Redemption

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Praise

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

48

50

51

52

53

Thank you

REDEMPTION

 

 

Lillian Duncan

 

 

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

 

REDEMPTION

 

COPYRIGHT 2014 by LILLIAN DUNCAN

 

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or Pelican Ventures, LLC except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

 

eBook editions are licensed for your personal enjoyment only. eBooks may not be re-sold, copied or given away to other people. If you would like to share an eBook edition, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with.

 

Contact Information: [email protected]

 

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
(R),
NIV
(R),
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

 

Cover Art by Nicola Martinez

 

Harbourlight Books, a division of Pelican Ventures, LLC

www.pelicanbookgroup.com
PO Box 1738 *Aztec, NM * 87410

 

Harbourlight Books sail and mast logo is a trademark of Pelican Ventures, LLC

 

Publishing History

First Harbourlight Edition, 2014

Electronic Edition ISBN 978-1-61116-389-6

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

 

To my Creator.

As always, to my beloved husband, Ronny. I couldn't do this without your love and support.

A special thank you to my medical team at Cleveland Clinic, including Dr. Gene Barnett, Dr. Jill Schaeffer, and especially to my nurse, Gail Ditz, who was there every time I needed her.

 

Praise

 

 

THE CHRISTMAS STALKING

 

Lillian Duncan has a gift for writing romantic suspense and The Christmas Stalking is no exception. With an original storyline and characters that are rich and full of personality, she has managed to weave a plot full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page. Now, I am only hoping for more from her! ~Mary Manners

 

DECEPTION

 

This suspenseful, inspirational, well-written romantic fiction is an excellent example of its genre. The key players: police, FBI agent, Patti, Jamie and Carter are people of faith, but it is integrated in such a way that it reads realistically. The pace is professional, and the characters are well drawn—a fun read. ~Coffee Time Romance

 

PURSUED

 

This is one of the best Christian fiction books I've read–definitely the best suspense/drama book I've read in the Christian genre. Lillian Duncan is a good writer, and her strong character is evident throughout the book. ~Chad Young, author

 

 

 

 

1

 

“You're retired from the spy business. Remember?” Patti stood with hands on her hips, demanding an answer.

“I was never a spy and…” Jamie paused. Nothing she said would satisfy Patti. “I don't want to discuss it.”

“Not a spy? Really, you want me to believe that? Do you want to get yourself killed?”

“Don't be ridiculous. Of course not.”

Jamie's twin sister worried too much. True, in the past she may have had good reason, but not any longer. Jamie was done with danger. She'd barely survived her last assignment, and that was only by the grace of God. The last thing she wanted was to orphan her daughter. She understood Patti's worry.

The two of them were identical—at least physically. Wavy brown hair. Five feet five inches. Both slim, but Jamie was more muscular than Patti, thanks to her vigorous training schedule. Their temperaments, on the other hand, were polar opposites. She was the risk-taker, and Patti was the rule-follower.

“Well, whatever you were, you said you were retired. Remember that?”

“I do remember, dear, sweet sister of mine. But I didn't retire from life.”

Jamie faced Patti. Through the window she could see her sister's guests enjoying the Florida sunshine. Little did they know the entertainment was inside

She and Patti were supposedly getting the food ready, but Patti didn't appear to be interested in that task. Her twin's goal seemed to be to have an argument with her.

Jamie didn't want to leave after an argument with Patti. The last time that happened, they hadn't seen each other for years—many painful years. She wouldn't do that again.

Patti's forehead wrinkled as she glared. “What's that supposed to mean?”

“It means I can't sit back and do nothing if I think I can help someone. And Zink needs my help.”

“I know that, but...” Patti rolled her eyes. “That is not the point.”

Jamie picked up a knife, and stabbed through the clear cellophane of raw burgers. “I think it is the point, Sis.”

“I don't understand this need for putting yourself in danger.” Patti's lip trembled. “Why isn't being Sabrina's mother enough for you? Why do you insist on doing this?”

Those were good questions—fair questions.

But how was she supposed to tell her sister about the regretful things done in the name of patriotism? Her motives may have been right, but shame burned inside for her choices—no, not choices. “Mistakes” was a much better word.

Even after renewing her commitment to God, Jamie had done things she was ashamed of. If she could just help people, then maybe she could find some peace for her own soul. “This has nothing to do with Sabrina. Besides, I have no plans to put myself at risk.”

“Yeah, just like last time?”

“That's not true. I knew that was dangerous. I did it because I had no choice.” Jamie looked over at her sister. “Patti, let's not fight. You and I both know I'm getting on that plane tomorrow and flying to Ohio. And just for the record, I don't believe I'm putting myself in jeopardy.”

