by Paula Mowery
“Stevens, right?”
Officer Stevens nodded.
Charlie scanned the gathering group of people, waiting for the next trolley. “Maybe we should step over near our vehicle and out of this crowd.”
“Right.” Stevens pushed his glasses back onto his face.
Colton eyed her with a wrinkled brow. Charlie’s mind spun with the possibilities of the bag’s contents and what kind of case Stevens was involved in.
In front of their SUV, Charlie whirled around. “OK, Stevens. It’s Officer Thomas now. What’s this all about?”
He snatched off his sunglasses. “You’re not on this case, are you? So, why did you get the bag?”
“My guess is those two men mistook me for the hand-off person for some reason. Someone is in danger. From my experience, I’d say this involves drugs. Am I getting close?” Since she worked in the drug unit at the police station, and had met her now-husband, a corporate pilot, on the last sting, she figured it was a pretty good guess.
Officer Stevens’ eyes widened. He rubbed a hand over his head and shifted his feet. “I don’t think I’m at liberty to say.” He reached for the bag. “I’ll take this back to Captain Parrott.”
“Not so fast.” Charlie pulled out her phone. “I’ll check with the captain.” She punched the number and waited.
“Charlie, we’re still on vacation for two more days.” Colton crossed his arms over his chest and glared at her, jaw muscles twitching.
“Babe, I just want to check on this. Then we’ll be right back to our second honeymoon.”
Colton mashed his lips together and nodded. “Uh, hm.”
“Officer Thomas?” Captain Parrott’s voice boomed through her cellphone.
“Yes, sir.”
“Why am I hearing from you on your vacation?”
“My vacation was interrupted by a little incident.”
“I’m listening.”
Charlie explained about the backpack exchange and Officer Steven’s approaching her. “Smells like a drug case. What’s up?”
The captain sighed. “It seems that Rusty Smith and his cohort we nabbed weren’t the end to that drug trafficking operation. Which is no surprise. Enjoy your last couple of days, and you’ll be briefed as soon as you return.”
“And the backpack?”
“Info on an eyewitness. Let Stevens bring it back.”
“OK. I’ll see you first thing Monday morning.”
She reluctantly turned the bag over to Officer Stevens. The curiosity was eating her. But she knew better than to cross the line with Captain Parrott. She’d know the details soon enough.
~*~
Colton studied Charlie across the restaurant table. Her blank expression and lack of focus proved her distraction with this case. He leaned in and grabbed her hand. “Penny for your thoughts. Isn’t that the way the saying goes?” Their gazes connected. “But I don’t have to fork out any money to guess what you’re thinking about.”
She squeezed his hand. “I’m sorry. I’ve just been thinking about all the implications of this.” Her lips pursed. “You need to be careful.”
“What does this have to do with me?”
She stared right into his eyes. “These guys might still hold a grudge. You did play a part in bringing one of their guys down.”
Colton stroked his chin, considering her warning. “I’ll be alert, but I worry about you.”
She pushed a rogue lock of her dark hair behind her ear. “No need to worry about me.”
“Oh, yeah? Coming from the one who has a scar from a bullet on her shoulder.”
“I’ll be careful, too.” She squeezed his hand again.
3
Charlie trailed Jordan and the captain into the small conference room at the police department early Monday morning. Officer Greene already perched on a chair and jumped to his feet as they entered. Why was the young officer here?
Captain Parrott motioned for them to sit. He planted his palms on the table and leaned forward, looking Charlie in the eyes. “Charlie, you’ll be training Nathan. I’ve brought him up to speed.”
Charlie wasn’t thrilled with a tag-along on this case, but she’d squelch her protest. Captain Parrott’s tone communicated his lack of tolerance for argument.
The captain straightened. “We already knew that someone was obviously taking over the drug trafficking vacated by Rusty and his cohort. The newest transporter at the airport had a mysterious engine malfunction and crashed, killing the pilot.”
Charlie winced. She glimpsed Jordan. He ran his hand down his face.
