Justice at Dawn

by Valerie Massey Goree

  The shaded area proved to be perfect for their picnic. Even if someone entered from the highway, he and KC were well shrouded. Cooper bit into the ham and mustard on rye and considered how and when he’d give his partner the news.

  She derailed his plan. “I have a bunch of questions. First, how’d you hurt your knee? Originally?”

  Easy to answer. “When I was ten—there’s that number again—I tore the meniscus. A minor injury that didn’t require surgery.”

  “How?”

  “Playing football. Two nose guards tackled me from both sides. I was fortunate to only suffer a minor tear that hasn’t bothered me until recently.”

  “So you were limping earlier.” KC waggled her index finger at him.

  He shrugged. “Maybe. Next question?”

  “Instead of just sitting here waiting, why don’t we look for them? There might be a path from this cabin to the one with the smoke. Maybe they went there for a visit. I didn’t see a river on the map near here but there could be one, and they might have taken Hannah there.”

  “I’d rather not trample through the woods. If they don’t return by,” he checked his watch, “say three o’clock, then we’ll go.”

  Swallowing a bite of an apple, she said, “If you’re concerned about your knee, I can go by myself.”

  “I’m not an invalid.” He flexed the joint to emphasize his point. Minimal pain. “I can walk—”

  “No, no. That’s not what I meant. I’m antsy, is all.” She drained her bottle of tea.

  “Since we have no way of communicating with each other, I don’t want you going off on your own. You could fall, get lost.” And I won’t let that happen. “Any other questions?”

  “Yes. What will we do when they return to the cabin?”

  His course of action wasn’t clear yet. Discussing options and soliciting her opinion would be helpful. “What would you do?”

  “Um, spy on them when we hear them coming. Check Sadie’s expression and body language. Is she calm, happy to be with her friend? Are the kids OK? Is Barbara acting in a threatening way?”

  He nodded. “All good points. One more. Is anyone armed that we can see?”

  “Of course.”

  “If we determine Sadie’s not in imminent danger, then once they’re inside, we knock and have a friendly little chat. I don’t want Barbara to know we’ve searched the cabin.”

  “Should I take the rifle with me?”

  “Yes. My gun’s back here.” He patted his waistband and then gulped a swig of water. They should have brought more supplies with them. However, they could soon be enjoying cold drinks with Sadie and company.

  KC gathered the trash and shoved it in his backpack.

  He adjusted the bag to prop up his knee again. It was almost two o’clock. How long would they have to wait?

  “I do have another question.”

  Not surprised at her need to talk, Cooper said, “Go ahead.”

  “This one may not be so readily answered.” KC hugged her bent knees. “Have you given much thought to Brian’s lesson? Forgiveness—”

  “Yes and no.” Nope. Not ready to look in the mirror and acknowledge the changes he needed to make. Cooper knew she meant well, but he did not want to discuss his spiritual life, or lack thereof, in the middle of an assignment. For pity’s sake. Look where they were? Hiding in the brush, waiting for Barbara to return, possibly with a shotgun to Sadie’s head. His scowl aimed at KC had the desired effect.

  “Sorry, Coop. Just thought we had time to talk if you wanted.” She adjusted the cap as she lowered her head. “I’ll say no more on the subject.”

  “Good, because the more you push, the more I’ll resist.”

  “I wasn’t…” Her voice trailed off as she bit her lip.

  He deliberately didn’t look at her face. “I have vital information for you.”

  Her head shot up. “What? Why is your voice so cold?”

  Had his tone hardened on purpose? Maybe. Anger at her interference in his life tainted his mood, but he was now committed to tell her. “When I was in the treehouse, I received a message from Gabe about your mother.”

  “My birth mom?” KC’s eyes lit up. She leaned forward.

  “Yes.”

  “Why would he have any information about her?”

  “Because I asked Peter Kimball to continue the search you began.”

  “You did? I was—”

  Another scowl hushed her.

  She wilted against the tree.

  Her deflated demeanor pricked his conscience. For a second.

  “Peter located Winter Hodges.”

