Jacob's Grace

by C. P. Rowlands

  She walked to the railing and traced the river at the end of the long lawn. The almost-evening sun behind the lush maple and oak trees and the long stretch of green grass reminded her of home. This was why she was back in Wisconsin. She planned on working for this country she loved until someone stopped her. The balcony doors opened.

  “Lovely, isn’t it?” Despite her injured face, Grace’s eyes were that unusual blue again. “Those ribs smell delicious. Your recipe?”

  “My father’s special sauce. He swears it tenderizes the meat.”

  “If it’s as good as it smells it’s going to be great. I’ll put the corn on.” She went back inside, leaving her beautiful smile embedded in Tag’s mind.

  She loves flowers, Tag thought, inspecting the potted, rich red geraniums around the railing. There were plants inside too and lots of books, not to mention all the music discs in her office. The art was colorful but thoughtful like the large brass statue of a horse in the bathroom for towels plus some small statues on end tables. Art, music, and books meant a wide and curious mind to go with that lovely body and marvelous face.

  Grace stepped outside again. “Here they are,” she said with a loud whistle, waving.

  “Where’d you learn to whistle like that? I could never master it.”

  “Two older brothers,” Grace said. “I’ll get the door.”

  Tag set the ribs away from the flames, tucking that information about Grace’s brothers into her memory along with everything else. She could see AJ’s bright hair as she and Katie walked across the parking lot, leaning into each other, laughing, both wearing plain summer dresses. Tag frowned. This morning AJ had worn a professional black suit, appearing completely in charge, even a little dangerous, but now she was wearing a dress? She was certain AJ didn’t muscle or threaten to set the pace and direction of this unit. Subtlety was more her style.

  There were voices and laughter in the kitchen and Katie stepped outside. “Hi, Tag. Wow, that smells good.”

  “Ribs, with my father’s sauce.”

  “I can smell spices.” Katie leaned over the barbecue. “Yum.”

  “You have a big family?”

  “Five of us. Three girls, two boys. I’m in the middle.” Katie held the platter. “Here, I’ll take them inside.”

  The kitchen was empty. “AJ and Grace needed to check something in her office before we eat. When they stayed with me last winter they’d huddle in my office. There are things I can’t know and that’s fine.” Katie took the salad out of the refrigerator. “We brought wine.”

  Tag held the bottle up to the light, sending deep red lights over the counter. “Does it bother you to be left out?”

  “Only when it involves AJ being shot, and then I want everything I can get my hands on.” She reached for the glasses. “How about your family?”

  “Two girls and one boy. My brother won’t go near a stove. Since I’m the middle kid like you, cooking was a priority. Both Mom and Dad taught me.”

  “The other girl’s the oldest?”

  “No. Emma’s the youngest and bright as a star. Got her veterinary medicine degree in Madison and started a clinic at home.” Tag took a drink of wine. “She can be trouble because we all spoiled her, but she’s super with animals. I hear she’s a good vet.”

  Katie tasted the wine and smiled. “What about your brother?”

  “He’s a military pilot and I’m sure he’ll retire in the air force.”

  “Smells great in here,” AJ said, following Grace into the kitchen, flashing Katie a look so warm that Tag blinked and stepped back a little.

  “No talking about my eye or stitches,” Grace said, setting the corn on the table.

  “What eye? You have stitches?” AJ grinned.

  “Did you read the Bren Black book I gave you?” Katie said to Tag, passing the salad.

  “I finished it last night while Bonnie slept.” Tag started to laugh. “I’ve been in a lot of helicopters, Katie. Bren Black would have to have been made of rubber. You can’t make those maneuvers while you’re in the air.”

  “Are you talking about the sex…or how she flew the helicopter?” AJ buttered corn and laughed.

  “Either, although one can always hope about the sex scenes,” Tag said over the laughter. “It’s not a bad story. Just a little impossible.”

  “So you laughed at it, like AJ?” Katie’s face was still mischievous.

  “Honestly, yes,” Tag said. “However, the mystery was good.”

  “Ha.” Katie taunted AJ.

