Love Inspired Suspense April 2015 #1 (56 page)

“I've always preferred to use chemicals. So much easier to cover your tracks. By the time they find you, it will look like you died from a fatal asthma attack.”

He took a step closer to Mel. She used her feet to scoot the chair farther back, a whimper escaping her throat.

“Oh, you can't run from me, little girl.” Sanchez chuckled, a truly malevolent sound.

“Hold it! Police!” Jace yelled. He trained his gun directly on Sanchez.

Cathy shrieked and flew at Jace, her long, manicured nails held out like claws. Dan stepped in front of her and grabbed her wrists. She howled as his hands closed around her injured wrist.

Ignoring the other officer as he cuffed the still-shrieking woman to a chair, Jace focused all of his attention on the man blocking his path to Mel. His chest constricted as he listened to her breathing rasp and wheeze.

James Sanchez flung himself at Jace, the needle in his hand poised to strike. Jace ducked under his arm and managed to knock the needle from his grasp. It skittered across the floor. The two men wrestled for control of the gun. Sanchez was larger than Jace, but Jace had desperation on his side. Mel needed him. And she needed the medicine he had in his pocket. He had to end this so he could go to her.

He managed get Sanchez into a wrestling hold. The other man was unable to move, but unfortunately, Jace couldn't release him to cuff him. Dan hurried over. James Sanchez was no match for two of LaMar Pond's finest. Dan removed Jace's handcuffs from his belt and snapped them on Sanchez. Jace left him seated on the floor while he sprinted across the room to Mel, the inhaler already in his hand.

“Okay, Melly. I'm here, honey. I have your inhaler. You're going to be fine.” He held the canister to her lips. Fear trickled into his mind at their bluish tinge. He kept his voice steady with effort. “Okay, inhale, Melly.” He paled as she tried to comply and broke off in a choking cough. “Okay, okay. Easy now. Try again.”

She inhaled, but not deeply enough. Still, he thought he could hear a lessening of the wheezing.

Dan came to stand beside him. “Paul texted. The ambulance is five minutes out, maybe less.”

“Thanks.” Jace returned his attention to the woman before him. “Okay, honey, hang on with me. Five minutes. Then help will be here.”

It was the longest five minutes of his life. He could hear the increasing shallowness in her breathing. He tried again with the inhaler, but her air passages were too inflamed to allow a deep enough inhale for it to work. Her complexion grew ashen and her lips turned bluer. She was fading right in front of his eyes.

“Mel, hold on, baby. Please stay with me.”

He wasn't even sure she could hear him anymore; her eyes had started to glaze over.

When the paramedics rushed into the room, Jace jumped out of their way and let them take over. No one argued when Jace jumped into the back of the ambulance to ride to the hospital with Mel. He wouldn't have listened even if they had.

* * *

It was the smell she noticed first. The antiseptic smell that all hospitals shared, coupled with the woodsy aftershave smell she had grown to love so much. Jace was here.

Mel opened her eyes. She was in a hospital room with an IV sticking out of her left arm. A clamp on her finger was hooked up to a device that monitored her oxygen levels. What was the name of that thing? A pulse oximeter. That was it. Shifting her head to the right, she found Jace slumped in the chair beside her, apparently sleeping. His jaw was covered in stubble. How long had she been here? She looked down to see he was holding her hand even in his sleep. The sweetness of it had her catching her breath. At the sound, Jace's eyes flew open. He visibly relaxed when he saw she was awake.

“Thank you for coming after me,” she whispered. It felt wonderful to be able to draw a full breath.

“I will always come for you,” Jace promised her. He pushed himself out of his chair and leaned over to brush his lips across hers. They both smiled. Her eyes misted as she realized how close she had come to missing this.

“Melanie,” he said, his voice hoarse, “I spent the entire night by your side. I asked God's forgiveness, and now I'm asking for yours.”

She was confused. “Forgiveness? Jace, you saved my life. What do I need to forgive you for?”

