The Final Flashpoint

by Iona Morrison

  “Jessie, what are you doing over there?” Pastor Kevin had a puzzled look on his face.

  “I thought I saw something, but it was nothing.” She walked toward Kevin. “I was giving myself a pep talk about the things I have to get done today. It helps if I say them out loud to myself.” She walked in the door he held open for her.

  “I’m the same way. My mom said she used to hear me saying my spelling words in my sleep the night before a big test.” He chuckled. “I don’t remember doing it though.”

  “I guess we all have small quirks that help us get by. I’m notorious for planning and writing notes. I stick them everywhere so I won’t forget.” She unlocked the office door.

  “I don’t know if Melinda has told you, but we’ve had some strange things going on here at the church. I almost believe her story about a church ghost.” He flipped on the lights behind her. “Ever since the students’ bodies showed up in the area, it’s been intense around here.”

  “Melinda did tell me she had heard strange noises in the church. She said that she didn’t want to work when no one else was in the building.” Jessie started making coffee. “Unsolved murders make everyone a little edgy, don’t you think?”

  “You’re probably right. Still, I’ve heard things myself and seen a few things I can’t explain.” Kevin leaned his hip against the counter.

  “Like what?” She pushed the brew button on the coffee maker.

  “Like strange looking apparitions floating in and around the cemetery.” He cleaned his glasses on his shirt as he talked. “I’m a realist, but I felt myself panicking when I saw whatever it was. I ran to my car and didn’t look back. Now I’m wondering if I made it all up.”

  “I understand, but then you already know that I’ve seen Gina’s ghost.”

  “Yes, and truthfully, I thought you were weird until I got to know you. This is all too strange. What is going on? Can you tell me?”

  “You’re asking the wrong person. I’m no theologian, but I do see and hear some strange things. I’ve made peace with it. I’ve always been sensitive to people and their hurts. I don’t know if that has anything to with it or not.”

  “I want to understand. Explain what you’ve had happen to you.” Kevin sat in the chair in front of her desk.

  Jessie told him about some of what had happened with the students. “The connection I felt was strange. I could share the pain and shock they were feeling.”

  “I guess none of us know all of the answers to the questions of life and death, do we?”

  “No, I’m sure we don’t. To me, not knowing all the answers is the main reason why we should treat each other with compassion and kindness. Life is hard enough. We shouldn’t make it harder on each other.”

  “You’re right. Put a few scriptures with it, and that would preach well, I think.” Kevin stood. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”

  “No, I’m fine.”

  “Do you mind if I ask you another question?” Kevin sat, placing his coffee on the edge of her desk.

  “I don’t mind.” She smiled at him.

  “How do you deal with it? Doesn’t it scare you?”

  “At first, I was scared. Matt told me I looked as if I had seen a ghost.” Jessie chuckled. “Later, Reba explained to me how Gina needed my help, and that’s why I could see her.” Jessie straightened in her chair. “I know this might sound strange, but I want to help people, and for some reason, this is how I can. I tell their stories, so they’re not forgotten. It doesn’t scare me anymore.”

  “You’d make an interesting case study.” Kevin laughed.

  “I can only imagine. If telling their stories helps to solve the crimes against them, then it’s worth it to me.”

  “Great attitude.” Kevin stood. “I’ll let you get to work. I may have more questions for you if this stuff keeps happening.”

  “You know where to find me if you do,” Jessie answered the ringing phone. Her morning was off and running.

  ****

  Jessie crossed the street from the church to her store. She took a quick glance toward the cemetery. They were no longer visible to her.

  Audrey held the door open for Jessie. “How was your morning?”

  “I had a nice talk with Pastor Kevin. Pastor John was out for the morning. I was busy answering the phone. With the church dinner coming up, everyone had questions. I know you gave the congregation a flyer with the information in the Sunday bulletin, but I’m convinced people never read them. Melinda told me once they made good bookmarks.”

  “I hope you weren’t too busy.” Audrey grabbed her purse from under the counter. “It’s my turn this afternoon.”

