by Robin Caroll
Margie smiled wider. "Why don't you head down to the cafeteria and get yourself a big cup of coffee?" She reached into her pocket and passed Layla a five-dollar bill.
"Thank you, but I'm fine."
"I insist. I think you need the caffeine. And I'll tell Maddox where to find you when he finishes up with the commander."
Layla scooted off the examining bed. "Oh, okay. That sounds good. Thank you."
"You go right on ahead, honey. Get you some coffee and get some color back into your pretty face."
Like the blush wasn't enough?
Layla mumbled another thanks, then headed out of the examining area, past the emergency room waiting space, and toward the main entrance. She pushed the button at the elevator bay and waited.
What was she going to do about Maddox? There was no denying something strong pulsed between them. She could pretend it wasn't happening, or try to figure it out.
The elevator dinged and the doors slid open.
Ms. Betty stepped out. "Hello, Layla, dear."
"How are you?" She grabbed a quick hug as the elevator shut.
"As well as can be expected." The elderly lady frowned as she lifted Layla's bangs over the bandage. "What happened to you?"
"Just a little incident. I'm fine." She didn't want to go into details. Her mind was whirring already without reliving the moments. "What are you doing here?"
"I was just up visiting with Pastor. He's doing so well, now that they know what's wrong with him and how to treat it. The doctors expect to release him this afternoon."
"That's wonderful." The image of the church burning smoked across her mind. "But the church . . ."
"It's awful, dear, but God will provide for us. He always does. Matter-of-fact, church services will be held at the high school tomorrow morning. Same time as normal. That principal, he's such a wonderful man." She laid her hand over Layla's. "You will attend, won't you, dear? We'll be having a special prayer for Cameron."
"I'll be there."
"Well, then, I'll see you tomorrow." Ms. Betty gave a final hug, then shuffled off toward the doors.
Layla pressed the button and waited for the elevator again. But this time, she said silent prayers of thanksgiving for God's provision. And protection.
"HOUSTON, HOW DID YOU know Margie was the one?" Maddox led the way down the corridor to the elevators.
His partner stopped in his tracks. "What?"
He hadn't really meant to ask the question. He'd been thinking it and it just slipped out. Too late to retract it now. "I asked how you knew Margie was the one for you. Back when y'all were dating."
Houston chuckled. "This about Layla?"
"Never mind. I shouldn't have asked." Maddox punched the button with more force than necessary.
The elevator doors opened. They stepped inside, and the doors shut, pitching the two of them into silence.
"I knew because she made it worth it to get up in the morning, just to see her smile. I could see myself having kids with her, growing old and enjoying grandchildren with her." Houston stared at the floor of the car. "She made me a better person. Still does."
Maddox could understand. Layla was the first thing that entered his mind when he woke up and the image that haunted his dreams. She made him want to be great. "How long after meeting her did you know? Did it take weeks or months?"
Houston lifted his head and met Maddox's eyes. "I suppose it's different for everybody, but with me and Margie, I knew the first day I met her that there was something special about her." He grinned. "I was a little on the hardheaded side back then, so I didn't recognize the way I felt for a couple of weeks."
"Was hardheaded?" Maddox grinned.
"Hey, Margie wasn't as sweet back then either. She was quite the spunky lady."
The elevator stopped on the bottom floor, and they headed to the emergency room.
"Margie's always kept you on your toes."
"Shoulda seen her before we got married. Partner, that woman nearly drove me insane. She could be downright difficult."
"Because you're so easygoing, right?"
"But of course." Houston grinned as he approached the nurses' station.
Margie snuck up behind him and planted a kiss on the back of his neck.
Houston's face reddened, but he gave her a quick peck on her cheek. "Hi, honey. How's it going?"
"Pretty good." She smiled at Maddox. "We discharged Layla, so I sent her to the cafeteria to get some coffee. Poor thing looked like she needed a jolt of caffeine."
