by Liz Bradford
Gavin nodded and slipped out of the viewing area and into the interrogation room. He stood there and stared at Fred. Fred didn’t flinch. Hmm. Gavin leaned against the wall.
Adam asked a few more questions but not the most obvious one.
Gavin pushed off the wall and took a step toward the table and Fred. “Who put you up to it?”
Fear flashed through Fred’s eyes but was quickly replaced with a scowl. “Who are you?”
“I’m the man you tried to murder.”
Fred’s eyes grew wide.
“Answer my question. Who put you up to this? If you don’t know who I am, then that tells me you didn’t do this on your own.”
Fred squirmed. “No, man, I did it. On my own.”
Gavin took hold of the chair that sat in front of him. “You do realize that my fiancé is pregnant, and if you had succeeded you’d be guilty of three counts of murder.”
“Well… um…”
“What could he possibly have on you that you’d risk the death penalty?” He tossed the chair across the room.
Adam’s hand came to rest on Gavin’s shoulder.
Gavin turned and shoved Adam’s hand away. He walked to the back of the interrogation room, where Amelia watched silently. He leaned up against the wall next to her and crossed his arms. He looked Fred in the eye. “I want that answer.”
On Thursday afternoon, Gavin slumped back in his desk chair. He still didn’t have the answer to what Patrick had on Fred to make him take such a risk. As it was, Fred was facing a pretty hefty sentence for attempted murder, but he’d most likely take a plea deal. And they still didn’t know if it was, in fact, Patrick. Well, they didn’t have proof anyway.
Becca smacked his shoulder as she walked by. “Buck up, mister. You have one day until your wedding. Don’t let Patrick get to you.”
“Easier said than… what’s he going to do next?”
Becca returned to her desk. “Hopefully, nothing. God’s got this. Give your anxiety to Him.”
He relaxed his shoulders. God, help me to surrender this to You. Keep Jocelyn and me safe.
Gavin refocused on the work he needed to complete before he took time off for the next three days. He wished they could go on a real honeymoon, but that wasn’t going to happen right now. They planned to spend the weekend at home getting used to living in obedience together.
Gavin and Becca had been working a suicide since yesterday morning, and there was a bit of paperwork to wrap up before the case was closed. He typed away at the report for the next half an hour, but his mind wandered to his soon-to-be wife.
He almost couldn’t believe he was going to marry Jocelyn. He had waited a long time.
Nikki floated through his mind. How would she feel about all of this? He really had loved her. He had been able to let go of Jocelyn when Patrick swept her off her feet and had given his heart fully to Nikki.
The front-desk officer came over and handed Becca an envelope. “This came for you today.”
“Thanks.” Becca took the plain envelope and slit it open with a pen. Inside was a white card. She opened it and read it to herself. Her face lost all color, and her mouth dropped open ever so slightly.
“What is it?” Gavin leaned forward on his desk.
Becca stared at the card. She picked up the envelope to read the return address.
“Becca?”
She met his eyes. “I don’t understand how this got out of the prison. There’s no return address. They would never have let…”
“What? What does it say? Who’s it from?”
“It says, ‘Tell that partner of yours that I’m not done. He will get what’s his.’”
Gavin reached over to grab it from her.
“No.” She jerked it away. “Gloves. He didn’t sign it, so we need proof it was him.”
Gavin pulled an evidence bag from his desk and held it open for Becca.
She dropped the card in the bag.
He turned it over and inspected the handwriting. It was Patrick’s. “I have no doubt it’s him.”
“Hey!” Becca didn’t say anything more until Gavin looked up at her. “He’s not going to win this. God’s fighting for you and Jocelyn. You keep your focus on Him.” She pointed up. “God isn’t giving up on you.”
“But, apparently, neither is Patrick.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Without any more attempts on their lives, the day had finally arrived. Jocelyn looked over her shoulder as Ella tied the back of her white dress. She had found a beautiful, simple maxi dress at the maternity store. It was perfect. Simple but elegant.
