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  * * *

  Charlie sighed and focused on the file on the screen. Colton Thomas. Just a couple of speeding tickets were the only smudges to his record.

  Her stomach tightened like a rubber band stretched close to snapping.

  Marshall and the doctor they flew for checked out as well.

  A bit of tension eased. Thanks goodness, no red flags waved at her. But, she wasn’t naïve. People involved in drug trafficking became adept at flying under the radar. She shook her head. Pun intended.

  ELEVEN

  Marshall arrived home, and was greeted by his wife with a kiss and an embrace.

  “That was nice.”

  “I was just trying to decide about doing a pregnancy test because I’m a week late.” Her eyes danced.

  But Marshall had too often witnessed her hope crushed and her eyes turn cold after a negative test result. “Why don’t you wait a little longer? Like a couple of weeks?”

  “That’s gonna be hard.” She crossed her arms and feigned a pout.

  “Just try not to think about it.” He brushed her arm with a quick caress.

  She glared at him from the top of her eyes. “Yeah, right. It’s all that’s on my mind.”

  “Here, I’ll help. Let’s watch a movie.”

  She sighed. “Popcorn?”

  “Okay.”

  After popping some corn and retrieving drinks and a small pack of M&M’s, they cuddled together on the couch. They ended up watching two movies. By the end of the second one Emma’s head started to bobble. As the credits rolled, he turned off the television with the remote. When he stood to his feet, Emma stirred.

  “Oh, sorry.”

  “That’s okay.”

  He scooped her up from the couch. She squealed and then giggled. He carried her to their bedroom. After donning night clothes, the two cuddled close once again. Only moments passed before Emma’s breathing became steady again. Marshall pulled his head back and studied her. No worry lines pinched her face. He lightly brushed a strand of hair off her cheek. He prayed the next pregnancy test would be positive. He begged.

  * * *

  Jordan stood on the driveway, raking sawdust from his clothes. He was happy to have had a few minutes in his wood shop before supper. Alyssa would fuss if he didn’t try to shake off the majority of the dust. She had a right to fuss. The sawdust was difficult to get up off the carpet. He had done the best he could. He would remove his shirt and pants in the laundry room and slip upstairs for some more clothes.

  “Jordan,” a voice called.

  He turned. Colton bolted up the driveway.

  “Hey, Colton, this is the night of the big date, isn’t it?”

  Colton’s brow wrinkled and a scowl screwed up his face. “I suppose it’s still on. Are you trying to ignite an old flame?” His nostrils flared.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Don’t even try to seem innocent. I saw you with her.”

  Jordan’s heart skipped a beat. “What are you ranting about?”

  “I saw you holding hands with Charlie at the deli. You looked nice and cozy. What are you trying to do?” He jammed his fists on his hips.

  Need a little help here, Lord. “I’m not trying to do anything. She needed to talk about some past issues.”

  “And you were just conveniently there?”

  “Look, you don’t understand. I would never do that to you and especially not to Alyssa. You know me better than that.” Jordan’s temperature rose but he suppressed the urge to blast Colton.

  “I hope I do.”

  Jordan wished he could just come out and tell Colton the truth, but he had promised to keep Charlie’s real identity a secret. He kept his eyes on Colton, hoping he could see his sincerity.

  “Look, I’m not gonna say anything to Charlie about seeing the two of you.”

  “I think that’s a good idea. You might just embarrass or hurt her. You need to get to know her so she will have someone to confide in.”

  “That’s my plan.” Colton whirled around and stomped back to his car.

  Jordan drew in a deep breath. Now he and Charlie were going to have to either be more careful with their meetings or use the phone.

  “Jordan, what was that all about?” Alyssa’s voice echoed from behind him.

  “Oh, nothing.” He flipped around to face her.

  “Have you seen Charlie?” Her brow pinched.