  Before he could add another word, KC knelt at his side, hands on his shoulders, eyes wide. “Winter. Winter. Yes, that rings a bell. Win. She went by Win. Where? Is she all right? I want to meet her.” The light faded from her eyes. She cocked her head. “What else do you know?”

  He kicked himself mentally for his harsh tone and callous delivery. She didn’t deserve to be the recipient of his self-loathing. Squeezing her hands, he removed them from his shoulders, and held them tenderly. No scowl this time, but his facial expression must have spoken volumes.

  Her lips quivered.

  “I’m sorry, KC. Your birth mother died while you were in foster care. I guess, soon after she left you at that hospital.”

  He released her hands, and she fell against him, quietly sobbing.

  But a short time later, she pushed back. She swiped away the tears and stood. “How did she die?”

  “Cancer—”

  “What kind?”

  Did it matter? “Ovarian.”

  KC’s reaction surprised him. Hands on hips, she stomped through the brush, returned, and then beat the tree trunk with her fist.

  He scrambled upright and grabbed her arm. “Whoa, kid. You’re gonna hurt yourself.”

  Breathing hard, she glared at him for what seemed like a decade. Finally, she sank to the ground. “Thank you for telling me. It’s not the news I wanted, naturally, but I’m glad to know the truth. She didn’t abandon me because I was bad, but because she probably couldn’t take care of me.”

  “Right.” What else could he say? He had no idea what emotions were coursing through her. He rolled his eyes. And his initial reaction to her question about Brian’s lesson was churlish to say the least. How could he show his concern?

  A faint childish squeal caught his attention. He ducked and stepped forward to peek around the shrubs. Yes. There it was again, accompanied by a woman’s voice.

  “KC, they’re back.”

  “I’m ready, Cooper.”

  The grass rustled behind him.

  “Here’s your backpack.”

  He slung the strap over his shoulder.

  Why’d she call him Cooper?

  25

  Her heart like a glob of lead, KC shouldered the rifle and stood on tiptoe to peer through the sparse leaves of the taller shrubs concealing their hiding place. No matter her personal situation, she had a job to do. Concentrate. Sadie, holding Hannah’s hand and her backpack, stepped around the west side of the cabin. The blonde they’d called Barbara followed with Zach in a front pouch. At least KC’s assumption proved correct.

  Everyone seemed fine.

  Barbara looked their direction and Cooper ducked.

  Eyes closed, KC hunkered down behind him. Sadie and her two children were safe. Thank You, Lord.

  But no matter how hard she tried to concentrate on the task at hand, the news Cooper shared intruded like an insidious gray fog. If only the earth would swallow her. Why had she pinned her hopes on locating her mother? It wasn’t as if she had a miserable life with her adoptive parents. And she’d known nothing about Win Hodges for more than twenty years. Why rake up the past now? KC blew out a silent breath. Her disappointment, disillusionment had nothing to do with knowing her mother had passed. No, her sadness stemmed from the cause of her mother’s death. Ovarian cancer. She—

  “KC. KC get up. Let’s go to the cab
in.”

  How many times had Cooper called her name? She shook off her morbid thoughts and stood, stepping over his discarded icepack. “Right behind you, Cooper.” Cooper. Yup, no more Coop. No special name. Squelch any illusions that you may have a future with him. Or any man.

  They moseyed up to the front door, their boots clomping on the wooden boards.

  A young face peeked out the curtains and then disappeared.

  “Be alert. Observe Sadie and Hannah. Let your gut guide you. You have good instincts.”

  The praise from Cooper brought a brief smile to her face. Despite his snapping at her earlier, she valued his opinion.

  Cooper looped his backpack over his arm and knocked.

  Blonde hair in disarray, the thirty-something woman opened the door a foot or so. “Hello. What can I do for you?” She smoothed the hair around her oval face.

  “Is Sadie Bodine here?”

  “Who wants to know?”

  “I work with her husband. I’m Cooper Callahan, and this is my partner, KC Briggs.”

  Partner. At the moment she felt more like a cinder block around his neck. Focusing on the exercise was almost more than she could handle. She inhaled. Exhaled. Smiled. “Hello.”

  “Cooper—” A voice from inside the cabin.

