by Kathy Harris
She nodded.
“Zach’s dad left him and his mother. He’s serving thirty years in the state prison for armed robbery and possession of narcotics with the intent to sell.”
“Now I know why you care about him like you do.”
A part of who Caleb was had begun to make sense to her.
“That’s not exactly the whole story.”
CHAPTER 24
Caleb knew it was Danni’s turn to be surprised. He collected his thoughts before he spoke. Not many people knew his history. At least not to the extent he was about to share with her this afternoon.
“I care about Zach on a personal level,” he said. “He’s a great kid, despite the hard upbringing he’s had. Thankfully, he has a good mother, and he’s been raised in church.”
Danni settled back into her seat, leaning against the passenger side door of his truck, facing him.
“I do what I can for him because of something that happened years ago, when I was nineteen.” He sucked in a long breath, letting it out slowly. “I was raised in a good home. And, unlike Zach and you, I was blessed to have both my father and my mother.”
Danni nodded.
“But boys will be boys. Not that I didn’t have choices, and I made some bad ones.”
For a reason he was not willing to admit—even to himself, he wanted to connect with her. But this was harder than he’d thought it would be.
“I started experimenting with drugs. Just marijuana at first. Then after a while, I developed a habit for cocaine.”
Danni was staring at him now.
“It gets worse unfortunately.” He cleared his throat, tasting the bitterness of the words he was about to utter. Something inside him offered hope that finally telling his story would exorcize their rancor.
“My younger brother Jonathan went with me to a drug deal.” He shook his head as the scene played out in his memory. “It wasn’t supposed to happen the way it did. There had never been trouble before, or I wouldn’t have taken him. But . . .” Even now that day was his worst nightmare. “He was killed by a stray bullet.”
Danni’s mouth dropped open, but she didn’t speak, so he continued.
“I was devastated. My parents were devastated.” He scrubbed his face with his hands. “But there are no do-overs when the stakes are that high. The only thing I could do was turn my life around.”
He studied her face and their eyes met again.
“I’ve spent every minute of my life since that day trying to make up for what I did. Fighting for other kids so they won’t become casualties in a culture war that couldn’t care less about them.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Danni asked, her voice cracking.
Caleb swallowed. “I just want you to know that what we’re doing—what you’re doing—is really important.” He looked beyond her to Zach’s house. You can’t let down your guard or question if you’re doing the right thing . . . not even for a minute. Because it’s a battle between life and death.”
“I understand,” she said. “Zach is the Jonathan you can help today.”
“He is.” Caleb turned the key and the engine in the old Chevy roared to life. “But so are all of the Zachs out there.” He turned the truck around in the driveway and headed back toward town.
“We’re fighting a war against a society where drugs are glorified by actors and musicians who send the wrong signal to kids. Even when one of their role models die, that death is glamorized in the media. And, let’s face it, most kids think they’re bulletproof. But the odds are stacked against them. Someone in our country dies of drug-related causes every thirteen minutes. And illegal narcotics are often involved in crimes that ruin lives, even if the victims survive. Studies have—”
He glanced to her as he drove. “I’m sorry. I can’t stop talking about this when I get started.”
“You’re passionate about it.” She smiled, and then shrugged. “At least you’re doing something in your life to help people. I spend my waking hours running a restaurant. It’s rewarding, but what you’re doing is life-changing, life-saving. I respect you for it.”
He was quiet for a few seconds, and then an idea took root in his head. “Would you be willing to spend another afternoon with me?”
She didn’t hesitate. “Of course.”
“I want to introduce you to some young women who are fighting to regain control over their lives. Some are relatively new to the criminal scene, but many have spent a good portion of their adult lives incarcerated. Most have lost everything—families, homes, wealth, and even the sense of who they are. All are recovering addicts who are trying to make the best of a new opportunity to stay sober.”
“Sounds depressing.”
