Love Inspired Suspense April 2015 #1 (11 page)

“Last month after Michael Jeffries's murder, someone set the foster home on fire but the flames were extinguished before it could do a lot of damage.”

“I heard about that on the news. Thankfully none of the kids or staff were hurt. But I'd been told the foster kids had been moved to an undisclosed location after the fire.”

“Right. Well, what didn't get reported to the news was that a child's blue mitten was found at the Michael Jeffries murder scene.”

Her breath caught. “Do you think the child saw what happened to the congressmen and his son?”

“Maybe.”

Her heart bumped against her ribs. If only she knew if Juan had blue mittens. If only she knew Juan.

“That's the only reason we can think of why someone would target the foster home.”

“Are the kids in danger?” A knot of fear lodged in her gut. “Is Juan in danger?”

“No. We've been careful to keep the location a secret,” he said. “And we have a guard on site 24/7.”

“That's a relief.” Still, she couldn't shake the sense of doom that snaked through her.

Danger and tragedies were stalking various aspects of her life, like specters in the dark. First her sister was murdered, then the place where her nephew lived was set on fire. The attack and theft at the museum, the shooter on the bridge and the sniper at the courthouse. None of it made sense. And where did the Jeffries murder and Erin's disappearance fit in? Did they fit in?

“The foster home director indicated that one of the young boys has been acting strangely ever since the night of the Jeffries' shootings. She thinks he might have seen the murder of Michael Jeffries. My captain asked if we could stop in so I could talk with the boy, see if he'd open up.”

Her breathing stalled. “Not Juan?”

“No, not Juan.”

The gentle understanding in his voice brought a lump to her throat. He'd been the right man to send. “Little boys need a male to talk to.” The thought put a crimp in her heart. “Who would be that male influence for Juan if—” She had to start thinking positively. “
When
I take custody of him?” She glanced at Adam and immediately looked away. She would not go there. He wouldn't be that guy. “Maybe it would be better for Juan to be adopted by a married couple.”

“No way. He's your nephew. Your blood.” His voice softened. “You'll do fine. Have some faith in yourself. You might even marry again one day.”

She chewed her lip as his words bounced around her heart. Marrying again would require trusting a man again.

But she'd learned to trust Adam. Maybe...maybe someday God would bring another man into her life she could trust and love.

Too bad it wouldn't be Adam.

A few minutes later Adam turned the SUV down a treed lane. At the tall gate, he punched in a code on the keypad. The metal gate opened, allowing them to pass. The road curved along a high wall of chain link marked with high-voltage signs. Clearly, they were taking the security of the kids seriously.

Finally the road ended at a wide circular drive in front of a two-story brick house. The side yard, filled with children playing, held a swing set, a smattering of balls in all shapes and sizes, and a playhouse.

A muscular man, clearly a guard, and a tall, thin woman supervising the kids turned to watch as Adam brought the vehicle to a stop. A Border collie raced to the man's side. The children, ranging from toddler to pre-teen, noticed Lana and Adam and gathered on the porch, their faces wary, yet curious. The woman followed the kids and shooed them into the house and disappeared before Lana and Adam could climb out of the SUV. The man stalked toward them.

“They're skittish after the incident,” Adam commented before popping open his door. He stepped out to shake the hand of the other man. They talked for a moment before the man walked away and disappeared around the side of the house.

Lana didn't blame the kids for being suspicious of strangers. They had gone through a traumatic event, probably several if they'd ended up here. Her heart went out to the children. Her childhood had been idyllic in so many ways. She'd known unconditional love from her parents. They'd provided a stable and happy home for her and Rosa. She was grateful God had given her the time He had with her parents. She sent up a silent prayer for continued safety for the kids. And happiness.

She climbed out as Adam rounded the vehicle to open the kennel for Ace to hop out. The dog sniffed the air then sat waiting for Adam's instructions.

The front door reopened and a petite woman with long red hair walked out. She smiled at them as they approached. Lana had met the foster home's director briefly last month at the hospital when Cassie was recovering from a gunshot wound.

