Always Yesterday

by Jeri Odell

  “Hey, D, you don’t normally call me in the middle of the day. Everything okay?”

  “You want to grab an early lunch? I’m free for the rest of the day, and then life as I know it will end for two weeks.”

  “That sounds like enough enticement to get me to drop everything. Where?”

  “Where else?”

  Kristen laughed. “Bertha’s. I’ll be there in about ten minutes.”

  Delanie decided to walk, clear her head, and grab some fresh air. She’d probably get there about the same time as Kristen.

  The host led her to a small booth with a red tablecloth and brown vinyl seats. She faced the lone rock wall inside the place. All of the others were wood paneled. Kristen joined her. Neither even bothered with the menus. They both ordered their old standbys and would share.

  “So what’s up, girlfriend, and why are you disappearing for two weeks?” One of Kristen’s arched brows rose.

  “Eli and I will be doing surveillance for the next fourteen days—nine to nine.”

  “There goes your life.”

  “Yep, and possibly my sanity.” Delanie sipped her iced tea the waiter had just dropped off.

  “Sanity?” Kristen’s brow wrinkled.

  “I cannot tell you how attracted I am to this man. I think I’m falling in love with him. I mean, is that even possible in such a short amount of time?”

  “You’re asking the wrong girl. I’m still waiting, so I don’t even know what falling feels like.”

  “Me either, having never done it myself, but he is always popping up in my thoughts.”

  “Always on my mind—sounds like a country western song my dad used to like.” Then she proceeded to sing the chorus.

  Kristen could always make her laugh. “He is always on my mind. I fall asleep praying for him. I wake up thinking about him. When he smiles, my heart does this little flutter thing.”

  “You sure it’s not a heart attack?” Kristen quipped.

  The waiter delivered their food, and they did their usual swapping. After praying, Kristen said, “I’m sorry, D. I know this is hard for you, but laughter is good medicine. I’ll be good. Pinkie promise.” She held up her pinkie like they did as kids. “Finish your story.”

  “He’s just this incredible guy with character and integrity and everything I’d want in a man—everything except Christ. Sad to say, but he’s better than most Christian guys.”

  Kristen’s face showed concern. “What are you going to do?”

  “Nothing. What can I do?” She took a bite of her taco. “But for the first time in my life, I understand how easy it would be to fall for an unbeliever. I’ve always been all smug, thinking it could never happen to me. But it could. It is.”

  “I guess it’s not whether it happens, but what you do when it happens that matters.” Kristen’s eyes held compassion, and her words held truth.

  “Yeah. I’m learning it’s easy to have the answers until the rubber of life meets the road of faith. Anyway, pray that I’ll stand firm. Some days I just want to chuck all my ideals and grab hold of life, but I know in the long run the cost would be too high. I don’t want to rob myself of God’s best.” Delanie sighed. “Enough about me. How are you?”

  “I’m fine. Status quo and all.”

  “I’ll miss not seeing you guys at the youth center, at church, at Bible study.”

  “It’ll be weird, that’s for sure.”

  “I’m also worried about all that intense time with Eli, so don’t forget to pray for me.”

  “I will. Every day.” She held up her pinkie again. “Promise.” They both chuckled.

  “I have another favor. . . .”

  Kristen glanced up from her food.

  “Can you get me a list of lawyers who do adoptions?”

  Kristen nodded. “Sure—no problem.”

  “Can you also do a little fishing? See if any of the partners in your firm have heard of anyone arranging—shall we say—some very high-priced adoptions.”

  “Ooh, intrigue, mystery—I love it. I’ll see what I can find.”

  “Discreetly.” Delanie felt the need to tack that on.

  “Are you saying I lack discretion?” Kristen feigned a hurt expression.

  “You’re funny, you’re direct, but sometimes. . .”

  “I know, I know—a bull in a china shop. I’ve heard that one before.” Kristen wasn’t afraid to laugh at herself either—a great quality.

  “One more request,” Delanie said while searching through her wallet for a tip. “This is really out there, but can you make me a list of all the attorneys with George in their names? First, last, middle—doesn’t matter.”

