Accused

by Janice Cantore

  “A penny.” Joe handed Carly a copper coin.

  “For what?”

  “Your thoughts.” Joe grinned and Carly laughed.

  “I was just thinking about heroes. Jeff sacrificed his life for me. That’s sobering. And it’s something I’ll never forget. And you, showing up at Trejo’s door with the FBI—that was awesome.”

  “Thank Nick for that. He put the call in that jump-started them. Their investigation into Tucker and Drake had focused on money laundering and the illegal use of federal grant money. Nick’s call clued them in to more. Glad they got involved when they did.”

  “I’m thankful they arrived in time for me, but sad they weren’t there to save Jeff.” A fishing boat had found Jeff’s body four days ago. Even in death, Jeff had helped out. The slugs in his body tied his murder to Karl Drake.

  “I’m sorry I believed the gossip about him,” Joe said. “And sorry scum like Drake is still breathing while Jeff’s being buried.”

  “He’ll get his. So will Tucker and Burke.”

  Carly didn’t miss Joe’s sideways glance. “What? Is something out of place?” She stopped and looked down at her uniform.

  “No, you look fine. It’s just . . . well, you’re different.”

  “Me, different? How?”

  “A couple of weeks ago you’d have been screaming for blood, and now . . .” Arms folded, Joe looked bemused.

  Carly grinned. “I just have a different perspective. And faith that things will work out the right way.”

  “Well, whatever it is, it’s good for you.”

  They kept walking to the car, where they were met by Joe’s wife, Christy.

  “Where’s the baby?” Carly asked.

  “With Grandma and Grandpa. I don’t think he’s ready for something like this. But I wanted to come and pay my respects. I’ve met Elaine once or twice. She’s a sweet lady. How’s she holding up?”

  “Pretty well. I spoke to her this morning. She has a lot of family, and her church has been a huge support group.” Carly would forever remember her last conversation with Elaine. The woman was a rock, so certain she’d see Jeff again someday.

  They climbed into the car as a lieutenant gave the signal that it was time to caravan to the church. Carly gave Christy the front seat, Joe drove, and she sat in the back.

  The church was filling up when they arrived. This time the mourners were almost all uniformed personnel. A few newspeople milled about. Interest in Jeff wasn’t terribly high since the FBI hadn’t been very forthcoming with information. They wanted to be sure they’d arrested everyone in the PD and city government who needed to be arrested before they showed all their cards.

  A press conference was scheduled for after the funeral. Carly knew all hell would break loose once details about the investigation became public knowledge. She wondered if Trejo would be there. He’d been truly shaken up by the beating and the close call with Drake and Tucker. Thank God that’s all it was—a close call.

  Carly took her place with a few hundred blue-suited brothers and sisters to pay final respects to Detective Jeff Hanks. In a couple minutes she’d be called to say a few words. It would be easy. She owed Jeff her life, and she wanted everyone to know what he’d done for her.

  * * *

  “How are you doing?” Carly asked Elaine as she gave her a hug. The funeral was over, and officers filed slowly away from the graveside. Pastor Rawlings had given another stirring message. This one touched Carly to the core. And it was a message she’d thanked him for.

  “I’m good. I really am. Thank you for the eulogy you gave. I always knew Jeff was a hero. I never doubted him.”

  Carly marveled again at Elaine’s strength. Her thoughts drifted to Nick in his hospital bed. Doctors hadn’t released him to attend the funeral. He was banged up, but Carly still had him and, she prayed, a shot at a second chance.

  Elaine took Carly’s arm as they walked to the black limo waiting to take her and her children home.

  “I can’t tell you how much it meant to me when you told me of Jeff’s last moments alive. I’m so proud of him.”

  “You should be. Like I told everyone here today, Jeff was a real hero. His sacrifice saved a lot of lives.”

  “Yes, it did. And how are you?” Elaine stopped at the curb and turned to face Carly, holding her gaze. “You went through quite a bit yourself.”

  Carly squeezed her hand. “I’m more than fine. I feel reborn, and I have a great hope for what the future holds.”

  “I’m glad. Please don’t be a stranger. I’m moving to Palm Springs to be close to family, but you’re welcome anytime.”

  They shared a hug, and then Elaine climbed into the limo. Carly watched it drive away before she found Joe and Christy, and the three of them left for the return trip to the station.

  41

  After Jeff’s funeral and the FBI’s press conference, Carly found herself at the center of another media firestorm. Although unlike the one that surrounded her shooting, the attention now was positive. Trejo wrote a brilliant exclusive on the corruption, and Carly was the star of the moment. Everyone wanted to know how she and Jeff had brought Galen Burke down.

  “Is there any way out of this place without going through a crowd of press?” Carly anxiously chewed on a thumbnail. She was at the front desk studying the station’s outdoor monitors. Reporters and cameras blocked all exits.

  Gary, the front-desk officer, laughed and patted her on the back. “Hey, you’re the hero right now. They want their pictures and their statements so you can be plastered all over cable.”

  “I’m not cut out for this. I just want to work graveyard patrol.”

  Gary laughed. “Tell them that. Maybe the powers that be will hear.”

