Splashdown: A Christian Contemporary Romance with Suspense (Dangerous Series Book 3) (17 page)

The drugged feeling came after a long night of no sleep and oppressing discouragement. Rich hadn’t called. She’d probably never see him again unless something happened with the case. And nothing was happening. Someone had murdered her friend, and the case was at a dead-end.

And she was in love with Rich Richards.

How could this happen, Lord?
Lynn shifted her position in the chair, lifted her head and stared at the ceiling.
I know this isn’t a perfect world, but can’t you do something?

She stood and began to pace. Pulling her hair to one side, she began to finger comb it and remembered Rich twisting and tugging on it and how he’d kissed her the first time. 

She pulled her shoulders back, walked to the sliding doors and stared at the sea. Near the shore, the sun suffused everything with a morning shimmer. Far out, dark clouds gathered near the horizon. In a few hours, they’d have rain and rolling thunder. She lifted a clip from a nearby table and put up her hair.

Rolling Thunder
.

Lynn turned and stared back into her condominium. The book Victoria had. By a detective. Did it mean anything?

She moved to her computer and pulled up the book to get the author’s name. In another moment, she searched her library’s book file. They had it on their shelves. She jumped up and headed into the bedroom to change.

***

John stared at the large wooden doors leading into the church. They stood wide open. Pieces of wood littered the floor. Someone had used a battering ram to smash them open.

He did a quick circuit inside the church. The thief or thieves had stolen most of their music equipment. Everything else seemed okay. Digging his phone from his jeans’ pocket, he poked in the pastor’s number.

“Alan? Someone broke into the church last night. Yes, the doors are rammed open.
Rammed open
. We’ll need new ones… They took the music equipment—amps, guitars, keyboards. No, they left the drums. Figure that. You want to call the Sheriff’s Office? Yeah. I’ll be here.”  

He could envision the horror on the worship leader’s face. He liked the man and the music, but the director’s fastidiousness about his instruments matched John’s own care of his tools. Walking through the church again, careful not to touch anything, he made sure his first inspection and what he thought was gone was correct.

They needed to get new doors. He fingered his phone, then pulled up Lowe’s number and called the nearest store. Control your anger, save the energy for the work to be done today. 

He took a screwdriver from his tool belt. Good thing he kept the belt in his truck. If he had a choice these days, a quick fix was the way to do things. Although, that style of work didn’t suit him. With only one part-time volunteer this year, both his time and talent were stretched as he tried to get everything done around the place.

Thank you, God, for Pedro.
He stopped.
Thank you, Lord, for using him to save my wife.

He started to take the broken doors off their hinges. What was he thinking? He wasn’t. He had to wait for the deputies. Everyone would show at once—the cops, the insurance adjuster, Alan and Daneen, the worship leader. Because of the insurance the church carried, the fix here would prove straightforward if not easy.

The fix for his marriage, on the other hand, seemed more complicated than he could grasp.

What he feared might happen almost did, and Sharee still chose to ignore the danger—just as she ignored his warnings and his leadership. Was he wrong in thinking he had a God-given role in their marriage? Was he overbearing and irrational? He didn’t think he was. He saw them as a team, working together; and on most issues, they agreed or found a place of agreement. But this… Never before had he felt so ineffectual or so disrespected, and he had no idea what to do next.

***

Lynn checked the book out first then sat at a table, thumbing through it, reading here and there. Unless Victoria had marked the book someway (and either Rich or Keith would have seen that, wouldn’t they?), what hope did she have of finding anything?

She flipped through the first few pages again. A man getting out of prison. Did that mean anything? A governor being hounded by the press. Hmm. Her mind turned to her job. Tom was being hounded by the press. She dropped her head and skimmed the next few pages. A child missing from the foster care system. Like Marta. Taken, kidnapped, forced into prostitution, and no one reported her missing. But what did that have to do with Victoria and the homeless camp? Maybe nothing, but similar circumstances.

She closed the book, grabbed her purse, and headed for the door. She’d take it home and have a look at Marta’s files again.

