clean for him and knew it would be immaculate when he opened the door. Melissa kicked off her shoes and sank into a chair whilst Jasper brought in the bags and made her a coffee. Then he sank down as well and flicked the remote for the television. “Good to be home though.” He murmured and lifted his long legs onto the sofa. “I’ll ring the old boy, tell him we’re home, and go over tomorrow.”

  Melissa pouted. “I think I will just stay in bed and recover tomorrow. You don’t need me over there.” Jasper smiled at her. “You take it easy, Sweetie.” She came over and laid on the sofa beside him.

 
“We can pretend we are still on holiday and on that fab water bed.” She moved her body against him and then took his hand. “Come on. Let’s go to bed.”

  “Bed was always the best place.” Melissa thought. Keeping a man happy was what she did best and marriage to the Conroy inheritance was worth keeping him happy. “It’s no hardship.” She pondered. “Jasper is a good looking guy and will inherit money as well- win win.”

  Chapter 2

  Jasper drove through the gates of his uncle’s house and felt, as he always did, that it still felt like home. He had only been six when his mother died in the crash and all he could really remember was the life his uncle had provided. He knew Julian Conroy loved him like a son and he knew the concern sometimes ran over and made him feel a sort of suffocation.

  He always had to remember that his uncle acted with the best intentions and came from an older generation that saw things differently. He also knew that his uncle did not like Melissa James and as she did not like Julian in return, it often put Jasper as the one caught in the middle. He was not looking forward to the meeting. Climbing out of the car he put a determined smile on his face. Jasper Conroy was not someone who enjoyed conflict. If anything, he gave in to whatever a person demanded of him for the sake of a peaceful life. He pushed the front door open and called out. “Hi Uncle.” A voice sounded from the conservatory and Jasper made his way towards it. “Hello Jazz.” His uncle stood up to embrace his nephew. “Was it a good holiday?”

  “It was a tremendous holiday, thanks.” Jasper said and watched his uncle sink back into the seat. “Are you okay? You are not so steady on the legs there.” Julian Conroy waved a hand.

  “I’ll pass for a while yet, thanks.” He said. ”What plans have you got for the next few months?”

  Jasper sighed. “I know you don’t want to hear it, but Melissa wants to plan a wedding.”

  “And do you want to plan a wedding?” His uncle queried. Jasper laughed.

  “You know me so well. I think it’s a bit early for that, and I had wanted to ask how you felt about me starting a car hire business; the high end of the market. I know you want me to find a job. I would rather work with cars.”

  Julian Conroy looked at his nephew. He hid well the fact that he doted on the man and said. “I have no intention of paying for a lavish wedding and weddings cost thousands these days. I should know. I’ve had two and two expensive divorces.” Jasper nodded and waited. “I guess she would also want a house and that is not in the cards, Jazz.”