The captain eased into a chair across from them and opened a file. “The pilot’s name was Pamela Russell.”
Charlie gasped and turned toward Jordan. “Is that the same Pamela Russell we know from church? I’d heard about the crash…just hadn’t put the pieces together. So why the weird hand-off?” She turned her attention back to Captain Parrott.
“That was Mrs. Russell’s husband and son. Mr. Russell immediately sent his daughter away, hiding her. It seems she can identify the contact person, and they feared for her life. When the daughter, Sydney, confronted her mother, Mrs. Russell broke down. She’d carried only two parcels but wanted out. Somehow, those druggies retaliated and took her out.” The captain pounded his fist on the table. “Mr. Russell and his son insisted on this kind of transaction as a way to protect Sydney. They are understandably paranoid right now.”
Charlie gritted her teeth. She understood the frustration. “So, now what?”
“The information from that backpack you intercepted gave us a physical description of the man Sydney saw hand off stuff to her mother. We got some other details from the father and son. But we don’t have a name. Just not enough to find this guy. We’ve got to catch him in the act. Then we can let Sydney Russell ID him positively.”
Jordan stroked his chin. “Where do we start? Stake out the airport?”
The captain shrugged. “That’s one thing I think we should do. Station plain clothes at the Knoxville Airport and a small airport in Morristown that the Russell’s mentioned. From what we know, Mrs. Russell picked up a package there.”
“Anybody visited Rusty?”
Captain Parrott considered her with a nod. “Might be worth a try. If we could just get a name. Otherwise, we’re searching for a needle in a haystack. You and Nathan pay Rusty a visit.”
~*~
Sydney smoothed the apron over her black dress and tried to concentrate on rolling the dough in front of her. It had been a few months since she’d been in her friend’s Amish home and she never found the “simple” life easy, but there was a rhythm to the day’s work that helped to keep her from obsessing over all that had happened. Only three weeks remained in her last semester at Maryville College. Would she have to repeat the courses? Would they even allow her to repeat them?
A hand on her arm jolted her from her thoughts. She looked into the caring eyes of her friend, Rebecca.
Rebecca signed, “What’s wrong?”
Sydney signed back, “Just thinking.”
Rebecca patted her arm. “I’m afraid for you. Your mother …” She paused and shook her head.
“I know. But school.”
“Sorry. So sorry.” Rebecca’s facial expression was fully animated, proving her true remorse for Sydney.
“I hope the school will allow me to complete my degree without much trouble.”
Rebecca squared her shoulders. “They must.” She stomped her foot for emphasis. “If not, school crazy.” She morphed into her native American Sign Language, expressing her support for Sydney, even if she had to go to that school and tell them a thing or two.
Sydney chuckled. “My good friend, I love you.”
Rebecca smiled and her expression calmed. She squeezed Sydney in a side hug, and they dove back into their task. Rebecca’s mother would soon be ready to assemble the apple pies.
Sydney sighed and pushed the rolling pin over the flattened dough. At least I’m safe
here. I am safe, aren’t I, God?
Rebecca stopped Sydney’s rolling pin. “I miss you.” Her chin quivered. “I fear for you. I’m glad we could provide r-e-f-u-g-e for you.” She finger-spelled out refuge and signed safe place.
Tears sprang to Sydney’s eyes. Again, they returned to their task. Was this really a safe place? How long would she have to hide out here? A verse popped into her mind and she allowed it to resonate. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
~*~
Nathan followed Officer Thomas into the prison facility for their meeting with Rusty Smith.
“Charlie, how are you?” A uniformed woman at the front desk smiled. She nodded toward Nathan but turned her attention back to Officer Thomas. “How’s married life treating you?”
“Pretty good, I’d say.” She leaned on the counter. “How about that new grandbaby?”
The receptionist’s eyes danced, and her smile widened. “She’s perfect, of course.” She glanced down at some papers on her desk. “Jim’s ready for you.” She raised her chin toward Nathan. “With you, right?”
