by Ciana Stone
When he arrived, he found Deputy Tom, Wes Pursell and his brother Bronson gathered in front of the map.
"Anything new?"
They all turned to look at him. "JD." Wes gestured toward the map. "As you can see, we're ruled out nearly sixty percent of all the properties within twenty-five miles. Volunteers have gone door-to-door in town."
"And?"
"And no luck so far."
JD rubbed his hands over his face. He'd been out all night, along with at nearly a hundred volunteers, checking every farm and ranch in a twenty-five-mile radius. If there had been no sightings, then that had to mean they were looking in the wrong place.
"So what's the plan?"
"Going to keep looking," Deputy Tom answered. "And Ms. Windwalker's network has called for the FBI to step in."
"Are they going to?"
"Don't know yet. Waiting to hear."
Cody Sweet ran in and threw herself at JD. "I'm so sorry." She hugged him tight then stepped back. "I shouldn't have left. I should have—"
"It's not your fault." JD and Wes said at the same time.
She looked from one to the other and focused on JD. "I'm sorry."
"Again, it's not your fault, Cody."
"Still… has anyone seen anything? Any sightings on Briggs' truck?"
JD shook his head. "Cody, I know you and your father have been out all night." Wes said. "Maybe you can help us check off the places you covered.
"Yeah, sure."
JD took a seat and watched the people at the map, marking off locations that had been checked and talking about where next to look. But what was the right place? He drank some of the coffee and thought about the call, about what Jolene had said. Aside from industrial strength stench, fear of asbestos poisoning and a loathing for the seedy side of town, I'm just dandy.
JD turned to stare out of the window. Industrial strength stench, asbestos and rundown part of town. He shook his head. The police had searched Cotton Creek from top to bottom and there wasn't what you'd call an industrial area in the town.
Coffee sloshed over the rim of the cup as it came to him. They weren't in Cotton Creek. Rock Ridge had an old industrial section. Thirty years ago, it had been a thriving small city with a number of manufacturers of oil and energy industry equipment. Fifteen years ago, due to the economy and growth in other cities, the businesses moved out, leaving abandoned factories and buildings.
From what JD had heard, some of the buildings in that area of town had been condemned by the county because of structural problems and the discovery of lead paint and asbestos.
That had to be it. They were in Rock Ridge.
"They're in Rock Ridge."
Everyone turned to look at him and he repeated. "They're in Rock Ridge."
"What makes you say that?" Deputy Tom asked.
"Because of what she said on the phone. She said 'aside from industrial strength stench, fear of asbestos poisoning and a loathing for the seedy side of town, I'm just dandy.'"
"Holy shit, he's right." Wes exclaimed. "Tom, call the police over in Rock Ridge and have them search abandoned factories and buildings."
"I'm on it."
JD snatched out his phone and called his brother Bronson. "I know where they are."
Bronson didn't ask how he knew, he simply said he and the rest of the brothers would meet him at the Rock Ridge police station.
JD ended the call and stood. "I'm headed for Rock Ridge."
"JD, let the police handle it," Wes said. "They'll—"
"No." Cody put her hand on Wes's arm. "Let him go. He needs to go."
Wes nodded. "Good luck."
JD nodded in return and left, praying that he was right and that when he found them they would be alive and well.
Chapter Fifteen
It wasn't much of a plan, but it was the best she could come up with. It had taken longer to convince Briggs to go along with it than to devise the plan. Jolene had no confidence that the plan would work, at least not for her. If it got Briggs safely out of harm's way then it was worth it. JD would get over losing her. If he lost his son he'd never recover.
"Do you love him?"
She looked at Briggs in surprise. "Pardon?"
"You know you heard me. Come on, Jo. Who knows what will happen when that jerk comes back. Tell me. I need to know. Do you love him? My dad?"
"Yes."
"As in stay in Cotton Creek to be with him?"
"I don't know, Briggs. We haven't gotten that far in our relationship."
