Shattered Justice

by Karen Ball

  Marlin leaned forward to rest his arms on his knees. “Not real neighborly of them, was it? I mean, getting the old coot killed like that?”

  Jayce flinched, and Marlin smiled. “Yeah, wish you coulda been there to see it. That old man actually thought he was in control.” Marlin’s lip curled. “Thought I’d be afraid of his little rifle. But I haven’t been afraid of guns for a long time.” The hollow look in Marlin’s eyes was chilling. “Not since I took my dad’s gun away from him, the gun he always used to threaten me with.”

  He sat back in his chair, taking another drink. “And you know what I did with it? I used it. On him. Killed him dead. Cops thought it was a suicide.” He lifted his beer can in a mock toast. “Here’s to the cops, may they always be too stupid to see things aren’t what they seem.”

  “So you killed Brumby.” Jayce didn’t know how he got the words out past the rage choking him. God … God, are You there? “And Aaron.”

  Marlin’s slow smile reminded Jayce of pictures he’d seen of gargoyles. “And your sweet little Shannon? Oh yeah.” He rolled the words around in his mouth, savoring them. “I killed them all. Had my own little gun in my pocket, so I took the old man out first. Shannon and Aaron took off running, of course. But it wasn’t hard to catch ’em. And thanks to Brumby’s gun, it wasn’t hard to kill them. Then all I had to do was call the good deputy’s office, say I was the old man and that something terrible had happened.” This time he toasted himself. “Man. I’m so good it’s scary.”

  Jayce couldn’t hold back the sob that tore from deep within him. Nor could he hold back the heated obscenity he spat at Marlin.

  “Hey, now.” Marlin held his hands up in front of him. “Come on, pal. Let’s be fair. After all, it’s not my fault your little friends are dead. It’s yours.”

  “You’re crazy!”

  “Naw, man. I’m not.” Marlin ran his finger around the rim of his beer can. “If you’d stuck with the plan instead of trying to be part of some family, this never woulda happened. But you had to go and let outsiders into your life.”

  Marlin threw the beer can at Jayce, hitting him in the face. He stood, towering over Jayce, and his words came out on a vicious hiss. “You shoulda known better, Jayce.” He grabbed Jayce by the chin, forcing him to meet his burning glare. “You never shoulda let Shannon and Aaron into your life. Or that deputy. You gave me no choice, man. You know too much. I couldn’t just let you go off and be a happy little family. You shoulda known you’d get them all killed.”

  He’s right. It’s your fault they’re dead.

  Jayce had let himself believe the voice was gone for good. That it was back now, hissing through him, was pure agony. “It’s not true!”

  Marlin stood back and crossed his arms. “Yeah. It is. But don’t worry, Jayce. I figured once you realized you’re the one who got your beloved Shannon killed, you couldn’t live with yourself.” He turned and picked up a piece of wood. “So I’m gonna do you a big favor.” He smacked the wood into his palm. “I’m gonna set you free.”

  Not again.

  Dan couldn’t believe he was here again. Facing a hostage situation. But this time it wasn’t a stranger being held. It was a boy he knew. Cared about.

  His fingers curled into a fist. Jesus, please … don’t let this end like—like the last one. Don’t let Jayce end up like Sheila. Like her unborn baby. Lord, I’m begging You. Please, save my boy.

  My boy. Dan let those surprising words roll around inside him, and he had no trouble embracing them. Jayce was his boy. And Dan didn’t just care about him.

  He loved him. Like he was his own son.

  “We’re all set.”

  Dan turned. Sheriff Grayson had slipped up beside him. “I’ll go in the front. That’s closest to where Marlin’s holding Jayce. You have the others come in from the back and side doors at the same time. That’ll give us the element of surprise.”

  “Where do you want me?”

  Dan turned to Annie. Kodi sat at her side, that happy puppy grin on her face. Well, she should be happy. She had found the lab for them. The lumberyard was big enough Dan worried it would take too long to find where the lab was located. But when they arrived, Annie held the pendant and Jayce’s shirt out to Kodi, letting her gain the scent.

  “If he’s here, it’ll happen fast.”

