The Final Flashpoint

by Iona Morrison

  “I’d be happy to, unless one of those guys decides to tease me again and then I might throw it at him.” Jessie grabbed the salad bowl from Katie and walked into the dining room.

  “Throw the salad tongs please; I don’t want to make another salad,” Katie called after her.

  “Don’t worry; I’ll make the next one. It’d be worth it just to see the look on one of their faces.”

  “Whose face?” Matt walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

  “Yours if you’re not careful.” She laughed.

  “Who me? I’m always careful.” He turned her around and kissed her cheek. “You bring out the kid in me. What can I say?” He kissed her on the lips.

  “Would you look at this, Liam? I think the cop might know his way around our girl after all.”

  “Give it up, Connor.” Matt waved him off.

  Jessie slipped out of Matt’s embrace. “I need to help Katie bring in the food.”

  “Did I embarrass you, sweetheart?” Matt followed her into the kitchen,

  “Not really, but guests will be coming into the dining room to eat soon.” Her blush gave her away. “Where’s your shadow?”

  “You mean Tom?” Matt carried the meat platter out for her. She nodded. “He dropped me off and went to pick up Frank. He didn’t think I’d get into too much trouble if I were inside with you. Little does he know, huh, sweetheart?”

  “You’re trouble with a capital T for me.” She fluttered her lashes at him and strutted toward the kitchen.

  “Am I? That’s good to know. You’re all I can handle and then some.” Matt followed her. “Why, Miss Reynolds, I think you’re flirting with me.”

  She grinned. “You could be right.” Jessie would have said more, but there were guests in the kitchen and the dining room. She placed the last bowl on the table just as Dylan, Tom, and Frank walked in.

  The night was fun and relaxing. Katie’s meal was perfect, and Liam and Connor entertained everyone with their crazy stories. With the stress of the case looming in front of them, it was what Jessie needed. In the back of her mind, she knew this was a moment of calm before the storm, and she meant to take advantage of it in every way she could. She had no idea what the next few days would bring, but she was sure it would be trying for Matt. What affected him had the power to break her heart.

  Chapter 32

  The kiss seemed awkward with Tom standing a few feet away. Thank heavens it was too dark to see the blush she knew that was staining her cheek. She struggled with her self-conscious feelings.

  “It’s hard having an audience. It takes all the romance out of it,” Matt whispered in her ear. “I promise you won’t have to endure this much longer.”

  “I hate to intrude on your romantic interlude, but you need to wind this up. You’re a sitting duck out here, remember.” Tom folded his arms across his chest.

  Jessie pulled out of Matt’s arms. “He’s right, of course, we have to be careful.” She nudged his shoulder.

  Tom grabbed Matt’s arm. “Come on, lover boy. Let’s get you out of sight.”

  Jessie stood in the open door until he was out of her view. A sense of foreboding careened through her. What if this were the last time she ever saw him? She shook her head to banish the depressing thoughts and fragments of the dream that swirled through her mind. “Stop it!” she cried, “You have to believe he’ll be okay.” Leaning against the door, she locked it. He was gone and the room seemed suddenly empty. What was happening to her? Grasping for an element of control, she closed her eyes, taking deep breaths. It wasn’t working. Several short, rapid breaths came one on top of the other, followed by fear. Lost in a dark vision, only the sudden, persistent knocks at the door brought her back to reality.

  “Jess, open up.” Matt’s voice reached her.

  “What’s wrong?” She yanked the door open.

  Matt frowned. “Are you okay? I knocked for quite a while.”

  “I’m fine.” She reached for his hand. “Did you forget something?”

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” He laced his finger through hers. “We think it’s best if you stay at the house.” Matt pointed at Tom. “You explain it to her. It’s your idea.”

  “The thing is, Jessie, a couple of the suspects have been in your store, and they have to know you’re connected to him.” Tom pointed at Matt. “Neither one of you hide your feelings well. The air crackles between you two when you’re in the same room, and I don’t want them to use you to get at him. I want you both where I can keep an eye on you.” Tom leaned against the door with his chin jutted out. He appeared unmovable to Jessie.

  “You already have a full house, and you don’t need me to add to it.” Jessie glanced at Matt. He showed no reaction on his face.

  “I insist. You have no choice. Pack some things for tomorrow, and we’ll work out all the details later.” Tom gave Matt a slight push. “Help her.”

  “I don’t think this is necessary. I would rather stay here,” she told Matt as she pulled out her overnight bag and placed several items it.

  “But you’re going to do it anyway, aren’t you?” He leaned against the doorframe. “We have no option. This case is about to break open. I want my wits about me, and I don’t want to be worried about you.” Matt reached for her and pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry this will be an inconvenience for you, but if it keeps you alive, it’s worth it, don’t you think?” His chin rested on the top of her head.

  “Of course, and I know you’re right. I’m sure it won’t be long before they make a move. I’ve made it work before, and I wasn’t happy about it then, either.” She grabbed his hand. “I’m not upset with you. I don’t want you to worry.”

  “That’s my girl.” Matt released his hold on her and let her get back to packing. “You seem a little shaken. Are you sure something isn’t wrong?”