“I know you don't think so, but that doesn't mean it's not a dangerous situation. The woman's ex-husband is a wanted criminal who kidnapped her son and disappeared almost two years ago. You have no idea what that man is capable of.”

Jamie arched a brow at her sister. “Really, Patti? You don't think I know?”

“OK, maybe you do know. I'm not saying you're naïve about that. All the more reason to let the professionals handle it. I don't want you anywhere near that man.”

“Sooooo…you believe I can find him, too?”

Patti's face registered surprise, and then her expression went to the stern look she used when she wanted to win an argument. “I didn't say that. Do not twist my words.”

“But you must believe it or you wouldn't be worried about what kind of a man he is. If I can't find him, it wouldn't matter. Soooo…that means you think I can find him. How could I not go help Zink find her son? What kind of a person would that make me?”

“Stop putting words in my mouth, Jamie.” Patti grabbed the burgers and transferred them to a plate with a spatula, much harder than necessary.

Patti's husband walked in and smiled at Jamie with a little shrug. “Stop putting words in your mouth and put some food in our bellies instead. We've got hungry people out there waiting. And it could turn ugly at any time.” Carter hugged his wife. “You two can argue later.”

“We are not going to argue, dear brother-in-law.”

Carter was a man who could be trusted, a man her twin could count on. A godly man. But a godly man wouldn't want someone like her—not after the things she'd done.

“I'm trying to talk some sense into her.” Patti jabbed a finger at Jamie. “You tell her. There is no reason for her to fly to Ohio and get involved in this mess with Suzanne Zinkleman. The FBI is looking for Zink's son. Jamie doesn't have to put herself in danger, yet again.”

“And they haven't managed to find him in more than two years.” Jamie picked up the platter of burgers. She pointed a finger at Carter. “You tell your wife to stop worrying about me. I can take care of myself.”

Carter put his hands up as he backed out the door. “Well, I can guarantee that's not going to happen, Jamie. Your sister has made it her life mission to keep you safe whether you like it or not.”

“That's a slight exaggeration, Carter, but I see no reason for Jamie to go looking for trouble.”

“I'm not looking for trouble. I'm looking for Zink's son. Big difference. And I can't believe you're not OK with that, Patti. That poor woman has been without her child for almost two years. Can you even imagine what that must feel like?”

Her sister's eyes misted. “No, I can't imagine, but—”

“Then you know why I have to do this. Sabrina will be fine. She has two weeks of camp. Hopefully, I'll be home by then. If not, I know you and Carter and Anna will take good care of her until I come home.” Tired of arguing, she picked up the burger plate and walked outside.

“Promise me, you won't do anything that will put you in danger. If you find something out, you call the authorities.” Patti trailed behind with the buns.

“Easy to promise. Once I find out where the creep is, you can be sure I'll be calling the authorities.” Jamie handed the burgers to Marcus Hanks, her former boss at the FBI. “In fact, I'll call this authority as soon as I know anything. And he can take over from there.”

“Not my job. I'm not in the kidnapping department.” Marcus grabbed the plate and slapped the burgers on the grill. Each one sizzled as they hit the black iron of the grate. Marcus was an intimidating figure, an African-American who looked more like a linebacker, but he had a marshmallow heart. His gold earring and bald head gave the impression of danger.

He'd rescued her from a lifetime of mistakes and helped get her life back on track. Without him, she'd probably be dead or in prison. He'd even reintroduced her to God, for which she was more thankful than words could express. She smiled at him. “I know that, but I also know you'll be there when I need you. You always are.”

Patti glared at Marcus. “Aren't you at least going to try to talk her out of this?”

“Not me.” He shook his head. “I've known your sister for way too many years to try. If I couldn't talk her out of infiltrating a terrorist ring, you think I'll be able to talk her out of this? Reuniting Suzanne Zinkleman with her son is a mission from God, as far as she's concerned, and that means there's no stopping her.”

“I take it the two of you have talked about this.”

“We have.”

“And is this going to be an FBI operation?”

“Funny you should ask that.”

Jamie walked over to the picnic table and grabbed a handful of chips from a bowl. “There's nothing funny about it. I'm going alone as a private citizen. The FBI and I have cut all associations. Just like I promised you, dear sister. I am retired.” She popped a chip in her mouth.

Marcus flipped a burger and then looked at her. “Not exactly true, Jamie. I'm with Patti on this. There's no reason for you to tackle this case alone. Besides, it is an active Bureau case, so technically—”

“I don't care about technicalities.” Jamie swallowed the chip. “I work alone, Marcus. You know that.”