The doorbell rang and Noah quirked his brow. “Are you expecting someone?”
“No. I have no idea who it could be.” She wiped her hands on a napkin and went to the door. “Actually, is it Girl Scout cookie time yet? I have two that live in the building, and I’ve promised them both a sale. Maybe it’s one of them with a box of thin mints or samoas.”
Sophia opened the door, still facing Noah, then screamed as Angie pushed her way inside and grabbed Sophia from behind, a sharp knife at her throat.
“You ruined everything,” Angie said vehemently. “And now you’re going to pay.”
* * *
Noah stood slowly, keeping his hands wide apart so his movements wouldn’t scare Angie and force the knife into Sophia’s throat. A tiny line of blood was already visible where the knife was biting into her skin. “Whoa now, Ms. Carmichael. Hold on there. If you’re upset with someone, it should be Professor Keenan. He’s the one who killed Maggie Spencer.”
“You think so?” Angie said, her tone bitter. “Keenan thinks he walks on water, but the truth is, he would be nothing without me. I’m the one who put that cell phone jammer in Maggie’s office, and I’m the one that took his ID card and got Prensky’s blood from the lab. I was the one who planned the whole thing. He couldn’t have gotten rid of Maggie without me. He promised me her position and that he would make my career if I helped him. And now what do I have? Nothing but a tarnished reputation, all because of this woman’s interference. Now she’s going to pay!”
Angie’s eyes were wide, and it was clear that she was not in control of her actions. Noah swallowed as trepidation filled him. He couldn’t lose Sophia. He would be completely lost without her in his life. He knew that now, without a doubt. He met Sophia’s eyes and tried to calm the fear he saw amplifying there. His mind spun as he struggled to figure out a way to reach Angie and to get the knife away from Sophia’s throat at the same time.
Suddenly an idea came to him and he took a step forward, then another. When he spoke, his voice was calm and soothing.
“Ms. Carmichael, I can help you, but we need Sophia. She’s a writer. Well, actually, she’s a reporter for the Atlanta Times. Her articles reach thousands of people, and she can tell your story.” He took another step. “People are going to hear about Keenan and what he did, and they’re going to wonder who was the force behind him. They’re going to want to know about you and everything you did to help. Sophia can make that happen.”
He was only about six feet away now and could see that the woman was considering his words. “Are you sure she can do that?”
“I’m positive,” Noah answered. “She just won an award for her writing last month. She’s well-known and can reach the masses.” He tried even harder to make his voice sound enthusiastic while also as gentle and comforting as possible. “She’s your best hope at getting the respect you deserve, Ms. Carmichael. You don’t want to hurt her. Why don’t you put that knife down and have some dinner with us? We can talk about it right here and now.” He took another step and kept his eyes sweeping between Angie Carmichael’s face and the knife she was holding.
“Do you like Italian?” he asked softly. “The lasagna is excellent. I’m sure you’ll want to give it a try.”
The next few seconds went by in a blur. Angie lowered the knife about an inch from Sophia’s neck, but then her muscles suddenly tightened in her arm and Noah could actually see from her body language the exact moment when she decided to kill Sophia.
He wasn’t going to let that happen.
Smooth as silk, he pulled his personal 9 mm out of the holster he wore at his back and fired, hitting Angie and killing her instantly. The knife fell to the floor, clattering when it hit the tile just seconds before Angie’s body collapsed.
“Noah...” Sophia said faintly, holding out her arms. She seemed afraid to move, but Noah didn’t wait for another invitation. He pulled her into his embrace and away from Angie’s body.
“You’re safe,” he crooned. “She’ll never hurt you again.”
Sophia was shaking from head to toe, and Noah quickly led her to the living room and sat with her on the couch. He pulled her into his arms again, comforting her.
“I can’t believe she instigated Maggie’s murder.”
Noah brushed a lock of Sophia’s hair back behind her ear. “I can’t, either. I didn’t see that one coming.”
“Neither did I. I bet she was even the one in that white sedan that was following us after Keenan’s arrest.”
“You’re probably right.”
Noah gently cupped Sophia’s face with his hands and traced his fingers slowly along her eyebrows, her cheeks and chin. With a delicate touch, he moved to her neck and inspected where Angie had pressed the knife against Sophia’s skin. “You have a small cut here, and it’s bleeding a little, but I don’t think you’ll need stitches. Still, I’ll take you to the hospital if you want to go. It’s up to you.”
Sophia shook her head. “No, thank you. I’ll be okay.” She squeezed his hand. “I know you have to call and report this. Just hold me for a minute or two more before you do. That’s all I ask.”
“Absolutely. There’s no place else I’d rather be.”
EPILOGUE
“And now I’d like to introduce the winner of the Pembroke Prize for Outstanding Journalism, the highest honor short of winning the Pulitzer that a journalist can receive. Miss Sophia Archer.”
