Justice Mission

by Lynette Eason

  Gavin drew in a deep breath and then let it out slowly as though trying to decide whether to continue being offended or cooperate. Finally, he nodded. “I moonlight upon occasion, doing security for various events around the city.” He held up a hand at Luke’s start. “Only when I’m off duty and the people I work for know that I may have to bolt at a very inconvenient time. But usually, that doesn’t happen. The morning of graduation, I was working a private event. Jordan had approved it.”

  “He gave you permission to miss the ceremony?”

  “Yes. So, when you called to let me know Jordan was missing, I explained the situation to the client, then Tommy and I headed home to pick up the SUV before coming to help look for Jordan.”

  “Where was the event?”

  “In Manhattan.”

  “So, your client can vouch for you?”

  “Sure. And I think my neighbor could verify when I got home. But I drove my car so all you have to do is check the mileage and the GPS. I put the address in so I didn’t waste time looking for it. The client also covered my parking expenses so there’d be a record of that, as well. No doubt I’m on the garage’s security footage, as well, when I entered and left.”

  “Thanks, Gavin. I didn’t want to ask, but at least we can tell anyone who brings up the subject why you’re not considered a suspect.”

  Gavin shot him a sad smile. “But I was, even if for a short time, if you feel like you need to ask for an alibi.”

  “Yeah, I know. And we’ll talk to your client, so leave his name and number, will you? But as far as I’m concerned, you’re good.”

  “Thanks, man.”

  “Absolutely.” Luke drew in a deep breath. “And now, I’m going home.”

  “Not without Sophie, I gather.”

  “No, not without Sophie.” He slipped out of Gavin’s cubicle and made his way to Sophie’s desk, where she had packed up her bag and laptop and whatever else she needed. She stood at the window, looking out.

  “You ready?”

  She jerked like he’d pulled her from deep thoughts but turned and shot him a smile. “Sure.”

  Once they were seated in the car, Luke could feel Sophie’s gaze on him. He could tell she wanted to talk about what happened between them. Specifically, the kiss. And quite frankly, even though he’d apologized and given her an explanation for why they should keep some distance between them, he was looking forward to kissing her again. Which unsettled him even further.

  Completely put out with himself and his uncharacteristic behavior, he decided that instead of putting distance between them, they needed to have a heart-to-heart. If he could work up the guts to do it. First, he kissed her, then he apologized—and now he wanted to straighten things out.

  Poor Sophie. She didn’t deserve his indecisiveness. Although, to be truthful, if he wasn’t dealing with Jordan’s death and being so involved in the case, then the whole situation would be different.

  He slid another glance at her. She was deep in thought, as well. He almost asked her what she was thinking about, but they were close to his apartment. His empty apartment. Sam and David were both gone. Sam out of town and David working until the wee hours of the morning. There would be plenty of time to talk.

  A final glance in the mirrors reassured him that no one had followed them. Then again, whoever was after Sophie wouldn’t have to follow. “Has your dad mentioned any more trouble at the house?” Luke asked. “The guys watching the building haven’t reported any, but maybe he said something to you?”

  Small talk. Nice job, Hathaway.

  “No, no trouble,” she said, her gaze still averted.

  “Good.”

  Could he be any more awkward? Probably, so he fell silent and pulled next to the curb. “Gavin’s on his way to take a shift on watching the house. He should be here shortly. I’ll walk you to the door and then go park the car.”

  “Okay.”

  “Stay put and I’ll come around and get you.”

  “I know the drill.” And she didn’t sound particularly thrilled about it.

  Clamping his lips on a sigh and an apology, he made his way to her door and tucked her into his side.

  As he hurried her toward the front door, he knew he was lost. She was small, but she felt just right next to him—like she belonged there and he hadn’t known what he was missing until he found it.

  The fact that he got her safely inside almost surprised him. “I’ll be back, and then we’ll talk, okay?”

  Sophie raised a brow, then nodded. “I’m going to get a water. Do you want one?”

  “Sure.”

  That she was speaking to him settled his anxiety a bit as he went to search for a parking space. After finding a spot, he came back inside and opened the back door to let Bruno out into the fenced yard. The German shepherd darted out and Luke headed to the den, searching for the right words—and not finding them.

  When Sophie joined him, she handed him the bottle of water and took a seat in the recliner, curling her legs beneath her.

  Glad to have something to do with his hands, Luke opened the bottle and took a long swig before settling on the sofa opposite her. “Sophie, I...”

  She lifted her gaze and he swallowed.

  “Just say it, Luke.”

  She wasn’t going to make it easy for him. But then, why should she?

  He sighed. “I wanted to say I’m sorry.”

  “You’ve already apologized for kissing me. It’s not necessary to do it again.”

  “What? No!” He cleared his throat. “No, that’s not what I was apologizing for.”

  “Then what?”

  “For being a wimp.”

  She laughed. Actually laughed. “Luke, you’re not a wimp. And I can’t stay mad at you. I’ve been thinking, and it’s been such a crazy time for everyone that maybe we’re all acting a bit out of character.”

  “You?”

