Pity stirred inside, unexpected and unwanted, but there all the same. Had he always been made fun of? Was he that skinny, geeky kid on the playground that the others tormented, the last one chosen for the team, always put down, always alone?
Her eyes again met Tomlinson’s. “I don’t know. But the day we picked up Wendell Moorehead, Greg mentioned that his girlfriend dumped him three years ago. Maybe that’s what triggered all this. Maybe he got tired of feeling powerless and decided to take control. The timing is right. That would have been about when he started his police training.”
Tomlinson shook his head. “I’m still having a hard time coming to terms with this.”
His frown deepened. So did the furrows marking his face. He obviously liked Greg. Some of his angst was probably due to the fact that the killer had been right under his nose and he hadn’t seen it. But he’d been right under all of their noses.
She grasped his hand and gave it a quick squeeze. “Don’t beat yourself up. I worked with him, too, more closely than you did. And I didn’t see it. I was so focused on someone impersonating a cop. I never once considered that it could be someone who was a cop. It’s all so clear now.”
Some of the tension left Tomlinson’s features, and he gave her the first hint of a smile she had seen since he arrived. “You know what they say—hindsight is always twenty-twenty.” He tilted his head to the right. “There’s an ambulance waiting if you want to go to the hospital. It might not be a bad idea to get checked out. We’ll take your report tomorrow.”
She turned in the direction Tomlinson had indicated. She couldn’t see anything through the trees, but the ambulance was probably sitting silently alongside the road, lights flashing. Fatigue washed over her, bone-numbing weariness at the thought of extending the night another two or three hours.
“No, I’m all right. I just want Alan to take me home.”
“Okay. Take your time coming in tomorrow. I don’t want to see you before noon.”
“No argument there.” She turned tired eyes up to Alan. His protective arm across her shoulder hadn’t moved during the entire exchange with Tomlinson. Now he used it to direct her into the woods and toward his car.
As she settled into the leather bucket seat, she closed her eyes and let her head fall back. She would probably be asleep before they reached the outskirts of… She didn’t even know where she was.
But Alan knew. He was going to take care of her, and that was all that mattered.
As sleep marched ever closer, she struggled to hold it back. They had a lot of talking to do. If not tonight, then soon. They were finished working together, at least professionally. But they had decisions to make. And a lot of years to regain. They needed to assess. And decide where to go next.
She needed to tell him she loved him.
And find out what he meant by forever.
EIGHTEEN
Lexi drew in a fragrant breath, soaking in the peace and tranquility that Harmony Grove’s park offered. Alan’s hand tightened around hers in a confirming squeeze. He apparently felt it, too. No one could ignore the beauty of nature’s late-afternoon show.
The sun was finishing its descent, painting the sky in broad strokes of orange, gold and lavender. The glasslike surface of the lake reflected the fiery display. Tiny fish created ever-widening ripples, snacking on the water bugs lighting there, and a pair of mallard ducks moved silently along the water’s edge. Darkness would fall soon, but the promise of impending night no longer held an unspoken threat.
Alan gave her hand another squeeze. “Are you doing all right?”
“I’m okay.” She smiled up at him. Ever since the previous evening, he had been so attentive. Even more than usual.
The terror of last night was still fresh in her mind, but a good night’s sleep had done wonders. She had gone in to the station and taken care of her reports. She had even stopped by her mom’s house to throw a load of clothes in the wash and been surprised to find one already spinning in the dryer. Her ankle was still wrapped, and the crutches were within easy reach, but she was actually up doing something for herself.
Lexi had mentally prepared for the pity party, the subtle control tactics. But they never came. Instead, her mom greeted her with a smile and a hug. For the first time ever, she seemed to look on her as an independent adult, with a life separate from her own. Maybe it had something to do with almost losing her. Or maybe she had finally come to the conclusion that trying to control her was a colossal waste of time. Whatever her reasons, Lexi was more inclined to just accept rather than question the gift.
Yes, she was doing well. After leaving her mother’s house, she had met Alan for a romantic dinner out. Now she was content, in love and pleasantly full.
Alan drew to a stop in front of a wooden bench overlooking the lake. “How about a break?”
A break sounded good. So did a walk. Any activity had appeal as long as she was with Alan. She sank onto the wooden slats next to him and rested her head against his shoulder.
He drew in a deep breath. “When I realized that Greg was the killer and that he had taken you, I was so afraid I had lost you. I can’t tell you what I felt in those moments.”
“I know. I always try to be optimistic and never give up, but I have to confess, there were several times I was pretty sure I was a goner.”
He released her hand to wrap an arm around her and pull her closer still. “I love you, Lexi. I don’t ever want to let you go. But I don’t want to smother you, either. And I never want to try to control you.”
“I love you, too. And right now, a little bit of smothering doesn’t sound so bad.”
