by Paula Mowery
“Oh!” Alyssa jumped to her feet, pulling Emma up, and wrapped her friend in a bear hug. She pulled back, arm’s length. “I’m so happy for you. Both of you.”
Jordan stood and clapped Marshall’s back. “Congratulations.”
“Hey, I guess you must have gotten your confirmation.” Colton strolled up to the group with Charlie close behind.
Charlie joined in the hugging going on between his wife and Emma. “That’s wonderful news. When are you due?”
“I’m not sure. We’re going for an ultrasound next week. I’ll know more then about when and how many.”
“How many?” Jordan said.
“Yeah, the doctor said with the pills Emma took, we might have more than one in here.” He patted Emma’s stomach.
“Hey, what about the motorcycle ride you two took?” Jordan looked at Colton and Charlie.
Colton and Charlie eyed each other. A pink tint washed over her cheeks.
“It was a great ride. I think Charlie enjoyed it.” Colton’s brows rose.
“I really did. We had a beautiful day and scenery. And the cookout was good too.” Charlie’s gaze met Jordan’s.
“She thinks she might just need to consider purchasing her own motorcycle.” Colton elbowed Charlie.
The electricity between Colton and Charlie was unavoidably apparent. Obviously, there was more enjoyment than just the bike ride itself.
Rusty Smith caught Jordan’s eye. “Excuse me just a minute.” He jogged over to where Rusty stood with a group of high school guys. “Hey, Rusty, how are things?”
“We’re making it, together. We’re going out to lunch and then to my house to spend a little time together.” Rusty glanced at the group of young men and then back at Jordan.
Jordan spotted Rusty’s wife trailing behind the group. She slipped beside her husband and lowered her voice. “Can’t we go home just us?”
Rusty looked her in the eyes. “The guys need me.”
She bowed her head. “We do too.”
Rusty ignored the last comment. He proceeded down the hallway with his class in tow.
Kim smiled at Jordan. Her cheeks glowed red. She reached for her two children’s hands and led them in the opposite direction.
Jordan’s heart ached for Rusty’s wife. She had practically begged Rusty to spend time with her and their children, but he had refused. Were there problems there? Jordan shook his head. The effects of drugs really were far reaching. Even into the innocent bystanders.
FOURTEEN
Colton whistled on the way to the airplane hangar. As he entered, Marshall turned toward him and grinned. “So, how’s the dating going? By your mood, I’d think probably well.”
“Will I sound lame if I say I think she’s the one?”
Marshall chuckled and shook his head. “No, you don’t sound lame.”
Colton stroked his chin. “You know, she still has this mysterious side though. I feel like I don’t know everything.”
Marshall rolled his eyes. “Get used to that, brother. Women are that way. I mean, do you ever really get them? I’m not sure.” He shrugged and jumped into the plane.
Colton called out to him. “Hey, I’m gonna run inside to the restroom and grab a soda. You want something?”
“Yeah, if you don’t mind, bring me one.”
“Sure, I’ll be right back.”
Colton jogged back through the double glass doors of the Flight Base Operations and slipped into the men’s restroom. He then ducked into the pilot’s lounge for the sodas. When he headed back toward the exit, a familiar face caught his attention. Rusty Smith sat in the corner of the lobby, files spread across his lap. Colton had no time to spare to speak. He crossed the tarmac and hopped into the back of the plane, handing Marshall his drink.
“Rusty Smith from the church was in the lobby. Does he work here or something?”
“Well, he sells life insurance. I think that requires him to meet with people wherever they are.” Marshall shrugged.
“Makes sense. I didn’t know what he did for a living.”
Colton adjusted his seatbelt and donned his headset. He glanced out the side window, glimpsing a dark form. His chest tightened. The man turned his way and Colton was sure it was the same man who had been propositioning him about carrying the parcel. He breathed in and exhaled slowly.
