Looking for Justice: Christian Contemporary Romance with Suspense (Dangerous Series Book 4)

by Linda K. Rodante

  Jessica pulled her legs under her. “Really? How awesome. I hope I can do something like that when I graduate.”

  Dawn’s head swerved her way, a frown highlighting her face. “Why would you want to do that?”

  “Mom! Why do you think? That’s why I chose Appalachian. I want to do something worthwhile. Something for God.”

  “You would just leave me and go to some foreign country like that?” Her mother’s voice rose, and she flung her head around toward Alexis. “Is this what that college teaches? I knew it sounded funny when she started talking about attending there last year.”

  Alexis raised a hand. “Believe me, I felt the same way you did when my brother and his wife flew over there. What did they think they could achieve going half way around the world? But you know…” She smiled. “If I hadn’t heard first-hand how they are helping girls caught in sex trafficking – well, I’d still feel the same way. But the group they’re with has rescued a number of girls and helped set up a safe place for them, a place where they can learn a trade to support themselves. And if John hadn’t told me the stories of flying into the jungles to places where they have no food, no hospitals; how he picks up people seriously ill or hurt and flies them back to the mainland for treatment… If I hadn’t heard about it first hand, I would be wondering just like you.”

  “See, Mom.” The girl turned toward Dawn. “I want to do that.”

  “Well, how would you pay for that? You don’t have a husband, and how do you expect to find one in a college with less than seven hundred students?”

  Jessica jumped to her feet. “You see what I put up with, Professor Jergenson?”

  “I’m just trying to get you to see reality. You’re just like Leland said—”

  “Wait a minute.” Alexis waved a hand and smiled. “Arguing like this won’t help anything. I know you’re both stressed. A lot has happened lately. How did things go filing the complaint and meeting with the prosecutor?” She had offered to go with them, but Dawn resisted, and Alexis had dropped the matter.

  Dawn snorted. “Well, something came up with the prosecutor. We talked with someone else but have to go back again.”

  “That’s too bad. The legal system can be frustrating.”

  “Can be?” The words jumped. “I want you to know—”

  “Mom. It’s not Professor Jergenson’s fault.”

  “Call me Alexis, Jessica; and it’s okay. I know the system is far from perfect.”

  “Yeah, well.” Dawn lowered her voice. “And I wasn’t sure about filing that complaint.”

  “But you did file it?”

  “Yeah, yeah. Jessica insisted.”

  “I need to ask you something.”

  They must have caught the tone of her voice. Jessica leaned back against the couch. Her mother crossed her arms.

  “When I came in, you were talking about someone. Was it Leland?”

  Dawn slid a sideways look at her daughter. “No.”

  “No? Well, has he contacted you? Because if you have any idea where he is, we can send the police there. The Order of Protection often takes ten days unless he is arrested and arraigned. The judge can order it right then if he feels it’s necessary.” Neither Jessica nor Dawn said anything. “I need to know if he knows where you are. You need a safe place, and if he knows you’re here, you’re no longer safe.”

  “No.” Dawn said again. “We were talking about someone else…about Jessica’s father.”

  Alexis studied her. The woman had no idea how many similar cases Alexis had handled. Leland had called. Certainty of that fact came from a mountain of experience. But what had he said to make Dawn listen to him?

  “Is that right, Jessica?”

  The girl’s eyes flew to her mom. “Yes…I…yes.”

  “You were talking about your father, not Leland?”

  “I…yeah, we were.”

  “Because if you know where Leland is…”

  “No,” Dawn crossed her arms over her chest. “Jessica’s father heard about the attack. Somehow. So, he called.”

  Alexis nodded even though her instincts told her Dawn was lying. Later, she’d see if a private talk with Jessica elicited different information.

  ***

  Her office’s mirror captured the reflection. Alexis held the dress to her chest as she’d done the evening before but didn’t cry again. Wouldn’t.

