by Paula Mowery
She leaned her head on his chest, and he wrapped his arms around her.
~*~
Nathan splashed on some aftershave and stared at his reflection in the mirror. He hadn’t attended a church service in several years. But Jordan and Charlie were at this church together. He wouldn’t risk missing out on any discussion about this case.
His stomach turned the moment his car pulled into a space outside the worship center. Suck it up. The roof won’t fall in. He huffed a sigh and trudged into the foyer. Someone waved from the other side. Jordan. He inhaled and let the air out slowly, calming his racing pulse and cracked his knuckles. Jordan met him in the middle of the vestibule.
Jordan patted his back. “Glad you could make it.”
Nathan followed Jordan and a long string of people to a pew midway toward the front. He slid in and eased onto the padded seat, relieved to be beside Jordan on one side and Marshall on the other. Charlie still seemed to look at him like he had two heads. He preferred not to deal with her as much as possible.
Music started, and the service began without requiring much interaction until the welcome. People from all directions stuck out their hands to shake and welcome him. He turned around, coming face to face with Charlie.
Charlie extended her hand, and he took it. “Officer Greene.” She nodded.
Why did he always feel under scrutiny by her? What reason would she have to distrust him? And yet that was the vibe from her. He shook off the encounter and settled into the pew for the sermon.
The preacher began to speak about not being a face in the mirror. “Brothers and sisters, we can’t simply listen to God’s Word and then ignore it. We must allow it to change us. We have to do what it says.”
Nathan resisted the urge to fidget. Anything for a distraction.
Finally, the pastor invited everyone to stand and anyone to come forward for prayer. Colton and Charlie sauntered hand in hand to the front. Nathan’s mouth gaped. Aware of his expression, he slammed his lips together but stared at the couple. What was that all about?
At the closing of the service, Jordan turned to Nathan. “Join us for lunch?”
Should he decline? Would he miss something? “Sure.”
Nathan followed them to the restaurant and plunked into a chair. A flurry of activity ensued with children and orders and drinks. The busyness quieted.
“Nathan, do you have a church you attend?” Marshall rested his arm on the table.
Nathan’s throat constricted a split second. “No, not right now. My parents still attend what I suppose you’d call the home church.”
Charlie gazed into his eyes. “So, you were raised in the church?”
“Yes. Sunday school and all.” He chuckled, though it sounded fake.
“Me, too. Though I fell away for a while.” She waved her hand in an arc. “These people helped bring me back in line.” Her tone held the most hint of her caring anything about him since he’d met her.
He averted eye contact. “Yeah, well, I’ve not been close to God since…” Nathan allowed his voice to trail off.
“I was there, Nathan.” Charlie’s use of his first name for the first time sounded strange. “I was mad at God for letting people I loved die. My parents and my partner were killed. I held on to that anger for a long time, but I came to realize that He wasn’t responsible or punishing me. He actually had or has a plan for me.”
Nathan adjusted in his seat. Where was this coming from? Why was she being so nice all of the sudden? She had no idea what he’d been through. “That’s good for you, but I was right in the middle of creating a great military career when out of the blue I’m injured and told I may never walk again.” He bit the inside of his jaw to shut himself up. “Anyway, that’s water under the bridge.”
The waitress arrived with their food much to Nathan’s relief. He’d said too much, let them in a little more than he should. Besides—he never got in trouble with the law so there was no record of his past for which he was grateful. Some past secrets should remain buried.
7
Charlie doodled on a notepad as everyone joined her in the conference room. This kind of operation was her area of expertise—undercover. The only difference was they would be bringing back a witness, not bringing down the drug trafficker. She hoped they might accomplish both.
Jordan and Nathan joined her. They exchanged greetings but were interrupted by Captain Parrott’s entrance. The room fell silent but only for a moment.