He wouldn’t mention this to Marshall. No need to rile up his friend unnecessarily. With their destination being Florida today, Colton was shocked he hadn’t been approached in person again. Maybe the man had finally given up on convincing him to carry his package. Relief flooded him and his chest loosened. He didn’t want anything to taint his impression on Charlie. Did he sound like an old married man like Marshall and Jordan? He chuckled to himself. Thoughts of marriage and Charlie paraded through his mind as they taxied the plane to the runway.
* * *
Jordan pulled into the parking lot in front of the family life center at the church. Hayden had chattered the whole ride from the house.
“Dad, you think we got a chance with our car?” Hayden was already unhooking his seatbelt.
“Sure, you’ve got a chance. But it doesn’t matter. Win or lose, this will be a fun day.”
“Hey, there’s Joel and his dad.” His son waved vigorously.
Rusty and Joel jogged over. “So, are we ready guys?” Rusty patted each boy on the head.
“Yeah.” Both boys chimed in together.
Jordan looked at Rusty. “Well, I guess that’s a go.”
The foursome marched up to the entrance and stopped at the registration table. They slapped on their nametags and followed the boys to a mission exhibit. Jordan paused and stared at Joel’s nametag. His last name wasn’t Smith.
“Hey, Dad, can we go watch the missionary guy?” Hayden pointed to a nearby table.
“Sure, go ahead. I’m right behind you.”
Hayden pulled on Joel’s arm and they joined a group sitting in a huddle.
“Jordan, thanks again for helping Joel with his car.”
“No problem. I’ll admit, I enjoyed doing it. I can’t wait to see them race later.” Jordan glanced toward the boys.
“Joel has talked of nothing else for days.” Rusty chuckled and shook his head.
“I don’t want to be nosy, but I noticed that Joel doesn’t have your last name.”
“Yeah. I feel like the two boys are mine, but Kim and I married just two years ago. Her husband was killed in the military. She was a teller at the bank I use. I guess they say the rest is history.” Rusty smiled.
“Wow, I never knew. What a great testimony. Do you think you will adopt the boys someday?”
Rusty shrugged. “Oh, I don’t know. I suppose maybe one day.”
* * *
Charlie moseyed into Jordan’s office on Monday morning. He waved her in. She plopped down in the chair across from him and waited for him to finish his phone call. She ignored his side of the conversation. Her brain was much too full to concentrate on other things. Colton crowded most other topics from her mind these days. She agonized over her attraction to him. More than an attraction. But she was a complete liar.
Jordan signed off and looked at her with eyebrows raised. Seemed like an invitation to share what was going on inside her head.
“Jordan, I’m struggling. I feel so bad keeping my job from Colton. My job is such a part of me that I feel like a complete liar. I know he can tell I’m not being totally open with him, but what do I do?”
Jordan’s face softened. “I don’t know what to tell you. Feels like we’re getting nowhere with this case. After interviewing those high school guys, I got nothing.”
Charlie slumped and sighed.
“And, I just got a phone call from the high school. A student was caught selling. Aaron Bickman. He’s being brought in. He’s from the church too.” Jordan massaged his temples.
“I have to be in on the questioning, no matter if I’m revealed or not.”
“I agree.” Jord
an’s phone buzzed.
“The Bickerman boy is in the conference room,” the assistant’s voice carried through the speaker.
Jordan looked at Charlie with an intense gaze. “Let’s go.”
The two entered the conference room, but Aaron kept his eyes glued to the floor near his feet.
Jordan scraped a chair from under the table and plunked into it, scooting close to the boy’s seat. “Aaron, we need to ask you some questions.”
Silence.
“Where did you get the drugs you were selling, son?” Jordan’s tone was firm.
No audible answer. Aaron simply shrugged.
Charlie moved to the boy’s other side. “Look, we need to know who has been supplying the drugs to you guys. Do you want someone else to die?” Her voice resembled pleading. Maybe she was pleading.
The only response from Aaron was another shrug.
