Jina, page 13
part #1 of Oath of Honor Series
Cole awoke to the scent of coffee. Blinking, he looked around until the small motel room came into focus.
Freshly showered and wearing clean clothes, Jina looked amazing. He still found it difficult to mesh the tough MMA fighter to the stunning beauty staring at the coffee maker as if willing it to hurry up and brew.
“Good morning.” He swung out of bed and stretched. “Hope you slept okay.”
“Surprisingly, I did.” She glanced at him, then looked away. “I’m glad you’re up. I found a couple of places that are worth checking out.”
“Already?” He frowned, checking his watch. It was barely seven. “How long have you been up?”
“About an hour.” She shrugged and reached for her coffee. “This thing only brews one cup at a time. Do you want one?”
“Sure.” He leaned over to look at her computer screen as she filled the coffee maker with a fresh cup of water.
“It’s not great coffee, but it will work in a pinch.”
“I need a few minutes to shower and change.” He grabbed his overnight bag and edged past her. “We need to discuss those locations you found before we call the rest of your team.”
She arched a brow without saying anything. He sighed, knowing it wouldn’t be easy to come up with some sort of compromise. As much as he understood and shared her frustration with the series of events, he wasn’t sure that setting herself up at bait was the best solution.
Not that he had a better idea.
When he emerged from the bathroom, he found Jina back at her computer. She was right about the coffee, but he’d had worse, so he didn’t hesitate to drink it. “Show me what you’ve found.”
“Okay.” She scooted off the bed and set the laptop on the small table. “I’m looking for a place that’s far enough away from other homes yet isn’t hours from here. Also a place that provides some coverage for the team.”
“Sounds reasonable,” he agreed.
“Yeah, well, there aren’t a lot of options.” She used the track pad to pull up the first property. “This is my top pick, although it’s in Timberland Falls, and the cops there aren’t big fans of ours.”
Setting aside his coffee, he turned the screen to review the property details. Ignoring the interior of the home, which was probably what most renters would care about the most, he went through the outside photos. “I can see why you like it. The home sits on a full acre of land, and there are plenty of trees.”
“Exactly.” Her blue eyes gleamed with anticipation. “The only downside is that there are homes on either side. Not close, but not that far either.”
“What about something near our current location?” he asked.
“I’ve looked at a few, but they have farmland surrounding them.” She shrugged. “Too flat and open for what we need.”
Her mention of farmland was a stark reminder of his cold case murder. He needed to give his lieutenant an update sometime today but wasn’t sure how to broach the subject of Jina being a possible suspect.
Normally, he ran his cases by the book, but in this instance, he was tempted to keep Jina out of the case summary. At least for now.
Not that her involvement would be viewed in a positive light if he brought her into the conversation later. Just the opposite.
Lieutenant Karl Bell would yank him off the case before he could blink.
“There’s one other place that might work,” Jina said, oblivious to his internal struggle. She turned the computer back toward her and brought up the second image. “This one is in Surrey. There’s a lot of construction going in on the other side of the nature preserve, which is why I bumped it down on the list.”
He forced himself to concentrate on the screen. “I see what you mean. The weather is still nice enough that people could be walking through the nature preserve too.”
“Hopefully not after dark, but yes, the new homes going in makes this one risky as far as innocent people being in danger.” She grimaced. “I’ll keep searching. I have a bad feeling the Timberland Falls PD won’t be very understanding if there’s another shootout involving MPD officers in their jurisdiction.”
He frowned. “You make it sound like that happens on a regular occurrence.”
“Yeah, well, it has happened at least three times in recent months.”
“Really?” He eyed her warily. “Sounds like Zeke was right about you being a magnet for trouble.”
“Not just me,” she protested. “In fact, this is my first time in the spotlight.”
He wasn’t reassured by that. It seemed to him that Jina’s job was more dangerous than his ever was. And not just because Milwaukee boasted a higher crime rate than Peabody—times ten—but because of her position on the team.
And the way Jina willingly put herself in harm’s way.
Was this how Renee had felt about his job? He winced, regretting the way he’d downplayed her concerns.
He pushed the computer aside and turned to face her. “Promise me you won’t be reckless about this.”
She frowned. “I can’t think of a time I’ve been reckless.”
“Maybe not in recent months, but this guy is after you.” He reached for her hand, and to his surprise, she didn’t jerk away. “I think it’s easier to think logically and rationally when others are in danger, compared to being the one sitting in the crosshairs.”
To her credit, she didn’t brush him off. Holding his gaze, she nodded. “You’re right about that. I’ve had similar concerns back when my teammates were in danger. I don’t have a death wish, Cole. I like my job, my life.” Now her gaze slid from his, and her cheeks went pink. She tugged her hand from his, and for the first time ever, she appeared flustered. “I promise I won’t be reckless.”
“Good.” He resisted the urge to pull her into a warm embrace. As far as his cold case murder was concerned, he was less than objective when it came to Jina.
Another hug and kiss would not help.