  “George, huh?” Kristen frowned and shrugged. “Okay.”

  “Unless you come across pertinent info, I’ll just get all this from you when my two weeks of torture end.” Delanie laughed and slipped from the booth. “We won’t be checking out attorneys until then.”

  After paying their bills, they hugged and said their good-byes.

  ❧

  Eli suffered through being in Delanie’s presence day in and day out. She’d been quiet and withdrawn—said very little and asked no questions. He wasn’t sure which was worse—the energetic, talkative Delanie or this one. He was thankful their two weeks were almost over. One more day after today. The whole stakeout had been a complete waste of time.

  The kid was a couch potato to the max. They’d tailed her to the mall a couple of times, but other than that, she watched TV and played video games. He knew that from the bug Sarge had planted. He’d obtained a warrant, and while Delanie and Eli trailed Brandi last week, Sarge sent a crew in to do the job.

  Today was no different. Here they sat watching, waiting, bored to tears. He missed his junior high brood. This assignment certainly wasn’t worth giving up his time with them.

  At Sarge’s request Delanie had worn her pregnant teen getup the last couple of days, in case Brandi hit the mall again. Delanie didn’t complain, but he knew from watching her that the bulky thing was uncomfortable and probably hot.

  She’d laid her seat back and grabbed a few minutes of shut-eye. They took turns with the afternoon siesta. For a little thing, she was tough as nails. She’d earned his respect in so many ways, but most of all for her performance as a cop. And she read him like a book. He hadn’t had a partner he’d been this in sync with since Gus, and that was more than five years ago.

  She opened her eyes and caught him gawking. When she smiled up at him, he nearly forgot to breathe.

  “Welcome back to the wonderful and exciting life of an undercover cop.” He had to say something, or they would have gaped at each other forever. Sometimes when he stared into her eyes, he was certain she was crazy about him, but her actions never supported his theory. Not that he cared anyway. Things were better off this way.

  She pulled the lever on the side of her seat to return it to the upright position. “Who knew what I’d been missing all these years?” she joked. “Eighty-four hours a week in a car. It’s like being back on patrol, but we never move.”

  Eli laughed.

  “She’s coming out!” Delanie pointed to the house.

  “I’ll follow on foot. You hang back in the car.” Eli raised his pant leg and checked his pistol. “Our wire should work for about a block or two, so you’ll have to stay fairly close.”

  Delanie nodded and went around the car to the driver’s seat.

  “Be careful and watch your back.” Eli closed the car door and started a casual stroll down the street. As he rounded the corner at the end of the block, he heard Delanie start the car and glimpsed her rolling forward. Eli kept his eye on Delanie about a half block back, and Brandi was about the same distance ahead.

  As expected, Brandi led them to the mall. Eli kept her in sight while Delanie parked the car. He instructed Delanie where to enter the mall so she’d be in Brandi’s path. Brandi’s first stop was the food court, and Delanie stepped into line right behind her. This couldn’t have
worked out better. Eli settled at a table in the back corner.

  “So when are you due?” Delanie asked in a casual tone.

  Brandi turned. “You scared me. I didn’t know anyone was behind me.”

  “Sorry.” He couldn’t see Delanie’s face, but he imagined her warm smile winning Brandi’s trust. “This is my first baby, and I have a million questions.”

  “Me, too!” Brandi said.

  “Next!” the man behind the counter yelled.

  Brandi moved forward and ordered.

  “Get her to lunch with you,” Eli spoke softly. Delanie gave a slight nod, and he knew her receptor was working.

  “Next.”

  Delanie ended up at the register beside Brandi. “Hey, are you here by yourself?”

  “Why?” The one word was riddled with suspicion.

  “I just hate to eat alone. Don’t worry—I’m not an ax murderer or anything. I just thought if you were here by yourself, too, we could talk about babies and pregnancy and stretch marks.” Delanie paid for her order. “It’s okay if you don’t want to.” She raised her left shoulder in a whatever gesture.

