Hapler Residence
Grandview, Illinois
Six o’clock Wednesday morning, Senator Orion Hapler watched the breaking news bulletin with detached interest. Still reeling from his wife’s murder and distraught over his daughter’s kidnapping, he had taken yesterday off, barricaded himself in his room, and refused to speak to anyone. Today, he had a bunch of rescheduled meetings that suddenly seemed trivial.
“Senator Hapler, Mr. Lanes is on line three,” said his aide, Erik Fenning brusquely.
The senator ignored Mr. Fenning, his attention instead locked on the TV. He hit the mute button, turning the sound back on.
“—following Monday night’s deadly South Dakota shootout. The raid on Morton’s hideout lead to the rescue of many, including Jenny Hapler, daughter of Illinois senator Orion Hapler, who has been missing since last Tuesday. Our reporters have been unable to reach Senator—”
Orion didn’t bother listening to any more. He grabbed his cell phone and started furiously pressing buttons.
Why didn’t anyone tell me? Heads will roll!
He wanted information, and he wanted it five minutes ago.
“Sir, what do I tell Mr. Lanes?” Erik asked frantically.
“Tell him I’m not meeting with him today. If he doesn’t like it, he can stuff his big fat check in his big fat mouth,” Hapler shot back. “I’m going to see my daughter!”
Erik automatically reworded the senator’s statements. “I’m terribly sorry, Mr. Lanes, but Senator Hapler apologizes profusely that he cannot make today’s meeting … I know, sir. But he has pressing family matters to attend to … I understand. Thank you for your patience … I’ll be sure to tell him that, sir.”
***
St. Mary's Healthcare Center
Pierre, South Dakota
Rachel pondered the news she had just received. It should have been happy news, but fear sucked all the joy from it.
Jonathan Parker strolled into her room. As soon as he saw her face, he frowned and rushed to her side.
“Chris! Jon! Whoever you are!” Rachel cried. If she had been standing, she might have collapsed to her knees.
“It’ll take time. What is it, my love?”
Tears of uncertainty streamed down Rachel’s face, and it took a few minutes before she found the strength to speak. “I’m pregnant again.” Her voice trembled with fear as her mind flashed to Emily.
Jon wrapped her in a warm hug. When he finally pulled back, he searched her face and noticed the fresh pain. “It’ll be all right, Rach. God will be with us.” The words sounded hollow to him, but he had her attention. “I … don’t think I’m the best person to be talking to here. Would you like me to get your friend? I think she’s just about to check out.”
Rachel shook her head and swiped at the tears with both palms. “No, you and I need to talk about this. I—I’m not sure I can do this, Jon.”
“I’m sorry, Rachel, but we sort of don’t have a choice,” Jon answered, tilting his head to the side. “Just wait, Rach. We’ll never forget Emily, but God will fill our empty hearts and this new baby will fill our empty arms.” Jon’s left hand slapped his forehead. “We still have Jason too!” His expression said he felt guilty for forgetting his son.
The barest shadow of a smile touched Rachel’s lips. “Don’t worry. He’s okay. Ann and Nurse Lori have been bringing me regular reports.”
She settled back against the pillows feeling drained. Taking the hint, Jon gently kissed her cheek and promised to return in a few hours.
***
Wednesday morning, Ann felt ready to face the world again. Eager to escape, she choked down the bland hospital food. She had tried to check out the night before, but Dr. Verni had taken one look at her and ordered another night of hospital observations.
Ann’s family had stayed an hour longer than normal visiting hours making sure she was comfortable and generally spoiling her endlessly. Joy—with the aid of her bottomless purse—made Ann the best-looking patient the hospital had seen in years. Meanwhile, her mother had fretted, her father silently lent the support of his smile, and Nick babbled about hockey games, hot girls, sweet cars, and three dozen other random subjects. They left just in time to catch a late flight back home to Pennsylvania so they could get to Wednesday obligations.
Their willingness to drop everything and come to her touched Ann. She smiled at the memories. She had managed to see Patrick and Rachel a few times and even gotten to spend some time with Jason. Ann’s thoughts wandered to Patrick. She wondered how long he would be stuck in the hospital. As she thought, Ann prayed for everyone touched by the Collins case.
