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  “Colton?”

  He jumped slightly since he assumed he was alone. He turned around, face-to-face with the man who had asked about carrying the parcel. Colton’s chest tightened.

  “Can I help you?”

  “I still would like to work with you on the parcel delivery.” The man’s tone was nonchalant.

  Colton’s pulse picked up, booming inside his head. He swallowed but his mouth went dry.

  “I really need to get this to Florida.” The man waved the small box in Colton’s face.

  “We’re not going in that direction today.” Did his voice sound shaky?

  “I’ll stay in touch just in case you might be interested.” The man winked and smiled.

  “Well, I’m not sure when we’ll be going back and anyway…”

  The man disappeared around a nearby hangar before he could finish. Colton breathed in deep and let it out, trying to calm himself. His heart held a twinge of guilt for not being able to tell the man an emphatic no like Marshall had done. The offer tempted him more than he cared to admit. Marshall was probably right about the small box’s content. However, the transaction seemed so simple. He wouldn’t even have to touch the parcel. The man had explained last time that they would only have to leave the plane unlocked so the pick-up person could retrieve the package. It seemed fail-proof.

  “Hey, what’s up?” Marshall’s voice echoed from behind him.

  Colton jumped. “Um, just getting a head start on the checklist. Nice day, huh?”

  Colton struggled to keep his voice as well as his mannerisms normal. Marshall knew him well, so he needed to be careful. If Marshall found out the man had approached again, he might inform the authorities. Marshall might also lecture him again about the sin involved in such a transaction. Had his partner spotted him talking to the man?

  “I wanted to invite you to come with me and Jordan on Friday night.”

  “What’s Friday night?” His heart rate was slowly returning to normal.

  “The Men’s Ministry is having a cookout. The ladies are having a Girl’s Night Out at the same time.”

  “I don’t know. I guess.” Colton shrugged.

  “Charlie’s going with Alyssa and Emma.”

  “Good.” Did he sound as nonchalant as he hoped at the mention of Charlie’s name?

  “We could really use a little down time. I finally convinced Emma. She needs this really bad.” Marshall’s shoulders drooped.

  Marshall and Emma were trying to have a baby, but why would Marshall comment about needing to have down time?

  “Is there a problem?”

  “There’s a lot of pressure with this infertility medicine and all.”

  Colton should have paid more attention. He hadn’t realized there was any problem. Marshall seemed really affected by this. He couldn’t truly understand because they were in different situations. Colton’s only concern when it came to family was whether he would have another date and if he did, would she be someone he might create a relationship with? So far, every date had been only one outing. Marshall was married and trying to start a family. Colton couldn’t relate. His attempt to support his friend was feeble. If he did go to this men’s cookout, it might be some form of support for Marshall. “Hey, I think I will come Friday night.”

  “Good.” Marshall grinned and patted Colton’s back.

  EIGHT

  Charlie drove into the church parking lot. Alyssa had instructed her to drive to the rear of the building where the fellowship hall was located. Several cars came into view as she rounded the corner. A set of double doors was propped open, and two women stood in the entrance. A lump lodged itself in her throat. She started to steer the car back onto the road and return to her apartment but considered the alternative. She would go home and sit alone. Pathetic. And how would she see an end to this drug case if she didn’t do some observing? She parked, slammed the driver’s side door, and trudged in with a false confidence.

  “Hey, come on in. Welcome to Girl’s Night Out.”

  “Thanks.”

  She scanned the large room, humming with conversation. Had Alyssa and Emma arrived yet? A couple of steps past the threshold, the two ran up to her.

  “I’m glad you could make it,” Alyssa said.

  “Come on, we have a puzzle we have to finish. We’re trying to beat the other tables,” Emma said.

  They each grabbed one of her arms and led her to a nearby table decorated with balloons in the center. They worked together on the puzzle sheet until a loud cheer rose from another table.

  “Oh, man, I think they beat us.” Alyssa poked out her bottom lip.