“I, uh, need to make some calls.” She jumped to her feet, but he grabbed her hand to stop her.
“It’s barely seven thirty. Not to mention, you can’t use your phone.” He couldn’t help but smile at her frown. “How about we have breakfast first and call your teammates when we’re finished. That way we can get some decent coffee.”
“Okay.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “That means we’ll need another rideshare.”
“Maybe.” He reached for his phone. “Let’s see if there’s something within walking distance.”
She nodded and moved to the window to peer outside. “It’s overcast,” she said with a frown. “I hope it doesn’t rain on our parade.”
“I don’t think it’s supposed to rain until later tonight.” He used the map app and identified a chain breakfast restaurant a mile away. “Found one. Let’s pack our stuff and get out of here.”
Jina nodded and closed her laptop, tucking it into her overnight bag. She ducked into the bathroom to get her toiletries and stuffed them inside too. “Ready when you are.”
She might look high maintenance, but he’d never met a more practical woman. The combination shouldn’t have been attractive.
But there was no denying he liked her. Cared about her. And couldn’t help but wonder if she’d see him again once this sting operation of hers was over.
In the three years since Renee’s death, he’d never planned to become involved in another relationship. Especially not with someone as beautiful and prickly as Jina.
She wasn’t his type. And she was a suspect in his cold case. Yet both of those deterrents didn’t seem to matter.
“Cole?” She was frowning at him now. “Is something wrong?”
Yeah, I need my head examined, he thought with a sigh. But he shrugged and grabbed his bag. “Nope. I’m ready.”
The overcast sky brought a distinct fall chill to the air. He’d stashed his sport coat in his bag and would have offered it to Jina if he’d thought she’d take it.
“I love fall,” she said to his surprise. “It’s my favorite time of year.”
“What do you love the most?” He was curious to know everything about her, which should have sent more alarm bells screeching in his ear.
“The colors.” She gestured to the trees. “They’re only just starting to turn, October is better, but I like the cooler weather, the colors, and football.”
That made him laugh. “Of course, you like football.”
She arched a brow. “Why not? My parents were big fans. It was one of the few things that helped me bond with my dad.”
“Does Shelly like football too?”
“No, she’s a girly girl. Shelly likes to cook and bake. I can’t do either without burning the house down.” Her smile faded. “I feel bad for Mr. Glen. Once this is over, I need to find out what I can do to help rebuild his duplex.”
“You’re a softie,” he said with a grin.
“Yeah, well, don’t tell anyone. I have a hard-core image to protect.”
“Dully noted.” He nodded toward the half-empty parking lot of the restaurant. “Looks like we won’t have trouble getting a table.”
“Good. I’m hungry.” She frowned. “Although I don’t know why, I didn’t run my five miles this morning as usual.”
“You make me feel like a sloth,” he complained, opening the door for her.
They chose a booth in the back, and their server started them off with coffee. Jina held out her hand. “I need to borrow your phone to call Cassidy, Zeke, and Flynn.”
He gave her the device and perused the menu. They didn’t offer a full Irish like Rosie’s Diner, but there were some options that should provide enough protein to get him through the day.
Sipping his coffee, he listened as Jina called her teammates, quickly explaining her need for a spare vehicle and her plan of setting herself up to draw in the shooter. Each time, she promised to call Rhy.
“Okay, they’re all meeting us here for now.” She slid the phone across the table.
He nodded at the phone. “Shouldn’t you call Rhy?”
“After I have a plan, yes.” She sat back as their server returned to take their orders. When that was finished, Jina leaned forward. “I know my boss well enough to know that he’ll need time to inspect the plan for flaws.”
“Okay.” He could see her point and was glad Rhy would have to approve whatever scheme she and the others came up with. “How long before the rest get here?”
She shrugged. “Depends on traffic. They’ll likely want to grab something to eat too.”
“No problem.” Their server to refill their cups. “We’ll move to a bigger table.”
Ten minutes later, their meals arrived. Jina clasped her hands in her lap, obviously waiting for him to say grace.
“Lord Jesus, we thank You for this food and for keeping us safe in Your care. Please continue to watch over us and to give us strength. Amen.”
“Amen.” She smiled. “I used to get annoyed when some of the guys said grace, but now that I’ve been targeted by this perp, I can see why some people lean on prayer.”
“God is always there for you, Jina.” He tried to keep his tone light. “Trust me.”
“I do trust you.” She looked thoughtful, then dug into her breakfast with gusto.
They were just finishing when his phone rang. Despite not recognizing the number, he answered. “This is Cole Roberts.”
“It’s Cassidy. I picked up a tail and may have compromised your location.” She sounded calm despite the situation. “I’m driving past the restaurant, but I suggest you get Jina out of there.”
How had Cassidy been followed? They’d left the tracker on his SUV! He tossed money onto the table and stood. “We need to go.”
To her credit, Jina didn’t argue. Rather than heading out the front, he boldly strode through the kitchen, ignoring the employees demanding they get out.
Maybe Jina’s plan was the right move. Being forced to go on the run was getting old.
