No Home for the Holidays

by Lillian Duncan

  Chloe slid down to the floor with her back against the door. “And you want me to have that kind of faith in you?”

  “No—not in me. In God.”

  Tears leaked out. She used to believe. Still believed, but she also thought God had lost his patience with her. That she’d used up her quota of mistakes—sins, whatever one wanted to call them.

  “You still there, Pink?”

  “I’m here and don’t call me that.”

  “Do me a favor?”

  Leaving Colton would be the biggest favor she could give him. “What?”

  “Read Luke 15, Pink. Will you do that? For me.”

  “Sure.”

  “Promise me, Pink. It’s important.”

  “Fine, Colton. I promise I’ll read Luke 15.” And then she would leave.

  “Right now?”

  “Yes, right now. I’m walking over to get the Bible.”

  “Sweet dreams, Pink. See you in the morning.”

  Not likely. “Night, preacher.”

  Chloe reached for the Bible. The pages seemed to fall open right where she was to read.

  Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

  God always welcomed his children home. No matter what they’d done. No matter…

  More tears flowed as she read the sweet words again, as if they’d been written for her.

  God did want her.

  God still loved her.

  God wanted her to come home.

  Not only did God still love her, but so did her parents. They would welcome her home as well.

  But as she closed the book, reality set in.

  Going home would be dangerous for her family—too dangerous.

  And if Colton tried to keep his promise to get her home by Christmas, he would be in danger as well.

  She refused to let either of those things happen.

  Picking up the pen again, she knew what to write. A thank you note to let Colton know that she’d found her way home—to God.

  12

  Colton dozed on the bed, praying that Chloe would read the words and believe them. God always welcomed His children back home. Always wanted what was best for them.

  How about what’s best for you? You’re too young to be living like a monk. It wasn’t your fault. He pushed the thoughts away.

  God understood his decision to forgo a family and a home.

  Someone screamed.

  He ran to the unlocked doors between the rooms, grabbing his gun on the way.

  Chloe had insisted on unlocked doors—just in case. Apparently, just in case had happened.

  Chloe was kicking and screaming as John Smith tried to subdue her.

  “Get away from her.” Colton aimed the gun at him.

  John turned. The gun in his hand was aimed at Chloe. “Preacher, if you don’t want her to get hurt, I suggest you put that gun down. Now.”

  “Not happening.” Colton held his gun steady. “Did you do your homework on me, John or whatever your name is? No? Well, I am ex-FBI.”

  Realization dawned in the guy’s eyes.

  “That’s right. So we both know what will happen here. You’re the one who’s going to back off. Otherwise, you’ll be the one to get shot.”

  “Look. You people are crazy. I just want the reward money. After I get it, she’s free to run again. What do I care?”

  “How’d you find us?”

  “I always put two trackers. There’s safety in numbers. Once someone finds the first one, they never look for a second.”

  *

  “I keep trying to tell you, Chloe. I’m not going to hurt you. All I want is the reward money.” He waved the gun around. “I just want my money.” The way he held the weapon, he might accidently shoot Colton or her.

  “She’s not going anywhere.” Colton’s voice was confident.

  She was terrified.

  John Smith pointed the gun at Colton. “Oh, I think she will. You’re right I might get shot, but so will you. I don’t think Chloe wants that to happen, do you?”

  Chloe made a decision. She wouldn’t let Colton get hurt. It was enough that she lived with the guilt of Marcy’s death. “Don’t hurt him. I’ll go.” She stood and moved to John Smith’s side. “You win.”

  Colton shook his head.

  “It’s OK, Colton. Like he said, he wants the reward money. He won’t hurt me. And I’ll be home for Christmas. Just the way you promised.”

  “Not like this.”

  “Like this. It’s time for me to go home. And face them. All of them.”

  John Smith grabbed Chloe. He smelled of tobacco and sweat. “Too late, preacher. She’s made her decision. The right one. I wouldn’t have had any problem shooting your boyfriend, Chloe. Toss me your gun, preacher.”

  “Chloe. Don’t do this.” Colton tossed the gun on the bed.

  “Good. Now I won’t have to hurt him.” John Smith picked up the weapon.

  Chloe gave him a smile, trying to be brave. “I’ll be fine, Colton. He said he wouldn’t hurt me. I believe him. He won’t get my dad’s money if he does.”

  “Well, at least let her have her satchel. She’ll need it.”

  John nodded. “I’m a reasonable man, and it’s a long trip to California. And a woman is a woman, huh, preacher? They need their girlie things, don’t they?”

  Colton wouldn’t give up this easy.

  She jerked away from the blond giant. “I’ll get it myself.”

  “Chloe, I’ll get it for you.”

  “No. I can handle this. On my own.”

  She brushed past Colton.

  He took hold of her hand, his touch warm and reassuring.

  Tears filled her eyes.

  He leaned in towards her. “Don’t do this, Pink.”

  She took her hand out of his. “I have to.” She picked up the satchel and purse. As she walked past, she touched his arm. “Just go home. I’ll be in touch after this mess is taken care of. I know where to find you.”

