Justice at Dawn

by Valerie Massey Goree

  “Of course. Isaac and Roy were ten years old. I was twelve and should have stopped the stupid game.”

  She had no sage advice nor knew of any words to counter his conclusion. Sit still and be quiet.

  “That’s why I’m not a fan of carrying a gun all the time.”

  KC nodded, still not sure what to say, or if she should say anything at all.

  “I will never be able to forgive myself.”

  Now she had something to add. “But you must.”

  He withdrew his hand.

  Careful, KC. Don’t push him farther away from what he needs. “God is the author of forgiveness which He offers freely to those who ask and are repentant. Have you asked God to forgive you?”

  He shrugged.

  “We, that is regular folks, ask for forgiveness, but often we don’t believe God grants it. Kinda like taking a pile of rocks to His throne. Saying, ‘Here, God. Here’s my sin, please relieve me of my burden.’ Then before we leave, we pick up the sack again.”

  No response.

  She blew out a breath. How could she reach him?

  “I understand here.” Coop touched his head. “But I can’t accept God’s forgiveness here.” He clutched the shirt over his heart.

  Did she ever understand his predicament? It was one of the hardest lessons she’d had to learn. Over the years, Dad’s teachings from the Bible and soft words of encouragement got all the credit for her understanding of forgiveness and grace. That was the answer. “Coop, I’ve mentioned our home church several times. Hear me out, OK?”

  He didn’t object.

  “Come tomorrow. We’re nonjudgmental, accept people as they are. Don’t expect perfection, because then we’d have an empty house.”

  A smile creased his face for a second.

  “You can participate as much or as little as is comfortable for you. Sometimes we have a lesson—sermon. Other times, we have a Bible study and lively discussions.” She held his gaze. “What do you say?”

  The sun peeked out momentarily and then scuttled back behind dark gray clouds. But the brief spark of light was enough to brighten his green eyes. “I’ll think about it.”

  She had to be content with his answer. “I’m in no mood to go fishing. How about you?”

  “Same here.” He picked up his gear and stood. “And if you don’t mind, I’ll take a rain check on lunch.”

  At the mere mention of the word rain, the skies opened up. “That’s fine. I’ll race you to the vehicles.” Holding her hat on against the brisk, wet wind, KC ran for all she was worth.

  Laden with the box and rods, Coop reached her SUV a few steps behind her. “I’ve made up my mind. I’ll see you tomorrow at ten.” With a bob of his head, he dashed to his truck.

  Buckled in, KC removed her soaked hat. “Thank You, Lord. Please bless Coop’s decision. And thank You for breathing life back into that little boy.” She pulled out of the parking lot talking to herself. “Is Dad giving the lesson tomorrow? Should I ask him to speak on forgiveness?” Turning the windshield wipers on high, she shook her head. “No, it’s not my story to tell. Let God work on His timetable.”

  An image of a bulldozer flashed across her mind. “Yes, God, I know.” Brilliant zigzags of lightening in the distance added an exclamation point to her statement. Rumbling thunder highlighted the punctuation mark.

  Stopped at a red light, KC mentally inventoried all her dresses. Which one should she wear tomorrow? No straight skirts, for sure. She tsked. “It doesn’t matter what you wear. It’s not a date.”

  Yeah, right.

  16

  The short-lived storm wrought havoc up and down the California coast. Local utility vehicles dealing with downed power lines, outages, and mudslides blocked one street after another. Although Cooper left home in plenty of time, he was almost late for the Briggs’ home church service.

  After parking along the curb, he climbed down from his truck before he chickened out. Shoulders back, chin raised, he approached the front porch.

  As he raised his knuckles to knock, the door opened.

  “Hello, Coop. Welcome.”

  Had KC been watching for his arrival?

  Her familiar voice settled his breakfast back in place. He cleared his throat. “Hi.” Other words he wanted to say remained glued together.

  Ellen Briggs bustled into the hall and took his arm. “Good morning, Cooper. Come to the living room. Our numbers are down today because of spring break and all.” She ushered him inside the room and stopped. “Folks, this is Cooper Callahan. A, um, friend of our Kitty Claire.”

