Cause to Run (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 2)

Cause to Run (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 2)

Blake Pierce · Completed · 61.9k Words

562
Hot
960
Views
172
Added
Add to Shelf
Start Reading
Share:facebooktwitterpinterestwhatsappreddit

Introduction

“A dynamic story line that grips from the first chapter and doesn't let go.” --Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone) From #1 bestselling mystery author Blake Pierce comes a new masterpiece of psychological suspense. In CAUSE TO RUN (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 2), a new serial killer is stalking Boston, killing his victims in bizarre ways, taunting the police with mysterious puzzles that reference the stars. As the stakes are upped and the pressure is on, the Boston Police Department is forced to call in its most brilliant—and most controversial—homicide detective: Avery Black.Avery, still reeling from her last case, finds herself up against a rival precinct and a brilliant, cunning killer who is always one step ahead of her. She is forced to enter his dark, twisted mind as he lays clues for his next killing, and forced to look into places in her own mind she would rather not go. She finds herself compelled to seek the counsel of Howard Randall, the twisted serial killer she’d put behind bars years ago, all while her new burgeoning life with Rose and Ramirez is falling apart.And just as things cannot get any worse, she finds out something else: she herself may be the target.In a game of psychological cat and mouse, a frantic race against time leads Avery through a series of shocking and unexpected twists—culminating in climax that even Avery could not imagine. A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, CAUSE TO RUN is book #2 of a riveting new series—with a beloved new character—that will leave you turning pages late into the night. Book #3 in the Avery Black series will be available soon. “A masterpiece of thriller and mystery. Pierce did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side, so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. The plot is very intelligent and will keep you entertained throughout the book. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone)

Chapter 1

PROLOGUE

He lay hidden in the shadows of a parking lot fence and stared up at the three-story brick apartment building across the street. He imagined it was dinnertime for some, an hour where families would gather and laugh and share stories of the day.

Stories.

He scoffed. Stories were for the weak.

The whistling shattered his silence.

Her

whistling. Henrietta Venemeer whistled as she walked.

So happy,

he thought.

So oblivious.

His anger increased at the sight of her, a red, burning rage that bloomed in his entire visual landscape. He closed his eyes and took in a few deep breaths to make it stop. Drugs used to help with his anger. They had calmed him down and kept his mind light and carefree, but lately, even his prescriptions had failed. He needed something bigger to help balance in life.

Something cosmic.

You know what you have to do,

he reminded himself.

She was a slight, older woman with a shock of red hair and a can-do attitude that permeated her every movement: hips swayed like she was dancing to an inner song and there was a noticeable hop in her step. She carried a bag of groceries and headed directly toward the brick building in a forgotten part of East Boston.

Go now

, he commanded

.

As she reached her building door and was fumbling for her keys, he left his spot and ambled across the street.

She opened her building door and entered.

Before the door shut, he placed his foot inside the opening. The camera that watched the foyer had been disabled earlier; he’d applied a film of clear spray-gel over the lens to obscure any images and yet give the illusion that the camera appeared in working order. The second foyer door had been disabled, too, its lock easy enough to break.

A whistle was still on her lips as she disappeared up a flight of stairs. He walked into the building to follow, giving no thought to the people on the street or other cameras that might have been watching from other buildings. Everything had been investigated earlier, and the timing of his attack had been aligned with the universe.

By the time she reached the third floor to unlock her front door, he was behind her. The door opened and as she walked into her apartment he grabbed her by the chin and clamped her mouth shut with his palm, stifling her screams.

Then he stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

Last Chapters

You Might Like 😍

Pregnant by My Husband's Rival Alpha

Pregnant by My Husband's Rival Alpha

21.9k Views · Completed · Christina
I woke up three years into a marriage I barely remembered—pregnant with twins that weren't my husband's.

Those words should have destroyed me, but the truth was worse: I'd been used as a broodmare by the man who swore to love me, set up in a hotel room with a stranger because My husband Alexander Cross couldn't father children himself, and now I carried the secret babies of Damon Lester—the most powerful and dangerous Alpha in San Loris—while my own family replaced me with the daughter they'd always wanted. But when that same stranger's doctor appeared at my door, when twenty million dollars exchanged hands over a fake perfume bearing my secret identity, and when Damon's gray eyes locked onto mine with recognition I couldn't afford, I realized my carefully hidden life as the legendary perfumer Vera was colliding with a pregnancy that could cost me everything.

