When Questions Abound

by Lorana Hoopes

  “How are you two doing?” Jordan asked as he entered Tia’s room an hour later.

  They turned fear-filled eyes on him. “Did you get the guy?” Brody asked. “Who was he?”

  Jordan nodded. “We did. His name is Adrian Petrov. He’s the leader of one of the bigger gangs out of Chicago and the head of a drug organization. He isn’t saying much right now, but Stone will take care of that. We did manage to ascertain his address.” He turned to Tia and a slight smile pulled at his lips, “Where we found a black Ford truck, and though he tried to have it fixed, we are almost certain it was the same truck that hit you. It’s over, Tia.”

  “That’s wonderful.” Brody turned to Tia, and a broad grin graced his features.

  Tia forced a smile in return, but it was still riddled with worry. “Wait, what about the nurse?”

  “We got her too. Susanna Petrov, his wife. She’s not talking either, but from what we can gather, they obtained uniforms when they saw on the news that you were in ICU. We’re not sure whether she was merely keeping him informed or if she was a backup plan, but we do know that she’s the one who bought the flowers. I showed pictures to the clerk at the gift shop, and he was able to ID her.”

  “What about Rico?”

  Jordan’s jaw clenched and his eyes shifted just slightly. Rico was the one missing link. “He’s in the wind. We think he’s in Chicago hiding out and trying to clean up this mess, but I promise you, we’re still looking for him.”

  “Thank you, Detective Graves.”

  “Call me Jordan,” he said as he held her gaze.

  “Yes, thank you, Jordan,” Brody said clapping a hand on Jordan’s shoulder before turning back to Tia. “We need to monitor you to be sure the insulin didn’t damage anything, but if all goes well, and as long as your fever is still gone, you might be able to leave the hospital tomorrow.”

  She should be glad, but the expression on her face looked anything but. Jordan stepped forward hoping to ease her unease. “I know this is a lot to deal with, Tia. If you’d like to stay in town a little longer, I can find you a temporary place and set you up with a counselor who might be able to work through some of the trauma with you.”

  Tia smiled up at him. “Thank you, I might take you up on that.”

  “And I don’t know how your recovery will be, but I own a restaurant. I have a need for a good hostess if your doctor says it’s okay.”

  Brody nodded. “I’d be okay with it as long as she can stay off her leg. It would be great if you stayed in town, and I was able to check up on you as well.”

  “Thank you, Jordan. I think I’ll spend tonight thinking about where I see my life going from here, and I’ll let you know.”

  “You do that.” He pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to her. “I know Al gave you a card the first day we were here, but this one has my personal cell. You call me if you want some help. I’m sorry this happened to you, but you are strong. You will be okay.”

  Chapter 10

  “Hey, I thought you were going to focus on a movie night with me now that the case is over,” Cassidy said laying a hand on his arm. They were sitting on the couch, but Jordan had no idea what the movie on the television was about. His mind was still on Tia.

  “Almost over,” Jordan said. “Rico Rearden is still out there somewhere.”

  “And you’ll find him,” Cassidy said. “You always do.”

  Jordan smiled at his girlfriend and opened his arm for her to curl into. “What did I do to deserve you?”

  “Well, saved me from a stalker for one,” she said before placing a kiss on his lips, “but you’re an amazing man and probably would have won me regardless.”

  “I just wish there was more I could do for Tia. She’s going to be released tomorrow, and I can still see the fear in her eyes. I just wish I could give her more assurance.”

  “She’s being released tomorrow?” Cassidy asked.

  Jordan heard the tone in her voice and glanced down at her. “Yeah, why? What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”

  “Well, I can’t help with easing her fear, but I do know something that would be good to do.”

  “What’s that?”

  “She hasn’t had any visitors, right? Not friends anyway.”

  “No.” What was Cassidy getting at?

  “So, she’s been in the hospital gown the whole time, right?”

