Yuletide Defender (8 page)

Matt eased off the gurney and climbed from the ambulance. When he reached the ground, he swayed toward Rachel and grabbed hold of the side of the ambulance. Steadying himself, he smiled, but Rachel spotted the tremor of his lips. “I'm fine. Let's go.”

Rachel tilted her head and frowned. “Matt, I really think—”

He grabbed her arm. “We need to go now.”

Before she could resist, Matt propelled her down the street in the direction of his car. Rachel stumbled trying to keep pace with his long strides. She was afraid he'd fall if she pulled away from his grasp.

“Slow down. For a guy who's just been hurt, you shouldn't be moving so fast.”

The car he'd driven sat at the end of the block and he clicked the automatic door locks as they drew closer. Rachel had barely closed the door when Matt gunned the accelerator. They sped down the street.

Rachel clutched the seat belt across her body. “What's the hurry?”

Matt glanced in the rearview mirror and slowed the car. “I saw two detectives from my department arriving at the scene.
I didn't want them questioning me about what I was doing there.”

“Was one of them Philip?”

“No. Neither one of us are on duty this weekend. When he left the office this afternoon, he said he wasn't feeling well. He thought he had a fever and was planning on going to bed as soon as he got home. No need to disturb him. Those other guys can handle this.” He glanced at her. “But Monday morning I'm going to have to tell Philip and my captain about being there. I think it's time we took the theory of a vigilante more seriously.”

Rachel nodded. “Did you hear those firemen talking about a Molotov cocktail?”

“Yes. I don't think those guys talking knew we were listening. It won't take the arson guys long to determine if that was the cause of the explosion. It sure looks like it to me.”

Another thought struck her. “Did you hear what they said about the gang members deserving to die?”

Matt's lips pulled together in a grim line. “I did.”

“And what do you think about what they said?” Rachel held her breath for Matt's answer. She had often wondered how police officers could face the violence they did every day and not become hardened in their feelings toward lawbreakers.

Matt sighed and reached up to touch the bandage on his face. “I understand their frustration, but as a Christian, I have to think of it in a different way. I'm sorry for the victims of the crimes. On the other hand, I can't condone killing someone, no matter who it is.”

Rachel smiled. That was the answer she'd wanted. “I'm glad to hear you say that, Matt.”

Fifteen minutes later Matt stopped at her apartment building entrance. Rachel turned to him. “Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee? It's the least I can do for you after almost getting you killed tonight.”

Matt chuckled and shook his head. “I think I'd better get
on home. Besides, I'm sure you have a story to write and I wouldn't want to distract you from that.”

She smiled. “You're right about the story. I'll send it in before I go so bed so that it can make the morning edition.” She leaned forward and studied the bandage on his forehead. “Are you sure you're going to be all right?”

He nodded. “Yes, I'll be fine by tomorrow night. Don't forget. We have a date for dinner and the ballet.”

Her heart raced at the way he stared into her eyes. “I'm looking forward to it. I've never been to a ballet before.”

“So I'll see you then.”

She reached for the handle to open the door but stopped. Turning back to Matt, she took a deep breath and let her gaze travel over the bandage on his forehead. “I'm sorry you were hurt tonight, but I'm glad you were there with me. Thank you for being such a good friend.”

His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. “I'm glad we're friends, Rachel.”

“Me, too.” She opened the door and hopped out.

As the car pulled out of the parking lot, the memory of Matt lying in the street returned and she shuddered. She'd never felt such a sense of terror and helplessness at the same time. She remembered screaming his name as she hurried to him. The thought of the sight of his blood on the pavement still sent goose bumps up her spine.

Since becoming a reporter, she'd witnessed violent crime scenes and accidents that left people injured, but she'd never reacted as she did tonight. The difference was that the person who'd been hurt was Matt, and it had terrified her to see him injured and bleeding. She'd told him she was glad they were friends, but she couldn't let it go any further.

