For Our Good Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  ENDORSEMENT

  DEDICATION

  ONE

  TWO

  THREE

  FOUR

  FIVE

  SIX

  SEVEN

  EIGHT

  NINE

  TEN

  ELEVEN

  TWELVE

  THIRTEEN

  FOURTEEN

  FIFTEEN

  SIXTEEN

  SEVENTEEN

  EIGHTEEN

  NINETEEN

  TWENTY

  For Our Good Study

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  FOR OUR GOOD

  Paula Mowery

  Copyright 2015 Paula Mowery

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Cover Art by Joan Alley

  Edited by Susan M. Baganz

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are the product of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means without the permission of Prism Book Group. Please purchase only authorized editions and do not participate in the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Published by Prism Book Group

  ISBN-10: 1943104182

  ISBN-13: 978-1-943104-18-5

  First Edition, 2015

  Published in the United States of America

  Contact info: [email protected]

  http://www.prismbookgroup.com

  All Scripture is from the New International Version (1984)

  ENDORSEMENT

  “Author Paula Mowery skillfully combines suspense and romance in her book, For Our Good. A compelling plot, along with authentic, richly drawn characters, will keep readers turning the pages of this taut and exciting story.” Nancy Mehl – Author of Finding Sanctuary Series, www.nancymehl.com.

  DEDICATION

  This book is dedicated to all of the men and women who wear a badge as well as represent Christ each day as they keep us safe.

  Specifically, I would like to thank Robert, who helped me know what an officer wielding a gun could do.

  Also, thank you, Dad, for your expertise in aircraft and flying.

  Thanks L.H. for your bravery and witness, which inspired Kim Smith's worst nightmare realized.

  ONE

  Charlie sidled up to the covered lump in the middle of the dank alley. She stooped, reaching for the corner of the sheet. A hand clutched her wrist. She wheeled about and stared into the eyes of Captain Roland.

  “Don’t do it, Charlie.”

  She swallowed at the knot in her throat and straightened.

  “You don’t want to remember her that way.”

  “I just wish…I should have…” Charlie massaged the back of her neck.

  “There was nothing you could have done. This isn’t your fault.”

  “But…”

  “No.” The Captain held her shoulders, looking directly into her eyes. “Don’t do this to yourself.”

  “I was supposed to have her back.” Hot tears formed, threatening to spill.

  Charlie shook her head and returned from the reverie which consumed many of her waking hours.

  Attending the funeral of her partner this morning stirred the images and her guilt anew. She had not only failed her partner but was forced to face Brenda’s parents with that truth lodged in her mind. They voiced no blame, but their eyes told a different story.

  Charlie paced through her small apartment like a caged animal. Two more days remained of her leave time from the police department, but she couldn’t stare at these four walls any longer. Ten days off amounted to too short for her grief but too long alone with the memories.

  Her cell phone chimed. She snatched it from her purse. The screen indicated Captain Roland, so she quickly hit accept.

  “Charlie? Captain here. I wondered if you might come in tomorrow. I have something I need to discuss with you.” His tone was serious.

  “Sure. I’ll be in first thing in the morning.”

  “Great. I’ll see you then.”

  Charlie ended the call and plunked onto the sofa. No indication of what this was all about. She’d followed everything the captain had asked of her, including seeing that good-for-nothing counselor. Though her stomach still roiled at what those drug dealers had done to Brenda, Charlie never let on that her mind overflowed with vengeance. Had the woman seen right through her? Would she still have a career after her meeting tomorrow? She was good at her job, right? Being a police officer had always been her dream and passion. Had she wrecked that by being too emotional? By befriending when she should have just remained aloof? Relationships always ended in tragedy with her.

  She punched the throw pillow and then succumbed to weariness, sprawling on the couch. Upon waking, the clock teased a mere forty-minute nap. She heaved a sigh and loped to her bed for another fitful night. Her eyes glimpsed each hour, so she finally rose, showered, and munched a granola bar. Now it was time to stop guessing and meet her superior officer.

  Captain Roland was sure to notice the dark circles under her eyes despite her efforts to cover them, but lack of sleep was hard to disguise. Charlie plunged through the front doors of the police station. Several “heys” and “sorry for your losses” echoed around her as she made her way to the captain’s office. She only responded with a courtesy nod to each.

  She slowed, inhaled a deep breath, and knocked. Time to face the music.

  A muffled “come in” penetrated the door. She opened it, stepped inside, and gently pushed it closed.

  Captain Roland stood and nodded toward her. “Charlie, it’s good to see you. Please have a seat.” He waved a hand to the chair in front of his desk and eased back into his own, folding his hands on top of the desk. “How are you?”

  Charlie shrugged. “I’m good.”

  Captain narrowed his eyes. “Really?”

  “As much as I can be. I’m going nuts being at home. But, other than that, I’ll make it.”

  “Look, the reason I called you in here is an assignment came up that I think is ideal for you. But I just don’t want to push you into something too soon.”