“It can be. But you will see the incredible work people are doing on their behalf. If you think my job is rewarding, wait until you meet the staff at Hope and Grace Resource Center.”
“Let’s do it!” Danni seemed eager. “When can we go?”
“I’ll call my friend Angela Tomas at the center, and we’ll set it up.”
CHAPTER 25
Sunday – April 14
The second time Danni walked into Jaycee’s church, she felt at home. Perhaps she had put the possibility of a wedding with Rob out of her mind, because this morning she was able to focus more on the service than on her physical surroundings.
Before the first congregational song was over, she had a working theory as to why few people were sitting immediately in front of them. Just like last week, even though the church was full, there was an obvious gap of two rows directly in front of where she and Jaycee sat. During that first song, Danni figured out why.
Jaycee sang loud. And very much off-key.
Danni smiled to herself. Not only was her friend tone deaf; she didn’t know it. Or she didn’t care. Either way, it didn’t interfere with Jaycee’s enjoyment of the music. Danni watched as she sang with an enraptured look on her face. And very little skill. Jaycee even had problems with the rhythm, not that all church music was easily sung, especially when you didn’t know the songs well. But Jaycee had worshipped at this church every Sunday for years.
By the third song, Danni was biting her lip to keep from laughing as she listened to Jaycee singing out of sync with the instruments. And, at times, she would switch harmony parts for no apparent reason—and with no real sense of harmony.
Years ago, while in high school, Danni sang in her church praise band. At one time she had considered majoring in music. What a difference it might have made in her life. Maybe, like Caleb, she would now be working to help people instead of managing a restaurant.
But if God could love Jaycee’s off-key attempt at worship—and Danni knew He did—He could also accept Danni’s feeble attempt to turn her spiritual life around. That thought transformed the smile on her face to a stirring of hope in her heart. And, as she took in the sights and sounds of the service, she sang as loudly as Jaycee, not paying attention to the disparate blend of their voices.
Jaycee turned to her and smiled, and Danni was grateful her friend never gave up on her. No matter that she was tone deaf, Jaycee Alexander was the best friend anyone could have.
After the service, as they strolled back up the aisle toward the church foyer, Jaycee asked. “So where’s your handsome TBI agent—and lunch date—this morning?”
“He’s at church.”
“I knew I liked him.” She nodded toward the man sitting in the last row of pews before the door. “That must be why we’ve had a new guest at church for the last two Sundays.” She mouthed a silent hello to him as they passed. “You have some good-looking bodyguards,” she whispered to Danni.
Danni laughed nervously. “So you’ve noticed?”
“Do you think I’m blind? I know there’s something going on, girlfriend.” Jaycee gave her a knowing look. “But I also know better than to ask.”
“His name is Jake Matheson. Caleb told me he would be the one following me around on Saturdays and Sundays.” When
they reached the veranda outside the church, she repositioned herself so the agent wasn’t within earshot. “I don’t think he’s married. That’s why he works on weekends. You might want to brush up on your flirting skills.”
Jaycee grinned. “Thanks, but no thanks. I’m thinking about joining the church choir. Have you seen the music minister? He’s not only cute; he’s single.”
The thought of Jaycee singing in the choir brought a smile to Danni’s face. But buoying her spirits even more was knowing she and Sophie would soon be meeting Caleb and Zach at Centennial Park for lunch.
As the pastor wrapped up his message, Caleb gave a sideways glance to Zach, who was sitting with his mother across the aisle. Danni had been right about Zach being a surrogate for Jonathan, but Caleb knew the boy was more. He was the son Caleb had always wanted.
With Zach’s real dad behind bars for, perhaps, the next twenty years, Caleb could become the father Zach needed, and he had thought many times about asking Zach’s mother out. Ginny Franklin was an attractive woman. Her wavy blond hair and delicate features reminded Caleb of a girl he had dated in high school. But, although Ginny was a good person, no sparks flew when he thought about her.
