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

by Linda K. Rodante

  “You’ll need to make a doctor’s appointment soon. But you don’t have to make a decision about adoption right away.” She leaned forward. “Jessica, either decision is a good one.”

  “I know. I actually picked up some information on adoption the other day.”

  “Did you?” When Jessica nodded, Alexis examined her. Her talk with Rachel last night had done more than the whole three days of Alexis’ “crisis” help. “Tell me about this forgiveness stuff.”

  “It’s what God says we need to do. After all, He forgave us. We talked about the consequences of sin for Leland, but we also have consequences for our own sins, even though they’re not as bad as Leland’s. It’s justice. God is a righteous judge. Funny how we want people to pay for the bad things they do, but we don’t think we should have to pay ourselves. Yet, in reality, someone has to pay. Jesus paid the price that we should have paid. He died.”

  “He died, but we still die.”

  “Yes, he died physically, and we will, too; but he rose from the grave and lives forever in heaven. Eternal life, Professor Jergenson. Because of his sacrifice, our sins are forgiven; and we will live forever, too.”

  Alexis shook her head. “That’s the part I don’t understand. How could a good God let his son die for others?”

  “Simple. Jesus wanted to. They formed this plan before the world began.”

  “Luke mentioned that.”

  “And Jesus couldn’t bear to watch us suffer. We are his bride, you know. He loves us, kind of like you and Professor Stephens.”

  Her cup went down again. “What?”

  “You have the hots for him, don’t you?”

  Warmth rose in Alexis’ cheeks. “I don’t know if I would describe it that way, but I like him a lot. Yes.”

  “I thought so.”

  “Not that it matters. Now.”

  “Because you’re not a Christian?”

  “Yes.”

  “It’s easy to become a Christian. It’s just like I said. Jesus paid the price for your sin. All you have to do is believe it and accept it.”

  Her gaze met Jessica’s. “Despite what it looks like, I don’t tell people I believe something I don’t.”

  “You can think about it. You can ask God to show you the truth.”

  Alexis wanted to end the conversation, but she had one more objection. “I don’t understand how a good God allows so much evil in the world.”

  “Everybody has the same question. If there were no evil, how would we know to choose the good? God says he put before us life and death, blessing and cursing; and he asks us to choose the one we want. Then he gives us a big hint, and says ‘Choose life.’” Jessica’s voice rose. “Look at it this way. You’re choosing sides. Which side do you want to be on? God’s or Satan’s?”

  Alexis pushed up from her chair and walked to the sink. The cup and saucer went into it. Jessica came next to her and placed her mug in the sink, also.

  “Just think about it, Professor Jergenson. Think and pray and ask God to show you. Give Him a chance.”

  After a moment’s hesitation, Alexis turned from the sink and gave a weak smile. “I’ll try, Jessica. That’s all I can say. I’ll try.”

  Bang! Bang!

  “What in the world?” Alexis turned toward the entryway.

  “I bet it’s Mom.” Jessica ran toward the front. “I knew she’d come to her senses.”

  Alexis followed her into the hall. “Well, look through the peephole—”

  Jessica flung open the door. Leland stood there, a smirk on his face, gun in hand. Jessica’s scream ripped from her mouth. He thrust her back into the room and closed the door.

  Chapter 15

  Alexis hadn’t come to work again. Her office door was locked, the lights out. Luke’s heart did a double-time beat inside his chest. He should have gone to her condo yesterday after John left. He’d waited. Why? The man was right. Luke couldn’t leave things like they were. He pulled his phone from his pocket and punched in her number. No answer.

  He had a class in twenty minutes. What would he say to her in that amount of time, anyway? He needed to see her in person.

  Rising from the high-backed chair at his desk, he walked to his office window and looked over the parking lot, remembering the jerk in his chest the time he saw Alexis throw herself into John’s arms. Then the other feeling when he’d found out John was her brother.