  “I like to be busy.” She smiled. “It makes time seem to go faster.” Jessie walked with her to the door.

  “Before I forget to ask, did Pastor Kevin talk to you about all the strange things happening at the church?” Audrey stood in the open door.

  “He mentioned a few things to me. Have you noticed anything?” Jessie asked.

  “No, thank goodness. I don’t believe much of the stuff Melinda tells me, but Pastor Kevin seemed genuinely troubled by some things. I heard him talking with Pastor John one morning. Anyway, I’m glad he talked to you about it.” Audrey waved as she closed the door.

  Jessie watched her cross the street. A confrontation must be getting close. She looked at the cemetery. What had Pastor Kevin seen? Jessie knew it bothered him whatever it was.

  ****

  Matt’s head was spinning. He couldn’t believe how efficient Sanders was in comparison to Kaufman. He brought a completely new range of ideas with him. Sanders filled in a lot of holes in the investigation for Matt. The FBI had been watching Roth and three of the four men for some time. The American was new to the group, but agents were digging into his background. Details crammed the files on each man. Facts which Matt had needed to see at this time. A theory was starting to come together in his mind. When Jessie and he had shut down the Harvest Club, he had unknowingly crossed paths with Roth. It had happened again in Palm Springs. Roth was the front man for a terrorist group ready to buy weapons. He could understand why Roth was angry. His well had dried up, and Roth had lost millions of dollars. How the kids fit in the picture was still an unknown, but with all the dedicated agents working on the case he was confident they would discover the link. One fact they all agreed on was that this was a terrorist group here to attack a major event. They wanted to take out as many people as they could. It had to be sensational enough to cause people to panic.

  Usually, a terrorist group remained in the shadows, not wanting to tip the authorities to their presence. These perps had made several bad moves, which didn’t make sense. Why would Roth, who was meticulous and elusive, be careless and stupid? Unless, of course, it was all a part of his plan. Damn, what was their game? Matt read over the files and the notes he had made. Somewhere in all this paperwork, there had to be an answer.

  Think, Matt. His mind worked through several scenarios. Each one seemed more improbable than the one before it, but then again, maybe not. He stood and went to find Tom. He had stumbled on something. He knew he was getting close.

  Chapter 30

  After work, Jessie visited Carlos. He gave her some great material on his friends for her articles. He had mentioned something in passing that was still troubling her. Matt would need to know the details if he didn’t already. Jessie drove by the station on her way home to see if Matt was still there. She parked her car in the lot. At least a few of the reporters had gone home for the night. There was no way she wanted one of them to shove a mic in her face and ask a question.

  “Hey, sweetheart, I was going to call you later. What’s up?” He stood to give her a hug.

  “I was at the hospital visiting Carlos. We had a great conversation. He said something in passing that’s bothering me, and I wanted to run it by you. I took a gamble and came to see if you were still here.”

  “Sit.” He pointed to the chair. “Tell me what’s troubl
ing you.” He sat on the corner of his desk.

  Jessie sat and crossed her legs. She took her notes out of her purse. “I wrote it down, and I want to tell you the way he said it. He was talking about Amir and Darsha’s relationship being in trouble. Not that they weren’t in love; they were. Darsha’s parents were trying to break them up. Her parents had arranged a marriage for her years ago. They had many arguments about her dating Amir. The young man she was to marry had recently arrived in America from India. He was not happy that Amir was dating her. They had several intense arguments. When I talked with Darsha, she made it sound like Amir’s family was angry. Carlos made it sound more as if it was Darsha’s family. There was plenty of drama in the lives of these kids.”

  “Wow, I didn’t know they still had arranged marriages anymore.” Matt shook his head.

  “Some countries still do. It must be hard for families who immigrate here and discover our free lifestyle when it comes to dating. I imagine her parents were exasperated by her defiance.”

  “Attraction and love are strange emotions. Look at us. We fought it so hard, and yet here we are.”

