Proof of Life: A Christian Romance (BlackThorpe Security Book 4)

by Kimberly Rae Jordan

  Eric sighed. “Here’s the thing. I don’t want to leave here without looking in that house. If there’s a basement or crawl space or something underneath it, we are not able to see it with our infrared. It’s a stone that we need to turn over before we leave here. So if you think Marcus is close to pulling the plug, I want permission to go in and search the entire house.”

  “He hasn’t said anything yet about pulling the plug, but I know that this can’t go on indefinitely.” Alex leaned back in the chair stretching his legs out. “Knowing that this was a likely scenario, I’ve come up with a possible plan of action.”

  “One that will involve us getting inside that house before we leave?” Eric asked.

  “Yes. It’s been four days and there’s been no sign of Craig. To me, that says that if Alana is in that house, he has a way to monitor her. We know from our file on the man that he is tech savvy. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s monitoring her remotely. So I want you guys to set up something to block the signal of however he might be monitoring her.”

  Eric was silent for a couple of seconds before he said, “So if his monitoring goes down, he’s going to come to find out why.”

  “Exactly. If he shows up at the house, we’ll know that Alana is inside. However, I do not want you to alert him to our presence. If he shows up, I want one of the guys to tag his vehicle. Then once we have Alana, we’ll alert the FBI on where he is located.”

  “Okay. I’ll have one of the guys go over to the house in a roundabout way and set up something to block the signal. When he shows up at the house, we’ll unblock the signal since he might be more suspicious if he can’t figure out what’s wrong and if it’s not back up again. That way he might just blame it on spotty Wi-fi or whatever he’s using to broadcast. We’ll tag the car while he’s inside then once he’s left and is far enough away from the house, we will have the signal go down again. That’s when we’ll go into the house to see if we can find her.” The excitement in Eric’s voice grew as he fleshed out the plan for Alex. “We’ll be able to monitor his movements so we can see if he turns around to come back. Hopefully, we’ll have enough time to free her and notify the FBI.”

  “And if, after disrupting the signal, he doesn’t show within three days, I’ll give you guys the go-ahead to raid the house.” Alex knew that if Marcus approached him about pulling the plug on the mission, he’d be more lenient in allowing it to continue if an end date was in sight. This plan seemed to be the only way to resolve this current mission, hopefully, with the end result they all longed for. “Do you have all the supplies that you need to carry out a plan like this?”

  Eric gave a huff of laughter. “Did you seriously just ask me that, man?”

  Alex chuckled. “Uh… Let’s just pretend I didn’t.”

  “Good idea. I’ll have one of the guys go over tonight and set up the signal disruptor.” Eric paused. “And then I’m gonna pray like crazy that Craig shows up. Because as much as I want Alana back, we also need to get our hands on this guy. I want them both.”

  “So do I, man. So do I.” With the plan in place and Eric ready to set it in motion, Alex said good night and ended the call. He sat for a few minutes in the dark with only the Christmas tree lights for illumination, praying that nothing would go wrong and that they would find Alana.

  When Alex got back to the table, Tyler caught his gaze and lifted an eyebrow. Figuring he was asking if there was any news, Alex gave a small shake of his head. Eric would brief the command center and anyone else actively monitoring the mission of their plan. Alex knew that he needed to speak with Marcus, but right now he had to keep his attention on his family. He had to start somewhere with figuring out his priorities, and the dinner was as good a place as any.

  It wasn’t too long before people began to leave. Adrianne—not surprisingly—was the first. Ryan left shortly after her and then Melanie and Tyler started to get ready to go.

  Alex turned to Rebecca. “Would you and Jordan like a ride home with me?”

  She hesitated a moment then nodded. “I’m sure Melanie and Tyler wouldn’t mind a little couple time.”

  “Yeah, I never turn down a little alone time with Melanie,” Tyler said with a grin.