“Do you understand what kind of trouble this means for you? Your cooperation could make this easier for you.” Jordan leaned in but kept his tone strong and even.
Aaron looked up with cold eyes and a blank expression. “I can’t say.” His voice was low and flat. His eyes held a hint of fear. His gaze returned to the floor at his feet.
Jordan looked at Charlie and nodded toward the door. In the hallway, he ran his hand through his hair and sighed.
“Well, both have been from the same Sunday school class. Let’s see if we have files on any of the other guys,” Charlie said.
“It’s something. Let’s go.” Jordan whipped around and marched to his office. He called the church to get all of the names on the roll of the high school boys’ Sunday school class.
Files showed up for almost every name on the class list. Each boy had been in some kind of trouble with the law. Some appeared directly related to selling or using drugs. Some were for other crimes such as stealing which could be connected to getting money for the drugs.
Jordan slammed a stack of files onto this desk. “How could all this be going on right under my nose and I know nothing about it?”
“You haven’t been working the drug unit, have you?”
“No, not specifically. Homeland security. Bombs, terrorist suspects…”
“There’s your answer. You’ve had no reason to be briefed specifically on these activities until now.”
“I guess you’re right. And I suppose a parent wouldn’t make it public knowledge at the church if their kid had a problem.” Jordan stroked his chin.
“I think we might need to talk to Rusty Smith again. Maybe he can shed some light on this in some way. As close as he seems to be with these guys, surely he’s helped the families in some way. Maybe they’ve confided in him.”
“Yeah, I think you’re right.” Jordan nodded.
* * *
Charlie pored over the files of the boys from Rusty Smith’s Sunday school class.
“Charlie, new development. Meet me back in the conference room.”
She glanced up from the page in her hand into Jordan’s wide eyes. He disappeared down the hallway.
She took the time to log off and close the folder opened on her desk. No need to make it easy for someone to discover her secrets. Tucking a small notepad under arm and sticking a pen behind her ear, she marched to the conference room. The paper and writing utensil played into her cover. Note-taker appeared in the job description.
She barged through the doorway of the conference room but stopped cold. Her eyes caught sight of a cuffed officer.
Jordan motioned her in. “Could you pull the door to, please?”
Charlie reached behind her for the knob and clicked it shut.
Jordan towered above the seated uniformed man whose shoulders drooped and head hung low. “Mr. Sims, do you make it a habit to stash drugs from an arrest in your personal vehicle?”
Sims shook his head.
“Excuse me?” Jordan blurted.
The man glanced up. “No, sir, I don’t.”
Jordan crossed his arms over his chest. “Well, that’s where we found this.” He dropped two small plastic bags onto the table.
Sims shook his head again. “This is the first time. I promise.”
Jordan planted his palms on the table and leaned into the man’s face. “You want me to believe this is the only time you’ve ever taken drugs from a bust?”
“It’s true.” Sims’ voice trembled.
Jordan stared into Sims’ eyes and shook his head.
“I swear. No one’s ever asked me to do it before.”
Jordan straightened to his full height. “Go on.”
“A man offered me money if I would just stash it in my car and leave it unlocked.”
Charlie’s ears perked. That certainly seemed familiar.
Jordan glanced at her and rubbed his chin. “Can you give a description?”
Sims shrugged one shoulder. “Well, he wore dark clothing. Rather nondescript. He carried a dark briefcase.”
The hair on Charlie’s neck bristled. She massaged her forehead.
Jordan propped his hands on his hips. “I’m gonna get someone in here to take down that description. Whatever you can remember.” He motioned for Charlie to follow.
In the hallway, Jordan leaned against the wall and sighed.
Charlie lowered her voice. “Sounds like our same guy.”
“Yep. And he’s working different angles now. Some nerve to retrieve some of your confiscated stuff through bribing a police officer.”
“I guess you can become bolder when you have the authorities obviously stumped.” Charlie ground her teeth, whipped around, and stomped to her office.