  AJ grinned. “She’s right. The storyline’s solid.”

  More conversation about books and movies wound all the way through the meal. It was the most Tag had heard Grace talk about anything, and was she imagining Grace’s eyes on her constantly? She made coffee and they all sat back, relaxed and full. Suddenly, Grace gave a little yelp and grabbed Katie’s hand.

  “Where did you get that gorgeous ring?”

  “AJ, today.” Katie beamed and held her hand up for everyone to see.

  “Oh,” Grace murmured. “AJ, you have good taste.”

  “I do. There she sits.” Face flushed, AJ pointed at Katie.

  Tag grinned at AJ’s embarrassment. “I’ll take care of the dishes while you two work. How about a movie, Katie?”

  “Only if you let me help clean up. We can choose the movie together.” Katie stood. “Those ribs were out of this world. What was the kickback in that sauce? Peppers?”

  * * *

  AJ moved her chair close to Grace’s desk. “Before we begin, I need to tell you what I saw and learned with Maddie today. The girls from Home Base are at Hannah’s House.”

  “What? That’s expensive. Who did that?” Grace looked up.

  “Jaelyn said Milwaukee Arson brought them to the facility. I talked to Charles and he’ll call her about Home Base. The chief and Bonnie will handle those women and keep Jock in the loop. Some of the survivors from the FBI-DHS operation are there. I’d like you and Tag to go with me to see them…if you’re up to going. Tomorrow?”

  “Right now I’d say yes, but I’ll know more in the morning. I want to make sure it’s not the drugs talking. Those survivors need special care.”

  AJ leaned back in the chair. “How long have we known each other?”

  Grace cradled her coffee cup in her hands. “That’s odd. Tag asked me the same question.”

  “Tag’s good with people, isn’t she?”

  “She has great instincts.” Grace tilted her head in a question. “And you and I’ve worked together long enough for me to feel as if you’re edging up to something.”

  “It’s your childhood, Grace.” AJ held her breath and they stared at each other.

  “My childhood?”

  “Federal agencies are on a new tack, and the incident with Ariel was one of the things that started all of this. Background checks are being scrutinized, our group came up, and Maddie asked about you.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “She has your entire background, from birth to present.” AJ plowed ahead. “I’m sorry. Not just for the intrusion into your life but that Charles and I never discussed it with you.”

  Grace made a small sound and turned away.

  “Maddie felt this assignment might not be a good fit for you, and believe me, after what I saw today, I’m even worried about myself.”

  “My father and uncles…I was so young.” Grace almost whispered. “I still miss my mother. Finally, when I was eleven, she got us to my grandparents. My father killed her when I was twelve and he died in prison.” She met AJ’s eyes. “But you know that, don’t you?”

  “Charles and I talked with your grandparents when we shifted you to the team. We made the decision to leave it alone because…” AJ looked out at the growing dark, trying to find the words. “Because you’re so good at everything you do.”

  “You talked with my grandparents?” Grace quickly wiped her eyes and muttered, “Ow.”

  “I need to warn you befor
e you see what I saw today. Brutal is a kind word. Maddie might talk with you too. On the bright side, you’re going to love their system. Tag will too.”

  Grace stared at the floor. “Does Katie know? Or the chief?”

  “Only Charles, Maddie, and I know. If it gets too hard, you have to tell me.”

  Grace slumped. “Not Tag?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “I checked myself out when I worked in Cyber Crime. I’ve had a ton of therapy, but my dreams usually let me know. So far I’m good.”

  AJ searched Grace’s face and decided it was the truth. “More crap news. No one can prove young Owens is my shooter. Jock found the pistol. No prints, but it’s been fired recently. The lab’s testing it, but I’d bet someone else is involved. Check the chief’s notes on this. We all have to watch our backs, Grace.”

  “Damn, I knew it. I felt it.” Grace stood with a quick shiver. “I’ll get more coffee and then let’s begin working on the meeting.”

  AJ stopped her from leaving. “Wait. Let’s talk about Tag.”