I’ve got work to do!
Ann smiled and mentally set goals for the day. This case warranted way more than the usual end-of-case paperwork.
After a quick shower, Ann dressed in comfortable clothes from the travel bag her parents had picked up from Sheriff Heckle’s office. Monday night, Patrick and Ann had been so late that they had not taken the time to check into hotel rooms.
Striding from the room, Ann practically barreled into her boss. “Mr. Morgan!” she exclaimed, jumping back a bit.
Yikes.
“What are you doing out here, sir?” Ann asked, unsure whether to be worried or pleased.
“Relax, Agent Davidson. I got word that two of my best were out here in the sticks getting shot at while working on the biggest case in the Bureau’s recent history, so I figured it was time I got out of my office.” His dark eyes twinkled, and he set her at ease with a smile.
Shyly returning the smile, Ann said, “I’ll have a report ready in an—”
Lance Morgan held up both hands to ward off her rush of words. “It’s all right. I want a thorough report, but take your time. I just talked to Agent Duncan. Looks like you two will be sitting the sidelines for a while. Don’t worry, there are plenty of cases that just need a good bit of brain power, and knowing you two, I expect a full recovery will come much faster than anyone anticipates.”
Ann noted his expression and picked up on his inflection as he said ‘you two.’
“Oh, and I hear that you two might be more than just partners soon,” Morgan said casually, taking a sudden interest in his fingernails.
“Patrick told you? What did he tell you, sir?” The second question came out so fast it was barely understandable. Ann blushed.
Her boss chuckled. The pleasant, rumbling sound filled the hallway. “Just that his near-death experience had given him new priorities, and that he’d taken an interest in a very special lady. It didn’t take long to figure out whom he was referring to. Don’t forget that I direct a bunch of glorified detectives. Heck, I used to be one, long ago.” He leaned forward conspiratorially. “Besides, it doesn’t take a whole lot to read a man in love. I should know. Can’t hardly think straight when I get to thinking about my wife.”
Ann wasn’t sure what expression she had on her face, but whatever it was, it set the usually stern-faced assistant director into fits of laughter.
“You’re a very popular lady, Agent Davidson,” said Mr. Morgan. “There’s a young man in Sheriff Heckle’s jail requesting to speak with you, and a young woman here who wants to talk to someone who knows what went on Monday night.”
“Do you know where I can find her?” asked Ann.
“I’ll let her father take you to her,” Morgan said, nodding over her shoulder.
Ann turned and saw Illinois Senator Orion Hapler striding down the hallway.
Her boss walked up and greeted the senator like an old friend. They returned to her, and Mr. Morgan said, “Senator Hapler, allow me to introduce Special Agent Julie Ann Davidson. She was involved in the Stanley County shootout. If anyone can explain this mess, it’s her.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir,” Ann said, shaking the senator’s hand. “I’m sorry the circumstances aren’t more pleasant.”
She bid Mr. Morgan goodbye, but before she was out of earshot, he called, “Watch out for the r
eporters. They’re waiting like a pack of hounds for anyone involved.”
“Thank you, sir. I’ll keep that in mind.”
As they walked down the hallway, the senator filled Ann in on the short version of his side of the story. “So, I flew out here to find my daughter,” he finished.
“I really think you want to talk to my friend Rachel, but I’m not sure she’s ready for questions yet. I’ll tell you what I know though.”
“I’d appreciate it.”
Ann understood the man’s curiosity, especially since his child was dragged into the mess. Anxious though she was to get back to her investigation, Ann patiently stood by and watched the happy father-daughter reunion. Then, she explained as much as she could and finished by saying, “I’ll contact you once I’ve written my report. By then, I’ll probably have a better idea of what went on.”
“Thank you.” As Ann turned to leave, Senator Hapler asked, “Agent Davidson, why did they take Jenny?”
Ann faced the senator again and regarded his statement with curiosity. “They didn’t contact you?”
“Not a word.”