Sophia smiled as she stood. As the room erupted into loud applause, she nodded graciously and headed toward the stage. She wasn’t sure she agreed with the characterization of the award she had just won—there were several good awards out there for excellence in journalism—but she wasn’t one to quibble, and she was very humbled that they had chosen her as the recipient.
She made it to the stage without incident, pleased that she hadn’t tripped or somehow embarrassed herself on the way, and took the award from the MC who left her with the trophy at the podium. She waited for the audience to stop clapping and take their seats again, gazing back and forth at the two hundred or so people who had come to the award dinner.
“Before I start my very short speech, let me first say thank you to Noah Bradley, one of Atlanta’s finest detectives. Without him, I wouldn’t be able to stand before you today. Detective Bradley saved my life and the life of my sister. He is my strength, and I love him unconditionally.”
More applause erupted, and she motioned for Noah to stand. He did so reluctantly, and he didn’t appear pleased with the attention. Nonetheless, he nodded and waved to the crowd and quickly took his seat again.
When his gaze returned to hers, she was overwhelmed by the love she saw shining in his eyes. He completed her. It seemed corny to think that, but she, a famous wordsmith and writer, could really not describe it any better. The last six months of her life had been a whirlwind; she had gotten to know Noah all over again as they’d dated and grown in their relationship. He had even started attending her church and was now teaching a men’s class there on Thursday evenings. She had seen enormous growth in her own life due to his encouragement, and their relationship was even stronger now that Christ was at the center.
She couldn’t remember being happier.
She finished her speech and returned to her chair among a standing ovation. The MC returned to the stage and invited the guests to the dance floor to complete the evening’s agenda.
* * *
Noah gave her a quick kiss as she returned to her seat and studied the trophy she had just won. It was a blue-crystal bird flying toward the sky attached to an attractive marble stand where her name, the name of the award and the date were engraved in a large flowing font. It was a classy, artistically crafted award that would look great on her mantel. And it was also a wonderful honor. He met her eye and smiled. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
Sophia shrugged. “Awards come and go. It’s a wo
nderful honor, but it’s nothing like having you by my side. I meant what I said before I started my speech. I love you, Noah Bradley.”
Noah beamed, pleased by her words. “I love you right back, Sophia Archer.”
Several colleagues and community leaders suddenly approached, and Sophia stood and shook hands with the people who had come to congratulate her. Finally, after about twenty minutes or so, she turned back to Noah as the crowd thinned. “Ready to go?”
“Go?” he said. “I hear they have a live band tonight. Don’t you want to dance?”
“I thought dancing wasn’t your thing.”
Noah shrugged. “I never said I didn’t like it. I just said I wasn’t very good at it.”
“Ah. In that case, I would love to dance, but only if you feel comfortable doing so.”
“Lead the way, princess. I’ll follow you anywhere.”
She took his hand and led him toward the dance floor, and love swelled within him as he looked at her. The depth of feeling he had for Sophia was not based upon the past. It was a more mature attraction and an even deeper connection than he had ever experienced, all grounded in the people they had become as they had both grown and matured. They had been dating for six months now, ever since Kylie had been rescued, and their relationship was stronger and more vibrant than ever.
He followed her past the buffet tables and, when she stopped near a group of guests also moving to the dance floor, glanced at her shiny patent-leather pumps with the small black bows. “What if I step on your feet?” he whispered for her ears alone.
Sophia laughed. “I’ll be sure to move my toes.”
He slid his right hand behind her back and grasped her other hand with his left, reveling at the softness of her skin. “Is this where my hands go?” He hesitated, waiting for her correction.
“Perfect!” she said with a smile, making no adjustment.
Noah made eye contact with the band’s conductor and gave a small, imperceptible nod. The man nodded in return, raised his baton, and the music began with a flourish of violins.
Noah tilted his head as he listened for a moment. “That sounds like a waltz...”
“Good ear!” Sophia observed. “Look, if you’re too uncomfortable...”
Without another word, he swept her out onto the dance floor. On the beat, he led her effortlessly by taking a step forward as she took a step back and started the pattern. She raised an eyebrow as he continued to waltz her down the floor and turn her perfectly in time to the music. Her expression was filled with surprise. “You were teasing me. You’ve done this before!”
He pulled her back into his arms from the turn. “I might have taken a few lessons...”
She laughed. “Beast! When did you ever have time?”
“A few of us have been going to lessons on Thursday nights after Bible study. They were just a half an hour at a time, but it’s amazing how much a person can learn when they are properly motivated.”
“And you were motivated?”
He smiled sheepishly. “I wanted to impress you. Did I succeed?”
“Oh, yes,” she agreed. It was clear from her expression that she was enjoying herself and the fact that Noah was keeping time, was holding his frame, and had made the effort to learn the steps. He continued to waltz her around the dance floor for the entirety of the song, and he delighted in the feel of her in his arms and the smile that played on her lips. They let the music flow through them, making two into one, and he relished the closeness they were sharing.
As the song ended, the MC who had announced Sophia’s award appeared beside them and handed Noah a microphone. He smiled and thanked the man before he stepped away.
