When Darkness Falls

by Jennifer Youngblood

  Terror clawed over her. She began sobbing in ragged gulps. Her mother’s words came rushing back. Pray! The thought kept ricocheting through her mind, growing until it consumed every part of her. She needed to pray! Dear Heavenly Father … please! Help me! Forgive me for being so stubborn! Please be with me! Help me! No sooner had she thought the words then an indescribable feeling of peace settled over her. The coldness faded, and she felt the warmth of being wrapped in loving arms. Was this what it was like to die? An image of her parents floated in front of her. She thought of Hank and all of the love she felt for him. She fought as the water lifted over her head. Then she saw Dan, holding out his hand to her.

  * * *

  Two days later …

  When Hank opened the front door to his condo, V rushed into his arms. She buried her head in his chest and erupted into tears. Hank just stood there and let her cry. When all of the tears were spent, she pulled away, embarrassed. “I’m sorry,” she sniffed. “Thanks for letting me come over.”

  “You sounded so distraught when you called that I figured it was important.”

  “It is. Can I sit down?”

  He nodded. “Sure.”

  When they sat down on the sofa, she scooted close to him and put a comforting hand on his leg. He got a good look at her then. Her left eye was black, her lower lip swollen and cut. His jaw tightened. “What happened to you?”

  “It was Sam.” Tears flowed down her cheeks as her solemn eyes met his. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea what Sam was doing.” She shuddered. “What he was capable of. I had no idea he kidnapped Chloe and forced you to do that job.”

  The corners of his mouth went down into a frown. “How did you find out?”

  “I heard the news report that she was missing. And then I went to the warehouse where Sam conducted his business. I came across Chloe’s purse.” Her voice trembled as her eyes filled with remorse. “It was horrible,” she whispered. “We had words. Sam accused me of loving you.” She gave him an anguished look. “I tried to tell him that I loved him, but he wouldn’t listen. In a fit of rage, he turned the gun on himself.” She put a shaky hand to her mouth. “I—I’ll never—” Her voice caught, and she tried again. “I’ll never forgive myself for what happened.”

  “I’m sorry,” he finally said.

  “Me too.”

  “Were the jewels there?”

  Her eyes grew large as a perplexed expression came over her face. “The jewels?”

  “Yes, I gave them to Sam at the exchange. He told me that if I didn’t hand over the jewels, he would go after Glory.” His face went rigid. “What kind of monster threatens to take the life of an old woman?”

  A look of indignation came over her. “That’s horrible! There was a side of Sam I never knew. It was right in front of me, but I couldn’t see it.”

  Hank studied her, an enigmatic expression on his face. “Yes, I know what you mean.”

  Silence settled between them. She touched his face, her eyes going soft. “Hank, I’m so sorry about everything.”

  “I appreciate that,” he said tersely.

  “Any word on Chloe? Have they found her?” When Hank remained quiet, she continued. “I want you to know that no matter what happens, I’ll be here for you.” Her voice broke. “I know you loved her … and that it will take time.”

  “Yes, I do love her. Chloe’s the love of my life. She’s everything I ever wanted and more.” He noted the fury that sparked in V’s eyes. “I don’t know what I would do if I ever lost her.”

  “I’m so sorry,” she said mechanically. “I know you loved her, but sooner or later, you’ll have to face the fact that she’s gone.” There was a definite edge to her voice, and her lips had formed a tight, white line. “Let me help you through this,” she urged. “I’m right here.”

  He looked thoughtful. “What if I told you that Chloe is alive. That she has been found.”

  Her jaw went slack.

  “What would you say about that?” he pressed.

  “I would say that’s a good thing.” Suspicion clouded her eyes. “Has she been found?”

  “Yes, V, she has.” He noticed that her hands had started to shake, this time for real. “Chloe is alive, and she’s doing well. What if I also told you that I was working with the police the entire time … that I put a tracker on the jewels.”