“I imagine it’s because of the hype about that satellite expansion bill you’ve been pushing for,” she answered thoughtfully. Ann frowned and thought for another few seconds. Pieces of the puzzle clicked together in her head. “Mr. Morton was heavily involved in smuggling. Additional satellite activity would have endangered his supply lanes. From what little I know of him, sir, I believe Jenny would have been returned safely as long as the expansion bill failed.” Ann had the pleasure of seeing Senator Hapler’s remaining worry lines melt away.
He turned his attention back to his daughter, and Ann took the opportunity to leave.
***
County Jail
Fort Pierre, South Dakota
“If he gives you any problems, just holler and I’ll be back in a hurry to box his ears,” Sheriff Heckle promised.
Ann grinned at the bulky sheriff’s retreating form and sat in a chair outside an old-fashioned jail cell. Then, she studied the tall, broad, mid-twenties young man inside the jail cell. His shaggy blond hair and troubled green eyes made him look younger. “What’s your name?”
“Thomas Randle,” he answered, avoiding her eyes.
“I was told you wanted to see me,” Ann said, attempting to get him to speak. She recognized him as the boy who had surrendered in the middle of the fight and even shot at the sniper.
“I did,” Thomas said softly, finally meeting her eyes. “I have to ask you something, agent.” His pale, haggard face spoke of very little sleep since his arrest.
“Yes?” Ann prompted, keeping her tone friendly. She leaned forward to hear him.
“I see that night in my dreams,” he whispered in a haunted voice. “I go over what happened time and again, and it makes no sense. What protects you?” Randle’s tone held genuine awe.
The question took Ann by surprise, but she began to understand. “Tell me what you saw.” She leaned back and listened raptly as the boy’s story unfolded.
“I’ve worked for Mr. Parker for several years. See, I was orphaned at age ten, and I hated staying with my Aunt Holly. I ran away and drifted about for a few months. Anyway, I got into drug dealing, got caught, and spent some time in prison. Guess you might say I’m a regular sob story,” he said bitterly. “Monday night, Jense came tearing into the barracks cursing and shouting for us to get to the trucks. So, we did. You know most of the rest of it. The other guy called, there was a standoff, somebody shot Mr. Parker …”
“Then what happened?”
Thomas shrugged a bit. “After that shot, the government man dove for his gun and came up shooting. He hit several of the guys in the other truck. I was in the back of Mr. Parker’s truck. I raised my gun to shoot your partner, but then, I heard your shots at Dillan and Jense.” His voice strengthened as he got to his main point. He took a deep breath and let it out. “Ma’am, something powerful protected you that night. I took dozens of shots at you from point-blank range. I’ve been firing a gun for as long as I can recall. Do you remember me staring at you, all scared-like?”
Ann nodded her head affirmatively.
“I’m a good shot,” the young man insisted. “It’s like something physically shook the gun so I couldn’t shoot straight!”
Shaken, Ann thought back to that night. So much had happened at once. She remembered rolling left to avoid the shots from the roof. Carefully replaying the scene, moment by moment, she recalled struggling to her feet and hearing a man’s shout of surprised pain. Bullets had been flying everywhere. Now that she thought of it, a lot of shots had come from behind her. She had spun around and found herself starring into the young man’s frightened eyes.
Thank you, Father, for the protection and this opportunity.
Rarely did Ann ever encounter someone begging to be told about God. “Thomas, God protected me that night,” she said. “I guess it wasn’t my time to die,” Ann added with a shrug.
I guess I’ll know it when the time comes.
Her breath hitched at that thought, causing a sharp pain of protest from her injured ribs. Pushing the discomfort aside, Ann asked, “Have you heard the good news of Jesus Christ’s life and sacrifice for sinners?”
The young man nodded, a dubious expression coming over his face. “Sure, Aunt Holly talked about Jesus all the time. She reminded me that every bad thing I did nailed Christ to the cross again.” His eyes hardened at the bad memory.
No wonder he never wanted to believe!