A few minutes later, she climbed into her Lexus and glanced into the rearview mirror before backing out. A dark blue Porsche pulled off the road and into the parking lot. Lynn stared. Rich would have no way of knowing she was here. It had to be a coincidence. She had parked far to the right under a tree. The other cars on either side of her sat in the shade, also. Would he even see her?

The car stopped in front of the library, and a young woman climbed from the passenger side of the car. She leaned into the back and unbuckled a child from his car seat. Hefting the boy to her hip, she closed the door and came around to Rich’s window. They talked for a few minutes before the woman leaned over as if to plant a kiss on the detective, but the boy reached past her, and Rich grabbed him, said something and knuckled the top of the boy’s head—a head with the same black hair Rich had. 

Laughing, the woman wrestled the boy’s arms free from Rich’s neck, settled him on her hip again, and stepped away from the car. Rich’s car eased forward and headed for the main road. Lynn watched until he was out of sight. Her gaze switched back to the front of the library, but the young woman and the child had disappeared.

Lynn’s heart dropped like a pelican diving for fish in the Gulf waters. She sat immobile for a long time then shifted into reverse and backed out. Sunshine warmed the interior of the Lexus. The Chamber of Commerce would be touting today’s weather—not a cloud in the sky, just a soft breeze and low humidity. Everything the tourists, the Tampa Bay area and the Gulf beaches wanted. After all, life was beautiful on Florida’s West Coast.

Lynn brushed at the tears on her cheeks. Yeah, just beautiful.

***

The previous evening, Sharee had fought both anger and tears as she and John moved through dinner. They didn’t talk except for necessary conversation and went to bed at different times. Morning brought no relief. John left for work early.

The disagreement filled her mind and emotions. It took everything she had not to walk over to the church and find John. But what would she say?

Why does he keep on about this, Lord? Am I just supposed to do what he says? It’s like I’m a kid again.
She gritted her teeth
.
Or being controlled. No, no, John was strong with his opinions but not controlling. She had to remind herself of that. She’d walked away from the controlling person and into John’s arms, and it was right. She knew it.
So, why does this bother me? She put her head in her hands
. Is what he said true? Am I being stubborn? Am I testing you, Lord? I’ve done things my own way so long. Help me see the truth. Please.

Maria and Lily arrived after lunch. Daneen brought them over when Maria was released. The battle churned inside Sharee even as she settled Maria and Lily into the extra bedroom. She welcomed Maria’s smiles and thanks and envied Daneen’s peace as she set about to help. Lily’s quiet sullenness somehow reminded her of her own attitude.

John came in from work early, but one glance at his jaw conveyed all she needed to know. He never entered without greeting her, kissing her, but this time, he went straight to the sink to wash his hands. She saw the exact moment he heard the others’ voices. His back straightened.

Dear Lord, he forgot.
She felt her heart go out to him. She stepped close. “You’ll wash the skin off your hands if you wash them much longer.”    

His eyes slid sideways, meeting hers. He shook his hands and turned the water off. “Where’s the dog?”

“In our bedroom.”

“I’m going for a run.”

“But dinner’s almost ready—and we have guests.”

“Eat without me.”

“John.”

“I’ll be back.” He stepped into the living area and greeted everyone, making his excuses for missing dinner.

Sharee stood with her back to them, finishing the salad, trying harder than ever to stem the tears, to find the peace she needed.

Daneen came to the kitchen. “I’ll be heading home. If John’s back, then Alan’s left for home, too.”

Sharee nodded.

“Are you two okay?”

Sharee shook her head.

“All right. We’ll pray. The first year’s the toughest. Don’t take it too hard, whatever it is, and don’t hold it against him. Remember grace.”

But when John returned from his run, he had a short conversation with Maria and Lily then went to shower. Afterward, he grabbed the dinner plate she’d left for him and let her know he needed to return to the church. He gave a swift account of what had happened. Sharee expressed shock. Daneen had said nothing.

He told her about spending the morning with the deputies then going to the work buildings to find them ransacked, too. The thieves took most of his tools. He’d called the police back and went through the same things again.

Then Lowe’s delivered the new doors just before he left for home. He had to return and put them on so nothing else was taken.

