Love Inspired Suspense May 2015 #2

by Susan Sleeman

  “That must have been rough.”

  “Rough?” She wrapped her arms around her stomach. “There isn’t a word to describe how it felt.”

  “And this is when you came back to live with Otto?”

  “Yes. I took back my real last name of Fischer. Opa had my diploma switched to that name. I got my teaching degree, taught third grade and met and married Toby. After he died, I went back to Georgia. I couldn’t use my degree and I knew I could easily get a job at the same in-home child-care center where I worked in high school. Then I took the preschool position here because that didn’t require a degree, either. The rest you know.”

  “How long were you and Toby married?”

  “Three years.” She looked Cash square in the eye. “I didn’t know what he was up to. And I had nothing to do with his death. You have to believe me.”

  “I want to.” He settled his hand over hers, but his eyes remained skeptical. “I do. But do you know how bad this looks? It adds to the questions the team already has about you.”

  She jerked back, but he didn’t release her hand. “They know already?”

  “Just Skyler. She’s lead investigator. I had to tell her.” He squeezed her hand. “I’m trying not to let her opinion color my judgment.”

  Krista thought about the men and women of the FRS she’d come to care for and how they would react the way she’d expected. It hurt that they didn’t trust her. That Cash couldn’t believe her. But he was trying. That was enough for now. It was more than anyone other than Opa had ever given her. She was thankful for even that little bit. Still, she could no longer hold her tears back. Big fat ones plopped onto the table, and deep sobs wrenched free.

  “Hey.” Cash slid closer. “Hey.”

  “S-s-sorry.”

  “Oh, man.” He went around the table and drew her into his arms.

  She went willingly and rested against the solid wall of his chest. Felt his heart beat. Felt the depth of her feelings for this big, tough guy who was holding her so tenderly. She remained in his arms, his care and consideration slowing her tears.

  She leaned back. Peered into his eyes filled with emotions. He lowered his head and she knew he was going to kiss her. She didn’t care that she was at work. The room was private, the door closed, everyone else in the classrooms. She rose up. He settled his lips on hers. It was a demanding kiss as if he had to prove something. Maybe to himself. Maybe to her. She didn’t know. But then it gentled and deepened.

  She wanted this. Wanted him. But all her old insecurities came flooding back.

  She pulled back and looked up at him. At this man who’d been by her side through all of this. She considered his many wonderful qualities. The ones Opa kept harping about.

  But he’s the same man who’d just told Skyler about your past, about the detonator.

  She wanted to trust him. But she couldn’t. Not with her heart. Not yet.

  *

  At the end of the school day, Cash escorted Krista down the hallway in silence, not sure what to think about today’s events. He’d started the day with such high hopes. With the peace of God in his life. Then he’d found out about Krista’s past and it evaporated. One bit of bad news and he let that peace disappear. If he couldn’t control his mood swings for even a day, what was the likelihood he could master them at all?

  They reached the hallway leading to the parking lot. Sounds of a loud commotion filtered down the hallway.

  He turned to Krista. “Is the school holding an event?”

  “No,” she said, sounding uneasy.

  “Wait here while I check it out.” He went to the front door and found a slew of reporters standing at the ready, Parsons the first in line. Obviously, he’d leaked the story about Krista’s past and other media outlets had picked it up. Cash wished Krista didn’t have to deal with this, but the only way to his car was through this mob.

  He returned to her. “Reporters are waiting for you. Just keep your head down, stay behind me, and I’ll clear a path for us.”

  “Okay,” she said uncertainly.

  “I’ll get you through this.” He squeezed her hand. “I promise.”

  She didn’t seem to believe him, but she nodded and pulled her raincoat tighter. He led the way to the door. The reporters descended like vultures. Cash ignored them and the cold, spitting rain and took off, checking to be sure Krista was behind him. She’d taken only a few steps before a tall blond reporter blocked Krista’s path.