  Even though she, John, Sharee, and the baby had gone out last night, Alexis should have realized they would never let her skip her birthday today. And John told her last night’s pizza would never do. They’d take her someplace special, without little Johnnie, so they could dress up. He’d grinned at Sharee. A grown-up dinner, he said; and that’s when she realized they needed relief from their own stress as much as she did from hers. They all needed a night out.

  Tears had risen after John and Sharee dropped her off last night. Missing her dad and feeling more alone than usual, she’d pulled dresses from her closet, looking for something to wear for her birthday dinner. When she pulled the black, lace dress out, the emotional weight she’d carried all day detonated; and she’d dropped to the floor, sobbing.

  Her talk with Jessica would not happen until later.

  Now, she slid the black dress over her head. The cool, smoothness of the fabric caressed her skin. Alexis stepped for a second time to her office coat closet and stared at herself in the long mirror. The dress’ lining hugged her body while the black lace skimmed over the top of it. Her bare arms and shoulders showed between the lace’s intricate pattern.

  Turning back to her desk, she picked up the diamond solitaire necklace her mom had given her last Christmas and clipped it around her neck. The matching earrings came next. She unhooked the comb that held her hair and let it drop to her shoulders then brushed it out before slipping on the high heels. Turning, she faced the mirror again.

  “A smile, Alexis.” Her father had teased the first time she wore the dress, three years earlier. “You’re a lovely woman, and you shouldn’t try to hide it. Now smile.”

  Biting the bottom of her lip, she drew a deep breath and closed the closet door. John had promised to pick her up at 7:00, and he would be waiting in the parking lot.

  She grabbed the purse she’d picked out for tonight and threw her usual stuff into it. The gun slid into the concealed carry compartment. The number of styles for concealed carry had flummoxed her at first, but later she enjoyed buying different purses for different occasions. She could carry a gun anywhere. And as she’d found more than once, that had a distinct advantage.

  Pulling back the curtain from the glass in her office door, she stepped outside and darted down the hall to the steps. Through the large window, she could see the far mountains. Pink smeared the darkening sky. Her hand on the railing, she glanced toward the parking lot and stopped.

  Luke stood with John and Sharee next to John’s truck. Her heart thudded. Her mouth went dry, and she tugged at the side of her dress. It hung two inches above her knees, shorter than any skirt she wore for class. She licked her lips. John had seen it before, of course. Ditto with Sharee. Her dad had said she looked stunning in it, so why did she feel so nervous all of a sudden? So exposed?

  It would be cool outside. Perhaps she should get her coat.

  She stared at the parking lot. Sharee laughed and put a hand on John’s arm. Her brother slipped an arm around his wife and drew her close. He rested his chin on the top of her head. Alexis smiled. Sharee’s petite stature had surprised her when they first met. Alexis, John and her parents all could add tall to their resumes. Sharee’s five-foot-two had surprised them. But her brother’s love for his wife and Sharee’s love for him warmed Alexis’ heart. That was what marriage was supposed to be.

  The shiny blue dress Sharee wore gently clung to her curves. Alexis swallowed. If Sharee felt comfortable then Alexis should, too.

  She started down the stairs at a slower pace and made her way to the sidewalk. When she stepped onto the paved lot near the men�
��s trucks, all three of the others looked her way. Sharee and John smiled, but Luke’s reaction had her tugging at the skirt of the dress again.

  His eyes widened and a moment later his mouth opened, but nothing came out. John leaned over, said something, and laughed. Luke’s mouth closed. She stopped beside them.

  Sharee threw her arms around her and hugged. “You look beautiful.”

  Alexis dropped her face into Sharee’s shoulder length hair, feeling heat in her face. “Thank you. Sorry I’m late.”

  “No problem. We had time to talk with Luke.” Sharee waved his way.

  “I agree with Sharee,” John said, hugging her, too. “You look beautiful, and that opinion is shared by all, I’m sure.”

  “John…” Alexis tried to cut him off.

  “Isn’t it, Luke?”

  Luke’s gaze met her brother’s then settled on her. “Yes. You look lovely, Alexis.” His voice sounded rough. “Happy birthday.”

  Alexis shot John a cutting look. He grinned. Her brother was going to get an earful in a few minutes.