  A chorus of greetings followed.

  Face heating, he murmured, “Morning,” and headed toward a straight-backed chair in the corner. What was wrong with him? Tongue-tied was too mild a diagnosis. To add to his predicament, KC chose the armchair next to him. Would he ever be able to form a sentence again? He ventured a glance at her face.

  Serene and…beautiful. Her smile made her eyes sparkle. He should tell her…

  At that moment, William Briggs entered the room and stood in the middle of the group.

  Perfect timing. Now Cooper wouldn’t embarrass himself.

  People around him sang familiar hymns. But no way could he join in. And no one seemed to mind.

  William introduced the speaker, Brian Jackson, who reminded Cooper of KC’s brother, Bear.

  Relaxing a bit, Cooper crossed his arms, ready to listen. But the man’s words swirled above Cooper like wisps of a cloud. Truths about the failings of frail humans, second chances offered to those who recognize the need for change, and the Creator’s patience. Cooper envisioned his body floating, like a jellyfish, with no form, no bones, no substance. No central command post. Vulnerable and open, exposed, defenseless. He had never experienced such a sensation before. He couldn’t focus on the Scriptures read nor the message presented. Shocked at this insight into his psyche, he shook his head and searched the audience to see if anyone noticed his dilemma.

  All eyes were focused on Brian.

  Cooper blinked.

  “I want to conclude my lesson on rejuvenating our souls by reading from Jeremiah, chapter eighteen…”

  Brian’s voice penetrated the swirling fog. “‘So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel…’”

  Clumps of clay. Yes, that was Cooper. A blob of nothing.

  “‘But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands…’”

  Marred, to put it mildly. Deformed, flawed, ruined. Just like his spiritual life.

  “‘…so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.’”

  At those words, Cooper sucked in a breath. Could God still use him? Remold him?

  Voices raised in praise jolted him out of his inner conflict. Cooper sang the words to “Just as I Am” in his heart. He was willing to go that far, for now.

  Following the closing prayer, people introduced themselves, but he remembered no names. All his energy was poured into keeping upright after his traumatic encounter with the Potter.

  KC latched onto his arm and drew him out the back door.

  “Are you all right? You’re kinda pale, and your eyes have glazed over.”

  He dropped into a padded chair and exhaled a pent-up breath. “Yeah, I’m OK, but I got to tell you, all that talk about clay really hit me right here.” He thumped his chest. That was all he wanted to say on the subject. KC, for once, let him sit in silence. He soaked in the quiet, except for the chirping birds in the trees, a reminder of God who created all life. Yeah, he needed to review past mistakes, steps he should take in the future. But not now. No, not now. A physical shudder shrouded those thoughts, hiding them until he could muster the courage to face them.

  Settled in the chair next to him, KC crossed her legs.

  He tented his fingers and watched her swing her foot back and forth. Minutes seemed to tick by.

  True to her word, no heels or straight skirt. Flat black sandals, and a
cream-colored lacy fabric that reached beyond her knees. Tight, gray curls covered her head and shiny silver hoops dangled at her ears.

  “Lunch is ready,” Ellen hollered from the back door.

  Cooper stood. “I’d best be going.” And not a minute too soon. Otherwise, he might have to act on the strange emotions KC stirred within him.

  “No way. Please stay.” KC rose and set her hands on her hips.

  “But—”

  “We have potluck on Sundays. Believe me. No one goes home hungry.” She eyed him up and down. “By the way, you look really smart today, but,” she loosened his tie, “ditch the neck strangler.” At the door, she beckoned him. “If you don’t come in, I’ll have to carry you.”

  How could he ignore her threat? Although the thought of… He hurried inside.

  His jacket and tie removed, Cooper joined the group of eight at the large dining table. He ate and chatted, but at the end of the meal couldn’t remember exactly what food passed over his lips. How he missed family gatherings. He didn’t want to go home. Seated with KC beside him reminded him of similar meals when Angela and he were first married. Happy times with family and friends.

  Cooper sneaked a sideways glance at KC. So different from Angela. Bold, outspoken. He was never in doubt as to her opinion. But one thing she and Angela had in common was the ease with which they shared their faith. He had loved Angela with all his being. Was it possible to find two soul mates in one lifetime?