  “Is it true that your real name is Krista Alger?” the reporter asked. “And you’ve been implicated in the bombing in addition to being an ongoing suspect in your husband’s murder?”

  Krista planted her feet and threw her shoulders back. She looked fierce and strong. Capable. She might be ignoring his directions, but he was proud of her strength and tenacity.

  “I am not implicated in anything, and I did not kill my husband.” The force in her tone didn’t surprise Cash. She was a strong woman who had faced each day for years despite trouble hanging over her head.

  Parsons pushed past the reporter and put his microphone in Krista’s face. “Our source tells us that a detonator like one used to make a bomb was found in your home.”

  Krista’s confidence crumbled.

  Parsons smirked. “I take it from your reaction that it’s true.”

  “Enough.” Cash stepped in. “Ms. Cu—Alger has no more time for questions.”

  Instead of starting for the car, Krista spun and went back inside.

  Cash followed her. “What are you doing?”

  She swiped wet hair from her face, looking angry and determined. “I’m resigning and cleaning out my things.”

  “What? Why?”

  “This is just beginning. Now that they’ve found me, they’ll turn into sharks again. Stalk me at all hours. Neighbors will grow tired of the media. Tired of a murderer and bomber in their neighborhood and will threaten me and Opa.” Her voice rose with every word, sounding as if she was close to losing control. As fast as her temper flared, she calmed and her stony determination returned. “I may not be able to do anything for Opa short of leaving again, but I can prevent the church and the children from going through this.” She marched toward the office.

  Cash caught up to her. “Maybe you should wait. Just take a leave of absence.”

  She spun on him. “A leave? You think this is going to go away soon? Toby died four years ago, and I’m still living this nightmare. Opa’s still living it.”

  He thought about his conversation with Otto last night. He could handle this. “Otto will be just fine. His faith will see him through it.”

  “You’re right,” she said, sounding sad. “But I’m not sure I can survive another round of utter and complete humiliation.”

  EIGHTEEN

  Krista stepped out of Peggy’s office and lifted the hood on her raincoat to keep her face off camera. She headed for the door, perhaps for the last time. Peggy had convinced Krista to take a leave of absence as Cash had suggested, but Krista doubted she’d be back.

  She should be thankful for this latest development. Because one thing was now crystal clear. She couldn’t do this anymore. The worry. The stress. The anxiety. She could finally admit that, despite her best efforts, her life had spiraled beyond her control and she needed help—God’s help—to get out of it.

  She met Cash at the exit. At the chaotic scene outside, her feet stuttered to a stop by the door. She looked at him. “I was so wrapped up in what was going on, I didn’t think to ask how the press heard about the detonator. Did you tell them?”

  He frowned. “No, of course not.”

  “Then how did they find out? Did someone else on the team leak it?”

  “Not intentionally, I assure you, but I wondered the same thing so I called Skyler. She didn’t say anything to the press.”

  “What about the rest of your team?” Krista hated to think someone on the FRS leaked the news, but after her experience with Toby’s investigation, it wasn’
t hard to believe.

  “I trust these guys implicitly and doubt they’d let it slip, but Skyler is checking on it.” Cash gestured at the door. “I’ll go first. This time promise you’ll put your head down and keep moving no matter what they say.”

  “I promise.” She dug deep for added courage and tailed Cash. Comments and questions were thrown out. Words like murderer and bomber made her cringe. The name-calling didn’t stop Cash. He barreled ahead. Though they weren’t touching, she felt his presence and support.

  He blocked the mob, helped her into the car and took off with a squeal of the tires. They headed to Erwin’s house, and she looked at Cash to assess his mood. Regardless of the terrible things he’d just learned about her, he sat tall and strong. Her defender. Her protector.

  How blessed she was to have met him. For his protection, sure, but he’d also brought so many feelings to the surface since she’d known him. Some good. Some bad. All things she needed to examine. Perhaps God had put him in her life to help her through this. Maybe He’d even put Cash there for her to realize that she could still feel something for a man. Still want love, marriage and a family. To help her see that she should let go of her fears and try believing in people again.

