SB03 - The Defender's Duty

by Shirlee McCoy

  Go upstairs. Grab your suitcase. Pack it.

  She hurried up the stairs, grabbed her suitcase from the closet in the bedroom and threw clothes inside. Her makeup, brush and lotion were sitting on the dresser, and she grabbed them and tossed them on top of the clothes. As she did, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her skin was pallid, her hair lank. She looked like someone who’d lived through a war.

  She felt like it, too.

  If she weren’t leaving, she’d lie down on the bed and close her eyes for a while.

  The floor creaked outside the room, the sound loud against the silence. Lacey froze, her gaze on the mirror and the reflection of the open bedroom door that she could see in it. Was that a shadow moving across the opening?

  “Jude?” Her heart raced as she slowly turned, watching with horror as a man stepped into the room. Tall, slightly hunched and thin, with a gaunt face and deep-set eyes. The man she’d glimpsed outside. The one in the photograph she’d seen at the police station. Only he wasn’t in either of those places. He was here. In her bedroom.

  She screamed. Or tried to. The man lunged and tackled her to the ground, pressing his hand hard over her mouth. “Don’t do it. Don’t scream. Don’t fight. I don’t want to hurt you. That’s not why I’m here. You understand that, right?”

  Lacey nodded, her heart slamming so hard in her chest she thought it might burst.

  “Good. I spent a lot of years protecting people like you. Innocent people. People who didn’t deserve to be hurt. But you have to understand that I’ll do whatever it takes to make Sinclair pay for what he did. Justice has to be served. This is the only way to do it. You understand?”

  She nodded again. Not understanding at all.

  “So, here’s what we’re going to do. You’re going to call Jude and you’re going to invite him over. Make up some excuse. Once he gets here, I’ll take care of the rest.”

  He dragged her to her feet, his hand still over her mouth, and shoved her to the stairs. She knew better than to struggle. Her stepfather had taught her everything she needed to know about dealing with dangerous men. She might not have liked the lessons, but she’d learned them well. Despite her terror, she was already thinking through her options.

  Run now or wait?

  Make the call or refuse?

  Which was more likely to keep both Lacey and Jude alive?

  Lord, please help me. Please let me know what to do.

  “Listen carefully, okay?” The man jerked her backward and pressed something cold and hard into her cheek. “I’ve got a gun. I don’t want to shoot you, but I will. Jude will pay for my son’s death. Whether or not he pays with his own life or by losing someone he cares about depends on what you do right now. Got it?”

  She nodded, barely daring to move for fear the gun would go off.

  “When I take my hand off your mouth you’re going to pick up the phone and you’re going to call Jude. You scream and you can say goodbye to life.” His hand dropped away from her mouth, but the gun remained pressed hard into her cheek.

  “I can’t call Jude. I don’t have his phone number.” The words rasped out, all Lacey’s terror spilling into her voice. She wanted to yank away and make a run for it, but she knew better. Jimmy Russell was at the end of his rope and ready to explode. It wouldn’t take much for him to pull the trigger.

  “Don’t lie to me.” He slammed the gun into her skin, and she winced, her eyes watering from the pain.

  “I’m not. I’ve never called him.”

  He mumbled a curse, yanking Lacey across the room and shoving her down into a chair. “Don’t move.”

  He pulled out a cell phone, dialing quickly, his hard gaze on Lacey, pinning her in place. “Hey, Matt. Jim here. Yeah. I’m doing okay. It’s been tough. Thanks. Listen, I’ve had a little too much time on my hands since I retired. Thought I might check in on Jude Sinclair. See how he’s doing after his accident. You happen to have his number? Thanks. That’s great.” He hung up and grabbed Lacey’s phone, handing it to her and rattling off the number as she dialed. His flat, brown eyes were focused on her, the gun dropping to his side.

  This was it. Her moment. She could take it or she and Jude could die. Lacey whispered another silent prayer as the phone rang once. Then again.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, it’s me.”