  “Yes, she’s here. But you can’t bring that rifle inside. I will not have weapons in my house.” The blonde opened the door a few more inches but blocked their entry.

  Interesting comment. KC sneaked a peek at Cooper’s face. Bland, neutral, as if he knew nothing of the woman’s lie. Right. Mask emotions. Don’t react to sights or sounds. KC relaxed her jaw.

  “We’re agents on a training assignment. KC will not relinquish the rifle. She can wait outside, if you’d prefer.” He flashed a smile and set his hands on his hips.

  “Oh, all right. Come in. But be careful with that…thing. We have young kids with us.” This time she pushed the door wide and stepped aside.

  “I will.” Grasping the rifle, now loaded—thanks to her quick visit to the bathroom earlier—KC entered behind Cooper, and then stood beside the table where Sadie stacked the dirty dishes.

  “Hi, Cooper. What are you doing here? Don’t tell me Bowen was worried and sent you.” Wearing khaki jeans and a yellow sweatshirt, Sadie carried plates to the sink.

  “Yeah, he was concerned because he couldn’t contact you.” Cooper glanced at the blonde. “You must be Barbara.”

  “Yes. Barbara West. I’ve known Sadie for eons. When I found out she was taking a vacation, I invited her here for a few days.” Zach squirmed in the pouch and whimpered. She patted his back. “As far as communications go, we don’t get good reception, even when all the towers are operational.”

  “It’s time for his bottle.” Sadie held out her arms to Barbara.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of him. Visit with your friends. By the way, how did you locate us?”

  “We—”

  A harsh throat-clearing sound cut short KC’s response.

  “Can’t reveal secrets of the trade, now can we?”

  Cooper’s glare would have slashed her if she’d been standing closer. KC bit her lip. Of course, she shouldn’t discuss their methods.

  With deliberate effort, she scanned the room. Stick to the job. “Where’s Hannah?” The child’s pink and purple backpack lay on the couch.

  Before Sadie could respond, Barbara butted in. “She’s in the bedroom. Still tired from her brief illness yesterday.”

  “Hannah was sick? Does she need medical attention?” The question slipped out before KC could censor her thoughts.

  “No, no. Something she ate for breakfast didn’t agree with her.” Sadie wiped crumbs off the table, head lowered.

  Impossible to read.

  Barbara released the strap of the baby harness. “I’m just glad I had Zach with me, and Hannah rode with her mother. I don’t do well with, , um—”

  “Throwing up. You can at least say the words.” This time Sadie looked directly at Cooper. “She’s fine now. I assure you. In fact, I’ll have her join us.” Raising her voice, Sadie called, “Hannah, honey. Come see who’s here.”

  For a quick second, Barbara looked daggers at Sadie.

  KC blinked. Was that a subtle non-verbal warning?

  “This is a cute cabin. Do you come here often?” KC aimed her question at Barbara but kept her gaze on Sadie. Even tone. No makeup, but she appeared well-rested. Certainly not displaying any signs of distress.

  “Uh, yes. My sister and I often use the cabin as a weekend getaway.” Barbara swayed side to side, soothing Zach. “Sadie, why don’t you make up his bottle.”

  Cooper set his pack on the floor and edged closer to the bedroom door, his limp almost imperceptible. “Is Hannah all right? I don’t hear her moving about.”

  Barbara’s dark eyes darted from him to KC. What would she have done if Hannah had not chosen that moment to open the door?

  “Mama, I’m thirsty.” The young girl slammed the door behind her, and made a beeline for the kitchen, ignoring the visitors.

  Her mismatched outfit caught KC’s eye. Green and red plaid pants, blue and red striped sweatshirt.

  “Honey, don’t be rude. Say hello to Mr. Callahan and Ms. Briggs.” Sadie shook the baby bottle before testing the temperature of the formula on her wrist. “Perfect. Give this to Barbara, please, and then I’ll pour a glass of lemonade for you. Oh, Cooper, KC, would you like something to drink?”

  Shoulders drooped, the girl shoved the bottle into Barbara’s hands, turned to the agents and said, “Hello.” She plopped onto the floor beside the coffee table and opened her backpack. Crayon box and book extracted, Hannah began to color a page on the table.