Sharee watched as the door shut behind him. No wonder he’d taken the dog for a run. Their fight, Maria and Lily in the house, and on top of it, the break-in at church.
Lord, help him, help us. We need you now.

***

Cooper’s restlessness the next morning matched her own. He growled, stood up and moved toward the door. Sharee glanced out the window but saw no one. The dog walked toward the door and growled again. What was his problem? She didn’t have the time or patience today to take him for a walk. Maybe when John came home, he’d take him for a run. He often did, and if last night were any indication, he would tonight.

She glanced at Maria. The woman had indicated earlier that the dog made her nervous. Neither she nor Lily had been around dogs much, and Cooper was huge. Sharee grabbed his collar and pulled him into their bedroom. The dog whined and tried to force his way back out the door.

“No. Stop. Stay here.” She closed the door on him, but he barked and scratched in protest.

“Stop that!” Sharee slapped the door. “Cooper. Stop.” She walked back to the kitchen, trying to ignore the dog’s whine.

Her chest ached. She wanted to call John and ask how things were going, but she didn’t know how to deal with him in this mood. He’d risen and dressed this morning, ready to leave for work without breakfast but hesitated and glanced her way as she sat up in bed. Neither said anything. When he started for the door again, she made an unintentional noise in her throat. He stopped.

After a second pause, he came back and placed a kiss on her forehead. “We’ll talk once we get through all this other stuff.”

His words were short but eased the pain in her heart. The day passed smoothly enough with Maria and Lily. Now, she pulled vegetables from the bottom bin of the refrigerator. Starting dinner could help keep her mind busy.

Cooper jumped against the closed door. His ferocious barking startled her. Maria gave an anxious cry, and both she and Lily came into the kitchen.

“Why is the dog so upset?” Maria’s accent was more noticeable than usual.

“I don’t know. I…”

The back door flew open. A figure stepped into the kitchen. Afton Sinclair smirked and pointed a gun in their direction.

Five days. It took him five days to call again. Lynn’s mind flew back to the library. She inhaled and let the phone ring. What would she say? Or ask? Would she believe the answer he gave? When it rang thirty minutes later, she grabbed her purse and her keys. Leaving the phone on the coffee table, she fled.

Going to Sharee’s seemed her only option. At least, she knew what was going on there. She parked and walked to the house.

“Sharee!” She mounted the steps and banged on the door. She could hear Cooper growling, but he didn’t come running as usual. “Sharee!” No answer. She tried the door, and the knob turned in her hand.

“Lynn, run! Run!” Sharee’s shout reached her, and she jerked back. The words broke off, and Sharee screamed. The dog’s barking rose to a crescendo.

The door flew wide, and Afton dragged Sharee into view, gun pointed at her head. Lynn froze. Her heart stuttered.

“If you run, I’ll shoot her first, then you.” He jerked his head back, indicating the room behind him. “Why don’t you join us?”

Lynn locked onto Sharee’s gaze and registered her fear. They walked further into the room, and Lynn stopped. Maria and Lily sat tied to chairs. No,
taped
to chairs. Silver duct tape circled them and covered their mouths. The look in their eyes echoed Sharee’s.

“Sit over there.” The man waved the gun at one of the dining chairs. “Your friend, Sharee, here has done such a good job with the others that I’ll let her tape you up, too.” The scorn rolled like marbles through his mouth. He shoved Sharee in Lynn’s direction. “Get the tape. And make sure you do a better job than you did on these two. You know now I’ll check it.”

Sharee walked to the table and took the duct tape and moved to Lynn. Their eyes met.

“He’s waiting for John to get home,” Sharee whispered. “To get the truck, and…and take Lily with him.”

“Shut-up over there, and hurry up.” He watched a moment then waved the gun. “If she’s loose when the husband gets here, I’ll have to shoot her.” His head twisted toward the bedroom as Cooper began barking again. “Like I’m gonna do to that dog.” He pointed toward the door.

“No!” Sharee shouted and ran toward him.

Afton whirled and fired past her head. She skidded to a stop.

“You do that again, and you’re dead.”

“But…but John will know something’s wrong if he doesn’t see or hear Cooper.”

