Edge of Truth

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  Jeff started his vehicle and followed.

  Kara scooted onto the backseat and strapped in. “Pretty morning.”

  “Mm-hmm.”

  She rolled her head side to side and rubbed her neck. “I’m getting too old for this kind of thing.”

  Jeff chortled. “If you’re too old, then so am I. And I’m not too old.” He caught her attention in the rearview mirror and winked.

  “Fine. But next time, I want to drive.” Kara watched out the side window as they drove through the deserted town. Porch lights lit a smattering of houses. Other than the sound of the tires on the road, complete silence surrounded them. It appeared everyone still snuggled in their beds—oh to be so lucky.

  A non-descript car pulled forward from the cover of the woods as Jeff pulled off to the side of the road. “Grab your bag. This is our stop.”

  Kara scooted out of the cramped quarters and hopped into their new transportation. She didn’t recognize the agent to whom Jeff handed his keys and missed the few words they exchanged, but she trusted Jeff to have this planned to the nth degree.

  Jeff sat behind the wheel and started the engine. “We have some time to make up, and if we don’t hurry, he’ll be too far ahead to track.” He signaled and pulled out onto the highway.

  Kara sat back and kept her eyes on the tracking beacon as Jeff sped forward.

  Jeff followed the red blinking light on the map of his phone and pushed the gas pedal hard to make up for lost time. After a few miles, he eased off the gas satisfied with their position. It looked like they were at the perfect tracking distance. No way would Eric suspect he’d been followed.

  He sank a little deeper into the seat. Experience said they could be playing this game for hours. “Can I ask you a personal question?”

  “Sure. But I don’t promise to answer.”

  He didn’t expect she would. “Fair enough. You mentioned being angry with God.”

  “Yeah?”

  “I was wondering how that’s going.” Getting personal was taking a risk, but a risk worth taking to his way of thinking.

  “I’m still angry.”

  “You want to talk about it?”

  “Not particularly.”

  “Well, we have to talk about something, or I might fall asleep.” He wouldn’t, but talking would make the time go faster.

  “Fine,” she huffed. “I don’t understand why the God who promised to never leave us or forsake us allowed my cover to be totaled and why I was nearly killed.” She paused. “You sure you want to hear all of this?”

  “Absolutely.” His grip tightened on the steering wheel.

  “Okay. You asked for it. I also don’t get why when Gail, who happens to be an awesome Christian, prayed for me, those things still happened. I mean I know I’m not the best Christian in the world. I only make it to church a couple times a month, and I almost never read my Bible anymore.” She paused again then spoke softly. “I guess I understand why He’d forget about me, but why didn’t He listen to Gail?”

  Jeff nearly stopped the car. Kara was hurting big time, more than he’d realized, and he wanted to set her straight, but stopping was not an option. “I’m sure God would be happy if you went to church more often and read His word on a regular basis, but He doesn’t hold that against you, Kara. He loves you regardless of what you do or don’t do. That’s why it’s called unconditional love.”

  “Then why did He let all that stuff happen? We could be back in Miami right now doing our jobs. Instead, we’re stuck investigating your stepbrother.”

  “First off, I don’t know why God does or doesn’t do anything. But I do know that you’re alive, and for me that’s good enough. He never promised life would be easy. We both know it’s not. It’s filled with challenges that feel way too big, yet somehow, we manage. I like to think He helps us.”

  Kara sat silently staring out the window.

  “As for Eric, I think I made it clear I didn’t want this assignment, but I’m glad I’m here. No matter the outcome.” He eased off the accelerator as he took a sharp bend in the road. “The bright side in all of this is we got to know each other and work together.” He glanced over at Kara to see if anything he said sunk in. Her eyes met his, and he nearly forgot to look back at the road. The depth of emotion he saw on her face touched him in a way he had never experienced. Lord, I could use a little help here. “Think of it this way. God knew I’d need you on this assignment. He knew you’re the perfect person for this job and that no one else would do. Yes, you got a little beat up, and you have a killer on your trail, but Kara,” he looked over at her again to make sure she was listening, “you’re alive. That bomb could have killed you. Don’t give up on God. He hasn’t given up on you.”

