by Paula Mowery
“Yeah, Doc’s main business is supplying personnel for emergency rooms. He’s contracted with several hospitals all along the East coast.”
Charlie nodded. A sudden noise at the other end of the table caught their attention. They both turned in time to see Hayden entertaining with some wild tale, flailing his arms with emphasis.
“He’s a mess,” Colton said.
“Yeah, we met. He told me my name was a boy’s name. Alyssa proceeded to tell me he is six but may not make it to seven.”
They both laughed. Charlie tilted her head back ever so slightly when she laughed. He tried not to stare, but this woman’s every move intrigued him. Would she consider going out with him? He wouldn’t chance asking her now. He didn’t want to seem too forward. But he really wanted to know her better.
* * *
As she drove back toward her apartment, Charlie mulled over Marshall and Colton’s story about the encounter with the man at the airport. They hadn’t elaborated, but she had a pretty good guess that the parcel held drugs. In any other situation, she could have questioned them more thoroughly, but that would only have raised suspicions as to her interest. It was much too early in this assignment to blow her cover.
Colton had probed her on her past life here in Tennessee. That life seemed so far removed from her now.
“Really, what have I done? What have I accomplished? And, who cares?”
Something was missing. Sure, she celebrated success in bringing drug rings down. But who did she share it with? Especially now that her partner and best friend was gone. Grief clamped down hard on her heart.
Coming back to Tennessee should be like coming home, but there was no one to come home to. The emptiness ached throughout her body. The bulletin from church caught her eye, laying on the car seat beside her. Could that be what was missing? She immediately banished that thought by crumpling the program and launching it to the floorboard.
Before she realized it, she’d detoured and steered through her old neighborhood. She slowed as she approached the old home place. The present residents had allowed the white paint to crack and peel. Her father would have never stood for that. He faithfully repainted the old house’s exterior as soon as any sign of wear appeared.
Charlie’s heart sank at the unkempt condition of the yard and flower beds. Her father had been equally conscientious about his lawn. Mother had kept the flower beds filled with the season’s best.
The huge oak still dominated the front yard. Charlie giggled. Her mother had panicked when she’d spotted her daughter perched on a limb several feet up. “You’re going to break your neck. Stay still while I fetch your father.” She sprinted toward the house, screaming at the top of her lungs. She disappeared through the front door. Charlie shimmied down the tree before they returned, meeting her parents on the front porch.
“Charlotte Marie Jarvis!” her mother scolded.
She glimpsed her father’s face. He seemed to be struggling to suppress a grin.
“Child, you will be the death of me.” Mother fanned her face with her hand, whirled about, and marched back inside the house.
Her father draped an arm around her shoulders. “Sweetheart, try not to traumatize your mother.” He smiled and kissed her forehead.
What was she doing? Was she intent on torturing herself?
She sped up.
Finally, her apartment came into sight. She would shake this off and go for another run. She despised the possibility of being reduced to a blubbering mess. No! She would stay in control. She would find her own way.
Upon entering her apartment, she realized it was mid-afternoon. Their Sunday lunch had lasted a couple of hours and her detour had pushed it later. Time had slipped by at the restaurant while she was involved in conversation with Colton. She enjoyed listening to his aviation tales. She had missed having someone to talk to. Colton was not only enjoyable to visit with, but he was easy to look at. Charlie giggled at herself for even having that thought. He sported a trendy, short crop of light brown hair and big chocolate brown eyes. Charlie plopped onto her sofa and sighed. She contemplated whether it was wise to get close to anyone. She feared entering into a relationship of any sort, but Colton would prove hard to resist. Time to pull on the running gear before her thoughts ran away without her. Nothing like a good, long run to clear her mind.
SIX
Marshall arrived at the airport before Colton. He began the ritual preparation. Whistling interrupted his concentration after just a few minutes. He turned to find Colton approaching. In addition to whistling, he was practically skipping across the tarmac.