Unlike when he thought about Danni Kemp.
Ginny looked up, catching Caleb’s gaze. She smiled and put her arm around Zach’s slender shoulders, then returned her focus to the front of the church.
Caleb straightened his tie. Maybe he needed to be more open to a relationship with Ginny. Perhaps he had overlooked the woman God had planned for him all along. With time, he could probably make himself fall in love with her.
But that wouldn’t be fair to her or to Zach.
Caleb settled back into the wooden pew and tried to return his attention to the final few minutes of the sermon. The last thing he needed to think about was a relationship with Danielle Kemp. She was all but engaged to another man. A man Caleb was doing all he could to put behind bars.
Sophie was waiting at the door when Danni walked into her condo.
“Are you excited about going to the park, girl?” She patted the Newfie on the head. “Give me a few minutes to change clothes.
Sophie followed her into the bedroom and plopped onto the cool floor of the master bath to wait while Danni re-hung her church clothes and then looked though a stack of T-shirts on the shelf. Maybe she would dress up a little more, just as Jaycee had suggested. Making a one-eighty, she selected a pair of fitted jeans from the lower rack of the closet, and then picked out a cute top.
Sophie watched as Danni freshened her makeup. Was it too much? She didn’t want to look like she had tried too hard to put herself together. She rationalized that it was okay since she had just come from church.
Not that it really mattered. She and Caleb may have had a personal conversation on Friday, but he was still a cop—and one who was investigating Rob. A man paid to watch her and protect her. His attention would move on as soon as this case was resolved.
Danni grabbed the dog leash and snapped it to Sophie’s collar.
“Come on, baby girl.” Sophie jumped to her feet, as anxious as Danni to see Zach and Caleb. “Let’s go make a little boy happy and have some fun at the park.”
Caleb and Zach were sitting in their usual spot on a blanket when Sophie and Danni approached. Zach threw his arms into the air, jumped up, and ran toward them as fast as he could, skidding to a stop at Sophie’s feet.
“Can I take her to the dog park?” he asked.
“You remember the rules, right?”
The boy nodded. “I sure do.”
“Okay, then go have some fun. Sophie has been looking forward to this.”
“She has?” Zach’s smile widened, and he grabbed the leash. “C’mon, Sophie. Let’s show Ms. Danni how fast we can run to the dog park.”
“Be careful.” Danni shouted behind them.
Caleb stood, watching with her, and then offered his hand as she settled onto the blanket. “I’ve been looking forward to this too.”
“You have?” Why was she always so attracted to charmers?
“I enjoyed our conversation the other day.” He handed her a bottle of water from the cooler. “You look nice today, by the way.”
“Thank you.” She suddenly felt silly for wearing makeup to the park. “I’ve been to church this morning.” Thankfully, a blush wasn’t obvious in the midday sun, because more than the day’s heat warmed her cheeks.
He leaned back. “That’s what Matheson said.”
She laughed. “Sounds like you’ve done your homework today.”
Caleb grew serious. “I talked to Angela Tomas at the Hope and Grace Resource Center. That’s the place I was telling you about. If you can do it, I have us set up to visit on Tuesday evening.”
She nodded.
“I think you’ll enjoy it.”
Danni wasn’t too sure about that. How could you actually enjoy a visit to a rehabilitation center? “Maybe I’ll get an education, but I’m not sure I’ll enjoy it.”
“Trust me,” he said.
She laughed.
A mischievous grin spread across his face, and the muscles in his jaw twitched. “I say that a lot, don’t I?”
“Yes,” she said. “But I do trust you.” She found herself staring into his dark eyes a little too long, and the conversation lulled—
“Weeeee’re back.” Zach and Sophie screeched to a halt right in front of them.
Saved by the boy and the dog.
“Are you ready for lunch, Zach?” Caleb asked.
“Yeah, sure. But first, can we show Sophie and Danni what you’ve been teaching me?”