  “What?” Grace sank back into her chair.

  “You knew about me and Katie long before I did. You were right.”

  Grace pushed her hair back, her face beginning to flush.

  AJ grinned. “I’ve never seen you laugh like you do around her. She gets your full attention, and that’s new too. I’d be happy to talk to—”

  “God, no.” Grace waved her hands. “I hardly understand what I’m feeling and I haven’t even known her a week. There’s been no one, especially a woman…” Grace went quiet, her face bright red. “I didn’t mean to say that.”

  “Um, I don’t know how to respond,” AJ said.

  “Right. I’ll get us fresh coffee,” Grace said and left in a hurry.

  AJ wiped her sweaty hands on her dress. “Jesus,” she muttered. Still, it had gone better than she’d anticipated. Now she knew what Grace preferred. No one…until Tag.

  Grace placed the cups on the desk and lifted her one good eyebrow at AJ. “You’re going to make me miserable, aren’t you?”

  “You were relentless at Katie’s last winter.”

  Grace made a face at her and turned to the computer. Once again, AJ noticed that Grace shared Katie’s delicate, feminine appearance…until she stepped onto the mat. She’d earned that black belt and knocked her down more than once. Another crazy day, AJ thought with a deep breath. She’d been a mess when she’d gone home today. The unexpected sex had wiped her mind clean, and she felt more focused than she’d been in days. “Did you buy that horse you’ve been training all summer?”

  “Yes.” Grace turned the monitor on her computer so they could both see it. “Why?”

  “I want to use Crooked Lake Resort as a base. When Katie and I were up there on vacation, I noticed horse stables. What if you put your horse there for some horse reason?”

  Grace laughed. “You’re going to have to be more specific than that.”

  “While the rest of us are out in the field, you need something besides computers as a cover. See what I’m driving at?”

  “I could be a computer contractor on a special project and I brought my horse with me,” she said. “We could use the stables for a meet, instead of something public like the resort.”

  “Or you could ride somewhere to meet us. We did some hiking and I saw places completely out of the way.”

  “I like the idea.” Grace brought up photos on her phone. “Here’s my horse.”

  AJ looked at the small black horse. She knew a lot about farm animals, but they hadn’t had horses. “What’s his name?”

  “Her name is Crow. It’s a mare, a quarter horse, and loaded with energy. I had a heck of a time training her, but she’s finally settling down.” She took the phone back, smiling down at the photos. “How would we get her up there? I’d need a horse trailer. Should I call the resort?”

  “You do the calling. We’ll pay for everything, and lease a pickup. You’ve transported horses?”

  “Forever, and I can rent a trailer at the stables. I even have a dream pickup. Do I get the truck I want?”

  “Just walk in and lease it. I’ll give you the blind card so you’re not tied to us on the lease. Does the stable here know you’re ATF?” AJ said.

  “No. Everything’s under my personal account.”

  “Good. I thought you’d like this idea. Also, Maddie will have Sam Mullins here so we meet him before we leave. If I know Maddie, it’ll be fast.” AJ grinned at Grace’s happy face. “Then, I thought what if I have Tag work with Jay Yardly? People might know her in Niagara, and I don’t think it’s wise to have her work for a delivery service. I’ll bet Jay could find a place for her in his office, computer related. That leaves only Sam and me working for Henry Adams and less attention to us as a group. We’ll all have rooms at Crooked Lake.”

  “Great idea. Yes. My own pickup.” Grace pumped her fist in the air, then frowned. “Crap. I forgot to tell you something. Yesterday, at the Owens’s house, I lost Tag for a moment. She spaced out on me when a helicopter flew over.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “She didn’t even hear me talking to her.”

  “Maybe it’s a battle memory or…hell, I don’t know. I’ll get on top of that psych eval.”

  Grace left for more coffee, and the sounds of the movie crept down the hallway with Katie’s and Tag’s laughter trailing behind. AJ counted in her head. If the doctor released Grace, they could be at Crooked Lake in a few more days, but first, she had to talk to Tag about what Maddie had told her today. It could be tied into the helicopter thing.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The two FBI go-to rooms at Hannah’s House were noisy the next day, but Grace and Tag were oblivious, riveted by the computers. Maddie stood behind them, instructing, while AJ read a victim file.