  “Of course. I’m jumping at shadows, avoiding confrontations and conflict—”

  “Wait, you are?”

  Another laugh, this one self-deprecating. “Yes. My brother dropped out of college to go into the military and you know what I did?”

  “What?”

  “Nothing.”

  He blinked. “What do you mean, nothing?”

  “Exactly that. I did nothing. I’ve been so consumed with the kidnapping, Jordan’s death, Katie’s mental state...” She waved a hand. “Everything. That I completely let it go. I let my brother make a stupid decision and I said nothing.”

  “Why is it stupid?”

  She sighed. “I don’t know that it is, to be honest, but I wish he would have at least finished college before enlisting.”

  “Can’t he finish while he serves? Or after? Then it’s free.”

  “I suppose.” She pressed fingers to her eyes before dropping her hands. “And, he’s nineteen. It’s not like he has to listen to me anymore anyway. Not that he ever did.” She shrugged. “But maybe I don’t know as much as I think I do. Maybe this is the best thing for him. Maybe he does know more than I did when I was nineteen.” She paused. “Regardless, what I’m getting at is that it’s okay to be a little off your game right now.”

  “No, it’s not, because if I’m off my game, someone—”

  Bruno’s sudden and intense barking yanked Luke to his feet. “Stay here.” He pulled his weapon and headed for the back door.

  “Luke, be careful!”

  He paused and looked back at Sophie then the locked door. “Don’t open the door to anyone but Gavin, okay?”

  “Of course.”

  He hesitated a fraction of a second more before Bruno’s second round of frantic barks sent him out the door.

  Once outside, Luke hurried to Bruno, who paced the length of the back fence. His barking had ceased, but his hackles still brist
led. “What is it, boy?”

  Bruno whined and trotted over to Luke, who scratched his ears. Bruno might not be trained to take down criminals, but he was an excellent watchdog and very protective of his territory. With his weapon held ready, Luke called for backup and headed for the gate.

  FIFTEEN

  Sophie paced while she waited for Luke and Bruno to return. She checked and rechecked the locks, made sure all of the windows were securely latched—and paced some more.

  What if Luke found something? What if something found him? What if he was in trouble? Should she go out and check on him?

  But he’d said to stay put.

  But if he was in trouble, she needed to do something.

  But Gavin was almost there and would help.

  But what if Gavin was too late?

  Pressing her fingers to her temples, she prayed for wisdom.

  The doorbell rang, and she left Luke’s apartment to go to the building’s front door. She stopped to check the peephole. “Gavin?”

  No one answered, and she couldn’t see anyone through the peephole. Frowning, she glanced at Luke’s apartment. Should she call for Luke?

  A loud thud against the door sent her reeling back. Another thud, then the crash and bang of the door slamming against the wall ripped a scream from her throat.

  The man from the auditorium, the funeral, the one who’d kidnapped her, never stopped moving. His bloodshot eyes locked on hers as he stepped over the fallen door and bolted toward her, weapon aimed at her.

  Shock at the brazen invasion held her frozen for a split second before she screamed again and turned to run. A bullet cracked into the wall beside her head and she threw herself to the floor with a jarring thud.

  “Police! Freeze!” Luke stood just inside the back door, his gun aimed at the intruder.

  A hard hand clamped down on her wrist and held the weapon to her head. “Back off!”

  Luke’s eyes never wavered, but Sophie could see her fear reflected back at her in the dark depths. “Let her go,” Luke said. “You don’t want to do this.”

  Her captor yanked her to her feet and toward the open door, keeping her between himself and Luke, using her as a shield.

  “Luke!” Sophie shuddered, unable to gain any traction on the hardwood floor as the man dragged her backward. The gun moved from her neck and aimed at Luke. The tension in the man’s body shouted at her. He was going to kill Luke.

  “No!” She pushed his arm as he squeezed the trigger. The bullet slammed into the ceiling.

  Luke dove into the kitchen, taking refuge behind the wall. Sirens sounded. Or was that the ringing in her ears from the gunshot?

  Again, the man didn’t hesitate. He pulled her out of the house toward his vehicle parked on the sidewalk. The engine was running. Sophie noted the neighbors coming out of their homes to watch and point.

  She struggled against his hold, but like before, he was strong and angry and once again, she found herself in the passenger seat of his car. She reached for the handle and he grabbed her by the hair, jamming the gun against her neck.

  “Don’t, or I’ll end this here.”

  Blue lights flashed in the distance and Luke appeared in the doorway, his gun aimed at the vehicle. But, of course, he wouldn’t shoot for fear of hitting her. “You can’t kill me,” she said. “You need me to get away.”

  “Then don’t try anything and I’ll let you live a few more minutes.” He removed the gun from her and threw the car into gear.

  “Why are you doing this?” she cried as he peeled away from the curb. She noted his shaking hands, bloodshot eyes and scruffy appearance. He was on something. Alcohol? Drugs? Did she even want to know? “Please. At least tell me why!”

  “You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.” He glanced in the rearview mirror and tightened his grip on the wheel. “I’ve got to shake the cops.” He shot her a glare. “You’ve messed everything up.”