"Would it matter if I told you that Dawson and I would really like for you to stay?"
"It would mean a lot to me."
At a noise from the door, they both looked in its direction then scrambled onto the bed, looped the pre-positioned ropes around their legs, and stuck their hands behind their backs. "Just follow the plan,” she whispered as the door opened, then turned her head to one side, making sure her hair fell across her face. She kept her eyes closed as footsteps approached the bed.
"Wake up."
Jolene didn't move. She felt the jab in her arm and still didn't move. She did, however, move when a fist plowed into her stomach. Despite the pain, she threw herself off the bed and at Ray Malcom.
"Now Briggs!"
As Malcom wrestled with her, Briggs jumped up and ran for the door. He stopped and looked back and she screamed at him. "Run!
Ray's big fist slammed into the side of her head and sent her careening onto and over the bed. She hit the floor and crawled under the bed. Ray grabbed the frame and jerked it around and she scrambled from beneath it.
Just as she clamored to her feet, he grabbed her by the hair on the back of her head and slung her around. She slammed into the wall, winded and scared as he came at her. She sidestepped and tried to get around him but his reach was long enough for him to grab her and sling her around again.
She fell into the metal frame of the bed and before she could right herself, he had hold of her. He slammed her against the frame again and the wind went out of her. Jolene knew then she would not get away. He was going to kill her.
*****
Briggs had no clue where he was. He just ran blind, bumping into and tripping over things. He had to get out and get help. When he saw light, he ran as fast as he could. The old window was missing panes of glass and too high off the floor to climb through but at least it provided light.
He stopped, looked around, and spotted another door with dim light spilling through it. He didn't think twice, but raced to it. The cavernous room he emerged in was one he remembered. There was an exit somewhere in here, one that led to freedom.
With his heart hammering in his chest, he hurried around the room, searching for the exit. When he spotted the door, he felt a little like crying. Briggs barged through the door and didn't stop until he was on the street. He stood there, watching the rear of the building and catching his breath.
When headlights appeared on the street, he turned, waving his arms. "Hey! Stop!"
The vehicle stopped and the figure that emerged had those tears springing free. "Dad!" Briggs hauled ass into his father's arms.
"Thank god." JD held him tight for a moment then pushed him to arm's length. "Are you hurt?"
"No. I'm okay, but we have to save Jo. She's in there. She saved me and – come on, we have to help her."
Just then, another truck stopped behind them. Bronson and Jayce climbed out. "He okay?" Bronson yelled the moment he climbed out of the truck.
"Yeah. Arm up. Jo's still inside."
Neither of his brothers questioned. JD got the shotgun from behind the seat of his truck and handed it to Briggs. "Can you guide us?"
"Yes."
They waited until Bronson and Jayce joined them "I called the law," Jayce announced.
JD nodded. "Ready?"
Both of his brothers nodded and he turned to his son. "Okay, show us."
They followed Briggs inside. JD felt sick to his stomach. He hadn't taken time to ask Briggs what hap
pened, or how Jo had saved him and now he was terrified at what they would find inside.
*****
Jolene clawed at the hands wrapped around her throat. Black spots danced before her eyes. In desperation, she kicked as hard as she could. The way the air exploded from Malcom's mouth let her know she'd scored.
He let go of her to grab his crotch with one hand, doubling over. Able to breathe now, she tried to dash past him but failed. He grabbed her by the hair and slammed her down on the floor. "You fucking bitch!"
Malcom stomped at her as she rolled and scrambled on hands and knees trying to avoid the blows. She prayed Briggs had gotten out of the building and was safe. She would not last much longer. Her strength was almost gone.
He landed another kick that lifted her up and sent her sailing. She landed hard, dazed, and unable to move for a moment. Jolene looked up and saw Malcom pointing his gun at her. It was over. He'd won.
A thousand things ran through her mind. Things she wished she had done and some she wished she had not. People she'd loved and people she'd lost, people she wished she could have the chance to tell how much they meant to her. Justice. Did he know how much she cared?
