Redemption is Here (An FBI/Romance Thriller Book 9) Read online

  “Be still my broken heart. Here, you just tossed me over for an old man.”

  “He’s really hot, so hell yeah I did.”

  He made a gagging noise to get her to laugh. “Go for it, Jaxy. If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen. You need to spend half your day in the land of the living. It’ll balance out the rest of the gloom and doom.”

  She was well aware.

  “I love you, kiddo. I’ll call you as soon as I get more time. I have some creepy assignment coming up in the next couple months, but I wanted you to know that I miss you.”

  “Are you stateside?” she asked, knowing it wasn’t likely he would tell her. Jaxon just needed that one little piece of information to eat away at the dread.

  “Jaxon…”

  “Please? I don’t know if I can handle you being a target in the Middle East.”

  There was a pause. “I’m closer than you think, and let’s leave it at that.”

  The held breath was released. “Jagger, you watch your back. I need you to come home safe,” she ordered. “I love you.”

  “I love you too, Jaxy. Now, go live life and make our mother proud.”

  When the phone went dead, her eyes filled with tears. Her brother was her rock, and he was absolutely right. She was going to make this worth her while. She may not have lots of time with Tony, but she’d live for the moment. After all that she had seen as a doctor, who could fault her for stealing some normalcy?

  As she ordered her coffee, Jaxon noticed a boutique across the street. It looked perfect. Glancing down at her watch, she noticed there was time. She’d run in, grab something, and hide it in her vehicle. Then, she’d wear it tonight.

  Yeah, she was going to take this moment to live. Jagger was right.

  There was no way she was going to run because of the what if’s.

  She was an adult and wanted to feel.

  Tonight, she’d make it happen.

  * * *

  Pulling up to the church, both men glanced back at her from their seats. The looks on their faces said it all, and she was having a hard time not laughing at them.

  “What?” she said, staring in mock confusion.

  “You know what, Elizabeth,” Callen stated.

  She continued to stare at them blankly, waiting to see what they were going to do next.

  “You can’t go into a church, guns blazing. This is a holy place to some people, and we need to play nice,” Ethan warned.

  “I tell you what, boys. I’m so sure that you’re going to be surprised, how about we bump our earlier bet to this house of the Lord. Obviously, they’re in the middle of mass here, so if I can keep my cool, make it through, we use this little fun fest as our bet.”

  The men both burst out in laughter. Elizabeth and religion were like oil and water.

  They repelled each other.

  “So, you’ll not get angry, curse, or stir the pot?” Ethan clarified. Their wife was tricky, and he wanted to shut down any loop holes.

  Then, Callen picked up where Ethan had left off, “Or make anyone blush when you trash God?” he added.

  “Yes, yes, yes, and yes,” she replied, smiling.

  “You’ll never do it. You’re going to be having another baby, and right after Charlie,” Callen said, grinning.

  “Deal,” stated Ethan. “You have to do all the questioning though. It’s not fair if you just sit there quietly.”

  “You both can sit and look pretty. I’ll survive the last part of mass, and I’ll even be able to do the interview.” When she hopped out, they followed.

  “This is going to be interesting.”

  Elizabeth was bringing her game on this one. When in doubt, teach the men in your life a big fat lesson. As proof that she was dead serious, Elizabeth gave them a heads up. “You’ll need to take off your sidearms. This is a house of God,” she said, sweetly.

  The men stared as she did just that. The look they were giving her was priceless. Oh, she wasn’t going to just win. Tomorrow, the men were going to be swapping out their clothes.

  This was worth playing good Catholic girl. She’d done it in her youth, so how hard could it be?

  After their glove box was locked, she headed toward the church. The minute one of them placed their arm around her, she knocked it away. “Stop. This is a church.”

  They stared even more, not believing it.

  Entering, the men were out of their element. Growing up, they were exposed to Native beliefs based in nature, nothing more. While they believed there was a higher power, to them it was the Great Spirit.

