30

 

Sloan had yet to let go of Teddy’s hand. While he drove to Jacksonville, Raven was at the office looking into other foster children the Sprague family took in. He had to guarantee there weren’t more “family members” lurking in the shadows.

The buildings of downtown Jacksonville loomed in front of him. He pulled out his cell to call Raven for an update.

“Most of the kids are either in jail or out of the area and back with their own families. Donny and Hakim were the only kids who lived with the Sprague’s for any length of time.” Raven let out a sigh. “It’s too bad Donny couldn’t get with a good family. Things might have turned out different. The only person left who seems to care about Sprague at all is his mother, Beatrice. She had a minor criminal offence for disturbing the peace. It doesn’t seem likely she’d kill for him.”

“I guess not.” Sloan wiped a hand down his face. Exhaustion hung over him like an oversized coat. “We’ll be in later. Teddy needs a bit of rest.”

“I hate to ruin your plans, but Marge wants you there when she interviews Jack Sprague. She also wants to talk to Teddy about her testimony.”

Sloan covered the receiver and relayed to Teddy the conversation.

“That’s fine,” Teddy said. “I can wait at your desk until you’re finished.”

“I have somewhere better for you.” Sloan returned to Raven. “I’ll be there in about an hour.”

“Then I suggest you turn off your phone. I have little doubt Marge will be calling you every few minutes. She wants to put Teddy under lock and key until she testifies tomorrow. Now let me talk to Teddy?” Sloan handed the phone off.

Teddy’s conversation with Raven was brief. She disconnected the call and leaned her head back against the headrest. “Do you think it’s safe now?”

“Whether it is or not, I’m not letting you out of my sight without having someone I trust with you.” He kissed the back of her hand which smelled of soap.

They rode in silence, comfortable in the peace.

“You missed the turn off,” Teddy pointed to the exit sign. “I thought you had to be downtown.”

“There’s somewhere else you need to go first.”

“Thank you,” she said when he put his blinker on and turned down Gate Parkway. Tears glimmered in her eyes.

“I called and told Gene what happened. I assumed you could use talking to him first. It might give you some peace.”

“You know my minister’s name?”

“Yeah. I’ve gotten to know him quite well in the last couple weeks. I guess while you were gone, I needed to find some peace myself.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “I’m still working on that.”

Sloan and Teddy were greeted by Gene who locked the door behind them. A JSO cruiser he’d called for pulled up outside the window. Sloan waved to them. He then left Teddy in the pastor’s office. She needed someone who knew more about God then he did.

He ambled down the stairs to the sanctuary and stared up to the cross. Something in his heart urged him to sit but a glance at his watch told him he needed to go.

“Thank you, God,” he said before rushing out.

 

****

 

Sloan stared at the sneer on Jack Sprague’s face. He’d have liked nothing more than to knock that smug look off. Next to Sprague sat his defense counsel, Fred Slaughter. Marge Grappling was on the opposite side of the table. Raven and another state attorney listened on the other side of the two-way mirror. The coolness of the wall seeped through Sloan’s shirt.

“I asked for this meeting to give you one last chance to make a deal and save the taxpayers some money. You plead guilty, spend the rest of your life in jail, no chance of parole, and we take the death penalty off the table.” Marge leaned back in the chair, her tone cool and determined.

“Why would my client want to do that?” The defense attorney looked at her with a cocky grin. A small red stain sat in the middle of his chest where he must have dripped some of his lunch. “It appears most of your witnesses have either died or changed their minds about testifying. Seems to me my client has everything to gain in this situation.”

“You’re right. All my witnesses have been killed or backed out except one.” Marge laid a picture of Teddy on the table. “Your brother missed.”

“What do you mean his brother?” Slaughter glanced sideways at his client.

Sloan swore a look of discomfort came over Sprague. He hid it well but it’d been evident for a brief second.

“His foster brother Donny Anderson killed off witnesses slated to testify against your client.” Sloan took a step forward. “Too bad Teddy has a lot more determination to live than you realized. She’ll be there to testify tomorrow, and your client will get the death penalty when she describes how he hunted his prey before shooting them.”