  Jordan shrugged. “I guess so.”

  “Well, she can’t go home in a hospital gown, so how about we get her some clothes?”

  As her words sunk in, Jordan’s lips pulled into a wide smile, and he kissed Cassidy again. “You’re amazing. Why didn’t I think of that?”

  “Probably because you’re not a girl,” Cassidy said swatting his chest playfully. “Now, we just need her size.”

  Jordan’s face fell. He had no idea what her size was or how to tell. “How do we do that?”

  Cassidy chuckled and moved out of his arms to stand before him. “Is she about my size? Larger? Smaller?”

  Jordan had never seen Tia standing, but he guessed she was a few inches shorter and a little smaller. “Smaller but not by much and a little shorter.”

  “See? Was that so hard? We’ll pick up some outfits with elastic waists one and two sizes smaller than me. Something is bound to fit. At least until she can purchase more herself.”

  Jordan stood and wrapped his arms around Cassidy. “You, Cassidy Marcel, are one in a million, you know that?”

  She smiled up at him as her arms moved to his neck. “I do, but I certainly don’t mind hearing it again.”

  Jordan chuckled as he leaned down to place his lips on hers. He still couldn’t believe his luck in finding Cassidy, and he would tell her every day if that’s what it took to keep her in his life.

  Chapter 11

  Jordan knocked on Tia’s doorframe before entering the next morning. “Brody said you could use a lift.”

  “Yeah, I could. Plus, I thought I’d take you up on your offer for a place to stay and a job. I’d like to stay in town a little longer.”

  Jordan was glad to hear that, and the corners of his lips twitched as he entered and set the bag beside her on the bed. “Would that have anything to do with a handsome doctor by chance?”

  “It might,” she said, “but I also don’t know if there’s much to go back to in California. I feel like I can start over here except....”

  “Except what?”

  Tia sighed and shook her head. “I had a dream last night that someone is still after me. I’m sure it was due to the activity yesterday, but do you think there’s any chance that it might be true?”

  Jordan ran a hand across his chin, wishing he could allay her fears. “I’d be lying if I said no. I do think we got the main people involved, but there’s always the chance that someone else decides to seek retribution. If it makes you feel better, the lady who runs the house I’m taking you to is former military. She’ll keep an eye on you.”

  “Did you get any news on Rico?”

  He shook his head. “Sorry, we’re checking with the PD in Chicago, but it’s going to take some time.”

  “Thanks Jordan.”

  “You’re welcome. Now, in that bag are some clothes and shoes. My girlfriend Cassidy deduced that you had none here. She picked them out, but I had to guess on your size so don’t blame her if they’re off. She did grab some things with drawstrings so the size shouldn’t matter too much.”

  Tia’s fingers touched the bag, and her voice was quiet and full of emotion when she spoke again. “Thank you, Jordan, and tell Cassidy thank you.”

  He nodded, embarrassed, and took a step back. “I’ll give you a chance to change and see about getting a wheelchair so we can get you out of here.”

  He shut the door behind him and turned to the main ICU desk. “How can I get a wheelchair for Tia Sweetchild? She’s checking out.”

  “I’ll order you one right away sir,” the nurse said as she picked up a phone. “Can I get a
wheelchair to ICU? Thank you.” She smiled at Jordan as she replaced the phone. “It will be just a minute.”

  Jordan nodded and waited for the orderly to arrive with the chair. When he finally came around the corner, Jordan took the chair and returned to Tia’s door. He knocked lightly. “It’s Jordan. Can I come in?”

  “Yes, come on in.”

  “Hey, looking good,” he said as he wheeled a chair in. She had managed to get on a stretchy pair of pants and a shirt, and neither appeared to be swimming on her. He’d have to tell Cassidy she did a wonderful job in choosing the outfits. “You about ready? I just got called back to work, so I’m afraid I’ll have to drop you and run.”

  “That’s fine, Jordan. Really, you’ve done so much for me.”