  After Melanie and Tyler had left, Alex pulled his coat along with Rebecca and Jordan’s from the front closet. Once their goodbyes had been said, Alex led them out to his truck which he had already started so it was nice and warm when he opened the doors for Rebecca and Jordan.

  He anticipated a little awkwardness on the drive home, and he wasn’t mistaken. Though they did manage a conversation, it was impersonal and there was an undercurrent of tension beneath it all. When they got to the house, Jordan said a quick goodbye and hopped out of the truck.

  When Rebecca didn’t get out right away, Alex looked over at her. “Everything okay?”

  She turned her head in his direction, but the dark interior of the truck made it impossible to read her expression. “We need to have a talk. Would you have any time in the next few days for that?”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  ALEX STARED OUT the front window then looked back at her. He didn’t know if she was testing him, but it definitely was a test for himself. “Yes. Maybe we could go out for dinner tomorrow night, the three of us.”

  Rebecca shifted on her seat. “Actually, I was thinking maybe it would be better this time around if it was just the two of us.”

  Alex’s stomach clenched. He had thought that any discussions they had at this point would also include Jordan. Or did his son not want to let him know that he wasn’t interested in a relationship with him?

  Gripping the bottom of the steering wheel tightly in both hands, Alex nodded. “Will Jordan have something to do if we go out tomorrow night?”

  “He’ll be fine. Between his games, his phone, and the television, I think he can entertain himself.”

  “There is just one thing,” Alex began. “There’s a potential for things to happen with the mission in the next couple of days. If something comes up, I will need to go to the office right away. I hope you’ll understand if we have to postpone our talk until after that situation is taken care of. Normally I wouldn’t ask this of you, but this is an extremely sensitive mission.”

  “Does it have to do with Alana?”

  Alex glanced at Rebecca and nodded. They were still trying to keep the mission on the down low, specifically to keep Justin from finding out, but Rebecca knowing wouldn’t be an issue. If it all ended up being for nothing, they didn’t want Justin to be let down. “Please don’t tell anyone. It isn’t a very strong lead, but it’s the best we’ve had in a while. We just don’t want Justin to know in case we don’t find her.”

  “I understand. And if we have to put off the dinner, I’m okay with that. I just don’t want to put it off indefinitely.”

  Alex nodded. “We’ll try for tomorrow night, but if the mission does interfere, as soon as that’s resolved, we’ll talk.”

  Rebecca seemed agreeable to that since she nodded then opened her door. Alex also got out, and they said an awkward goodnight at the front of the truck before Rebecca headed for the apartment. As he watched her walk away, Alex hoped that if something was going to happen with the mission, it was after they had a chance to talk. Since the plan was already put in motion, things could change at any time.

  Now the anticipation of two things weighed heavily on Alex. He prayed that the resolution for each would be glorifying to God. And he really, really hoped that meant that Alana would be coming home alive and that Rebecca was going to give him a chance…not just with Jordan but with her as well.

  ~*~*~

  As Rebecca looked at her reflection in the mirror, she told herself that it wasn’t a date. Even though she’d taken far longer than necessary to decide what to wear and then to do her hair and makeup…it wasn’t a date. And who knew if this evening was actually going to come about. Alex had sent her a text around two o’clock saying that he’d be by at six to pick her up. Given
that he hadn’t texted her again, Rebecca was assuming that the dinner was a go.

  Alex hadn’t said what sort of restaurant they were going to, so Rebecca hoped that the black pants and soft pink sweater she’d chosen would be appropriate. Even though he had plenty of money, she didn’t think he’d frequent the posh restaurants that served fancy food whose name you couldn’t pronounce. He just didn’t strike her as someone who would enjoy that type of place.

  She took the time to put on earrings and had Jordan help her with the matching necklace. When a glance at the clock showed it was almost six, she quickly took one last look at herself as she dabbed on a bit of perfume then pulled on her boots and her jacket. She stood in the kitchen, looking out the window over the sink since it had a direct view of the driveway.