  Her first step was to trust in her judgment to find the right kind of man. Not one like Toby. Or her father. Even Cash made her uneasy with his unwillingness to be straightforward with her.

  She glanced out the window, surprised to see they’d arrived at Erwin’s house.

  Cash pulled into the driveway and cut the engine. “Would it be easier for you if I told Otto about the latest developments?”

  “I’ll tell him. I don’t like what it’s going to do to him, but in some respects, it feels good to have this all out in the open.” She pulled her shoulders back in preparation. “I’ve had enough of keeping secrets and trying to hide things. I’m done with that.”

  Cash watched her for a moment, looking as if he wanted to say something. Instead, he stepped from the car. It felt as if he was still hiding something from her. Maybe he didn’t know how to say it. Or more likely, he didn’t trust her with the information. She didn’t blame him.

  At the door, he rang the bell and they stood in silence waiting. No one answered.

  Cash stabbed the button again and knocked. Still no answer.

  “Maybe they have the TV up too loud,” Krista said, though she didn’t hear the TV. She tried the door. It swung open.

  Cash scowled. “I warned them to keep this locked.” He ran a finger over the doorjamb. “Looks like the lock’s been jimmied. I’ll check it out. You stay here.” He drew his weapon and called Opa’s name as he stepped into the entryway.

  Thinking he was overreacting, Krista glanced inside. The entryway table lay on its side, a lamp smashed on the floor.

  Had the bomber thought Opa possessed the item he was looking for? Broke in? Maybe hurt Opa?

  Fear chilled Krista to the bone. She couldn’t just stand here. She had to know if Opa was okay.

  She crept inside. Slowly. Silently. Looking for clues along the way. She entered the family room. Cash squatted on the far side of the sofa. She couldn’t see what he was looking at. She took a few more steps and got a clear view. She gasped.

  Cash jumped to his feet and spun, his weapon trained on her. He mumbled something under his breath and lowered his gun. “What are you doing in here? I could have killed you.”

  “Is…is Erwin—”

  “Alive?” Cash asked. “Yes, he’s alive.”

  She stepped closer and gasped at the blood pooling around Erwin’s head. She frantically looked around. Searching. Hoping.

  “Where’s Opa?” she cried out.

  “I don’t know. I haven’t cleared the whole house yet. Go outside and call 911 while I check it out.”

  She didn’t want to go. To leave Erwin alone and not search for Opa. But Cash was right. The intruder could still be there.

  “Hurry!” she begged and offered a prayer for all of them on her way out the door.

  She dialed 911, barely able to control her trembling fingers to tap the right numbers. She reported the situation and asked for an ambulance. As she was hanging up, Cash stepped outside. The pinched expression on his face sent her heart plummeting.

  “Opa?” she asked.

  “He’s not here.”

  Panic took a deeper hold. She thought of Erwin lying on the floor. Hoping he’d regained consciousness and could tell her where to find Opa, she charged back inside. Cash called for her to stop, but she ignored him. She dropped to the floor by Erwin and cringed at the large gash to his head. Thankfully, it had stopped bleeding, but he remained unconscious.

  She took a good look at the room. At furniture turned over. At a vase shattered in a million pieces. The pool of blood.

  Panic threatened to take her down.

  Cash knelt by her side, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

  She peered at him. “There was a struggle. Do you think…?” Unable to put voice to her concern, she let her words fall off.

  “This was the work of the bomber and he took Opa?” Cash finished for her, his eyes somber and tortured. “Yes, that’s exactly what I think.”

  *

  Cash paced the floor in the firehouse family room, waiting for Skyler to arrive with evidence from Erwin’s house. Krista sat on the edge of the sofa, the knees of her khaki pants caked with dried blood. She kept running her hands over the bloodstains and staring at her hands.