  Once in the door, they watched their woman. She stopped at the bowl with the holy water and dipped her fingers into it. With them, she made the sign of the cross.

  They stared in disbelief. At any second, they fully expected her to burst into flames.

  As she headed to a back pew, they were shocked as hell when she knelt and bowed her head to the cross. Once seated, they stared at her like she was possessed.

  “What?” she mouthed.

  “Who are you?” Ethan replied.

  Callen was speechless. He simply shook his head. It was one thing to play church goer, but Elizabeth had to survive the interviews.

  It was never going to happen.

  As in a snow ball’s chance in hell.

  They sat there as the priest continued talking to the sparsely filled area. Apparently, Wednesday mornings were slow when it came to mass.

  It didn't take long. Before they knew it, they were all standing, praying, and saying amen.

  As the people filed out, Ethan couldn’t help it. “You’re an enigma.”

  She laughed. “Oh, you haven’t seen anything yet,” she replied, heading toward the front of the church.

  When she approached, a man in white robes greeted her. “Welcome,” he said, holding out his hand. “Are you new in Devil’s Lake?” he asked.

  She smiled and pulled out her badge. “I’m sorry, Father, but no. We’re with the FBI. It pains me to do this here, but we really need to talk to you. If it wasn’t the utmost of importance, we wouldn’t conduct this in the Lord’s house.”

  He heard the urgency in her voice.

  Introducing her team, she needed some of his time. “Could you please spare a few minutes of your busy day for us?”

  Pointing to a pew, he led them there. “Absolutely, my child. What’s going on?”

  Obviously, their entrance drew attention. Soon, a few other people approached.

  “Don’t mind them. That’s Dustin Sims,” he said, pointing toward his altar attendant. “We were going to go over this Sunday’s service.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “And you are?” she asked, as two other people stood protectively behind the man.

  “I’m Elsa Baily. I’m the church secretary. Is Father Dowell in trouble?”

  A nun approached next. “What’s going on here?” she asked, angrily staring at the woman.

  “Sister Francine, let them speak.”

  A man glared at them. “You shouldn’t be coming in here to do this. Church is a sacred place,” he demanded.

  Elizabeth stayed calm as the men beside her waited for it. “Ms. Baily, no, he’s absolutely not in trouble. We just need to talk to him. Sister Francine, I’ll explain in a second, and you are?” she asked looking at the man in coveralls.

  “Miles Copeland. I’m the groundskeeper.”

  “I’m sorry, Director, but I usually meet with the staff after Wednesday morning mass.”

  Ethan waited for it.

  “If this is a bad time, we can come back.”

  He shook his head. “No, I’m curious what brings three FBI agents to church. I saw you come in, and noticed that you’re Catholic.”

  She smiled sweetly. “Absolutely.”

  “Begin,” he offered.

  “While working on a case here in Devil’s Lake, we’ve noticed that Saint Mary’s of the Sacred Heart has popped up a couple times in the investigation.”

  He leaned forward. “Rea
lly? Now, I am curious.”

  “Do any of you know Walter Dennison?”

  They all clammed up.

  Father Dowell was the only one to speak, “Yes, we do. At one time, he was in charge of the music and our choir. Then, he befell in the way of sin. It’s a shame, since he had such a great skill.”

  “That girl was just too much for him to say no to,” offered the altar attendant. “I don’t doubt that she threw herself at him.”

  What Elizabeth wanted to do was ask why someone his age was hanging out in a church. Unfortunately, the men expected her to do just that, and she wanted to see them swap clothes in the worst way.

  They all murmured in agreement.

  “How about Allen Payne?” she asked, watching their faces.

  Sister Francine spoke up, “There was a horrible altercation a week or two ago. Mr. Payne was in confession and someone came along, plowing repeatedly into his car.”

  Well, what they learned so far had been absolutely correct.

  “Did anyone see who did it?” she asked.

  They looked at each other and then away. Yeah, they all knew who it was, and that was key.