  Jordan closed his eyes and sighed. He looked his wife in the eyes. “Honey, I have talked with her. She is struggling, just as we both have noticed. She’s been through some hard times. She needed to tell someone. I’m the closest she has to a friend.”

  Alyssa eyed him.

  “You have to trust me. I will tell you the same as I told Colton. I would never do anything like that to hurt you. Never.”

  A smile broke slowly across her face. He opened his arms, and she walked into them. He enfolded her in a hug. This case had to end fast. He wouldn’t let this come between his wife and friends. He couldn’t.

  * * *

  Colton shook off his encounter with Jordan. His excuse did seem plausible. Charlie’s inner struggles were evident during church services. She must have some mighty big ghosts in her closet. She certainly seemed haunted by them. He would set out to do exactly what Jordan had suggested. He would become the person she could confide in.

  He fidgeted in his car seat as he got closer to Charlie’s apartment. Had he made the right decision for their dinner destination? It was too late to second guess now. He spotted a space next to Charlie’s car and pulled in. As he neared her door, she popped her head out.

  “Hey, I just need to get my purse.”

  “Okay.”

  He stood back and admired her as she locked the door. She wore simple black slacks with a red sweater that accented her fit body. Suddenly, his mind went blank. What should he say?

  “Sooo, are we ready?” she said.

  “Oh, yeah. Uh. Right this way.”

  He caught her wide grin as she passed him. After settling in the car, he cleared his throat and finally thought of something to say. “I thought we would go to Gondolier.”

  “I haven’t been there yet, but I’ve heard of it.”

  “It’s Italian. I hope that’s okay?”

  “Sure, I love Italian.”

  The tension in his shoulders eased. Italian was the right choice. The ride was silent and becoming awkward. Fortunately, the restaurant was a short drive from her apartment. After parking, he rushed to open her car door for her. She slid out and stared, wide-eyed, at him for a moment. He scurried to the restaurant entrance and held the door for her. They were seated immediately by the host.

  “I’m so glad you like Italian. I was afraid I had made a bad choice.” Colton picked up the menu.

  “Oh no, I like all kinds of Italian.” Charlie waved her hand dismissively.

  “I struggled with where to go. I wasn’t sure what you liked or was used to. I hope this is fancy enough.”

  “I’m not hard to please. I’m not much for fancy places. This suits me fine.”

  Colton’s knotted nerves loosened. “I don’t know anything about you. I think I heard you actually grew up around here.” Charlie fidgeted and her eyes darted. “I’m sorry. Am I being too forward?”

  “No, no.” She shook her head and met his gaze. “Yes, I was raised here. When my parents died in a car accident, I moved to Florida.”

  “And I know you’re on loan from Florida’s police department. Are you a police officer? Do you carry a weapon?”

  Charlie seemed to wince. She hesitated. “No, I’m just here temporarily filling in for that desk job at the police station. You know, files and paperwork. Not real exciting like you, Mr. Big Shot Pilot.” She grinned.

  Colton’s neck heated. “I don’t know about exciting, but it is interesting.”

  “So, how did you end up as a pilot and flying with Marshall?” She propped her forearms on the table and leaned in.

  His stomach tight
ened. He swallowed to focus. “Well, you’ve heard some of the story, but flying has been what I wanted to do since I was young. My mother was none too happy about me learning, so I took flight lessons and got my private pilot’s license kinda on the sly.”

  “On the sly?” Her brow crinkled.

  “Yeah, my father knew, but my mother didn’t, not until it was all over and I had the license in hand.”

  “Did she freak?”

  “No, not really. What could she say? There was nothing else I wanted to do. She knew Marshall and I had always dreamed of flying together.”

  “So, how does she feel about it now?”

  “Well, she and dad are quite busy. Her mind is off of it. They’re in Africa on one of those over-fifty missionary assignments.”

  “Wow, Africa.”

  “Yeah, not much she can say to me now since I could say the same to her about being in some foreign country.”