“Adam, it's good to see you,” Cassie said. “Gavin called to say you'd be stopping by.”

“Cassie, you remember Lana Gomez, Juan's aunt.”

Cassie nodded and smiled warmly. “Yes, I'm glad to see you again. Juan should be waking from a nap soon so this is a good time for you to visit.”

“Don't wake him on my account,” Lana said quickly. “I'd love to watch him sleep.” Easier that way on her heart.

“Come in.” Cassie gestured for them to follow her inside.

“Is it okay for Ace to come along?” Adam asked at the threshold of the front door.

Cassie smiled. “Sure. The kids are used to Glory.” To Lana, Cassie said, “Glory is Captain Gavin McCord's German shepherd. He's a hero around here.”

They entered the living room, a wide-open space with colorful throw rugs over hardwood floors. Built-in bookshelves were sparsely filled with books ranging from Dr. Seuss to
Gulliver's Travels.
A plasma television sat dark in a corner. Comfy couches and chairs made the room homey. Lana could imagine all the kids piled in to watch an animated movie or sitting quietly listening to a story.

“I'll have Virginia, my assistant, take you up to see Juan,” Cassie said before disappearing down the hall.

“This is nice,” Lana commented.

“We had to move the kids quickly so we pulled together what we could on short notice.”

She smiled at Adam, noting the rise of color in his face. She had a feeling he was partly responsible for the homey environment at the safe house. He really was a nice guy. Kind and compassionate. Thoughtful. If she wasn't careful she could easily fall for him. But that wouldn't be smart.

Once this case was over, he'd move on to other cases, protecting other people. And when his dream was realized he'd be doing so in Colorado. Far from DC, and her. A strange sadness welled. She pushed the sensation down and glanced away, afraid her confusing thoughts would show.

Cassie returned with a tall, thin woman in tow. “Lana, this is Virginia Johnson, my assistant and jack-of-all-trades. Virginia, Lana is Juan's aunt.”

Virginia's brown eyes were assessing as she nodded to Lana. “If you'll follow me I'll take you upstairs to where he's sleeping.”

Lana's heart rate kicked into overdrive. She was going to see her nephew. Rosa's son. The only family she had left. She threw a panicked glance to Adam. He inclined his head in reassurance. With a nod to Adam, she allowed Virginia to lead her from the room.

She could do this. It was time she met her nephew.

* * *

Adam tracked Lana's retreating figure and felt Ace's nudge as if to say “we should go with her.” Adam wanted to. He didn't like having her out of his sight. But she was safe here. And he had a job to do. Turning to Cassie, he said, “Gavin thought maybe if someone new spoke with Tommy...?”

Cassie nodded and lowered her voice. “I'd be grateful if you'd try. We've all tried talking to him but he clams up the moment that night is brought up.”

“Was the mitten we found his?”

She shook her head. “No. It belonged to one of the other boys, David. He was sick the night of the shootings. Virginia and I had taken turns caring for him so I know he didn't sneak out. But Tommy...he says he didn't sneak out.”

“Where is he now?”

“I sent the kids out back for Popsicles. Officer Morgan is with them.”

“What kinds of things is Tommy interested in?” Adam hoped to find some common ground with which to open a conversation.

“He has a huge stuffed animal collection.”

“I can work with that.”

“I'll show you the way.” She headed out of the living room.

Adam, with Ace at his heels, walked down the hallway through the kitchen and out the back door. Stairs led to a cement patio cut into the lush green lawn. The eight kids were spread out on the back patio, some sitting on the ground, others on the wooden benches, enjoying their afternoon treat.

“Sir, does your dog bite?” a young boy of about six inquired, his light green eyes trained warily on Ace.

Adam pinned the boy with a direct look. “Only if you break a law.”

The boy nodded solemnly. “I won't break any laws.”

“Good.” Adam smiled. “You may pet him. His name's Ace and he loves kids.”