  “I can hope.” She smiled and stepped out into the feeding frenzy. It took nearly thirty minutes to get from the front door to her car half a block away. She fielded question after question as best she could, always certain to make Jeff the story’s star. Once in the driver’s seat, she smiled, secure in the knowledge that if she had anything to say about it, no one would forget Jeff or overlook what he’d done.

  As she drove to the hospital, she thought back over the past few days. They’d been the craziest days of her entire life. Burke, Tucker, Drake, and Guest were behind bars, and the entire city council was under investigation. The only body missing was Mario Correa. He’d disappeared into thin air after millions of dollars’ worth of stolen merchandise from all over the country and thousands of pounds of illegal narcotics were recovered in his warehouses.

  While it was satisfying bringing killers and crooked cops to justice, Carly’s thoughts centered on her own vindication. Garrison couldn’t ignore the fact that she’d been right while his own trusted investigators were leading him astray. With her badge back and those she cared about safe, she decided she could be patient about returning to patrol. It was enough for the time being that Garrison couldn’t consider her a broken cop any longer, even if he didn’t release her from juvenile.

  Carly hummed happily as she pulled into the hospital parking lot. So much good had come out of the past few dark days, including a second chance with Nick. After his release from the hospital, she looked forward to exploring a future with him again. Yeah, what a difference a week makes.

  “Hey there, are you done being lazy yet?” she asked as she entered Nick’s room.

  He smiled at her from the bed, his casted right leg elevated. “Nope, I’m going to milk this vacation as long as I can.” He clicked off the television set and gave her his full attention.

  “Here, I brought you a present.” She stepped close to the bed and handed him a package.

  He regarded her warily. On his nightstand was a collection of gag gifts from fellow officers, gifts only a law enforcement mentality would consider remotely amusing. “What is this?”

  “Just open it.” She watched, struggling to suppress a grin as he tore the wrapping off. “I missed giving this to you last Christmas,” sh
e said as he opened the box. Inside was the silver star, the antique badge she’d buried in her closet, the one that completed his collection. “I figure better late than never.”

  “Whoa, thanks.” Nick turned the star around in his hand, his eyes wide with astonishment . . . and something else. “I was afraid I’d never complete the set. I hate leaving things half-finished. Thanks, Carly.” He held out his hand, and she took it.

  “You’re welcome. I’m glad the set is complete.” Carly sat on the side of the bed, keeping a tight grip on his hand.

  “I can think of one other thing we need to complete.” Nick looked in her eyes, and she knew what he meant. She blushed.

  “We need to go slow. There are still a lot of things I have to get straight in my head.”

  “I won’t push. I’m just glad you’re giving me another chance.” He squeezed her hand, and their eyes held until the door burst open.

  “I’m glad I caught you two together!” Alex Trejo bounced in, his face still bearing fading black-and-blue spots where Drake’s fists had landed. He held a copy of the Las Playas Messenger.

  “I am, today, the bearer of good news.” He opened the paper so they could read the headline.

  Two More Arrests in Harbor Corruption Case

  Six Las Playas Conspirators Now in Federal Custody

  “Case closed and headed for court.” He grinned triumphantly.

  Carly took the paper from him and read the story.

  “Great news, Alex. Drake and Tucker were the only cops, right?” Nick asked.

  “Yeah, if you don’t count Guest as a cop. The two just arrested were city council members. Of course the total number of crooks is seven, counting Mario Correa. He held the purse strings and was the ringleader. But he’s long gone. Some people think he fled to Mexico. He’ll get caught eventually.” He cast a glance at Carly. “Why so somber, Edwards? This is a happy day.”

  “I was just thinking about Jeff. I guess I’ll be sad about his loss for a while.”

  “Yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry I never got to meet him. But if you finish the story, you’ll notice I made sure to give him and you your just notices.”

  “Jeff is in heaven, Carly,” Nick said. “We can rejoice in that, at least.”

  “I know. I talked to Pastor Rawlings about that yesterday. This feeling of hope is intoxicating.” She smiled at Nick’s raised eyebrows before their attention was drawn back to Alex.

  “I also have good news about your friend Londy Akins,” Trejo said. “All charges have been dropped except for driving without a license. He’s been given credit for time served and he’ll be released sometime today. His mom is very happy.”

  Carly gave a hearty woohoo. “That’s great. I never thought I’d say it, but he wasn’t such a bad kid after all, and I think he truly learned his lesson about the company he keeps.”

  Joe King poked his head in the door. “Is this a private party, or can anyone join?”

  “Hey.” Carly got up and gave her partner a hug. “This is a surprise. After the funeral, you said you were going to spend the rest of your vacation with Baby King. What gives?”

  “I took a chance and left while A. J. was napping. I wanted to check up on Nick, and—” he looked at Carly—“I have some news for you, partner.” Joe glanced from Nick to Trejo and back to Carly. “I think Nick will agree with me when I say this, but you need some serious retraining.” He put his hands on his hips and looked at her soberly. She almost missed the wink at Nick.

  “Retraining? For what?” Carly’s brows furrowed.

