Call of Duty 02 - Sworn to Protect

by DiAnn Mills

  “Thought we could add a little spice to your life.”

  Becca moaned and squeezed Danika’s shoulders. “You look good.”

  “Long time coming. Thanks for not giving up on me.”

  “I could never hold down the type of job you have. The heartache and critical situations would give me a lot of sleepless nights, and the stress would give me a heart attack.”

  “It’s who I am. Now, where are we going to eat?”

  “Seafood?”

  “Perfect. Tiana loves popcorn shrimp.”

  “One more question. Have you decided to take a chance and get to know your doctor friend?”

  In truth, Danika pondered the same thing. Alex’s kindness this morning when she discovered Rita’s lifeless body demonstrated his integrity. He’d sat with her in his office until the police and Chief Jimenez arrived. It wasn’t his words that had comforted her but his quiet presence. She’d heard enough clichés from well-meaning people who attempted to comfort her when Toby died, and the tears in Alex’s eyes were exactly what she needed. She didn’t want to hear Romans 8:28 again.

  “Well, have you decided?”

  Becca’s sweet voice drew Danika back to the present. “I’m thinking about calling him. You know, take a leap.”

  “All right! And I want to know all the juicy details.”

  “Well, I haven’t done it yet. Has Felipe called you?”

  Becca shrugged. “We are going to dinner Tuesday night.”

  “At Chili’s?” Danika stifled a laugh.

  “Did he tell you?”

  “In a way. Are you going to see a movie too?”

  “As a matter of fact, we are.”

  * * *

  Sandra finished putting the dishes into the cabinets and closed the dishwasher. With a little extra time on her hands this evening, she planned to watch a recorded history documentary. Learning had become a passion for her, everything from cooking shows to history.

  The doorbell to the back door sounded. Hoping it wasn’t Lucy, she glanced through the window portion of the door. Instead she saw a familiar face.

  “Jose.” What a surprise. She hurried to unlock the door and let the man inside. The moment she opened the door, he whisked her up into his arms and hugged her.

  “Sandra, eres cada vez más bonita.” His dimpled grin made her tingle.

  “You should come around more often.”

  His dark eyes danced. “Ah, I’m here now.” He brushed a quick kiss across her lips. “And now I know what I’ve missed.”

  She sensed herself grow warm, but falling for Jose was out of the question. “Come in. Would you like a Coke or coffee? I have chicken enchiladas or brownies—”

  He covered her mouth. “All of it and lots of you.”

  “You’re making me blush.”

  He stepped back. “I meant talking time.”

  “Good. I thought I would have to put you in your place.”

  Jose laughed. “You are sounding more American all the time.”

  She lifted her chin. “Well, I am—sort of.”

  “On paper.”

  Sandra frowned. “I’ll take those papers any way I can get them.”

  “At least you have them.”

  Oh, Jose, if you had the same papers, then we could be more than friends. She took his hand. “Come in, and let’s talk. How did you know I was alone?”

  “I took a chance.”

  How very nice. “Then let’s make the most of our time together.”

  A few moments later, she set out a plate of warm enchiladas and another platter of brownies with a Coke for Jose.

  He picked up a brownie. “You should be married with lots of bebés.”

  Jose as a husband would be nice, but he never stayed with a woman very long. He liked them all.

  “Someday. Right now I have Tiana to take care of and a dear friend in Danika.”

  “The Border Patrol agent?”

  “Yes. I know it’s dangerous, but Lucy does good work.”

  He shook his head. “If you can survive the first couple of years working for her.”

  “I’d do it again. It was worth it.”

  “Can you vote with those papers?”

  Sandra remembered the last presidential election. “I didn’t try.” She’d lied to Danika about voting. Another lie among so many.

  “I’ve never figured out why those of us who just want to work aren’t allowed to cross the border. Americans don’t want our jobs anyway. You cook and clean, and I mow yards and pull weeds.”