“There you go.” Ella continued to fuss with how the straps crossed in the back.
Nikki had been the one who had fussed over her the last time she’d gotten married. Memories of that day flooded her mind. Nikki had tied and untied, and even unlaced Jocelyn’s over-the-top dress at least three times before she was satisfied with how it looked. A cloud came in and hung over Jocelyn’s heart.
“Hey, Joc, are you okay?”
Jocelyn shrugged.
“What’s on your mind? You were smiling ear to ear a moment ago. What’s brought on that frown?”
“Thinking about Nikki. Remembering how we helped each other get ready for our weddings.”
Ella took Jocelyn’s elbow and guided her to a little chair meant for the toddlers who used this room on Sunday mornings. Ella pulled another one over and sat and then waited for Jocelyn to say more.
“We were always with each other. Every major event in our lives included the other. We did everything together. But now, I’m having major life events without her. I miss her, but I couldn’t have these events if she was still here.” Tears pushed their way out of her eyes and choked up her words. “Oh, it feels so weird. I’m marrying my best friend’s husband. I didn’t think about this at all when we were having the affair…”
Ella squeezed her arm. “I can’t imagine how it must feel. I remember you and Nikki in high school, always together. But I think that—” Somebody knocked. “I’ll see who that is.” Ella went and opened the door. “Hey.”
Adam’s voice came around the corner. “Hey, babe. Can I come in for a moment? Everybody decent?”
“Yep, come on in.”
Jocelyn stood and walked toward Adam as he came into the room. “Hey,” he said, but then his eyebrows furrowed. “You okay?”
She fell against her cousin. His strong arms surrounded her. “Thinking about Nikki.”
“I see.” He gave her a squeeze, then let go. Backing up, he handed her a folded piece of notebook paper. “This is from Gavin. But before you read it, know that it’s okay to grieve Nikki, even today. Maybe even especially today.”
She smiled and took the letter. “Thanks.”
He cupped the side of her head in his hand. “Love you, Cuz. I’m really excited for you and Gavin.”
“Me too.”
“There’s the smile I expected to see when I came in here. Read the letter, and then fix your makeup. Don’t fix it until after the letter, though. He was even tearing up while he was writing it, so I’d imagine you’ll cry, too. But don’t take too long. That poor man can’t wait much longer to see you.”
Her cheeks warmed as she smiled at her cousin. “Thanks, Adam. Will you tell him I love him and can’t wait to see him?”
“Absolutely.”
Adam left, and when Jocelyn turned around, Ella handed her a box of tissues. Jocelyn laughed and took the box. She found a rocking chair by the window and sat to read Gavin’s letter. The front of the paper had the words “My Love” written in Gavin’s boxy lettering. She smiled and carefully unfolded it.
Dearest Jocelyn,
Hey, babe. Hard to believe we’re getting married today! I can’t tell you how excited I am. I know I’ve said this before, but I’m really sorry for the way I went about our relationship. And I thank you for your forgiveness. I’m so glad we can rest in God’s forgiveness and grace during this time. I am beyond
honored to make you my wife. I know I’ll say my vows in front of everyone later, but I want to tell you now. I promise to treasure you always, to help you know that you are more valuable than precious jewels. I promise to take care of you, to take care of our child/ren (do you think we’ll have more than this little guy?), to provide for you, to support you any way I can. I promise to stand by your side and encourage you, to spur you on in your relationship with Christ. I know I haven’t done a great job of that in the past, but I promise to do better. In sickness and in health, in the tough times and the joyous times, no matter what trials we face, I’m with you.
As I was thinking through the details of today, I remembered your last wedding, when Nikki was by your side. I don’t mean to stir something up if you hadn’t thought about it, but I think I know you well enough to know you have, so I want you to know that I really think she’d be happy for us. You were her best friend, and she always wanted the best for you. She felt so bad when she got pregnant and you hadn’t. I know she wanted you to be able to be a mom. I’m sure this isn’t what she would have imagined, but I do think she’d be happy for us.