The boy held out a tentative hand. Ace held still, allowing the kid to run his small hand down his sleek neck. Soon other kids ventured closer.

“Tommy,” Cassie called to a slightly built boy with sandy-brown hair and wide blue eyes sitting by himself on the edge of the patio. “Would you like to come pet Ace?”

The boy shook his head and jerked his gaze away.

Adam met Cassie's gaze. She nodded and then clapped her hands. “Okay, kids, everyone inside to wash up those sticky hands.”

Cassie and Officer Morgan ushered the kids inside. Adam and Ace stepped back to let the kids pass. When Tommy finally rose and shuffled toward the back door, Adam put a hand on his thin shoulder.

The boy stilled, his body going rigid. He didn't look up at Adam but remained frozen with his gaze on the ground. Adam glanced up at Cassie, who stood near the door, concern clear on her face.

Adam moved so that he could sit on the stair at eye level with the boy. “I hear you collect stuffed animals.”

Tommy nodded and scuffed the toe of his shoe on the cement.

“Me, too. Mostly bears. I grew up in the mountains of Colorado. We had lots of black bears and grizzly bears.” Adam dipped his head to catch Tommy's gaze. “Do you have any bears in your collection?”

The boy remained silent. Adam figured he'd have to try another tactic when Tommy finally answered in a reedy voice, “A panda.”

“Ohhh, I like those. They eat bamboo.” Adam chuckled. “I'm not sure I'd want to eat a tree. Have you seen the pandas at the National Zoo?”

Tommy lifted his gaze. “No. Have you?”

“I have. They're awesome. You can even watch them on the internet.” That got the kid's attention. “The Giant Panda Cams.”

“Really? That's cool.”

“Yep. Pretty cool.” Adam noticed Tommy's gaze stray to Ace. “Would you like to pet my dog?”

Tommy nodded again.

Adam nudged Ace closer and took the boy's hand and guided it to the sweet spot behind Ace's ear. “He loves a good rubbing here.”

Tommy's finger barely moved. Ace leaned closer as if needing more. Gratified, Adam kept silent, letting the boy get more comfortable with Ace, with Adam there.

“Tommy, you know something bad happened at the congressman's house, right?” Adam asked softly.

The kid froze and withdrew. He shook his head.

“Were you outside of the foster home that night? Did you see something that scared you?”

More vigorous shaking of his head.

“Do you know who left the blue mitten in the woods?”

Tommy kept shaking his head.

“You don't have to be afraid to talk to me,” Adam coaxed. “You won't get in trouble for anything you tell me.”

“I don't know nothing,” Tommy insisted in a high-pitched whiny tone.

Oh, man, the kid was ready to bolt. He'd have to get past Adam first. “I need to know who was in the woods that night. Was that you?”

The kid's head snapped up, his gaze going to Cassie. Adam saw terror flash in the boy's eyes. “Miss Cassie, can I go in now?”

Adam leaned sideways to block the view of Cassie. “Tommy, listen to me. There is nothing for you to fear. You're safe here. We won't let anyone hurt you.”

For the first time, Tommy met Adam's gaze. “I wasn't in the woods.”

But the kid knew who was or he was lying and he was in the woods. Adam could feel there was something wrong, something the kid refused to say. There was no doubt in Adam's mind the boy was terrified of something. Or someone.

“Can I go now?” Tommy asked, his voice strangled.

Taking pity on the boy, Adam nodded and moved out of the way. The kid darted up the stairs into the house like a rocket.

So much for Adam's powers of persuasion. Cassie sat down next to him.

“I'll keep an eye on him,” she promised. “One of these days, he'll open up and tell us what he knows.”

“I hope so,” Adam replied. He hoped the boy would tell them what they needed to know to solve Michael Jeffries's murder and bring Erin home safely.

Too much was at stake if Tommy didn't open up.