"So, she's okay?" Maddox's heart beat a little faster.
"Got about eighteen stitches. No concussion. She's fine."
"Did she mention Ed Young?" She'd yet to talk about what happened before they arrived on scene.
Margie frowned. "No. And that's got me a little worried. Most victims of such a traumatic event rattle on and on about what happened. How scared they were. How they thought they were gonna die. But not Layla." Margie shook her head. "She didn't mention it at all."
"Is there any chance she's forgotten because of the knot on her head? We assume Young hit her with the gun when we arrived, but it was so high up, we can't be sure."
"I don't think she's forgotten anything, Maddox. I think she remembers all too well."
"Thanks, Margie. I'm glad you were here to be with her."
Margie grinned wide. "You've got a sweet spot for her, don't you?"
His face heated.
Margie laughed. "Oh, my. I never thought I'd see the day when Maddox Bishop fell head over heels."
Houston joined in.
"So glad I could give you both such entertainment." His face felt as hot as an ember.
"But Layla Taylor's quite the handful, Maddox." Margie sobered. "She's the type that'll keep you in line. Just what you need."
"Thanks." He nodded to Houston.
His partner gave his wife a quick kiss, then followed Maddox to the cafeteria.
"Margie's right, you know," Houston said from behind him.
"About what?" Maddox slowed enough for his partner to fall into step beside him.
"You and Layla. Y'all make a good pair."
Maddox couldn't stop the grin. He thought so too. Now if he could just convince Layla. "Cats and dogs, right, partner?"
LAYLA SAT ALONE IN the hospital cafeteria, sipping the strong coffee. People milled around her, their voices lifting into a cadence that penetrated her drug-induced fuzziness, but she ignored them. Ignored everything but what kept flipping about in her own mind.
She could have died today.
Ed was prepared to kill her. No, he was determined. And had it not been for Maddox and Houston showing up when they did, he probably would've succeeded.
Having such a close call really put things into perspective.
Like her family. She desperately wanted to hear Alana's voice. Tell her that she loved her. But Layla didn't have her cell phone anymore, so it would have to wait until she got home. And Layla had been praying earnestly for Cameron. His recovery would be a long haul for her sister, but Alana was up to it. She loved her fiancé deeply, and they'd overcome this.
And Layla's job. She loved being a contractor. Loved building and remodeling. But she'd let her job become a high priority. She didn't spend enough time away from construction. She didn't enjoy life fully. Not like Jesus wanted. He paid a high price for her life—she should be doing more to enjoy it.
Which brought her to Maddox. After Randy, she'd built a wall around her heart, determined never to let anyone close enough again to hurt her that way. But Maddox . . . well, he'd chipped away at that wall until her heart stood ready for the picking. His picking.
But he wasn't a Christian, and that was the biggest obstacle. After the disaster with Randy, Layla had spent a lot of time in prayer, searching God's Word for direction. And the wisdom revealed to her was that she shouldn't even date someone who didn't share her faith.
So, how could she even contemplate a future with Maddox?
&nb
sp; "Hi, there. Are these seats taken?" From out of her mind, Maddox stood before her.
She smiled at him and Houston. "Of course not. Sit down."
They did, their chairs grating against the tile floor. She tried not to shudder as the sound rattled against her sore head.
"How're you feeling?" Maddox laid his hand over hers.
Warmth spread throughout her body. God, if I can't fall in love with him, why do I feel this way around him? Is this a test? Am I supposed to resist the temptations of my own heart?
"My head aches a little, but the doctors say I'm fine."
"Our commander would really like to get your statement today." Maddox kept his voice low, which she greatly appreciated.
"Okay."
"If you aren't up to it, we can put him off until Monday."
Houston's kindness made her smile. "No, that's fine. I'd rather get it over with." She let out a little sigh. "So, can we do it here? Now?"
Maddox squeezed her hand. "Because I shot the suspect, we can't take your statement. We need you to give it to another detective. Down at the station."