  No sooner were the words out of Annie’s mouth than Kodi shot forward. Usually, the dog ran free when she searched. But because of the danger of being discovered, Annie had her on the leash. It was all she could do to keep up with the dog. Dan and the officers followed, watching with a mix of amazement and admiration as Kodi honed in on her target.

  It had taken ten minutes tops for her to lead them to the lab.

  It was located in a large metal building near the back of the lumberyard. Dan climbed on top of some barrels to look in a high window. He could see the meth lab set up at the back of the building.

  But what he saw just below the window made his blood boil. A bleeding, beaten Jayce, bound hand and foot to a chair. Murphy sitting in a chair facing Jayce, slugging beer and laughing.

  It took every ounce of self-control for Dan to not storm into the building and to wait the ten minutes for everyone to get into position. But now they were ready.

  “I want you to stay here with the EMT squad, Annie. Out of danger.”

  “Kodi and I can help—”

  He cut her off. “I’m not kidding. These guys have already taken my children from me. I can’t risk letting them take my sister as well.”

  Dan knew she wanted to say more, but thankfully, she just nodded.

  “Let’s go, Dan.”

  He turned and followed the sheriff to the building, taking up his position just outside the front door. He tensed, gun at the ready, waiting for the signal. Prayers flew to heaven with every heartbeat. God, be with us. Keep us safe. Let me be in time—

  “Go!”

  The word shot from the radio on his shoulder, and Dan hit the door full tilt. As it flew open, he charged inside, his gun poised, and drew a bead on a startled Marlin. “Freeze! Police!”

  He could hear the command echoing throughout the building as other officers rushed in. Apparently, Marlin heard it, too. As Dan drew within ten feet of them, Marlin reached into the pocket of his pants, then dropped to hide behind Jayce.

  Dan barely took two more steps before Marlin stood again, this time with Jayce held in front of him, a knife at the boy’s neck, a handgun pointed at Dan.

  He’d cut Jayce free only to use him as a shield.

  Jesus, please … no! Dan forced his voice to be steady. “Let him go, Murphy.”

  “Such a dilemma, eh, Deputy? You can’t shoot me without going through our boy here. And you know I’ll cut him before I die.” He pressed the knife against Jayce’s neck. “Now outta my way.”

  Dan could see blood trickle down Jayce’s neck. God … Father … please. “Not gonna happen. Put the gun down and let him go.”

  “Freeze!”

  Marlin turned his head, and two more deputies came behind the thug, guns drawn. Dan held out a hand. “Don’t fire! He’s got a hostage.”

  They stopped in their tracks, guns trained on Marlin.

  He stood sideways, looking from the two who’d just arrived to Dan. The knife at Jayce’s throat never wavered. Marlin fixed his gaze on Dan. “You think you’ve won?” He ground the words out. “Well, you’re wrong. Just like you were wrong before. Remember? You said one screw up and I was yours? Well, guess what, Sheriff Taylor? Jayce is mine.”

  Marlin turned the pistol, pressing it into Jayce’s temple, smiling when Jayce groaned. “Just like Aaron. And Shannon.”

  Since the day he found his children dead, Dan had wondered what he’d do if he ever came face-to-face with the one who killed them. Now he knew.

  He wanted Marlin dead. Not arrested. Not in jail.

  Dead.

  His finger tightened on the trigger. One movement. Just a slight squeeze, and it would be
over.

  “Don’t!”

  The slurred cry caught at him, and his eyes flickered from Marlin to Jayce. The boy’s face was a mass of bruises and cuts, and he could only open one eye. But that was enough. What Dan saw shining in Jayce’s eye gripped him, shook him like a Doberman with a rag doll.

  Faith.

  He saw the light of faith in Jayce’s eye. The same light he’d seen every time he looked into his son’s or daughter’s eyes.

  His finger easing on the trigger, Dan focused on Marlin again. The glance at Jayce only took a moment, but it was a moment too long. Dan found himself looking down Marlin’s gun barrel.

  “I might go down—” there was pure hatred in Marlin’s words—“but I’m taking you with me.” He smiled. “So I win after all.”

  As if in slow motion, Dan watched Marlin’s finger squeeze the trigger, tensed for the bullet to strike, but two things happened simultaneously.

