Amber Alert: Christian Contemporary Romance with Suspense (Dangerous Series Book 1)

by Linda K. Rodante

  As she walked up the driveway, John’s truck rounded the corner and pulled in behind her car. Sharee’s heart began to pound. Not already. He’d obviously received Pastor Alan’s first message. She continued up the driveway but listened to the truck door slam and John’s footsteps move up the drive.

  She stopped in front of the door. He stopped behind her. The quiet, uncomfortable and strained, tightened around them.

  “Did you knock?”

  Startled, she shook her head and rapped on the door, feeling the flush creep up her neck.

  A minute later, Matthew opened it and waved them into the living area. Relief flowed over her. Anything but being alone with him. When she saw Marci’s face, the other concern disappeared.

  Marci jumped up and ran to her, “It happened again! Another doll in the car seat, and Mary found it. “

  Sharee’s arms went around her. “Oh, Marci. I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s so horrible. Why would someone do this?”

  “I don’t know. Somebody’s trying to upset you.” She held onto Marci, feeling a deep shudder shake her friend’s body.

  Marci held on a little longer. When she pulled away, she cleared her throat and straightened her face. “I’m okay. I just…just don’t understand this.”

  Stephen waved at two chairs, and Sharee’s stomach tightened. John sat on one, she took the other. A Sheriff’s deputy sat on the sofa. Sharee forced her attention to him. A little older than John, a little heavier, with hair brushed back from his forehead. Nice looking man, she told herself. Nice looking, but not John.

  Stephen had taken an overstuffed chair near him. “This is Deputy Richards.”

  The deputy nodded.

  Stephen leaned forward, looking from one to the other of them. “Pastor Alan said you and John found other dolls like these. Is that true?’

  “Yes,” Sharee answered. “One in the field the night of the baby shower and the other yesterday in the nursery.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us?”

  John shifted in the chair, his eyes caught Sharee’s before returning to Stephen. “Cooper found the one in the field the night of the baby shower. Sharee showed it to me, but we didn’t think much about it. At the time. Yesterday, when she found the one in the nursery that was a whole different story.” His gaze slid Sharee’s way again. “We also found one at the dollar store on US 19 exactly like the others—not disfigured, of course. It’s an easy and cheap place to get them.”

  The deputy began to write in the book he held. “The dollar store? Where exactly?”

  “On US 19 near Tampa Road. The store has another name, but it’s one of the everything’s-a-dollar type stores.”

  Marci took Stephen’s hand. “I wish I knew who was doing this. And why.”

  John leaned forward. “I talked with someone last night—Alexis is a lawyer—and she had an idea. Maybe someone who can’t have children feels resentful at the number of children you have.”

  Marci jumped to her feet. “You mean, someone’s doing this because we have too many children?”

  “It’s only an idea.”

  Sharee twisted her head and stared at him. Alexis? He’d discussed this with Alexis? Sharp pain squeezed her chest. Well, why not? Why shouldn’t he? He could discuss it with anyone he wanted.

  At her movement, John shifted her way.

  She averted her eyes, staring hard at the carpet. It doesn’t matter, she told herself. Marci mattered right now. And Stephen. And the kids. Who would target them like this?

  “Marci.” Stephen caught her hand and pulled her down beside him. “We know there are people who don’t like that fact that we have a big family.”

  “But to do something like this is crazy.”

  Sharee’s heart squeezed at her friend’s voice.

  Deputy Richards shifted on the couch. His eyes focused on John. “You said you talked with someone about this. Do you have any idea who might be doing this?”

  “No.” The reply was quick.

  The deputy’s eyes narrowed, but he shifted his gaze to Sharee. “And you?”

  She glanced at John. He’d said nothing about the note he found. She shook her head. “No.”

  He nodded and glanced back at John. “And who is Alexis? A lawyer? Why did you find it necessary to talk with her?”

  Sharee dropped her head, trying to keep her face blank.

  “Alexis is my sister. I wanted an outside opinion. Hers are good, so I discussed it with her. But she’s from Atlanta, down here on vacation. She has nothing to do with this. After seeing the doll yesterday, I just wanted someone to bounce it off of.”

  The deputy flipped the paper in his small book. “I need your full name and address. A phone number also.”

  Sharee heard John’s voice rumble, but she was staring at the carpet. His sister? Her mind reviewed the times she’d seen her. Twice? Three times? Had he ever mentioned it? She would have remembered. No wonder he acted so casual about the relationship, but why hadn’t he told her?

  A voice penetrated her consciousness, and she raised her head to see everyone staring at her. She blinked her eyes, trying to clear the mist from them, and hauled her mind back. John studied her face. So did the deputy. What had she missed?

  “It’s Sherry Jones?” the deputy questioned, obviously for the second time.

  “It’s Shar-ree,” she answered, finding her voice, and spelled the name for him.

  “Okay,” He jotted it down. “Can I have an address and phone number?”

  She gave it to him.

  “You haven’t said much. Do you have something to add?”

  Sharee’s look jumped from the deputy to John. Why hadn’t he mentioned the note? She frowned then shook her head.

  “But you found the doll yesterday?”