  Father Dowell spoke, “Unfortunately, it was someone we all loved and cared about. At one point, Jed Proctor was part of our family. Then, he too went astray.”

  She needed to know. “What did he do?”

  Again, the same uncomfortable silence ensued until once more, it was Father Dowell who answered. “He stole money from the church. Jed Proctor was our treasurer. When I confronted him, he paid it all back, but he chose to leave. I believe he was embarrassed.”

  “He should be,” stated Dustin Sims.

  “I agree,” replied Miles Copeland.

  “It isn't our job to judge,” Father Dowell stated, admonishing them. “That’s up to God.”

  Callen waited for a snotty comment from Elizabeth, and there was none. He had to admit, he was disappointed. Generally, she would have had them both laughing.

  This wasn’t the Lyzee they knew and loved.

  Not at all.

  “What can you tell me about a Kaylee Bain?” she asked, wondering if she too had been a worshiper at Saint Mary’s of the Sacred Heart.

  They all looked clueless.

  “I don’t think she came here,” Father Dowell began.

  Okay, this was one she’d save for the bar later. “How about this woman?” she asked, holding up the picture of Wade Dixon’s on and off again lover.

  “That’s Emelia Southland. She used to teach Sunday school here until she quit, becoming a secretary. I tried to keep her with us, but she didn't want to stay.”

  “I think she met someone,” stated Elsa Baily. “She loved her job, and then one day, ‘POOF’, she was gone.”

  Dustin Sims chimed in, “She was screwing around with Wade Dixon. I saw them making out at a movie once.”

  They all stared whispering.

  “You don’t like Wade Dixon?” she asked, noticing the men in her life were looking worried. She was almost to the end of her questioning, and she was as calm as ever.

  This child growing in her was a miracle. There was no doubt in her mind that Charlie had to be the reason. This baby girl of hers oozed calm.

  “We feel bad for him,” stated Father Dowell. “He lost his family in a horrible fire. Praise God that he was able to love again,” he offered. “I’m sorry, but why are you asking all these questions?”

  Again, more kudos went out to the sheriff’s department. Nothing seemed to leak about this case.

  “Walter Dennison, Allen Payne, and Emelia Southland were all found murdered. We’re here investigating their deaths.”

  They all began crossing themselves like that would help. The nun began praying and the altar attendant headed toward the candles to start lighting a few.

  “Dear God! That’s horrible.”

  Yeah, murder generally was but again, the men were waiting for her to say something snarky.

  “Yes, Father, you’re correct,” she said, also crossing herself.

  Ethan and Callen nearly fell over.

  “Mr. Dixon was never the same after,” he offered. “Are you married, Director?” he asked.

  The men waited for it. The minute she said yes and explained, there would be horror, and they’d win the bets.

  “I am. Director Blackhawk is my husband, and this is his brother,” she stated.

  Callen stared at her. Never, in all their relationship, had she denied their union.

  Wow, he hated this version of Elizabeth.

  Ethan just stared at her in shock when that was all she offered. Who was this unholy clone?

  “I imagine that Mr. Dixon suffered immeasurable pain,” Elizabeth said, staring at the men in her life. Then, she switched it up. “I know you said your treasurer doesn’t work here anymore, but is there any way you can tell us where to find him?”

  “You don’t think that Jed did this, do you?” asked Miles Copeland.

  “No, but we do need to question everyone who may have seen something transpire,” she offered, trying to get them to relax.

  Elsa Baily rattled off his address.

  “I appreciate that,” she stated, entering it into her phone. “Now, this may sound odd, but would you mind if my partners and I wandered around in the cemetery?”

  Father Dowell looked confused. “Lots of people come here to do just that, but why is the FBI going to do it?”

  She patted his hand reassuringly. “We want to get a feel for the place, that’s all.” The priest was certainly a little paranoid all of a sudden. He was playing into her plan.

  “Okay, well, that’s fine with me,” he stated, standing up. “If you need any help, feel free to come back and talk to me any time. You’re always welcome in the Lord’s house,” he offered.