“Happy?” Marshall crossed his arms.
“Hmm? Oh, yeah, it’s a pretty day.” Colton glanced at the sky.
“I think there’s more to it than that.”
Colton’s face erupted into a grin.
“So, am I right?”
“Maybe.” Colton busied himself.
“You and Charlie were engrossed in conversation at lunch yesterday.”
Colton stopped checking the plane and turned toward Marshall. “Marshall, I can’t deny that I’m attracted to her. She’s pretty, but a little mysterious.”
“Mysterious?”
“She was guarded when it came to talking about herself.” Colton stroked his stubbled chin.
“Well, maybe she’s cautious. I mean, she just met all of us.”
“That’s true. I hope she’ll want to get to know me more and open up a little bit.”
Marshall punched Colton’s arm.
“Jordan knew her before and thinks she’s okay. That’s a good testimonial for me.” Marshall studied his friend’s face.
“Good point. I hope she’ll join us for lunch a few more times so then I can make my move.”
Marshall chuckled. “Make your move?”
“You know what I mean. It’s still a little early to ask her out on a date, even though I’d like to.”
Marshall had met some of the women Colton had dated. Normally, each one had represented only one date because Colton never held lasting interest in any of them. His reaction to Charlie appeared different. With the others, he’d acted more nonchalant. With Charlie, he seemed very focused—infatuated. Maybe something would work out. Colton’s demeanor tilted toward unsettled. He had gotten involved in purchasing things like a motorcycle or a boat to fill a void or make him happy. Marshall tried his best to witness through his own life that the only filler for his emptiness was Christ. A Christian lady on his arm might push him in the right direction.
Even though they were the same age, Marshall always played the role of the big brother. Just like the other day when the man had approached them about carrying the parcel, Marshall had to speak up first to acknowledge what he knew to be wrong. Money tempted Colton much too easily. What might happen if he wasn’t around should Colton be approached again? Marshall wasn’t perfect, far from it, but temptation was to be resisted, not cozied up to. God, please keep him from bad choices.
* * *
Two men met in a dark corner of an airplane hangar.
“We’ve lost one of our couriers. We need someone else and fast.”
“What about Marshall and Colton?”
“Obviously, Marshall is a no. He won’t agree to do it. Colton might be a possibility.”
“I think I could convince Colton, but I’ll have to be strategic.”
“We have to try. We have to keep supplies going.”
“I’ll watch out for another opportunity to approach Colton. He was interested. I just need to catch him away from Marshall.”
“I’ll be in touch.”
* * *
Charlie’s early morning text from Jordan informed her he would be waiting for her at a small coffee shop. It was one familiar to her, even from years ago. While much in the town had changed, some things remained the same. The bell above the door jingled. She spotted Jordan in a booth in the back.
He waved her over. “Have a seat. Coffee?”
“Na
h, I’m more of a soda kind of person.”
He raised his arm and a waitress appeared. He ordered her a soda and asked for a couple of Danish.
When the waitress had disappeared again, she leaned forward. “After yesterday, I’m afraid this whole operation is going to get sticky.”
“Why do you say that?”
“It’s going to be hard to keep my cover. Colton was more than a little curious about my vague answers as to my occupation.”
“You did fine deflecting and changing the subject.”
“There’s another problem.”
“Oh?”
“I really enjoyed talking with Colton.”
“I see.” Jordan grinned wide.
“Don’t even think about it.”
“Think about what?”
“You know what I mean. I don’t want to complicate things, but if he asks me out, I don’t think I can turn him down.”
“Look, maybe this operation will be over with soon. That’s what I’m praying for. So don’t worry.”
“Tell me more about him and this doctor he works for. I have to admit I almost freaked out when he mentioned the offered parcel at the airport.”
“Colton is a good enough guy. He just puts a little more emphasis on stuff sometimes. But then again, he isn’t married. He has no family around that he is involved with.”
