Unspoken Words (Hope and a Future Book 1)

by Janna Halterman

  The driver dropped them off at Patrol Headquarters, instead of the Cell Building where they had been picked up. Evelyn was grateful for the shorter walk to her apartment since the snow had just begun to fall.

  “I guess I’m done running for the winter,” Evelyn commented, catching a snowflake in her hand. Jackson took her bag and showed no sign of letting her carry it. She thought about trying to convince him he didn’t need to walk her home, but she knew he wouldn’t listen to her. “Did you have a good time at your parents?” she asked as they began their walk to her apartment.

  “Yes,” he answered. He wished the car ride had been longer though; he wasn’t ready to give her up. But he knew he needed to trust God to protect her now, and He was better at it anyway. “Did you?”

  “Yes,” she said, smiling. “Your dad called me a, ‘sister in Christ’?” Jackson nodded. “Does that mean I’m your sister too, and you’re my brother?”

  He wasn’t sure if he liked being called that by her, but it was true; in Christ they were brother and sister. “Yes, I suppose that’s what it means.”

  She looped her arm with his and looked up at him grinning. “I always wanted a brother.”

  He smiled at her, and she made him laugh, but a rock landed in his stomach at her comment. He wanted to be more than a brother to her. Lord, did you bring us together, just to keep us apart?

  It was a short walk and they arrived at her apartment too quickly. If Bekah or Sarah were home, she wouldn’t be able to talk to Jackson. Not like she could alone.

  “You have something on your mind,” he stated.

  “Do you have the books of the Bible?”

  “Yes, I have them.”

  “Do you think I could visit you, at your house sometime, and you could teach me about them like your dad did at church?”

  “You’re welcome over any time you’d like,” he answered. “I’m not sure how good of a teacher I’ll be, but I’ll try my best.”

  “When’s your next night off?”

  Her boldness was a wonder, especially in light of his most recent question to God. “Wednesday. As much as I’d love to have you to myself, you should invite Bekah. My roommate would like to meet her.”

  He waited as he once again saw her working something out in her mind. Not wanting to rush her, he kept quiet. Instead of a question, though, she stepped suddenly to him and wrapped her arms tightly around him.

  Evelyn hugged him tighter than ever and breathed in his scent. The thud of her bag dropping to the ground sounded just before his arms surrounded her, cocooning her in his strength. She let herself enjoy the embrace; she didn’t know for how long. She never wanted to let go of him. The thought brought her back to her senses.

  “Thank you,” she finally forced herself to speak, though still clinging to him.

  “You’re welcome,” he replied in whisper.

  “I’m scared to go in,” she admitted. Even in Jackson’s arms, the memories of Tom tormented her.

  He ran his hand over her hair, cherishing their closeness, both physically and emotionally. “Invite me in, and you won’t have to face it alone.”

  Evelyn leaned back to look at him. “Would you like to come in?”

  “I’d love to,” he smiled down at her. “Thank you.”

  Everything looked normal inside the apartment, but it felt all wrong. It would be a while until Evelyn felt safe here again. Jackson closed the door behind them.

  “Hello?” Bekah called, coming down the hall. Her eyes immediately fell on Jackson and Evelyn’s bag in his hand. “Evie, you have some serious explaining to do…Evie!” Bekah exploded at the sight of her. “What happened to you?”

  “It’s kind of a long story,” Evelyn grimaced, touching her forgotten black eye.

  “Jackson,” Bekah barked, her violent expression now trained on Jackson. “You had better not be the one responsible for this; or so help me, I don’t care who you are or how strong you are, I’ll…”

  “Bekah!” Evelyn interrupted, appalled by her questioning Jackson’s character. “It wasn’t him!”

  A darkness Evelyn had never seen overcame Bekah’s whole person. “Tom.”

  “Jackson got here before…” Evelyn stopped and looked up at Jackson.

