The sheer exhaustion from yesterday lingered as Tabitha climbed into the SUV the sheriff’s office had delivered to Doug’s home. The sheriff had insisted they get a good night’s sleep before retrieving the secondary flash drive, and she appreciated it. Yesterday had pushed her to her limits. She closed the door and leaned against the headrest. Her eyes burned from the tears she’d shed the night before. And her head pulsed with an ache from the crying jag. Doug had apologized and held her until she’d found enough courage to pull away. His warmth had seeped into the deep cracks of her brokenness. For the first time in—well, forever—she began to feel normal. But could Doug ever love someone like her? She sighed. Probably not—but yet...
Her mind twisted into a jumbled mess, playing the conversation, or lack thereof, over and over. Doug’s silence after she’d told him about the baby still stung. However, she understood why he hesitated. The past hadn’t been kind to either one of them.
The driver’s side door closed, jolting her from her thoughts. He’d lost the sling today, saying he no longer needed it. She doubted it but had no desire to upset him by disagreeing. Doug cranked the engine. “Where to?”
“My rental house.” Tabitha rolled her head to the side and stared out the passenger window. A dark cloud of soul-deep exhaustion hovered above, threatening to consume her.
Using the reflection in the windshield, she watched as he laid his arm across the back of the seat and twisted to see out the back window. He backed out of the driveway with ease. “Are you sure it’s still there? Whoever trashed the place did a thorough job.”
“I’m sure.” She hadn’t hidden the flash drive inside but outside in the backyard. Her gaze drifted to the passing scenery. Sidewalks and trees lined the streets. A few children played on the front lawns of the neighborhood. Their muffled laughter filtered in through the closed windows. What would a carefree youth have been like? She sighed. No use dwelling on the past. What’s done was done. But that didn’t stop the tears from pooling on her lashes.
“What are you thinking?” Doug flipped on the blinker and made a right turn.
She slipped a finger under her eyes, swiped away the tears, and then rolled her head to face him. “That all children should be free to grow up without fear. That’s what I want for my baby.”
“You’ll be a great mom.” Doug checked the mirrors and scanned the area.
An unladylike snort filled the SUV. “Right.” Without a good role model, how would she know what to do?
“You will. You have two things you didn’t have before.”
She sat up straighter. “What’s that?”
“Faith and friends.” He flashed her a soothing smile.
She considered his statement. True, she now had God showing her what unconditional love looked like. But friends? She wasn’t sure about that one. “Are you still my friend?”
Doug’s head whipped in her direction. “Why wouldn’t I be?” He returned his gaze to the road.
Might as well speak the truth. Doug hadn’t hurt her yet because of it. “I just thought you’d like to get rid of me after yesterday.”
“Beth.” He inhaled. His fingers drummed the steering wheel. “I might get upset at times, but that doesn’t mean my feelings about you have changed.”
“And what are those?” She held her breath, waiting for his answer.
He rubbed his hand down his jaw. “I’m still trying to figure that out. But I do know that I care about you—a lot.”
She pondered his confession. He seemed like a good guy. Michael trusted him. And so far, he was nothing like Tommy. A tantalizing aroma wafted through the vents as they passed Main Street Eats. Funny. She missed her job as a waitress. What would it be like to stay in Valley Springs and get to know Doug better? “I care about you too. But I don’t trust my judgment when it comes to—well, pretty much everything.”
“You will. Someday.” Doug parked in the driveway of her rental house and turned off the engine. They exited and met at the front of the SUV. “Lead the way.”
Tabitha stepped to the backyard gate and halted. Her pulse ratcheted. The evidence was the last thing she had between her and her freedom from Tommy. What if someone had followed them? She frantically searched the area.
A hand warmed the small of her back. “It’s okay. Cassidy made sure we didn’t have a tail.”
She whipped around to face him. “She was behind us?” How had she not known Cassidy had followed them? She shook her head. Some detective she’d make. With trembling fingers, she unlatched the gate and slipped into the backyard. The steady footfalls of the man who’d never left her side gave her courage. She skirted the patio and headed to a small birdbath tucked within a patch of irises. “It’s under there.” She gestured to the white pedestal with an attached bowl.
Before she knelt, Doug crouched and raised the edge of the birdbath. He retrieved the black device encased in a small plastic bag that held the remaining evidence. “Got it.” He stood. “Anything else while we are here?”
