Looking for Justice: Christian Contemporary Romance with Suspense (Dangerous Series Book 4)

by Linda K. Rodante

  She said it under her breath, but he heard it and scowled. Maybe at the time, but it was too soon after the divorce; and somehow the thought of tearing two other beings apart – horses or not – hadn’t sat well with him. He’d bought them both.

  He glanced again at Max before making a run for the house. Farley didn’t follow as usual. He looked around before going in the back door. Alexis was leading Mandy to the gate, and the Blue Heeler was loping beside her, head up, grinning. Luke shook his head and went to get his phone.

  Chapter 5

  Friday afternoon, and the tiredness creeping over her felt good. She’d made it through week two. A smile played across her face.

  She propped herself against the four-foot retaining wall of the administration building that overlooked the building’s main entry. She liked the view from this second-floor area, liked the large windows that fronted the building. Outside, a carpet of grass stretched to a line of crimson and yellow trees. Beyond those, the mountains warmed a darkening sky. Below and to the right, students, faculty and staff exited the building toward the college’s main parking lot.

  Alexis would leave, too, but, right now, she waited here for a purpose. Luke had followed her halfway home Saturday evening just to make sure the roads were passable. She hadn’t seen him but briefly since, and she had no idea how Maximus was doing. Taking the other horses out to the field should have earned her some points, but if it did, she couldn’t tell. He hadn’t stopped by to say hello much less give her an update on the horse. The man had grunted the one time they’d passed in the hall. Other than that, he had returned her wave from the parking lot this morning. That’s it. As she’d suspected, his social skills rated right up there with her own. And those were a joke.

  When she tried hurrying to catch up with him this morning, she’d dropped the six books she carried; and by the time she gathered them again, he had disappeared through the front doors. Yeah, an e-reader would be easier, but books could be lent to students in a way e-readers could not.

  Her waiting this afternoon, though, looked worthless. He must have left earlier or slipped down the backstairs, as he often did.

  “Who in this school has the money to drive a Jaguar, Rachel?” Professor Jacobs’ voice carried to the second floor where she stood.

  “I think it belongs to Professor Jergenson.”

  Alexis leaned over the wall and glanced down. Don propped himself against the receptionist’s desk. She admired the distinction of his raven hair. A nice looking man that had made her feel welcome. Unlike some others.

  “You think?” Don asked. “Well, you might be right. She’s a lawyer, after all.”

  Cliff Smithfield walked past, heading out. The college President, Jim Edwards, was at his side. “Yes, she is. It certainly classes up the parking lot.”

  “It does.” Don straightened his tie. “Wonder how fast that thing goes.”

  “A Jag? Oh, they’re fast. Ask her for a ride.” The President pushed the outside door open and walked out.

  “Maybe I will.”

  Alexis leaned over to add her own content, but her arm was caught and someone pulled her around. She glanced up to see Luke frowning at her. She glared at his hand on her arm and tugged herself free. As much as she’d sought to see him, she wasn’t going to be man-handled by anyone.

  She started to say something when she noticed the female student behind him.

  “Do you have a few moments?” he asked.

  Alexis recognized the girl from one of her classes. Her blue eyes and blond ponytail accented an attractive face. Alexis eyed the black smudges under her eyes and the way her arms clasped her purse to her midsection.

  “Sure.” She smiled at the girl. “Jessica, right? Did you need something?”

  The student’s gaze went to Luke and when he nodded, her eyes focused on Alexis. “I…Professor Stephens thinks I should talk with you.”

  Alexis gave Luke a quick look. He inclined his head, and she moved further away from the wall. Words not only carried up to the second floor but down to the first. “Why don’t we go to my office?”

  She led the way. The girl motioned Luke to follow.

  Alexis sat at her desk. The other two settled in the chairs across from her. Luke leaned back and crossed an ankle over a knee as if to take himself out of the discussion.

  Alexis smiled. “How can I help you, Jessica?”

  The girl’s gaze slid Luke’s way again before focusing on Alexis. “I have…a problem.”