But we have to grieve the past and move forward. Today, we become husband and wife. You and me! Then next up, we become parents… that part I’m a little nervous about, but I’m not even slightly nervous about marrying you. I love you!
Love forever and always,
Gavin
Jocelyn plucked another tissue from the box and looked down at the pile of used tissues on her tiny lap. She had cried through Gavin’s whole letter. But it was a good cry. Her heart felt so full. She was beyond excited to marry him. She gathered up her used tissues and stood. She looked over to see who had come in the room while she had read the letter. Becca and Amelia were there. She ditched the tissues in a trash can and both of them hugged her without any questions.
She chuckled. “Apparently, we did my makeup way too soon.”
They all laughed and set about helping her fix her face. Her friends made her laugh, and it helped tremendously. About the time they had finished getting her dolled back up, another knock sounded at the door. Ella went and answered it. “Hey, Steve… I mean Dad.”
Jocelyn looked up to see Uncle Steve. “Hey! You made it.”
“Of course”—he opened his arms to her—“wouldn’t miss it. Thought I’d sneak in and say hi. I’d also like to pray for you real quick, if that’s okay.”
She nodded. They all gathered around her, and Uncle Steve prayed for her, Gavin, their marriage, and the baby. Once he said “amen,” he left. Not long after, Amy and Pastor Cole’s wife came in, along with Jocelyn’s Aunt Carol, and they all continued the time of prayer like at Ella’s wedding two-and-a-half months before.
Gavin shifted from foot to foot at the front of the sanctuary. He couldn’t wait for Jocelyn to come down that aisle. Jared put his hand on Gavin’s back as if to say, “She’ll be here soon.”
They had kept the wedding super small—only Becca and Jared were standing up with them, and only the first few rows were filled with guests. Jocelyn’s uncle, aunt, and Ella sat where her parents should have been.
Adam would join them after he walked Jocelyn down the aisle. The rest of the seats were filled with folks from the station, the other detectives and their spouses, Captain Baker, and many of the people Jocelyn worked with in the lab, along with their significant others. Gavin couldn’t believe how many people had carved out time at such short notice to come celebrate with them.
The doors opened at the back of the sanctuary and Becca came down the aisle in the same dress she had worn for Ella and Adam’s wedding. She smiled at him. His partner always had his back, even now. Then the music changed, and Jocelyn appeared between the doors at the back, her arm linked with Adam’s. Her white gown flowed over her round belly. The air vanished from his lungs. She was stunning. Her eyes met his as she walked toward him.
When she reached the front, Gavin shook Adam’s hand and took hers. He could hardly focus on the words being said. He floated through the service as joy filled him. Then Pastor Cole said the words he had most been waiting to hear, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!”
Gavin’s eyes locked with Jocelyn’s. She bit her lower lip ever so slightly before a smile overtook her face. Gavin’s heart raced as he slid his hand around her cheek and tangled his fingers in her hair. He drew her in as his other hand went to her side. She framed his chin with her fingers as their lips met. His heart pounded in his ears, drowning out the cheers and applause that filled the room. He dipped her back slightly and deepened the kiss. Her lips were so soft.
She pulled out of the kiss and giggled. He righted her and their foreheads came together. Their eyes locked again, and the world seemed to vanish. But Cole’s voice brought them back. “I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Gavin Riley.”
They turned toward to face their friends, who were all standing and clapping. Gavin wove his fingers with Jocelyn’s as she took her bouquet back from Becca. She looked up at him, and her smile nearly knocked him over. Jocelyn was his wife!
Jocelyn meandered past the buffet table in the church’s fellowship hall and grabbed another little pinwheel roll. The appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, and cake were barely enough for dinner for her and baby. She strolled toward Gavin, who stood talking to the guys from the station. She popped the pinwheel into her mouth and slipped her hand around Gavin’s elbow.