Officer Thomas whirled around as if she just remembered he was there. “Yes, this is Officer Greene.”
Nathan nodded. “Ma’am.”
Thomas took off through a door adjacent to the receptionist’s window. He glanced back at the receptionist. She winked. “Enjoy.”
He caught up with Thomas. As they started to enter a room marked, For Visitations, Officer Thomas stopped and spun around. “I’ll handle the questioning. Just pay attention.”
She didn’t give him an opportunity to respond but zipped into the room and plunked into a chair. Nathan followed suit. He clenched his jaw. Thomas was obviously annoyed by his presence. Did she think he couldn’t do this job? He’d show her and everyone else. He’d come back from debilitating injuries, and he could conquer whatever Officer Charlie Thomas threw at him.
A handcuffed man in prison garb sauntered in, led by two uniformed men. He plopped into the remaining chair.
“Rusty.” Thomas’ voice was low but firm.
“Charlie.” The prisoner adjusted his chair.
Officer Thomas gestured toward him. “This is Officer Greene.”
Rusty narrowed his eyes and nodded. “What has brought you for a visit? I know better than to think this a social call.”
“What do you know about a trafficker who’s taken your place, working out of the Knoxville Airport and a small airport in Morristown?”
“I knew he existed, but…”
Charlie leaned closer. “We have a description, but we need a name.”
Rusty sighed. “I really tried not to get that familiar.” His eyes widened with emphasis.
“Look, one person’s already lost her life over this and another is in danger. Give me anything. You know we’ll make it worth it for you.”
“The only thing I remember is that when I first started, he talked about needing a replacement for his brother. He’d been in a car chase with the police and crashed into an older couple’s vehicle. He was killed.” Rusty shrugged.
Charlie jumped to her feet. “Are you sure?”
Rusty held his hands up in a sign of innocence. “That’s all I know.”
Officer Thomas whirled around and sprinted toward the hallway.
Nathan jumped up and hurried behind her. He finally found her outside with her back leaned against their police car and her face planted in her hands. Her breathing came out in pants.
“Officer Thomas?”
She turned to him. She hurriedly swiped away the tear on her checks with the backs of her hands. “Get in. I think we got what we needed.”
~*~
Colton looked up from the newspaper he was skimming. Charlie charged through the front door, slamming it behind her. Their gazes met and his wife’s eyes were rimmed in red. He jumped to his feet and closed the distance between them. “What is it?”
A tear slipped down her cheek. “You’re not going to believe the irony of this case. Never would I have expected…” She shook her head.
Colton guided her to the sofa. “Let’s sit down. Now, tell me what’s going on.”
Charlie explained about her meeting with Rusty. “This all goes back to the druggie who killed my parents in that horrible accident. What are the chances that this lands in my lap?”
Colton sat back and sighed. “I’m so sorry, honey. You’re right about the irony.” A knot burned in his stomach. He grabbed her hand. “Hon, maybe you should discuss this with Captain Parrott.”
Charlie’s eyes narrowed. “I won’t back out. You know I can’t.”
“Charlie, sweetheart, maybe this is good timing. We’ve been throwing around the idea of having a baby anyway.”
Charlie sprang to her feet. “I can’t do that until this task is done.”
“And you think it will ever be done?”
She plunked back down on the sofa and heaved a heavy sigh. “I don’t know.” Her voice was low.
“Do we need to skip our plans with the Wynns and the Fultons tonight?”
Charlie’s expression softened. “No. I love our Friday hang-outs.” She smiled. “I’m going to take a quick shower. Wash work away. I’ll be back with a better attitude.”
He kissed her forehead. “OK. Do you need any help?”
She stood and patted his shoulder. “Nope. I got it.” She winked and sauntered toward the bedroom.
Colton bowed his head. Lord, I’m not convinced she needs to see this one through. That bullet graze was too close for me.
