Eventually Caleb checked to see if he could identify how Jeffrey got in the house then traipsed out to the garage. There wasn't a trace of a break-in.
When he got back inside, Destiny was waiting on the couch, with her chin propped in her hand. She attempted a smile, but it didn't quite come off.
"You look all in, Destiny. Why don't you head to bed?"
"I'm not sure I can. For one, I feel so dirty. For another, I keep thinking about Jeffrey in my house. And worst of all, I keep seeing Penny on the floor of her own living room."
"I don't know how you held it together at the crime scene."
"Self-control. I kept telling myself, I can do all things through Christ."
"Haven't heard that for awhile."
"You keep making comments like that." She patted the couch. "Want to talk about it? I can make you some coffee."
If sitting on her couch, drinking coffee and talking about church would keep her safe, Caleb would stay up all night. He slid out of his jacket. "Sure. Black, no sugar."
"Gag. I'll be right back."
Before sitting down, Caleb surveyed the room, this time for the personality of the owner. There were photographs in every corner and shelf in the room, some of Destiny at various ages and others of family members. She was clearly deeply connected to the people in her life. Not one picture of her with a man. Was she currently unattached? Not that he should be thinking of her that way, but any man of worth should have come to her rescue by now.
He scrutinized the seating arrangements. He'd probably be better off in the wing chair to the side than sitting on the sofa beside her. It was more professional.
She traipsed in with an over-sized mug and small plate. "Here. I thought you might like some cookies. You didn't eat much earlier. You were too busy arguing with Laurel."
"We weren't arguing. I was attempting to get her to be reasonable."
"Whatever. Eat your cookies. I made them."
He picked one up and took a bite of a soft, moist, sugar cookie. "Mmm, perfect. One of my favorites."
"I'm glad you like it. Now then, are you and Laurel pals again?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"You and your girlfriend, Caleb. You threw her in the slammer. That's bound to put a damper on romantic thoughts."
"Laurel is not, nor has she ever been, my girlfriend."
"Does she know that?"
"Not that it's any of your business, but we had a very frank discussion while you were snoozing on the table."
"Oh. Sorry I missed it."
"I bet."
She leaned into the couch and yawned. "I feel dreadful."
"I should go, so you can sleep."
"Do you want to go? I mean…I don't want to keep you up."
"I'm fine. Why don't you stretch out, and I'll keep an eye on things."
She smiled. "How did you know I don't want to be alone?"
"I didn't. I thought you were Miss Independent and didn't need anything. I also thought I couldn't stand it if anything happened to you."
"That's really sweet." She yawned again. "Tell me why you haven't been in church for awhile."
"I don't know. I got busy then I just got disgusted."
"With God?"
Caleb took a sip of coffee to avoid looking at her. Destiny didn't ask any easy questions. Was she asking because she wanted to know him personally or gain material in her book? Somehow, the distinction bothered him. He set his cup down on the table beside his chair.
"Why do you ask?"
"You're such a cop. Answering a question with a question. I'm asking because God is the single most important element in my life. I can't imagine being disgusted with him. I'd truly like to understand what bothered you so much that you gave up on him."
"It's like Penny. Someone that she knew and trusted, murdered her. You say she knew God and went to church. What did that get her?"
"Eternal life with God. Freedom from the condemnation of her sins. Relationship with the one person that loves me exactly as I am."
"Do you suppose she was thinking about that love the moment she was killed? Because I think she was terrified. Where was God then?"
"That does sound horrible, Caleb. I don't know why people die, especially people who truly trust in God. This I know, God was with Penny, surrounding her with his presence and his love. That's the thing we tend to forget. God loves us. He wants good things for us." She shifted on the couch, leaning toward Caleb as if what she was saying were truly significant. "I don't see how Penny dying a violent death can ever work for her good, but I know God. Because of that, because I know he loves me with an unfathomable love, I choose to trust him when nothing in this world makes sense. But then, I'm kind of an all-or-nothing sort of girl. Either he's God, or he's not. What about you?"
"I haven't thought about it for a long time. I think he's God. I just don't know what that means to me."
"I can understand that. Anytime you want to talk about it, I'm your girl." When Caleb grinned, her eyes widened and a soft rosy hue stained her cheeks. "I mean…I'm available." She shook her head. "I mean I'd be happy to discuss it…whatever."
Caleb chuckled and reached for the plate on the table. "These cookies remind me of my grandmother's. You should give my mom the recipe."
"Don't you mean Laurel?" she asked as she lay back on a cushion.
"Fine. Keep the recipe. You can bake them for me…when you aren't half asleep and babbling."
"Are you saying you want to keep me around, Detective Forest?"
"Go to sleep, Destiny."
She closed her eyes momentarily then bolted to a sitting position. "Have you got a gun?"
"I've always got a gun. You don't have to be afraid."
She lay back. "I like your gun, even though you won't let me use it."
"Maybe someday."
"You are saying you want to keep me around."
"Good night, Destiny. I'll be here when you wake up."
"Thanks, Caleb. I know God brought you in my life for a reason."