  “Yeah, preacher, she’ll be in touch.” John gave a nasty laugh. “It sounds as if someone has a crush on someone else.”

  Chloe glared at John. “Let’s get this over with.”

  “Yeah, right. You really think I trust you.” He held out his hand. Four white pills. “Take these then we’ll leave.”

  “I don’t do drugs.”

  “Think of them as insurance.” He laughed again.

  “Don’t take them, Chloe. You don’t know what they’ll do.”

  “They’ll make you sleep. That’s it. I’m not taking a chance on you trying to escape every minute. I gotta do the driving, you know. It’s a long way to California.”

  “I can help you drive. I said I’m going with you. I won’t cause any trouble, I promise.”

  “I know you won’t. Take them. If you don’t I’ll find another way to make sure you don’t cause any trouble.” He handed her the pills.

  “No. Chloe, don’t.”

  “Shut up, preacher. If she doesn’t take them, I’ll shoot you.”

  Chloe lifted her hand to her mouth and tossed them in, then swallowed. She opened her mouth. “Want to check?”

  John Smith peered into her mouth. “Let’s go.” Still aiming at Colton, he backed out of the room as Chloe opened the door.

  At the SUV, he reached in and pulled out a roll of duct tape. “Just a little more insurance and then we’ll be ready to roll.” When he’d finished, he slammed down the back door. “So your Daddy has a reward out for you, too?”

  *

  So your Daddy has a reward out for you, too?

  John Smith was
n’t taking Chloe home. He was taking her to her death.

  The SUV rumbled to life.

  Colton pulled his back-up gun from the holster strapped on his leg. Running out of the room, he readied his weapon. He shot at one back tire and then the other. He hit them, but the car kept moving. He ran back through Chloe’s room to his own and then sprinted to his own car.

  Lights were coming on in some of the rooms. People were coming out of their rooms to check out the situation.

  The police would be here soon.

  As his car surged forward, the black SUV turn left toward the highway. He wouldn’t get too far on two blown tires. But Chloe was in danger. Who knew what the guy would do when Colton caught up with him?

  Help me out here, God. He’d vowed to never take another life. Now he realized that he would if it meant saving Chloe.

  The SUV pulled to the side of the road.

  Colton did the same.

  John Smith stepped out, his gun aimed at the car. He pulled the trigger.

  The glass shattered as Colton ducked and rolled to the other side of the car. He opened the door and tumbled to the snow-covered ground. Gravel bit into his shoulder. Kneeling, he steadied himself. He’d only have one chance to stop Smith. Colton stood and fired.

  John Smith’s eyes widened as he fell to the ground, groaning as blood poured. Colton retrieved all the weapons and punched the button on the driver’s door that released the trunk.

  Chloe’s eyes were closed and her breathing even.

  The pills had done their job.

  He put her in the back of his own car through a barrage of cursing coming from John. Colton asked him, “Where’s your phone?”

  “On the passenger seat.”

  Colton handed it to the man. “Keep pressure on that wound and call 911. I tried not to hit anything vital. Hopefully, you won’t bleed to death before they get here.”

  “You better I hope I die.” John uttered an oath. “I’ll get you for this, preacher. This ain’t over.”

  “I’ll be praying for you, John Smith, or whoever you are. If I were you, I’d rethink the way you make a living. Did you know the guy you were working for planned to kill her?”

  John responded with a two word oath and stared hate at him.

  “God loves you.” Colton hoped John would think about God.

  But now, it was time to get out of here.

  13

  Chloe opened her eyes, groggy and confused.

  Still in a car.

  Sweet-sounding jazz rolled over her.

  Had Smith changed cars? His last words came back to her. He wasn’t taking her home.

  She should have listened to Colton. Trusted him. Now, she’d have to get away on her own. As she prayed, sweet peace descended. She could feel God listening to her again. He’d always been there; she had only to accept it. Believe His promise to never forsake her. Grateful tears filled her eyes.

  She looked up. This wasn’t the car she’d been in. Her arms and legs were free. What happened to the duct tape? She peeked at the driver. “Colton?”

  “Right here, Pink. Glad to see you finally awake.”

  Relief poured through her. Thank you, God. “What happened? How’d I get here?”

  “You fell asleep and missed the shootout at the OK Corral.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, sort of.”

  She sat up and leaned against the seat. Her hand touched Colton’s neck. She was so glad to see him. “Did you…did you kill him?”

  “He was alive when we left. I gave him the phone so he could call 911.”

  “Are we fugitives?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Do they know I was…that we were involved in the shooting?”

  “Only if John Smith tells them. And I don’t think he will.”

  “Why not?”

  “He’d have to explain how he was kidnapping you.”

  “Oh. Makes sense.” She looked outside. “Where are we?”

  “On your way home—your home. And we still have several days before Christmas. If everything works out, you’ll be home as promised.”

  “We can’t go there. I don’t want my family in danger.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ve got a plan.”

  “What is it?”