  It was just a couple of minutes past six when she saw a sweep of headlights make their way toward her. She grabbed her purse and pulled on her gloves before bending to press a kiss on Jordan’s head.

  “Be good, sweetie. If you need me, just call.”

  Jordan looked up from his tablet and nodded. “I’m not a little kid, Mom. I’ll be fine.”

  Rebecca wanted to tell him that in her eyes he would always be her little boy, and she would always want him to be safe. Instead, she gave him a wave as she opened the door and stepped out into the cold night air.

  Alex had parked the truck and was coming toward the apartment but stopped when he saw her on the stairs. He waited for her to join him then walked around the side of the truck with her to open her door. When she was inside and buckled, he shut the door then rounded the hood to the driver’s side. The warmth inside the truck held a hint of his cologne and surrounded her like an embrace.

  “I hope you’re okay with a not—so—fancy dining experience,” Alex said as he guided the truck around the circular driveway and back toward the gate.

  “I’m very okay with that. I was actually hoping that we didn’t end up at a place where I’d need to know a second language to understand the menu.”

  Alex chuckled. “I may be able to afford those places now, but I rarely, if ever, go to them. If I’m going for a meal, I want it to be enough to fill me up.”

  “So where are we going?” Rebecca asked as the acceleration of the truck when Alex turned onto the highway pressed her back into the leather seat.

  “A friend introduced me to a restaurant that’s owned by some friends of his. It’s great food and great ambiance. Thankfully, they were able to squeeze me in when I phoned for a reservation earlier. It helps to have friends who are connected.”

  Rebecca looked at him. “I would guess that there are people who appreciate your connections as well.”

  “No doubt. But not all of them are on the up and up. In this business, you have to be careful about the connections you make.”

  During the remainder of the trip to the restaurant, Rebecca asked more questions about the business and the people who worked there. She sensed that it was almost more of a family connection then a boss and employee one, especially among those who Alex worked with directly. Given how Tyler and Ryan had both been welcomed into his family without hesitation, Rebecca knew that he trusted the people he worked with. Not just with the job they had to do but also with his family.

  Alex pulled the truck into a small parking lot that was nearly full. He managed to find a spot and then came around to open her door for her. This is not a date. She had to keep reminding herself of that. A lot was riding on the outcome of the talk that lay ahead. It was so much more than a date would have been.

  Delicious smells accompanied the warm air that greeted them as they stepped into the foyer of the restaurant. They hung up their coats then Alex approached the woman who stood behind a small podium. Though there were a couple other groups waiting in the foyer, as soon as he gave his name, the hostess grabbed a couple menus and motioned for them to follow her.

  They slowly wound their way among tables that were pretty much all full. Booths lined the outer edges of the room, and the hostess led them to one in the far back corner. Alex waited until Rebecca had slid in one side before he took a seat opposite her, facing the rest of the room. The soft lighting in the restaurant had a somewhat romantic vibe to it, and the low light fixture that hung over their booth gave it a cozy feel. Added to that was the high back of the booth behind her, and Rebecca felt confident their conversation wouldn’t be overheard.

  There was soft music playing, and the conversation from the tables around them was simply a low murmur. She could see why the restaurant was popular, especially if the food was as good as it smelled.

  It didn’t take long for a server to approach their table and advise them of the specials for the evening. Over the next several minutes, their conversation centered around the menu and what they wanted to eat.

  When that was finally settled, Rebecca relaxed into the soft back of the booth. She waited to see if Alex would pull out his phone to check it and was rather surprised when he leaned forward and said, “Perhaps we should say grace for the food while we wait.”

  Rebecca nodded and bowed her head, listening with interest as Alex prayed.