Splinters, why not? "Okay." She stood.
Maddox and Houston stood as well. Maddox put his hand under her elbow. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Tired now. I'll be fine."
Houston moved to her other side. "It shouldn't take long to give your statement, then we'll take you home so you can get some rest."
"And I can pick up my car," Maddox added.
Rest. Yes, she needed that something awful. And then she needed to spend some serious time in prayer.
To decide what to do about Maddox.
THIRTY-SEVEN
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
—MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
LEAVING WAS HARDER THAN he thought.
Maddox tightened his grip on the handle of his duffel and stood in Layla's foyer. She'd given her statement, Houston had left, and he knew Layla needed sleep. But somehow, the thought of leaving her left a void in his chest.
He hadn't been able to sit in with her as she gave her statement, but he'd read it later. She hadn't talked with Houston and him on the way home about Young and what had happened. She must really be hurting inside.
"Thanks again. For everything." Her eyes were heavy, as if gravity pulled them to a close.
As much as he wanted to stay, he had to leave. For her. For him.
He leaned over and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "Call me if you need anything."
She smiled, but fatigue tugged at her facial features. "I will."
He gave her another kiss, this one on the cheek, then opened the front door. It took every ounce of his being to walk down the steps and get into his Mustang. His emotions fought to stay, but his mind made him start the engine and back out of her drive.
Layla gave a little wave, then shut the door.
He should probably go home and get some rest too, but his mind and emotions were too tightly wound. He needed something more. To talk. To get a grasp of what was happening to him. To get some semblance of peace.
Somewhere in the midst of it all, he realized he'd fallen for Layla Taylor. Even more, he realized that he loved being an in-the-action type of guy. Suddenly it didn't matter that he wouldn't get promoted anytime soon. Now that things were the way they were between Pop and him . . .
Without really considering where he was going, Maddox found himself heading to his father's house. Since their talk, Maddox burned to get to know his father better and really forge a relationship. That Pop had let go of all his bitterness about Mom's murder . . . well, the changes in him were amazing, and Maddox couldn't help but wonder if Layla was right—Christianity and faith were the reason.
After all, God seemed to answer when he'd prayed during his climb to get Layla.
He pulled into Pop's driveway, his mood already lighter. He tightened his jacket as he climbed up the stairs.
Pop opened the door before he could knock. "Hey, son."
"Hi, Pop."
"Come on in. I have coffee ready."
Maddox stepped into the house. He hung his jacket on the peg, then followed his father into the kitchen. While Pop poured him a cup of coffee, Maddox took a moment to notice his father's home.
After Mom had died, Pop sold the house and bought this one. He said they didn't need the memories. Maddox only lived there for a few months before he left home. He'd been so wrapped up in his own anger and guilt that he hadn't paid attention to the details of the house.
But now that he looked at the cheery yellow kitchen, he could see how Pop mimicked the décor of their house with Mom. Even the way the canisters were set out on the counter was Mom's way.
Maddox swallowed and took the cup from Pop. How horrible it must've been for his father—to leave the home he'd shared with the love of his life, only to not realize he'd copied so much.
"What's on your mind?" Pop leaned over the counter, studying Maddox.
"Hey, can't a son come by and visit his father?"
"Of course." Pop took a sip of coffee, still peering at Maddox over the rim. "But this isn't one of these times."
"No, I guess not." Maddox leaned on the opposite side of the counter.
"Well, are you gonna make me pry it out of you?"
Maddox grinned. "It'd probably be easier for me if you did."
Pop set down his cup. "Then it must be about a woman."
"How'd you know?"
"There are very few things a man doesn't willingly want to talk about. A woman's the main one." Pop chuckled.
"They are a touchy subject." Maddox took a sip of his coffee. Strong and black, the way Pop always drank his. Maddox welcomed its briskness.
Pop ran his finger around the lip of his mug. Not prying. Not asking. Letting Maddox gather his thoughts.
