“He’ll have a wonderful life with me and my husband. And he won’t have to worry about his crazy daddy,” the older woman shouted back.
Sean’s fists clenched. If not for the knife at his son’s throat, he’d jump her and end this. Since Patrick could easily be cut, he had to hold himself in check. He had to.
Flashes of invisible light nearly blinded him. Mortar shells exploded. Sean shut his eyes and covered his ears against the mental bombardment of war. All he could think, all he could do, was call out to the God he had denied and pray from the heart. So he did.
There was no instant relief, but he did begin to breathe more slowly, to feel a sense of encroaching peace. It was as if he were an outside observer, watching a life-and-death struggle over which he had no control.
Blinking, he forced his eyes to open. To focus. Alice was still holding Patrick, still grimacing as if she were readying herself to plunge the knife despite her need to keep her grandson alive.
“If—if you hurt him, you’ll never get custody,” Sean managed to choke out.
“I will if you’re dead. That was the original plan, but those idiots I hired failed.”
“Suppose I sign over the trust. Will that do?”
“You can’t. That’s not legal. We’d been administering it for Sandra, and we’ll keep doing it for the boy.”
Sean was desperate. He shouted, “I don’t want any money! Got that? You can have it all. Just let go of my son.”
“You can end this right here and now,” Alice said. “If your cop buddies won’t let my associate shoot you, you can shoot yourself.”
During the time in the past when he had initially struggled to regain his mental equilibrium, Sean had toyed with the idea of suicide. Now, he had somehow crossed a line and desperately wanted to live. To make a new life and begin to enjoy it. That’s what his counselors had tried to tell him during his darkest hours. There was life and happiness and a future waiting on the other side of his illness. To have purposely ended his life early would have been a selfish, foolish act that would have hurt his loved ones beyond measure.
Nevertheless, he could pretend to agree to stall for time. Surely the officers who had been at the church tonight must be getting ready to act.
Zoe shouted, “No!” as he lifted the gun slightly.
While Alice was holding tight to Patrick, her attention was on Sean, so the deranged grandmother failed to see what was happening behind her. A few armed officers, in and out of uniform, had cut off her escape. That was a start. All Sean had to figure out was how to get her to release the boy without harming him.
The sight of his border collie, Angel, creeping along on her belly like a commando startled him. He knew that breed instinctively herded animals, but he’d never seen her crawl before. Not only was she sneaking up on Alice, she was getting away with it! Above all, he must not let himself give away the dog’s position by staring at her.
A glance at Zoe told him she had seen Angel, too. Was it possible? Could the intelligent dog be acting on her own to end the stalemate? It sure looked that way.
“Well?” Alice screeched, obviously near her breaking point. “What are you waiting for?”
His arm raised a little more. The older woman began to smile. Angel was almost in position. Was she going to succeed in distracting Alice? The idea seemed preposterous to Sean until he remembered his tortuous, rambling, silent prayer.
A deep breath preceded a whispered, “Please, God,” just as the dog’s jaws clamped hard on Alice’s ankle the way they would have on the hock of a misbehaving sheep.
She screamed, let go of the boy and slashed wildly at the attacking canine.
Angel was quicker. She ducked, parried and ran back to deliver a second nip before dashing off again and barking.
Officers reached Alice and restrained her. Sean shoved the unfired gun at Zoe. Patrick dived for his father and ended up grasped tightly, lovingly.
As father and son embraced, Sean felt the arms of a third party wrapping around them. Zoe’s tears of relief mingled freely with theirs, and the rightness of the moment was inescapable.
She was kissing his cheek. He turned his head slightly and did what he’d been yearning to do ever since their reunion. He finally kissed her properly. Seriously. And oh, so lovingly.
It was not only the best kiss he’d ever experienced, but her eager response proved that he hadn’t made a mistake. The only difficulty was stepping away when the police were ready to clear the scene.
ELEVEN
Zoe kept remembering Sean’s kiss and wondering if he had merely been reacting to the emotions of the rescue. The more she thought about it, the more confused she became.
By the time they were finished with their debriefing at the police station, Alice had been booked, as had her remaining hired thug. Her husband, John, had been notified and had disavowed any knowledge of her scheme to usurp the trust, one way or another. It was not up to the Desert Valley Police Department to ascertain whether or not he was telling the truth, since that part of the crime had occurred in another state.
Zoe covered a yawn on the way to the truck. “Sorry.”
“You’re entitled. It’s been a long night.”
The child sleeping against his shoulder stirred. “For all of us.”
“Right. The hero dogs, too. I’m so glad they weren’t hurt.”
Smiling at the memories, she bent to pet them both. “No kidding. I was sure Freya had been shot. And when Angel bit your mother-in-law, I almost fell over. That’s the way her breed handles sheep, but I never dreamed she was smart enough to put her instincts to use the way she did.”