“Everyone is up to date on this case, so I’ll get right down to business. Our goal is to bring Sydney Russell back here without incident before the traffickers find her. We need to do this safely and covertly.” The captain’s gaze met Charlie’s. “The problem is that many of you might be recognized.” He glanced from person to person then focused on the pages in his hands.
“Officer Greene is the only person who hasn’t been involved with this case in the past and will not be particularly associated with the department. Thankfully with our connection to Homeland Security, there is a new initiative which allows us to work outside the State for the purpose of this case. Because there is no arrest yet, Witness Protection and the Marshals won’t be involved at this point. We need proof first, but we need to keep the witness safe.”
Charlie sat up straighter. Was he saying what she thought he was saying?
“Charlie and Jordan, you will both be plain clothes at the small airport there in Maryland. You two will fly up on an earlier flight. Nathan will follow on a later one. I’ve spoken to Colton and Marshall about using their boss’ newest aircraft to be awaiting you for the trip back. Officer Greene will be performing the actual pick-up. We have a rental there for him and will give him step-by-step instructions via his cellphone.”
Charlie scooted forward in her chair. “Sir, I understand about having been involved with the latest arrests with this group, but I really don’t think it will be that much of an issue. I mean, this is a different guy who wasn’t involved before.” She glanced at Nathan then looked back at Captain Parrott. “It’s not that I don’t trust Nathan, but he’s a trainee in this position.”
The captain cleared his throat. “Charlie, I understand that you and Jordan are more experienced, but look what happened to Rusty. I don’t have any idea what kind of eyes are out there. For all I know, they could already know Nathan is with us. But he’s the most unlikely to be recognized. We have to think of what’s best in this operation. We’ll surveil his every move in case we need to move in.”
Charlie nodded. “You’re right, sir.” Something about Nathan bothered her, though she couldn’t pinpoint what it was.
“Jordan, Charlie, here are your airline tickets. Nathan, here is yours and the item that Sydney’s father dropped off. All three of you should study her picture. The small plastic cookie-cutter is a hand making the sign, I love you. Her father said she would recognize it right off. They searched all over to find it for her birthday last year.”
Nathan passed the picture to Charlie. She studied it for a moment and handed it to Jordan. Their advantage over Nathan was having attended church with Sydney and her family, though the girl had been away at college, Charlie could still pick her out of a crowd.
Charlie turned to Nathan. “Do you have any questions?”
Nathan accepted the photo back from Jordan. “I don’t think so.”
Jordan stood. “Son, if you have any reservations or suspicions or questions. Anything. You contact us. That’s why we’ll be there. We’re backup. We want everybody back safe and sound.” He propped a fist on his hip. “Nobody need play super hero. We’re a team, even though you have some parts to play out on your own.”
Nathan nodded. “I understand. I think I do have a couple of questions now. I know I’m going plain clothes.”
“Pack a carry-on with three days’ worth of clothes,” Jordan said.
“What about gun and badge?”
“Yes, both concealed on you.” The captain crossed his arms. “You still nee
d to be ready should the situation call for it.”
Nathan nodded.
Captain Parrott trudged toward the conference room door and then whirled back around. “Get a good night’s sleep. All three of you. I’m not sure how much any of us will get until this is all over. Dismissed.” He disappeared down the hallway.
Jordan yanked his phone from his pocket. “Let’s make sure before we leave that we all have correct numbers in our contacts. We need to be able to contact each other in a second’s notice.”
They compared numbers in their contacts. The silence as the three walked to the parking lot was thick like cobwebs. A familiar weight lay on her shoulders. That feeling of being responsible for someone else’s life. But this time there was an added heaviness. Could Nathan do this on his own? She wanted with all her heart to trust him like she trusted Jordan, but she just didn’t know him well enough. She and Jordan had endured dangerous assignments, and they had a history of protecting one another. Was that the reason for this queasy feeling in her gut? A lack of history with Nathan? Or was it something else?