  “I’ll tell you all about it later. When you’re a little more awake. Hungry?”

  “Starving.”

  “I figured. You’ve been asleep for about thirty hours. We’ll make a pit stop at the next gas station.”

  “Thirty hours? You’re kidding.”

  “Not kidding. I told you not to take the pills.”

  “I can’t believe all you’ve done for me. I don’t deserve it.”

  “Yes, you do.”

  “When all this started I was sure you wanted…well, you know, wanted something from me. Money or….something. But you really are just a nice guy.”

  “There’s a lot of us out there.”

  “Maybe in your world.” She thought back to those party days. Never again would she live like that. How could she have turned her back on her parents? On God? “Not in my world.”

  “I understand that. When I was an agent I was never sure who lied more, the criminals or the agents. Everybody had an agenda.”

  “Is that why you quit?”

  His voice was quiet. “Partly.”

  “What’s the other part?”

  “That’s a story for another day.”

  She climbed over the seat. “This isn’t your car.”

  “Very observant, Pink. My car had the windows blown out which wouldn’t make it very comfortable to drive in.”

  “Did you use a credit card when you rented this car?”

  “I didn’t rent it. It’s a friend’s.”

  “Wow, you must have really nice friends.”

  “I do.”

  “And I slept through the whole thing?”

  “Drugs will do that. How are you feeling now?”

  “Still a little groggy. And hungry. So what about this plan?”

  “It won’t work if I don’t know the identity of the mystery man.”

  The ball was in her court. Trust him or keep on running?

  He’d proven that he could be trusted and that he was capable. But could he really help get her home?

  “Ramon Rivera.” Peace descended in Chloe’s heart again. Thank you, God.

  “The actor?”

  “One and the same. I told you it was complicated.”

  “So you did, but I didn’t expect it to be someone so…famous. That really does complicate matters, doesn’t it? But a promise is a promise.”

  “If you want to change your mind, I’ll understand. And you don’t have to keep your promise. It’s an impossible situation. I know that. I can go find a new place to—”

  “With God, all things are possible.”

  “You sure like quoting the Bible, don’t you?”

  “Best book in the world.”

  “I absolve you of your promise. It could be very dangerous. And…and I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

  “That’s so sweet, Pink.” He grinned that charming little smile. “I’m ready if you are!”

  14

  Colton opened another motel door with a flourish. “This is definitely not the Beverly Hills Hilton, but it’s not too bad. Welcome to your new home. At least until I can get you back to your real home.”

  “Not bad at all. And the room has windows. California sunshine! I’ve really missed that. I had no idea Ohio was so dreary. If I had I might not have chosen it.”

  “But then you wouldn’t have met me.”

  “Oh, and I would have missed this great adventure.”

  “God always has a plan.”

  “I guess He does at that.” The trip had given her time to talk to Colton about her new relationship with God. “How about you, Colton? What do you think God’s plan is for you?”

  “Let’s not go there.”

  S
he met his gaze. “Let’s. Every time I talk about your past, you change the subject. I have a feeling I’m not the only one who’s been running.”

  “And no bed bugs. At least that’s what the guy said.” Colton grinned.

  “There you go again. Changing the subject.”

  “Let’s not worry about me right now.”

  “But I do worry about you. I care about you, Colton. Not because of what you’re doing, but because of who you are. You’re a good man, a godly man. God wants you to be happy too.”

  Sadness shone in his eyes. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

  “Have it your way.” She gave up. “Do you believe him? About the bed bugs, I mean.”

  “If you find any, we’ll definitely move. I promise.”

  “You sure do promise a lot of things.”

  “And I aim to keep them all, Pink.” Colton handed Chloe a key, then tapped his watch. “If you’re to be home for Christmas, we need to get things moving.”

  *

  He walked into his own room, still smiling.

  Chloe had changed over the past few days.

  In spite of the difficult situation, he’d enjoyed the cross-country drive with her. He could fall in love with her—but he wouldn’t allow that to happen. He would give her back her life, and then he would go on with his own.

  Alone.

  He tossed his bag on the bed and paced the room.

  Ramon Rivera. The famous actor was a murderer, or at least involved in one. And apparently more than willing to commit another to keep his secret safe.

  He’d had his ex-partner do a little research. Turned out that there was a bounty on Chloe—a big one. No wonder John Smith had been so determined to get her back to California.

  Robbie had also told him John Smith was now in custody. He had several warrants out, so he wouldn’t be causing any more trouble for Chloe.

  Colton should have asked Robbie to come out to help, but he didn’t want to put his ex-partner in a difficult situation that might cause him to lose his job. Robbie had already done more than he should have by getting them a car.

  Ramon could possibly have someone inside the FBI giving him information. That might have been how he’d found the safe house and then found Chloe again in San Antonio.

  To bring down Ramon Rivera and get Chloe home by Christmas, it would have to be done without backup from the authorities. But he could call Robbie to see if they could brainstorm a better idea. He pulled the burner phone out of his overnight bag and hit redial.