For several minutes they sat in silence, watching the colors leech out as the final remnants of day faded.
“Do you know what’s significant about this spot?” Alan’s tone held a hint of teasing.
“This is where you first kissed me.” She grinned over at him. “Remember, I’m the one who told you. You had forgotten.”
“But I remember it well now. The full moon, the stars spread across the sky, the few straggling couples who weren’t ready to call it a night and go home.”
Warmth spread through her chest, bringing with it a smile. He remembered more than she thought he had.
“I wondered what you would do if I kissed you. I was afraid I might be rushing things. But if I remember right, you were quite receptive.”
Yes, his memory had served him well. They had been dating for two weeks, and she was beginning to think he would never kiss her.
He released a contented sigh. “This is definitely a special place. But I think it needs some more significance.”
More significant than their first kiss? How was he going to manage that? She leaned away to look over at him. He was smiling, his gaze warm. Her heart skipped a beat.
“When I told you I would have your back forever if you’d let me, I meant it.”
He took both of her hands in his, and her heart began to pound. When he slid off the bench to drop to one knee, it almost stopped.
“Lexi, I’d like to ask you to marry me. If you’re not ready, I can wait. I’ve waited for six years. What’s another few months?”
Her mind whirled. He was asking her to marry him. Emotion flooded her, love for this man who devoted his life to serving others, who cared so deeply it hurt, who put her on a pedestal and kept her there. He had asked once, and she had blown it. Giving up her independence had seemed too big of a price to pay.
Now she was getting a second chance. No, she didn’t want to wait.
She dropped to her knees in front of him and wrapped both arms around his neck. “After six long years, I think we’ve waited long enough. I’ll marry you tomorrow if you want.”
He pulled her to him in a crushing hug and laughed, his breath warm in her hair. “You might need a little longer than that to plan a wedding.”
“Okay, two weeks.”
He stood, lifted her off the ground and spun her around. Giddiness swept th
rough her, and her laughter spilled out, carried away on the gentle night breeze. She was marrying Alan. And she was doing it without hesitation or regret. So what if she was giving up a small piece of her independence? So was he.
He set her back on her feet and began a replay of that long-ago kiss. But this one held all the pent-up emotion of six years of longing.
And she was sure she saw some of those Memorial Day fireworks that preceded the first kiss. She melted into his arms and surrendered completely.
Independence for love. A good trade, indeed.
*
Keep reading for an excerpt from FORGOTTEN PAST by Mary Alford.
Dear Reader,
I hope you enjoyed reading Lexi and Alan’s story. Lexi took a tragedy in her life, the murder of her best friend, and let it spur her to pursue justice for others. But she had also allowed the bad things in her life to keep her from a relationship with God. Once she stopped blaming God, she began to see Him as a loving Heavenly Father. Alan had made some bad decisions in the past, but then committed from that point on to rely on God to direct his path. His faith was the real deal and showed in his kindness and concern for those he served.
Alan found forgiveness for his past mistakes and a fresh start, but Lysandra was tormented by guilt over her part in unwittingly creating a killer. Although most of us haven’t done anything to cause another person’s death, we’ve all made decisions or done things that we regret and may be “kicking ourselves.” It’s nice to know that God doesn’t hold those past mistakes against us when we confess them to Him. Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” My prayer is that, if you are struggling with feelings of guilt and regret, you will find the release and freedom that only God can give.
Thank you for reading Out for Justice. For more information about me and my books, check out my website at www.caroljpost.com. You can find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CarolJPost.Author, or drop me a line at [email protected]. I love to connect with readers!
May God richly bless you.
Carol J. Post
Questions for Discussion
Alan remembered the younger Lexi as being sweet and compliant, with an innocence about her, but the knocks of life had given her a bit of a hard edge. Were you able to relate to her? Why or why not?
Alan was very kindhearted. It showed in the way he treated Lexi, in his concern for troubled youth, even in his willingness to marry Lauren and care for her child when he believed he had lost Lexi. Did you like him as a hero? Why or why not?
Lexi always had a soft spot in her heart for animals and, as a result, ended up with three cats. How about you? Do you find it hard to turn away an animal in need? How many pets do you have?
When Lexi’s best friend was murdered several years earlier, she changed her career plans from something business-related to law enforcement. What events in your life have shaped your career choices?
Lexi and Alan learned that Lexi’s mother’s lies had changed the course of their lives. What could they have done differently at the time? How do you think things would have turned out for them if they had taken a different course?
Lexi blamed God for taking her best friend, then her father and finally her cousin Kayla. How can you reach people who are having a hard time seeing God as a loving Heavenly Father because of all the bad they have experienced in their lives?
Although hazing has been illegal for years, it still goes on at many colleges across the country. Do you believe that university officials are doing enough to stop it? What other actions can be taken?
After losing Lexi then going through a bad marriage, Alan hit bottom and finally reached out to God. What events have been turning points in your life?