  “True, but we were raised in this culture. Darsha, on the other hand, was not. She must have had strong feelings for Amir to go against her parents and everything they taught her. I have no idea if this has anything to do with his death, but I find it strange that she was not there on the day they were abducted, and now I wonder why. I also wonder about the young man she was supposed to marry. You might need to have a chat with him.”

  “You think? Have I told you lately that I like how your mind works?” He nodded, his expression thoughtful. “No one else got that out of Carlos when he was interviewed. Of course, Maxwell or Dickerson aren’t half as pretty as you are. Carlos was out of his league when it comes to you, and I know just how he feels.”

  “Oh, you do, and how does he feel? I’d like to know. For research, of course.” She poised her pencil to write.

  “Well, if it’s for research, I’ll be happy to answer. I know when I look at you I have a hard time keeping my thoughts in order in my head. I see the light in your eyes and those dimples of yours, and I want to do anything I can to make you smile so I can see them again. I’ve even run off at the mouth to keep you standing near me for a few minutes more. Yep, Carlos was mesmerized.”

  Jessie laughed. “Knowing Carlos, I’m not his style, but you made a great attempt at being romantic, and I’m touched.”

  “You’ve only seen a small side to my romantic possibilities.” He leaned close to her, so close her breath fluttered across his face. “I know what I want, and I’m going to use every weapon in my arsenal to win your hand.” He smiled at her intake of breath. “When it comes to you, I plan to pull out all the stops.” He straightened back on the corner of the desk. “Dickerson wants to meet you. He left earlier for the day, which is his loss. I suppose I’ll have to bring him to the store tomorrow.”

  This side of Matt interested Jessie. “You don’t sound so happy about it.” She chuckled.

  “What can I say? He’s a single male, he’s an agent, and some would say he’s good-looking in some off-beat kind of way, and you’re you. I don’t like the idea of him being within twenty miles of you.” Matt folded his arms over his chest.

  She stood and kissed his cheek. “You’re a dear, and you can stop teasing me. I’ll meet your agent whenever you bring him by. As for you,” she poked her finger in his chest, “I’ll have to spend more time reassuring you and stroking your ego.” He grabbed her pointing finger, and Jessie found herself wrapped in his arms.

  “You do that, sweetheart.” He kissed her soundly and nibbled on her ear. “I’ll be doing my own convincing. I think it will work out well for both of us.”

  Jessie wiggled out of his arms and took a big step toward the door. “You’re at work for heaven sakes, and there are people around.” She heard voices out in the hall.

  “I know where I am. I don’t want to kiss them, Jess. Besides, they all know we’re an item and that I have it bad when it comes to you.” His lips crinkled at the corners. “The guys rib me every chance they get.”

  “I know all about male banter because of growing up near Liam and Connor. I’m sorry, it can be rough.” She moved toward him and ruffled his hair.

  He took her hand in his. “Dylan’s the one they’re the hardest on. They still think of me as their boss.”

  “Speaking of Dylan, I’m headed to the Inn for dinner. Katie has been pouting and telling me I haven’t spent any time with her lately. We talk almost every night, but only in person counts in her mind.” She kissed him. “Call me later.” She walked out of the room and looked over her shoulder at him. There was a goofy grin on his face.

  “I’m going to win,” he whispered.

  “Only if I let you.” She mouthed the words back at him,

  Chapter 31

  Jessie made it to the car, rubbery legs, and all. Gosh, his crooked grin pulled at her heartstrings. She had no doubt he would win because she would let him. It was her choice, and he definitely was her choice. He almost made her forget about what Carlos told her. She needed to talk to Darsha without her aunt in the same room.

  She started her car. Was Darsha’s family involved? Had they hired someone? They seemed like a nice enough family, but nice people were capable of murder under the right circumstances. She had seen it often enough in years covering the news. Still, it was a stretch.

  Walking up the steps to the Inn, she could hear Liam and Connor laughing. She hesitated, but opened the door knowing they would probably tease her; anything to see her blush.

