Redemption (8 page)

“Sure thing.”

“And anything chocolate for dessert would be perfect.” The longer the shopping list the longer he'd be out of the house. The more time she could snoop and, hopefully, get the information she needed.

His finger trailed down her cheek. She smiled, stood on her toes to give him a peck on the cheek, and then hurried into the bathroom. She leaned against the bathroom door waiting for her pulse to slow down. She was getting too old for this cloak and dagger stuff. It just wasn't as much fun as it used to be and she really missed being home with Sabrina. Her daughter deserved a better mother. But Zink deserved her son, too.

She turned the tap on and stuck her head under the water to prove she'd taken a shower. She grabbed a towel and rubbed her hair.

Outside a car started up.

She peeked out to make sure he'd left. Not sure how long he'd be at the grocery store she rushed down the hall. The first door led to what was obviously his bedroom. Ryan favored Spartan décor. The room had a bed and a dresser. Nothing else.

On to the next room. A desk and chair with a computer. Wasting no time Jamie hit the enter button and popped a screen. At home, she never bothered turning off her computer and she'd hoped he hadn't either.

If Ryan was like many he simply kept the Internet on for easy access.

And that meant easy access for herself, as well. She clicked the icon intending to scan his email.

“What do you think you're doing?” a man's voice asked.

She screamed and turned, ready to fight. “What are you doing here?”

Enrique Rodriquez grinned. “I didn't mean to scare you, but I got tired of sitting in a hotel room. Apparently, I had the same idea as you. Thought I'd come see what I could find out from the wonder boy here.”

“But I was invited here. You obviously broke in, which is illegal for an FBI agent. You need to leave before he gets back.”

“And you might as well go take that shower. You aren't going to find anything here. I already looked several times.”

Her hope deflated faster than a broken balloon at a child's birthday party. “What happened to you following the rules?”

“I told you I've learned a few things since the last time you worked with me.”

“Apparently so. Are you sure there's nothing here to connect him with Michael?”

“Yeah, checked his email, the desk, even his family and friends page. No sign of Zinkleman anywhere. I was just about to leave when the two of you showed up. Having so much fun on your date that you didn't want it to end?”

She ignored his taunt. Her gaze moved around the room. “Were you hiding in the closet?”

“Yes.”

She hid a smile as she imagined Enrique scrunched into the tiny cubicle. “You need to get out of here before Ryan gets back and finds you. You could get in big trouble for coming here without a warrant.”

“Me? What about you? What do you think he's planning for the rest of the evening?”

“I know exactly what he's planning, but I can take care of myself.”

“So you say.”

“So I know. This isn't my first job, Ricky.”

“The name is Enrique…and…” He took a step back from her. “Ryan is dangerous. I don't want to leave you alone with him. Do you even have a weapon with you? Come on, we'll both go.”

She considered Enrique's offer. Was it time to leave, to give up? Ryan wouldn't be happy when she rebuffed his sexual advances. “I'm not going and I have a weapon. Not that I plan on using it. If I leave now he'll never trust me again. My cover will be blown. And we won't have any leads to follow up on.”

“I don't care about your cover or any leads to follow. I care about you.” His tone softened as he stared at her.

Her breath caught for a moment at the intensity she heard in his voice, but she shook it away. Her own voice sounded cold and distant. “I'll be fine.”

“He could hurt you. You saw his rap sheet.”

“He actually doesn't seem that bad. He said he's trying to change. And you know what, I believe him. People can change, Ricky.”

“And you fell for that old line. My goodness, you're more naïve than I realized.”

“I am not naïve, but I do believe in second chances.”

“That's news to me. When are you going to give me one?” His words sent an arrow straight to her heart. He must have seen the hurt on her face. “Never mind. I didn't mean that. I want you out of here and safe with me.”

“I've got it covered. Trust me.” She pointed at her arm.

He stared at her arm, his expression confused. “What? I don't get it.”

“I'm sunburned. For real. And it hurts. For real. He'll understand. He's been a perfect gentleman all day. He won't push it. Not yet. We're still in the honeymoon phase, so to speak.”

Enrique's eyes widened, and then he grinned. “Way to take one for the team, Jakowski.”

 

 

 

 

16

 

As disappointed as Ryan Mattson was, he was gracious about Jamie's sunburn and her no touching policy because of it. She gathered up their plates from the chocolate cake quite pleased with her gastronomic attempts. It was hard to mess up a steak, salad, and a baked potato.

Ryan seemed impressed with her cooking skills.

She hoped her stare was mistaken for longing by him. “I'm so sorry. I can't believe I got this horrible sunburn. I was just stupid to forget the sunblocker today.”

“Don't worry about it. It's my fault, too. If I'd told you sooner where we were going you could have been better prepared.”

“Oh, I'm not worried. More like disappointed.” She sighed. “Let me wash these few dishes and then you can take me back to the motel.”

“You can stay here tonight if you want. I promise to be good.” His smile was more of a leer. “No touching.”

Yeah, right. She giggled. “No way. That would be cruel and unusual punishment. For me. I can just imagine what I'm missing.”

“More than you can imagine.” He arched a brow and laughed.

Jamie finished the dishes, and then they left the house.

“I need to stop for some gas,” he said, once they were in the car.

“Sure, no problem.”

“Can I borrow your phone? Mine's dead. I forgot to plug it in last night. I need to call my mom for my weekly check in.”

“Your mom? Really?”

“I know. I know. But I promised her.”

“Sure.” He handed it to her as he stepped out of the car. She put the phone to her ear and moved her mouth pretending to talk as Ryan pulled out the gas nozzle. She turned to the front as she continued the charade.

When Ryan walked passed her window he pointed at the station. “Want anything?”

“No thanks.”