All she had to do was concentrate on other things like her job, and now was a good time to start. She had a story to write
and a career to build. There was no time for anything else. Maybe if she told herself that often enough, she might even come to believe it.

H
e reached outside his apartment door and picked up the morning newspaper. Carrying it back to the kitchen table, he sat down, picked up his cup of coffee and opened to the front page. He took a sip from his cup and spewed the hot coffee from his mouth at the sight of the
Beacon
's headline. Three Die in Fiery Explosion at Bar.

“Three?” he screamed, then clamped his mouth shut for fear the neighbors would hear.

He scanned the story quickly, his heart beating faster with each word. When he finished, he hurled the newspaper to the table, stood and began to pace back and forth across the kitchen.

When he threw that Molotov cocktail into the rear of the building, he knew the two Vipers were there. The innocent man on the sidewalk was a complete surprise. He rubbed his hands over his eyes as he tried to digest what he'd just read.

This couldn't be happening. His goal when he'd started his campaign was to alternate his victims between the two gangs. That way they would soon think their rival was the murderer and declare all-out war with each other. Then the police could step in and arrest the remaining members.

The streets of Lake City would at last be free of the hoodlums who ruled their neighborhoods with fear and violence. With the end of the gangs, he could live in the knowledge
that his secret campaign had brought about good. Children could play safely outside their homes and residents could walk without fear on the streets.

He clenched his fist and banged the kitchen cabinet. Now in his quest he had killed an innocent person—a man returning home from work. He closed his eyes, spread his fingers on either side of his head and groaned. He'd never wanted that. How did this happen?

His eyes popped open and he lowered his hands. His mouth clenched into a straight line and he gritted his teeth. It was that reporter's fault. Because of her stories, he'd decided to make a bigger effort in his executions. His initial plan had been to shoot the Vipers down as they got out of their car at the bar but he'd changed his mind after reading Rachel Long's story about the possibility of a vigilante in Lake City. Pictures of a burning building would look better on the front page. So he'd decided on the firebomb.

Yes, it was her fault he'd made a mistake. With the gang members' deaths, he'd found pride. Now he knew he had become no better than they were. He had killed an innocent man. Instead of a hero, he was now a murderer.

Hatred boiled over in his heart. He grabbed the newspaper from the table and stuffed it in the wastebasket. That reporter would pay for what she'd done. Thanks to her, he was now a murderer. One more victim would make no difference.

 

Over the past few years Rachel had come to look forward to the Saturday mornings she and her friend Mindy spent catching up on what had happened during the workweek. This morning she had a lot to tell Mindy.

Rachel drove through the back entrance of the parking lot at The Coffee Bean and pulled into the only unoccupied space left by the usual 10:00 a.m. Saturday crowd. Climbing from the car, she hurried toward the front of the building. As she rounded the corner, she froze in place. “Not again.”

The small gasp sounded like a whisper as it left her mouth. A few feet away, next to the entrance to the coffee shop, a Santa, standing beside a kettle, rang a bell for donations. He caught sight of her and gave his bell an extra shake in her direction.

“Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!” The Santa's beard and mustache jiggled as his voice rose above the traffic noise.

The black belt pulled around the waist of the red suit appeared to strain at his girth. This wasn't the man who'd stolen her purse. Her rogue Santa had been thinner.

Rachel pulled out some money, inched closer and dropped it in the kettle. “There you go.”

With a twinkle in his eye, he winked. “God bless you, and a merry Christmas.”

Rachel took a step backward and collided with someone behind her. “So you believe in Santa again?”

Startled, Rachel turned and stared into Matt's face. The bandage on his forehead sent the events of the night before rushing through her. She blotted the picture of Matt lying in the street from her mind and tried to smile. “You scared me. Why aren't you home taking it easy this morning?”

He pointed to the paper tucked under his arm. “I thought I'd grab a cup of coffee while I read your story.”

Rachel inclined her head toward the coffee shop. “I'm meeting Mindy and brought mine in case she hadn't read it.”

Matt nodded. “I know Mindy. She's in our Bible study class at church.”