  “Jessie, where’s your cop boyfriend?” Connor placed her hand on his waiting arm.

  “I left him still working at the station.” She tried to pull her hand away, but he held tight. “You both have an evening off?” Jessie looked from Liam to Connor’s laughing face.

  “No. We’re taking a little time off for dinner and trying out a new guy at the pub under the watchful eye of a friend.”

  “Sweet.” She tried to pull her hand away again.

  “I’m not letting go. Matt should be here soon. Katie called right after you left and invited him to dinner. I don’t want Matt to get complacent when it comes to you. There’s nothing like a well-placed kick to jump-start a man’s heart.” Connor chuckled.

  “More like his wrath,” Jessie mumbled under her breath. “His heart is in fine shape when it comes to me. You can stop meddling if you don’t mind.” She yanked her hand free and walked away. She wanted to stuff a sock in Connor’s mouth to stop his hooting.

  Jessie almost made it as far as the kitchen when Connor came up on one side of her and Liam on the other. Liam threw his arm around her. “Jessie, we want to help your slow-moving guy along. If he doesn’t hurry, one of us might have to steal you right out from under his nose.”

  “Like that would ever happen. He’s moving fast enough. I’m the one dragging my feet.”

  “Matt hasn’t convinced you yet. Is that what you’re saying?” Liam ducked just in time to avoid her slapping hand.

  “No, you’ve got it all wrong. You’re putting words in my mouth.” Jessie lifted her hand again.

  “I should hope they have it all wrong.” Matt’s voice came from behind her. “I thought for sure my campaign was working the way it was supposed to.” His lips curved into a smile.

  Great! Jessie bristled and pushed Liam’s arm off her. “They’re wrong as usual. Your campaign is fine, and if they had given me time to finish my response, they would know I’m happy with…ouch.” She rubbed the place where Liam had pinched her.

  Liam interrupted. “If it’s not Matt who needs a nudge, then Connor and I are maybe going about this all wrong. We need to throw some girls at Matt. I think Jessie might be too sure of herself.”

  “Jess is fine, and we don’t want you two clowns to help us at all.” Matt winked at Jess. “We’ve got it all figured out, don’t we, sweetheart?” Matt pulled her into his side. “We�
�re enjoying the ride.”

  Jessie’s face warmed to a rosy blush. “We sure are.”

  Liam looked at her. “Our Jessie is blushing. I think Matt can handle this all by himself.”

  “Dang, but I think you’re right, bro,” Connor chimed in. “Jessie was always a blusher; it makes teasing her all the more fun.”

  Jessie laughed. “Matt, I think you and I need to do a little matchmaking and torment these two for a while.”

  “I’m in, sign me up.” Liam chuckled. “You can throw the women my way.”

  “I’m in, too,” Connor added. “I’ll give you my wish list.”

  “You’re incorrigible.” Jessie tousled Connor’s hair. She knew he hated it when his hair was messy. “That’s what you get for teasing me.”

  “Ah, Jessie, you make it so easy, sweetheart.” Connor chuckled. “I know I can get a rise out of you every time.”

  Matt smiled. “She walks right into it with her eyes wide open. Ouch.” He winced when she poked his ribs with her elbow. “You know you do, sweetheart.”

  “Never side with them against me.” She smiled as she poked him again. “What is this, gang up on Jessie night to watch her blush?” She tossed her hair over her shoulder and left the three of them standing in the entryway grinning like idiots. “Men are such pains,” she muttered under her breath as she walked into the kitchen. “Pleasant, but royal pains.”

  “Who are royal pains?” Katie was tossing the salad with dressing.

  “Men, especially Connor and your brother.” Jessie stood beside Katie, watching her dice green onions. Katie tossed them into the salad.

  “I’m not sure you could call them men. Liam’s more like a man-child.” Katie gave her a puzzled look. “I guess most of them are, at some point. Anyway, I’m glad they’re picking on you and finally leaving me alone. Those two can be brats.” Katie handed her the bowl of salad. “Put this on the table. You know where I like it.”