  “I’m all right,” she answered tersely. Jessie folded a few more items neatly into her case, and she was done. “Oh, I need my computer.” She flipped off the light in her bedroom and went to her desk. She packed her computer and the book she was currently reading. “Let’s go, I’m ready.” At least she hoped she had all she needed. It wasn’t as if she was leaving town. She went out the door Tom held open, and Matt locked it behind them.

  “You’ll have to leave the driving to us for now. No car,” Tom sounded like a drill sergeant again. “We’ll be nice and cozy, you’ll see.” He smiled at her muttered response. Tom carried her suitcase. “You both get in the car, and I’ll put this in the trunk. I want you both out of sight.”

  “Whatever.” Jessie opened the car door and got in. She latched her seat belt, and her chin tilted upwards.

  “You okay?” Matt turned to look at her.

  “Of course, why wouldn’t I be?” Her voice had a slight edge to it.

  “I know you well enough to know you don’t like any man including me telling you what to do. I might be wrong about it, though.” Matt grinned at her.

  “I’m here, aren’t I? I did what I was told to do.” She emphasized the word told, dragging it out.

  “All I know is when that beautiful chin of yours goes up, someone has crossed the line with you. I’m hoping it wasn’t me.”

  “Like I told you before, I’m not upset with you. I need a little time, and I’ll work through it.” She gave him a tentative smile. “You know me well.” Her frown lines deepened. She turned her head and stared out the window. “Let’s go.”

  ****

  Matt caught the look she gave to Tom when he got in the car. Tom had no idea he had issued a challenge to Jess, and she was no pushover. She was miffed. If Tom were smart, he’d lighten up a little on the drill sergeant routine. “Are we good to go?” His eyes met Jessie’s in the mirror. “Thank you,” he said.

  “For what?” she asked.

  “For coming, I know this is inconvenient for you. It will give me peace of mind having you where I can see you.” He saw her lips turn up at the corners. She knew he
was trying to placate her.

  “It’ll make my job a whole lot easier, too.” Tom turned in his seat. “I won’t have to traipse all over town following this guy so he can talk to you.”

  Tom had gone and ruined it. Matt knew what was coming and tried in vain to stop it. “Jess is a good sport, aren’t you, sweetheart?” He winced at the fire in her eyes.

  “You know, Tom, I’m glad I could make your job easier. It would have been a lot nicer if you had asked me and not told me to do it, though. I’m not one of your agents, I’m just saying. You see, when a man thinks he can insist I do something because he told me to, well, something rises inside of me, and I want to rip his lips off.” Her voice was slow and terse. “I restrain myself when the feeling arises, but it’s there nonetheless.”

  “Oh, I get it. You’re one of those.” Tom’s hand went to his forehead.

  “If by one of those, you mean a woman who thinks you should ask her and not tell her, out of respect for her as an equal, then yes, I guess I’m one of those.”

  “Hell, I didn’t know you were so touchy.” Tom frowned.

  “I’m not, Tom. I’ve worked hard to get where I am. I don’t think it’s asking too much for you to treat me with the same respect I would give to you in the same situation. I would have done what you wanted without any response if you had asked me.”

  “I’m sorry, Jessie, I’m used to barking out orders and having them obeyed.” Tom actually sounded contrite, and Matt had to swallow a grin.

  “Apology accepted. Most men are used to giving orders or lecturing a woman. I’ve worked with many men in my profession over the years. It was incumbent on me to tell them when they had crossed the line and treated me like a subordinate instead of an equal.”

  “Including me, eh, sweetheart?” Matt chuckled.

  “Yes, including you. You do love to lecture me.” She smiled at Matt in the mirror.

  “You’ll have to remind me,” Tom said. “Old habits die hard. I’ve been doing it for years.”

  “Sadie used to say to me that men like to tell women what to do because it makes them feel in control. On the other hand, women think by nagging a man they’ll get him to do what they want. Neither method works, and in the end, it will separate them.” Jessie touched Tom’s arm. “I’d rather be honest and not lose you as a friend. I’m awful touchy when I’m ordered to do something. It started in kindergarten actually.”

  “I can see your point of view. I’ll try to remember it in the future, unless of course, your life depends on my commands. Then you’ll have to move when I say to.”

  “I can live with that.” She smiled at Tom.

  “We dodged one bullet, now we need to do the same with this case.” Matt started the car and headed for home.

  Their conversation turned to the case, but Jessie was too quiet for Matt’s liking. She stared out the side passenger window. He never caught her glance in the mirror all the way home. Matt didn’t think she was still upset. What was she thinking?

  Chapter 33

  Her anger toward Tom had been a huge overreaction on her part. Jessie thought she had this area of her life under control. Matt always treated her like an equal, and her response to Tom had been both ridiculous and extreme for the request. Why? She tossed her hair over her shoulder and frowned at her reflection in the mirror. Disturbing thoughts had infiltrated her mind earlier and only Matt’s persistent knocks on the door had interrupted them. She had been out of control and afraid.