  “Yes.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  She gave him a brief summary about finding the doll, going to look for the others, seeing John, and how they’d both concluded someone needed a key to the nursery to get in.

  “You went straight to these work buildings, you say. To see if the other dolls were still there? You knew where John kept them?”

  “I had seen them earlier.”

  “You saw them?” His eyes jumped from her to John and back. “That’s how you knew where they were?”

  “Yes.”

  “When was this?”

  “The previous Sunday night.”

  “Was anyone else with you? Did anyone else see them?”

  “No.”

  He nodded. “What time?”

  “About 7:00.”

  The deputy’s pen ceased moving. His eyes rose. “7:00 P.M.?”

  “Yes.”

  “You have church services on Sunday night?”

  She nodded.

  “But you were in these work buildings?”

  She nodded, a sudden uneasiness crept up her spine—as if she’d been caught doing something she shouldn’t.

  “Why?”

  “Because…” She hesitated and tried to start again, pushing past the emotions that rose, past the memory of John’s kiss. “ Because…I…we…”

  John cut across her. “I took her there to dry off. She fell into the pond. I keep towels and stuff there. There’s a bathroom. The dolls were in the top of the closet, and she saw them. I put them there for safe keeping.”

  The deputy stared at him then angled back to Sharee. “Is that right?”

  “Yes, that’s correct. I did wonder why he’d kept them, but now I’m glad he did. You can see them for yourself.”

  The deputy nodded. “Yes, I’d like to see them.” When he glanced at John, John gave a brief nod of assent. He turned to Sharee once more. “Are they all mutilated like the one found today?”

  Out of the corner of her eye, Sharee noticed Marci’s flinch. “I haven’t seen that one, but similar.” She glanced at Marci and then again at the deputy. “I think Marci coul
d use a break, and the little ones need to be put to bed. If you don’t mind?”

  The deputy’s blue eyes narrowed, but he gave an affirmative nod.

  Gratitude spread across Marci’s face. “Yes, the older ones are watching the younger ones. I do need to put the little ones to bed. And talk with Mary. She was upset when she found the doll even if she answered all the questions you asked.” The last sentence was thrown at the deputy as Marci stood and started across the room.

  Sharee stood, too. “I’ll help.”

  Marci and Sharee made their way to the other side of the house. The interplay of male voices followed them down the hall.

  Fifteen minutes later, Sharee returned to the living area. Her eyes focused on the deputy. “Marci wants to spend some extra time with the children unless you need her.” He gave one of his quick nods, and she turned to Stephen. “The little ones are in bed. All except Joshua. Mary’s taking care of him.”

  Stephen’s smile held warmth. “Thank you for coming over. Marci needed it, even for a short while.” He shifted toward the deputy. “I hope you can find who’s doing this.”

  “We’ll do what we can.” He turned to John. “Can I pick those dolls up tomorrow?”

  “Yes. I’ll be at the church all day.”

  Sharee slipped her hands into the pocket of her jeans, feeling for her keys and phone. If she could leave, she wouldn’t have to sit next to John again. Now that she’d seen Marci and answered Deputy Richard’s questions… She caught the man’s gaze.

  “May I leave?”

  His inspection unsettled her. “Yes, but I’ll walk you to your car. I have a couple more questions.”

  Her stomach tightened. What other questions could he have?

  She focused on Stephen, “You know if you need me, if Marci needs me, I’m available. Please call.”

  “We will. I promise.”

  Sharee gave him a weak smile, wishing she could do more. She turned toward the front door and reached for the knob. Deputy Richard’s hand moved past hers and opened it. She jerked her head his way. How fast could the man move?

  They walked to her car. The tension across her shoulders caused an ache on each side of her head. The streetlight spread yellow light across the cars and the grass.

  “You have more questions?”

  “Yes. How long have you known Marci Thornton?”

  “About eight years. That’s when I joined the church.”

  “What is your relationship with her? Are you good friends?”

  “Yes.”

  “And how long have you known John Jergenson?”

  “John?”

  The deputy’s head dipped, but he said nothing.

  “About two years.”

  “What is your relationship with him?”

  “Why?” The question slipped from her mouth. “What has that got to do with anything?”

  He studied her. “You tell me.”

  “I don’t see…”

  “Would you lie for him?”

  “What?” She stared.

  “Or perhaps keep something back?”

  “No, I…of course not. I…” No wonder she’d felt unsettled. The deputy had honed in on the uneasiness between her and John.

  When she said nothing else, he went on, “His dog found that first doll?”

  “Yes.”

  “Where was John when the second one was found?”

  “With me. We were jogging.”

  “Did he go anywhere before you started jogging?”

  “No, I, well, he went to put his tools away. Why? What are you suggesting?”

  “Am I suggesting something?”

  “No. Well, yes, I think you are, but it’s ridiculous.”

  “Why?”

  “Because what reason would John have to do something like this? This is a kid’s prank. Nothing more.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “What else could it be? Someone’s trying to upset Marci.”

  “Why?”

  “Because she has too many children.”

  “And that’s all it is?”

  “What else could it be?”

  “You tell me.”