  Sandra nodded. “Even with a bad economy, they need us. Then they complain about too many Mexicans.”

  “Maybe things will change soon.”

  “I hope so. Sorry to hear about your sister.”

  His face clouded. “She was walking home from work when fighting broke out in the streets between the police and the Zetas. A policeman’s bullet got her.”

  “Are your parents doing better?”

  “Yes. I’d like for them to come here too, but I’m afraid they’re too old to make it across the river.”

  Sandra toyed with a napkin. “Jose, why are you here? It’s been months since I’ve seen you. The last I heard, you were living with Linda.”

  “She left me for a man who was a real citizen.”

  “What about your little girl?”

  “Linda has my daughter and won’t let me see her.” He glanced away, then back to Sandra. “Please forgive me for hurting you. I thought Linda and I would be together forever.”

  Right now, looking at Jose and remembering the past . . . she’d like to have him back until he found another prettier woman. “Of course I forgive you. But I’m sure there’s more to your visit.”

  “There is. I wouldn’t lie to you. I need a favor.”

  She should have known. “What’s that?”

  “I really need more yard work. From the looks of your yard, I can tell someone is already doing it. But maybe if you put in a good word for me . . .”

  Sandra reached across the table and touched his arm. “I would be happy to, but Danika checks everyone’s papers.”

  He covered his face. “I really need the money to send back to my parents. After my sister’s death, they have no one to help them with bills and medicine.”

  Sandra understood taking care of aging parents. “I wish I could help.” A thought occurred to her. “Lucy might be able to help you. She’s a wicked one, and you’d most likely be working for nothing for a while.”

  “I’ll do anything.”

  “Then go see her and see if something can be worked out. Believe me, the deal will be in her favor. And she does handle the yard service here.”

  He smiled and stared into her face. Hope brightened his face. “If I worked here, we could see each other more often. And I’d have my documentation papers.”

  “That would be nice.”

  “God smiled on me when I came to see you tonight, Sandra. I’ll never forget this. Never.”

  Chapter 17

  Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.

  Sean O’Casey

  Danika stared at the phone in her kitchen. Tiana was asleep, and Sandra had retired to her room. Calling Alex had sounded like a terrific idea when she mentioned it to Becca last night. Yet, at eight thirty on a Sunday evening, the reservations had returned with reinforcements.

  “Do it,” she said to no one. Even if he was no longer interested, he’d be kind enough to bring her down graciously.

  One more time, she stared at his business card. Plain and simple. No embossed lettering or high-dollar card stock, only the numbers to reach Dr. Alex Price, Family Medicine and Surgeon.

  “You have no guts, Danika Morales,” she whispered.

  Breathing in to steady herself, she picked up the phone and quickly punched in Alex’s personal cell phone number that he’d handwritten on the back of the card. Standing from the kitchen table with knees as weak as a newborn colt’s, she
paced the length of the room.

  One ring.

  Two rings.

  Three rings.

  “Hi, this is Alex. I’m bronc ridin’ and unable to take your call. If you want to join me, leave a message. And don’t forget your spurs. Wouldn’t want you to miss out.”

  She laughed. “This is Danika Morales. I’m heading out to do a little skydiving. If you want to join me, call me back. And don’t forget your parachute.”

  Taking a deep breath, she coaxed herself into gaining control of her schoolgirl feelings. Of all the things she should be wasting energy on, she doubted if taking the first step to get to know Alex was on the list.

  A twinge of regret nibbled at her resolve, as though she hadn’t considered the cards stacked against her and those she loved. Contacting Alex made no sense until Nadine was found and care taken to rehabilitate her physical and mental health. Add to that restoring Jacob and Barbara’s suffering marriage and their relationship, removing the doubts about her loyalty at the Border Patrol, and finding the caller who had threatened her life. What a dumb move.