  She didn’t see the way Bekah looked at the two of them, but Jackson did. He couldn’t decide if she looked curious or upset, but there was no questioning that they’d be having a conversation in the near future. He was happy to learn he was not the only one looking out for Evelyn, and got the distinct feeling the little spitfire staring him down was more lethal than she appeared. He looked back to Evelyn. “Will you be okay?”

  “Yes, I’ll be fine.” She hoped that was true. “Thank you, again.”

  He turned his smile to Bekah. He might as well get it over with then. He needed her help getting in for breakfast the following morning anyway. “Bekah, could I talk with you outside? It’ll just take a minute.”

  She grabbed her coat and marched to the door in reply.

  Jackson looked back at Evelyn. “I’ll see you Wednesday, if not before.” He opened the door for Bekah and followed her out, closing it behind them.

  Bekah stood with her arms crossed and her toe tapping.

  “You know,” he started, “at one point you were on my side.”

  “At one point, Evie wasn’t coming home from who-knows-where with you, sporting a black eye,” Bekah snapped back. “Is this where you make excuses, or are you going to just tell me what happened?”

  “I’m glad Evelyn has you,” he commented before filling her in. “I had been away with work and came over as soon as I could when I got back. I found Tom here with her. It was pretty easy to see he planned to rape her if she wasn’t willing to give herself to him; and she wasn’t willing.” Bekah’s face showed the horror he felt retelling the story. “Tom ended up in a cell, and I couldn’t bring myself to let Evelyn out of my sight, so I made her go with me to my parents’ home. We left that night and just got back.”

  “But you got here in time, right?” she asked. “Before Tom…”

  By the grace of God, “Yes.”

  She shook her head. “I’m gonna kill him.”

  “I understand the feeling,” he admitted. His veins still ran hot with rage against Tom. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, keeping myself from killing him. He should be very glad I got here when I did. Any further…” He was ashamed to say he’d have willingly killed the man if he’d hurt Evelyn further.

  “Thank you for being there for her.” Bekah looked straight at him when she spoke, saving him from finishing his confession. “So, what are you and her now?” she asked, curiosity climbing into her eyes.

  “We’re friends.”

  “Is that all you feel for her? Just friendship?” The motherly tone she used managed to amuse him from his vengeful thoughts.

  “No,” he answered honestly.

  “Good,” she said, nodding. “You seem like someone who will treat her the way she deserves to be treated. But if you break her heart, I’ll break you.”

  “I won’t,” he promised, somehow not doubting this pixie’s ability to inflict pain. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t say anything to her about it, not yet. But I actually asked you out here because I need your help. I lost a bet and owe her breakfast tomorrow. I’m pretty sure she thinks I’m not planning on living up to my end of the deal, so I’m hoping you could let me in tomorrow morning so I can surprise her.”

  Bekah put her hands on her hips. “Only if I get some of this breakfast, too.”

  “I already planned on that.”

  She smiled. “Good. Then we’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

  “Four thirty.”

  Bekah closed the door with a groan. Apparently early mornings weren’t her thing.

  Chapter 27

  Whatever it was that Jackson was talking with Bekah about, she knew they were outside so she wouldn’t hear them. Not wanting to be tempted to listen in, she too
k her bag to her room to unpack. Her normally tidy room looked like it had been rummaged through; evidence of her rushed departure and her panicked state of mind. At least she remembered being the one doing the rummaging.

  It was strange…unsettling…to be back in her room. Only four nights had passed, but it felt like a lifetime since she’d slept in her own bed.

  “He didn’t even hug me goodbye,” slipped out as she unzipped her bag. Bekah’s footsteps zipped her lips and refocused her thoughts.

  “I’ve been filled in about Tom,” Bekah said, plopping onto her bed. “I won’t ask anything about him. But,” she gave Evelyn an expecting look. “I will ask you about that man who just dropped you off. What’s the story with him, huh?”

  Evelyn couldn’t keep herself from smiling, even though she tried with great effort to keep herself from doing so. “There’s really no story, but I did have a nice time with him.”