Then, checking to be sure the mic’s green light was on, Noah turned to Sophia, who had a question in her eye.
“What’s going on?” she whispered.
“Sophia Archer, I can’t imagine sharing my life with anybody else. You are my light, my sunshine, and you honor me by being by my side.”
The crowd thinned around them to form a circle as someone aimed a spotlight on the two of them and lowered the house lights.
Noah bent down on one knee.
Sophia started shaking, and Noah thought he saw tears forming in her eyes as he pulled the ring box out of his pocket, opened it and continued.
“When we were young, I made a list of all of the qualities I wanted to find in a wife, and little did I know, I was describing you the entire time. The way you look at me makes me feel strong and confident, like I can conquer the world, as long as you are by my side. Will you please marry me?”
By now, the tears were really flowing. Sophia pulled him to his feet and embraced him wholeheartedly. “Yes, Noah. I would be honored to marry you.”
Noah felt his own eyes start to water as he pulled back for a moment to slip the ring on her finger. “She said yes,” he said in the microphone before handing it back to the MC. On cue, the conductor started the music again and Noah leaned forward to softly ask, “Ready for another turn around the dance floor?”
Sophia nodded with tears in her eyes, and the two swept back into the music to a rousing round of applause.
Noah said a prayer of thanksgiving, trusting God to be with them as they began this journey together and entered the next chapter of their lives as one.
* * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from Undercover Mission by Sharon Dunn.
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Undercover Mission
by Sharon Dunn
ONE
K-9 officer Maya Rodriguez took in a sharp breath as she stepped out onto the quiet upper deck of the Alaska Dream cruise ship. A fog had rolled in making it hard to see more than a few feet in front of her. Maya’s partner, Sarge, a Malinois was by her side. He looked cute in his service dog vest. All part of the disguise for their undercover work. Though he was two years old, he was small for his age and breed, and people often thought he was still a puppy. Size was deceptive, however. Sarge was a top-notch detection and screening K-9. His nose could sniff out almost anything—weapons, explosives, even infectious diseases.
Maya’s footsteps seemed to echo as she surveyed the boardwalk. Two nights ago, a woman had been murdered on this deck—an entertainment employee for the cruise line. There had been another attack on the ship as well. That victim, a female passenger, had been grabbed from behind. Her attacker held a knife to her throat, but she had managed to get away with only minor injuries. Both victims had similar profiles: young, dark haired, slender and attractive. Maya also fit that description, which was why her boss, Colonel Lorenza Gallo, had picked her for this covert assignment. Though she had been on the K-9 team for five years, this was the first time she’d been undercover.
The cruise ship owner was worried about losing business due to the attacks, so everything had to be on the down low. Ship security had not turned up any suspects or substantial evidence, which in itself was concerning. There was some speculation that the security team was covering for someone or just couldn’t do a good job when it came to serious crime on board a ship.
It was so quiet Maya could hear Sarge’s paw steps as he heeled at her side. Fear fluttered through her when her hand touched the hip where her firearm would normally be. No guns of any kind were allowed on board, which meant that if she was truly in danger, her only protection was her training and Sarge.
Though they were on the highest viewing area on the ship, she could hear the waves lapping against the hull of the ship. Despite it being June, the Alaska night air chilled her skin.
The clatter of footsteps caused her to whirl around. Her heart pounded. Sarge took up a position beside her, standing at attention a
nd letting out a little supportive yipping noise.
A man and a woman in fancy dress emerged from the fog laughing.
Their expressions grew serious when they saw Maya and her dog.
“I was sure we would be the only ones up here in this kind of weather,” the woman said as she circled her arm through the man’s elbow.
“Just thought I’d get a little air and solitude,” Maya explained. She had seen on the ship’s list of activities that there was ballroom dancing this evening. No doubt, the couple had just come from there.
Both the man and the woman drew their attention to Sarge.
The man tugged at the bow tie he wore with his tuxedo. “There’s plenty of room on the ship. It’s way colder up here than I thought it would be. Enjoy having the deck to yourself, miss.”
“Ta-ta,” the woman said. Their laughing and joyous mood resumed as they disappeared into the fog. Maya heard a door open and shut.
“False alarm,” she murmured to Sarge. “They looked happy, like they were in love.” She shook her head. “Some of us are just terminally single, right?” Maya continued to walk the deck looking for the place where the crime report said the murder had taken place. Though all the evidence of the crime had been removed, it often helped to retrace the steps of the victim. She had very little to work with based off the report written by the ship’s security chief.
Crystal Lynwood, the murder victim, had worked for the onboard entertainment venues for less than a year. Her body had been found by the east entrance door. She’d been stabbed.
Maya located the door and reached for the knob, preparing to retrace the steps that the victim must have taken.
A hand grabbed her from behind and pulled her back. Judging from the strength he exhibited, the attacker was male. Sarge barked. The man kicked a deck chair in the direction of the dog. Maya heard a yelp of pain.
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