He smiled down at her. “Hello, wife. Having fun?”
She nodded. “But my feet are tired.”
“Well, let’s get out of here then. This is our party. We can leave when we want to.” He winked at her.
“Then by all means.”
Gavin looked back at his coworkers. “I’m gonna take my wife home.”
They said goodbye to everyone and thanked them for being a part of their special day. Jocelyn’s insides felt all weird. Was she excited or nervous? What did she have to be nervous about?
They left the church, and Gavin opened the Jeep door for her. Jocelyn bit the side of her lip. They were married! Gavin drove her Jeep and turned down the street toward his house—no, our house. It was all so surreal. He turned into the driveway and the headlights flashed across the front of the house. It was trashed. She grasped Gavin’s arm. The car lights caught a glimpse of a person dressed completely in black. “There!”
Gavin yanked open the glove compartment and grabbed his gun and badge. “Call Becca.” He jumped out of the car and slid his holster onto his belt. “Lock the doors and stay in the car.” He took off running in the direction the figure had gone.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Gavin’s dress shoes bit at his feet, but he ran after the figure who’d vandalized his home. He wasn’t about to let him get away. How many people did Patrick have under his big fat thumb?
The man jumped over the creek and slipped on the muddy bank on the other side.
Gavin would have to be extra cautious not to do the same thing. “Police. Stop!”
The man regained his footing and took off into the woods.
Gavin launched himself across the creek. He was supposed to be walking his wife into their home… He landed firmly and only slid a little. He was gaining.
Darkness enveloped the woods. The lights from the street couldn’t penetrate the thickness of the trees since the late summer foliage hung heavily on the branches.
The vandal took a turn, and Gavin lost him. Skidded to a stop. Listened.
Running footsteps.
There! He ran in the direction of the noise. If he’d had his regular jacket on he’d have a flashlight. Thankfully, the suspect was headed for a parking lot. But a chain-link fence stood in the way.
He seemed fairly spry, so there was a good chance he’d be able to make it over the fence more easily than Gavin.
The fence rattled. A thud. The perp had made it over the fence with ease.
If only Gavin could see it. If only he could make a hurdle like he could in high
school. If only he wasn’t in a monkey suit.
The fence came into view. You can do this, Gavin. God, help?
Gavin caught a glimpse of the man under the lights of the parking lot. Gavin picked up his speed. Three more steps. Two. One. He grabbed the top, jumped, and thrust himself over the fence. He had too much speed. His hands hit the grass, and he barely caught himself from landing face-first in the parking curb. But he bounced back to his feet and ran.
The suspect had stretched the distance between them, but Gavin could see him now.
Gavin’s feet slammed against the pavement.
The gap grew smaller. But the perp turned down Walnut Avenue.
Twenty yards.
Gavin’s lungs began to fight against him. God, give me supernatural strength to get this guy.
“Police. Stop!”
Ten yards.
The suspect was losing steam too. Gavin had to outlast him.
Five yards.
He turned down a driveway.
Where is he going? Gavin followed him around the corner.
A large wooden fence stood in the way, and the suspect fought with the latch.
Gavin pulled his gun from its holster. “Hands up, now!”
The vandal slammed his fist against the gate, then raised his hands.
“Put them on the fence.”
Gavin wasn’t sure what he’d do now. He didn’t have cuffs or his cell phone.
The light on the outside of the house came on. Gavin didn’t let his sight stray from the suspect but lifted his badge in the man’s direction.
A deep voice came from the front door. “What’s going on out here?”
“Hazel Hill Police Department. I’ve apprehended a suspect. Call 911 for backup.”
Jocelyn hugged herself. It had been five minutes since Gavin took off into the dark. What if the guy he was chasing had a gun? A knocked sounded on the window, and Jocelyn screamed.
“It’s me.” Becca’s face appeared outside the window.
Jocelyn opened the door.