  After a woman announced the answers for the puzzle, another woman offered a prayer and they lined up for snacks from the piled-high table in the front.

  “Trust me, if there’s something this church can do, that’s eat.” Alyssa nodded emphatically.

  “Baptist churches are experts when it comes to the covered dish, right?” Charlie shrugged.

  “Yep, and our church is no exception,” Emma added.

  They made their plates, grabbed a drink, and headed back to their table.

  “I almost didn’t come.” Emma popped the top on her soda.

  “Why?” Alyssa leaned in, her brow wrinkled.

  “I’m not the best company recently. Marshall and I needed this time. I guess he’s right, but…”

  “Emma, you can’t let this get you down.”

  Charlie wasn’t sure what they were talking about. She busied herself opening her drink and picking at her food. She didn’t want to intrude on what might be a private conversation.

  Emma turned in her direction. “Charlie, I’m sorry. I’m not making you feel very welcome.”

  Charlie held up her hands and gestured at them. “If you two need to talk…”

  Emma shook her head and planted a hand on her chest. “No. Marshall and I are trying to have a baby, but my body isn’t cooperating. I’m trying an increase in my fertility medicine. If that doesn’t work, the next interventions will be much more expensive.” Her voice broke. “And, of course, the emotional side effects aren’t making things between Marshall and me any easier.”

  “Emma, don’t lose heart.” Alyssa patted Emma’s upper arm.

  “I try not to, but it’s so hard being the reason we haven’t had children yet.” Emma’s bottom lip quivered.

  Alyssa draped an arm around Emma’s shoulders. “Don’t beat yourself up. You need to ease up on yourself.”

  Emma massaged her temples. “I know the stress and emotional state brought on by the hormones isn’t helping any, but…”

  Charlie’s thoughts wandered into investigating territory. Marshall and Emma would have a motive to obtain more money. The one way to get a significant amount of cash in a short period of time was transporting drugs. She hated to be so curious about everyone. The job she had been commissioned to do here made it difficult to even have an innocent conversation. Every person she met and every word they said went into her memory bank to consider later for the case.

  “So, Jordan said you two knew each other in school…” Alyssa popped a grape into her mouth.

  “Yeah, we went to the same school through elementary and middle school and then he transferred.”

  “Do you have family around here still?” Emma said.

  “No, my parents are gone.” She diverted her gaze to her plate.

  Charlie was relieved a woman stood to begin the program. She gave a devotional using an object lesson, instructing everyone to use the exfoliant scrub on their tables to scrub their hands. Charlie rubbed the cream all over her hands, sensing the gritty beads.

  “Sometimes we have rough times just like this scrub. It can even hurt a little bit. But, if we allow God to use our rough times, He will use them to make us better in the end,” the woman said.

  Then the speaker instructed everyone to rinse their hands. When they returned to their respective tables, they smoothed on the lotion now found there.

>   “Jesus will soothe us if we will allow Him to. Often we come out smoother and better on the other side of our rough times.”

  Charlie’s insides tremored. The woman seemed to be speaking straight to her. The woman had no idea what difficulties she had experienced. It would take a lot more than a little lotion to smooth over her rough past.

  * * *

  Colton was glad he had been to the river for other Men’s Ministry functions. The place was located in the boonies, and getting lost along the way was a definite possibility for the uninitiated. Although the drive was worth it. A couple of men at the church owned the land and planted a large garden on it each year. A river ran alongside the property. Through the years, they had built an outhouse and a platform for a grill. They had hosted cookouts, fishing tournaments, and even hayrides. A great get-away. He parked in a flat, grassy area near a long row of cars and trucks.

  Colton spotted Jordan and Marshall near the grilling area. Jordan waved him over.

  “Hey, guys. Are you two supervising?”

  “I have plenty of those,” the man grilling said. Colton had met him before. He attended another Sunday school class.