4
Charlie held to Colton’s hand as they strolled into one of the gang’s Friday night hangouts. The earlier clenched feeling in her body loosened and her shoulders relaxed. She glanced around the table. Marshall, Emma, and their twins covered one end, a commotion of highchairs and bibs. Jordan, Alyssa, and their two kids lined one side. Hayden grinned at her, and she winked back.
She eased into a chair and glimpsed Officer Nathan Greene sitting at the other end of the table. What was he doing here? She looked at Jordan.
“Everybody knows Nathan, right?” Jordan gestured his way.
Charlie’s stomach clenched. Officer Greene was a blatant reminder of her earlier distress. Colton squeezed her hand under the table. Their gazes met, and he smiled. What had she done before this man was in her life? He knew just what to do to ease her strain.
“Hey, Miss Charlie.” Hayden’s eyes danced. “I have a basketball game tomorrow. Did you know I was playing? Maybe you could come watch me play.” He patted Jordan’s arm. “Hey, Dad, what time is my game tomorrow? And where is it? Miss Charlie and Mr. Colton might want to come.”
Jordan caught his son’s hand, now nudging his arm. “Hayden, bud, they might be busy.”
Charlie shook her head. “Naw. I think we might be able to stop by and watch a game. What do you think, Mr. Colton?”
Colton leaned across the table and looked right at the boy’s expectant expression. “I’d love to see you play.”
Hayden’s eyes brightened again. “We’re playing a pretty tough team, but Dad’s been working us hard at practice.”
Jordan ruffled his son’s hair and grinned. “You know, Mr. Colton, we could use an assistant coach.”
Charlie nudged her shoulder into Colton’s. “Yeah, Mr. Colton, you should help them out.”
Jordan’s phone buzzed. He studied the screen and his face grew serious. “Excuse me a moment.” He stood and wandered to the lobby.
Charlie shifted her focus to the Fulton twins, now a year old. Both stuffed Cheerios into their mouths with clumsy, chubby hands. Charlie chuckled.
Jordan returned to the table but remained standing. “Charlie, Nathan, step outside with me for a moment. Sorry, everyone. Hate doing business on our family night, but there’s been a development I need to let them in on. Be back in a flash.” He directed a smile at Alyssa.
Charlie and Nathan filed out behind Jordan. Outside the restaurant, Jordan turned an
d stroked his chin. “I was just informed that Rusty Smith was killed in prison.”
Charlie couldn’t squelch a gasp. “Is this connected with our visit?”
“We can’t be sure there’s a connection, but we should probably treat it as such. Now there’s fear for Sydney Russell’s safety. We’re probably going to have to retrieve her before catching the trafficker. She might not be safe enough where she is.” Jordan crossed his arms over his chest. “This just got a bit more complicated and maybe even more dangerous.”
“So, what do we do?” Nathan shoved his hands in his pockets.
“We’ll meet with the captain first thing Monday morning. But for now, we go back and enjoy our time with our family.” Jordan smiled.
Charlie blinked at the moisture gathering in her eyes. “What about Kim and the kids?”
“Who’s Kim?” Nathan glanced from Charlie to Jordan, and his brow wrinkled.
Jordan spoke before Charlie could find the words. “Kim is Rusty’s wife.”
Charlie looked Jordan directly in the eyes. “And even though he deceived her, she’s continued to visit him and take the kids.”
Jordan nodded. “I know.” His voice was low. He stared at the ground for a moment then looked from her to Nathan. “Let’s go back in. I’ll tell them about Rusty. They’ll be finding that out soon enough, like the rest of the town.”
They trudged back to their table in the restaurant. The announcement of Rusty’s death put a damper on the rest of the evening.
Charlie tried not to think about whether she was responsible for Rusty’s demise. She needed to concentrate on the next task—bringing Sydney Russell home without having her meet a similar fate. They needed her to stay alive until she could testify and bring justice to this mess.
~*~
The sun glinted through the blinds in the bedroom window. Colton glimpsed the alarm clock, glad for a day to sleep in with his wife. He rolled over gently, but Charlie’s eyes were open. No need to fear waking her.