“Look. I’m tired of waiting. Get on the phone and call him. Make sure I can hear every word. You tell him you need him home now, then hang-up.” When Sharee did not move, he yelled. “Get your phone!”

Lynn’s heart pounded. Sharee had put a piece of tape over her mouth but had not finished taping her arms. One line of tape went around her chest. She glanced across the room to Maria and Lily. Lily was crying. Maria’s eyes never left Afton. Hate filled them. Lynn wiggled her hands. No, Sharee hadn’t finished the job. Perhaps…

Sharee held her purse up. “My phone’s in here.”

“Dump all the stuff out on the table.”

***

John left the Lowe’s parking lot and headed for home. His purchase of five tools would get them through until the insurance money arrived.

Home. He needed to deal with what was going on inside him before he got there. He pulled off the road, drove into a parking lot and stopped.

“All right, Lord, you’ve brought me to the end again—of whatever I thought I was. As much as I want to protect her, I can’t. She won’t let me. I want to be the type of husband you have shown me I should be, but how can I if she doesn’t respect my judgment? I give this to you. Help me not resent her for this. I feel that inside. Help me to love her, Lord, in spite of her lack of trust in me.”

He sat for a while longer, listening, waiting, wanting to hear God speak to him, but heard nothing. He sighed.
By faith then…

He revved the engine and pulled out onto US 19. His phone rang. He adjusted the hands-free device, clicked it on. “Yes?”

“John.”

Sharee’s voice held a lot of emotion he couldn’t identify. Something coiled on the inside of him. “What’s wrong?”

“I…I…you need to come home now. I…” she choked.

“What is it?”

“We have a problem.”

“Sharee…” He heard the phone go dead. He punched in her number. The phone rang and rang. He began to pray again, but this time with desperation.

He saw the ATV tucked behind the trees before he turned into the driveway and hit the brakes. Pedro’s information to the police included a description of Afton’s ATV. This one fit.

Alarms shrilled inside him. He punched 911 into his phone. “I believe someone has entered my house and attacked my wife or is holding her hostage. My address is…” He gave the address and ignored the other questions. “Call Detective Richards or Carpenter with the Sheriff’s Office if you must, but send someone out here now.” He repeated the address and put the phone down.

Driving to the back, he parked in his usual spot but sat still. His gaze searched the house. Cooper’s head appeared at a back window. The dog leapt up and down, barking. Nothing else moved. 

***

Sharee stretched her back. The tape around her wrists hurt, but Afton had not tied her to the chair, just threatened Lynn’s life if she tried to leave or get free. He’d finished taping Lynn to the chair and trailed his fingers through her hair when he finished, leering as Lynn cringed.

“Too bad I’m in a hurry, or we could have a party.” He swung Maria’s way as she tried to say something through her taped mouth. “Don’t worry, Mama, I’ve got plans for your daughter—and this one.” He angled his head at Sharee. “My client wants the young one, but I’m not as picky.”

Sharee’s heart froze.
Please, Lord, get us out of this. Save Lily, save Maria and Lynn. Save us all.
The fear she saw in the other women’s’ eyes must mirror her own.
Save John when he comes. Protect him. Have him call the police
.
Use him to help us, Lord, but don’t let anything happen to him. Please.

If something happened to her, John would blame himself. The thought jerked her heart. No matter the circumstances, he would feel it was his fault. Realization hit her. He’d blame himself just like he would if something happened when she picked up a hitchhiker. He only wanted to protect her. Why couldn’t she see that? She desperately wanted that now.

Her rebelliousness when it came to the hitchhikers slapped her in the face.
Lord. I haven’t honored him, I haven’t respected his leadership. I prayed for a Godly husband, and you gave me one, and I resented him. I’ve wanted to do everything just like I’ve always done it. Forgive me. Forgive me for being rebellious to you and to John
.

Tears rose to her eyes, but she blinked them away. She couldn’t give in to despair.

Afton squatted next to Lily, talking quietly. What was he saying? He couldn’t still think she’d go with him of her own free will. Could he? As he put a hand on her leg, Lily yanked it away. He laughed and stood.