  Past the parking lot, the trees edging the grass stood silent and bare, their leaves scattered and gone. Their emptiness echoed in his heart. Another picture of Alexis rose – when she’d jumped into view at the soccer game. His chest tightened. How important she’d become in his life. He’d fought it, but nothing could stop what happened. The third picture differed from the others. In this one, her eyes reflected anger and pain after finding Jessica in the trailer.

  The woman had seen much in her life, had been through much. So different from Teresa. And yet…

  The marriage had been good for a while. Looking back, he realized that they had married for lust more than love. They were both Christians, and instead of having sex before marriage like so many, they’d waited. After all, he had talked Christianity all his life and believed in God. But they should have sought the Lord’s will before marrying. His mom had cautioned him, but he’d wanted his own way.

  Teresa had argued with him about joining the army. She hadn’t agreed, but once he saw the others coming home, once he heard their stories, nothing could alter his thirst to join. His own stubbornness again.

  The war had changed him even before the bomb hit. With life and death so close, when it resides within your hands, you have another view of reality. Then when he came home maimed, she’d hated it, hated what the war had done to him and to them. Her affair was a way to get back at him. They had cared for each other, but neither had the maturity to hold the marriage together, to make it work. She had remarried soon after the divorce – to one of her buff workout buddies.

  Luke inhaled past the twinge in his chest. He’d never really forgiven her. He thought he had, but when he saw Alexis that first time, looking so much like her, his anger burst from its hidden place in his heart. He stared past the mountains at the cobalt sky.

  Why had he never tried to understand what his leaving and his injury had done to Teresa? All he thought about back then was himself, coping with the injury, hurrying to get back to “normal” as fast as he could. He hadn’t seen her pain, he hadn’t listened to her—before or after.

  Whether the timing was off or not, you could still have made it work if we’d listened, if we’d wanted it. Is that what you’re saying? Was I too hurt, too prideful after I found out about the affair?

  He ran a hand through his hair and stepped back from the window. The divorce was my fault as much as Teresa’s. That’s what you’re saying. I’ve blamed her entirely. Forgive me, and help her to forgive me. Help me to forgive her.

  I’ve wanted another relationship, and I haven’t seen the truth in the first one. John had it right. I have to get my mind off myself.

  After a moment, he sighed. And maybe he’d have to put Cliff and that whole business into God’s hands, too.

  His mind jumped to Alexis. John was right, again. He had run. He hadn’t stayed long enough to hear Alexis out. He couldn’t do to her what he’d done to Teresa – not hear her. He turned back to the desk, eyed his phone. It wouldn’t change the fact that the relationship could not continue, but maybe it would do something else – show her that she was of value, in his sight and in God’s.

  The impatience hit again. He needed to see her. He picked up the phone and punched in her number once more. When she didn’t answer, he shoved his papers into his backpack, wrote a note for the receptionist, and headed out. He’d miss his class, as his note indicated; but Alexis took priority right now.

  He couldn’t blame her for not answering, but he’d try her phone once again when he got to her condo. Whatever, he wasn’t leaving until they talked. When he climbed i
nto the truck, he pulled open the glove box and tore through the papers inside. Hadn’t she written her address down for him the last time they’d gone out? He’d asked for it at dinner. He went through the papers again. Nothing.

  Where would he have put it? He pulled his wallet out and flipped through it. Again nothing.

  The name of her condo? She’d mentioned it, but it hadn’t rung a bell. He ran a hand down his face. What was it? He’d get in touch with her brother. No. He had no idea how to do that. What friends did she have at the college? Anyone? She’d kept to herself a lot. It felt like he had searched Google and come up with nothing.

  Who would have her address?

  Jessica.

  He hit the contacts button and flipped through the names, but she didn’t answer.

  Who else? Someone had to have her address.

  The office.

  He called the main line.

  “Hello, Appalachian Christian College. May I help you?”

  “Rachel? Can you get me Professor Jergenson’s address?”

  “Her address? She’s not coming in today. She called earlier and left a message.”

  “I know she’s not there. I need her address. Can you get it for me?”

  “You could just call her.”

  “Rachel.” He said the name through gritted teeth.