  John turned toward Luke. “Why don’t you join us? We’re going to Caccatori’s. It’s not far.”

  Alexis swung his way, stifling the words that jumped to her tongue. Sharee’s eyes rounded.

  Luke tilted his head toward Alexis. “I wouldn’t dream of infringing on your birthday dinner. John’s been overseas too long, forgotten his etiquette.”

  “As a matter of fact—” John started.

  “And I’m certainly not dressed to match Alexis’ dress. Or Sharee’s. But thanks for the invitation.” He moved off.

  John elbowed Alexis and mouthed at her, “Ask him.” She shook her head, and John frowned and mouthed another question. “Why not?”

  Alexis glared.

  “Ask him.” John mouthed once more.

  Alexis crossed her arms over her chest but looked Luke’s way. He punched his key fob, and the truck lights blinked.

  “Luke.” Her voice sounded weak. She cleared her throat. “Luke.”

  He turned. “Alexis, I’m not going to crash your birthday dinner.”

  “You…you won’t. Please come.”

  He aimed his frown between her and John. “As I said, I’m not dressed.”

  “You look comfortable. Your boots and jeans are fine.”

  “Next to you…”

  “If I don’t mind, you shouldn’t.”

  He glowered at her.

  She straightened. “Of course, if you really don’t want to…”

  His glower increased. “That’s not it.”

  “Then come.”

  “We’ll have to go in two trucks,” John said. “Do you know the way?”

  Luke’s eyes narrowed. “Yes.”

  Alexis grinned at his tone. Her conniving brother could be in trouble on two fronts tonight. John grabbed Sharee’s hand and led her around to the passenger side of his truck. Alexis switched her purse’s strap from one shoulder to the other and waited.

  Luke shook his head but put out his hand. She walked toward him. He caught her fingers, led her around to the passenger door, and opened it for her.

  “You don’t have to be pushed into this, Alexis. I’ll drop you off and leave.”

  “Oh, I think it will be fun if we’re both there to give John a little trouble.”

  The side of his mouth quirked. “Do you?”

  “Yes. Definitely.”

  “If you’re sure.”

  She squeezed his hand and climbed into the cab. “I’m sure.”

  ***

  Luke pushed his plate away, sat back and watched Alexis as she talked with Sharee. He’d enjoyed the food and the conversation, but watching Alexis talk and laugh and tease had satisfied him more – even if he had to do that while answering her brother’s questions about his life and his Christianity.

  The reason for John’s invitation became clear not long after the first course arrived. His peripheral vision caught Sharee’s squeeze on her husband’s arm as the questions became too personal for such short acquaintance.

  He winked at Sharee. “My life is an open book. In fact, you and John are welcome to drop by my place sometime and ride or just enjoy the scenery.” He glanced at Alexis with a mocking smile. “In fact, Alexis will be glad to bring you and let you feed the horses.”

  “I—” Alexis only got one word out.

  John’s voice broke across hers. “Why does it sound like there is a whole story in that one sentence?”

  Luke let his grin widen.

  Alexis sent him a glance that he knew would start a fire if they had the right kindling.

  “He thinks he’s being cute. It’s a very harmless story.”

  John glanced from one to the other. “Oh?”

  “I just wanted to take some pictures. Of the leaves, you know. All the yellows, reds, and golds. It’s so different here than it is in Florida.”

  “You didn’t get enough of that in Atlanta?”

  Alexis waved her hand in dismissal. “I always had some case that seemed to keep me busy from dawn to dusk. I hardly ever saw daylight. So, I was really looking forward to getting here and having time to relax and enjoy life.” Her voice struggled over the last few words. John’s hand covered hers. Luke sent John an inquisitive look, but John gave a slight shake of his head.

  “Anyway,” Alexis continued. “I was out driving and saw this beautiful horse running along the road. I had to stop and get a picture.” Luke coughed, and Alexis speared him with a look. “I just happened to have some carrots and when Max came up to me…”

  “That’s the horse?” Sharee asked. “Had he gotten loose or something?”