  The front door opened and team members poured inside but no Skyler. Brady dropped onto the sofa next to Krista, his hands going for his pocketknife to whittle. Archer took one of the recliners, Jake the other.

  Darcie sat next to Krista and held her hand. “I checked with the hospital. Erwin has a concussion, but he’s awake and he’s going to be fine.”

  “Thank You, God,” Krista exclaimed.

  Cash settled on the arm of the sofa. “Has anyone taken Erwin’s statement?”

  Jake shook his head. “He’s still confused and putting things together. It might be some time before we get the details.”

  “I’m glad Erwin will be okay.” Krista freed her hand and threaded her fingers together. “I couldn’t stand the thought of someone getting hurt because of me.”

  “You’re assuming this is due to the bombing,” Archer said.

  Krista shot him a look. “What else could it be?”

  “A random home invasion.”

  “Odds are if it was a home invasion, they wouldn’t have taken Otto,” Cash argued. “Plus, there were valuables left behind.”

  “It’s a waste of time speculating when we don’t have the facts,” Jake said. “Let’s wait for Skyler’s evaluation.”

  Everyone fell silent and tension mounted in the room. Cash wished he could do something to reduce it, but his go-to stress reliever was a joke, and he couldn’t possibly joke with Otto missing.

  Krista sat forward on the sofa, letting her focus travel around the group. Jake met her gaze, but Brady and Archer looked away from her.

  “I suppose we should get the elephant in the room out of the way,” she said. “I didn’t murder my husband, no matter what the police and press claim.”

  A soft gasp escaped from Darcie’s mouth, but Krista ignored it and launched into an explanation of Toby’s death. Darcie appeared to buy Krista’s story, but Cash’s other teammates seemed skeptical. As they should be. As Cash should be, but he honestly believed in Krista. Something in his gut said she was the real deal and he hated seeing the doubt in his friends’ eyes.

  “I had nothing to do with Toby’s fraud scheme or the money,” Krista concluded and sat back.

  Seeing questions lingering on Brady’s face, Cash had to intervene before Brady could fire off one of his pointed questions.

  “Krista’s past isn’t related to our bombing incident at all,” Cash stated. “There’s no point in discussing it further. Instead, we should focus on the bombing.”

  “And
please know.” Krista paused and smiled, but it was forced. “When Skyler’s team finishes talking to the people with access to the stadium, you’ll see that I have no connection to the bomber, either.”

  “Not true.” Skyler stepped into the room and all heads turned in her direction. She held a plastic bag containing a cell phone and piece of paper. “You have a connection now. We found this phone and note under Erwin’s body.”

  Cash couldn’t abide her keeping them in dark like this. He grabbed the bag and flipped it over to get a good look at big bold letters on white paper.

  “What does it say?” Krista asked, her face a mass of worry.

  “He says—” Cash adjusted the note so he could see the entire page “—‘I’ll call tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. to arrange a trade. The item that belongs to me for your grandfather. Don’t miss my call or the old man dies.’”

  NINETEEN

  “I don’t have anything,” Krista said, hoping to stop the FRS team from gawking at her. “If I did, I’d be pulling it out to save Opa. You have to believe that.”

  “She’s right, you know.” Cash returned to the arm of the sofa. “You have to agree that Krista wouldn’t do anything to hurt Otto, right?”

  The others nodded.

  “Then there’s no other choice but for us to believe she doesn’t possess what the bomber is looking for. Otherwise, she’d hand it over right now.”

  “Another option is that it’s not something she’s aware of possessing,” Skyler added.

  “Maybe he means the detonator,” Brady offered.

  Skyler shook her head. “That’s not worth abducting Otto to reclaim. We didn’t lift any prints from it and there’s no actual link to the bomb.”

  “At least this request confirms our theory that he’s been looking for something,” Cash offered.

  “If I can’t provide what he wants, he’ll…” Krista couldn’t say the words aloud.