“Mmmm.”
“So, what did you think of Grace Community Church?” Jordan’s tone changed to a bit more upbeat.
“Umm, it was fine.” She sipped her soda.
Charlie dreaded a conversation about church more than about Colton. She had tried to forget about the myriad of feelings she had experienced while at Jordan’s church. She agreed with Jordan. She hoped the operation would end soon. Catching these drug suppliers was upmost on her list, but ceasing her church attendance was a close second. She steered Jordan around the subject and back to the case at hand.
* * *
Jordan recalled the obvious attraction he’d witnessed between Colton and Charlie. He was unsure about the situation. Not that Colton was a bad guy. He just didn’t seem as strong in his faith. Charlie clearly needed someone to lead her spiritually. From the first moment she stepped into the church on Sunday morning, a struggle had painted itself across every part of her.
“You’re deep in thought,” Alyssa said.
He motioned for her to sit with him on the couch. “Yeah, just thinking about Charlie and Colton.”
“I noticed them at the restaurant on Sunday. I know, I’ll have them over to dinner one night.” Alyssa’s eyes widened.
Jordan had to tread lightly. He couldn’t blow Charlie’s cover. He hated to keep things from his own wife, but the Chief had been clear. Her true identity couldn’t be revealed. For now, he just agreed with Alyssa.
“Maybe we could do that sometime.”
The phone rang. Alyssa jumped up to answer it.
Jordan was used to the confidentiality involved in his position with the police department and homeland security. But usually, his job and personal life didn’t converge so close together.
He was particularly concerned for Charlie’s spiritual life. She seemed hostile and clearly avoided his questions about the church service. She trembled during the worship time. What had caused her to react that way? Her parents had been active in church when they were growing up. He sighed. Her parents could be at the root of her struggle. His memory failed as to exactly what happened to cause their deaths. Something to do with a police chase. Charlie’s assignment to a church was no accident or coincidence. God took advantage of all situations. This might be the only way He could bring Charlie back.
“Hey, the Girl’s Night Out and Men’s Ministry Cookout are on Friday night.” Alyssa flitted back into the room. “I should invite Charlie since she’s new. Do you have her number?”
Jordan’s stomach cinched. “I bet Colton got her phone number.”
“You’re right. I’ll call Emma too. She needs a night out with all this trying to get pregnant. Oh, and that was Kim Smith wondering if Hayden could come Friday night to play with Joel. That should work out fine. Hayden at the Smith’s, Katie at Mom’s, and …”
Her voice faded as she scampered off into the other room. Jordan chuckled. When she had a plan, she followed through until she accomplished it. She could be determined almost to the point of stubborn, but she meant well. It was part of what attracted him to her.
But right now, he bordered on dishonesty to his wife. He did have Charlie’s number but couldn’t divulge that information. He could probably have come up with an excuse as to why he had Charlie’s cell number, but he preferred to avoid it, lest he have to remember the reason he had given his wife later. Though Alyssa had jokingly asked about his relationship with Charlie, often there was truth behind those words. Jordan didn’t want to give Alyssa any reason to distrust him. Between keeping Charlie’s secret and having to possibly suspect Colton’s involvement in this drug case, his insides were a battle of tug-o-war. An antacid might calm his stomach, but for how long?
SEVEN
Charlie jumped when her phone rang. Being new in town, she had received few calls on her landline. Of course she knew only a few people right now.
“Hello?”
“Charlie, this is Alyssa, Jordan’s wife.”
“Yes, how are you?”
“Great. Hey, listen, we’re having a Girl’s Night Out at the church Friday. Will you come with me? We always have a great time. It’s casual, and we have some sort of a snack.”
Charlie had to stifle a laugh because Alyssa was not giving her a chance to get a word in. Finally, she took a breath. “Well, I guess…”
“Pleeeeeese, I know you’ll love it.”
“Okay, I’ll try to make it.”
“I’ll pick you up at 5:30.”