  “Heavenly Father, we thank you for another day. We pray that You would bless this evening as Rebecca and I talk. Be also with the guys on the mission and give Eric wisdom. Please keep Jordan safe at the house. We thank You for the food that we’re going to eat and Your provision of it. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

  Rebecca thought back to the times they spent together and the faith Alex had shown even then. Her family had only attended church sporadically, and it was never something that was carried over into their home. Her own faith had only started to grow when she’d begun attending Maureen’s church. Alex’s family, however, had attended church regularly and he’d been involved with the youth group there.

  She supposed that was part of the reason why she had been so shocked at his response to the pregnancy. It seemed in direct contrast to his faith for him to ask her to abort the baby. That had impacted her own feelings regarding church and the Christian faith. Thankfully, she’d ended up at Maureen’s church where her faith and belief in God had flourished. It was a relief to know that they had their faith in common and that wouldn’t be something that they would disagree on during their conversations, especially when it came to Jordan and his involvement at church.

  “This really is a lovely restaurant,” Rebecca said as the silence stretched between them.

  Alex nodded as he glanced around. “I’ve been here a few times. One was for the engagement party of Lindsay Hamilton and Than Miller. You met Than at the office when we went to see Eric. Lindsay’s brother, Lucas, is married to Eric’s sister, Brooke, and Lucas was the one to introduce me to this place. I’ve never been disappointed in the food.”

  They talked a bit more about the restaurant then Alex asked her about her books, his questions showing that he had a true interest in what she did. Rebecca appreciated that and was more than happy to tell him about her career. The conversation shifted once the waitress brought their food and they began to eat.

  “So is Jordan enjoying his time here in the Twin Cities?” Alex asked after they’d eaten in silence for a couple of minutes.

  “Yes, he is. Even though he hasn’t shown it very well, I do think he’d like to spend more time with you. If you’re able to free up some time in your schedule.”

  “I will try to do that.” Alex’s gaze dropped to his plate for a moment before lifting to meet hers again. “I’m just not sure what to do with him. It seems we don’t have a whole lot in common.”

  Rebecca tilted her head as she regarded him. He still wore the suit he had no doubt worn to work that morning. He seemed perfectly at ease in it, making her think he spent a lot of time dressed in work attire.

  “What do you do for fun?” Rebecca asked.

  Alex didn’t answer her right away as he finished chewing the bite he’s just taken. “I guess I don’t really do fun if you’re talking about stuff like golfing
. I do enjoy going to the range to shoot and to the gym to spar or work out. If there’s a training exercise going on at the compound, I usually try to participate in those.”

  “A training exercise?” Rebecca asked. “Is that what you were talking about the other day? The winter training?”

  “Yes, we usually have training exercises with groups that come here to work with BlackThorpe. They involve scenarios that we’ve created to train the groups in various situations. Things like rescuing hostages. Long-range surveillance. It’s something I enjoy being a part of.”

  “But what do you do for fun? Like do you go to basketball games with Tyler? Or bowling? Play video games?”

  Rebecca sensed tension in Alex at her question. She didn’t mean to stress him, she was just trying to find common ground for him and Jordan. Preferably something that didn’t involve weapons.

  “I really don’t have much time for things like that,” Alex said, his voice tight. “It’s taken most my time, along with Marcus’s, to build BlackThorpe into what it is today. We’ve worked hard to bring together the best people to work alongside us in our company. It hasn’t left us with much time for fun. Probably the only thing I do that might qualify as fun in your books is play chess or backgammon with Marcus once a week.”

  “You and Marcus are close,” Rebecca observed. “More than just co-business owners.”

  Alex didn’t hesitate before nodding. “He’s like the brother I never had. He’s my best friend. When you go through dark times together, it can be an intensely binding experience. I know that he will always have my back, and I will always have his.”

  Rebecca wondered about the experiences that bound them together. She wanted to ask him about it, but something told her that was not the time or the place. Instead, she said, “Maybe you and Jordan can work together to find something that you might both enjoy doing. It’s not really that unusual for a father and son not to have a lot in common. How about you and your dad? Are there things you and he enjoy doing together?”