Could I protect my babies from the husband plotting my death, hide my true identity from the Alpha who's been hunting me for years, and reclaim the freedom I'd buried along with my dreams—even if it means standing alone against the wolves who see me as nothing more than a womb to be used and discarded?
Tango 2 the Alpha's Heart

Tango 2 the Alpha's Heart

2.1k Views · Completed · judels.lalita
"Eyes up here," he said.

My gaze snapped to his. He was smiling, causing my heart to skip a painful beat. Before I could respond, the music began, and my body instinctively reacted to the sweet melody.

I found myself molded to Lex's will, my feet irresistibly following the dance steps.

The crowd gasped as Lex pulled me into a more intimate position, his hands roaming over my body in a seductive manner.

The experience was both terrifying and magical, allowing me to feel every longing emotion through the dance.

I soon found myself lost in his arms.

When the music finally stopped, my arms were wrapped around his neck, his hands resting on my back, our noses almost touching. He gazed deeply into my eyes.

The ballroom fell silent.

Was he about to kiss me?


Lilly’s life was never easy; she lost her memory and family in a blazing fire. Angelica found and took her in—only to make her a slave to the household.

Years of torment and abuse left Lilly weak, vulnerable, and believing she was without a wolf, but that didn't mean that all hope was lost.

At night, in her dreams, he would patiently wait for her—the man who brought sunshine into her darkest moments.

They would dance the night away, but as dawn approached, he would vanish into the morning sun.

Lilly had given up hope of finding a mate, having a family, and leading a normal life.

But things are about to drastically change for her...

Secrets, lies, betrayal... and a baby on the way.

What if Lilly wasn't wolf-less? What if it was all a lie?

What if she had a living family? Would she stay and bond with them or make a run for freedom?
Invincible Upon Release: The Strongest Mage

Invincible Upon Release: The Strongest Mage

1.6k Views · Ongoing · Autumn Bamboo Shoots
"His bride was labeled a madwoman, humiliated at the wedding and mocked by everyone—“She’s only fit for a murderer.”

Her family looked down on him, and even she herself said coldly: “You’re not worthy of being my husband.”

Everyone thought this newly released good-for-nothing was just a poor fool who’d taken the fall for his brother.

Thorne said nothing.

He merely raised his hand, gently pressing his bride’s forehead.

In an instant, the chaos in her eyes faded. Holy light surged from beneath the church, shooting into the sky.

The world’s only candidate for the Saintess, blessed with holy power, slowly opened her clear eyes before him.
The Alpha Of The Shadow Pack And His Mute Luna

The Alpha Of The Shadow Pack And His Mute Luna

188.7k Views · Ongoing · Beatrice Putnam
She was born cursed and silenced. He was born cursed and destined to lose everything.

Vanessa, the mute runt of a cursed litter, has only ever known cruelty and abuse. Her voice stolen by a witch’s spell, her freedom crushed by a brutal father, she’s been promised to a monster she doesn’t want. But fate intervenes when she’s left for dead—bleeding, broken, and bound—only to be rescued by Alpha Alfred of the Shadow Pack.
Alfred, fighting against a generational curse that has doomed his brothers to remain wolves forever, never expected his fated mate to be a fragile girl on the brink of death. But the moment he breathes in her scent, everything changes.
Together, they must confront the past, survive betrayal, and uncover the true key to breaking the curses that bind them. Will their bond be strong enough to save them both?
BROKEN TRUST

BROKEN TRUST

11.2k Views · Completed · O.J Thewriter
She broke their marriage. He walked away.

Neither of them knew she was carrying his child.

Emily’s affair didn’t just end her marriage—it erased the life she thought was guaranteed. Ryan left without looking back, carrying his anger like armor and leaving Emily alone with regret she would never outrun. Three years later, fate drags them back into each other’s world, along with a little girl who has Ryan’s eyes and a truth that shatters everything he thought he knew.