  “Wait. Grace, see this?” Tag pointed at the computer screen. “Look how fluid it is.” Grace leaned over for a better look and Tag pulled her chair close.

  “Think you can navigate this?” Maddie grinned.

  “Bring it on,” Grace muttered, typing furiously, tucked next to Tag.

  Maddie glanced at AJ and indicated the office next to them. Once the door closed, she turned with a smile. “You’re right about those two. Are they even aware of it?”

  “I spoke to Grace last night and I think she’s confused, but it would be a first for her. I haven’t talked with Tag.”

  “They obviously love the system, a bonus for me. They almost drooled. Of course, Sam will be there too, if you say so.” She handed AJ a cup of coffee. “How soon will you leave?”

  “Hopefully, after the task force meeting tomorrow and Grace is cleared by the doctor. Did you get my email last night with the outline of our plan?” Maddie gave a quick nod. “I also spoke to Pete’s uncle in Niagara. Do you know the family?”

  “I spent a lot of time up there with Pete.” Maddie wheeled a chair around and sat down. “I like where you’ve placed Tag and Grace in the community.”

  “Did Pete mention my CI in the group we’re following?”

  Maddie’s eyebrows shot up. “You have someone in that group? I didn’t know that.”

  “It’s Frog, the young girl I had rehabilitated here, but something’s wrong. The night she left she told me that two policemen paid her five thousand dollars to go undercover. The money’s in her bank, but we have no idea who paid her. It was a cash transaction.”

  “Did you notify the Bureau? Or Lawrence Kelly?”

  “It’s in the task force notes, but I didn’t talk to Kelly.”

  “Well, hell. I don’t like that.”

  “And we still don’t have the person or persons that shot me or set those fires. The chief, Bonnie, and Jock will continue on those problems, and that’s everything right now.” AJ set her cup down. “You’re welcome to come to our task force meeting.”

  “No. If you okay Sam and he’s there, that’s enough. Grace appears to be feeling better, but those stitc
hes and her eye look terrible.”

  “Good drugs, she says. We talked about her childhood and I mentioned your name. She thinks she can handle this, but if you want to say something privately, go ahead.” AJ held up the file she’d read while Maddie worked with Grace and Tag on the computer. “This is awful. This man and woman may have been doctors, but a C-section on their kitchen table?”

  “That’s who I want you to see today. Sandra was the first real victim I spoke to when I came here. The owners bought her for sexual purposes only. No children. She was sixteen, and she’s thirty-one now.” Maddie gave a little shiver. “I’ve been with her quite a bit but can barely get a word out of her. She’ll speak if she’s in pain, but that’s it. You’re the first new people she’ll see, and I’m interested in how she’ll respond. There’s also a little girl named Happy we’re working on. She was seven when we rescued her a year ago and will barely speak. We’d like to get Sandra and Happy in the same room and try to create a relationship. We have a bunch of doctors working on those two.”

  “Tag and Grace should read this before they meet Sandra.”

  “Did you see what happened when they arrested the doctors who ‘owned’ Sandra? The local judge let them out on bail and they disappeared. This was the case that brought the DHS in, and we believe they’re out of the country.”

  “One last thing,” AJ said. “You said you have one of your best groups working on X-Girl meeting with the Milwaukee task force today. Will you keep me posted on their progress?”

  “Of course. That meeting’s happening right now, and it’ll help the new city task force here with that murder, not to mention a lot of other things. I had to get clearance to do this, but they saw the value.”

  Tag and Grace walked into the office and AJ handed Grace the file. “We’re going to talk with this victim, so read this file and then we’ll go upstairs to meet her.”

  * * *

  When the elevator door swung opened, a female doctor waited for them. She opened a door to a bright, airy room with a bed, sofa, and television. A desk and chair sat in the corner. The windows were open and AJ smelled the fresh air. Someone was humming.