He wanted to nab this guy as much as she did.
Chapter Eleven
The rank scent of rotting garbage washed over them as they left the restaurant kitchen through the back door. Jina did her best to breathe through her mouth, despite the putrid odor emanating from a nearly overflowing dumpster. She eyed Cole. “What’s going on?”
“Cassidy picked up a tail.” Cole tugged her around the side of the dumpster. “She didn’t take this exit. We’re on our own until she or one of the others can get here.”
She hadn’t anticipated the shooter following one of her teammates. How would he even know about them? It wasn’t as if they were out there on social media.
Although they had gotten some press in the recent months. Had he done a search on her? And then found a picture of her with her team?
Not good.
“Use your map app to find a rendezvous location.” She hitched her bag higher on her shoulder and gestured to his phone. “Someplace close enough that we can get there on foot. Not the gas station across the street. Something farther away.”
“There’s not much around here aside from that gas station.” His expression held doubt, but he did as she asked. It was all she could do not to snatch the phone away to look for herself.
“Okay, there’s another gas station convenience store about a mile down the road.”
“Still too close. What about heading in the opposite direction?” She huddled near him so she could look at the screen too. “He wouldn’t expect us to cross the highway. We need a place that either Cass or one of the others can come back to meet us.”
He manipulated the screen until he found another building. But there was no label associated with the structure. “What do you think? I’m not sure what this is.”
“Maybe a restaurant or something else that went out of business. It’s rather isolated, which I like. Two miles from here is good too. Take a screenshot and send it to Cassidy, Zeke, and Flynn.”
While he did that, she moved away from the dumpster to the side of the restaurant that faced the highway. The early morning traffic was picking up, making it almost impossible to look for one black Honda, even without plates, as the cars were zooming past at well above posted speed limits.
Frustrating to be miles outside the city without a vehicle. She should have contacted Cass last night rather than letting her exhaustion overrule her common sense.
Hearing Cole’s phone ring, she turned toward him. He showed her the display. Recognizing Zeke’s number, she nodded and held out her hand.
“Zeke? Jina. Where are you? Cass was followed to this exit, so I need you to stay away for a while.”
“How is that possible?” Zeke asked.
“Don’t know. We’ll swap theories later. Cole texted you a meeting point, but we need time to get there on foot. Say thirty minutes?”
“See you then.” Zeke ended the call.
She handed Cole the phone. “There’s not much coverage, so get ready to run.”
“Got it.” He pocketed the phone and hovered beside her at the side of the building. They waited until there was a break in traffic, then darted out. It wasn’t easy to run with a bag slung over her shoulder, but she ignored the way it banged against her hip with every step. No way was she leaving her computer behind.
She ended up in the lead, and it was only when Cole stayed close behind her that she realized he was covering her six on purpose. She had to admit it was nice having another cop backing her up. One that had and would continue to put his life on the line for her.
The same way her teammates would. Yet there was something different about her relationship with Cole. More than typical teammate camaraderie.
A deeper connection she didn’t have the time or inclination to name.
Upon reaching two large pine trees, she slowed her pace and ducked to use the evergreens as cover. Cole did the same. Moving more quietly now, she continued heading due south toward the building that had no name. Normally, she could run two miles without a problem. But not with a bag slung over her shoulder, and not when the goal was to stay out of sight.
This section of the road was relatively deserted. Whatever business had been housed in the seemingly empty building must have gone under a long time ago. Free map apps weren’t always up to date.
“Car,” Cole whispered.
She instantly dropped to the ground, spreading herself flat so to avoid being seen. Cole mirrored her movement beside her. Thankfully, their bags weren’t that large and were easily hidden. The grass—well, mostly weeds—along this stretch of the road was long enough to provide some cover. Especially with the overcast sky hiding the sun.
But they weren’t invisible. They needed to be prepared for the inevitable.
Easing her weapon from her holster, she found herself wishing, and not for the first time, that she had her sniper rifle with her.
Next time she was in trouble, she wasn’t going anywhere without it.
If she survived long enough for a next time.
“White sedan,” Cole murmured near her ear. “Probably not the shooter since Cassidy saw a black Honda.”
She nodded while keeping her head down. By unspoken agreement, they waited for several long minutes after the sedan passed them before getting back up on their feet. A quick glance revealed that several round prickly burrs were stuck to her bag, clothing, and likely her hair. Hiding a grimace, she ignored the discomfort of the sharp pricks and focused on getting to their designated meeting point.
“We still have a mile and a half to go,” Cole said as if reading her mind.
“Okay, let’s pick up the pace.” She broke into a jog, the bag once again slapping against her hip with every step. At this rate, they would be late for their meeting point, especially if they had to drop to the grass again for another car. That meant covering as much ground as possible while the street was empty.
As before, Cole maintained his position behind her. Imagining the map of their location, she watched the opposite side of the road, hoping to spot the building before they came too close. Better to approach with caution. They’d assumed the structure was empty or abandoned but had no way of knowing for certain.