  “Oh?”

  “I live with my mother and her boyfriend.”

  Alexis added her own nod. Whatever this student told her would bring no surprises. Students came to the Christian college, like any other college, from all sorts of backgrounds.

  “My mother’s boyfriend, Leland, moved in with us a few months ago. I…I knew he was trouble from the start. You know how you just know?” When Alexis indicated agreement, Jessica swallowed and continued. “I tried to tell mom, but she wouldn’t listen. Leland’s a bum. He sits home all day and drinks beer and watches TV while Mom works.”

  Alexis’ lips tightened. She’d dealt with too many men like that. Her days in court were full of them. She could guess what was coming next.

  Jessica glanced again at Luke. He inclined his head but said nothing. The girl’s posture shifted. She hunched forward, drawing in on herself.

  “He…he was always coming on to me when mom wasn’t there. I hated it.” Her voice dropped. “Then one day, he tried to kiss me. I…hit him, scratched him. I thought if Mom sees this and asks, I can finally tell her; and we could get rid of this jerk. But it made him mad and…he…raped me.”

  In her lap, Alexis’ fists clenched. As usual, she toned down her own response. She’d learned a long time ago that too much emotion could scare victims, and what the girl needed now was understanding and validation.

  She leaned forward. “I am so sorry, Jessica. This should never happen to anyone. Don’t blame yourself.”

  The girl’s eyes focused on Luke. “That’s what Professor Stephens said.”

  Alexis met Luke’s glance. Good thing he’d brought Jessica to talk with her. The girl could develop a dependency on him or even, at some point, find herself romantically attracted to him. Counseling, whether professional or not, had definite risks, not what any of them needed at this point.

  “Did you tell your mom or the police?”

  Jessica shook her head. “No. I…I couldn’t. Leland said he would tell everyone I initiated it if I told anyone. That Mom was already suspicious…of me.” Her voice rose. “He said she would hate me, might even throw me out.”

  Alexis watched the tears form in the girl’s eyes and clamped down on her anger. The story was so typical, repeated hundreds of times a year.

  “Did you think he might be lying about your mom, so that you wouldn’t say anything?”

  “Yes. I yelled at him. I told him Mom would never believe him. But he shook me so hard. He…he scared me. And then he said he’d told Mom and our neighbors how I was after him. That everybody already knew I was trying to seduce him.” Her voice broke.

  Alexis knew she had to ask the question but lowered her voice, moderated it. “And had you?”

  “No! I can’t stand him!”

  Luke touched her arm. “It’s all right, Jessica. Alexis…Professor Jergenson has to ask.”

  Alexis nodded. “He’s right. I have to ask. When did this happen?”

  “This summer. Before school started.”

  She put her elbows on the desk, entwined her fingers and concentrated on the girl. “Jessica, why are you telling us now?”

  “I’m…pregnant.”

  A couple of quiet moments passed before Alexis leaned back in the chair. Luke, though, did not move. Instead, his lips thinned.

  “You’re sure? You did a test?”

  “Yes, I…I went to that pregnancy center. The Christian one where the tests are free. They said they’d help me if I needed it. They…they encour
aged me to have the baby, not to get an abortion.”

  “And have you decided what you’re going to do?”

  “Well, of course. I mean…I have to have it – the baby. Don’t I?”

  Alexis hesitated. She knew enough to realize that even at a Christian college, some girls were not only sexually active, but some had already had abortions.

  “Jessica, you have to decide that for yourself.”

  Luke shifted in his chair. Alexis sent him a quick glance. He might very well have strong feelings about it. Most people did – one way or the other. “You and your beliefs and what you can live with. There is another option, you know.”

  “Are you talking about adoption? They mentioned that at the pregnancy center. I could never do that.”

  “If you aren’t in a position to bring up a child, it can be a very good option. I’ve known girls who did, and it ended well. Most adoptions these days are open adoptions. That means you can pick the parents from a group presented to you, maybe that can’t have children of their own; and you can see the baby as he or she grows.” Alexis waved her hands. “But nothing has to be decided this minute. You can think about it. Did you tell the people at the pregnancy center what happened?”