  “No, not loose. He was inside the fence, but he came when I called.”

  Luke leaned forward. “You enticed him with a carrot.”

  “I did not.”

  “You did. He doesn’t go to strangers.”

  “Well, he came to me. He came when I called, and I was barely inside the fence.”

  “Inside?” He turned in his seat and gave her a more direct look. “Inside?”

  “I, uh…”

  Her brother shifted toward them. “Wasn’t she supposed to be inside?”

  A flush started on Alexis’ face. “That has nothing to do with it. The horse came right to me. I petted him, and I did have some carrots, so I gave him some.” She shrugged. “I can’t help it if he likes me.”

  “Except for the big ‘No Trespassing’ signs up and down the whole fence.” Luke watched the flush climb higher and held his grin back. He’d better get her off the hook. “Well, she’s not lying about Max liking her. He does. So does my dog.”

  “A dog? What kind of dog?” John’s voice quickened, and Sharee laughed.

  “Is that funny?”

  “Only John’s reaction. He misses his. We had to give him away when we went to Indonesia.”

  Luke tilted his head at John. “That would be hard. What kind?”

  “A Lab. Yours?”

  “Blue Heeler.”

  “From Australia?”

  “Developed in Australia for driving cattle.”

  John nodded then his look flicked back to Alexis. “So, I take it the horse you saw belongs to Luke, and that you’ve been out to his place a couple of times.”

  Luke wanted to laugh. Her brother had all the marks of a warden. “She’s only been once. But Max kicked a hole in the barn, and Alexis helped with the other horses and later with Max when the vet came. And Farley just left me and stayed with her the whole day.”

  “It had rained so much the night before—”

  Luke caught her hand and squeezed. She stopped and turned toward him. He gave her hand another quick squeeze. Did she see where she was going? Telling her brother about the night before would lead to the fact that she’d spent the night. That might not generate the sort of warmth Luke was hoping to gain here. “Let’s just say, since the animals all love her, she’s welcome to take as many pictures as she wants at my place.”


  John’s glance jumped from Luke to his sister and back. The silence grew until Alexis turned toward Sharee.

  “So, the doctors were completely wrong about Johnnie?”

  Sharee nodded and smiled. “God is still in the miracle business.” She looked across at Luke. “I had just gone into labor when Alexis called. Such an awful time. Their dad dying, and me in labor. John couldn’t get home, and he finally—”

  Luke’s hand hadn’t left hers. It tightened again. “Your dad died? When?”

  She pulled away, shifting in her chair. “Five months ago.”

  The words were so low he had to strain to hear them. His gaze jumped to John. “Your father?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

  Waves of pain came from Alexis. He could feel them, and that startled him. He wanted to gather her to him, but didn’t move.

  “I’m sorry,” Sharee said. “I assumed you knew.”

  “No. I…” He thought about how solemn Alexis seemed. So little laughter - until tonight. “I’m sorry, Alexis. You’ve had a rough time. Moving, a new career – all of that is stressful. On top of your dad passing. Was he a Christian?”

  She hesitated a moment before turning to her brother.

  “Yes.” John’s eyes focused on Alexis as if she had asked the question. “I led him to the Lord the night before we flew to Indonesia.”

  A frown appeared on Alexis’ face. “He never said anything.”

  “Dad wouldn’t. Unless he felt the timing was right.”

  Luke sensed the undercurrents but couldn’t define them. Why did Alexis look upset? Shouldn’t she be ecstatic with the news? Didn’t she believe it?

  Sharee leaned toward him. “That was the only thing that made being away anywhere near acceptable.”

  “You and John were overseas when it happened?”

  “Yes.” John’s gaze searched his sister’s. He put his arm around Sharee and pulled her closer. “We’re missionaries. Sharee went into labor not two hours before Alexis called. I couldn’t leave her. I couldn’t make it home to see Dad, couldn’t make it to the funeral, couldn’t help Alexis.” The roughness of his voice exposed the pain and frustration with which he’d dealt.

  “It’s all right, John.” Alexis leaned forward. “I knew you had to be with Sharee.”