~*~
Charlie trailed Jordan through the airport terminal and out to the rental car area. Her stomach rolled with queasiness. But she had just flown from Tennessee to Maryland in a hurry to set up their headquarters at the small airport and await Nathan’s arrival. She swallowed hard at the lump in her throat. Stopping off at a bathroom wasn’t on the agenda.
Jordan flung his overnight bag into the back of the rental car, and Charlie followed suit. They both scooted into the car at the same time.
Jordan glanced at her before he started the engine. “Are you OK? You don’t look like you feel well.”
Charlie rubbed her forehead. “I’ll be all right. I don’t feel too great, but I’m sure my nerves are to blame. I just want to get this done and get that girl back home safely.”
Jordan pulled into the traffic leaving the airport. “The small airport isn’t far from here. Hopefully, we can get set up and grab a bite to eat.”
Charlie nodded. “Sounds good.”
She fidgeted and tried swallowing again. Finally, she tapped Jordan’s arm. “Pull over to the shoulder.”
He immediately signaled and steered the car over. Charlie pushed the car door open and jumped out, vomiting into the grass. She stood straight and took a deep breath. Her stomach seemed calmer now. She slid back into the car and fastened her seatbelt. “Sorry.”
“Charlie, I hope you haven’t caught some kind of bug or something.”
“You and me both. That would make this operation over-the-top unpleasant.”
“We’re almost there. We’ll find you a nice sandwich. Nothing greasy.”
Charlie chuckled. “You sound like Alyssa. She really is a super mom.”
Jordan laughed. “Yeah, well, when you live with a woman for almost fifteen years, she starts to rub off on you. You’ll see. And bless her heart. She did struggle when she was pregnant with morning sickness. Except it didn’t only happen in the mornings.”
Charlie’s breath caught in her throat. Could that be the reason she was feeling ill? Could she be pregnant? Surely not. They hadn’t even decided to start trying. She’d probably eaten something that disagreed with her or she had a little stomach virus.
Jordan pointed. “The airport is right up ahead there. How about we run through this little place and grab a sandwich?”
“I’m good with that. I’ll get a soda to calm my stomach.”
They settled in a small conference type room off the main lobby at the airport. Charlie’s turkey sandwich seemed to quell the jostling in her stomach, and the soda aided, too.
Jordan propped his elbows on the table. “Now we wait.”
Charlie sighed.
~*~
Nathan’s heart raced. He slipped behind the wheel of the rental car and punched in the address to the Amish market. Charlie had gone ahead of him and planted clothes in a restroom for Sydney. Now all he was required to do was find her at the apple pie booth, exchange money with the note about the clothes, and pick her up outside the restroom door.
The outdoor market came into sight. People milled about all over the grounds. Shouldn’t be hard to blend into that crowd. A truck backed from a parking space up ahead. Nathan pulled close and activated his turn indicator. He parked but paused, sending a quick text about his location.
He slipped out of the car and sauntered toward a row of tables laid with every sort of pastry and produce. As he continued down the next aisle, he spotted a display of large apple pies. Behind the table was a young woman with blonde hair barely noticeable under her Amish cap.
He sidled up next to the table, picking up one of the apple pies. His hand fumbled in his pocket while he studied the woman in front of him. This must be Sydney Russell. He had stared at her picture, memorizing every feature.
Their gazes locked. He extended the money and note, squeezing it into her hand. She smiled and nodded.
Nathan eased the cookie cutter out of his pocket and glanced at it briefly. He returned his gaze to the young woman. Her eyes widened, and she nodded again. Bingo. He had found Sydney. He shoved the object back into his pocket and lifted the pie in his other hand. “Thank you.”
He took his time walking back to the car, giving Sydney time to read the note and change her clothes. Nestling the pie in the back floorboard, he slid into the driver’s seat. He pulled the car to a spot outside the restroom and waited.
Fifteen minutes later, Sydney emerged from the ladies’ room and slipped into the passenger’s seat. Her blonde hair hung long past her shoulders now.