“I know,” Rachel murmured. “She's been trying to get me to come.”

Matt tilted his head to one side and smiled. “I believe I invited you, too.”

“And I'm going to come.”

“Good.”

She glanced at the Santa who was now occupied with
another donor and heaved a sigh of relief. “You really did scare me.”

“Sorry. I started inside and couldn't resist seeing if you'd overcome your fear of Santa Claus.”

She swatted at his arm and frowned. “With all we've been through in the last few days, I think it's understandable I'd be careful.”

“You're right to be careful, Rachel. I hope you'll remember that.” The laughter in his eyes had been replaced by a serious look. The words and their concerned tone set her heart to racing.

He grasped the handle of the door and held it open for her to walk inside. She glanced around for Mindy and spotted her at a table in the back. She tossed a wave in Mindy's direction and stepped to the end of the line of people waiting to place their orders. Matt stopped behind her.

Laughter and the hum of voices sent a surge of happiness flowing through Rachel. The room radiated a holiday spirit. Bright shopping bags that bulged with wrapped presents sat on the floor at the customers' feet. The white lights on the branches of a tall artificial tree blinked in the corner of the room, reminding everyone that Christmas, the most wonderful time of year, would soon be here.

She pointed to the tree and the packages underneath. “Isn't that tree beautiful?”

Matt nodded. “Yeah. I love this time of year.”

“So do I. I'm sure my sister is getting more excited every day. She loves Christmas morning.”

“Are you spending Christmas with your family?” Matt asked.

Rachel's eyebrows lifted. “Of course. Where else would I be?”

Matt shrugged. “I don't know. Some families don't get together. I just wondered about yours.”

His eyes clouded, and Rachel frowned. “And what about you? Won't you be with your family?”

He shook his head. “I doubt it. My mother is out of the country and my father is too busy with his new wife to wonder where I'll spend the holidays.”

Rachel's heart pricked at his words. For a moment she wished she could put her arms around him and make the hurt she saw in his face disappear. She struggled to find the right thing to say but the person in front of her picked up his order and stepped out of the line.

The young woman at the cash register smiled. “May I help you?”

An assortment of muffins and cookies lined trays inside the case next to the cash register. Rachel could almost hear the calorie-filled goodies calling her name and her stomach growled in anticipation.

“A bear claw or a cream cheese Danish?” Rachel bit her lip and debated the choices. Out of the corner of her eye she could see a big grin on Matt's face. She gave into her craving. “Oh, give me a bear claw, a cream cheese Danish and a cup of hazelnut coffee.”

He leaned closer and whispered, “What army are you feeding today?”

Rachel glanced at the bandage on his head and her holiday spirit dampened. “I'm celebrating the fact that we're both alive this morning.” Her chin quivered. “I was so scared last night when I saw you unconscious.”

His eyes softened. “I'm glad to know you cared whether or not I was hurt.”

“Here's your coffee.” The voice of the woman behind the counter kept her from replying. Opening her purse, she pulled some bills from her wallet and handed them across the counter. As she picked up the tray holding her coffee and pastries, her hands trembled. Matt leaned around her and brushed against her arm.

“Just coffee for me.”

As they stepped away from the counter, their purchases clutched in their hands, Rachel pointed to Mindy. “Want to join us?”

Matt hesitated before he responded. “I'd better not. I told the pastor I'd meet him at the church this morning to help with some projects. I should be through by lunch. Don't forget about our date tonight. I'll pick you up about seven. If it's okay with you, we can have a late supper after the ballet.”

Rachel smiled. “That sounds great. Have a good day.”

He smiled. “I will.”

Rachel watched him go before she turned toward the table where Mindy sat, her arms crossed. Rachel eased into the chair across from her and set her pastries and coffee down.

“What?”

“You and Matt seemed awfully friendly.”

Rachel sighed. “Matt's a friend. You know I can't get involved with a man.”

Mindy propped her elbows on the table and held her coffee with both hands. Gazing over the top of the cup, she stared at Rachel. “How many times do I have to tell you that you can't let Cara's condition dictate how you live your life?”