  “Me? How?”

  “It was just supposed to be a quick little job. Slip the letter in the envelope and get out. But no. You had to show up. Why couldn’t you just mind your own business?”

  Sophie’s jaw dropped. Mind her business? She snapped her lips together and fought to think past the fear. He was going to kill her if she didn’t escape. However, the longer he thought she would be useful as a hostage, the longer she’d have to figure out a way to escape. “What’s your name?” she asked as he wheeled onto the highway. Flashing lights stayed behind them.

  “Claude.”

  “Claude what?”

  “Jenks! What’s it matter to you?”

  “Maybe I want to know the name of my murderer.”

  “I’m no killer,” he said.

  She let that one go. “You killed Jordan. He left behind a wife and unborn child. Why would you kill him and try to make it look like a suicide? Why?”

  He let out a huff of a laugh. “I didn’t kill that guy. I just told you I’m no killer.”

  “And yet you just said you’re going to kill me.” She was trying to reason with a man in an altered mental state. Add in his desperation not to get caught and it was a formula for disaster—or death. There wasn’t going to be any reasoning with him. If she wanted to live, she had to get away. Period.

  Once again, he shot her a dark look. “I told you, I was just supposed to slip the envelope into the folder. It was easy money. No one was supposed to get hurt. But you...you messed it up and I’m not going to go back to jail.”

  Back? She swallowed. “And no one has to,” she said. “If you didn’t kill Jordan, then you can end this before it goes any further.”

  He slammed on brakes and skidded across three lanes of traffic, narrowly avoiding colliding with several vehicles. Horns blared, brakes squealed and Sophie gripped the door handle in order to keep from being tossed all over the front seat. The seat belt dug into her as he got on the expressway, then the next left, then a right.

  Soon, Sophie lost track of all the twists and turns. And when she looked behind her, there was no sign of blue lights. “Come on, Claude. You can go to the police station and turn yourself in. I’ll tell them you didn’t hurt me and you were the perfect gentleman. You won’t get off scot-free, but they’ll probably give you a break.”

  He scoffed. “I’ve never caught a break a day in my life.”

  “Maybe that can change if you do the right thing.”

  “And besides,” he said as though she hadn’t spoken, “I’m connected to a cop killer. They’ll never believe anything I say.”

  “You know who killed Jordan?”

  He glanced at her, then back at the road.

  “Come on, Claude, tell me, please. Why did he want Jordan dead?”

  “Because he—” He bit off the words and yanked the wheel once more.

  Darkness was approaching, but she caught sight of the water straight ahead. Which body of water? She wasn’t familiar with this part of Queens and her heart pulsed with dread and terror. “Because he what, Claude?”

  “Enough! It doesn’t matter! As soon as you’re dead, I’m a free man.”

  “If you kill me, you’ll never be free.”

  “Shut up, shut up, shut up!” He threw the car in Park and grabbed his weapon, bringing it up to her face.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I don’t want to kill you, but I don’t have a choice. I can’t go back to prison!”

  During his rant, Sophie dug behind her, latched onto the door handle and pulled. The door flew open on his last word and she fell out backward, hit the asphalt and rolled. The bullet shattered the passenger-door window. The bullet he’d meant for her head.

  Claude dove across the seat, grasping for her even as she struggled to find some balance and get her feet under her. His hand latched onto her ankle, throwing her off, and she kicked out blindly with
her other foot.

  Her heel caught the hand with the gun and the weapon tumbled to the ground. She started to reach for it, but Claude was already coming at her fast. Her hand swiped the weapon, sending it into a nearby bush. She gave a hard yank with her captured foot and found herself free. Rolling and scrambling to get away from him, she lurched to her feet.

  Only to have him catch up to her and bring her back down hard. The breath whooshed from her lungs, stunning her into stillness.

  “Where is she?”

  “The chopper’s searching, Luke,” Gavin assured him. He’d been the first one to respond to Luke’s call for help, pulling up thirty seconds after Luke had watched Sophie’s kidnapper peel away from the curb.

  Too late. He was going to be too late once again and someone he loved was going to die. Bruno whined in the back and Gavin’s Tommy barked. “I shouldn’t have left her alone. So stupid. What was I thinking?”

  “I should have been there when you got there,” Gavin said.

  “No, I shouldn’t have left her alone.”

  “You thought someone was out in the backyard. You went to investigate—something any and all of us would have done. Quit beating yourself up about it.”

  Easy for him to say. “It was a distraction,” he muttered. “And I fell for it.”

  “We’re going to find her.”

  The radio crackled, and Luke heard chopper blades then the pilot. “Location established. Willow Lake, Flushing Meadow Park. Eyes on the vehicle.”

  He gave the location and Luke released a joyous breath. “Go, go. We’re not too far from there.”

  “Suspect and victim on the ground. Victim is running.” The pilot kept up the report while Gavin screamed down the highway, dodging vehicles that were slow to pull over. Other officers fell in behind them, blue lights whirling. “Run, Sophie, run.”

  “Victim caught. Victim is being dragged toward the lake.”