“Speaking of being smart,” Sean said, “I have something I want to discuss with you. Everything that happened tonight made me realize how important it is. I’m just not sure how to put it.”
“Simply would be best.”
“Okay. I think you and I should get married.”
“Whoa! After one kiss? I admit it was amazing, but that’s a little too simple.”
“What I mean is, Patrick needs a mother and you’re fond of him, right?”
Zoe didn’t like the way this was developing. “Yes.”
“Well? I’ve talked to Dalton about applying for a job with his family’s construction company, so I won’t be freeloading. He says I can work outside and even pick my job sites, so you can go back to your position in Mesa without any conflicts if that’s what you want.”
“You’ve worked it all out, haven’t you?”
There was hope in his expression. “I think so. How about it?”
Zoe almost choked up when she shook her head and said, “No.”
“No? I’m getting better. You said so yourself. And I thought...”
“What? What did you think, Sean? That I’d sign up for a lifetime with you because I felt sorry for your son?”
“No, I...”
If she’d had any way to escape being with him, she’d have taken it. Unfortunately, they had ridden to the church and later to the station together.
Head lowered to hide her silent tears, Zoe turned away.
Sean opened the truck door, belted Patrick in safely, then straightened and placed both hands on her shoulders. “Something tells me I need to start over.”
She didn’t move. Could barely breathe.
He turned her to face him, continuing to hold her in place while he said, “I love you, Officer Trent. Probably always have, but I was too dense to realize it. I know we can make a marriage work. I just can’t bear the thought of losing you again, especially since God went to so much trouble to bring us together.”
“Go back,” she said haltingly. “You love me?”
“With all my heart. I thought that kiss proved it.”
“And you want to marry me?”
“More than anything.”
Beginning to grin, Zoe slipped her arms around his neck and tilted her face. “Why didn’t you say so in the first place?”
Sean’s initial answer was the second best kiss she’d ever had. When she finally leaned back to gaze into his eyes, she saw her old friend looking back at her. His spirit was still in there, still alive, and he loved her.
There was nothing more she could want. No other prayers that remained unanswered. He’d made his peace with God, and that would help him make peace with his traumatized mind. In the meantime, she’d be by his side, supporting his efforts. She and Angel.
“Then, yes,” Zoe whispered. “I love you, too, Sean. I’ll marry you.” Her tender gaze swept past farther to his sleeping son and lingered as she began to smile. “Both of you.”
“That’s the best Christmas present I’ve ever received,” Sean said.
Zoe smiled. “Me, too.”
* * * * *
Dear Reader,
This story involves a father and son, both of whom have been hurt and are still battling to recover.
I realize that life does not always turn out the way we intended, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worthwhile. We each have a place in God’s plans and are all valuable to Him. Approaching challenges and facing shortcomings is never easy, but I know from personal experience that it’s better if we turn to God, to Jesus, for support. Just ask.
Special thanks to the other authors involved in this Rookie K-9 Unit series. They have all been a joy to work with. And to the long-suffering editors who brought us together and saw us through.
Blessings,
HOLIDAY
HIGH ALERT
Lenora Worth
To my dear friend and fellow writer Valerie Hansen.
Thank you for your guidance and your friendship!
And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.
—Isaiah 32:17
Contents
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
DEAR READER
ONE
Desert Valley Day care was quiet now.
Then why did she keep hearing things?
Josie Callahan did one more check, but all of the children and the rest of the staff had gone home. All but one. Once rookie K-9 Officer Dalton West came to pick up his ten-year-old daughter, Maisy, all of the children, ranging from six months to twelve years old, would be home with their parents. Dalton had completed the winter K-9 training session but had decided to stay in town until after the holidays to gain more experience and fill in for some of the senior officers.
Tired, Josie shook off the creepy feeling and went about shutting down the building. She typically didn’t allow any of the staff to stay here alone, including herself, but she’d sent them all ahead tonight. Christmas was only a week and a half away, and everyone needed extra time to shop. But Dalton was running late. Nothing unusual there. The man lived for his work.
A piercing pain stabbed at her heart. She had no one to go home to, anyway.
A noise in the back parking lot sounded like a motor humming near the covered drop-off area. A car door slammed, the sharp sound echoing around the building. Footsteps pounded against the asphalt.
That might be Dalton now.
Wondering why he parked in the back, Josie glanced up the hallway to where Maisy sat reading a book in the big reception room. “Your dad’s on his way, Maisy. I think I heard his car.”
Maisy nodded and tugged at her long dark brown ponytail, her expression stoic. “He works too much.”
“I know, honey. But he’s one of the good guys. He has an important job. He’s been training so hard, and now he’s gaining even more experience helping out the local police.”
“And he has Luna,” Maisy replied, rubbing at her nose. “She makes him smile.”