  Charlie scooted to the edge of the chair. “I’m listening.”

  The captain snatched a paper from a tray. “I’ve been asked to supply my best undercover drug officer to another state. I’ve been toying with this for a couple of days. I want to make sure you’re ready because, of course, you are my number one choice.” His gaze intensified, studying her.

  She sat up a little straighter. “I’m honored, sir. Really. And, I can do this. What state are we talking?”

  Captain Roland propped his forearms and leaned forward. “Tennessee. That’s the other question. I wasn’t sure about you returning to your hometown. I suppose you haven’t lived there in several years, but there is a past there I know you might have to deal with. So, it’s okay to say no.”

  Her stomach tightened. “Can I hear about the assignment first?”

  “Certainly. You would be undercover in Knoxville. The Captain there and I go way back, as you know. You would work at the department under the guise of a desk job but truly try to uncover information about a drug ring there that is wreaking havoc within a local high school and pretty much the whole town.”

  Though returning to her hometown might take an extra measure of gumption, the assignment whetted her appetite for taking down drug traffickers. “I’m in.”

  “You’re sure?”


  “Yes, sir. I can handle it.” She forced her tone to be firm and even.

  “There’s a private plane scheduled to come in on Friday that the captain wants to arrange for you to catch. He’s arranging for a furnished apartment there. If you could pack up any additional clothes, linens, and such, we will ship that to you. I will see what kind of agreement we need to get from your current landlord to hold your apartment here.”

  “Okay. That works for me.” Holding her home here in Florida was like a guarantee she would return and erased some of the reluctance building in the pit of her stomach.

  Captain Roland stood and slid around to the front of his desk. Charlie jumped to her feet.

  “You go on home and start packing. I’ll call you with further details as I get them.”

  “Yes, sir. Thank you.”

  “I just worry we’re throwing you back out there before you’re ready.” Captain Roland massaged the back of his neck.

  She shook her head. “No, I’m ready.” Ready for the job, perhaps, not the location. But she would handle that when the time came. Nabbing drug dealers was her obsession, even more now than ever.

  * * *

  Colton’s cell vibrated and he checked the screen. He rolled his eyes. Time to get rid of this clingy chick.

  “Hey, Sarah, listen…”

  She cut him off. “Thanks again for dinner last Friday night. I had a good time. I was wondering if we could get together…”

  His turn to cut her short. “Listen Sarah, I’ve had fun, but I’m really not looking for any long-term gig.”

  “I thought we had a good time.” Her voice rose.

  “It was nice. Like I say, I just don’t want a serious relationship.”

  “Well, fine. So sorry to take up your time,” she huffed and the call ended.

  I dodged another bullet there.

  He picked up his briefcase and scuttled out the door. Doc was supposed to be at the airport for their departure around eleven o’clock. Colton would get there a little over an hour before and begin the preflight checklist.

  He had made it through the first couple of items on the list when Marshall, his co-pilot, strolled into the airplane hangar. “Getting a head start, I see.”

  Colton flashed him a grin. “Yep.”

  “Weather looks good. And, we’re picking up a passenger for the ride back.”

  “Doc’s wife or kids?”

  “Nope. We’re bringing back someone who will be working for the police department. Some kind of desk job. They called me to see if we would be able to transport. I told them it shouldn’t be a problem since we were leaving Doc until later on next week.” Marshall rounded the tail of the plane, studying it. “Pick up a little extra cash from the police department.”

  Colton nodded. “Sounds good to me.”

  They continued their preparations, which had become automatic, with each of them having tasks they covered. They made a good team. They always had. Dr. Lynn had a conference to attend in Florida, which meant preparing the airplane and being ready when he arrived.

  The airport was as familiar as Colton’s own home. The strong odor of the fuel and the constant roar of aircraft taking off and landing were commonplace. His hearing suffered from a slight loss due to the howl of starting engines, but he couldn’t see himself doing anything else other than flying an airplane.

  They stood in the shade of the hangar, yet the summer heat caused beads of sweat on his brow. His shirt stuck to his back. He longed for fall, which was just around the corner.

  Suddenly, goosebumps crawled up his arms like an arctic blast had blown through the stuffy hangar. Sensing a presence, he turned around. A man approached, dressed all in black. His face was hard and serious. He sauntered up to Colton. His appearance darkened the atmosphere in the hangar and caused a shiver to travel down Colton’s spine.

  Marshall moved to Colton’s side and straightened to his full stature. “Can we help you, sir?”

  “Yes, I believe you can. I have a parcel that needs to go to Florida, and I understand that’s where you are headed.” The man kept his voice low yet bold. As he spoke, his gaze darted around the hangar.

  Colton started to inquire about the package, but Marshall cut him off.

  “I’m sorry, we can’t help you.”

  “Don’t answer too soon.” His lip curled into a smirk and he whipped a briefcase around, using one arm as a tabletop to perch it on. He flipped the latches, and inched the top up.