  Jordan could hear the emotion in her voice, and he wished he could do more. He wished he could assure her she was safe, but while he couldn’t do that, he was going to do the next best thing.

  He was taking Tia to Cara Hunter’s house. Though technically a bed and breakfast, Cara specialized in helping people who needed to get back on their feet or needed extra protection. Former military, Cara had never completely adjusted to civilian life and was always willing to help out. Cara was as close as Jordan could get to having someone protect Tia twenty-four seven.

  Jordan parked the car in front of a weathered-looking rambler close to the beach. The yellow paint was faded but still cheery. “Sorry, it’s not much to look at on the outside, but Cara takes good care of the inside.”

  “It’s fine,” Tia said. “Hopefully, I don’t have to inconvenience her too long.”

  Jordan touched her arm. “It’s no inconvenience. We take care of each other here.”

  Tia smiled and thanked him, but it was a small smile. Jordan hoped one day he would see a genuine smile on her face.

  “Come on, I’ll introduce you and help you get settled before I jet back to work.”

  He turned the engine off and walked around to Tia’s side. Before helping her out, he grabbed her crutches out of the back seat, handed them to her, and made sure she was stable. Only then did he grab her bag.

  Jordan led the way up the short walk and pushed open the door without knocking. Cara had told him long ago he was welcome anytime. “Cara? It’s Jordan and Tia, the woman I told you about.”

  A woman with short, spiky hair appeared in the doorway. Trim and athletic, Cara looked as if she could tangle with the boys any day with her broad shoulders and bold arm definition. “Jordan, good to see you again.” She extended a hand in greeting.

  Jordan shook her hand and then turned to Tia. “This is Tia. She’s recovering from memory loss and a few attempts on her life. She’s going to need some help getting back on her feet.”

  Cara extended her hand to Tia. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, and any friend of Jordan’s is welcome here as long as needed.”

  Tia shook the woman’s hand and returned the smile. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

  Jordan wished he could stay until he made sure Tia was situated, but duty called. “I hate to run, but I have to get to work. Cara will take good care of you, but please call me if you need anything.” Jordan squeezed her shoulder before dropping her bag and exiting out the front door.

  Chapter 12

  Jordan’s phone rang as he sat down for dinner across from Cassidy. It was Cara’s number, but she rarely called him. A feeling of dread spread through him as he answered the phone.

  “Cara? Is everything okay?” Across from him, Cassidy set down her fork and fixed questioning eyes on him.

  “Jordan?” The woman’s voice was a hoarse whisper, but even so he could tell this was Tia on the other end and not Cara.

  “Tia? What’s wrong?”

  “I’m at Cara’s, but someone’s here. The electricity just went off. Cara sent me to the closet to call you.”

  Jordan heard an intake of breath and then the muffled sounds of a man’s voice followed by a scream and then silence.

  “Tia? Tia?”

  “What is it?” Cassidy asked.

  “Trouble. Sorry, I have to run.” He placed a quick kiss on her lips before grabbing his keys and gun. “I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

  “I know you will. Be safe,” she called after him.

  Jordan flashed her a wink, but he was already dialing Stone’s number as he stepped into the cool night air. “Sir, there’s trouble over at Cara’s. Can you send everyone?”

  Jordan put the lights on but left the siren off as he drove through the city streets. When he reached Cara’s street, he turned the lights off as well and coasted to a stop a few doors down. Stone, Al, and Albright pulled up just after him. Jordan wondered briefly where Givens was, but he knew the man lived farther away.

  “What do we have?” Stone asked as they consulted together.

  “At least one unknown assailant in the house,” Jordan said. “I have to assume from the phone call he has Tia. I’m not sure where Cara is, but she’ll be an asset if she’s uninjured.”

  “All right. We go in with signals only. We don’t want to give away our position in case there’s more than one.”