  “Everything okay?” Jude’s voice rumbled in her ear as she walked across the room and lifted the teakettle, filling it with water.

  “I was thinking you might like to come over for a cup of tea.”

  “Tea? I thought you were packing up and heading out.” She could almost see his frown, his brow furrowing in confusion.

  “I am, but there’s no rush.”

  “That’s not what you were saying a few minutes ago. What’s going on, Lacey?”

  “I guess I’m just tired. It was a long night.” She carried the now-full teakettle across the room, walking toward the stove and the gunman.

  She looked into his eyes, saw death in them.

  Maybe this wasn’t a good idea.

  Maybe she could come up with another way to save herself and Jude.

  “You want to have tea, that’s fine with me. I’ll be there in a minute.” He hung up the phone, and Lacey was out of time.

  Out of options.

  Please, Lord, let this work.

  She swung the kettle as hard as she could, remembering another day and time, feeling the same desperation, the same need to survive. The kettle cracked against Russell’s head. He fell back, the gun clattering onto the ground.

  Lacey reached for it, but Russell leaped forward, slammed the palm of his hand into her chin and sent her sprawling backward. “I said I didn’t want to hurt you!” he exclaimed. “I said you should do what I told you!”

  The coppery taste of blood filled Lacey’s mouth, and she saw stars, but staying down meant dying, so she scrambled to her feet, fighting against hands that grabbed for her and tried to pull her back.

  Hands from the past.

  From the present.

  All mixed together, dragging her into what she’d lived through and survived. She kicked backward as she slammed her elbow into Russell’s stomach.

  His breath left on a loud hiss, and Lacey raced from the kitchen, yanking open the front door and running onto the porch. Her foot caught on some burnt wood. She stumbled and fell hard, the breath knocked from her lungs.

  “I told you not to run. Why didn’t you listen?” The roar came from behind, and she rolled, facing death head-on, watching as the he lifted his gun, knowing that the past was replaying itself.

  Only this time, she wasn’t going to survive.

  The gun exploded, and Lacey flinched, falling backward. Expecting pain. Waiting for it and for death. Instead, Russell cursed and tumbled back, the gun flying from his hand. Blood spurted from his shoulder, sliding onto the porch, mixing with soot and water.

  “Lacey! Are you okay?” Jude knelt beside her, his face hard and tight, his gaze on Russell.

  “I think so.”

  “I’ve already called McKnight. Go in the house until he gets here.”

  “What are you planning to do?”

  “Deal with a problem,” he growled, standing up and gently helping her to her feet.

  “You’re not going to hurt him, are you?”

  “It’s too late to worry about that.” He reached for Russell’s gun, checked the safety and tucked it in his waistband.

  “Jude—”

  “Go inside, Lacey.”

  Did he really think she was going to leave him there with a man who’d tried to take his life?

  “If you kill him, you’ll go to jail. If you go to jail, who will take me canoeing on the lake?”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll get that canoe trip. I just want to have a chat with my old sergeant.”

  “I’ve got nothing to say to you.” Russell maneuvered to his knees, his hand over the seeping wound in his shoulder.

  “You�
��ve been trying to kill me for months, and you’ve got nothing to say?”

  “You killed my son.”

  “Your son died in Arizona, Jimmy. I had nothing to do with that.”

  “You suggested the place.”

  “That was years ago.”

  “Who cares? My son is dead.” He spat the words, and Lacey half expected him to lunge for Jude.

  “Your son is dead because he was a troubled kid who made poor choices.”

  “Don’t talk about my son, Jude. You didn’t know him.” Russell didn’t sound angry, he sounded defeated. Lacey almost felt sorry for him.

  Almost.

  The sound of sirens broke the silence, and Russell smiled grimly. “Looks like your backup is coming. They’ll cart me off to jail and you’ll be free to live your life. Ironic. Seeing as how you’re the murderer and I’m just the one seeking justice.”

  “I’m sorry, Jimmy. If I could have done something to save your son, I would have.”