  “No. I just let them think I had a boyfriend. It wouldn’t have made a difference to them, you know. Life…life is important.”

  Alexis moved her head in concurrence. One of the things where she found herself in agreement with these Christians was that life was important – everyone’s life. She’d dealt with too many people who thought no life was important but their own.

  “Jessica, what do you want now? What did you want from Professor Stephens? What do you want from me?”

  Jessica’s head turned Luke’s way. “I…I…”

  When she stumbled, Luke spoke. “She didn’t approach me. I noticed how upset she was and asked her to stay after class.” He smiled at the girl. “I’m not sure she would have said anything if I hadn’t pushed.”

  “I…I needed to talk to someone. I just didn’t know who.”

  “You haven’t told anyone else?”

  “No. I just wanted it to go away. I’ve never been alone with Leland again. I made sure of that. No matter what. But then…”

  “Then you found out you were pregnant.”

  “Yes.” The girl’s face crumbled. “What am I going to do? And what about school? The Dean will dismiss me if he finds out.”

  Alexis lifted questioning eyes to Luke. When his eyes gave assent, she wanted to roll hers. So, they’d penalize the girl because she was raped?

  Luke bent his head toward the girl. “I’m sure Professor Jergenson would go with you to talk with the Dean. The rules of no smoking, no drugs, no co-habitation, etcetera are to show that our lives are dedicated to Christ, that we don’t live like the world; but this is different.”

  “So true.” Alexis’ voice amped. “And, of course, I’ll go with you. In the meantime, do you want to press charges?”

  The girl’s head dropped. “I don’t know what to do. Leland will say I’m lying, and how will I prove differently?”

  Alexis steepled her hands. “You’re pregnant. They will be able to do a DNA match to prove the child is his. He won’t be able to deny that.”

  “Oh! I didn’t think about that.” Excitement filled her face for a few moments only to crumple. “But we’d have to go to court, right? And he’d just say I was lying about the rape. I…I don’t know.”

  If the girl had called the police at the time, if she hadn’t waited…but that was so easy to say. The police interrogation and the hospital evidence collection would have made her feel dirty and alone. Jessica had kept it to herself for a reason – the fear, the embarrassment, and the sense of violation had compounded to make her feel isolated and ashamed.

  Alexis swallowed. The girl’s obvious distress tugged at her. Alexis stood, came around the desk and leaned down to hug her.

  “Jessica.” Her voice was hoarse. “You are a wonderful person. This will change your life, your world; but don’t let it destroy you. You can go on and do great things no matter what.”

  Jessica hugged her back, holding tight. When the girl sniffed, Alexis let go and grabbed a tissue from the box on her desk.

  “Here.” She smiled, pulled back and walked around the desk again, passing Luke but not looking at him. Men usually didn’t see her soft side, didn’t see the emotions she struggled so hard to contain.

  She took a deep breath and concentrated on the girl. “I want you to take a few days and think about a number of things. Do you want to prosecute? If so, I will be on your side. I can’t practice in Tennessee, but I’ll go with you to the prosecutor’s office. Also, you’ll need to tell your mother and close friends. You can’t hide the fact that you’re pregnant forever. Decide what you want to tell them.”

  “Okay.”

  “Some friends will be great; others will be judgmental. You can’t get around it. And it’s the ones you least expect that will support you. Others may not. You have to know that and expect it. The same, I’m sorry to say, is true of your mother. Your living situation could be affected. Do you have a friend you could stay with for a while, if needed?”

  “You think my mom might throw me out like Leland said?”

  “I don’t know your mom or the relationship you have with her. But it’s best to be prepared. If you prosecute, you might need a restraining order or Order of Protection against Leland. If you file, he will have to move. If your mother believes you, all could be good. But if not…” She let it trail off and watched the girl a moment. “None of this will be easy, but we,” she glanced Luke’s way and saw his head dip in agreement, “will be here for you.”