“You mean the fold command?”
“Yes!” The boy’s voice raised an octave.
“Okay, hand the leash to Ms. Danni.”
The boy obeyed.
“And step back a way.”
Zach turned and took a giant leap forward.
“Okay . . .” Caleb delayed, as the boy waited impatiently for what would happen next. “Fold!” Caleb finally yelled.
Instantly, the boy hit the ground, lying flat and completely still for a few seconds.
“Good job.” Caleb praised him. “You’ve definitely got a career ahead of you at the Bureau.”
Zach scrambled to his feet, dusted himself off, and grinned as he ran toward them.
“Wow.” Danni said, looking from Zach to Caleb and then back to Zach. “Are you learning how to be a TBI agent?”
Zach puffed up. “I want to be like Caleb when I grow up.”
Caleb shook his head, deflecting his gaze to the blanket.
“Well,” Danni told Zach. “I don’t think you could do any better than that.”
Caleb and Zach packed up the leftovers from lunch while Danni stroked Sophie on the tummy. The dog had passed out, likely from too much playtime with Zach.
“Looks like Sophie will sleep well tonight.” He winked at the boy. “You’ve worn her out.”
“Nah. She’s just digesting her lunch.”
Danni laughed and slowly stood, stretching her slender frame. “Either way, it’s time Sophie and I leave the rest of this beautiful weather to the two of you and head on home.”
Zach’s lower lip sagged. “Could I take Sophie to the park one more time? Just for a few minutes? Please?”
Caleb climbed to his feet, shaking his head. “No way, Zach. Danielle makes the rules for Sophie.”
Danni looked from the dog to the boy, contemplating Zach’s request. “Okay. Just for a few minutes.” She focused on Caleb. “But only if Caleb says you can.”
He nodded.
“All right!” Zach jumped up. “How long do we have?” he asked Danni.
“Fifteen minutes?”
“Perfect!” Zach grabbed the leash and urged Sophie forward. The dog lumbered slowly beside him, heading once again toward the dog park.
As soon as the boy and the dog were safely inside the fence, Caleb asked Danni to join him for a walk. “Maybe our food will settle b
etter.”
“Sounds good to—” Danni froze, and her complexion paled. She appeared to be focused on something over his left shoulder.
“What’s wrong?” His senses heightened, but years of training had taught him to remain calm.
“It’s him—”
“Who?” Every inch of Caleb’s skin prickled, and his right arm inched toward the Glock in his shoulder holster.
“The man from the Atlanta airport.” Danni didn’t move as she continued to look behind him.
“How far away is he?”
“Maybe twenty or thirty yards.”
“Okay.” Caleb’s mind raced as fast as his pulse. “I’m going to make a move that will surprise you, but I want you to go with it.”
“Okay.” She kept her face neutral, but he clearly read fear in her eyes.
Caleb took two steps toward her, hoping she wouldn’t resist him. Then, as quickly as he could think it, he threw his arms around her waist, pulled her close to him.
“Work with me,” he whispered. And then he kissed her.
She leaned into him, and he slowly repositioned her, so he could get a visual on the man now behind her. The intruder, who had been staring straight at them, jerked his head to the side, pretending not to be watching.
Caleb pulled away from Danni. “Are you sure that’s him?”
She nodded.
“Okay.” He kept his voice level, hoping to reassure her, while his eyes remained on his target. “On the count of three, I’m going to take off after him. If I’m not successful in bringing him down, call 9-1-1.” He squeezed her shoulder.
“Okay,” she said. This time the word was barely audible.
“On the count of three, take one step to the left.” He took a deep breath. “One, two, three.”
Danni shifted sideways, and Caleb took off running. The sandy-haired man, who had been trying to look disinterested in them apparently didn’t know what, or who, hit him until he was down on the ground.
“TBI.” Caleb yelled, then saw the gun tucked in the man’s belt. “You’re under arrest.”