“I don’t have much. And the things I do have can wait. I want to get that—” she pointed at the flash drive “—to a safe place.”
“Then let’s head out.” He cupped her elbow and escorted her from the yard. His eyes constantly scanned the tree line. She’d noticed his demeanor change once he had the evidence. The easygoing man had morphed into a ball of tension. She hated to admit it, but his seriousness about the situation gave her a measure of relief.
Once in the SUV and driving away from the house, she glanced at Doug. The muscles in his jaw twitched. He’d gone from calming her to strung tight within seconds of retrieving the flash drive. “What’s wrong? You’re as tense as a turkey at Thanksgiving.”
Doug chuffed. His gaze met hers for a brief moment. “The guys are on their way to Wade’s to serve the warrant. I plan to join them after I drop you off at Miss Judith’s.”
Tabitha’s heart pounded. He couldn’t be serious. He should still have his sling on and required several days’ worth of rest. However, he’d never allow her to stop him from doing his job. But placing innocent people in Tommy’s path? “No. It’s bad enough you’re injured and going after Tommy. But Judith and her friends...” She shook her head. “I don’t want to put anyone else in danger.”
Doug captured her hand and laced their fingers together. “Cassidy is on security, and trust me when I say the retirement community is a force to be reckoned with. I wouldn’t take you if I thought for one minute others would get hurt. Please, trust me on this.”
Her eyes focused on their linked hands. His gentle grip, odd to her. Tommy and the others in her life possessed her. Whether physically or emotionally. Doug’s touch was caring, and he talked to her like she wasn’t stupid. “If you believe it’s safe.”
“I do.”
“All right. Do what you think is best.” She nibbled on the thumbnail of her free hand. Astonished that he hadn’t released his hold and worried about her agreement at the same time.
She stared at the passing scenery. Guilt niggled at her, and fear closed its tight grip around her throat. God, please don’t let this be a mistake. I don’t want others hurt because of me. And please keep the men safe when they confront Tommy.
Twenty minutes later, Tabitha said goodbye to Doug and sat on the couch catty-cornered to Miss Judith, head down, wondering why she’d agreed to be left with—in essence—a stranger. Then again, the entire Valley Springs Sheriff’s Department were strangers. Or they had been.
“Beth, would you like anything to eat or drink?” Miss Judith’s soft tone surprised her.
She snapped her gaze to the older woman. “No, thank you.” She tilted her head and studied the town’s grandmother. “You’re different from what I’ve heard the guys describe.”
The older lady cackled. “Oh, my dear child, you’ve hung around those boys of mine too long.”
She lifted her gaze to meet Miss Judith’s. “I don’t understand.”
“I think you do.” The woman smiled. “We become what others expect of us, don’t we?”
“I guess.” Who was Beth kidding? She’d done that her whole life. And if her scars—inside and out—were any indication, she’d attempted and failed miserably.
“More than that, I give my boys what they need. Most of the time, it’s a good swift kick in the rear.” Miss Judith chuckled, then pointed her red-polished fingernail at Tabitha. “You, my darling, require something different.”
“And what’s that?” The older woman confused Tabitha.
Miss Judith stood and moved to sit beside her. She took Tabitha’s hand in her frail one. “Love and a bit of tenderness. I get the feeling you haven’t experienced much of that.”
The woman had read her like a neon sign. Love had never been part of her life until Michael introduced her to God. “I...” Tears spill over Tabitha’s lashes.
“Come here, honey.” The older woman engulfed her in a hug.
Tabitha’s horrible life poured out in her sobs.
Miss Judith held her tight. “Let it out, sweet thing.”
Her head pounded, and her eyes stung, adding to the crying jag hangover from last night, but for the first time ever, Tabitha experienced the feeling of being cherished by someone other than God.
A handful of tissues appeared in front of her. Tabitha took them and mopped her face. “I’m sorry for getting you wet.”
“I’d drown in your tears if it made your hurt disappear.” The woman brushed her hand down Tabitha’s hair. “Besides, crying isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s cathartic. God gave us tears. Why not use them to purge the ugly in life.”
She gave the older woman a watery smile. “When did you get so smart?”
“They say wisdom comes with age. Well, I should be a genius by now.” Miss Judith winked. “Now, tell me what’s going on between you and my Doug. The entire time he’s lived in Valley Springs, I’ve never seen him so out of sorts.”