"You're gonna pay, bitch." She saw him cock the hammer on the old-fashioned revolver and fought the urge to close her eyes. She couldn't give him that satisfaction.
Her gaze met his and held. "Fuck you."
In the next instant JD burst into the room. Malcom cut a look at JD then looked back at her, his finger squeezing the trigger.
Jolene looked at JD. She saw the horror and the fear in his eyes.
"You move one muscle and she dies." Malcom warned and then spoke to her. "Get up."
Jolene got to her feet and Malcom grabbed her, wrapping one arm around her neck and holding her in front of him.
"You're gonna be putting that sidearm down mister and getting the fuck out of my way."
JD looked at Jolene and she spoke. "Do it."
JD took out his sidearm and placed it on the floor.
"Kick it away."
He did as instructed, his eyes glued on Malcom, who shoved Jolene forward. That was her chance and the only one she would get. She went limp, falling forward, and the weight pulled him. Just as he leaned forward, she planted her feet, and slammed her body backward.
Her head connected with his nose and he screamed. His hold on her loosened and she dove for JD's gun on the floor. JD reached it before she did. He grabbed the gun with one hand and her with the other, pulling her up against his side.
Blood gushed from Malcom's nose and he staggered, waving his gun around. "Get out!" Briggs shouted from the door.
Malcom started firing in the direction of the voice. JD shoved Jolene to the floor, falling on top of her to shield her. She felt him moving and saw his hand. The sound of the gunshot was deafening. She didn't even hear Malcom fall, but she saw him when he hit the floor.
Briggs, Bronson, and Jayce ran into the room. They gathered Malcom's weapon and called the police. Briggs threw himself down beside JD and Jolene as JD got off her. Jolene rolled over and Briggs grabbed her, hauling her up into his arms.
She hugged him tightly, not caring about the tears that flowed down her face. "You were willing to die for me." He released her to look into her eyes. "You were willing to die for me."
"I love you big guy."
She thought she heard him say he loved her too. However, she wasn't sure. She felt herself slipping away and wondered if she was dying. Then all thought ceased.
JD saw her eyes roll back and grabbed her. "We've got to get her to a hospital."
"Police and ambulance on the way." Bronson said.
"Can't wait. Briggs, come with me."
"No, I need to stay and tell the police what happened."
"Are you sure you're okay to do that son?"
"Yes sir. Take care of her."
"I will and when you're done you come to the hospital."
"Which one?"
JD looked at Bronson. "Mercy is about five blocks west of here. We'll bring him. Go."
JD nodded, lifted Jolene in his arms, and stood. Jayce guided him out of the building with his flashlight and helped JD get her in his truck. "We're right behind you, bro."
"Take care of Briggs."
"Always."
JD started the truck and pulled out, cutting a look down at Jolene. She was breathing, but it was weak. God please don't let her die. She'd saved his son, been willing to sacrifice herself to save Briggs. It took a special person to do that, one that cared, really cared.
Jolene moaned and shifted. He looked over at her again, puzzled. She was no longer leaning against the door. Now she was bent to that side, but sitting up straighter. And she was mumbling.
"What are you doing here...Am I dying... I need more time. Have to tell Justice that… okay, okay."
Tell Justice? Tell him what? And who was she talking to? He reached over and touched her on the leg. "Jo, honey? Can you hear me?"
There was no response. JD was scared. From the looks of her, it was evident that she'd taken a good beating. Did she have internal damage? She couldn't die. She had to be okay. He had to get the chance to tell her he loved her and wanted her to be part of his and his boys' lives.
This was one time he wished something Eloise told him could be true. That everyone had a guardian angel. He prayed that Jolene had a guardian angel watching over her.
*****
Jolene felt consciousness pulling her up from the darkness. It seemed to float in and out. Every time she reached for it, the darkness swelled and claimed her again. She had no clue how long that continued, only that finally she could open her eyes.