  Colton’s breath caught and he bit back a gasp. The case overflowed with money. Thick stacks of bills.

  “There is twenty-five thousand here. When you arrive in Florida, just leave the plane unlocked. You will find another case with another twenty-five in it. That’s all.”

  “No, sir. We can’t do that.” Marshall stood stone-still with his eyes trained on the man.

  The man clicked the briefcase shut and walked off as quickly as he had appeared. Colton stood looking after him with his mouth hanging open. He snapped out of his daze and spun around. Finally he found his voice. “I’ve never seen that kind of money before in my life. To think—fifty thousand dollars!”

  “It’s not worth ruining your life.” Marshall turned back to his preparation tasks.

  “What do you mean?”

  Marshall whirled around and narrowed his gaze directly at his partner. “Colton, that parcel he had was more than likely drugs of some sort. You definitely do not want to be involved in that.”

  “The thought of that much money makes me want to consider it.”

  Marshall marched deliberately toward Colton, stopping a mere foot in front of him. “Don’t even think about it. It’s wrong. God expects us to do the right thing, and associating with the likes of that guy and what he represents is not right.” He pointed sharply in the direction the man had exited, emphasizing his words. His pitch rose. “I would never want to support transporting and selling drugs no matter how much money was offered.”

  Heat crawled up Colton’s neck and to his cheeks. No rebuke was needed from his friend, but his words had certainly resembled one. Colton could make his own decisions. He didn’t need Marshall to parent him. Whether he would have been supporting drugs or not, that kind of money was hard to resist. Colton had obligations. His motorcycle and boat bills still loomed. That amount of money would ease his financial struggles. The parcel had been small. How much of an effect would that small bit of drugs have made in the grand scheme of things? And, anyway, how could Marshall even be sure that the package contained drugs? It could have been something else entirely. He didn’t even try to find out.

  The flight preparations continued in silence. Colton replayed the encounter again in his mind. He seethed inside at himself for being so willing to take money without all of the details and at Marshall for pointing out his flaw. He knew down deep Marshall was right. Marshall was always right. He always did the right thing. He personified the perfect Christian. Colton was well aware of that fact every day. Although Marshall never proclaimed his piety. He just always seemed to stay in control and follow his godly convictions. Colton had never been as strong as his friend. Whereas Marshall thought ahead to consequences, Colton didn’t. He would have taken the parcel and run with that money.

  As they finished their flight preparations, Marshall seemed to have forgotten the whole ordeal. Colton struggled to do the same. He did have to sit next to Marshall for the next several hours as they flew Dr. Lynn to his destination. It would be an uncomfortable trip if Colton could not get past the money Marshall so easily passed up. When they entered the plane’s cockpit, Marshall proceeded to say a prayer for safety. Colton bit his lip and took a deep breath. Looking away from Marshall, he rolled his eyes. Would another opportunity to carry a parcel for that kind of money present itself to him again? He would have to make sure Marshall knew nothing about it. That thought cheered him somewhat. By the time the plane took off, Colton’s attitude had turned more positive again.

  TWO

  Jor
dan Wynn sat at the front table in the police briefing room. As the officers filed into the room to take a seat, he greeted each one. Being early in the morning, every uniform looked crisp and clean. The Captain entered, stood beside a small lectern, and related the latest on the drug situation. Jordan shook his head in disgust at his words. Drugs transported into their town and distributed into the hands of kids made him sick to his stomach.

  “Now, we know there is a lot of activity of late. We have tried to catch the deliveries, but we have not been successful yet. The high schools are being supplied somehow. Stay alert and report any information to Officer Wynn. In fact, Jordan, I need to see you a moment.”

  When everyone else exited after their superior’s dismissal, Jordan hung back, waiting for the captain. The captain motioned him into his private office and closed the door. Finally, they were alone and Captain Parrott motioned him to take a seat in front of his desk. Jordan sank into the chair.

  “Jordan, this is only for your ears.” He leaned closer. “I mean, only. We can’t be sure of who we are dealing with. I cringe when I say that we could even have officers in this very department involved in this drug thing.” Captain Parrott ran a hand over his cropped hair. “We have an officer coming in to work on this undercover. I would like you to pick her up at the airport this evening. She’s flying in on a small corporate plane.” He glanced at some papers in front of him. “I think you know the pilots. Marshall Fulton and Colton Thomas.”

  “Yes, sir. Both of them attend church with me.”

  “They think they are transporting a new desk worker for the police department. They shouldn’t know any more than that.” He looked directly into Jordan’s eyes.

  “Of course, sir.”

  “I’ll be asking Charlie to go undercover at your church.”

  “My church?”

  “The recent activity from some of the high school males have all had a connection with your church.”

  Jordan’s mouth dropped open. How tragic to think someone at his church would be supplying kids with drugs and ruining their lives in the process. “Do you have someone specific?”