  Kara pointed to the tracking screen. “Eric’s turning.”

  Jeff furrowed his brows. Did she hear anything he’d said? The blinking light on the screen stopped. He slowed.

  “What’s your plan?”

  If only he knew. He always had a plan, but this time, he couldn’t think past the chase. Should he confront Eric? Or should he simply observe from a distance? Jeff spotted Eric’s truck in someone’s driveway quite a ways off the main road. No way could he pull over without being noticed. After continuing down the road a little, he eased into a scenic pullout. “I’m going to park. We’ll hoof it and watch from a distance. Looks like whoever he went to meet hasn’t arrived yet, so if we hurry, we may see something.”

  “Okay.” Kara checked her sidearm and grabbed the pack with recon equipment.

  He parked then locked and loaded his Glock. “Let’s do this.” They ran across the road into a field covered with sagebrush and large junipers. At least the vegetation would provide shelter from detection. They jogged back about a quarter mile.

  He raised his hand to warn Kara. They crept forward and stopped, taking cover in the middle of tall weeds, about twenty yards from where Eric sat in his pickup.

  A cloud of dust trailed a Jeep as it drove toward Eric. Kara snapped several pictures from their prostrate position on the ground. The Jeep stopped and a white man, about five foot ten stepped out and walked toward Eric. The camera continued to click. Jeff strained to hear the conversation, but Eric and the man spoke too quietly.

  “What do you want to do?” Kara asked in a hushed tone.

  “Keep taking pictures.” Jeff’s gut clenched when Eric handed over a large package wrapped in brown paper. The other man tore open a small section of the package and handed another bag to Eric.

  “Let’s go. I want to be near the car before he leaves.” Grim determination spurred Jeff on as his world seemed to fall apart around him. He’d been obligated to investigate Eric to the best of his abilities, never believing for an instant that Eric was a drug smuggler, but now? What else could’ve been in the package? Eric, what are you thinking?

  Chapter 23

  Kara rode beside Jeff and glanced at him. He hadn’t said a word since the hand off between Eric and their unidentified subject at the first stop. She frowned. This wasn’t good. The silence in the car about drove her mad. She couldn’t take it any longer. “You ready to head back to the ranch?”

  Jeff’s hands gripped the steering wheel and his biceps bulged. He looked ready to pulverize someone. “Yeah. I’d like to see those pictures you took.”

  “No problem.” She clenched and unclenched her fingers. They’d followed Eric to six drops and watched as he exchanged packages every time. Eric reeked of guilt, and her heart ached for Jeff. Her friend and partner hurt big time, and she had no idea how to help.

  He slammed his fist on the steering wheel. Kara jumped. “How could he do it? I just don’t understand. This isn’t Eric. He wasn’t a troublemaker when we were kids. I was always the one in trouble.” He glanced her way with tortured eyes.

  Kara’s throat burned. He’d been a pillar throughout all of this, and it stunk to watch him fall apart now. “I’m so sorry, Jeff. We still need to analyze the photos. We don’t know for certai
n that he was delivering drugs.” Although what else could it have been?

  He reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Thanks, but I think we both know what went down today. He sure wasn’t delivering bagged lunches.” He held her hand a bit longer than necessary and took a long slow breath. “Lord, please give us wisdom with this case and help my brother and me.” He glanced her way with pleading eyes, prompting her to pray.

  Kara’s eyes widened. She couldn’t do it. But she had to, for Jeff. She took a deep breath then let it out. “Jesus, please be with Jeff. He’s hurting and he needs You. Amen.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.” Her heart pounded. Not only had she not prayed in awhile, but she never prayed out loud. It felt weird, but if her prayer comforted Jeff, then it was worth a little discomfort. She shifted in her seat to get a better look at him. “What’s the plan?”

  “We analyze the pictures. I’ll report our findings to Tad and Gary and let them decide how to proceed.”

