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  The captain’s countenance fell. He shook his head. “No, there’s some connections, but no one in particular. Really, just a hunch. That’s the reason we want to send someone else to the church. You’re known, Jordan. No one will have their guard down around you. However, Charlie will be new. This officer is used to operations of this sort. No one is to know this agent’s real identity, not even your families, until this is all solved.”

  “I understand.”

  Captain Parrott gave him specific instructions for the agent’s arrival and the location of the apartment Jordan was to escort her to. He’d be late getting home, so he dialed Alyssa. “Babe, I’ll be a little bit late for supper tonight.”

  She chuckled. “What’s new?”

  His sweet wife put up with a lot. “I have to pick up someone at the airport, and then I’ll be on in.”

  “I’ll save you some.”

  “Thanks, babe.”

  * * *

  Colton readied for the return flight to Knoxville. A police car drove up next to the plane and stopped. A woman emerged from the passenger side and jogged to the trunk, pulling luggage out. She was slender and yet muscles rippled, showing from under her capri pants and short sleeved shirt, not like a body builder but very toned. Her emerald green eyes glinted in the sun, and her black hair was straight and shiny, pulled back into a ponytail. He cleared his throat and stepped forward, hand extended. “Hello, I’m Colton Thomas, one of your pilots this afternoon.”

  She cocked an eyebrow and took his hand, shaking it firmly. “I’m Charlie. I appreciate the lift.”

  “We’re glad we could be of service.”

  She smiled and his pulse picked up.

  “Mr. Thomas, I’m Captain Roland.”

  Colton forced his eyes from Charlie to the captain. “Captain.” Aware of his partner slipping up beside him, he made the introduction. “This is my co-pilot, Marshall Fulton.”

  The captain shook both pilots’ hands. “I’m grateful you could give Miss Jarvis a lift to her position there in Knoxville.”

  “Our pleasure, sir,” Marshall said. “So, what is it you will be doing?”

  Charlie looked from Marshall to Colton. “It seems the police department is quite desperate for me to fill a desk job temporarily.”

  Colton nodded to feign interest. Miss Jarvis didn’t appear to sit behind many desks with that body. Wonder what she does when she’s not behind a desk?

  Captain Roland faced Charlie. “They’ll be someone there to meet you from the department to take you to your apartment.”

  Colton clapped his hands together. “Then I guess we’re ready to shove off. May I?” He motioned toward her luggage.

  She passed off the large duffel to him. “Thanks.”

  He stowed her luggage and then offered his hand, steadying her as she climbed into the plane. Gripping her hand sent a tingle up his arm. He motioned her to the forward-facing seat in the back. “You can get a good view back here.”

  She flashed him a smile and reached for the seatbelt.

  “Here, let me help you with that. Those can be a little tricky.” His hand brushed her side as he clicked the belt into place. A warmth surged up his fingertips. “Can I get you a soda or a blanket?”

  She shook her head. “No, I’m fine.”

  “If you should need anything, let me know. We aim to please.”

  After settling Charlie into the back of the plane, Colton climbed into the cockpit with Marshall, buckling in.

  Marshall slapped Colton’s shoulder. “What was that all about?”

  “What?”

  Marshall chuckled. “Man, your flirting isn’t very subtle.”

  “Come on.” Colton lowered his voice. “She’s hot. Even you, a married man, have to see that.”

  Marshall shook his head and rolled his eyes. “What about that woman you took out recently? Aren’t you still seeing her?”

  “Naw. She was too clingy. I brushed her off this morning before we left.”

  Marshall shook his head again. “It’s called commitment.”

  “For you. But me, I’m just not into that.”

  “You wait. One day some woman is going to knock you for a loop. You won’t know what hit you.”

  “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

  * * *

  Charlie gazed out the small plane window toward the sloping horizon. Ridges rose up ahead. She had forgotten the sheer beauty of her home in East Tennessee. The land resembled a patchwork quilt below her with areas of greens and browns in every shade and hue. The only breaks in the pattern were blobs of greenish-blue lakes sprinkled here and there.