“I’m sorry.” Tabitha bit her lower lip. She’d upset Miss Judith by hurting one of her boys. The concept of a special relationship with the woman disintegrated through her fingers.
“No, sweet girl. It’s a good thing. Someone finally tilted that man’s world on its ear. He’s lived with his misplaced guilt for far too long.” Judith patted her hand. “Now, I want details.”
Relief flooded her system, and the glimmer of mischief in Miss Judith’s eyes made Tabitha chuckle.
Miss Judith arched a manicured brow. “Stop procrastinating. Start from the beginning.”
Tabitha settled into the corner of the couch. Her worries vanished like a morning fog. “Fine, but it isn’t a pretty story.”
“Life rarely is. It’s how we respond to it that matters.” Miss Judith shifted, giving Tabitha her full attention.
And wasn’t that some serious truth. Tabitha took a deep breath and told Miss Judith everything, from the horrors of her childhood to the revelation of her pregnancy. “So you see, I’m not sure Doug will want anything to do with me when this is over.”
A huge smile graced the woman’s face. “Sweetheart, that man is smitten whether he admits it or not.”
Tabitha’s pulse stuttered. She let Miss Judith’s words fill the empty places in her heart. A relationship with Doug...could it happen? Assuming she made it out of Tommy’s clutches alive, she’d risk heartache to explore the possibility.
“What are you doing here? I told you to stay with Tabitha and rest,” Dennis growled.
Doug leaned against the SUV a block from Tommy Wade’s estate, where his boss and coworkers waited to serve the warrant. “I have to be a part of the takedown, and you know it. I owe it to Christine. And don’t worry. Cassidy has security while Beth has some one-on-one time with Miss Judith.”
“I’m not worried about her. Cassidy can handle that.” Dennis drilled him with a hard stare.
“Yeah, well, I’m fine.” He’d lost the sling that morning. Sure, his arm ached, but the sleep had done wonders for his energy level. “Keith has the accounting flash drive and will deep dive into the financials to see if we have enough evidence to bring down the entire operation.”
Dennis sighed. “At least you listened to some of my orders.”
“I can’t let Jason have all the fun disobeying you.” Doug waggled his eyebrows.
“Who, me?” Jason grinned and placed a hand on Doug’s shoulder, and squeezed. “Glad to have you, my man.”
“So, what’s the plan?” Doug itched to search Wade’s home.
“Brentwood PD is letting us take point, but they are covering the rear of the house. Kyle’s knocking. If someone opens the door, he delivers the warrant. If not, I give the orders, and we breach simultaneously with BPD. I don’t trust the scum inside to play fair. Either way, we go in ready.”
“Roger that,” the three men said in unison.
They hurried to finish dressing out in tactical gear. Jason and Kyle chattered about nonsense, ribbing each other in a friendly fashion, their typical pre–search warrant ritual. Under normal circumstances, Doug would join in, but today his mind focused on the upcoming task. His body hadn’t healed to the point he could ignore the aches and pains, but he’d never admit that to Dennis. Doug wanted to—had to—be in on taking down Wade. The man had taken Christine and his baby from him and had destroyed Beth, both mentally and physically, over the last few years. Christine deserved justice, and Beth deserved freedom from the nightmare named Tommy Wade.
Donning his Kevlar vest took longer due to his injuries, but Doug refused to allow his ailments to stop him. With the last strap secure, he opened the weapons case in his borrowed department vehicle. He racked the slide of his Glock and confirmed he had a bullet in the chamber, then slipped it into his holster and continued to secure the other weapons. All armaments in place, he patted the pockets confirming he hadn’t forgotten anything.
Doug strolled to his partner’s side. “Ready.”
Kyle clasped the shoulder of Doug’s uninjured arm. “Don’t worry. We’ll get him.”
Jason placed a careful hand on Doug’s other shoulder. “What he said.”
The two stood like sentinels on either side of him, giving him the strength he hadn’t realized he needed.
Sheriff Monroe joined them. “Jason, Doug, and I will spread out. Kyle, wait for my signal, then approach and serve the warrant.” Dennis handed Kyle the document.
His partner tucked the official paperwork into his vest. “Copy that.”
Doug placed his hand on Kyle’s back. “Don’t get dead.”
“Now you tell me.” His partner chuckled. Before Doug took his position, Kyle stopped him and met his gaze.