  Her normal assurance and confidence were failing her. Whoever their suspects were, they were dangerous, and the case could get a lot worse before they solved it. For the first time, Jessie wasn’t sure if it would all turn out okay. There were no ghostly impressions, no premonitions of all being well, only a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

  The knock on the door grew louder. “Are you okay in there?” Matt called.

  “I’m fine. Come in,” she told him.

  Matt leaned against the doorframe. “I haven’t seen you react this way in a while. What’s going on?”

  “I asked myself the same thing a moment ago. It’s this case. Three young people are dead. I have no idea how to respond to their spirits. They aren’t like the others I’ve dealt with.” She shook her head. “I’m concerned about you, too. These people are serious. The hell they put those kids through is too much to think about without losing it.”

  “I understand, but what else is bothering you.” Matt pushed away from the door and sat on the bed beside her.

  “Have you listened to the news lately? I’ve been feeling melancholy most of the day. When I was young, my grandmother took me to several protest marches. She wanted me to learn to stand up for not only my rights but also the rights of others. Sadie wanted me to be proud of who I was, but never forget others along the way. She would tell me, ‘Jessie, don’t get it in your head that you’re better than other folks are because you’re not. Everyone has to work hard at being a nice person and making the world a better place.’”

  “Did your mom ever go with you?” Matt asked.

  “She did at first, but my dad would make fun of her, so she gave up her ideas. She always walked on eggshells around my dad. She never knew what would set him off. Over the years, I watched her change into a different person trying to please him. He loves her in his own way, but he tends to be heavy-handed.”

  “I know there are a lot of men like him, but I’m not one of them,” Matt reassured her.

  “You’re getting better.” She patted his hand. “Those were special times with Sadie. She taught me so much. I don’t think I can ever repay her.”

  “I bet you already have. You have a great relationship with her.”

  Jessie smiled. “I do. She’s the best.” She folded her hands in her lap. “Have you ever noticed how life seems to push us to move on and ignore all that is happening?”

  “I call it survival.”

  “Is surviving all that it’s about? What about caring?” She folded and unfolded her hands. “Every day I go to work like nothing is happening around me. I have to make decisions about what I should wear and what to eat for dinner. I make plans for the future as if I have all the time in the world, but in reality, it could all be over in a moment. None of us knows for sure.” She glanced at him. “All the while, three kids are dead. There’s nothing I can do to change it.”

  “You’re right; it’s a mess. The best we can do is be grateful to survive.” Matt grabbed her hand in the act of twisting her hair. “Still, in the middle of the chaos, life hands you a few moments to remind you it’s a joy to be alive. I’m not good with words, but given a chance, I would fight to stay alive with all my strength. I still have things I want to do and see.” Matt tightened his hand around hers. “Look at how hard Carlos fought. No, life isn’t perfect, but it’s all we’ve got.”

  “What’s the purpose of it all?” She felt hope rise in her heart with his words. He would fight to live. She had needed to hear it.

  “I have no idea, and that’s the truth. Greater minds than mine have tried to figure it out—with little success, if my philosophy class was any indication. For me, it’s a no-brainer. I grab the high moments when they come around and go with them.” His hand touched her cheek. “Don’t worry. Survive is what we have to do if we are going to bring closure to these families.”

  “I know you’re right. My thoughts have led me down a crazy rabbit trail today. I don’t get why people do the things they do.”

  “I doubt you ever will, sweetheart. I’ve heard all the answers from many sources, and it always comes back to personal choices.” He stood. “Frank told me to tell you soup’s on,” he called on his way out the door.

  ****

  Jessie had escaped to her room again right after dinner. Matt checked in on her once, saw that she was busy writing, and left her to her work. The blues had colored his day, too. Matt tried hard not to give in to the depressing thoughts, but he hadn’t done a good job of it. The public wanted a
nswers, the families needed them, too, and he had more questions than answers right now. He sat in his recliner, put on his glasses, and began to look over the case file. There had to be something hidden in all the information that Dickerson and Sanders had given him.

  Tom walked into the living room. “I’ve checked all the doors. Are you going to be up much longer?”

  “I want to look over this file again. I need to familiarize myself with these suspects. I’ve never come up against anyone like them in my years on the force.”

  “Not many cops would have. You can see from their rap sheets that this is a way of life for them.” Tom sat on the couch.

  “What are we facing? What are your sources telling you?” Matt looked over the top of his glasses at Tom.

  “These men are ruthless, which is easy to figure out. There are links between Roth and Amir. We know Roth had business ties in Kuwait. Slowly a picture is coming together. It could be he was hired by someone politically opposed to Amir’s father.”

  “When did all these political factions make their way to our soil? It seems strange. The world used to seem like such a big place, and now it’s small, with all the anger spilling across borders and oceans.” Matt took off his glasses and rubbed his forehead.

  “We’ve known it was coming. The Internet makes communication with people from around the world easy. People you’ll never meet in life can chat with you on social media. It’s a recruiting tool for terrorists and political ideologues. Fake news and real news bombard us twenty-four-seven. People tend to believe everything they hear or read on the Internet. They don’t check sources or fact check. This information age is a great boon but can be bad at the same time. You can see the results of how it can work for you with Jeremy, but it can work against you just as well.”