  The plane descended as evidenced by the sudden popping in her ears. The airport came into view. Charlie breathed in deep and let the air out through pursed lips.

  Too late to turn back now.

  THREE

  Jordan studied the woman for a moment as she stepped down from the airplane. Dark silky hair. Emerald eyes. She seemed familiar.

  She strode up to him and extended her hand. “I’m Charlotte Jarvis. Charlie.”

  Jordan snapped his fingers. “That’s it! We went to school together.”

  Charlie smiled. “Yep, Jordan Wynn, right?”

  “Yes. It’s been a few years. I’m surprised you remember me. How are you?”

  “Okay. I suppose you’re my ride.” She shrugged one shoulder and crossed her arms.

  “Yep. That would be me.” Jordan whirled around and joined Colton and Marshall at the baggage area at the back of the plane. “Hey guys. Could I have Charlie’s luggage?”

  “Got you running transport, huh?” Colton turned and grinned.

  Jordan nodded. “Captain needed me to get Charlie to her temporary apartment.” He hefted the two shoulder straps of Charlie’s bags over his shoulders. “I’ll see you two Sunday, right?”

  “Of course.” Marshall patted Jordan’s back.

  “And you?” Jordan looked directly into Colton’s eyes.

  “Yeah, sure.”

  “Alrighty then. Charlie, your chariot awaits.”

  “Thanks for the ride, guys.” Charlie gestured their way and fell in beside Jordan.

  Jordan stowed the luggage in the trunk and settled into the driver’s seat. He glanced at Charlie. “Now, I can fill you in a little bit more on this mission of yours.”

  “I’m all ears. I do know I was told that as far as anyone knows, I am working a temporary desk job at the police station, but you’ve got a drug problem.”

  “Yeah. Captain Parrott and I discussed it all. We can’t be sure that someone at the department isn’t in on this drug thing. When there are updates you need which are too risky to share at the station, I’ll be your informant, so to speak. We’ll make sure we have our cell phone numbers punched in before I leave you this evening.”

  “Not a problem.”

  “Oh, and you’ll need to visit my church, Grace Community, this Sunday.”

  “What?” Her voice rose.

  “Yeah, I’m afraid there have been high school guys who have been involved in this drug deal and a few are connected with our church.”

  Charlie fidgeted in the seat.

  “Kills me to think someone in my congregation could be wrapped up in this drug dealing. But I guess it actually works out to our advantage that we know each other. More natural for you to come to church with me. I suppose you remember where the church is?”

  She nodded.

  “Tell you what, my wife and I will meet you in the foyer this Sunday before Sunday school. You can go with us. Oh, and we normally go out for lunch after services are over. You should join us.”

  “Great, okay.” Her voice was low and shaky.

  He pulled into a parking space right in front of the apartment building. “Well, here we are.”

  Charlie hopped out of the passenger seat and darted to the trunk before Jordan could make it to the back of the car. He picked up his pace and popped open the lid. Charlie grabbed the smaller bag and reache
d for the other one.

  Jordan beat her to it. “Here, let me.” He slung it onto his shoulder and led her to the second floor, pulling the key the captain had given him earlier from his pocket. He opened the door and stood to the side, waving her in.

  She rushed in, glanced around, and sighed. “Okay. This looks good.”

  Jordan held up the key and dropped it into her open palm. He dug out his cell phone and Charlie followed suit. They programmed their numbers into each other’s cells.

  “Oh, yeah, the blue SUV at the bottom of the steps is for you to drive. Here’s the key for that.” Jordan ran his hand down his face. Had he remembered everything? “Do you need anything?”

  Charlie shook her head. “I think I’m good. Is the little grocery store still down at the end of the street?”