TEN

L
ana stood at the foot of Juan's crib watching the two-year-old sleep curled on his side with a blanket pulled over him. His dark hair was messy and he had his little thumb stuck into his mouth, his cheeks moving as he sucked on the appendage. Tenderness welled from deep inside Lana.

The boy stirred, his body uncurling and stretching. His thumb came out of his mouth with a wet sound, like a cork coming out of a bottle. He rolled onto his back. His eyes fluttered open. The shape of his face, his eyes, reminded Lana of Rosa. She could see her sister in the little boy. Lana's heart expanded until she thought it would burst from her chest. He blinked at her. Her smile wavered as tears of grief and hope and sadness and unexpected love mingled together and rushed to the surface.

“Hi, little guy,” Lana whispered. The poor baby must be so confused and scared. But he was being well cared for. He was clean and fed and safe.

Juan rolled over and pushed himself onto all fours before reaching for the crib bars and pulling himself to his feet. He wobbled slightly. Lana jerked forward to put her hand on his back. His shirt was soaked along with his diaper. Spying the necessary items needed to change his diaper and clothes on the changing table in the corner, she gently lifted Juan and carried him to the table where she laid him down. He willingly went. His legs kicked up and his hands reached for her face. She laughed and quickly changed his diaper, marveling she knew what to do. Apparently she'd seen enough television babies being changed that she figured it out without any formal instruction. Or maybe it was instinctual. Something all women knew inherently.

Whatever the case, she was glad to be able to perform the task without calling Virginia back in. While Lana watched Juan sleep, the woman had hovered over her as though she was afraid Lana would hurt Juan. Finally, Cassie had asked Virginia to read to the kids. Lana had assured Cassie, and Virginia, that she was content to watch her nephew sleep. And until the child had awakened, Lana hadn't known she was waiting for him to wake up. Now that he had, she was excited and scared to be with him.

She tugged the wet shirt off his little body. Taking a wet wipe from the container, she bathed his torso. She noticed a darker splotch of skin on his right shoulder blade. A birthmark. Oval in shape with scalloped edges. Neither she nor Rosa had a birthmark. Even though birthmarks weren't always hereditary, some were and this one could have come from Juan's father. The judge had asked about Juan's father. But since there was no father listed on the birth certificate and Rosa never told anyone who fathered her child, Lana was Juan's only relative.

One of the many things Lana hoped to discover when she was given permission to take possession of her sister's town house was the name of Juan's father. Rosa had to have something that would identify him. Though finding Juan's father could mean he'd want to file for custody. A wave of anxiousness hit her. She lifted up a prayer of peace and settled herself with the knowledge her lawyer would work out the legal details.

Hopefully, Rosa had kept a diary or journal that would name who she'd been involved with and had a child with. On Juan's birth certificate the place for the father's name was left blank. Rosa apparently didn't want the man to know about his son. Lana didn't want to judge Rosa for keeping her secret. Who knew what type of man Juan's father was. He could be like Mark. A shiver of revulsion ran over her skin. She prayed that wouldn't be the case.

She chose a T-shirt from a stack atop the dresser, put it on Juan and pulled the hem over his little belly. Then, cuddling him close, she moved to the rocking chair in the corner where she sat him on her lap. Juan relaxed back in her arms and twisted his head so he could look up at her with his sweet face.

Longing slammed into her and her arms twitched with the force of the impact. She wanted this little boy to be hers. And she would plead with the judge to make it so. Though the psychologist gave her the green light, she wouldn't be at ease until the judge gave her a positive ruling.

And if he didn't...what would she do if she lost Juan?

* * *

Upstairs, Adam stepped into the doorway of the last room on the right, where Cassie had said he'd find Lana and Juan. The two sat in the rocker. The boy stared into her eyes while she sang softly to him. Her clear, sweet voice evoked a welling tenderness from within Adam. An unfamiliar yearning flooded his system. The scene was so precious he hated to disrupt them. But they needed to get back on the road if they were going to make DC before nightfall.