“I let my past and my suspicious nature come between us. I nearly lost you. Mel, I was never as scared as when I couldn't help you yesterday.”

She squeezed his hand, hard. “It helped having you there. I knew you would come for me. I knew you wouldn't let me down.”

He squeezed her hand back. “Can I have a do-over, Mel? Without all the baggage and all the distrust? Because I don't want to walk away from what we have. I know it's happened fast, but I love you.”

She pulled her hand from his so she could set it against his unshaven jaw. Joy and hope blossomed within her. She felt blessed. “Oh, Jace, I love you, too. Yes, of course, we can start over. This time, without someone trying to kill us.”

“Maybe we could even go on a date, you know, like a normal couple?”

“Yes. I would love that.”

He bent over her again and their lips touched. It felt like a promise of new beginnings.

EPILOGUE

Six months later

“W
e the jury find the defendant, Catherine Jordan, guilty of all charges.”

Mel sagged against Jace's side. Jace slipped his arm around her shoulders, hugging her close to his body in silent support. Gratitude rose up in her for this man beside her.

It was over. Cathy had been found guilty. Mel had testified against her in court, her voice never wavering. She had also testified against James Sanchez earlier in the month. So had Jace, Dan, Paul and Seth. He was facing life in prison for the murders of Sylvie, Alayna Brown, Steven Scott and Aunt Sarah. Maggie Slade was still missing. The district attorney had decided not to charge the duo in connection with her case because he didn't have enough evidence. Recently, there had been a report that she had been seen alive near Pittsburgh, but that had not been proven. Jace and Mel still prayed daily for Maggie's safe return, and she suspected that Seth did, as well.

The judge pounded her gavel. Silence fell in the courtroom.

“Officers, please take Ms. Jordan into custody. Sentencing will take place one week from today.” The judge removed her glasses and set them on the bench. Her kindly eyes caught sight of Mel. “Miss Swanson, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I offer my sincere apologies for the injustice that has been done to you. It is this court's decision that all prior judgments against you be revoked. All privileges accorded to law-abiding citizens are hereby reinstated.”

“Thank you, Your Honor,” Mel replied.

Jace squeezed her shoulder. She smiled up at him.

Mrs. Tucker and Irene were sitting in the row behind Jace and Mel. They leaned forward and gave her a hug. Mrs. Tucker and Mel had come a long way in the past six months. It was a pleasure now to spend time with Jace's mom. “Are you guys joining us for dinner tonight?”

“Yes, what time?” Irene looked distractedly at her watch. Mel knew she was supposed to pick up her sons from the babysitter at five. It was quarter till four now. Mel hurried to ease her friend's mind.

“Don't worry, 'Rene. We made the reservation for seven. That way, Paul and Dan will both be finished with their shifts. And Seth doesn't start until nine tonight, so he should have enough time to eat.”

“Okay.” Irene kissed Mel on the cheek, and then Jace. “I have Tony's mom coming to watch the kids. It's been a long time since Tony and I had a night out.”

She waved as she departed with her mother.

“Let's go.” Jace took Mel's hand and led her from the courtroom. Mel loved the feeling of his hand wrapped around hers. It was a common occurrence these days. He swung their arms between them as the automatic doors opened and they walked outside.

“There she is!”

Lights flashed and excited voices rose as reporters surrounded them. Mel stopped, a feeling of déjà vu hitting her. Jace tugged her hand, encouraging her to keep moving.

“Melanie! Are you bitter? What are your feelings today?” an eager reporter asked, getting within inches of her. Mel cast an anxious glance up at her sweetheart. Jace had slipped behind his cop mask again.

“No comment, people. Let us through.”

“Jace,” she tugged on his hand until he looked at her. “I want to give a brief statement.”

Concern shone in his eyes. “Darling, are you sure? Don't feel you owe them anything.”

“I'm sure. I'm through running.”

Jace held up a hand. The reporters calmed, their faces alight with anticipation. “Miss Swanson will make a brief statement. Please don't hound her.”