  Her face paled as the beautiful mask slipped away, and he saw her for what she really was—conniving and ruthless.

  “How long have you known?” she snapped.

  “Garrett told me. And then Chloe confirmed it. Of course, getting Nolan’s cooperation was the icing on the cake.”

  Her face fell, and then it went white with anger. “His wife had a family emergency in Baltimore, that’s what Nolan told me.”

  Hank looked her in the eye. “It bites to be betrayed, doesn’t it? You should be more careful who you trust. Your boy sang like a canary, giving the police more information than they ever hoped to get.”

  Rage boiled in her eyes as she stood. “I should’ve put a bullet in Garrett when I had the chance.” She retrieved a gun from her purse and aimed it at Hank. “We could’ve been so good together. I’m sorry it had to end this way.” She hesitated. “I really do love you. I always have,” she finished sadly.

  “You don’t know the meaning of the word love,” he fired back.

  “Goodbye, Hank.”

  “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

  She jerked around as three police officers stepped out of the adjoining room, each pointing a gun at her.

  “It’s over, V.” Hank’s voice sounded as weary as he felt. The whole scene made him sick to his stomach, and he wanted nothing more than to be done.

  Tears misted her eyes. “How could you?” She dropped the gun to her side as the officers tackled her to the ground where they cuffed her and began reading her rights. She glowered at Hank. “This isn’t over.”

  He merely shook his head and dismissed her.

  “You are hereby charged with the murder of Sam Lowden and the kidnapping and attempted murder of Chloe Kensley. You have the right to remain silent …”

  When the officers led V out, Detective Jared Flores lingered behind. “Well done,” he said. “The jewels have been traced to a storage facility in Ogden, belonging to V. That was a stroke of brilliance to add the logo of the jewelry house onto the bag. V assumed that you simply left the jewels in the bag they were already in.”

  Hank gave him a terse nod and rubbed his aching neck. “I’m ready to put this whole sordid mess behind me.”

  “Of course there is still the business with your brother.”

  Hank cocked an eyebrow. “What about my brother?”

  “Any word from him?”

  “I told you, the last I heard from him was when he escaped from the warehouse and told me where they were taking Chloe.” He gave him a meaningful look. “He saved her life, that should count for something.”

  “I see. You know, when you called me and told me he was still alive and responsible for the Ghost Thefts, I got the impression that you were going to help me apprehend him.”

  Amusement flittered over Hank’s face. “Now, detective,” he drawled, “you can’t expect me to do everything for you. I gave you the tip. It’s up to you to follow it. That is what they pay you for.”

  He scowled. “Don’t push me.”

  “I’m not sure what you’re getting at,” he said innocently.

  “Getting back to the heist, the way you hacked into the security system … that took some major know-how. And those tranqs were not the run-of-the-mill variety that can be purchased at a sportsman store. They were designed by an expert.” A challenge sparkled in his eyes. “Who’s your right-hand man?”

  Hank flashed an easy smile. “You know my reputation better than anybody, detective, I work alone.” He shrugged. “Let me clarify that—I used to work alone.”

  A hopeful expression came over Jared’s face. It was dashed when Hank spoke
his next words.

  “I’m a changed man. I’m no longer a thief. I’ve cleaned up my act.” His jaw went firm. “And I intend to keep it that way.”

  Jared chuckled dryly, but there was a look of admiration in his eyes. “I’ll find out your secrets.” He pointed. “One way or another, I’ll eventually find out. The lure of the chase is too great to resist—even for you.”

  Hank laughed. “I do like you, detective. In another life, we could’ve been friends.” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have somewhere I need to be.”