  An hour later, Jeff turned right onto Main Street in Sunridge.

  “Will you drop me off at the end of the ranch driveway? I left my car in the woods across the street.”

  “Sure. After I shower, I’ll meet up with you at your place.”

  Kara nodded. She’d love a shower herself. Grime caked under her fingernails, and she was certain a bug or two had crawled down her shirt. She shivered—yuck.

  Jeff eased onto the shoulder of the road. “See you soon.” He grasped her arm before she could get out. “Thanks for barging in on my sting.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Jeff turned the spigot to hot and waited for the steam to rise before stepping into the shower. He let the water sear his skin. Maybe the pain would shut out the war that waged inside him. When white-hot pain reached his senses, he adjusted the temperature. He wondered if this was what Christ felt like when He was betrayed? Except Eric hadn’t really betrayed him, at least that wasn’t his intention. Jeff was certain of that. Eric had no idea Jeff would be pulled into his illegal activities. But pulled in, he was, and now this became more personal than he’d ever imagined. Turning off the shower, he stepped out.

  He needed to see those pictures. After slipping on a pair of jeans and shrugging into a button-up shirt he went downstairs.

  Jeff walked into the kitchen where Veronica stood, washing dishes. “Sorry I missed dinner.”

  She looked over her shoulder. “That’s okay. You look nice. Hot date?” She dried her hands on a towel. “You forgot to shave.”

  He rubbed the slight scruff on his face. “Oh well. Maybe I’ll grow it out for a while. See what Kara thinks.”

  “Kara’s a lucky girl.” A shadow of sadness filled her eyes, and she turned back to the dishes. “Have fun.”

  Jeff hesitated. His brother’s marriage was none of his business, but it was clear Veronica felt neglected. Too bad he couldn’t tell her it wasn’t another woman taking her husband away. Then again, maybe she already knew. But if her comments about Marci were any indication, she didn’t. “You need anything while I’m out?”

  “No, thanks.”

  Jeff opened the front door and jerked when Eric surprised him.

  Eric pulled his hand back and grinned. “Hey, there. Everything go okay around here today?”

  “Better ask Jake. I was out.” He moved past Eric and went to his SUV without giving his brother a chance to question anymore about his day. It was best to keep a little distance until he could sort out things.

  Jeff walked into the alley and knocked on Kara’s apartment door. She should’ve had enough time to get the pictures uploaded onto her computer. The door swung open, and Kara stood before him wearing oversized gray sweats and a T-shirt, a size or two too big for her small frame—but cuddly. Where had that thought come from? Focus, man.

  “Come on in. You’re too fast. I haven’t had a chance to do anything but shower. The camera is by my computer. Go ahead and get started.” She walked into the small bathroom and closed the door.

  The hum of a blow dryer filled the otherwise quiet room. Time to get back to work. He pulled out a chair from the table, powered up the computer, then connected the camera to the laptop. The pictures uploaded in a matter of minutes. He scrolled through each one looking for something he’d missed earlier.

  The blow dryer turned off, and Kara padded over to the table. Jeff’s senses heightened when she pulled up a chair beside him, crowding his space. “You smell nice.” He’d been distracted by Kara before, but tonight, he craved the comfort of someone stable, reliable, and familiar. All day she’d been understanding and never rubbed his brother’s crimes in his face.

  “Good old-fashioned soap and water.” She nudged him with her elbow. “Scoot. I’ll do this.”

  He dragged the chair to the right, allowing her full access to the laptop. “What do you think?”

  “I don’t see anything helpful yet.” Her hand curved over the mouse. Pictures spread across the screen in several rows. “Okay, here we go.”

  Adrenaline pumped through Jeff’s veins. The telephoto lens Kara had used did the job well. With the eraser side of a pencil she pointed at the screen.

  “Look there.” She enhanced the photo, and a clear image of kilos containing white powder showed on the screen. “Cocaine is my best guess.” She looked at Jeff, her face etched with concern. “You okay?”