Sprague reached over and picked up the photograph from the table. “She’s a nice looking woman. She yours?” He sneered, looking up at Sloan. When he didn’t answer, Sprague continued. “Her hair’s pretty. I like to put my hands in a woman’s hair and jerk their head back while I...well, you know.”

Sloan fought the urge to shut this man’s vile mouth permanently.

“I’d make her scream real loud. Maybe once I get out I can find out how loud she can scream.” Sprague laughed.

Sloan lunged over the table. Sprague shoved his chair back to the wall.

“Detective, that’s enough.” Marge grabbed him above his elbow. “Wait outside. Now.”

Sloan adjusted his jacket and left. In the hallway, he inhaled a deep breath. His heart raced inside his chest.

“Too bad you weren’t alone with the creep. It would save the state some money.” Raven patted Sloan on his shoulder. “You OK, partner?”

“Yeah.” Sloan shook his head to get the words out. The idea of Sprague getting hold of Teddy brought a fire to his stomach.

“There’s no way he’s getting out. And once he gets the lethal injection, we’ll no longer have to worry about Jack Sprague.”

“I think I’ll volunteer to put in the needle.”

“He knew how to push your buttons.” She gave a shake of her head. “How about we grab us a bite to eat, then we can finish up so you can check on Teddy.”

A smile came to Sloan’s face at the thought of seeing Teddy. “I have a better idea. How about you finish the paper work? I’ll head home to fix dinner and spend the remainder of the day with Teddy. You can let yourself in when you get to my place.” Sloan gave her a key to check his mail when he went on vacation last year and never retrieved it.

Raven rolled her eyes. “Boy, you were a lot more fun before you and Teddy got together.”

 

****

 

"I feel guilty and relieved at the same time." Teddy played with a tissue in her hands. "I'm glad he can't hurt anyone else, but I hate that I killed him."

"That's natural," Gene said.

"But is it natural to be glad he's dead because of what he did to Linda?"

"God made us creatures with all types of emotions. There's love, hate, even the want of revenge. But you and I both know you didn't kill him because of Linda."

Teddy shook her head. "No. I was just trying to get away."

"It'll take time to get through this, Teddy. But your faith in God will help you." His smile encouraged her. "And God does forgive you. Not just for what you did five years ago but five minutes ago as well."

"I'm counting on that." She tried to laugh but it wouldn't come out.

"You can. And anytime you need to talk to someone, I'm just a phone call away." Gene rose and walked over to Teddy. "You'll never forget what happened, but in time, you'll be able to live with it."

Teddy rose. A feeling of calm had come over her the moment she'd walked into the room. Now peace covered her like a warm blanket.

"I hate to cut this off," Gene said. "But I've got another meeting I can't miss. And I believe Sloan pulled up a while ago."

When Teddy opened the door, her mouth opened, but no words came out. Sloan was reading a Bible while he waited for her.

“Is everything all right?” He rose from the chair.

“It will be.” Gene extended his hand to Sloan. “Thank you for calling. Teddy’s a special lady. I’d hate to see her suffer for anything. But then I guess I don’t have to remind you of that.”

“No. No you don’t.” Pink creased Sloan’s cheeks.

Teddy glanced between each man. “Why do I get the feeling I’m missing something?”

Sloan led Teddy down the stairs. “I’m going to take you back to my place to eat. Claire’s meeting us there, and Raven will be along shortly.”

“I’d rather go home so I can bathe and get a change of clothes.”

“You can shower at my place. If anyone else is out there, you might still be in danger. I’ve got someone picking Claire up. They’ll make sure no one follows her. I’ll call Raven and see if she’ll stop by and pick you up some clothes. If you need anything else, you can let her know. She still has the key, doesn’t she?”

Teddy nodded. “I didn’t even think to ask earlier, but did we get my suitcase from Donny’s truck?”

“No, it’s considered evidence. Once it’s determined by the state attorney you acted in self-defense, everything will be released.”

Teddy grinned at the thought of her mastectomy bras being considered evidence. She was sure one of the women at the station would recognize what the undergarments were. There were too many who’d gone through what she had. Her sisterhood. Warmth rushed in knowing so many women now survived breast cancer. One day soon, there would be an end. She felt sure of that.

