16

The short-lived storm wrought havoc up and down the California coast. Local utility vehicles dealing with downed power lines, outages, and mudslides blocked one street after another. Although Cooper left home in plenty of time, he was almost late for the Briggs’ home church service.

After parking along the curb, he climbed down from his truck before he chickened out. Shoulders back, chin raised, he approached the front porch.

As he raised his knuckles to knock, the door opened.

“Hello, Coop. Welcome.”

Had KC been watching for his arrival?

Her familiar voice settled his breakfast back in place. He cleared his throat. “Hi.” Other words he wanted to say remained glued together.

Ellen Briggs bustled into the hall and took his arm. “Good morning, Cooper. Come to the living room. Our numbers are down today because of spring break and all.” She ushered him inside the room and stopped. “Folks, this is Cooper Callahan. A, um, friend of our Kitty Claire.”

A chorus of greetings followed.

Face heating, he murmured, “Morning,” and headed toward a straight-backed chair in the corner. What was wrong with him? Tongue-tied was too mild a diagnosis. To add to his predicament, KC chose the armchair next to him. Would he ever be able to form a sentence again? He ventured a glance at her face.

Serene and…beautiful. Her smile made her eyes sparkle. He should tell her…

At that moment, William Briggs entered the room and stood in the middle of the group.

Perfect timing. Now Cooper wouldn’t embarrass himself.

People around him sang familiar hymns. But no way could he join in. And no one seemed to mind.

William introduced the speaker, Brian Jackson, who reminded Cooper of KC’s brother, Bear.

Relaxing a bit, Cooper crossed his arms, ready to listen. But the man’s words swirled above Cooper like wisps of a cloud. Truths about the failings of frail humans, second chances offered to those who recognize the need for change, and the Creator’s patience. Cooper envisioned his body floating, like a jellyfish, with no form, no bones, no substance. No central command post. Vulnerable and open, exposed, defenseless. He had never experienced such a sensation before. He couldn’t focus on the Scriptures read nor the message presented. Shocked at this insight into his psyche, he shook his head and searched the audience to see if anyone noticed his dilemma.

All eyes were focused on Brian.

Cooper blinked.

“I want to conclude my lesson on rejuvenating our souls by reading from Jeremiah, chapter eighteen…”

Brian’s voice penetrated the swirling fog. “‘So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel…’”

Clumps of clay. Yes, that was Cooper. A blob of nothing.

“‘But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands…’”

Marred, to put it mildly. Deformed, flawed, ruined. Just like his spiritual life.

“‘…so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.’”

At those words, Cooper sucked in a breath. Could God still use him? Remold him?

Voices raised in praise jolted him out of his inner conflict. Cooper sang the words to “Just as I Am” in his heart. He was willing to go that far, for now.

Following the closing prayer, people introduced themselves, but he remembered no names. All his energy was poured into keeping upright after his traumatic encounter with the Potter.

KC latched onto his arm and drew him out the back door.

“Are you all right? You’re kinda pale, and your eyes have glazed over.”

He dropped into a padded chair and exhaled a pent-up breath. “Yeah, I’m OK, but I got to tell you, all that talk about clay really hit me right here.” He thumped his chest. That was all he wanted to say on the subject. KC, for once, let him sit in silence. He soaked in the quiet, except for the chirping birds in the trees, a reminder of God who created all life. Yeah, he needed to review past mistakes, steps he should take in the future. But not now. No, not now. A physical shudder shrouded those thoughts, hiding them until he could muster the courage to face them.

Settled in the chair next to him, KC crossed her legs.

He tented his fingers and watched her swing her foot back and forth. Minutes seemed to tick by.

True to her word, no heels or straight skirt. Flat black sandals, and a cream-colored lacy fabric that reached beyond her knees. Tight, gray curls covered her head and shiny silver hoops dangled at her ears.

“Lunch is ready,” Ellen hollered from the back door.

Cooper stood. “I’d best be going.” And not a minute too soon. Otherwise, he might have to act on the strange emotions KC stirred within him.

“No way. Please stay.” KC rose and set her hands on her hips.

“But—”

“We have potluck on Sundays. Believe me. No one goes home hungry.” She eyed him up and down. “By the way, you look really smart today, but,” she loosened his tie, “ditch the neck strangler.” At the door, she beckoned him. “If you don’t come in, I’ll have to carry you.”

How could he ignore her threat? Although the thought of… He hurried inside.

His jacket and tie removed, Cooper joined the group of eight at the large dining table. He ate and chatted, but at the end of the meal couldn’t remember exactly what food passed over his lips. How he missed family gatherings. He didn’t want to go home. Seated with KC beside him reminded him of similar meals when Angela and he were first married. Happy times with family and friends.

Cooper sneaked a sideways glance at KC. So different from Angela. Bold, outspoken. He was never in doubt as to her opinion. But one thing she and Angela had in common was the ease with which they shared their faith. He had loved Angela with all his being. Was it possible to find two soul mates in one lifetime?

Chairs scraped on the wooden floor. His head shot up. Whoa. Where had that thought come from? He swiped a hand across his forehead and stood.