Lana must have sensed his presence because she looked up, the song fading from her lips. He held her gaze across the room. His heart thumped in his chest. She was so beautiful sitting there, holding her nephew. The image would be imprinted on his brain forever as a treasured memory. He rubbed a hand over the pinching sensation in the middle of his chest.

She broke the connection and looked back at Juan. “I think that's my cue, little guy. But I'll be back.”

Adam was glad to hear her say she'd return. She and the boy needed each other. He'd known bringing her here was the right decision for her and Juan.

For him, seeing Lana and Juan together caused yearnings and longings he had no business feeling for this woman. He could feel his defenses eroding beneath the onslaught. He would have to shore up resistance if he had any hope of walking away without hurting either of them when the time came. He cleared his throat and wished he could clear his emotions as easily. He was leaving to put down roots somewhere else. Her roots were here, even more so now that she and her nephew were bonding. “We need to hit the road.”

She stood, hefting Juan on her hip as if she'd been doing it forever, and moved to stand in front of Adam. “Thank you for forcing me to come here.”

He didn't like to think he'd forced her, but the truth was he had. “I'm glad to know I was right.”

She lifted one eyebrow. “Gloating?”

He chuckled. “Maybe a little.” He touched a finger to the boy's chubby cheek. “He's awfully cute.”

She sighed. “Yep. I can't wait until I have custody.”

“No more reservations?”

“None.”

“Good.” And he meant it. She was the best thing for the little boy.

They headed downstairs where Virginia was reading to the kids. Cassie took Juan from Lana's arms. The look of loss on Lana's face caused an ache deep in Adam's chest. He sent up a silent prayer asking God to make sure she'd have her nephew in her life soon. He hated to think anything would keep Lana from gaining custody of Juan.

Almost as much as he hated the thought of her being out of his own life.

* * *

They arrived in DC just after sunset. Lana loved the view of DC during the day, but especially at night. Her appreciation for art extended to the city's skyline, twinkling against the darkened sky like a million strands of tiny Christmas lights. The obelisk of the Washington Monument lit from below was a beacon to the heart of the city. The dome of the capitol and the Grecian columns of the Lincoln Memorial both glowed bright.

After leaving the foster home, Adam had wanted to take her back to his brother's house, but Lana wasn't ready to settle in for the night. Her mind raced with possibilities and her heart ached with want for her nephew. She wanted to go to her sister's town house tonight and start packing up Juan's things.

Now that she'd met Juan, held him in her arms, she wanted to bring all of Juan's things to her apartment. Though her place was small, she had a spare bedroom that she planned to turn into Juan's room.

Hopefully, the custody issue would be resolved quickly and she could bring him home. For good. She did her best to quell the building excitement mixing with the fear of rejection. A judge still had to determine her future with her nephew. She needed to stay calm, but she refused to stop hoping.

Adam turned down Thirty-Second Street NW in the Georgetown neighborhood. Disbelief tightened her shoulders. Rosa had been living not far from her apartment. Frustration throbbed through her temple. They'd been so close yet so very far apart. If only things had been different. If she and Rosa had found a way to get past the bitterness and anger to reconnect, maybe she could have saved Rosa.

Gazing out the passenger window at the row of luxury town houses, surprise clutched at Lana. These beautiful places had to cost a fortune. How had her sister, a single mom and housekeeper, afforded to live so well? Congressman Jeffries must have paid her a hefty salary.

They parked in front of a white three-story home and climbed out of the vehicle. The shadows from the streetlights at either end of the block danced on the white picket fence enclosing a small brick patio. Wooden planters filled with blooming azaleas and pansies added texture. Who was watering the flowers? Probably came with landscaping.

“Wow,” was all Lana could say.

“Wait until you see the inside,” Adam said, holding open the gate for her to step through.

She slanted him a glance. “You've been inside?”

“As part of the investigation into your sister's death,” he replied. “We didn't find anything useful to tell us why she was in President's Park that night.”

“I hope to find something that tells me who fathered Juan.”

“Aren't you afraid if you discover who the boy's father is, the man will want custody?”