  The group nodded, and Jordan led the way into the darkened house. No sound came from the front entrance way, but he could hear voices down the hall toward the living room. He motioned to the officers behind him before continuing down the hall.

  When they reached the living room, he stopped short. Even in the dim light, he could see that Cara had already taken care of things. Rico Rearden lay on the ground, his hands zip tied together. Brody sat a few feet away next to Tia. Blood ran from his head, and Jordan assumed Rico had jumped him either before continuing into the house or before he found Tia. Tia appeared scared but otherwise unharmed.

  “I’ll call for a bus,” Al said as she made her way to Brody and Tia.

  Stone and Albright hauled Rico up and led him out of the house as Jordan crossed to Cara who was rubbing her arms. Jordan knew her well enough to know she must have overpowered Rico somehow, possibly a choke hold. He was aware of her college nickname ‘The Leech.’ “Thank you. I knew you were the right woman for the job.”

  She shot him a glare as she massaged her forearms. “Next time, a little warning of what I might be facing would be nice.”

  “I would have warned you except we didn’t know what to expect. We thought it was over after the attempt at the hospital, but we didn’t realize Rico was not just the front for the organization - he was the head.”

  “Yeah, we know,” Cara said, “He had a hard time keeping his mouth shut. At least while he had the gun on Tia.”

  “Does that mean it’s really over now?” Tia asked.

  “It does. Rico’s going away for a long time along with his wife and the Petrovs. You may have to testify, but we all owe you a debt of gratitude. I know it wasn’t your intent, but through your actions, you’ve managed to help us take down a pretty large drug organization.”

  Brody smiled and squeezed Tia’s shoulder. “See? I told you everything happens for a reason. I think you’ve just made up for a lot of the mistakes in your past.”

  Jordan smiled at the couple. He had a feeling this would bond them together, allowing them to survive anything thrown at them in the future. As for himself, he was glad to mark this case complete. With Rico in custody, all the known players were accounted for, and Jordan believed they could finally call this one done.

  * * *

  The End!

  * * *

  If you enjoyed this story, please review When Questions Abound!

  If you’d like to know the rest of Tia and Brody’s story, be sure to read Lost Memories and New Beginnings to hear this story from their point of view. And if you’d like to read more about Jordan and Cassidy, pick up Fire Games, the first book in The Men of Fire Beach series!

  It’s not quite the end!

  Thank you so much for reading When Questions Abound. This short story was meant to be a companion story to Lost Memories to give the police pro
cedural side. As you can see, there is more planned for The Men of Fire Beach and I hope you’ll take that journey with me.

  I hope you enjoyed the story as I really enjoyed writing it. If you did, would you do me a favor? If you did, please leave a review. It really helps. It doesn’t have to be long - just a few words to help other readers know what they’re getting.

  I’d love to hear from you, not only about this story, but about the characters or stories you’d like read in the future. I’m always looking for new ideas and if I use one of your characters or stories, I’ll send you a free ebook and paperback of the book with a special dedication. Write to me at loranahoopes@gmail.com. And if you’d like to see what’s coming next, be sure to stop by authorloranahoopes.com

  I also have a weekly newsletter that contains many wonderful things like pictures of my adorable children, chances to win awesome prizes, new releases and sales I might be holding, great books from other authors, and anything else that strikes my fancy and that I think you would enjoy. I’ll even send you the first chapter of my newest (maybe not even released yet) book if you’d like to sign up.

  Even better, I solemnly swear to only send out one newsletter a week (usually on Tuesday unless life gets in the way which with three kids it usually does). I will not spam you, sell your email address to solicitors or anyone else, or any of those other terrible things.

  * * *

  God Bless,

  Lorana

  Not ready to say Goodbye yet?

  Cassidy, Jordan, Brody, and Tia will appear in future books, but I had so many readers reach out to me wanting Bubba’s story that I had to do it next!

  Never Forget the Past

  He’s a fireman with a past different from what he claims…