  Sharee shook her head.

  “Doesn’t John have keys to all the buildings and all the doors at the church?”

  “Yes, but that doesn’t mean anything. So does the pastor.”

  “Hmm.” His eyes studied her face. Sharee shifted under his gaze.

  “Just a thought.” He reached across and opened the car door.

  She climbed in, and he leaned down at the window. “We can only hope that you’re right, and these are pranks. If you think of anything else, or if there’s something you need to tell me, please call. We wouldn’t want anything to happen to that baby.”

  Sharee took a deep breath. “No, we don’t.”

  He stepped away from the SUV. Behind them, a door slammed. The deputy’s quick movement, his hand shifting to his gun, sent a jolt through her. She glanced in her rearview mirror.

  John sat in his truck. Their gazes met for an instant before he started the truck. He went by them with just a nod.

  Chapter 19

  George, Pedro, and John passed the fellowship hall’s kitchen window. Sharee craned her head, keeping them in view. They settled into work, talking and laughing.

  “What are you watching?” Lynn stepped next to her.

  Sharee jumped. She drew her hands from the soapy water. Their early morning congratulatory breakfast for the volunteers had gone well, and she and Lynn had almost finished the clean-up.

  “Oh. No one really. Why is it that men can fight, and, the next thing you know, they’re best friends?”

  Lynn had enlightened her earlier—in exquisite detail— about John and George’s altercation.

  “It was one punch, Lynn.” Sharee had pointed out. “You act like it was a championship fight or something.”

  “Two men fighting over you, girl. You gotta love it.”

  “You don’t know for sure.”

  “I’m sure.”

  “Well, I’m sure John didn’t see it coming, or there would have been a real fight.”

  Lynn had raised her brows, laughed and walked away.

  Sharee frowned at the men outside the window now. “Women fight, and it lasts for years.”

  Lynn leaned forward and stared past her. “Are you upset about it or what?”

  “I just want to know how it works is all.”

  “That I can’t tell you. But the next time we get mad at each other, I’ll punch you, and we’ll see what happens.”

  Sharee managed a smile. “Yeah. Try that one. We’ll see what happens all right.”

  “Did you know John allowed Pedro to move in with him for a few weeks and is helping him look for permanent work?”

  Sharee twisted from the sink, suds and water running down her hands. “What?”

  “Hey! I’ll have to mop the floor again.” Lynn met her look, shoving her back to the sink. “You sound surprised.”

  “I guess I am. Miracles do happen.”

  “Woo, Sharee. Snide remark. Not like you at all.”

  Sharee shrugged but looked toward heaven. Sorry, Lord. She dried her hands and clipped her watch back on her wrist. “Come on, let’s go. Work outside is calling.”

  “Work is always calling around here lately.”

  Sharee waved her hand. “Quit complaining. We’re almost through. Let’s go.”

  “Slave driver.”

  Sharee sent her a smile and slipped out the door. She walked the edges of the field, noting the areas John had marked off. He had each set and each group of workers under control. Between the two of them, she was the superfluous one. John could do this without her. In fact, no group seemed to need her today.

  Shrugging off discouragement, she returned to the fellowship hall as Lynn exited, went through the sanctuary to the storage room. She grabbed an ancient
boom box she’d seen earlier and an extension cord. Time to experiment. If she had the sound system up on the platform, would the sound carry over the field as she thought? Would they need extra speakers?

  She tucked both items under her arms and retraced her steps. When she entered the kitchen, she halted. John, his back to her, was pouring coffee into a tall mug. He added sugar and creamer to it, moving in slow motion, as if fatigue claimed every move. He turned from the counter and stopped just as she had.

  Silence hovered, dropped, stretched. After a moment, she unlocked her legs and headed for the door.

  “George said you wanted another manger.”

  Sharee hefted the extension cord to her other arm and angled back toward him. “I…yes. Well, Marci does. She wants somewhere to put Joshua at the end of the program, behind the wall as she shares with the audience about Jesus.”

  “You don’t need to explain.”

  “I want you to understand why she’s asking.”

  “I’m following orders. Whatever you need. Sam will start it.”

  Following orders. That’s all he was doing. No give and take. No teasing. She swallowed the pain. Only if God moved on people’s hearts would this be worthwhile. She edged toward the door.

  “How is Marci doing after Monday night?”

  “She’s okay. Now that the shock’s worn off.”

  “Good.” He paused, inspecting her. “You seemed upset.”

  “No, I was…I’m fine.” Biggest lie of all. She dropped her head, but the question that had plagued her all week caused her to raise it, to meet his eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me that Alexis was your sister?”

  “What?” His brow crinkled. “Alexis?”

  “Yes.”

  “You didn’t know?”

  “How would I know?”

  “Alan didn’t tell you?”

  “No, he didn’t.”

  “I assumed…” A frown and a pause. He appeared to digest the information. “It bothered you?”

  She opened her mouth but closed it again. It didn’t matter. Not now. She looked away. Why had she asked?

  “What did the deputy want?”

  His change of subject threw her. “The deputy?”

  “Yes. He had more questions for you?”

  “Oh. Yes.”