The first thing she saw was JD slumped in a chair beside her bed, asleep. She smiled at the sight, and then noticed Joe, the old man she'd met at the rodeo, standing beside Justice.
"What're you doing here?" she whispered.
"Just watching over a friend." He smiled and walked over to sit on the edge of her bed and hold her hand.
"You were with me in the truck. Holding me."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Why?"
"Because you needed comfort."
"How did you… I mean, why were you even there?"
"Because you needed me."
Jolene looked into his eyes and the most peculiar thing happened. Wings appeared behind him. Beautiful white wings. "So, you're an angel?"
He shrugged. "Just call myself Joe."
"And how did you come to be here for me, Joe? I thought you were just visiting friends in Cotton Creek?"
"I was. Still am. Visiting you."
"Are you real or am I dreaming this?"
"You tell me."
Just then, the door to her room opened. Annie stood framed in the doorway with a look of shock on her face. She looked from Jolene to Joe and then back at Jolene.
Jolene put her finger to her lips and then pointed to Justice. Annie nodded and came quietly into the room. She took a seat on the opposite side of the bed to Joe. "So, you can see him? Joe I mean."
Jolene found that to be a very unusual question. Was she dreaming all this? "Yes."
Annie looked at Joe and smiled. "Is she going to be okay?"
"Righter than rain in no time."
Annie smiled. "Thank you for looking over her."
"What are friends for?"
Annie gave Jolene's hand a squeeze. "We were all pretty scared. What you went through… I can't even think about it. Briggs told everyone how you risked your own life to save him."
"He's okay?"
"Yes, he's fine. Worried sick about you. He has barely left this room since you were admitted. JD sent him home about an hour ago. Him and Dawson."
"How long have I been here?"
"Four days."
"Four days? That can't be right."
"It can and is. There was internal bleeding, and it looked like you would have to have surgery." Annie looked at Joe. "And then the bleeding miraculously stopped."
&nb
sp; Jolene looked at Joe as well. "You saved me."
"Just gave a little comfort to a friend."
"No, don't make light of this. Please. You saved me. But why? If you are – well if you are what you seem to be then why me when there are so many others—"
"You sell yourself short, Jo."
"No, I don't. I am grateful – more grateful than I can say, but I'm no one special."
"Oh but you are. Think about what's happened since you came here. You found the man you've been pining for all these years. And because you found Justice, he's starting to heal from self-inflicted wounds that have been eating the man alive. Because of you, he can let go of guilt he didn't need to carry.
"And because of you, his family now has the truth. I mean about his Pa – and himself, I reckon. And that wouldn't have happened without you. So you've done your share of healin' too."
"No."
"Yes." Annie argued. "It's true."
"That was just coincidence. My job took me to the Nash family which led me here."
"Did it now?" Joe asked with a smile.
She gave him a long hard look. "Are you saying—?"
"Jo!" JD's voice drew her attention. He bounded up from his chair and to her bedside, sitting in the spot where a second ago, Joe had sat. "Thank god, you're awake. Are you in pain? Should I get the doctor?"
"No. I'm fine."
"I'll get the doctor."
"I'm fine, JD. Really."
"No, I'm getting the doctor. Annie, stay with her?"
"I'm not going anywhere."
JD kissed Jolene softly and hurried from the room. As soon as he left, Jolene looked at Annie. "So that's the Joe you told me about? The one who saved your son when the bar was destroyed?"
"That's the one."
"And he's… God, it feels completely unreal to be asking this but he's an angel?"
"According to Cia and Kade, the FBI agents I told you about."
Jolene shook her head and pushed herself into a sitting position. "Oh my god."
Annie reached for her immediately. "Does it hurt? Do you need a nurse? Want me—"
"No. No, that’s just it. It doesn't hurt at all."
A second later JD returned. Behind him was a woman wearing a white doctor's coat. She walked over to the bed, checked the monitors, and then spoke to Jolene. "Good to see you awake. I'm Dr. Marshall. How are you feeling?"