  Jayce gave an agonized cry and threw himself back into Marlin, just as a black blur flew through the air and latched on to Marlin’s arm.

  Kodi!

  As the gun spiraled into the air, Marlin, Jayce, and Kodi all tumbled to the ground. Dan and the other deputies rushed them. Within moments, they had Marlin pinned, his hands cuffed behind his back. Annie was there, too, taking her dog by the collar. “Kodi! Release!”

  The dog let Marlin’s arm go and dropped into a sit next to Annie.

  “I thought I told you to stay outside!”

  Annie gave him a demur smile. “You did.”

  “Well, the next time I give you an order like that …”

  Her brows arched. “Yes?”

  Dan grinned. “Do me a favor and ignore me again.”

  She started to laugh, but sudden concern creased her forehead. “Dan, he’s hurt!”

  He turned to see Jayce lying on the cement floor, not moving. A pool of red was coloring the floor beneath him. Images of Sarah lying there, struggling for air, flashed through his mind. For a moment all he felt was blind panic. He’d lost Sarah. Then Aaron and Shannon.

  And now he was losing Jayce.

  No.

  The word whispered within him, bringing with it a cool wave of calm.

  Don’t be afraid.

  Peace settled over him, bringing with it the undeniable sense of God’s presence. His mercy.

  Don’t be afraid.

  As the words echoed again, Dan realized he wasn’t. Not any longer. Instead, what he felt was trust. God had Dan in His hands. And Jayce. And there was no better place for either of them.

  He dropped beside the boy, taking hold of him and easing him over.

  Marlin’s knife was buried in Jayce’s right shoulder. Dan fought to keep the panic from his voice as he hollered at the other deputies. “Get the EMTs in here!”

  Annie knelt beside them, pressing her bandanna to the wound, trying to staunch the flow of blood.

  “I’m sorry … I’m so sorry …”

  Between Jayce’s swollen lips and his sobbing, Dan almost couldn’t understand the words. “Sorry?” He forced himself to smile. “Why? Because you just saved my life?”

  “It’s my fault.”

  “What is?”

  Jayce’s ruin face spasmed. “Shannon. Aaron. It’s my fault they’re dead.”

  Dan and Annie exchanged a shocked look.

  “No.” Dan put his hand on the boy’s forehead. “No, it’s not. Marlin killed them. Not you.”

  “You don’t understand.” With a groan, Jayce bent his knee so he could reach down into his sock. He pulled something out and handed it to Dan.

  It was a digital microrecorder.

  “It’s voice activated.”

  Dan looked down at Jayce, troubled at the flat, desolate tone in the boy’s voice.

  “It’s all there. Marlin’s confession. How he killed Brumby. Aaron.” His voice cracked. “Shannon. And why.” Tears flowed from his eye. “Listen to it, Dan. Then you’ll see. You’ll understand.”

  With that, he turned his face away. Dan slid the recorder into his pocket, then wrapped Jayce in his arms.

  “Jayce, look at me.” At Dan’s firm tone, the boy turned his head, peered out his one good eye. Dan leaned his face close to Jayce’s. “Listen to me, son. And I mean listen. I don’t care what’s on this tape. It doesn’t matter. None of it. It wasn’t your fault.” Emotion clogged Dan’s throat, but he forced the words out. “And even if it were, I forgive you.”

  Jayce’s lip trembled. “But Shannon—”

  “Shannon loved you.” He gripped Jayce’s hand. “How can I do any less?”

  Jayce stared, his swollen mouth falling open. “Are you saying … do you mean, you love me?”

  “Got it in one. I love you. And I want you to stay with me. For good.”

  “Okay, Deputy, let us in there.”

  Dan looked up at the EMTs. For a moment, he resisted, loathe to let Jayce go. But Annie put her hand on his arm.

  “Let them do their jobs, Danny.”

  He moved away.

  “Dan?”

  He glanced over the nearest EMT’s shoulder. Jayce’s face was so pale. “Yeah, son?”

  “You’re not … just saying … what you did because … because I’m dying, are you?”

  Dan tried to laugh, but it came out on a choked sob. “No.

  And you’re not going to die. You hear me?”