Lexi was afraid of commitment, in part because her parents had a poor marriage. Were your parents good or bad examples of what a marriage should be? Were there other people in your life who modeled a godly marriage?
Lexi’s mother had unfulfilled dreams and tried to project those onto Lexi. Have you seen examples of this? How were the children affected?
When Alan believed that Lexi had found someone else, he married Lauren on the rebound and ended up regretting his rash decision. What are some good principles one can follow to avoid making poor decisions?
Alan and Lexi had to set aside their differences and work together. Have you ever been stuck in an uncomfortable working relationship with someone? How did you handle it? Did things eventually get better, or did one or the other of you leave?
Alan had a heart for troubled youth and tried to help steer Duncan in the right direction. What are some ways we can be a positive influence on teens heading down the wrong track?
When Lexi was upset, she often found comfort in playing the piano. What activities help you regroup and find peace?
Were you surprised to learn the identity of the killer? At what point did you know?
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense story.
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ONE
She’d made a dreadful mistake. The minute the headlights of her car swept over the house, Faith realized it deep down in her heart.
Truth be told, she had made a whole string of mistakes, including the one she prayed wouldn’t prove to be the most costly. When she’d left the house earlier, she had forgotten to turn any lights on. Now night had fallen and nothing but a dark silhouette loomed before her. Just the thought of what might be waiting outside the safety of the car made her heartbeat go ballistic.
Please, Lord…protect me.
Faith clutched the steering wheel tight in an attempt to steady her trembling hands as she peered out the windshield. Nothing seemed out of place, but then again, it was pitch-black out. There were no streetlights this far from town, and dense clouds obscured the moon and stars. While the car’s headlights illuminated most of the side of the house and a portion of the front, it didn’t quite reach the door.
Foolish, foolish, foolish. She couldn’t believe she’d acted so foolishly.
At the time, she hadn’t thought about anything but getting away for a little while. The walls had been closing in on her, and she knew if she didn’t find a way to clear her head, she would end up throwing everything she owned into the back of her car and running for her life once again.
Driving along the breathtaking stretch of Maine coastline while the setting sun painted the waters a kaleidoscope of colors helped put things into perspective. There was something about the never-ending cycle of the tide as it rolled against the rocky shoreline and then out to sea again that gave her a sense of peace. It reminded her that it didn’t matter what she went through in her life, or how scary or insurmountable her fears seemed, God was in control.
Most days, she could control the doubts. Today hadn’t been one of them. All because of the call. The reason she’d moved to Hope Island, a small town of a little more than ten thousand in population located at the southernmost tip of the Maine coastline. She had been running from him.
This move was supposed to be different. Faith had banked all her future happiness on it working this time. The call had proved her wrong. She had lost track of the number of times she’d uprooted her life just to get away from him. It had become second nature whenever she felt threatened. Today, when the call came in and the tiniest bit of hope she still clung to evaporated, she had definitely felt threatened.
At twenty-eight, Faith had given up two years of h
er life to this thing. She’d changed her name, her looks, shut herself off from the world as much as humanly possible, and yet each time he found her again.
She glanced up at the house and shivered at the possible dangers lying in wait inside.
Funny how something could appear so different when you were seeing it through the eyes of fear. Just a little more than a month earlier, she’d fallen in love with the old, two-story Cape Cod and rented it on the spot. Now, she could imagine him hiding in the enormous country kitchen, or lurking in the shadowy hallway.
Faith cracked the car’s window and listened. Above the surging ocean waves beyond the house, nothing sounded unusual.
Yet something wasn’t right. By now, Ollie would have recognized the sound of her vehicle and started barking like crazy.
She blew out a sigh. She couldn’t stay out here all night. Maybe the call had truly been a wrong number this time.
Faith killed the engine, got out and hurried up the steps. She barely had time to put the key into the door when she heard it. Footsteps coming quickly up the stairs behind her. A shaft of light from a flashlight bounced off the porch and up the side of the house. Utterly unnerved, the hand holding her keys jarred away from her and the keys flew from her fingers.
“No.” The word slipped from her tremulous lips.
She turned toward the light and the beam temporarily blinded her.
Faith had rehearsed this moment dozens of times in her head and yet the reality of it didn’t feel anything like what she’d practiced.
Without the keys, the car would be useless, which left only one option. She’d need to make it to the back of the house. There were a handful of houses scattered along the stretch of beach behind her place. If she could reach one of them, hopefully someone would help her.
Faith raced toward the steps located off the side of the porch and away from the figure with the light.
There were three—no, four—steps leading down to the grassy yard. The fence separating her small backyard from the beach would be some fifteen feet behind the house. She’d carefully counted off each step her first day here.
Love Inspired Suspense June 2014 Bundle 2 of 2: Forced AllianceOut for JusticeNo Place to Run Page 41