  Charlie seemed to be relaxing, and his tension was fading as well. He found it easy to talk to her. Was she enjoying herself?

  “Jordan told me you have some toys.”

  Colton laughed. “Yeah, well, when you’re a single guy…”

  “I know where you’re coming from on being the single one.” She rolled her eyes.

  “I have a boat that I like to take out fishing or just cruising. Recently, I bought a motorcycle. I’m really getting into riding. You ever ridden a motorcycle?”

  “I’ve tried it once or twice.” She shrugged one shoulder.

  “We have a motorcycle ministry at the church. We’re doing a benefit ride in two weeks. You should ride with me.”

  “Mmmm, that sounds good. Okay.” She nodded.

  They sat at the restaurant, chatting for almost four hours, touching on random topics. Colton was glad for the opportunity to relax and enjoy getting to know her. She seemed perfect for him, at least from his vantage point. Time would tell whether she felt the same. For now, he would look forward to taking her with him for the motorcycle ride. Finally, he wouldn’t be one of the few riding with no one sitting behind him.

  * * *

  Charlie plopped onto the couch in her apartment, recalling her date with Colton earlier. When Colton asked about her family, her insides tightened due to the guarded stance forced upon her to portray. She redirected the topic and the discussion had turned enjoyable. She was shocked at the length of time they had sat at the restaurant. It was a wonder the waitress or manager hadn’t asked them to leave. How long had it been since she had been so relaxed around a person? Her secret was still intact, but at what price? Relationships thrived on honesty, but her freedom was blocked in that area.

  She chuckled. Colton had been so nervous when the date began. He wasn’t at all the Mr. Macho pilot he portrayed upon their first meeting. He was a sweet gentleman, holding doors for her and asking permission to kiss her cheek right before he left. His woodsy cologne still lingered. She quivered. How long had it been since she’d enjoyed time with a man? Too long.

  She found herself eager for the motorcycle ride. But how long could she pull this off? Would Colton still be interested when the day came to reveal all about herself? A lump swelled in her throat. What if Colton was involved in this drug thing or did get involved? She shook her head. What a mess that could be. But how much more awkward to back off now? Her head throbbed.

  TWELVE

  Jordan received a summons to the chief’s office as soon as he arrived to work.

  “Jordan, have a seat.”

  Jordan winced and braced himself. With that line and serious look on his boss’s face, this wasn’t going to be good.

  “A high school boy overdosed last night. They tried to save him, but he died this morning.”

  Jordan ran his hand through his hair and exhaled.

  “The kid was a member of your church.”

  Jordan’s head snapped up.

  “A Dwayne Evans.” The chief looked at a file on his desk, verifying the boy’s name.

  “Oh, man. I know his father. He attends the Men’s Ministry functions sometimes. I didn’t really know the boy very well, but wow.” No other words would come. He could only shake his head in disbelief. This drug supply ring had just gotten personal. Now they had lost a kid. “Does Charlie know?”

  “No. She should be in soon. Could you fill her in?”

  Though he dreaded it, Jordan agreed. He trudged back to his office and plopped into his chair. He shuffled through the files on the top of his desk but couldn’t concentrate. The devastation that father must be enduring. Imagining himself in that father’s place nauseated him.

  “Hey, you okay?” Charlie stood outside his office door, her head sticking inside.

  He waved her in. “Have a seat.”

  “Okay.” Her tone was cautious.

  “I just got word that a high school kid from our church died of an overdose this morning.”

  She closed her eyes temporarily and sighed. For several moments, they sat in silence as if letting it sink in. “Any info from parents or school friends?”

  “No. He was in Rusty Smith’s Sunday school class. I’m sure he’s devastated. He does everything with those boys. Sunday is going to be hard for the whole church.”

  “We have to nail these people before more of this happens.” She spoke through gritted teeth. “I feel like I have nothing to go on. What about the other boys in the Sunday school class? Could I talk with them?”

  “It might be less conspicuous for me to speak with them. I can report back to you.”