"We've never really talked about you and Mom, before I was born, I mean."
Pop smiled. "Ah, how I fell in love with her. Or rather, how she fell in love with someone like me."
"No, not that at all. Just wondering how you knew. How you knew she was the one for you."
"I first met Abigail in the spring. I was new to Louisiana, Dad having just transferred to the state. Starting a new school midyear wasn't fun, but my first day I saw Abigail. She was beautiful. Took my breath away." Pop's eyes took on a misty, faraway appearance.
"She was a senior, same as me, and I saw her that first time in the courtyard during lunch. Man, that woman's smile could bring a man to his knees something quick."
Maddox smiled.
Pop looked at him. "You have her smile, you know."
His knees weakened. He slipped into the bar stool next to the counter.
"Anyway, there she was with George, laughing and sharing a piece of cake."
"Wait a minute—Uncle George?"
"Yeah." Pop grinned. "Didn't realize we'd been friends so long, did you?"
"I always assumed you and Uncle George were friends, not Mom and him."
"Oh, they were more than friends. They dated. Nothing serious, they both assured me later, but they were going out that first day I saw her."
"Wow. What happened?"
Pop took another sip of coffee. "Well, I caught her eye from across the courtyard. I was a goner as soon as she turned those baby blues on me." He smiled again. "You have her eyes too."
He knew that. Had always been proud of his eyes. His mother's eyes.
"The way she told it, she knew the moment she saw me that I was trouble, but she couldn't resist." Pop chuckled. "I think it was the other way around."
Now Maddox laughed. "Mom? Trouble?"
"Son, you have no idea. Your mother was quite the independent woman. Wasn't gonna take any suggestions from any man, much less an order." Pop ran a hand down his face, grinning as he waded through memories. "She'd light into me if I so much as told her what movie I wanted to go see."
"Not Mom."
"Oh, yeah. She'd tell me where I was
taking her for dinner, what movie we were gonna see, and where we were gonna go park." Pop shook his head. "That woman knew her own mind, that's for sure."
He'd never seen that side of Mom.
"So that first day, after I looked at her and could tell she was interested, I marched right across the courtyard, introduced myself, and asked her out right on the spot."
"What happened?"
"She smiled, nearly knocking me over, turned, and told George she was going out with me, then accepted." Pop lifted his cup. "We were inseparable from that moment on."
"What about Uncle George?"
"I think he knew me and Abigail were meant to be together. Everyone said it was obvious. He and I became best friends, and Abigail couldn't have been happier. We were the Three Musketeers, you know."
Maddox thought of Layla. "So, it was basically love at first sight for you and Mom?"
"No, more like infatuated at first sight. Love comes later." Pop set down his cup and stared at him. Hard. "She turned me inside out from the get-go, don't get me wrong, but love is something that grows over time. Deepens as you experience life together."
He could see himself with Layla. Building a life together. Having a family. Growing old together.
"If you think you've met the woman who will love you for the rest of your life, don't wait. Don't put off until later what needs to be done today." Moisture glistened in Pop's eyes. "We both know how precious life is. Don't waste a minute of it."
His insides tightened. "Pop, she's a really strong Christian. I know you're a new one and all . . ."
"If her faith is real, then she'll be looking for a man who'll share her faith with her." Pop stared at him with the focus of a sniper. "Is that man honestly you?"
His tongue expanded. "I-I think so."
"Son, accepting the free gift of salvation isn't something you think. You either do or you don't. God doesn't want you halfway." He pointed at Maddox, brows lowered almost into a straight line. "And you don't claim salvation just to get a woman. Salvation's between you and God."
And that's what he needed to make sure of. That if he chose to follow God, it was for him, not for Layla. He thought of the peace he'd seen in his father . . . the kindness and acceptance of Mrs. Page . . . the strength in disaster of Alana and Layla—all things he wanted. He'd gotten a glimpse of mercy and strength when he'd begged God to help him.