  * * *

  Hank’s nerves were jumping like a live wire as he balanced the large bouquet of red roses in one hand and punched the doorbell with the other. He laughed inwardly. He was more nervous about meeting Chloe’s parents than he’d ever been about cracking a safe. The door opened, and there stood Darbie. She gave him a toothy grin as she reached for the roses. “For me? You shouldn’t have. Come in,” she said, winking. “There are some people here that are dying to meet you.” She leaned in and whispered. “Word to the wise—mind your Ps and Qs around Chloe’s mom. Underneath that southern belle sweetness, lays a real tiger. But her dad’s nice.”

  Hank stepped into the room. Chloe’s mom and dad had been sitting on the couch. They stood in unison. The first thought that came to his mind was that Chloe was a mixture of both her parents. Her mother’s hair was the same color as Chloe’s but short and rounded above her ears. She had the same stubborn chin and was chewing on her bottom lip the way Chloe did when she was nervous. Chloe’s dad was tall and lean, and he had kind eyes like Chloe.

  Chloe’s mom was the first to step forward and extend her hand. He could tell from the brazen way she was eyeing him up and down that Darbie was right on the money—she was a force to be reckoned with.

  “Hello, I’m Hank.”

  “Yes, I’ve heard all about you,” she said dryly in that soft southern accent that was reminiscent of Chloe.

  He then shook hands with Chloe’s dad. “Hello, Mr. Kensley.”

  “Brian, call me Brian. My wife’s name is Naomi.”

  They were every bit as cultured and classy as he’d pictured them. They sat down and began to chitchat about the weather and every other inconsequential thing known to man until Hank couldn’t take it anymore. Was this how southerners fought their battles—by small-talking people to death? He gave them a direct look. “I know you know all about my past.”

  “Yes,” Naomi said stiffly, adjusting her blouse.

  He let out a breath. “I want you to know how truly sorry I am for all of the pain and suffering that I’ve put you through.”

  Tears gathered in Naomi’s eyes, and Brian took her hand in his. The gesture was simple, but it evoked a tender emotion in Hank. These were good people who cared deeply about their daughter and wanted the best for her.

  He continued. “I know there’s nothing I can say that will erase all that has happened, but you need to know that I love your daughter.” His eyes went moist. “I love her more than anything, and I’ll spend the rest of my life, trying to prove that to her and to you.”

  Tears began dribbling down Naomi’s cheeks as she nodded.

  “Thank you,” Brian said gruffly.

  Hank looked up as Chloe stepped into the room. She was dressed simply in jeans and a red sweater and was so stunning that she nearly took his breath away. She gave him a tentative smile as she looked back and forth between him and her parents. “Hey.” She began chewing on her lower lip. “I see y’all have met each other …” Her voice lagged as she twirled a lock of hair around her finger.

  Before he had time to process what was happening, he was on his feet. He rushed to her side and gathered her in his arms. He buried his lips in her hair, breathing in the scent of her. “I love you so much.” He’d not gotten to spend more than two minutes with her since she was rescued, and it was driving him berserk.

  She looked up at him in surprise. “I love you too.”

  He cupped her face and was going to kiss her when her face went cherry red. She pulled back and cut her eyes at her parents. “Maybe we should take this up later … when it’s just us.”

  It was Hank’s turn to be embarrassed. He rubbed his neck. “Oh, yeah.” He gave her parents a sheepish look. “Sorry.”

  Naomi nervously cleared her throat and began fluffing her hair.

  A smile tugged at Brian’s lips. “It’s obvious that you love our daughter.” He motioned. “Perhaps we should sit down and discuss your intentions.”

  Chloe’s jaw dropped. “Dad!”

  Hank laughed as he reached for Chloe’s hand and linked his fingers through hers. “Your dad’s right. It’s time that I made my intentions clear. Let’s talk about it.”

  * * *

  Long after everyone else went to bed, Chloe and Hank were sitting on the swing in Lila’s backyard. Hank had his arm around her, and she was snuggled into the curve of his shoulder. The rhythmic creaking of the swing seemed to be playing against the steady beating of her heart.

  “Well, it didn’t take you long to have my parents eating out of the palm of your hand.”