“No, I’ll just meet you there if I can make it.”
“Okay, it starts at six.”
Charlie hung up the phone and shook her head. This church-going thing should remain no more than her job, but that might prove to be difficult. She didn’t fault Alyssa. She did what any good church member should do. She reached out. Charlie would draw from her expertise of working undercover and do her best acting to convince everyone she was attending church by her choice. The more she dwelt on it, the more fraud characterized her. How much more of a hypocrite could she be? Of course, Alyssa had explained that this function was causal. This would fare better than a constant barrage from the Sunday school teacher and the preacher. This should prove safer. Her insides calmed somewhat. She couldn’t thoroughly investigate the possibility of a drug supplier in the church unless she jumped into the mix. Was Jordan right about this being a quickly closed case? She didn’t want to hurt anyone, especially those she might have a chance to know better.
* * *
Marshall sprinted for the phone. “Hello.”
“Marshall, hey, it’s Jordan.”
“Hey, what’s up?”
“Are you planning on coming to the Men’s Ministry Cookout Friday night?”
“Well, I’m not sure…”
“Come on, man. It’s the perfect set up. The women are having their Girl’s Night Out at the same time. We are going out to the river to cook out and the ladies are going to the church. Emma can go with Alyssa and you come with me. What do you say?”
“We could definitely use a night out, a little stress relief.” Marshall caught himself. Jordan probably didn’t want to know about their woes.
“What is it?” Jordan’s tone echoed with concern.
“We’re trying to have a baby, but Emma’s had some problems. The doctor increased her medication. If that doesn’t work, I don’t know what we’ll do. I can’t afford any more of the infertility interventions. I also hate seeing Emma poked and prodded. But she’s desperate. I try to encourage her and just love her. I explained that I will love her even if God doesn’t bless us with children, but she can’t accept that.”
“Marsh
all, I had no idea it was that bad. Alyssa had told me a little bit about discussions with Emma, but I didn’t realize. I’m sorry.”
“It’s just that it’s a sensitive issue. I’m just praying that the increase in the medicine will work. She goes through a real low point every month she’s not pregnant.”
“I’m going to pray too. Right now.”
As Jordan proceeded to pray right that moment over the phone, Marshall listened in awe. Many people would voice their intent to pray, but Jordan meant it. He just stopped and prayed immediately. That impressed Marshall.
“Thank you, Jordan.”
“I will continue to pray. If you need to talk, I’m here. I mean it.”
If Marshall had been unsure of that before, he wasn’t now.
“Hey, why don’t you invite Colton, too? I’m a little concerned about him.”
“I know what you mean. I will. I’ll see you Friday night.”
The women’s get-together would be good for Emma, but convincing her might prove to be a struggle. He strolled toward the bedroom. Emma stood beside the bed with a pile of clean towels. He joined her in folding.
“Babe, Friday night is the Girl’s Night Out and the Men’s Cookout. Why don’t we go?”
“I don’t know. I’m not very good company these days.” Her voice was low.
“All the more reason to go and put your mind on something else. Jordan just called to invite us. And he prayed that this latest strategy would work.”
“I want to appreciate that, but other people don’t understand. I mean, Jordan and Alyssa have two children.” She kept her focus on her task.
“They don’t have to understand to pray for or encourage us.”
“I know. I know. I sound so awful. My attitude stinks.” Emma heaved a sigh.
“Let’s try the Friday night events. Maybe it will lift your spirits.”
“All right, if that’s what you want.”
Marshall put his arms around her and drew her into a firm embrace. “Babe, we have to trust.”
Her body trembled slightly. She was crying again. He just held her. It was all he could do.
* * *
Colton arrived early at the airport. The sunny day had led him out. Marshall would arrive soon, but he could get a head start on their checklist. They would return for Dr. Lynn today. He had been in Washington, D.C. for two weeks, so they had only had a few short trips while he was gone.