Old wounds reopen, grief masquerades as rage, and love refuses to stay buried. As parenthood binds them together and the past demands accountability, Emily and Ryan must face the question neither of them is ready to answer: is broken trust the end of their story… or the beginning of a love forged through loss, forgiveness, and brutal honesty?
My Perverse: You're mine, you son of a bitch

My Perverse: You're mine, you son of a bitch

2.8k Views · Completed · Williane Kassia
AN AGE GAP, FORCED PROXIMITY, BLACK FLAG ROMANCE

Vincenzo Valentini is a man who sees the world as a business counter and human beings as merchandise.

The owner of an empire built upon corpses and submission, he is the reflection of pure perversity.

When fate places Andrew Thompson, the son of his greatest rival, into his hands, the plan was simple: use him, break him, and discard him like a toy that has lost its appeal.

What Vincenzo did not expect was that, beneath the youthful skin and the appearance of innocence, Andrew hid the same abyss as he did.

Vincenzo never wanted redemption. He never wanted someone to save him from his own darkness. He was seeking a mirror. And in Andrew, he found the partner who, upon seeing his blood-stained hands, does not recoil in terror, but trembles with desire.

In this perverse game, the "little toy" proves to be the perfect executioner. The mafia leader found someone who not only accepts his cruel side but cultivates it, feeding the monster Vincenzo has always been.

Where there should have been fear, lust emerged. Where there should have been hatred, a perverse loyalty was born. Andrew Thompson is the dark reflection of Vincenzo, the soldier the underworld did not see coming, and the man who proved that, for some, paradise only makes sense if it is in the middle of chaos.

Vincenzo opened the doors to his empire, but Andrew was the only one capable of invading his heart.

They are not heroes. They are hell on earth.
The Lycan Kings and the White Wolf.

The Lycan Kings and the White Wolf.

136.1k Views · Completed · theresachipps
Trixie was twelve years old when her parents, the Luna and alpha of the pack, were killed in a rogue attack, or what she thought was a rogue attack. Since she was the only child, the only heir, she should have been next in line for the alpha position. Since she was only 12 her uncle took over as alpha. For 5 years her uncle and his family has mistreated her. Stripped her of her title. He has constantly tried to steal her inheritance her parents left her. With time not on his side, her uncle Melvin, signs her up for the yearly tournament being held at palace. Where he plans to finally end Trixie and finally get his hands on her money. Trixie’s luck changes when she’s finds her mates. The twin Lycan Kings.
Real Heiress, Hidden Boss​

Real Heiress, Hidden Boss​

23.2k Views · Completed · Aria Woods
They wanted a real daughter, so they traded me for her.
On the engagement day, my fiancé slipped a ring on her finger. My parents handed me a train ticket to oblivion.
They celebrated their victory while I disappeared.
What they didn't realize was that letting me go was the worst mistake of their lives.
I am the surgical prodigy saving lives that science deems hopeless. I am the muse of the art world. I am the true heir to a dynasty they couldn't even dream of.
Now, I am back.
Not as the girl they abandoned, but as the storm they prayed would never come.
My ex-fiancé kneels in regret. My fake sister chokes on her jealousy. And the CEO who once looked through me? He is now crawling, desperate to taste the success he once threw away.
The joke isn't on me.
It's on them.
Taming the bully

Taming the bully

3.8k Views · Completed · KPL
WARNING: It may contain explicit scenes, bullying, triggering words, violence and psychological aspects scenes.

" Pitiful....I'll make sure you are pitied more...in Hunsberg university, don't you think? "

" Soon you'll be so pitiful, it will get so extreme that each and every people in there will feel sorry and disgusted by your pathetic life. I'll make you find yourself wishing that it would be better if you're never born."
......
Jennie Wilson POV

She was a poor, a daughter of a labourer and innocent girl. She gets into one of the most prestigious college in the world she always dreamed and worked hard. The Arcadia University.

A college to the elite, where children of diplomats, rich people find themselves in this exclusive university for its reputation and fastest hub to success in life.

Will Jennie Wilson be able to survive in this prestigious college?