  “I sent him to boot camp just like you said I should. I sent my own son to die.”

  “You couldn’t have known.”

  “No? I’ve heard the stories about kids dying at those places, but I thought I could save my son by sending him there.”

  “Any parent would have done the same.” Jude’s anger seemed to have died, but he didn’t lower his gun.

  “Not me. I should have known. You should have known. Someone should have saved my son.” Jimmy shifted, pulled a gun from behind his back.

  Lacey screamed as Jude knocked her sideways and the gun went off, the sound so loud, so final, Lacey knew she’d be hearing it forever in her dreams.

  TWENTY-TWO

  Move-in day.

  Lacey nearly danced with excitement as she pulled the first suitcase from Bess’s trunk and turned to look at the house. What had once been a simple duplex now looked like a single-family home. Her home. A beautiful one. Well worth the months she’d waited, the weeks she’d worried and wondered if she was doing the right thing. Giving up her job with Helping Hands had been the easiest part of deciding to stay in Lynchburg. Working at Green Acres Convalescent Center was more than enough to fill the void leaving the company had created. Other things had been more difficult. Like accepting that she’d finally found a place to call home, believing that she deserved the joy she felt when she was with Jude. Believing in the promises he made, the love he offered.

  But she did believe in those things, trusted in them and in Jude.

  A gentle spring breeze ruffled her hair, the sweet scent of new growth filling her lungs and echoing the hope that had bloomed in her heart. All around her, the world rejoiced at having survived the long, bleak winter. The joy of it shone in the emerald green lawn and the delicate yellow tulips that dotted it. It echoed in every beat of Lacey’s heart, every deep breath of balmy air she took filled her until she thought she’d burst with it.

  Gravel crunched beneath car tires, and Lacey waved as Morgan pulled into the driveway and got out of her car. “Well, it looks like Jude was telling the truth. They finally finished.”

  “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Lacey grinned as her friend stepped up beside her.

  “Sure. Except it’s only got one door. How are you going to get into your side of the place?” She scowled.

  “That door opens into my side of the place. Jude said the architect wanted to make the house look like a Victorian farm house. Jude’s entryway is around the corner.”

  “Hmm.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing. Just…hmm. So, where are the men? Shouldn’t they be here by now?”

  “I’m sure they’ll be here soon.”

  “Yeah. After we drag these suitcases into the house. I guarantee they’re sitting around watching some sports game on television while we do the heavy lifting.”

  “I doubt Jude is. He started work with the Lakeview police department today. He’s probably just running late.”

  “Of course you think that. You’re in love and ruled by your emotions. I, on the other hand, am not.” She smiled, pulling Lacey’s second suitcase from the trunk of the car.

  “You’re a cynic, Morgan.”

  “I know, but I can’t help myself. Come on. Let’s get this stuff inside. They’ve done an awesome job out here. Look at that wraparound porch. It’s gorgeous.”

  It was. Lacey could imagine sitting there in the summer and in the fall, enjoying the solitude, but not alone. Jude would be her next-door neighbor, and when he was home, they’d sit together. “I’ve always wanted a wraparound porch.”

  “And I’m sure you told your hunky cop that.”

  “I mentioned it, but I didn’t think he’d have one put on the duplex.”

  “He’s in love, too. Of course he’d make sure you had your wraparound porch.”

  “You don’t have to sound so disgusted.”

  “Sorry.” Morgan laughed, dragging the suitcase to the porch.

  “No you’re not.”

  “You’re right, but disgusted or not, I’m happy for you. Now hurry up. I’m dying to see your new place.”

  “I hate to go in without Jude.”

  “Did he ask you to wait?”

  “No.”

  “Then let’s get this show on the road.” Morgan stalked to the front door, waiting impatiently as Lacey unlocked it.

  Inside, the foyer had been widened and the water-damaged floor replaced. Instead of two small windows, a large bow window looked out onto the porch. A soft leather couch and love seat had replaced the old furniture, and a sleek coffee table held a beautiful multicolored vase filled with pink roses.