Unspoken words passed between them. Doug loved the man like a brother, and by the emotion in Kyle’s eyes, he felt the same. Both were very aware of the risks today. “I know.”
Kyle nodded. “Go, so we can take this slime down.”
Doug crouched and hurried to his position. Once there, he gave his boss a thumbs-up and focused on the task at hand. Serve the warrant, and search the house, preferably without a shot fired. A hinky feeling made the hair on the back of his neck prickle.
God, please keep everyone safe.
Sweat trickled between his shoulder blades. The situation felt off. He fought the urge to move but trusted the men he worked with.
Kyle strode up the walkway with an air of attitude. The man’s head slightly shifted from side to side, no doubt scanning for trouble. He reached the door and knocked. “Police! Open up! We have a search warrant!”
Seconds ticked by.
The wait made Doug’s internal danger meter spike.
Kyle knocked again. “Poli—”
Wade’s second-in-command, Clark, flung open the door, gun in hand. His eyes snapped to Kyle. He whipped his weapon at the detective. Kyle dove off the porch.
Doug launched to his feet and pulled the trigger on his Glock.
Clark’s weapon dropped, and the man crumpled to the ground. He howled in pain, clutching his chest. Blood from the gunshot wound spread across the man’s shirt. Doug had gone against his training and aimed at the man’s shoulder. He wanted the man alive. He wanted answers. But Clark had turned as Doug pulled the trigger, and his shot hit the man in the chest.
“Jason, you have Clark.” Dennis continued toward the house—gun raised.
“On it, Sheriff.” Jason stalked toward the injured man.
“Kyle, are you okay?” Dennis’s focus never wavered from the front door.
“I’m good.” Kyle dusted himself off, scowling at the road rash on his arm. “Let’s get Wade and get this done.”
Leaving Jason to secure Clark and call an ambulance, Doug joined Dennis and Kyle and prepared to enter the house.
Gun at the ready, Doug extended his arm, eased the door open, and stepped inside. The others followed. Each cleared a room as they continued down the hall. “Search warrant!” Kyle tapped his shoulder and motioned at a short hallway to the left. Doug nodded and continued straight ahead with Dennis at his back. Muffled voices rose from the back of the house. Doug blocked the Brentwood officers out of his mind. They’d take care of others on the property. His focus stayed on his task. Securing Tommy so they could safely search the house. “Wade!”
Tommy Wade stepped from the kitchen. A handgun aimed at Doug. “Don’t come any closer, Detective.”
“Stand down. We have a search warrant.” Doug stared at the man, refusing to flinch. The game of chicken came to mind, and he didn’t intend to lose.
A sneer crossed the drug king’s lip. “Don’t believe anything that tramp told you. She’s worthless. Only good for one thing.”
Anger coursed through Doug’s veins, knowing what the man had done to Beth. “This isn’t about Tabitha. This is about you paying for your crimes.”
A sly smile bloomed on Wade’s face. “Ah, yes. How is your wife doing? Oh, that’s right. She’s dead. My condolences.”
Doug’s grip tightened on his Glock. He waged war on his desire to pull the trigger.
“Doug.” Dennis’s warning kept him grounded.
He valued life more than the lowlife in front of him. He wouldn’t stoop to the creep’s level. “I’m good, boss.” Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Kyle slip behind Tommy. He had to keep Wade occupied so the man didn’t notice his partner. “I have you to thank for that, don’t I?”
“Why, Detective, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” The drug dealer laughed.
God, this man is not making it easy for me. Please, give me self-control.
Doug forced himself to continue engaging with the monster in front of him. Kyle only needed a few more seconds. “I’m sure you don’t. You probably had someone else do your dirty work for you. It’s not like you have the courage to do it yourself.” Okay, so taunting the man probably wasn’t the best idea.
“You think I won’t kill you right here and now?” Wade’s voice rose, and his finger tightened on the trigger.
He stared Tommy down, his own finger on the trigger of his weapon.
Kyle slipped in from the side. One hand gripped the top of the gun near the barrel, the other at the back near Wade’s hand. In one quick motion, his partner yanked down and back, jerking the weapon away.
Tommy spun. His right hook connected with Kyle’s jaw, sending his partner sprawling across the floor.
Dennis rushed in, took the drug dealer to the ground, and cuffed him.