  Jeff scooted the chair back and stood. He walked to the other side of the tiny studio apartment. The walls felt like they were closing in. How did she stand to live in this hole? He strode back to where Kara sat, watching him. What was she thinking? That he couldn’t finish the job? Well, he could, and he would.

  “I’m disappointed and angry, but don’t worry. I’ll do my job.”

  “I never suggested otherwise.” Kara looked over her shoulder. “But the team would understand if you stepped back on this one. Tad can set up a raid. You wouldn’t have to be there.”

  Emotions he’d never experienced warred inside him. He wanted to hug and strangle Kara at the same time. Her compassion was almost too much to handle.

  He shook his head. “No. I’ll see this through. But I can’t think here. I need air.”

  “Okay.”

  He moved to the door and turned. “You coming?”

  “I can’t. There’s a bullseye on my back. I’d be the perfect target strolling around in the middle of the night with few civilians out and about.”

  How could he have forgotten? He knew how, but it wasn’t an acceptable reason. Everyone had problems, and Kara’s was life and death. He may not be able to fix Eric’s bad choices, but he could at least refrain from putting Kara’s life in danger. He sat on her sofa. “I’ll stay here.”

  She squared her shoulders, and her gaze bore into him. “What do you mean you’ll stay here?”

  “To think.”

  “Good. Because there’s no way you’re spending the night. This place is too small.”

  He chuckled. “I agree. How about we get Tad over here to help us work this out?” A third body would crowd the space further, but the tension in the room would ease with Tad as a buffer.

  Kara made the call. “He’ll be right over.”

  Fifteen minutes later, Tad knocked and stepped inside. “What do you have?”

  Kara went through the photos again, this time with Tad looking over her shoulder as Jeff watched from the couch. He’d seen enough pictures to know his brother was guilty.

  After about a half hour, Kara gasped. “It can’t be.”

  Jeff stood and walked over to the table. He rested his hands on the back of her chair. “What?”

  Kara enhanced the picture and pointed to a face on the screen. His stomach dropped. This was bad. Why hadn’t they recognized him this afternoon?

  Chapter 24

  Kara pushed back in her chair and faced Jeff. “What am I going to do?”

  Tad printed the picture. “What’s going on?” He looked from Kara to Jeff then back at the photo.<
br />
  “That’s Victor.” Jeff rubbed the back of his neck.

  “Last name?” Tad asked.

  Jeff shook his head. “Unknown. He just goes by Victor. He is, or was, employed by Luis Alvarado, Miami’s biggest drug lord. I’m not sure what happened, but one day he was there, and the next he was gone.”

  “Until now,” Kara said.

  Jeff took out his phone and snapped a picture of the computer screen. “If Alvarado is involved in the drug ring here, we’re going to make the biggest bust in history.”

  “Or he could be the man sent to take care of Kara,” Tad said.

  Kara paced the small space. She’d dated Victor while working for Alvarado—all part of the job. He’d dumped her when she wouldn’t sleep with him, but that wasn’t what concerned her. He did Luis’s dirty work. As much as she didn’t want to think about it, Victor very well could be the man sent to kill her. At least he hadn’t seen her when they were surveilling Eric. “Do you remember where that picture was taken?”

  Jeff appeared to be thinking. “Looks like Prineville.”

  “You covered a lot of territory today.” Tad walked to the door. “Be sure to e-mail those pictures to the field office in Bend.” He let himself out.

  Kara locked the door then went back to the table where Jeff stood.

  He stepped toward her. The passion in his eyes made her knees weak and her pulse accelerate. She nearly stopped breathing and reached for the nearby chair, holding on tight. When he looked at her like that, she wanted to forget he was her partner. Maybe this pretending to be romantically involved was going to their heads.

  “Ready to call it a night?” Kara croaked.

  “I was going to ask you the same thing.” He stepped closer, invading her space. “I’ll pick you up at nine and bring you to the ranch.”

  “I have a client at nine.”

  “Cancel. Your life is more important than polishing some woman’s nails.” He wove his fingers through her hair. “I’ve wanted to do that for a while now. It’s as soft as I imagined.”