  The three of them made a plate and sauntered to the edge of the river where everyone had migrated. They plunked into some camp chairs.

  “Nice night for this, huh?” Marshall gazed into the night sky.

  Colton followed suit, looking up at a sky full of stars. “Yeah, thanks for inviting me, Marshall.” He punched his co-pilot’s arm.

  “So what’s the status on Charlie?” Jordan stuffed his mouth with a chip.

  “Status?”

  “Sure, I figured the way you all talked during Sunday lunch, you had probably already asked her out.” Jordan grinned with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

  “I can’t lie. I really want to, but we only just met. I don’t want to scare her off.” He sipped his soda.

  “She was going with Alyssa and Emma tonight,” Marshall said.

  “I’m glad you came. You need a chance to de-stress yourself.” Jordan looked directly at Marshall, his tone more serious.

  Colton’s chest cinched. He should have been more familiar with the problems Marshall and Emma were having. “Marshall, I need to apologize to you.”

  Marshall’s brow wrinkled.

  “I didn’t realize how bad this was or how it was affecting you. I should have noticed. I mean, I work with you and I’m supposed to be your friend.” He rubbed his hand down his face. “I just want you to know that I’m sorry about that, man.”

  “Thanks for telling me that. I haven’t been very forthright about all of it anyway. I worry what will happen if this latest med increase doesn’t work. The other interventions are too expensive. I’m not sure how Emma will react when I tell her we don’t have the money.”

  The briefcase full of cash popped into Colton’s head. That kind of cash could ease Marshall’s medical costs as much as Colton’s bills. He shook off the thought.

  “Maybe it won’t come to that. We’ll keep praying. And you know I mean it.” Jordan patted Marshall’s back.

  Marshall nodded.

  Rusty Smith stood and whistled to get everyone’s attention. “Guys, listen up for a moment. I was asked to say a few words. I felt led to talk about making sure we as men become the Christians we’re supposed to be. To do this we must shun evil, the wrong we are pushed to do. We are to be leaders in our homes and in our church. Basically everywhere. But are we worthy to be followed?”

  Colton was glad the darkness of the night hid his face. Heat flooded his neck and cheeks. The more Rusty talked, the more this man spoke the thoughts that had been going through Colton’s mind lately. His hands turned clammy.

  Rusty was a good example of a Christian. He had a family that he brought to church faithfully. He taught the high school boys’ Sunday school class, and those young men worshiped him. Why couldn’t Colton be an honorable man like that? He was a good enough person, but to say he never considered doing wrong was a stretch. This very battle raged inside of him lately. He suddenly felt uncomfortable being in the company of these men. He was an outsider. They would have no problem following what Rusty talked about.

  He glanced at Jordan. He was a prime example. His faith was evident, and yet he was strong. Marshall’s faith was obvious every time they were together. Colton witnessed it. He didn’t have to say a word. His actions were proof enough. Did these guys just have it easier when it came to temptation? Was God testing Colton to see if he could resist? It was easy to be a Christian in this utopia, but this wasn’t the real world. The real world was much harder. In the real world, Colton had bills to pay. Colton let out a relieved sigh when Rusty finally called on someone to pray. Shortly after, everyone started disposing of their trash and leaving one-by-one.

  Marshall stepped to Colton’s side. “I’m glad I came tonight. I hope Emma was able to enjoy her event.”

  Colton could only nod. “I’ll see you Sunday.”

  He avoided discussion on the devotion topic by making a speedy exit. He couldn’t handle that tonight. Time to go home where no one would make him think any longer about shunning wrong and being the Christian he was supposed to be. He needed no more reminders of his failings in that department.

  * * *

  Jordan caught Rusty as he headed toward his car. “Hey, great devotional.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I wanted to ask you about getting together to work on the Pinewood derby cars with our boys.”

  “Yeah, I could use a little help with that. I’m not much of a woodworker. I’ve heard you’re pretty good in that area.” Rusty slapped Jordan’s back.