  “’There’s really no story, but I did have a nice time with him,’” Bekah mocked her. “Come on, Evie! You can’t come strolling through the door with Mr. Gorgeous and not give me some details.”

  It was pointless trying to keep everything from Bekah, so she joined her sitting on the bed and began telling her some of what happened over the past four days. “I’m sure Jackson told you, but once he dealt with Tom, he invited me…made me…go with him to his parents’ house. But I hate to disappoint you. Nothing romantic happened.” She was almost convinced of that herself. “But, though I am quite sure his parents put the thought in his head, he invited me to the Officer’s New Year’s Eve Ball. And,” she had to take a breath. “I got to go to church! A real church service! Mr. Monroe leads one every Sunday in their home. Have you ever been to one?”

  “Yes, I’ve been to a couple of them,” Bekah answered in a cautious tone.

  The admission shocked Evelyn. Bekah had never mentioned church to her before. “Well, Jackson invited us, me and you, over on Wednesday so he could tell me more about the Bible and stuff. You’ll go with me, right?”

  “Yes.” It was Bekah’s turn to be taken aback. “Are you sure he invited both of us though? I barely know him.”

  “Yes,” Evelyn confirmed. “He specifically said that I should invite you. You are quite surprising. Do you know that?”

  Bekah laughed. “How so?”

  “Most of the time you’re so laid back and happy-go-lucky, then all of a sudden you get like you were tonight. Intense. Intimidating even. Surprising or not, I appreciate you looking after me.”

  “Well, someone has to look after you, especially now that you have boys pursuing you,” Bekah teased. She stood to leave but paused with a troubled look. “Do me a favor, Evie. Don’t go around telling people you went to church, or that Jackson did. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you got to go. It’s just, you may find that not so many people around here agree with us on the idea of church.”

  That was a curious thing to say, Evelyn thought, but she nodded anyway and watched as Bekah left her room.

  Outside, snow was falling steadily, and her thoughts drifted back to Jackson. She hoped he’d be working inside, instead of patrolling the campus, tonight. She sighed deeply. She needed to stop thinking about the man. They were home now and back in reality, and just because he had found his way into her heart, didn’t mean she’d found her way into his. Friend. Brother. No more, she smiled, but no less.

  Jackson was irate. Tom had been released the same night he had been arrested. His father had gone to the Cell Building and used his government title to get him out. The officer on duty informed Jackson that Tom had been placed on probation, but he didn’t care. Probation still let him out, and put Evelyn in danger. Hopefully Tom was in too much pain to try anything for a while.

  After the report on Tom, Jackson pulled George into a meeting to get updated on everything else.

  “I’ve got a bad feeling, Jackson,” George started. They closed the door to Jackson’s office. The last thing they needed were intruding ears. “Something’s just not right. These break-ins don’t feel random.”

  Jackson felt the same way. “Has there been anything new this week?”

  “There were break-ins every day except Wednesday.”

  Jackson got the feeling George was holding something back. “What are you thinking?”

  George looked at the door, hesitating even with it closed. “There’s a particular officer who has been in town for every break-in, and was pre-occupied on Wednesday. And I’m not positive, but I think there is a connection between the victims.”

  “Do you mean to say you think extremists are involved, or something else?” He never liked Tom, but had never entertained the idea of him being an extremist. Thinking about it now, he couldn’t refute the idea.

  “I mean to say,” George continued, “things don’t seem right, and I think it’s time we start being very careful about who we trust, even within the officers. And I think there’s a particular lady in your life who’s going to need a little extra watching out for.”

  A chill ran through him hearing those words. “I’ve been thinking the same thing,” he admitted. “Do you think she fits the victim profile though?”

  “No. I think you do. But you’re not really a realistic target. Anyone dumb enough to enter your house runs the risk of meeting both of us. Even with just one of us, they’re not likely to get away, now are they? But your friend…”

  Jackson nodded, understanding. “I’ve made it plenty clear I care for her…to everyone but her.” How could he have been so stupid to make her a target? He needed to stay focused. Dealing with the entire problem was the best way to keep her safe. “You really think that officer’s involved?”