  With the rifle held to the side, KC sat on the couch near her, aware of Barbara moving in their direction with Zach in her arms, the navy pouch discarded. The woman’s hair was obviously bleached, if the dark roots were anything to go by.

  “I’m thirsty. How about you, Cooper?” KC focused on Hannah.

  “Yes.”

  Pressing hard with a purple crayon, Hannah punched a hole in the paper. “Rats.” She threw the book across the room and folded her arms tight, a pout the size of California marring her face.

  Ooh, not a happy camper. KC almost chuckled at her thought. “Why are you sad, Hannah? Don’t you like it here in the woods?”

  Zach squealed as Barbara settled on the couch.

  Sadie dashed from the kitchen and squeezed next to Barbara. “Let me have him.”

  “He’s fine with me.”

  Zach slurped his milk, a contented sound.

  “I want to visit Princess Palma’s.” Hannah’s words were punctuated with kicks to the table leg. “Mama promised. I don’t like bugs. And there are bugs everywhere I go here.”

  “Now, Hannah. Remember what we talked about this morning. Sometimes plans change, but we—”

  “Please, I…Barbara, let me discipline my own child.” Sadie stroked Hannah’s brunette locks. “Come to the kitchen, sweetheart, and help me with the drinks.”

  Still pouting, the girl scrambled up and followed Sadie to the kitchen.

  Cooper sat in the armchair facing the couch. A minute later, he accepted a glass from Hannah, and said, “Thank you, young lady. By the way, Barbara, how far is the other cabin?”

  She scrunched her brows. “What cabin?”

  “On our way here, we noticed a plume of smoke coming from a chimney,” he said.

  Good question. KC had noted several items of interest, but she was glad a seasoned agent was with her to direct the investigation. If this was an investigation.

  “Oh, that. Yes, there is a cabin less than a mile away. I didn’t know it was occupied at present.” Propping the baby to her chest, Barbara patted his back and was rewarded with his little burp.

  “How do you get to it?” KC asked as Hannah placed a glass in front of her. “Thanks.”

  “It’s not far—”

  “Hannah, I b
elieve KC asked me that question. Don’t you know it’s rude to interrupt adults? Run along and drink your lemonade in the kitchen.” Barbara’s pats to Zach’s back seemed to increase in intensity.

  Hannah turned on her heel and dashed to her mother’s side. “Mama, don’t make me go to the bedroom.” Sadie sat down at the kitchen table with her daughter in her lap. Hannah’s angry scowl remained in place.

  KC tried to read Sadie’s expression, but she lowered her head onto Hannah’s, murmuring.

  “You can’t get to the cabin from here.” Barbara shot a look at mother and daughter and then continued. “There’s a deep ravine between our properties. You have to go back to the highway and take the next dirt road. Why do you want to know?”

  “Just curious.” Cooper set down his empty glass. “We need to be going. Any message for Bowen? When will you be heading to LA?” He nodded toward Sadie.

  She raised her head, glanced at her baby in Barbara’s arms. “Just tell him we…we’re fine. And tell Caleb we’ll see him soon. I plan on leaving in the morning about nine, and I’ll make new arrangements to visit the theme park when we arrive in LA.”

  Did she sniff or was that KC’s imagination?

  “What route will you take? Back to San Juan Capistrano or via Lake Elsinore?”

  Cooper sure was making Sadie provide details of her trip, but she never got the chance to respond.

  Barbara wriggled off the couch with Zach in her arms. “I told Sadie she needs to drive past the lake. It’s so beautiful this time of year. But wait. I baked a chocolate cake this morning. Why don’t you have some before you go? Sadie, come help me serve the cake.”

  Sadie whispered to Hannah. The girl slid off her lap, picked up her coloring book, and returned to the coffee table. Another page absorbed her attention.

  In no time, Sadie presented thick slices of gooey cake topped with whipped cream. Mmm. News of personal loss aside, KC rubbed her stomach. The sandwich was good, but this would see her through to dinner. Hopefully in San Diego.

  Barbara perched on the couch again and smoothed her dark skirt around her legs. She placed Zach across her lap and tickled his tummy. The baby giggled and gnawed on his fist.