  “Oh, sure. Just a minute.”

  What would he say to her? Would she listen?

  Lord, open her heart. Lead me in all I say and do over the next few hours. Don’t let me do anything that will hurt her. Don’t let her get hurt. Protect her. Protect Jessica, too.

  He frowned. Where had that come from? He drummed on the steering wheel.

  “Professor Stephens?”

  “Yes?”

  “I’ve got her address.”

  “Okay. Wait a second. I’ll punch it into my GPS as you give it to me.”

  ***

  Alexis watched as Leland continued to pace and rant. He’d accused her of being the main problem in his life. She had called the police; she had talked Jessica into prosecuting. If Alexis had never entered the picture, there’d be no cops chasing him.

  The man’s wild-eyed look unnerved her, and his hand shook as he held the revolver. The rock in her stomach anchored her to the floor. She had to think, to move. She’d left her purse in the bedroom. If she and Jessica could get there, lock the door, even for a minute… She sat forward on the couch and tried to catch Jessica’s eye, but the girl’s head was down.

  Leland jerked the pistol in her direction. “Don’t move, honey. You’ve caused all the trouble you’re going to.”

  “You’re the cause of your own trouble.”

  His mouth thinned. “Well, we need some attitude adjustment here.”

  His grin caused a nauseous churn in her stomach.

  “And I’m just the one who can do it, aren’t I, Jessie?”

  Jessica’s head rose. “Leave her alone, Leland. She…She hasn’t done anything to you.”

  The man stepped forward as if to hit her, but Alexis threw herself in front of the girl.

  “Don’t touch her!”

  Leland stopped, and the grin returned. “Oh, you two are the rah-rah sisters, is that it? Gonna protect each other from big, bad Leland?” His face changed, and his voice threatened. “Nobody’s getting out of here until I get what I want! Got that?”

  Alexis’ arm went around Jessica’s shoulders. “What do you want?”

  His mouth curled. “What you got to offer?”

  Her stomach clenched again, and she fought the gag reflex in her throat. “You want money? I have some cash. I can…”

  “I want a whole lot of money and more! But first, I’ll take that gun of yours.”

  Alexis swallowed. Could she make the lie believable? “It’s in the car.”

  “The car?” His eyes narrowed. “You had it in your purse before.”

  “My purse is in the car. I left it there.”

  His face twisted, but as he started to say something, her phone’s ringtone began to play. She grabbed for it, but Leland knocked her back into Jessica.

  “Don’t touch that!” He picked it up from the end table and pocketed it. “Stand up. Both of you.” Alexis shoved Jessica toward the bedroom. “Run, Jess!”

  Leland jumped, grabbing Jessica’s arm, and yanked her against him. He dug the revolver into her side. “No one’s running anywhere!”

  Jessica’s face paled, and Alexis froze. Surely, someone had heard Jessica’s scream before or the commotion going on now. Please, God, if you’re there, let someone call the police.

  Leland crooked his head into Jessica’s neck. “At least I left your mom alive. You might not be so lucky.”

  The girl’s eyes rounded. “What are you talking about? What did you do to Mom?”

  He laughed. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

  “If you hurt her—”

  The gun moved, jabbing into the girl’s side again. “What? What would you do?”

  “She’s done everything for you. How could you—”

  “Stop whining.” He thrust her away from him and looked at Alexis. “And any more stuff from you, and you won’t live to see tomorrow. If you don’t want Jessie hurt, you’d better do as I tell you. You hear me?”

  Alexis nodded. She shot a quick glance in Jessica’s direction. The girl’s countenance had changed, her expression hardened.

  “Now pull that chair over here.” He indicated a high-backed chair in the corner.

  Alexis walked over and closed her hands around the top spools. She glanced at Leland.

  “I wouldn’t, honey. You might think you’re fast but not faster than a bullet.” He laughed as she set it down close to him. The gun’s barrel moved and aimed at Alexis’ chest. Her breath caught. “Sit in the chair, Jessie, and don’t try anything.”