The next morning, Destiny woke with the sun in her eyes and a crick in her neck. She sat up and stretched. At some point during the night, Caleb had covered her with a blanket. His chair was suspiciously empty. Where had he gone? When she heard a thud in the kitchen, she smiled and hurried down the hall to the bathroom. She probably had bed-head, bad breath, and a terrible case of rumpled clothes.
A look in the mirror brought a grimace to her face. Ugh. That man was certainly seeing her at her worst. Crying in jail and now day old make-up and ratted hair. She took a few minutes to scrub her face and pull a brush through her hair. There wasn't any sense in changing clothes before she had a shower, and she wasn't doing that with a man in her house.
By the time she reached the kitchen, the aroma of bacon and coffee was a driving force. Her steps slowed as she reached the doorway. Caleb stood, facing the stove, with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Dark bangs hung over his right eye, and that five o'clock shadow from the day before was more like a full- blown beard. Man, oh man, he looked good in her kitchen. Not something she wanted to think about.
"Morning, Detective Forest."
"Good morning, Miss Knox. Sleep well?"
"Probably better than you. I don't think anyone's ever slept in that chair before."
He smiled. "It was fine. Are you hungry? I hope you don't mind me digging through your fridge."
"Not at all. This is wonderful."
He prepared two plates while Destiny poured a cup of coffee then they sat at the table. After she set her cup down, he was waiting with his hand extended.
"I assume you pray before you eat."
She nodded then took his hand before closing her eyes to say a quick prayer of thanks. He certainly was an assortment of personalities. Which was the real Caleb Forest, the stern cop, the caring guardian, or the handsome guy with just a hint of playfulness? She sort of liked all three, which could be dangerous if he was just doing his job, particularly if he real
ly meant it when he said he was disgusted with God.
She took a bite of the scrambled eggs. "Mmm, good. You like to cook?"
"A few things…when I have time. I'm better with a grill."
"Ah, a meat lover."
"I've been known to skewer a few vegetables, and I really like grilled fish. What about you? Cook much?"
"I eat a lot of salad and usually pan sauté a piece of chicken or fish, occasionally a steak. It's not much fun to cook for one."
"Why aren't you cooking for two?"
Destiny laughed. "That was a very interesting way to ask me about my dating status. You learn that line of questioning from cop school?"
"Maybe."
"Uh huh. I date from time-to-time, but I'm not interested in quick flings. There's a guy out there who knows how to treat a woman with respect and who's inspired by the things that inspire me."
"What inspires you, Destiny Knox?"
"Oh, no. It's your turn. Why are you still cooking for one? Things didn't work out with Laurel?"
He set down his fork. "How many times do I have to say this? Laurel and I are friends who work together. We have a lot in common, but we've never been romantic. I've been looking for someone who lifts me out of myself and makes me want to come home. Someone exciting who also values a quiet night at home with family, friends, or even, just the two of us."
"You've never met anyone like that?"
"Maybe." He twisted his wrist to glance at his watch. "I should shove off now. I need to shower and shave before the funeral."
"You're coming?"
"Zack and I both. I've got a feeling about Jeffrey Seymour."
Destiny felt positively ill. "He wouldn't, would he?"
"Murderers have a habit of showing up at funerals. I think in some perverse way they get a kick out of seeing the fallout from their handiwork."
"Oh, Caleb, I don't think I can…"
"Hey, remember what you said to me last night…I can do all things through Christ. Besides, I'll be there, so will Zack and Laurel. We make a good team."
"Yes. I'll see you at the funeral."
"Nope. We left your car at the station. What time should I come back for you?"
Destiny grinned. Caleb was making what could have been an awful day into something she could handle. Thank you, Lord. You always take care of the details.
"Pick me up at eleven."
"Right before lunch. I guess when it's over, we should get something to eat."
"Are you planning my whole day for a reason?"
He rubbed the stubble on his chin. "My captain said I was to make sure nothing happened to the little lady. He's got a healthy respect for your grandfather, and I've got a healthy respect for my job."
"I hear you, but I think you've got a bit of that savior complex. I imagine most cops do."
"Serve and protect. That's me."
With that, Caleb retreated out the front door, and Destiny headed to her bathroom for a long overdue shower.
When Caleb returned to pick Destiny up, he wasn't at all prepared for the vision that walked out her door. With hair piled up on her head and soft strands surrounding her face, she might be the most feminine woman he'd ever seen. And that long, flowing black dress with a jagged hem…handkerchief, he thought he remembered his sister calling it…it defied description.
He couldn't seem to make words come out of his mouth. "You…you…um…look nice."
"Gunny Sack."
"Excuse me?"
She trailed past him to walk toward his car. "You told me to wear a gunny sack. This is a Gunny Sack."
"You lost me."
"It's a particular trade name. I just happened to have a vintage dress. Thank goodness the sun is out today, and it's warmed up some. This is more a summer dress."
Caleb reached for the car door and waited as she climbed in. Destiny Knox was one surprise after another, and he was beginning to like those surprises a lot. As he started the car, he turned to face her. "You look absolutely stunning, even if you are teasing me."
"Thank you. You look very nice yourself. I've always loved a man in a suit."