  Brandi picked up the tray with her order on it. “Sure, I guess. I’ll grab us a table over that way.” She pointed in Eli’s direction, and he quickly raised the newspaper he’d carried in—just in case. He couldn’t risk her seeing him. She’d flee for sure.

  “Her back is toward you,” Delanie said softly into her lapel.

  He lowered the paper just enough to keep an eye on things. His gaze connected with Delanie’s for a brief second as she set her tray on the table. This being her first undercover assignment, she handled herself well, like a pro. She was relaxed and natural. He supposed he shouldn’t have been surprised; everything about her was exceptional.

  “Do you have stretch marks?” Delanie made a disgusted face, and Eli smiled.

  Brandi only nodded.

  “Man, I have like two hundred of them.” Delanie looked around. “Are you expecting someone?” She crinkled her nose the way she often did when she asked a question.

  “No, why?”

  Delanie shrugged. “I don’t know. Your eyes are darting around like you’re searching for someone.”

  “Good girl!” Eli whispered. “Thanks for the tip. I’ll keep my eyes peeled.” Delanie had taken a bite of her burger when he started talking. She was a quick thinker. That way she had a natural break in conversation with Brandi and could focus on his words.

  “So when are you due?” Delanie asked between mouthfuls.

  “I’m not really sure.”

  Eli wished he could see Brandi’s face—easier to read a person.

  “So I guess you don’t know the sex of the baby, then?”

  “I don’t really want to talk about babies.” She rose. “I gotta go.” She left her barely touched lunch behind and rushed from the food court.

  Delanie turned to watch Brandi depart. Eli scanned the area, but no one was following Brandi as far as he could tell. “Stay put,” he told Delanie. She kept eating as if nothing had happened. He carried his paper casually to the trash. While facing the can, he said, “I’ll see if I can find her.”

  Chapter 8

  The following morning Delanie tied the laces on her running shoes. She’d started jogging with her dogs before work and then leaving them at her parents’ for the day. Twelve hours was too long without a puppy potty break. Her parents had a doggie door, so her pets were free to roam in and out.

  “How does someone just disappear?” Delanie asked Hank as she hooked his leash to his collar. They’d lost Brandi, and Joe was not happy. She still hadn’t shown up at home when they left at the end of their twelve. Delanie worried about her and prayed for her all night. The girl was afraid. Delanie knew in her gut that someone had threatened Brandi.

  “Junie, I’m in no mood to chase you around,” Delanie informed the beagle when she dodged Delanie and dove under the bed.

  The doorbell rang. Delanie glanced at her watch. Her gut tightened. Nobody came this early with good news. She ran downstairs, checking her peephole before throwing open the door.

  “Eli! We’re on duty early. . . .” His expression silenced her.

  “Mind if I come in?”

  She stepped aside, her heart pounding. Closing the front door, she leaned against it for support. “What’s wrong?” Fear lodged itself in her throat, and she barely got the words out.

  “Brandi’s dead.”

  She buried her face in her hands. “No!” Lifting her head and focusing on Eli, she begged, “Please tell me it’s not true. Please.” Tears streamed down her face, and his face grew hazy.

  He took a step toward her. Hank growled.

  “Hank, settle.” At her command he lay next to his mistress, eyes on Eli, ears pointed straight ahead.

  Eli pulled her into his arms. She buried her face in his chest and wept for a girl she barely knew; yet it felt very personal. He held her and stroked her hair, offering comfort.

  “Is this our fault?” She raised her head and sniffed. “Did we carelessly endanger her just to close a case?”

  Eli’s eyes glistened. He swallowed hard. “We followed orders, Delanie.” Using his thumbs, he wiped the tears from her cheeks, then rested his forehead against hers.

  Junie barked, and they both jumped. “We were just about to take our daily jog.” Delanie glanced at the dancing beagle. “I think she resents your intrusion.”

  “Mind if I go with you?” He was in jeans and a T-shirt, but at least he had on his running shoes.

  “If you want.” Was he or Joe worrying about her safety?