“Thomas, God loves you,” Ann said quietly. “Christ’s death, all those years ago, was in part for you. He died for the sins of mankind, but he also rose again so we could inherit God’s gift of salvation. It was an act of love, not condemnation.” Ann could tell she was confusing the young man. So, she did about the stupidest thing one can do while visiting a prisoner. She held her hand through the bars, palm down and waited for him to tentatively take her hand. “God’s always reaching out to you. All you have to do is grasp His hand.”
“I don’t understand.”
Ann considered her words carefully. “Tell Him you accept Christ’s sacrifice in place of your sins and ask for forgiveness and guidance. Don’t worry; it will make sense someday. Let me find you a Bible and someone to help you understand it. Write me any questions you want. I’ll do what I can to answer them.” With one last, reassuring squeeze, Ann released the young man’s hand.
“All right, but please, don’t forget me!”
“I won’t,” Ann promised. She had a lot more to say but needed to get back to the hospital, so she took her leave.
As she pulled away from the county jail, Ann thought, God can give you true peace, Thomas. I hope you’ll understand this someday.
Chapter 20
Ten and Countless
St. Mary's Healthcare Center
Pierre, South Dakota
The next few hours were a whirlwind of investigating and visiting. Ann finished her final report for AD Morgan, did some side research, and had a long conversation with Patrick. By late Wednesday night, Ann had everything in place. She needed to return to Washington, D.C. soon, so she figured there was no better time than the present to lift Rachel’s spirits.
Father, please let things go well tonight.
She offered up the brief prayer just as she entered Patrick’s room followed closely by Mr. Parker. “Are you ready?”
Still extremely weak from being shot, Patrick had been denied the request for a move up to Rachel’s room for the presentation, but Jonathan Parker had come to arrange for a laptop and webcam to be set up.
“Get me out of here!” Patrick cried, upon seeing the pair enter his room.
“Patience,” Ann said, kissing his nose. “If you’re a good boy, I might let you help with the presentation.” She handed him a folder to look over while Jon handled the computer setup.
“How are you feeling, Agent Duncan?” asked Jon, shaking Patrick’s hand.
“Just Patrick.”
“Patrick it is. I don’t know what this is all about, but Agent Davidson was rather insistent you somehow be present when she gives
Rachel some news.” Jon fiddled with the bed controls until Patrick was in a semi-sitting position.
“Ann, if you please. There’s no need to be all formal here, Mr. Parker.”
“Well, more than two can play that game,” said Jon, turning to address Ann. “Please, call me Jon.”
“As you wish,” Ann answered.
Turning back to Patrick, Jon explained, “Since the doctors wouldn’t budge on the issue of moving you, I volunteered to help. I synced this laptop with one we’ll open in Rachel’s room so you can see what’s going on.”
“Thanks,” said Patrick. “Still wish I could join you.”
“Cheer up,” said Ann. She picked up his hand and gave it a friendly squeeze. “I’ll be back down as soon as the presentation’s over.
“I’ll hold you to that,” said Patrick, looking tired.
Leaning closer, Ann whispered, “Try not to pass out just yet.”
When the computer was all set up, Ann and Jon bid Patrick a temporary farewell and hustled up to Rachel’s room.
Barging through the door, Jon swept in and moved to Rachel’s side. “Hi again, Patrick,” said Jon, waving to the laptop sitting on the end table on the opposite side of the bed. He nodded at the laptop and then at Ann. “Patrick, Ann, it is my great pleasure to introduce my wife, Rachel Parker.”
Ann rushed to her friend’s side. “Oh, Rachel—when?”
“About two hours ago,” answered Jon. “There’s more news …” He looked to Rachel expectantly.
Rachel’s serious expression slowly melted into a slightly hopeful expression. “We’re going to have another baby.”
Hearty congratulations went around.
And here I came to bring lots of news, Ann thought wryly. She cast a quick glance at the laptop and caught Patrick’s slight nod.
“Well, we also have an announcement to make,” said Ann.
“I suckered her into marrying me,” Patrick blurted from the laptop.
Everyone laughed. It was a wonderful change from the constant gloom that had prevailed the last couple of days. Congratulations went the other way.
“Where’s the ring?” Rachel demanded. She cast a critical gaze between the laptop and her friend.