  Chairs scraped on the wooden floor. His head shot up. Whoa. Where had that thought come from? He swiped a hand across his forehead and stood.

  After stacking the dishwasher, KC and Cooper carried glasses of iced tea to the back porch where they sat on side-by-side rockers.

  “Thanks for inviting me.” He gulped down the tea and almost spilled the liquid when his phone rang. Bowen. “Sorry. I must answer. Boss?”

  “Cooper, you won’t believe where I am. In the hospital, having all kinds of tests done, and as you know, Sadie’s on vacation. Please pick up KC and come to Bayview Hospital. I’m in room 406.”

  ~*~

  The door to room 406 stood ajar. A nearby metal meal cart filled with trays emitted aromas of leftover food.

  Cooper knocked and entered at Bowen’s invitation. “Are you taking a vacation too, Mr. Bodine?”

  A monitor beeped in the background.

  “I don’t wish this kind of rest on anyone. Hi, Cooper, KC. Please, sit.” Bowen pulled the IV pole closer to the bed.

  Dragging another chair next to KC’s, Cooper sat and asked, “What tests have you had?”

  “You name it. But the doc thinks it’s my gallbladder. They’re waiting for one more result. Then I’ll know for sure.”

  “If it is, when will you have surgery?”

  “Tomorrow.”

  “My dad had his gallbladder removed a couple of years ago.” KC smoothed the fabric of her skirt. “The laparoscopic surgery was a breeze. He didn’t even stay overnight.”

  “I can only hope,” Bowen said.

  “Is Sadie coming back to San Diego?” Cooper kept his gaze on his boss.

  Bowen shook his head as color drained from his face.

  “Don’t you want family with you?” KC asked.

  Cooper leaned closer. Something was amiss. Bowen’s expression communicated more than pain or concern for his surgery.

  “I don’t want to bother Sadie. If she finds out I’m here, she’ll cancel the trip.” He looked at KC. “She’s on her way to Los Angeles to spend the week with Caleb and Reyna. That’s her brother-in-law and his wife. Hannah is excited to see her step-cousin, Francesca, who’s the same age. In fact, they’re celebrating her tenth birthday at a new theme park close to Cal’s home. I forget the name. Cal and Reyna haven’t met Zach yet. He’s our seven-month-old. No way will I put a damper on that visit.” Bowen grimaced. “Wish the pain meds would kick in.” He clutched his middle. “Besides, Sadie needs a break. She’s been on the go nonstop since Zach’s birth. Charlotte, my sister, will be here in an hour.”

  “Will Gabe take over the IT department while Sadie’s away?” Cooper asked.

  “Yeah, I’ve put him in charge of the office since I’ll be out of commission for at least a week.” After sucking in a deep breath, Bowen pointed to Cooper. “I need you both to do me a favor. KC, I know you’re still in training and even though this isn’t an official assignment, I think you’ll benefit from the experience.”

  “You’ve piqued my interest. What’s going on?” Cooper scratched his head.

  Bowen raised up and hunched over. “Sitting like this seems to ease the pain. The spasms are getting stronger.”

  “Should I call a nurse or something?” A note of concern edged KC’s words.

  “No, thanks. Let me finish. Sadie left home yesterday morning before the storm, spent the night in San Juan Capistrano. Hannah studied the mission in school and is fascinated by the swallows. She wanted to visit the site. Sadie said they arrived at the hotel around three.” He fell back among the pillows. “Cooper, take my phone.”

  Cooper picked it up off the bedside table and stared at his friend.

  “Sadie’s vehicle information is in there. Make, model, VIN, and license plate number. Satellite tracking data.”

  “Why do I need those details?” Cooper’s gut muscles clenched. “Can I forward the info to my phone?”