Lord. Please. Save us.

She swallowed the knot in her throat and looked across the room. The man paced back and forth now, the gun held at his side.

“Look,” she said aloud. “You must know everyone is looking for you. Why don’t you take off while you have the chance?”

Afton spun toward her. “Who told you to speak? Shut up!”

“Let us go. We’re just going to hold you up. Go now before John gets here.”

“I said shut up!” He walked over to where she sat and yanked her from the chair then jerked his head around at the sound of a truck engine being revved outside. A moment later the engine died.

***

John climbed from the truck. Afton appeared at the door. He held Sharee’s arm and pressed a gun against her head.

John’s heart plummeted. Sharee’s hands appeared tied behind her back. The man gestured with the gun he held. John walked forward, his eyes focused on Sharee. In his peripheral vision, he saw Cooper leaping at the bedroom window. The dog’s barking was muffled.

“Stop there!”              

John stopped.

“Lie down on the ground. Now.” And when John hesitated, “Do it now!”

With another glance at Sharee, John obeyed.

“Throw your keys out.”

“I left them in the truck.”

“You better be telling the truth.”

“I am.”

“Put your head down.”

John lay with his face to the ground, but every muscle bunched. He would not allow this man to take Sharee with him—only to have her abused and killed later. He started to move.

Wait.

The word came emphatic and commanding. He hesitated.

Wait
.

He froze, but every sense went on alert. He heard them stop next to him. The man kicked him in the side. John grunted but held still.

“So how did you like the break-in, huh? Kept you busy yesterday and today, didn’t it? And it looked real. I made it look good. Took the music stuff and your tools.” He laughed. “Your tools. I figured that you were attached to them. As you are to this one.”

Sharee gasped, and John started to lift his head but stopped. Cooper’s barking was background noise to the man’s taunting words.

“You didn’t want me to even look at her, did you? Not even look. And then that fool Pedro said you’d left town. I would have taken her that night but for the dog. Now, I’ll do what I want with her.”

The hatred and its meaning sliced through John. His muscles bunched again.

Wait.

“What are you gonna do about it now? Huh?”

A second kick sliced into his side. John groaned, and Cooper’s barking rose to a heated pitch. John heard movement as the man whirled.

“I’ll kill that dog!”

“No!” Sharee’s shout and the gun blast came simultaneously.

John leapt to his feet, whirled toward them and hit the man with all his strength. The gun flew up and away. Sharee stumbled free, and John brought the man to the ground with him. His elbow slammed hard against the earth and sent pain ricocheting through him. His grip loosened, and Afton rolled free to scramble for the gun. John grabbed his foot and brought him crashing down again. Before Afton could react, John threw himself on top of him, and they rolled across the grass. The man had to weigh fifty pounds more than he did, and John felt the weight when Afton stopped their roll and shove a huge forearm into his throat. John choked, twisted and slammed his fist against the side of the other man’s face. Afton’s head flew backward. He rolled off John and slithered across the grass, grasping at the gun.

Sharee raced past them. She kicked the gun and sent it flying. Afton lurched to his feet, backhanding her across the face. She reeled backward, stumbling, falling. John surged upward in a flying tackle that brought both men to earth a third time. A palm smashed beneath his chin, and his head snapped back. The other man’s hands fumbled for his neck.

Cooper’s barking mingled with the sudden noise of sirens. Afton’s hold loosened, he hesitated, then jumped to his feet. John reached for the man’s leg and missed. A second later, Afton sprinted for the trees.

John sprung up, wiped the blood from his mouth and jerked his head in Sharee’s direction. Awkwardly, she tried to sit up, her hands still taped behind her. He flung a glance after Afton then back at Sharee. He stepped to her side, knelt down and gathered her close. The ATV’s engine roared to life.

A Sheriff’s car swung into the yard, reds and blues flashing, siren swelling as it screeched to a halt. Another followed and a third.

John threw his hand out and pointed just as the ATV slid sideways and headed through the woods. A cruiser shot past them, flying after the ATV. John gritted his teeth. They’d never catch him if he went through the woods, not with the cruiser.