  “Thank God for that!” she replied, heading down the aisle and to the door. Once outside, she didn't even get to speak before both men started bitching.

  “I hate this version of you,” Callen stated. “I want ball buster Lyzee back. You know, the one who won’t deny our relationship. That made me sick to my stomach.”

  Ethan agreed. “That act was scary. It was like watching you as if you were possessed by something unnatural. I may never forget the sight of you praying. It was horrifying.”

  She started laughing at them. “Hey, you’re the ones who said I couldn’t do it. I had a point to prove. More importantly, I do believe I won. You shall be wearing suits,” she said, pointing at Callen. “You will be slumming with me,” Elizabeth stated, pointing at her husband.

  They both groaned.

  “Yes, I won. Starting tomorrow, you’ll need to switch it up. After all, a bet’s a bet, and a happy wife…” she began, waiting for them.

  “Is a happy life,” they stated together.

  “Hot damn, boys! You’re both going to look sexier than anything I’ve ever laid my eyes on,” she stated, heading for the gate.

  “I think I’m done making bets,” stated Callen, staring at his brother’s suit.

  “Yeah, I’m with you on this one. I’m ready to call her queen and toss in the towel,” Ethan added.

  Elizabeth just laughed hysterically.

  Score one for the woman in the family.

  She wasn’t too proud to take any victory that came her way.

  ~ Chapter Nine ~

  After returning to the vehicle to get their sidearms, they headed into the cemetery. Just looking around, they realized how monumental a task it was going to be. There was no way the three of them could do a walk through alone, especially since the clouds were beginning to roll in.

  Rain on the way meant one thing. They needed backup.

  Pulling out his phone, Ethan dialed Agent Seaton. Once on the phone, he asked his location.

  Luckily, he and his partner were on the opposite side of the massive gate, searching for any more bodies on Native land.

  “Are they coming?” Elizabeth asked, wanting to get done before the storm
kicked up.

  Callen spotted them climbing the fence. “They’re all the way over there,” he said, pointing.

  Indeed, there were two dots on the horizon, hustling their way.

  “What’s the plan?” Ethan asked.

  “I want to just do a walk through. Everything has been pointing to this church. Someone has a fondness for this place, and we need to figure out why. We already believe that their ‘sins’ were the reason they had body parts removed, but is there a reason the killer didn't dump them inside here?”

  Ethan thought about it as the profile began building in his head. “If he’s placing them outside the boundaries, he’s deeming them not even worthy of death in his eyes. This is hallowed ground, not only because it sits beside a church but look around,” he suggested. “It’s not the dead he’d want to keep them from, but the statuary. There’s more Jesus, Mary, and angels per capita than anywhere else around here. By laying them to rest out there, they aren’t within the gaze of the Lord,” Ethan said, pointing at the cross with Jesus on it.

  “Okay, so he’s protecting God?”

  He thought about it. “No, I think it’s more about his relationship with him?”

  Elizabeth needed more. “I don’t get it.”

  “I think in his eyes, he believes that he’s helping God do his job.”

  Callen didn't like that at all. Generally, when they’d run into people who deemed themselves God’s helpers, bad things were coming. Martyrs didn't often care about anything but what God told them to do.

  When the agents finally reached their side, they were out of breath. “Sorry,” stated Johanna. “That’s a hike.”

  “No problem. We need to look around,” Elizabeth offered.

  Broderick wasn’t sure what they wanted to find. “Are we looking for something specific?”

  Elizabeth went with Ethan’s instinct on this one. If he could point them in the right direction, it might give them something to work with.

  “I’d stick close to where the statues are for now. Maybe you’ll notice something out of place, or it’ll feel wrong. Stick together. We’ve all seen religious fanatics at work. This one is avenging sins-the penis of a pedophile, the tongue of a liar, the genitalia of a prostitute, and the heart of a woman who slept with a married man. If he feels threatened, he’ll strike out to defend.”