  Breathing deeply, Bowen’s gaze darted from Cooper to KC. “Sure. Also collect Caleb Malone’s phone number and address. And Charlotte’s. All in there.” He paused, chest rising and falling. “Sadie called this morning before leaving the hotel. It was a bad connection, but I gathered she decided to take a detour via State Route 74 east to Lake Elsinore. The call dropped before I could ask questions. I checked a map, and all I can think is that she’ll connect with I-15, which will take her north to I-210. From there, she can travel west to Simi Valley and miss all the downtown LA traffic.”

  He bit his lip. “I’ve tried contacting her all day. The calls go straight to voicemail. And she hasn’t phoned Cal, either.”

  “I imagine the storm knocked out cell towers.” Cooper hoped his tone provided Bowen a measure of assurance.

  “Yeah. A friend in LA said he hadn’t seen such lightening in years.” KC’s comment seemed to ease Bowen’s frown.

  Latching on to Cooper’s hand, Bowen pulled himself up. “I forgot about storm damage, but I still want your help. There’s no need to involve the authorities. I’m sure Sadie’s fine. But since you don’t have an active case, please see if you can locate her.”

  Cooper squeezed Bowen’s hand. “You bet, boss. Your family is safe in my, uh, our hands.” He clenched his jaw. An assignment provided a good excuse to take his mind off Brian’s lesson that nagged at his soul.

  Her large bag over her shoulder, KC stood. “I guess it’s back to jeans and boots.”

  Exactly. Cooper scooted his chair away. KC in agent garb emphasized their work relationship. Civilian clothes enhanced her femininity.

  And that was a problem.

  17

  An hour after receiving Bowen’s request, Cooper and KC rode north to San Juan Capistrano. He’d stopped by the office to collect printed headshots of Sadie and to type up all the contact details he’d taken from Bowen’s phone. Then he dropped KC off at her parents’ house to get her vehicle and followed her home to her apartment where she’d changed clothes and topped up her go-bag.

  Cooper and KC were now in agent mode, which eased his mind on two levels—the sermon topic, and his absurd attraction to her. The first subject he’d revisit at a more appropriate time, but the second…well, as long as he avoided meeting her in social situations, he would be able to treat her as a co-worker and quash his attraction to her.

  “Are you sure I won’t need my weapon?” she asked, effectively drawing him back to the present.

  “We can never be sure of anything. However, I have my handgun, a rifle, and a shotgun in the back.” Being prepared was a good motto
. “From what I know of Sadie, she’s not irresponsible. She’ll probably be at Caleb’s home before we even reach the hotel where she stayed.”

  “What’s the action plan?” KC adjusted the rhinestone cap on her head.

  “We’ll start with the facts. Bowen said Sadie called from the hotel this morning. First, we have to verify that she actually stayed there and then question people who might have seen her.”

  “Will we check video cameras, you know, like on TV shows?”

  “Maybe. Since we’re not cops, sometimes business owners or operators won’t let us.”

  Cooper spent the hour-long drive answering KC’s questions, many of which demonstrated her knowledge of the handbook. Impressed, he determined to test her comprehension of policies, and take advantage of her talents where necessary.

  He parked close to the entrance of the Capistrano Chalet Hotel. “Let me lead the investigation, but jump in if you see a need.”

  Once in the bright lobby, he approached the receptionist, a young man in his early twenties, and leaned on the counter. “Excuse me, we’re looking for this woman. She may have stayed here overnight.” He displayed the photo of Sadie.

  KC sidled up and fluttered her lashes at the guy. “She has a little girl and a baby with her. Please, we need your help.”

  Eyes on KC, the blushing kid smiled. “Yeah, she left with the girl this morning. But I thought the baby belonged to the other woman.”

  On full alert, Cooper straightened. “Other woman?”

  “Uh-huh. She carried the car seat thing, talked to the baby like mothers do. The women left together.”

  “Do you have surveillance cameras in the lobby and parking lot?”

  “Sure.”

  Cooper noted the kid’s name badge. “Joe, can we view them, please?”

  “I’ll have to talk to the manager.” He remained standing in place.

  Before Cooper could ask again, KC touched Joe’s arm. “Joe, the mother and the children were traveling alone. She wouldn’t have picked up anyone else. We haven’t heard from her, and we’re worried. The little baby is real sick and needs the medication we brought. Please, we have to see those tapes immediately.”