Once they arrived at Sloan’s house Claire rushed to Teddy from a nearby police cruiser. Her perfume covered Teddy. What a wonderful scent.

“I was so worried when I heard about Donny on the news.” Tears welled in Claire’s eyes. “I think I’ll keep a watch on you until this is over.”

Teddy laughed, glad she had her friend there with her. They didn’t let go of each other until they entered the apartment. The two women plopped down on the brown leather sofa next to a matching high-back chair.

“Exactly how big is that television?” Claire looked at the large wall unit across from the sofa. The flat screen took up too much space, leaving little walking area.

“Fifty-five inches.” Sloan smiled. “A boy’s got to have his toys.”

Teddy pictured it in her condo along her spacious wall. Her heart rushed at the thought.

“Teddy, if you want to shower, it’s in the back here,” Sloan said. “I’ll make us something to eat.” He left the room for a moment and returned with his arms full. “Here are some fresh towels.”

Claire followed Teddy into the bedroom. Once the door closed, she leaned over to Teddy. “So, what’s the deal with you and the cop?”

“I thought we discussed this in my office already?” They sat on the gray comforter covering the queen-sized bed.

“We did, but that was before Linda died. And if you recall, she was the optimist. From the look on your face, I’d say you’re in love with the guy.”

“And that would be a bad thing?” Teddy walked to the four-paned window overlooking the yard below.

“I’m not saying it’d be bad necessarily. But isn’t this the same guy who dumped you years before?”

“Yes, but a lot’s changed since then. We’ve both grown up, and he’s explained the past.”

“Do you accept his reason?”

Teddy explained to Claire why Sloan left and about her brothers’ involvement. “I’ve forgiven my brothers for their part. If I can do that, I can forgive Sloan, too. And I really do care a lot for him.”

“Well, if you can forgive him, I can too. Besides I believe it’s deeper than just caring.” Claire gave her a one armed hug. “Go take that bath so we can eat. I’m starved.”

The tan bathroom held a shower-tub combination. Teddy stepped into the shower, her mind going over what Claire had said. She was right. Her feelings for Sloan were deeper than caring. When she first had the revelation, she thought it was due to her fear but now she knew it was real. He said he felt the same. The memory of the words caused a leap in her stomach. This time she knew her heart wouldn’t pay the price for those emotions.

 

****

 

Sloan submerged the spaghetti noodles into the boiling water. The steam created a wet film on the window above the sink. A car door slammed outside. He glanced out the window and saw Raven. When he turned back to the stove, Claire’s footsteps came up behind him.

“Does she need anything?” He spoke without turning.

“Just not to be hurt again,” Claire said.

“I don’t have any intention of hurting her ever again.” Sloan turned to confront his accuser. “When I left before, I was scared. I might not have cared as deeply as I thought. That’s no longer the case.”

“Why? Because someone’s out to kill her?”

“No. Because I realize how foolish I’d been. How immature. I’ve been with other women, but not one ever made me feel like she does just by standing next to me.”

“She has deep feelings for you. If this is just some hero complex you’re having, you need to stop it now. She’s been through a lot this last year, and she sure doesn’t need anything more to distress her.”

Sloan took a step toward Claire. “You’re a good friend. I like your willingness to stick your neck out and risk being told it’s none of your business.”

“It is my business. I couldn’t love Teddy more if she were my sister.”

He placed a hand on her shoulder. “I have no intention of hurting Teddy. If I have my say, we’ll both live happily ever after.”

“Good thing. Because today she got undressed without placing a towel over the mirror. You’re apparently good for her self-esteem.”

Tears welled in Sloan’s eyes from the information. Teddy was beginning to look at herself like the wonderful woman she was. No longer a deformed person. He liked that Claire gave him some of the credit for it. His throat burned.

Claire’s mouth opened, then shut, then opened again. “You’re in love with her.”

He wiped at his eyes. “It’s that obvious?”

“It is now.”

“Well it’s about time.” Raven stood outside the kitchen doorframe with her hands on her hips. “There for a while I contemplated knocking you up the side of your head to make you realize it.”