After stacking the dishwasher, KC and Cooper carried glasses of iced tea to the back porch where they sat on side-by-side rockers.

“Thanks for inviting me.” He gulped down the tea and almost spilled the liquid when his phone rang. Bowen. “Sorry. I must answer. Boss?”

“Cooper, you won’t believe where I am. In the hospital, having all kinds of tests done, and as you know, Sadie’s on vacation. Please pick up KC and come to Bayview Hospital. I’m in room 406.”

~*~

The door to room 406 stood ajar. A nearby metal meal cart filled with trays emitted aromas of leftover food.

Cooper knocked and entered at Bowen’s invitation. “Are you taking a vacation too, Mr. Bodine?”

A monitor beeped in the background.

“I don’t wish this kind of rest on anyone. Hi, Cooper, KC. Please, sit.” Bowen pulled the IV pole closer to the bed.

Dragging another chair next to KC’s, Cooper sat and asked, “What tests have you had?”

“You name it. But the doc thinks it’s my gallbladder. They’re waiting for one more result. Then I’ll know for sure.”

“If it is, when will you have surgery?”

“Tomorrow.”

“My dad had his gallbladder removed a couple of years ago.” KC smoothed the fabric of her skirt. “The laparoscopic surgery was a breeze. He didn’t even stay overnight.”

“I can only hope,” Bowen said.

“Is Sadie coming back to San Diego?” Cooper kept his gaze on his boss.

Bowen shook his head as color drained from his face.

“Don’t you want family with you?” KC asked.

Cooper leaned closer. Something was amiss. Bowen’s expression communicated more than pain or concern for his surgery.

“I don’t want to bother Sadie. If she finds out I’m here, she’ll cancel the trip.” He looked at KC. “She’s on her way to Los Angeles to spend the week with Caleb and Reyna. That’s her brother-in-law and his wife. Hannah is excited to see her step-cousin, Francesca, who’s the same age. In fact, they’re celebrating her tenth birthday at a new theme park close to Cal’s home. I forget the name. Cal and Reyna haven’t met Zach yet. He’s our seven-month-old. No way will I put a damper on that visit.” Bowen grimaced. “Wish the pain meds would kick in.” He clutched his middle. “Besides, Sadie needs a break. She’s been on the go nonstop since Zach’s birth. Charlotte, my sister, will be here in an hour.”

“Will Gabe take over the IT department while Sadie’s away?” Cooper asked.

“Yeah, I’ve put him in charge of the office since I’ll be out of commission for at least a week.” After sucking in a deep breath, Bowen pointed to Cooper. “I need you both to do me a favor. KC, I know you’re still in training and even though this isn’t an official assignment, I think you’ll benefit from the experience.”

“You’ve piqued my interest. What’s going on?” Cooper scratched his head.

Bowen raised up and hunched over. “Sitting like this seems to ease the pain. The spasms are getting stronger.”

“Should I call a nurse or something?” A note of concern edged KC’s words.

“No, thanks. Let me finish. Sadie left home yesterday morning before the storm, spent the night in San Juan Capistrano. Hannah studied the mission in school and is fascinated by the swallows. She wanted to visit the site. Sadie said they arrived at the hotel around three.” He fell back among the pillows. “Cooper, take my phone.”

Cooper picked it up off the bedside table and stared at his friend.

“Sadie’s vehicle information is in there. Make, model, VIN, and license plate number. Satellite tracking data.”

“Why do I need those details?” Cooper’s gut muscles clenched. “Can I forward the info to my phone?”

Breathing deeply, Bowen’s gaze darted from Cooper to KC. “Sure. Also collect Caleb Malone’s phone number and address. And Charlotte’s. All in there.” He paused, chest rising and falling. “Sadie called this morning before leaving the hotel. It was a bad connection, but I gathered she decided to take a detour via State Route 74 east to Lake Elsinore. The call dropped before I could ask questions. I checked a map, and all I can think is that she’ll connect with I-15, which will take her north to I-210. From there, she can travel west to Simi Valley and miss all the downtown LA traffic.”

He bit his lip. “I’ve tried contacting her all day. The calls go straight to voicemail. And she hasn’t phoned Cal, either.”

“I imagine the storm knocked out cell towers.” Cooper hoped his tone provided Bowen a measure of assurance.

“Yeah. A friend in LA said he hadn’t seen such lightening in years.” KC’s comment seemed to ease Bowen’s frown.

Latching on to Cooper’s hand, Bowen pulled himself up. “I forgot about storm damage, but I still want your help. There’s no need to involve the authorities. I’m sure Sadie’s fine. But since you don’t have an active case, please see if you can locate her.”

Cooper squeezed Bowen’s hand. “You bet, boss. Your family is safe in my, uh, our hands.” He clenched his jaw. An assignment provided a good excuse to take his mind off Brian’s lesson that nagged at his soul.

Her large bag over her shoulder, KC stood. “I guess it’s back to jeans and boots.”

Exactly. Cooper scooted his chair away. KC in agent garb emphasized their work relationship. Civilian clothes enhanced her femininity.

And that was a problem.