“You okay, Kyle?” Doug holstered his Glock. His hands shook. It wasn’t the first time he’d had a gun pointed at him, but the look of pure evil in Wade’s eyes had sent his pulse racing.
“Yeah, I’m good.” His partner patted his jaw. A red mark, sure to leave a nasty bruise, began to swell. “You?”
“Same.” Doug slapped Kyle’s back.
Dennis kept his gun leveled on Wade in case the man decided to be stupid. “Brentwood cleared the rest of the house and have several workers in custody.”
“Come on. Let’s go see what BPD scooped up.” Doug’s adrenaline faded, and he fought the exhaustion taking over.
Dennis lifted Wade to his feet and gripped the guy’s elbow. The sheriff quoted the Miranda rights as he escorted the drug king outside while Doug and Kyle followed, watching for trouble.
Once Dennis stuffed Tommy into the back of a patrol car, he strolled over to join the Brentwood PD officers. “How many?”
Sergeant Titus folded his arms across his chest. “We found four while you all were dealing with Tommy.”
“Anyone you think might be involved?” Dennis asked.
“In general, no. We’ll question the chef, maid, and gardener, but in my opinion, they’re only guilty by association.” Titus rocked back and forth on his heels. “Now the accountant, on the other hand, is acting a bit squirrely.”
“Sheriff.”
Dennis held up a hand, staying Doug’s comment. “Sergeant, I’d appreciate it if you’d let us sit in on the interview with the accountant. We have reason to believe he’s hiding something.”
Titus narrowed his eyes. “Anything I should know about?”
“Not at this time. My people are still digging into the possibility.”
The officer grunted. “A seat at the table is granted. But keep me informed so I’m not blindsided by anything.”
“Of course. And thank you, Sergeant.” Dennis shook the man’s hand. When the officer strode away, the sheriff gestured toward Kyle. “Get some ice on that. And Doug, since you shot Clark, I’ll need your weapon.”
“Yes, sir.” He secured his weapon and handed it to the sheriff. “I know I’m on administrative leave until the investigation is complete, but I’d like to be included at the conference table when you review Wade’s interrogation.”
“I’m not concerned about the investigation. It’s a formality. You saved your partner’s life. You’ll be cleared.” Dennis’s brow furrowed. He appeared deep in thought. “I’ll allow you to be a part of the conversation—after the interrogation. I’d like Tabitha there too. She might shed some light on things.”
“Thank you.” The review of his actions hadn’t worried Doug, but to hear his boss agree lifted a huge weight from his shoulders.
Jason strolled over and eyed Kyle’s jaw. “Looks like you’re losing your edge there, buddy.”
Kyle opened his mouth, but Dennis held up a hand and stopped the teasing before Kyle responded to the taunt. “What’s the update on Clark?”
“Not looking good.” Jason glanced over his shoulder at the ambulance pulling away from the scene. “I handed over babysitting duties to one of Brentwood’s finest.”
Dennis nodded. “I’ll check on the man’s condition later. Until then, Jason, you’re with me. We’ll ensure the warrant is handled and a thorough search is underway, then we’ll meet Doug and Kyle at the station.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Jason clapped Doug on the back. “Wade will not get out of this one.”
“From your lips to God’s ears.” Doug had hit his limit on excitement. His limbs had turned mush. “Kyle, mind driving my vehicle?”
“Can do.” His partner waved at Dennis and Jason. “See ya at the station.”
The officers and deputies that filled the yard parted as the two men ambled to the SUV. Blue and red lights bounced off the trees and surrounding buildings. Energy sapped, Doug climbed into the passenger side and rested his head against the back of the seat.
The SUV driver’s door closed and the engine started. “You don’t look too hot there, partner.” Kyle shifted into Drive and pulled away from the scene.
“I’ve been better. The past couple of days are catching up with me.” That and wondering if he’d ever see Beth again. Nothing like having a gun pointed at you and seeing your life flash before your eyes to make you consider your future.
“Well, things are looking up. Clark and Wade are both in custody, along with the accountant.” Kyle tapped the steering wheel with his thumbs.
“True. But we have to make the charges stick.”
“We will, buddy.”
“I hope so. Beth’s freedom hinges on it.” He shifted his gaze out the passenger window and watched the landscape flow by.
The events of the past couple of days, plus the evidence gathered, ran on a loop in his head. It all seemed straightforward, but what if they’d missed something?