  Jayce’s lips pulled into a swollen smile. “Yes, sir.”

  Annie took Dan’s arm and led him away. He followed, tears rolling down his face. Please, Father, for once in his life, please make Jayce do as he’s told.

  “Dan!”

  At the sound of that voice, Dan jumped up from the waiting room chair and turned. Shelby ran toward him, and he didn’t even hesitate.

  He opened his arms and drew her into his embrace.

  She held him tight, her face buried in his chest. He smoothed her soft hair, savoring her nearness. She tipped her head back to look up at him.

  “Is there any word on Jayce?”

  “They’re moving him to a room. The knife wound was deep, but they were more worried about possible internal injuries from the beating. So they’re keeping him here a few days, to watch him.”

  She touched his face. “He’ll be okay, Dan.”

  He captured his hand in hers, turned his face to press a soft kiss in her palm. “Guess what?”

  Her hand trembled in his. “What?”

  “I know that.” He smiled. “I really do.” He drew her to the chairs, and they sat. “It was amazing, Shelby. When I saw Jayce was hurt, I kind of panicked. But only for a second. Then this … wave of calm settled over me. And I just knew. Whatever happened, it was in God’s hands. His control.” He looked down at their joined hands. “And everything would be right. Regardless. It would be right, because of Him.”

  She leaned her head against his arm. “I love you, Dan.”

  It seemed the most natural thing in the world for her to say those words. And for him to cup her face and lower his lips to hers. The waiting room around them, the hospital, it all faded away. There was nothing but the two of them. Dan let that kiss tell her everything that was in his heart: I love you … I promise we’ll have a good life together … I’ll cherish you, and every day God lets us be togeth—

  “Uh. ’Scuse me, Deputy?”

  Dan and Shelby pulled apart, turning to stare in a daze at the nurse standing in front of them. Dan blinked. Tried to form coherent words. Then tried again. “Y-yeah?”

  The nurse’s grin brought a sheepish smile to Dan’s face, but he didn’t let Shelby go. And she didn’t seem to mind one bit.

  “The boy you came in with, he’s settled in his room now. I thought you might like to see him before you headed home.”

  “I’d like that a lot.” Dan stood, then held his hand out to Shelby. “Shall we?”

  She slipped her small, strong hand into his. “Absolutely.”

  THIRTY-FIVE

  “There are thin
gs that we never want to let go of,

  people we never want to leave behind. But keep in mind that

  letting go isn’t the end of the world, it’s the beginning of a new life.”

  ANONYMOUS

  “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;

  a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.”

  PSALM 45:6, NIV

  JAYCE WAS COMING HOME.

  Dan couldn’t wait. In fact, he arrived at the hospital at least two hours early. He sat in Jayce’s room, watching as the nurses fussed over the boy, treating him like a young prince. For his part, Jayce took the coddling with surprising good humor.

  After yet another young nurse came in to rearrange his pillows, Dan shook his head. “Enjoy it while it lasts, kid. You’re not getting this kind of treatment at home.”

  It was so good to see the healthy color back in Jayce’s face. Even his cocky grin was a welcome sight. “Hey, haven’t you heard? I’m a hero.” He lifted a hand and ticked items off on his fingers. “I saved a deputy’s life, got rid of a drug dealer, and got the evidence that convicted a killer.”

  Dan lifted his hand, ticking off his own list. “And got yourself beaten to a pulp, me almost shot, and yourself stabbed …”

  Jayce leaned back against his strategically placed pillows. “Man! You just don’t give a guy a break, do you?”

  “Why should he, when he doesn’t give a girl a break, either?”

  They both turned to the doorway, but all they saw was a huge bouquet of helium balloons and a pair of legs below them.

  “Well …” Jayce chortled. “It sounds like Shelby.”

  Dan craned his neck. “And the legs are shapely enough to be Shelby’s.”

  “Ha ha.” She came in and tied the balloons to the foot of Jayce’s bed. “A regular pair of comedians. That’s you two.” She leaned over Jayce and planted a kiss on his forehead, then went to give Dan a kiss. He closed his eyes, savoring her nearness.

  When the kiss ended, he gave her a slow smile. “Hi.”