FIFTEEN
Colton and Marshall had enjoyed a nice flight to Florida and shared an equally nice lunch. They strolled back toward the tarmac where the plane was tied down. Casual conversation ruled until they neared the airplane.
Someone pulled a box from the cargo area and dashed in the other direction.
“Hey! What are you doing there?” Marshall took off in a sprint but halted, scanning the area. He wheeled around and joined Colton at the back of the airplane. “I lost whoever it was.”
Colton peered inside the cargo area but found nothing missing. But the only things stored back here on a regular basis were extra blankets for long flights. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
“Let’s check the rest of the plane. See if anything was tampered with inside.” Marshall climbed in and made his way to the cockpit.
Colton lingered in the passenger area. “Everything seems fine back here. Maybe the guy had the wrong plane.”
“But I thought I saw something in his hands. And anyway, how would he get into the plane? We locked it right?”
“I’m pretty sure we did. It’s such a routine, I can’t be sure.”
“Why would he take off like that?”
Colton shrugged. “I don’t know. Strange to me.”
Marshall looked Colton deep in the eyes. “This is a little creepy. Let’s go home.”
“Agreed.” Colton joined Marshall in the cockpit area and belted in.
They completed their preflight and took off. A normal flight ensued, and Colton’s nerves calmed. They neared their home base airport and prepared to descend. Colton paused and strained his ears. What was that noise? He slid his earphones off his ears, leaving them hanging around his neck. He focused on the engine hum. Something was different. How long had that sound been going on? He punched Marshall’s arm and motioned for him to remove his headset. “Listen.”
Marshall’s eyes grew large and he looked straight at Colton. “Should we set down?”
“Maybe we should.”
They immediately donned their headsets again and headed for the nearest airport. A smaller airstrip was just up ahead. Marshall calmly and clearly informed the tower of their impending emergency landing.
They were nearing the small airport when the engines sputtered and stopped dead. Both craned their necks to find a place to put the craft down. Marshall voiced over the r
adio that they would not make it to the airstrip.
Colton’s pulse quickened and his breathing was close to panting. There was no need to voice the inevitable. They were going to crash. Time for quick decisions to protect the people on the ground, and give them a chance at surviving.
Marshall glanced at Colton for a split second and then turned back to the controls. The look spoke volumes. It had been a great ride these past several years. Should they not make it, Colton had loved every minute of working together and soaring above the clouds. Colton would enter heaven with his good friend. He hadn’t foreseen this as his end.
The plane glided through a grove of trees. The only choice was to maneuver a landing on the lake. Colton peeked out the side window. The surface of the water rippled.
Marshall tapped Colton’s arm and slung his headset behind him. Colton followed his lead. His friend and co-pilot squared his shoulders. “Okay, here goes.”
Colton slapped Marshall’s arm. “Open your door.”
Marshall nodded. “You’re right. We don’t want to be stuck in here when it sinks.”
A rush of air swooshed into the cockpit as Marshall shoved the door away. He replaced his hands on the wheel.
The scenery outside whizzed by.
“Hold the nose up. We don’t want to flip,” Colton yelled above the gusting air.
Colton stiffened at the first bump. As the craft skidded on the surface of the water, the impact resembled a rocky landing strip. Colton’s body jolted. Finally, the plane stopped its forward motion. Water seeped in around their feet.
Colton nudged Marshall. “Seatbelt.”
The water already came up to his ankles. Marshall crawled through the opening. Colton scooted to the seat Marshall had just abandoned. A hand reached down from the top of the plane. He stood and ducked through the opening and took the offered hand. He joined his co-pilot, sitting on top of the airplane.
Colton crossed his legs and heaved a sigh. “Wow. Good job, man.”
“Thank You, God.” Marshall’s voice quivered.
Colton shivered, but despite his wet feet, it wasn’t from being cold. The sun shone bright, assuring warmth even though fall had broken through. “I can’t believe how quickly that engine just conked out.”