Mel stepped forward. The reporters all tipped their microphones in her direction. She kept her voice soft, making sure they had to be quiet to listen. “I want to tell you something. I went to jail for a crime I didn't commit, but I'm not bitter. I'm blessed. And I'm thankful for those who were willing to give me a chance, even though they thought I was guilty. I will pray every day for the families of the victims of Cathy Jordan and James Sanchez. Thank you.”

Grasping Jace's hand again, she walked through the reporters, ignoring the questions they continued to shout out after her.

They stopped at Jace's new truck, and Jace opened the door for her. Before she stepped into it, he bent down a pressed his lips to hers. “I love you. You know that?”

“Yeah, I know. Love you back.”

* * *

No words could describe how blessed Jace felt tonight. All the people he loved best were together in the private dining room at the local banquet hall. He had planned this get-together as soon as he knew Cathy's verdict would probably be decided today, so he could show his love and support to Mel no matter how the verdict went. Surrounded by his friends and family, and holding hands with the woman he adored, Jace was overcome by the emotion coursing through his veins.

He looked down at Mel. She was gorgeous tonight. Her emerald-green dress suited her perfectly. As did the diamond ring she was wearing. No one had noticed it yet. They had managed to keep the ring hidden by continuously holding hands or keeping her hand tucked in the folds of her dress. But it was time to let their loved ones in on the secret. Holding up his water glass, he tapped the side with a spoon. The others at the table settled and fastened their attention on him, their faces expectant.

In a single smooth motion, he stood and assisted Mel to her feet.

“I want to thank you all for coming. Tonight is a very special night. As you know, Cathy Jordan was convicted today.” Applause rang from the group. He lifted Mel's hand and kissed her knuckles. Paul and Dan whistled. “More importantly, though, this wonderful, godly woman has agreed to marry me.”

Mrs. Tucker cried out and ran to embrace the couple.

“I knew it!” Irene crowed to her husband.

Mel laughed, a full, rich sound that caught at Jace's heart. What had he done to deserve her?

“Paul, will you be my best man?”

Paul cleared his throat. “You know I will.”

Mel looked at Irene, raised her eyebrows and said, “Well?”

Apparently, Irene had no trouble understanding this shorthand. She jumped to her feet and embraced Mel, jumping up and down at the same time. “Of course. You know what this means, right? Girlfriend, we are going shopping.”

Mel giggled, then her face grew serious. Jace knew what was coming. They had discussed this, and both felt it was the best choice.

“Seth,” Mel said in a husky voice. Seth grew very still. “You and I have been friends forever. I have no other family. Would you give me away? Please?”

Tears spurted to Seth's eyes. Looking around the table, Jace saw that he was not the only one in that condition. Seth rose awkwardly and made his way to Melanie. He hugged her, then shook Jace's hand.

In a voice that shook slightly, he replied, “I would be honored.”

“I'd like to make a toast.” Dan had risen. He held his soda aloft. “To Jace and Melanie. I'm glad to call you friends. I wish you a long life filled with love and laughter.”

“Hear, hear!” Glasses clinked around the table.

Dan grinned. “I'm especially glad you decided to forgive my behavior when I first arrived, since as of yesterday, my transfer to the LaMar Pond Police Department is final.”

“Good,” Jace said with a grin. “Then I won't feel guilty when I take time off for my honeymoon.”

Mel's arms crept around his waist. Joy filled his heart at he hugged the woman God had given him. He now understood. Love didn't take away from his ability to be a cop. Love gave him the ability to be the best cop, and the best man, that he was capable of being.

Jace bent his head and captured Melanie's lips in a sweet kiss. He smiled against her lips as the room exploded in cheers and clapping. He lifted his head and looked into her shining eyes. They had put the past behind, and were ready to take on their future. Together.

* * * * *

Keep reading for an excerpt from FATAL FREEZE by Michelle Kar.

We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense story.

You enjoy a dash of danger.
Love Inspired Suspense
stories feature strong heroes and heroines whose faith is central in solving mysteries and saving lives.

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