  There was no doubt in George’s voice when he spoke. “Yes.”

  “And do you think this is extremist activities?”

  “Yes.”

  “Alright,” Jackson said, thinking aloud, “First we need to re-route Patrols with the officers we trust. I won’t be able to focus on much else until I know someone’s watching her building at all times.” They set to work on the new routes immediately after George filled him in on the details from the other break-ins.

  Chapter 28

  Morning came too quickly. Jackson was grateful the few hours of sleep he got were deep, but after the excitement of surprising Evelyn wore off, caffeine would be the only thing getting him through the day.

  The snow had stopped falling and had only dusted the ground in white, making his walk to Evelyn’s an easy one. After a soft knock, a very tired Bekah opened the door.

  “Thanks,” he said, smiling at her. She didn’t return his smile.

  “Please tell me that you don’t need my help cooking?” she asked groggily.

  “No. Go back to bed, I’ll be fine.” She collapsed on the couch and pulled a blanket over her head. He laughed to himself.

  Before long, he had hot French toast with strawberries and whipped cream plated for the girls, with steaming coffee to go along.

  “I need your help again,” he whispered, peeking under Bekah’s blanket.

  She whined and pulled the blanket back down, covering her face.

  “Come on Bekah,” he pestered. “You know I can’t just walk into her room; she’ll freak out.”

  “That’s true,” came from under the blanket. Slowly, Bekah stretched and sat up, removing the blanket from her disheveled head. “You know you owe me for this, right?” He nodded. “You’re lucky I’m so awesome.” And with that, she stood up and dragged herself down to Evelyn’s room.

  Bekah opened the door and gave Jackson time to put the plates on the dresser and retrieve the coffees before she climbed into bed with Evelyn.

  “What in the world are you doing?” Evelyn asked as Bekah shoved her over.

  “Breakfast,” was all Bekah said.

  “I’m not making you breakfast, Bekah,” Evelyn complained. “I’m sleeping.” She refused to open her eyes and allow her slumber to be interrupted.

  “Not you, dummy.
Him.”

  Evelyn’s eyes shot open. “Jackson.” His name was but a breath, and she slid deeper into her bed, covering her face with her hands. “Why are you here? I cheated.”

  “If you don’t start eating, Evelyn,” Bekah said through bites and sips of coffee, “I’m going to eat it all.”

  “Hey,” Evelyn retorted. “I worked very hard for this food. You’re lucky you even get any.” She looked at Jackson who held out her plate to her. She almost cried. “My favorites? You really didn’t have to do this.”

  Sitting up, she accepted the plate of food and took a bite. The moan that escaped her was a little embarrassing. “You inherited your mother’s gift of cooking.”

  Jackson smiled at her, leaning against her dresser. “I’m glad you like it.”

  “Aren’t you going to eat?” Evelyn asked.

  “Oh,” he replied, “I’m gonna eat. You think I’d miss out on my own home cooking?” He winked at her. “I have some in the kitchen. Do you ladies want anything before I go eat?”

  Evelyn didn’t trust her voice at the moment. His wink just about did her in. So instead, she shook her head in response.

  “I’m not allowed to have you, so no, I’m good.” Bekah was back to her old self.

  Jackson laughed at Bekah’s comment, and Evelyn’s reaction, then left the girls to eat.

  Jackson was doing the dishes when Evelyn brought both empty plates out.

  “Where’s Bekah?” Jackson asked, taking the plates from her hands.

  “Wherever her dreams take her.” She smiled. “You know, I can take dish duty. You did feed me.”

  Jackson dried his hands, prompting Evelyn to take over, but she didn’t make it further than a step before Jackson’s hands found her waist, lifting and sitting her on the counter.

  “Just let me take care of you, okay?” He winked again and refilled her coffee, adding cream and sugar.

  “Thank you,” she whispered before taking a sip of her coffee. “You really didn’t have to do all this.”