  “Yep. Not much has changed in the last few years in this neighborhood.” He shrugged. “I guess I’ll see you at church on Sunday. Doesn’t leave you much time to settle in.”

  “No need to settle in too much. Hopefully, we’ll have this drug problem taken care of and I’ll be back home in Florida soon.”

  “It is nice to see you again.” He turned toward the door but whirled back around. “If you should think of anything you need, please don’t hesitate to call.”

  She nodded. “Thanks. I’ll see you day after tomorrow at the church.” Her voice slowed at the word ‘church.’

  “Goodnight.” Jordan descended the stairs, heading for his car. Charlie didn’t appear too thrilled with the added duty of being required to attend the church. But, why? Jordan shook off his thoughts. She had just arrived and needed a chance to settle in, even if it was for a short time.

  * * *

  Marshall experienced an unsettling in his mind when he replayed Colton’s reaction to the man’s offer today. To think Colton would even consider transporting an unknown package made Marshall’s stomach twist in knots. Was Colton’s faith that weak?

  Emma wandered into the den and plopped next to him on the couch, pivoting her body to face him. “What is it? You’re distracted tonight.”

  He explained the whole story of the happenings in the hangar from earlier that day.

  “Hon, you know Colton’s focus is on material things. He’s always liked the success and money more than any kind of reputation.” Emma rubbed his hand.

  “It scares me that he might do something stupid. I don’t want him to do something he’ll regret just because, on a whim, the money in a case looks so enticing.”

  “I’m afraid for you.” She leaned forward and caressed his cheek. “He could jeopardize your reputation and safety as well. This drug stuff is not something to be associated with. Just watch the news. He’s not considering all of the ramifications of transporting one little parcel.”

  “I know. I’ll need to keep an eye on him. Anyway, how about the doctor’s appointment? Sorry I couldn’t go.” He grasped her hand.

  “That’s okay. I understand. You’ve been with me when you could. I’ve been there so often lately there’s no way you could make all of them. The doctor increased the fertility medication I’m on. She said she wanted to try that first before moving on to something stronger. I just don’t know. Why can’t I get pregnant?” Her eyes filled with tears.

  Marshall moved closer and put an arm around her. “God knows what He’s doing. We have to trust His timing.”

  “That is so hard when I work with preschool children all day. And then you see people having kids who don’t even want them. We would love a child.” Her voice turned harsh. She looked at him with pleading eyes as if he might have the answer.

  “I know. I don’t pretend to understand, but we have to keep praying. If God has a baby in store for us, it will happen. If He doesn’t, I don’t love you any less.” He cupped her cheek and looked into her eyes. “I’m thankful I have you. And also that there haven’t been any serious health problems found.”

  “I’m supposed to be grateful for what I’m going through?” She spat out the words.

  How could he assure her he was telling her the truth? Her usual sweet demeanor was hidden under this hard shell. This was harder on her than on him. He did want children but not at the expense of Emma’s health or their relationship.

  She leaned into him, and he pulled her into an embrace. He hated watching her go through a variety of painful tests and her bitter disappointment every month facing a negative pregnancy result.

  He dreaded the inevitable discussion with her that there was no way they could afford to do more of the expensive procedures. Adoption wasn’t an option either. When they had investigated, they’d had no idea how much money was involved.

  How would he break it to her if this latest plan didn’t work? He would wait until the moment arrived that forced him to tell her. Until then, he would pray with all the faith he could muster that God would allow the increase in medication to work. He would also pray Emma would not turn her bitterness or anger toward him. But was their relationship strong enough to withstand whatever happened in the next few months?

  * * *

  Charlie slowly unpacked her large duffle. She pulled an object wrapped in an old t-shirt from the bottom of the bag. She removed the garment to find her parents staring back at her from a framed picture. Gone for seven years. The longer she stared at the photograph, the larger the lump in her throat grew. The guilt darkened her soul anew. Tears welled in her eyes so thick the picture blurred. The loss of her mother and father drove her from Tennessee. Painful memories couldn’t be escaped in this town. A job offer in Florida held hope for her to forget and move on. But, the wound remained raw. That had become her driving force, her motivation.