  He nodded. “I’ve got my workout clothes in the car. I usually hit the gym before I pick you up in the mornings. I’ll just be a minute.”

  While he was gathering his clothes, Delanie went into the downstairs powder room and splashed water on her face. Had she made a mistake changing assignments? More important, had she made a mistake approaching Brandi at the mall?

  “I don’t think I’m cut out for undercover work,” she said when Eli reentered her town house.

  He sent her a compassionate smile, his eyes bearing sorrow. “Sometimes—like today—I know I’m not.” He touched her cheek for a second, then closed the bathroom door.

  Delanie caught her breath and rubbed her fingers where his had just been. I’ve got to be careful. He’s doubly dangerous when he’s nice. She grabbed Junie and snapped her leash in place. Moments later the four of them were out in the crisp autumn air. Eli tried to take Hank’s leash, but the German shepherd wanted no part of that. Junie, however, had no qualms, so he jogged with the little dog running beside him.

  Delanie set the pace and led the way. Eli had no problem matching her step for step, and at the end of the five miles, he seemed to barely break a sweat.

  “I need to drop the dogs off at my mom’s before work,” she said, breathing hard. She halted when reality hit her. “We’re not on stakeout today, are we?”

  “Sarge told us to take the day off since it’s Friday, but on Monday he wants us to find the guy responsible for this.”

  “A three-day weekend? I feel at a loss to know what to do with myself.” She stretched her legs while they stood on the corner of her parents’ street. “I may have to go sit in my car for a few hours just to survive.”

  He grinned at her joke, and her stomach flitted and fluttered. He sure was cute when he smiled, even with hair that needed a trim and a face that needed a shave.

  “My parents live down this way.” She pointed. “My mom’s expecting me, so if you want to head back to your car. . .”

  He shrugged. “I’ll go with you.” He headed in the direction she’d pointed.

  Delanie grabbed his arm, pulling him to a stop. “Eli, am I in danger?”

  “Sarge doesn’t want you to be alone until we know for sure.” They started walking again.

  “So you’re stuck spending your day off babysitting me?”

  “Hey, you’re the one who wanted
to hang, get to know each other better,” Eli reminded her. “You finally got your wish.”

  “I changed my mind,” she informed him—half joking, half deadly serious.

  “Gee, thanks.” He wore a hurt expression.

  But she knew just what they’d do; she’d take him to the youth center. Once he saw how great it was, maybe he’d realize it was the perfect place for his guys to hang out. Then they’d all hear the Word taught, even Eli. Could be a win-win situation—at least that was the hope of her heart.

  ❧

  “Here we are.” Delanie led him up the hill at the end of the cul-de-sac to a beige two-story with white trim. This was how he’d imagined her growing up—the perfect well-manicured neighborhood with quiet, tree-lined streets. Following the sidewalk up to the front door, Delanie pulled a key off a chain around her neck. She unlocked the door while Hank and Junie did some sort of happy dance; apparently they enjoyed their visits here.

  “Mom?” she called.

  Her dad came out of his office, just to the left of the front door. He was tall, in good shape, and toted a full head of silver hair. “Morning, honey.” He hugged Delanie and kissed her check.

  “Detective Logan.” He held out his hand, welcoming Eli.

  “Chief Cooper.” Eli bobbed his head once.

  “I heard about the girl who was murdered last night. I’m sorry.” His expression held concern. “Any leads?”

  “No, sir.”

  “It’s always harder when it’s a kid that dies.” He shook his head.

  “Where’s Mom?” Delanie glanced toward the stairs.

  “She had an early meeting this morning. I’m on my way out.” He again kissed Delanie’s cheek and patted Eli’s shoulder. “Lock up on your way out.”

  “’Bye,” Eli and Delanie said in unison.

  While Delanie put the dogs out back, Eli’s gaze roamed the great room. It was warm, peaceful, inviting—everything his place wasn’t growing up. Another reminder Delanie Cooper was out of his league, which didn’t matter, because he wasn’t looking anyway, he told himself again.