  Jessica’s glare didn’t alter as she sat. Leland dug into his jacket pocket, pulled out a length of rope, and tossed it at Alexis.

  “Tie her to the chair.”

  Alexis didn’t move, and the man’s brow creased. She shook herself. Don’t freeze. Think! Leaning over, she picked up the rope from the floor.

  “You know the cops are looking for you.” Alexis bent over the girl. “You should be heading out of town. Not hanging around here.”

  “Shut up!”

  She glanced at him. “You’re just making things worse. Why don’t you—”

  The barrel moved to Jessica. “Okay. Getting rid of her will make the plans I have for you easier.”

  “No!” Alexis shouted. “No, I…I’ll do whatever you say. Just leave her alone.”

  “Then shut up and tie her in that chair.”

  Alexis swung the rope around the girl and the chair.

  “And do it good. Don’t try anything!”

  Alexis nodded, swallowing, wondering if she could somehow make it loose enough for Jessica to get free later. When she leaned over the chair, Jessica muttered in her ear.

  “What if he hurt Mom?”

  Alexis looped the rope again, keeping it loose.

  “I’ll kill him if he hurt Mom.”

  “No talking!” Leland took a step forward.

  Knock. Knock. Knock. All three of their heads jerked around. Alexis caught her breath. Someone was at the door. If she screamed…

  “Don’t say anything!” The words hissed at her, and he waved the revolver. “You hear me? Don’t say anything!”

  The knocking came again.

  They stood frozen. The knock became insistent.

  “Alexis! Open up. Your car’s here. I know you’re in there. We need to talk.”

  Her heart jumped. Luke!

  Leland signaled with the gun, catching her look. She stared at him. He’d kill them anyway. Whatever his plans were, he couldn’t afford to leave them alive. If she was doing to die, better now than being raped and killed later.

  “Luke! Get the police! Get—” The gun came across her face. Pain splintered and surged across
her cheek. She reeled backward, crying out.

  “Alexis?” Luke’s voice jumped. “What’s wrong? What’s going on in there?”

  Leland turned toward the door, hand shaking, and aimed. Jessica screamed even as the gun cracked.

  Luke’s yowl of pain sent Alexis surging toward Leland. He aimed again, and she threw herself at him. The revolver flew from his hand, and they tumbled to the floor.

  Chapter 16

  Leland scrambled to his knees, lunging for the gun; but Jessica landed on top of him, beating him with her fists.

  “You leave my mother alone! Do you hear me, you leave her alone!”

  He rolled onto his back, knocking her to her side and cuffed her across the face. When she jerked back, he clambered to his knees and dove for his firearm again.

  Alexis surged to her feet, and Jessica leaned across her, grabbing a heavy statue from the end table, but blocking Alexis. Leland’s fingers closed around the gun, and Jessica swung the statue toward his head.

  Leland shoved a hand up for protection, and his revolver flew free again. He cursed as it skidded across the wooden floor and disappeared under a chair.

  Alexis dove after it. The sound of struggling followed her and then a crash. She shoved her head and arm under the chair. Light flashed off the gun’s barrel, and she grabbed for it.

  Something slammed into her side, and pain exploded through her. She curled in shock, gasping. Hands caught her clothes and dragged her backward. Leland then dropped onto his belly and reached for the gun.

  Alexis struggled to her knees, holding her side, nerves pulled tight as catgut. If he got the gun… She threw herself on top of his legs.

  The living room window shattered. Alexis yanked her head around. Glass rained across the carpet and the sofa.

  Luke slammed the car jack against the window again. “Alexis! Get your gun!”

  As Leland pushed farther under the chair, she jumped to her feet and sprinted for the bedroom.

  She grabbed her purse, ripped the zipper down, and snatched the pistol from its holster. The next instant, she stood in the doorway.

  Jessica straddled Leland’s back. He shoved himself free from the chair, reached up, grabbed the back of her neck, and tossed her forward over his shoulder. Clutching the revolver, he lurched to his feet.