  He chuckled. “I don’t know about that. Your mom’s still not sure, but at least she’s giving me the benefit of the doubt.”

  Chloe laughed. “Yeah, she’s a tough one, for sure.” She smiled. “But she likes you … I can tell.” Her mind flittered over the events of the past two days. Something miraculous had happened to her, and she needed to tell Hank about it. She only hoped he would understand.

  She swallowed hard. “Hank, there’s something I need to tell you.”

  He looked at her. “Sure … whatever it is, you can tell me.”

  “That night when I went into the water.”

  She saw his jaw clench as a tortured look came into his eyes. “I thought I was going to lose you.” He hugged her tighter.

  “Me too.” Tears pressed against her eyes, and she blinked to keep them at bay. “I thought I was going to die.” She shivered as her mind went back to that black night that had nearly destroyed her. “The water was coming in, and there was nothing I could do … except pray. I started praying, and this warm feeling came over me. It was like I could feel protective arms being wrapped around me. It’s been a long time since I prayed. All of this time—I was so angry about everything that happened to me that I thought God had forgotten me.”

  “God never forgets,” Hank said tenderly.

  She nodded. “I know. I realized that in the car. He was there for me the instant I needed Him. All this time … I’m the one that had turned away from Him.”

  Hank nodded.

  She looked deep into his eyes. “There’s more … in the car … I couldn’t breathe … and then I blacked out.” She hesitated, not sure how to continue, but he gave her an encouraging look. “And then I saw Dan.” She saw doubt creep into his eyes. She forced the words out of her mouth. “I don’t know how, but Dan was with me in that car.” Her mouth went dry. “I know this sounds impossible, but I believe he saved me.”

  Time seemed to stand still, and then he nodded, his eyes taking on a far-away look. “The police officers were searching for you because Garrett had told me where they were taking you. It’s a big reservoir, and they didn’t know where to look. You could’ve been anywhere. The officers said they heard a man’s voice—calling for help. And then they found you on the shore. They couldn’t explain it. You were unconscious, so it couldn’t have been you who was calling for help. They never found the man, but the officers swore that they heard him.”

  “My hands and feet were bound. There was no way I could’ve escaped from that car on my own.”

  Hank’s eyes locked with hers, and she saw the thing she’d craved most—understanding. “I believe you,” he finally said.

  “You do?” She couldn’t stop the tears from flowing down her cheeks.

  “It’s the only thing that makes sense.” He thought for a moment. “That time you told me you wer
e seeing your dead fiancé, you were serious, weren’t you?”

  “Yes,” she admitted quietly.

  “Do you still have feelings for him?”

  Her eyes went wide. “Dan?”

  He nodded, his jaw going tense.

  She laughed, thinking how crazy it was that Hank was worried about her affections for a dead guy. “No, not the way I feel for you. I love you, Hank Singleton,” she said fiercely.

  He looked relieved. “I love you too.”

  “This whole time—when I kept seeing Dan—I assumed it was because a part of me couldn’t let him go, but I realized in the car that it was Dan who couldn’t let go. That’s why he kept coming to me. He was trying to make amends for what he’d done. I felt that in the car.”

  He took her hand in his. “Well, he certainly made his amends … and then some. I will forever be in his debt. He brought you back to me.” A pained look came into his eyes. “I thought I’d lost you.”

  “Life has given us a second chance.”

  The corners of his lips lifted in a smile. “And I plan on taking full advantage of that chance.”

  She thought of something else. “Have you heard from Garrett?”

  “No, and I don’t expect to.”

  “You helped him disappear, didn’t you?”

  Conflicting emotions battled in his eyes. “Does that make me a terrible person?”

  “No, it makes you a good brother. I’m glad you did it. Garrett was a lifesaver.” Her voice trembled with emotion. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without him in that warehouse. Despite his obvious faults, he’s a good man, and I wish him every happiness.”