She could buy a little more time if he bought a few things for her. As he walked in, she called back. “Maybe a diet cola for the room. The pop machine at the motel's broken. And a candy bar.”

“What kind?”

“Anything chocolate works for me.”

“That chocolate cake wasn't enough?”

“You can never have too much chocolate.” Jamie scrolled through the stored numbers, glancing between them and the gas station door. No Michael. No Zinkleman. None that seemed the last bit suspicious. All of them had the same area code as Columbus.

She looked up from the phone. Ryan was in line waiting to pay. Three people were in front of him. Good. More time.

She scrolled through his recent calls.

And there it was.

A number with a different area code. It wasn't much, but it might be Michael. Her gaze moved back to the station. Ryan was handing the clerk the money.

Back to the number. She repeated each digit several times before hitting the button to return to the home screen. She set the phone on the seat beside her, and then laid her head back as if resting.

Ryan hopped in and handed her a bag. “Two cans of soda and four candy bars.”

“Four?”

“I'm beginning to know how much you like chocolate.” He turned the ignition.

“Thanks. You are much sweeter than you look. I think it has something to do with that scary tattoo on your arm.”

“Yeah, not the best idea I ever had.”

Remembering their earlier conversation, she said, “Well, God doesn't care about tattoos.”

“Oh, sure. Can you imagine what the little, old blue-haired church ladies would do if I walked into their nice little church on Sunday morning with this showing?” He touched the snake tattoo that looked as if it was slithering up his arm.

“If it's the right church they'll say hello, glad to see you here.”

“You really think so?”

“No, I know so.”

“Mmm. Gives me something to think about.”

Funny, she'd never been much of an evangelizer, but with Ryan, she had this overwhelming desire for him to find God's love. It was clear to her that he was searching.

And she wanted him to find the answers.

 

 

****

 

He shouldn't have left the woman he loved alone with Ryan Mattson. If something happened, it would be his fault. He was her partner, and it was his job to protect her. Enrique wanted so much more than a superficial relationship with Jamie. He wanted to take care of her for the rest of her life. But she wouldn't give him a second chance. He heard a vehicle approaching and lifted the curtain.

Ryan's car.

He dropped the curtain and jumped into the closet just in case Mattson came in. He doubted Jamie would invite him in, but Mattson was a man. And Jamie was so beautiful.

The closet smelled like mothballs. He kept quiet only his breath moving the air.

 

****

 

Jamie's mind sifted through the possibilities. Should she make the break with Ryan now in the hopes the number she found would lead to Andrew? But if she left, she wouldn't have a second chance at getting information on Zinkleman's location. She sighed and reached over to touch Ryan's hand resting between them. “I got bad news when I talked with my mom. I'm going to have to leave.”

“You're kidding me. You just got here.”

“I know, but it can't be helped.”

“What's the problem?”

“It's my grandmother. She broke her hip and needs some help. Mama wants me to come home and stay with her for a while.”

“But I thought you hated that place.”

“I do, but I love my grandmother.” She gave a philosophical shrug. “Besides, family is family.”

“I suppose.” He pulled in the drive and stopped. “So, what? This is it?”

“My mother's sending me the money to get a ticket. I'm going to take the bus home tomorrow. I'm sorry it worked out this way, Ryan. But you never know. I really like Columbus. When my grandmother's better…well, you never know.”

“Columbus, or me? “ He leaned over to kiss her, but she turned her cheek. “Call me if you decide to come back.”

“Oh, most definitely.” She patted his hand and stepped out of the car.

“Hey, don't forget your candy bars.”

“Hold on a minute. I want to give you something, too.” Before he could ask what, she ran to the motel door, unlocked it and slipped in. A moment later, she ran back out. She handed him the black book in her hand. “It's the Bible.”

His eyes widened.

“First read John 3:16, and then Romans 10:9. If you need some more information, go to the concordance and look up the verses about God's love and salvation. It will give you the answers you're searching for, Ryan. I'm sure of it.”

He stared down at the book. “I...I...I'm shocked. I don't know what to say. Nobody ever gave me a Bible before.”

“You don't have to say anything. Just read it. I pray you find the answers you're searching for.”

“How do you know I'm searching for anything?”

“It takes one to know one.” She smiled as she picked up the bag of candy bars and soda.

“But it seems a little suspicious to me.”

Her heart dropped. She needed him to believe her story about going back home to help out her grandmother. “What does?'

“You won't drink beer because of the calories, but it doesn't stop you from eating chocolate in any form.”

She almost sighed with relief. Instead, she smiled and gave him a wink. “That's because you're not a woman.”

 

 

 

 

 

17

 

Enrique had no idea what Jamie was doing.

The door had squeaked open and she ran in as if the devil was chasing her. Before he could show himself, she ran back out.

He waited to make sure she was alone and hadn't invited Ryan Mattson in. Enrique refused to entertain thoughts about what such an invitation might mean.

Jamie said she'd changed. He believed her.

The door squeaked open for a second time. He only heard one person moving around and no voices. Light flooded the closet as he peeked through the crack of the door

Jamie was alone.

He stepped out. “Hi.”

She swirled around, her foot aimed at his chest in a fighting stance.

He jumped back. “Hey, it's me. Don't attack me.”

Relaxing only slightly she lowered her leg as she glared at him. “Why do you keep jumping out of closets? What are you doing in my room?”

“I was worried about you. I just wanted to make sure you got home safely. Not that you can call this room homey by any stretch of the imagination.”

“How sweet, but you almost gave me a heart attack. I didn't know you had a thing for closets. You're lucky I didn't have my gun.”

“I guess I am, but you looked as if you could handle any situation without a gun.”

“I'm glad you realize that.” She sat down on the bed. “Ryan was a perfect gentleman when I explained about the sunburn. I told you I could take care of myself. I'm all safe and sound.”