  “I guess you’re right. I can’t blow my cover right now. It may come in handy later.”

  “Yeah, I think that’s best since we don’t know who or what we’re up against.”

  “I feel helpless. Like I’m spinning my wheels.” She massaged her temples.

  “I know. I’m wondering how to approach Mr. Evans. I just can’t imagine losing a son.” Jordan swallowed hard at the emotions stuck in his throat. “I’ll talk with the guys in the Sunday school class and try to contact the parents. I’ll get back with you as soon as I can.”

  Charlie nodded and slowly lifted herself from the chair as if the news had her pinned down.

  “Oh, and another thing. I had a little confrontation with Colton.”

  Charlie’s head whipped up. “What?”

  “Seems he saw us at the café and accused me of inappropriate conduct.”

  “You’re kidding.” Her eyes bulged.

  “Nope—’fraid not. I think we should limit our communication to here and through text as best as we can.”

  She nodded. “Agreed.” With her gaze pinned to the floor, she trudged toward her own office.

  She had taken this event personally. Another incident for her to hold against God. What was He doing? Charlie just couldn’t turn her back completely on the Lord. No matter how this investigation turned out, Charlie needed to find her way back to her faith and relationship with God. Jordan was at a loss at how to help. He knew better than to attempt to defend God in any way, but Charlie seemed to be teetering on a tightrope. If only she could grasp that God was the best safety net, and she could trust Him. But, from her outburst about God the other day, she probably wouldn’t listen to him anyway.

  * * *

  Charlie charged to Captain Parrott’s office and knocked on his closed door.

  “Enter.”

  “Excuse me, sir. Could I speak with you for a moment?”

  “Sure. Come on in.”

  She shut the door back to ensure privacy but remained standing. “Captain Parrott, I believe in light of the fact that I’m making no progress in this case, I should bow out. With the news of this death, I’ve pretty much failed.” She kept her voice as firm and even as possible.

  “Hold on.” The captain stood. “I don’t agree. We’re going to crack this drug case with your help because you’re the best, and I won’t approve bowing out.”

  “Sir, I…”

  “Officer Jarvis, quitting would mean fai
lure.” He looked into her eyes with intensity. “I’m not ready to give up.”

  Charlie swallowed and nodded.

  He stepped to the front of his desk and perched on the edge. “Sometimes, you have to just face things head-on, no matter how hard it might be.”

  “You’re not speaking of the case now, are you?”

  Captain Roland shrugged one shoulder.

  “Thanks.” Charlie sauntered back to her small cubicle of an office and slumped into the chair.

  The captain was a wise and discerning man. And, he was right on, even if she hated to admit it.

  * * *

  Charlie entered the church Sunday morning and a fog of grief hung heavy in the air. The people seemed to hurt together for this family in their congregation. The pastor’s sermon encouraged the continual unity of the body of Christ. He spoke about Christian brothers and sisters being able to double joys and make sorrows halved. He continued to reiterate that, even though there may not be understanding, God could bring good from any situation.

  What good could come from this kind of tragedy? Where was the good in a boy losing his life to drugs? How could such a loss to a mother and father be turned to good? The muscles in her jaws ached from grinding her teeth. She struggled to stay calm with Colton sitting right beside her.

  At the invitation time, Jordan slipped to the aisle and to the altar of the church, his shoulders drooped. He knelt at the front stage steps. Several others followed. After all of the things Jordan had seen in his line of work, he still believed this God stuff. How?

  Her fifth grade year, she had received Christ and been baptized. But she failed to nourish or cultivate the relationship. Her parents were faithful church-goers. Her mother read her Bible every day. But for Charlie, after her initial salvation experience, no follow-up occurred. The requirement included going forward and a public dunking in the baptistry. She checked those off. But there must be more to being a Christian. Jordan’s faith permeated everything in his life. God wasn’t relegated to Sunday visits. His faith made a difference.