  Remember: God is in control. She’d be reduced to pulling the covers over her head and taking on the characteristics of a coward if she hadn’t rededicated her life to Him last night. For too long she’d been off the radar with God, but she was back. And she intended to stay. Tiana deserved a mommy who modeled a godly woman, one who was filled with love and strength.

  Danika’s cell phone rang, startling her like a gunshot to her ears. Where was all the courage when she needed it? Caller ID registered Unknown.

  “This is Danika.”

  “I’ve got my parachute ready and a private plane fueled to take off at a moment’s notice.” Alex’s strong voice rippled through her.

  “And I’m wearing my favorite boots and spurs.” She began the pacing again.

  “Which will it be, planes or horses?”

  “Not sure. I’m leaving it up to you.” Her heart needed to slow down, or she’d be scheduling an appointment for a stress test. But she did want a chance to get to know him.

  “Where do we start?”

  “In the beginning.”

  “Ah, a woman who quotes Genesis. Okay, here goes. Hi, my name is Alex Price.”

  This was easier than she’d thought. “Danika Morales.”

  “I’m a doctor at McAllen Medical Center. Been there over seven years. I’m deeply committed to my job.”

  “I’m a Border Patrol agent at the McAllen station. Been there eight years, and I’m deeply committed to my job.”

  “I’m a Christian.”

  “Me too.” She laughed a bit nervously. Definitely a trait she needed to work on.

  “We’re off to a good start.”

  She felt the warmth in his voice and envisioned his eyes and sun-drenched hair. “Hobbies?”

  “You already know my passion—bronc riding.”

  Not at all what she expected. “I was serious.”

  “I am. The local rodeo happenings are filled with rugged cowboys and Wild West entertainment.”

  “I’m sure it’s fantastic.” She’d been called a cowgirl a few times in her life.

  “Can I ask when you have your next days off?”

  “Tuesday. Great, huh?”

  “So are your ten-hour shifts.”

  She ceased pacing and slid into a chair. “You must know another Border Patrol agent.”

  “Chief Patrol Agent Edwardo Jimenez and I are accountability partners.”

  The thought of ending the conversation waved its banner. Until last week, Chief Jimenez had been a man she respected and emulated. Right now the jury was out about his redeemable qualities.

  “I know his wife and kids.” Had Alex picked up on the coldness?

  “Great family. So how about dinner on Tuesday night?”

  Uncertainty dug its claws into her heart—big-time.

  “Don’t chicken out on me.”

  She smiled through the phone. “Oh, you picked up on that.”

  “Somewhere around the mention of Ed’s name. Let’s delete that comment and go straight to dinner on Tuesday night.”

  Staring out into the dark backyard, she questioned her sanity. “Okay. Where do I meet you?”

  “I’d like to pick you up. I’ve met Tiana, and I’d like to reassure her that Mommy will be home early.”

  Danika churned the thought in her mind. What happened if Tiana grew attached to Alex and then he was out of the picture?

  “I’ll tell your daughter we’re going to talk about doctor things. And we will. Hard for me to have a conversation without discussing the hospital. One of my bad habits. Will that help your dilemma?”

  She hesitated. Why had she put herself in this position?

  “And if you decide you never want to see me again, then you never have to worry about me darkening your doorstep again.”

  “I guess this one time will be okay.” She gave him her address and hoped the warning signals were false alarms. “What time and where are we going?”

  “Seven o’clock and is Chili’s okay? Lots of people there in case you feel uncomfortable.”

  She laughed at the thought of Felipe and Becca being there. “Perfect.” The best prescription she could think of to put her woes on hold. At least he hadn’t asked her to attend a movie.

  * * *

  Alex clapped his hands. Hallelujah. He’d done it. Danika had agreed to a date, a real date. A plush restaurant had topped his mind a few times, but she didn’t come across as a woman who needed to be impressed with wealth and prestige. If he’d read her right, she’d be swayed his direction by truth and honesty. Instead of a black silk suit, he’d wear his jeans. Instead of a French menu, he’d opt for all-American. Come to think of it, did McAllen even have a restaurant printed in anything but Spanish and English?