“You make him smile, too,” Josie said, her heart turning to mush each time she thought of the handsome, no-nonsense widower who’d enrolled his daughter in the after-school program about three months ago. Luna, a brindle black-mouth cur with some chocolate Lab thrown in, was his K-9 partner. Luna was an expert tracker. Dalton and Luna were still considered rookies since they’d been partnered at the Canyon County K-9 Training Center for intensive training, but Josie could tell that Dalton West already knew his stuff. He’d been a detective in another town before he decided to become a K-9 officer. And he’d be going back to Flagstaff soon.
Listening, Josie heard a tap on the kitchen window. Dalton must be in a hurry. Not that she blamed him. He’d want to pick up his daughter and head home for the evening.
Josie hadn’t locked the front door yet, but she’d locked the back one after she’d gone out and secured the playground gate. She headed to the back to let him in, Josie’s thoughts returning to the dedicated police officer.
Dalton West didn’t smile much, but he loved his little girl. And when he did smile at Maisy, Josie couldn’t help but get caught up in seeing that love.
He had a beautiful smile.
Get back into the here and now. She’d have a rare night at home. Since her aunt, Marilyn Carter, who was also her partner in this new venture, had four rambunctious children, Josie always stayed for the late-shift workers if they had kids here after regular hours.
No one tonight, however. Just one girl awaiting her a-little-late father.
When she heard someone moving around outside again, she called out, “Coming, Dalton. Just let me check a few things.”
She peeked into the various rooms, turning off lights and checking cabinets to make sure the supplies were put away properly. Halfway to the back door, she heard heavy footsteps hitting the tiled walkway leading to the playground.
“I’m coming, Dalton,” she called again, her hand on the door.
The door shook with a jarring flurry.
Impatient man! “Just a minute.”
Her hand on the doorknob, Josie inserted the key into the dead bolt. But the front door swung open, causing her pulse to rush into high-speed.
She whirled. “Dalton?”
Maisy ran and hugged her daddy. Josie backed away from the door with a funny feeling. Needles of fear moved down her backbone. She thought she’d heard footsteps running away. Who’d been out there?
“Sorry I’m late,” he said. Taking Maisy by the hand, he strolled toward the kitchen, his alert gaze raking over Josie. “Hey, you okay?”
She forced a nod, glancing toward the playground. “Yes, I’m fine. I thought you were at the back door.”
“No. I parked out front.”
“Someone was there,” she said. “They shook the door handle several times. I’m worried they were trying to break in.”
“Do you have any other kids here?” Dalton asked, his gray eyes darkening as he went on alert.
“No, just Maisy,” Josie replied. “Maybe someone thought their child was still here.”
“But they know to call you on your cell,” he said, well aware of the rules.
“I’m sure it was nothing,” Josie said for Maisy’s benefit, trying to hide the shudder moving down her spine. “Maybe someone got the wrong address.”
Dalton gently shoved Maisy toward Josie. “You two stay here. Luna and I will take a look.”
Josie didn’t argue. They were all still jittery after one of the new kids at the day care, six-year-old Patrick
Murphy, had almost been kidnapped by his maternal grandmother.
Josie was still shaken by that episode, which had happened the night of the Christmas pageant at the church, so she was probably overreacting. The grandmother hadn’t come here to snatch Patrick, but Josie couldn’t afford for the parents to think the day care might not be completely safe. Patrick stayed here almost every day, and his dad, Sean, trusted her to take care of Patrick since the boy had special needs.
“Is there a criminal out there?” Maisy asked, her gray-blue eyes full of fear.
“I don’t think so,” Josie replied, her tone steady in spite of her heart’s constant bumping. Maisy knew as much police lingo as anyone, and the girl had a keen awareness that broke Josie’s heart. “Your daddy wants to be sure everything is okay before we go home.”
Maisy held her book tightly to her midsection. “A criminal killed my mom.”
Josie bent, her hands on Maisy’s slender arms. “I know and I’m so sorry. But your daddy is trained to help us with things like that.”
“Then why didn’t he save my mom?” Maisy asked, her solemn expression full of despair.
Josie had a degree in education and a minor in child care administration, but she didn’t know how to answer that question. So she went with her instincts. “Your daddy tried his best to help your mom, Maisy. But sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we can’t save the people we love.”
“He’s making up for it,” Maisy said. “He wants to keep us safe. I try to be good all the time so he won’t worry.”
Josie inhaled a breath. Maisy had probably never told her daddy these things. “Yes, he does want to keep you safe.” Touching a finger to Maisy’s nose, she added, “But you, Miss Maisy, don’t need to try to be good. Your daddy knows you are one of a kind. He loves you so much.”
And, yes, he was making up for not getting to his wife in time. She’d heard the horrible story about how a drug dealer had broken into their home looking for Dalton, who’d been an undercover detective in Flagstaff at the time. Instead, they’d found his wife and taken her, leading to a high-speed chase that ended with the car flipping and his wife being killed. Thankfully, Maisy had hidden in a bathroom.
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