A knot formed in her chest. “Yes. But it's the right thing to do.”

The soft, admiring look in his eyes had her heart fluttering. “You're a very special lady.”

“Thank you.” Heat crept into her cheeks. His praise was disconcerting. It had been so long since anyone had complimented her with such genuine admiration.

She glanced back to where Ace's nose was pressed against the glass of the built-in kennel. “Are you leaving him out here?”

Adam held up what looked like a television remote control. “He'll be okay. This will give off a signal if the temp in the car rises, or the doors are opened. I can unlatch his door and let him out remotely if need be.”

“Cool device,” she commented and dug out Rosa's house key.

At the front door, Adam took the key and opened the heavy wood portal, stepping back so she could precede him inside. A light switch, illuminated by a green glowing light, was set off to the side of the door. Lana flipped on the lights.

Dark teak flooring led down a long, narrow hallway with several doorways on either side. To the left a staircase disappeared to the second floor. The first doorway, a wide opening with pocket doors, revealed a formal dining room where a beautiful dining table and chairs sat on top of a brightly colored, thick wool rug.

A cut-crystal vase filled with dead flowers sat in the center of the table. Dead like her sister. Her heart hiccupped with unspent sobs. But now was not the time to cry. She needed to stay strong, confident and brave. Never again would she allow anyone to see her weak. Mark had thrived on her weakness. She'd vowed not to let anyone have that kind of power over her again.

The next large doorway past the stairs opened to a living room. Adam turned on a lamp sitting on an end table next to the brocade-upholstered sofa. Lana gazed at the fine furnishings and tasteful accents amid a smattering of toys, evidence of Juan. Love for the little boy washed over her. She longed to have him back in her arms.

On the mantel over a gas fireplace were several framed photos. Drawn to them by an invisible cord, Lana stepped over a set of blocks to get a closer look. The pictures showed her parents, her and Rosa, the restaurant and their childhood home.

Each one lashed at Lana with the whip of heartache. There was a picture of her on the day of her college graduation. Another picture from her wedding day, showing her in her bridal gown and Rosa in her maid-of-honor dress.

But the image that brought the burn of tears filling her eyes, despite the fact she hadn't wanted to cry, was the one photo of Lana and Rosa when Lana was twelve and Rosa was sixteen.

They'd gone to the beach for the day, just the two of them to celebrate Rosa getting her driver's license. Obtaining their parents' consent had taken a full week of persuasion and promises to be careful.

Rosa had asked a random person to snap the picture. That had been one of the best times they'd ever had together as sisters.

“Hey, I'm so sorry for your losses.” Adam touched a hand to the middle of her back as he came to stand beside her.

Leaning into him came so naturally. Her heart throbbed with sorrow for the sister, the family, she'd lost. “I miss them all so much.”

Adam's arm slipped around her, his hand resting gently at her waist. He gestured to the framed photo in her hand. “You were a cute kid.”

Nostalgia spread over her like a comfy blanket. “I was a geek with pigtails, braces and my nose in a book.”

“Still cute. I'd have tugged on those pigtails.”

She appreciated his attempt to lighten her mood. She put the picture back and picked up a family photo taken when she was seventeen at her high school graduation party. Her dad's smile was so big, so proud. She touched a finger to the images of her parents.

“Why did God let them die?” Her mouth went dry. She'd never put voice to the dark question. Tears welled. Was her faith not as strong as she pretended?

Adam took the frame from her and set it back before turning her to face him. His hands rested lightly on her shoulders, his gaze captured hers and wouldn't let her go. “God isn't to blame for the fire that took their lives. Accidents do happen. It's a part of life we have to accept. Rather than blaming God, turn to Him for comfort.”

His words seared her to the quick. In some desperate place inside her mind she had blamed God. She wanted His comfort, His peace. One by one tears slipped down her cheeks. She swiped at them with the back of her hand, hating the weakness.

“It's okay to cry. Let it all out, sweetheart.”