Rachel shook her head. “We've been friends since high school, Mindy. You of all people should know how I feel.”

“I do, but I don't think you're being realistic about your situation.”

Rachel wrapped her fingers around her cup and frowned. Leaning forward, she stared into Mindy's eyes. “My father left us because he couldn't deal with Cara's disabilities, and I'm determined I won't be like him. When my mother's gone, I'll be the only family that Cara has left. You can't imagine what care for her can cost. In addition to medical costs there's adult day care and all kinds of therapy—physical, occupational and speech. And who knows what the future holds? The money
I've saved so far won't be enough for the things she may need later on.”

Mindy nodded. “I admire your devotion to your sister. But you can't give up on your own life. Just because Justin demanded that you had to choose either your family or him doesn't mean every other man is going to do the same. In your heart I know you want marriage and a family.”

Rachel shook her head. “I've loved two men, my father and Justin, and both of them walked out on me because of Cara. I won't go through that again. All I can think about is how I'm going to advance my career to make enough money to support Cara as she gets older.” Rachel took a sip of coffee and welcomed the burning heat. “No, I'll have to leave love and marriage to others. I don't need them.”

Even as she voiced the words, her heart cried out that she was wrong. She did need love. In fact, she longed for it, but she had convinced herself years ago what she wanted didn't matter. Cara was the important one. She had no one to take care of her but Rachel and their mother, and she'd promised her sister she'd always be there for her. If that meant ignoring feelings for Matt Franklin, she could do it. She might not want to but she had to make sure she didn't become more involved with the man who affected her as none other ever had.

 

Hours later Rachel stood in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom and examined her reflection. The dress she wore had been given to her by her mother to wear to a dinner party her editor had given before Thanksgiving. At the time Rachel had felt self-conscious in the red chiffon with the flowing paneled skirt that fell from a sequined, fitted waist, but Mindy had assured her she looked great.

Rachel ran her hands down the skirt and wondered if she should change. When she'd worn it before, the cross necklace had looked perfect with the squared neck and filmy sleeves. Now with the necklace gone, the neckline looked empty. She
worried that the whole dress looked wrong, especially because of the way the sequins sparkled and the fabric swayed with her every move. Maybe she needed to wear something more conservative. After all, she wasn't trying to impress Matt.

She reached for the zipper in the back just as her cell phone rang. The caller ID flashed Mindy's name.

“Hello, Mindy.” She accented the name with a long sigh.

A giggle sounded on the phone. “Don't get dramatic with me. I know you. And right about now you're beginning to question whether or not you need to change clothes. Am I right?”

Rachel couldn't help but laugh. “You know me too well. I was just about to take off my dress and put on something a little more conservative.”

“That's what I was afraid of. What are you wearing?”

“The red chiffon my mother gave me.”

“Meeeeeoow!” Mindy purred. “Perfect choice. The way you look in that dress ought to impress Matt.”

“I've told you I'm not out to impress Matt.”

“Well, whatever, the red dress is perfect for the ballet and dinner. Don't you dare change. I know you look gorgeous.”

“Mindy, I really think—” The ringing of the doorbell interrupted her. Rachel's hand froze on the phone. “Oh, Mindy, he's here. I don't have time to put on anything else.”

Mindy chuckled. “Have a good time, Rachel. And tell me all about it tomorrow.”

“I will.”

Rachel disconnected the call and glanced in the mirror once more. Rubbing her lips together, she checked her lipstick, picked up her jacket and headed to the door. When she opened it, Matt stood in the hall. His eyebrows shot up and his gaze traveled over her.

His smile made her heart leap. “Wow! You look gorgeous.”

Rachel's face warmed and she ducked her head. “Thank you, kind sir.”

He reached for her coat and held it while she slipped it on. As he pushed it on her shoulders, he leaned closer and she could feel his warm breath on her neck. “I'm glad you're going with me tonight, Rachel.”