He clicked the door locks and glanced around for any signs of being followed or watched. The area seemed clear. As he put the car in reverse, he glanced at the young woman. “I’m Officer Greene, Nathan.”
“I’m Sydney Russell. But I guess you know all about me.” She grinned and dimples appeared on both cheeks but quickly faded.
Nathan smiled back. ”We need to get you to the airport where you’ll be flown home.”
Sydney fiddled with her seatbelt. Finally, it snapped into place. She straightened her shoulders. “OK, then.” She breathed a heavy sigh. “Let’s go.”
Nathan entered the main highway before calling Charlie. She answered on the first ring. “Nathan, you’ve made the pickup?”
“Yes.”
“You need to hold off on coming to the airport.”
“What?”
“We think Raul has been spotted.”
“What do I need to do?” He kept his voice calm so as not to alert Sydney.
“I’m texting you the address of a bed and breakfast. You two will need to pose as a couple. You’re registered as Mr. and Mrs. Greene. I’ll be contacting you as to your next move.”
“OK.”
“Probably best to pull into a drive-through and then head to the B&B. Keep out of sight. We have to check out this possible sighting of Raul.”
Nathan swallowed. “I understand.”
“And Nathan, remain calm for Sydney’s sake.”
“Of course.”
The call ended and his phone immediately buzzed, indicating a text with the address. Now to explain this to Sydney.
~*~
Sydney wished she could hear the other side of the conversation. Something wasn’t right. She squeezed her hands together in her lap to still the trembling sensation rushing through her body.
Nathan’s call ended, and he eased the car to the side of the road. “There’s been a change in plans.” He programmed an address into the GPS on the dash. “We can’t head to the airport right now. It may not be safe. We’re going to pose as a couple.” He pulled back onto the road as the GPS voice began its guidance. “We’ll stay at a bed and breakfast that’s been arranged for us.”
“You’re serious? I don’t even know you.” The words tumbled out before she processed them.
“I realize this is awkward, but the team works together to assure everyone is safe.”
&nbs
p; Sydney shook her head. “I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so rude.”
He glanced at her and for the first time, she noticed his piercing blue eyes. “It’ll be all right.”
She had no choice but to trust this stranger. He had the cookie cutter. That was a sign directly from her father. But still something about Nathan disturbed her spirit. Lord, calm me.
8
Charlie settled into a booth with Jordan at a restaurant near the airport. With her stomach in knots, she would have to force herself to eat. She leaned over the table near Jordan. “How in the world did this guy track Sydney?”
Jordan ran his hand through his hair. “I don’t know.”
“I get that he may recognize me and you but to possibly spot Nathan and Sydney? He shouldn’t know them well enough to track them.”
“Who knows what moles these guys have anywhere and everywhere.” Jordan shrugged.
The waitress whizzed up to the table and deposited drinks and plates.
Jordan thanked her and then dropped his head to pray. He voiced the prayer aloud, asking for safety and wisdom.
“Jordan, I’m still leery of Nathan taking this on, especially now.”
“We didn’t quite have a choice, Charlie. That was the order.”
“I know. I just have an uneasiness that won’t go away about him. Like this nudging inside me.”
Charlie’s cellphone buzzed. It was Captain Parrott. “Yes. Officer Thomas.”
“Officer Thomas, I just had a conversation with Bobby Russell, Sydney’s brother. Can you put me on speaker so Jordan can here this too?”
“Sure. What’s going on?”
“Ever since our meeting I’ve had this nagging feeling. Given what Bobby told me, I believed you should be informed.”
“All right.”
“It’s about Officer Greene.”
Charlie’s chest tightened.
“Bobby’s mother and Officer Green’s mother were friends growing up. According to reports Bobby overheard, Officer Green has been through some rough times but was doing much better. He had been injured seriously in the military and during his rehabilitation had gotten hooked on some drugs but was now clean.”