Vincent Ainsworth
The only son of one of the largest tycoon businessman in the world. He was like fire. He was hurt and depressed. He loved his ex Eva Smith so much. His world collapsed when his ex called off their relationship. He was way beyond broken. She never looked back at him.

Since Vincent was going through depression, his friends asked Jennie Wilson to help him out, because she was the only one who could make him come out of his depression. Will she be able to repair him? Will he allow her to heal him?....or will it become WORSE.
The Spy Who Left

The Spy Who Left

1.9k Views · Completed · Orion Vale
"She's naive. A pretty little socialite who got lucky marrying above her station."
"I still can't believe she actually did it. Aria Hart, filing for divorce. Who saw that coming?"
"How long do we think it'll take before she comes crawling back?" Another voice joins the conversation.
"Three days," Victoria declares. "Five at most. She has no money, no skills, no family. Where's she going to go?"
When Aria Chen divorced billionaire Leon Hart, New York's elite sneered, betting she'd crawl back within days. She never did.
Three years later, the world is rocked when Dr. Aria Vale, CEO of a revolutionary cybersecurity empire, steps into the spotlight. The mysterious genius who built a billion-dollar company from nothing is none other than Leon's discarded wife, the woman everyone thought was just a pretty ornament.
Now, every powerful man wants the queen Leon threw away a renowned scientist seeking partnership, a financial titan proposing an empire, and an actor offering devotion. Each sees the brilliance Leon ignored.
Then Leon discovers the truth: Aria's sacrifices, her secret double life, and the daughter she's been raising without him. For the first time, the man who once took her for granted must fight for her love. But can he compete with men who valued her from the beginning?
A story of love, betrayal, and power where the king must kneel before the queen who never needed saving.
The first of her kind

The first of her kind

3.2k Views · Ongoing · Sunday Ukamaka
To the supernatural world, I am just Edlyn—a weak, submissive Omega hiding in the shadows. No one knows my real secret: I am a freak of nature. A hybrid of Wolf, Vampire, Witch, and Fairy. The first of my kind.

And if I don’t unite the warring factions by my twenty-fifth birthday, the prophecy will kill me. I have exactly three months left to live.

Love was never option. Survival was the only plan.

Until they showed up.

Nelson: The brutal, dominant Supreme Alpha who demands my absolute submission, waking a wolf inside me that I’ve suppressed for twelve years.
Jay: The ruthless, lethal Vampire Heir who craves my blood, feeding the dark, feral hunger I never wanted to admit.

They are sworn enemies, born to tear each other apart. But fate has a twisted sense of humor—because they are both my fated mates.

If they find out what I truly am, they’ll destroy me. But as the bond tightens and my time runs out, I’m caught between the Alpha who wants to protect my soul, and the Vampire who wants to rule my darkness.

I was born to bring peace. But loving them might just start the bloodiest war history has ever seen.
The Rejected White Luna

The Rejected White Luna

13.4k Views · Completed · Elle Writes
"I, Kael Trevor Dominus, Alpha of Nightfang Pack, reject you, Aria Magnus, as my mate."
"No... You can't do that."
Those words shattered Aria's world in front of the entire pack.
As the daughter of the Alpha of Silver Moon Pack, Aria was born with a powerful legacy. But with a weak wolf that could never shift, she became a disappointment in the eyes of her own people. She was mocked, ignored, and treated as a weakness instead of the future Luna she was meant to be.
She believed finding her fated mate would finally change everything.
Until Kael rejected her publicly and chose another.
"Because a mate who cannot shift is no mate at all. She's a weakness. And weakness spreads."
Broken but refusing to surrender, Aria leaves the only home she has ever known. But fate has a different plan waiting for her.
When she crosses paths with another powerful pack, Aria discovers a shocking truth: she has been given a second chance mate. The only problem? She never expected him to be someone who could change her entire destiny.
With a new bond awakening hidden powers within her, Aria is no longer the weak wolf everyone looked down on.
Now she has the chance to make those who hurt her pay.
But when Kael realizes the woman he rejected has become the one person he cannot lose, he wants her back.
Will Aria choose revenge, or will she find a love greater than the betrayal that destroyed her?