  Alexis picked up a card from her card holder and wrote her cell number on it. “Here, if you need me at any time, call.”

  “Okay.”

  “I mean that. In the weeks to come, you will want someone to talk with. Call me.” She leaned forward again. “Jessica, I recommend counseling. You might not feel you need it, but it will help. I believe one or two of the professors here have their own counseling practices. They can help, and they will keep what you say private; or they can give you referrals for someone outside the college.”

  “Okay.” Jessica’s voice whispered.

  “You don’t have to do anything this minute. Take the weekend and think about it. You have a friend with whom you can spend the weekend?”

  “I…I hadn’t thought about that. I can spend the weekend with Rachel. That would be good.” Jessica rose, her eyes downcast, and fumbled with her purse.

  Alexis rose, too, and came around her desk. “You will have to tell your mom, but think about when you want to do that and make sure Leland isn’t there. Keep my card handy in case you need to call. I can be there if you want.”

  Luke gave the girl a quick hug. Alexis did the same and watched her walk down the hall and disappear down the stairs. Her heart felt heavy. She hoped Jessica would take her advice and see a counselor. In Atlanta, she knew the right ones, had their cards on her desk, knew she could make a call; and they would work someone into their schedule for her. But here…

  They stood in silence a minute before Alexis moved back to her desk and sat down. She fought the urge to put her head on her desk.

  “Thank you.”

  Alexis focused on him. “No, thank you for bringing her.”

  “I had to. She needed help, and I remembered Cliff mentioning your concentration of abuse and rape cases at the faculty retreat. It seemed the right thing to do.”

  “I hate this, hate it when women, young girls, whoever, are taken advantage of like that.”

  “I could tell.”

  “Men are so…” She stopped herself, reined it back.

  “And mothers that prefer to believe their boyfriends instead of their daughters are, too. But you’re right. In today’s society, men have left their first estate – knowing God, loving their families, loving and respecting others.”

/>   She stared at him, surprised and a little confused by his words. He had an odd way of talking sometimes. She frowned and stood and waved at her desk. “I need to get my things together and get home.”

  He walked to her door. “Thanks again. Jessica needed the help, will continue to need some.”

  “I’ll do everything I can.”

  “I thought that.” He stepped through the doorway. “I’ll try to make sure she sees a counselor.”

  “That’s important.”

  “I know.” He turned to go.

  “Luke.”

  He looked back. “Yes?”

  “How is Max doing?”

  His eyes crinkled at the corners. “Better. He’s still in the stall for another week, except for an occasional hour or so outside in the corral. The gash was pretty deep, and he’s not a good patient; but he’ll be fine.”

  “Good. He’s so beautiful.”

  He nodded and went down the hall. She stared after him.

  Not as tall as her brother, but wider in the shoulders. Where her brother was lean, Luke was sturdy, his face mobile, not quite handsome. Interesting, though, with character. And great eyes.

  She shuffled a few papers. But with a slight limp this afternoon. No limp this morning; slight limp now. So, he limped as the day wore on. Strange. He must have some other injury – more than the fact that she’d knocked him down that first morning. Ten days later, he still limped. Perhaps the fall had aggravated an old injury. And perhaps his surliness that day had something to do with that. She began to arrange papers and books for the next day’s classes. So, he and his horse both nursed a bad leg.

  The man had let her spend the night, made her breakfast, and followed her halfway to town that day just to make sure the Jag would make it. Responsible. She could tag that onto what she knew of him. And caring. He hadn’t just dropped Jessica off, but had stayed and agreed to help as needed.

  A moment later, she pushed her chair back from her desk and began to pace. What had she done? She’d moved here to get away from this, away from the emotional turmoil inside her. Yet, without thinking, she’d slid back into the role she’d played for the last five years. Her hands caught the clip in her hair and pulled it free. Her hair dropped to her shoulders, and she shoved her fingers through it. Each conviction helped. That truth had driven her through law school and into practice. But why had she agreed to help now?