"I wear one every day."
She grinned at him. "Then I must love you every day."
"I knew I would grow on you."
The rest of the ride to the funeral home was spent largely in silence. After Destiny's initial pleasure at his compliment, she retreated into silence, staring out the window in deep thought. Caleb could only imagine what went through her mind, visions of Penny's slain body, the thought of Jeffrey showing up at the funeral. It was enough to make anyone apprehensive, especially someone unused to violence.
He wanted to comfort her, but his job was to provide security and to reveal the murderer. Being drawn to one of his chief witnesses, or suspects, or partners…he didn't know what to call her…that just wasn't professional. If he wanted to convict Jeffrey, he had to focus on the case, not on how Destiny Knox made him feel…or how she smelled.
His gaze slid to her quiet form for a second. Even in thoughtful repose, she was engaging. Was he really thinking about this situation the right way? If he focused on the case without regard for his feelings, would he ever be able to maintain a relationship with a significant other? Somehow, there had to be balance. Other cops managed to have a family, but even more ended in divorce. Caleb had some decisions ahead of him if he wanted a full life with home and family. Not the least of those was reexamining his faith. A woman like Destiny lived out her faith. He was beginning to recognize that she wasn't who he'd thought, she'd been playing a part to protect herself. Could he truly rely on God no matter what he saw? That would require a huge leap of faith because he'd seen a lot and was sure to see much worse as a cop.
God, I'd like to know you again, for things to make sense. Show me what that means.
Was God even listening to someone like him?
Suddenly, Destiny turned to him. "You know, times like these can make people wonder if God is listening, if he cares about what's going on. I can't imagine having nothing to lean on, nothing that's real or solid in my life, aside from my own weaknesses. And look what God's done for me…you make me feel safe when everything is haywire. Thank you. I know God brought you into my life at the perfect time, to rescue me…even from myself."
Caleb's chest got heavy with emotion. Was that all it took? Could God really be paying that close attention to Caleb's thoughts? How could Destiny have known to make that comment at the exact second Caleb needed to hear it?
He cleared his throat. "I think maybe God knew we needed each other…at this time." He cast a glance her way and smiled. "I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe and bring Penny's murderer to justice, but you're my top priority right now. Don't assume Jeffrey is finished taunting you."
"That's why I'm praying. My God is bigger than Jeffrey Seymour. I believe that."
"You certainly do. A few cops, guns, and bullets won't hurt either."
Destiny laughed. "All part of Daddy God's plan. Did you know you were part of God's plan for my life, Caleb?"
"Not at first. The hooker get-up threw me off."
She laughed even harder. "You are one funny guy. It helps, particularly when I feel like crying."
"I've got broad shoulders…and several hankies."
"I might take you up on both."
Caleb pulled into the funeral home and slid out his cell phone. Zack answered on the second ring.
"This is Pemberly."
"We're here. You got Laurel?"
"Yeah. Inside. No sign of Seymour."
"We're coming in."
Caleb shoved his phone in his pocket and turned to Destiny. "Are you ready?"
"I am. Just think, in a few minutes, you'll get to meet my grandfather."
"Great. No pressure."
"You'll love him. He's a man's man. Why do you think he and the captain are such great friends? You like to fish? He can take you out."
"Him taking me out is what I'm afraid of."
"Ha ha. He's not like that."
Caleb walked around the car, scanning the parking lot and surrounding area for anyone threatening. He saw nothing, aside from regular mourners dressed in somber shades. He held out a hand to Destiny then shut the door. From this point forward, her safety was his responsibility.
Chapter 8
Only a real artist knows the actual anatomy of death. I've created a masterpiece for you. Can you see it coming?
Destiny waved at a couple approaching the sidewalk then let Caleb lead her along. Once inside, she became even more animated as she waved again, nodded, or paused to speak with individuals. Caleb held back, but her head swiveled toward him and her eyes beckoned him to her side.
She smiled as he stepped up to her. "This is Detective Forest. He's been just amazing."
Caleb nodded at the couple in front of him and held out his hand. "How do you do?"
"This is Mark and Gina, Penny's small group leaders." Destiny lowered her voice. "You may want to speak with them."
The gentleman took Caleb's hand in a firm grip. "Thank you, Detective, for what you've done. If there's anything we can tell you, we'd be happy to."
"Would you mind if I turned on my voice recorder?" Caleb smiled. "It's easier than taking notes."
"Not at all."
Caleb reached in his jacket and flipped the button. "I'm very sorry for your loss. Is there anyone in particular that Penny expressed some trepidation about? Any arguments that you know of?"
"Nothing. She seemed fairly pleased with the direction her life had taken since her grandmother died. It was difficult at first, but a friend of hers from high school offered to help her navigate all the legal issues. She'd paid off the inheritance tax and managed to keep the house."
"This friend, would that be Jeffrey Seymour, the accountant?"
Gina nodded. "We never met him, but Penny said he was extremely helpful on more than one occasion."
"Did they see each other socially? Or was she dating anyone else?"
"There was someone recently, but it wasn't Jeffrey." The woman glanced at her husband. "Do you remember, Mark?"
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