  Charlie placed the portrait on the mantle over the gas fireplace. Being undercover at a church, of all places, struck her as ironic. Her stomach churned. She and God had not been on speaking terms for a while. She had never forgiven Him for not saving her parents. He could have stepped in and diverted the car. Instead, He allowed them to die right before her eyes.

  However, that had nothing to do with this, her assignment. That was the way she would treat it, even if she did have to attend church. Her insides tightened. She returned to her duffle and pulled out her running shoes. The vise inside loosened a bit.

  A run would provide some exercise, clear her mind, and give her the lay of the land all at the same time. She changed clothes, laced her shoes, and crammed her tiny mp3 earphones into her ears. Time to refocus.

  * * *

  Colton dragged himself into his apartment. He needed to get a bite to eat and get to bed. They were flying again tomorrow, bright and early. Their assignment required them to fly some special medical equipment to a hospital in North Carolina. That would be a fast trip. Living in East Tennessee, the area in North Carolina they headed for was close by. Since Marshall and he were only flying equipment, they could leave early, drop it off, and be home before lunch. He would be happy to get back and do something for himself like take a motorcycle ride or float the river in his boat.

  He plopped into a kitchen chair and began to rummage through the mail he had picked up on his way in. Bills. Payments were due on the bike and boat. That was why that money the man had offered today was so tempting. Marshall might have been doing okay in the area of cash, but Colton could use a little extra. He gritted his teeth. How much easier could it be to make twenty-five thousand dollars? But Marshall was being his stubborn self.

  Marshall and he had attended school together since their elementary years. When they promoted into middle school, they both became interested in airplanes. They shared the dream of learning to fly and then flying as partners. They had taken their flying lessons before they could legally drive a car. Both had their pilot’s license before their driver’s license. That had proved to their parents their seriousness about their dream to fly together.

  After high school, they started offering their services to various businessmen. They made a decent wage for bachelors, but then Marshall met Emma. To be able
to live in separate apartments and for Marshall to have the means to support himself and his wife, they needed something more stable.

  About that time, Dr. Lynn bought the first airplane for his business. Marshall and Colton’s good reputation had spread around the airport. Doc approached them with an offer to become his private pilots. They jumped at it. He actually paid them a salary to be on call whenever he needed them to go. There were weeks they were gone every day and sometimes had to spend the night away from home. Then there were weeks they might only fly one day. Their job might prompt envy, for any pilot would jump at it given the opportunity.

  Colton and Marshall were living their boyhood dream. Suddenly Colton realized his anger toward Marshall had disappeared. How could he be mad when he thought back on their history? This was a man he entrusted his life to every time they stepped into the cockpit of the plane. They had worked in harmony together for years. What was there to be angry about? Marshall was like a brother to him and always had his back.

  FOUR

  Jordan’s heart ached at the possibility of a person at his own church being involved in drugs and maybe even supplying them to kids at the high schools. He slammed his hand on the steering wheel. Was Charlie as good at nabbing these drug dealers as he had been told? He pulled the car into the garage and headed for the door. As he cupped the doorknob, he took a deep breath. His wife couldn’t know anything about the suspected drug dealer at their church or about Charlie’s real identity. At least he could tell the truth about him and Charlie being old classmates. That would make it a little easier to not reveal her true purpose for joining them for the worship service on Sunday.

  Alyssa met him at the door, which entered the kitchen. She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m glad you’re finally home.”

  Jordan encircled her waist with his arms. “Mmm, me too. This is a nice welcome.”

  “Are you hungry?”

  He wiggled his eyebrows.

  She swatted his arm. “For some supper?”

  “Yeah.”

  She twirled around and retrieved a plate from the microwave. “Sit here at the bar. I’ll get you some tea.”