  “Well, I don’t know how good I am, but I do have a small shop in the garage. I thought it would be fun for the boys and us to work together. Have you got plans tomorrow?”

  Rusty crossed his arms over his chest. “Oh, yeah, I do. A couple of meetings for possible insurance sales. But could Joel get a head start with you? I mean if that isn’t too much trouble.”

  “No, that’s no problem. Hayden will be ecstatic. Those two boys are becoming pretty good pals.”

  “I know. That would really help me out. These two potential clients could only meet with me tomorrow.”

  “How about if I pick Joel up around one? I’ll bring him home after supper. Will that be okay?”

  “That would be great. Thanks so much for helping him. I want to catch up at work so I can make sure I’m there for the derby.”

  * * *

  Jordan and the boys worked hard in the wood shop. The basic shape of their derby cars required sanding. “Boys, hold your sandpaper firm in one hand and steady your car on the counter with the other. Rub it like this.” He smoothed the paper over the corners of the wooden shape. “Then run your fingers over it.”

  Joel and Hayden jumped right into sanding. Jordan chuckled at their determination. He busied himself sanding down a pepper grinder he had cut out a couple of days ago. The boys’ conversation caught his attention.

  “I wish my dad could be here. He’s always got something going on with his Sunday school class when he has free time.” Jealousy coated every word.

  “Do you get to do the activities with them?” Hayden’s voice held a hint of hope.

  “Naw, usually not. And anyway, those guys think I’m too young to do anything. They’re always calling me pipsqueak like I’m some baby.”

  “Babe, y’all come in for supper,” Alyssa called from the kitchen door.

  “Dad, we just need a few more minutes.” Hayden’s voice whined.

  “No, we’ll go eat and work a little more afterward. Let’s wash our hands.”

  “Okay.” Hayden trudged toward the sink with Joel on his heels.

  After eating, the two boys dragged Alyssa to the workshop. They chattered at the same time.

  Jordan glimpsed his watch. “Guys, we need to get Joel home.”

  “Awww.” The two boys groaned in harmony.

  “Tomorrow is churc
h.” Jordan finally shooed the duo into the back of the SUV.

  “Still wish my dad could’ve come.” Joel’s voice carried to the front seat.

  Jordan glanced in the rearview mirror at the boy. “Maybe he’ll be able to help us finish them.”

  “I doubt it. He’s always gone, working or something.”

  Jordan pulled into the Smith’s driveway. “Hayden, I’ll walk Joel to the door and be right back.”

  “’kay.”

  The front door opened and Joel’s mom stepped onto the porch.

  “Kim, I hope I didn’t keep him out too late. We’ve worked hard on our derby cars today. I could hardly get them to stop long enough to eat supper. Thanks for letting him come.” Jordan mussed Joel’s hair.

  “Thank you for having him over.” Rusty’s wife smiled.

  Lights flashed behind Jordan. Rusty must finally be returning home. He was shocked when two high school boys sauntered up the sidewalk. Seemed late for them to be paying a visit.

  “Hey, Mrs. Smith, is Mr. Smith in?” one of the boys said.

  “Nope, not yet.” Kim shook her head.

  “We’ll wait to see if he shows up in the next little bit.”

  “Okay.” She turned back to Jordan as the two young men slipped by her into the house. The smile faded from her face. “Thanks again, Jordan.”

  NINE

  The devotional still challenged Jordan. In his line of work, it became difficult to stay on track with his spiritual beliefs and even harder to live them in front of the other policemen and detectives. Working in the area of homeland security, he often met evil face-to-face. Those experiences would test any man, even the strongest of Christians. How could he ever do his job without his faith? He had actually had a young man a few years back ask him what was different about him. At first, Jordan was confused by the question until the young officer gave examples of his reactions. He had been able to tell the man that the only way he could do this police job was through God’s constant guidance and help. Eventually, the man came to know Christ for himself. That was proof to Jordan that there was always someone watching.