  “It’s beautiful.” She whispered the words, afraid if she spoke too loudly she’d wake herself up from the too-perfect dream.

  “It sure is! I wouldn’t mind living in a place like this.”

  “You love your apartment.”

  “True, but someone went to a lot of effort to make this beautiful. And let me tell you, your boyfriend spent three hours in my shop picking out that vase. He said it had to be just right.”

  “It is.” Lacey’s throat tightened as she leaned down and sniffed the roses.

  “You’re blessed. You know that, don’t you?” Morgan’s voice held a wistful edge that Lacey didn’t miss. Morgan didn’t talk about her past, but Lacey had the feeling it was as painful as hers.

  “Yes.”

  “So don’t mess this up, okay? Make it work.”

  “I will.”

  “Knock knock. Anyone here?” Honor stepped into the foyer, Martha right behind her. Since Jimmy Russell’s attack and suicide, the Sinclair women had taken Lacey under their wing, offering her support and encouragement as she worked to build a life for herself in Lynchburg. Now she had a new job, new friends, a church she loved.

  And she had Jude.

  “Sorry we’re late. Jude called ten times before we left to make sure we were coming.” Martha grinned and settled onto the sofa.

  “He’s been bugging his parents, too. Becca is about ready to cut off his apple-pie rations.” Honor dropped down next to Martha, and Lacey’s heart swelled.

  Her place. Her friends.

  “Here he comes. Finally.” Morgan gestured to the bow window, and Lacey’s heart leaped as she saw Jude getting out of his car. His parents pulled in behind him, but Lacey barely noticed. She was too busy running out onto the porch, smiling so big she thought her cheeks would break. “It’s beautiful, Jude.”

  “You’ve had the whole tour?”

  “Just the living room and foyer.”

  “Then we’ll see the rest together.” He pulled her into his arms, kissed her deeply, all his love and passion filling the emptiness that had been part of Lacey forever. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you, too. I thought you’d never get here. Did you get stuck at work?”

  “No, I had an errand to run.”

  “What kind?”

  “The kind that’s a surprise.”

&nbs
p; “You already gave me one. The flowers and vase are beautiful.”

  “Not as beautiful as you.”

  She blushed, and he chuckled, stealing another kiss.

  “Hello! You’re not alone, you know,” Morgan called from the house, and Jude chuckled again.

  “I guess we’d better go on that tour.” His hand rested on the small of her back as they made their way into the house. Jude’s family was already there. His brothers Tristan and Grayson. Martha and Honor. Morgan.

  Family.

  Home.

  The words whispered through Lacey’s mind as she followed Jude through the foyer and into the kitchen. It was double the size. The sliding glass door moved to a central position on the long back wall. Outside, the garden she’d planted months ago had bloomed, bright pink and yellow tulips lifting their heads in praise of their creator.

  “The kitchen is huge. Did you make an addition?” Lacey spun around, taking in the granite counters, the white cabinets and the sunny yellow paint, her heart so full she thought it would burst.

  “You could say that.”

  “What do you mean?” She turned to face Jude, found herself caught in his gaze, drowning in his love for her.

  “We knocked out the wall between the duplexes. Made it into one house.”

  “Oh.” The wind went out of her sails, all her excitement and joy seeping away. “I guess you needed a bigger place since you’re planning on working in Lakeview instead of moving back to New York.”

  “I needed a bigger place, but not because of that.”

  “No?” Lacey’s heart slowed, sped up again as Jude reached into his pocket and pulled out a jeweler’s box.

  “No. I’m going to need more space for my wife’s things.”

  “Wife?”

  “If she’ll have me.”

  “She might if you ask nicely.”

  He laughed softly, opening the box, pulling out a simple, square-cut solitaire. “The day I met you, I knew my life was going to change. I just didn’t realize how much it would for the better. The more I get to know you, the more I want to know—and when I look into your eyes, I see forever. Will you marry me, Lacey?”