  Dating hadn’t been on his BlackBerry since before medical school, and then blackberries were little black sweet berries, not a modern technological necessity. He sensed from Danika’s nervousness that her dating schedule may go back a few years too. Even ground. If they both had trepidations about the relationship arena, then theirs could be rooted from the ground up. If one of them didn’t scare the other into total isolation.

  Conversation was another layer of the dating process. Maybe he should take a fast-track course in text messaging. He could answer IDK to those questions which were out of his comfort zone or LOL to her witty comments. Somehow he knew those tactics wouldn’t work either.

  Oh, the gut-wrenching agony of a first date.

  After the dinner, he’d order flowers for Danika and a balloon bouquet for Tiana along with a singing telegram. Wow, what a guy. Too bad his confidence didn’t measure up to his plans.

  Chapter 18

  Virtue can only flourish among equals.

  Mary Wollstonecraft

  Danika had four outfits laid out on her bed in her dilemma to figure out what to wear for Tuesday night’s dinner: blue jeans, white jeans, a sundress, or a white cotton skirt. The skirt won out, along with a short-sleeved red and white blouse. She slipped her feet into a pair of wedged sandals and examined herself in the mirror. If this was what dating meant, tonight would be her last. Oh, rats, she’d forgotten the matching dangly red and white earrings.

  Seven o’clock came far too quickly. Sandra laughed, but Danika didn’t find her anxiety amusing.

  “Where are you going?” Tiana signed.

  “To dinner with a doctor friend.”

  “Are you sick?”

  I’m getting there. “No. We’re going to talk about his job.”

  “Am I going?”

  This may have been a huge mistake. She didn’t want to upset her baby. “Not this time.”

  Tiana pursed her lips in a much-too-cute pout.

  Danika reached down and pulled her into a big hug before freeing her arms to sign. “You know how you enjoy being with your friends without Mommy?”

  Tiana nodded.

  “This is a playtime fo
r Mommy. I’ll tell you all about tonight over breakfast in the morning.”

  Tiana had to think about it for a moment. She touched her finger to her chin as if deciding what to sign. “Can we go get doughnuts?”

  Normally Danika frowned on those little delicacies filled with grease and sugar. And they’d eaten Sandra’s cinnamon rolls on Sunday and Monday morning. “Okay. We can.”

  The doorbell rang, and Danika jumped. Alex had arrived. What had she been thinking? With a deep breath designed to make her feel vibrant and thoroughly accustomed to a gentleman caller, she made her way to the door. But her insides shouted she’d failed.

  From the instant she opened the door, her pulse escalated into overdrive. Alex looked like he’d just stepped off a GQ runway. No wonder he was popular at the hospital. She nearly forgot to invite him inside. “Where are my manners? Come on in.”

  “Thanks. You look great.” He walked inside, head up and amazingly confident. Her entrance never looked this good.

  “Thanks.” Now they needed another word.

  Tiana peeked around her skirt.

  Alex bent to one knee and signed his greeting. She giggled and asked if he’d brought a shot for his mommy.

  Danika was mortified. “Tiana, would you find Sandra for me? I’d like for her to meet Dr. Price.”

  Sandra entered from the kitchen. She took one look at Alex and paled. What was wrong?

  “Sandra, this is Dr. Alex Price.”

  Alex took a step forward and reached out to take her hand with both of his. “It’s a pleasure.”

  “Yes . . . it’s good to meet you too.” Sandra trembled.

  Danika wanted to know why her dear friend was nervous with Alex. And she wanted the answers before she left for the evening.

  “Sandra, can we have a word in the kitchen?” Danika smiled at Alex. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Sure. Tiana and I will get to know each other better.”

  In the kitchen, amid the leftover smells of Sandra and Tiana’s hamburger and baked potato dinner, Danika faced her friend. “Is there something about Alex I should know?”