  “I forgot to mention that we both feel your investigative skills are sorely lacking.” Nick jumped in, reaching out to tug on Carly’s shirt.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” She glanced from one man to the other while Trejo tried to keep a straight face.

  “Running out of here without telling anyone where you were going.” Nick raised his eyebrows and looked at Joe.

  “Bad officer safety,” Joe chided playfully.

  “Rookie Lone Ranger stuff is what it was,” Nick continued.

  “Hey, the case is closed; the bad guys are in jail. Doesn’t that count for something?” Carly asked.

  “Maybe you should stay safely tucked away in night juvenile and, you know, practice your investigative skills more.” She could see Nick fighting a smile.

  “Oh, that’s a low blow. If you weren’t in a cast, I’d put you in one!”

  Everyone burst into laughter.

  Carly looked around her, bemused. “What’s so funny? You know I hate that job.”

  “What’s funny is, we know something you don’t know.” Joe pulled an envelope from his back pocket. “I just told the captain anyone who would make her partner do a reverse phone lookup to find her needed retraining, and that can’t happen if you work night juvenile.” He handed her the envelope.

  Carly tore it open and saw a change-of-assignment sheet. In one week she was scheduled to go back to Adam patrol, to work her old graveyard beat with Joe. She nearly leaped out of her shoes.

  “Now, our contract says changes of assignment require two weeks’ notice, so if you want to holler and wait an extra week . . . ,” Joe teased.

  “No way! I’m coming back, and this time I’m not leaving until I’m good and ready!”

  “Good for you, Edwards. I for one will feel safer with you back on the streets.” Trejo smiled. “And I can’t thank you enough for saving my life. You taught me a lesson about cops. I promise never to paint with a broad brush again. Read tomorrow’s Messenger. I think you’ll like it.” He accepted a hug and was gone.

  “I have to run along too. I’m sure the baby is awake now, and Christy needs a break every so often.” Joe shook Nick’s hand and turned to wag an index finger at Carly. “You be sure you’re ready to go in a week!”

  “I will be. You can count on it.”

  “Bye, all!”

  The room empty but for the two of them, Carly turned to Nick. “I better get going too. I have church tonight.”

  “Church, conversations with Pastor Rawlings . . . you’re jumping in with both feet.” Nick smiled.

  “And why not? I’ve never done anything halfway.” Carly stood and put her hands on her hips. “And I truly did have a life-changing experience swimming in the ocean that night.”

  “I know, and I’m happy for you.”

  They looked at each other. Carly wasn’t yet ready to step forward and give him a hug.

  “Get out of this place in a hurry, and then we can go to church together,” she said finally, moving nervously toward the door.

  “Count on it.”

  Carly opened the door.

  “Carly?” Nick stopped her before she was out in the hall.

  “Yeah?”

  “I was really afraid I’d lost you permanently. I didn’t like the feeling.” His eyes were blazing with warmth she hadn’t seen in a long time.

  I’ve missed those eyes. She could feel her face redden. “I know the feeling, Nick.”

  “Can I say again how truly sorry I am?”

  “For what?” Carly feigned innocence. “I think I remember hearing that Christians were new creations. I may not know much, but I know that. The past is forgotten . . . and forgiven.” She smiled.

  “Thanks. Thanks.”

  Carly left the hospital light on her feet, ready to begin a whole new life. The sharks at her heels stopped for good.

  About the Author

  A former Long Beach, California, police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and training. She’s always enjoyed writing and published two short articles on faith at work for Cop and Christ and Today’s Christian Woman before tackling novels. A few years ago, she retired to a house in the mountains of Southern California, where she lives with two Labrador retrievers, Jake and Maggie.

  Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers engrossed and leave them ins
pired. Accused is the first book in the Pacific Coast Justice series, featuring Carly Edwards. Janice also authored the Brinna’s Heart series, which includes The Kevlar Heart and The Heart of Justice.

  Visit Janice’s website at www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook.

  An Interview with Janice Cantore

  After more than two decades of police work, how did you make the transition to novelist? What challenges did you face along the way?

  I’ve always wanted to write. When I hit the streets with my first training officer, I started a journal. Working the front lines of the Rodney King riots in 1992 made me want to write stories for others to read. I began by writing stories about things that happened at work, and I was influenced by writers like Joseph Wambaugh and Raymond Chandler. But it was Francine Rivers’s work that made me want to write stories with a spiritual message. In the 1990s I read everything she wrote and then knew that was what I wanted to do—spread the hope of the gospel through stories about what I had experienced. That’s a long answer to say the transition was not difficult. I knew in the nineties I wanted to write books and that it would take hard work to write a good book. I didn’t realize then that I’d retire so young, but when I did retire, I was ready to write full-time.

  I think I faced all of the challenges anyone who wants to write for publication faces. I was used to writing first-person, facts-only police reports. I had to learn to tell a story and tell it in a way that would make people keep turning pages. I had to learn that rejection was normal and not to take it to heart, and I had to learn to keep trying, keep polishing, and keep abiding in the Lord because ultimately it was his will I wanted for my life.

  Why did you make your protagonist a female police officer? What makes Carly Edwards unique? Was she inspired by your own career or one of your coworkers?