Page 105 of Fatal Mistake
He waited for a judgmental look, but it never came.
“Did you do your best when these people died?” she asked.
He nodded.
“That’s all that can be expected of you. Just like now. You’ll do your best. I know that. Rick knows that. Shoot, even Tara knows that.” She firmly met his gaze and offered a smile so reminiscent of Tara’s that his heart ached.
“But,” she added, “if whatever’s eating at you today continues to linger, you could make one of those mistakes you’re talking about. I know how much you care for Tara, and I’m certain you don’t want that to happen.”
* * *
Tara drove down the highway. She’d placed Oren’s phone on the passenger seat and kept glancing at it to see if somehow she’d missed a text or a call with additional directions. The cell sat there silently taunting her. Worrying her.
Worry. An old friend that had been eating her alive for far too long. She looked at her rubber bands. At the marks from her frequent use. She was tired of letting the anxiety steal her peace. It was time to break up with such a noxious friend. But how, when people she loved might die?
Words came to mind from her precious aunt who’d lived through so much and remained peaceful even with a bomb around her neck. Just trust in your faith, she’d said.
Sounded easy, but it was hard. So hard. Perhaps she hadn’t actually trusted God since her parents died. Then Oren. A gunshot wound. The bombs. And now…now with June and Cal in jeopardy, the trusting became even harder. Especially since she’d encouraged Cal to head into danger without warning him. Now Oren planned to kill him.
What have I done?
Tears brimmed in her eyes and ran down her cheeks. Her vision blurred, and she pulled to the side of the road to swipe at the tears and pray.
Maybe she deserved Oren’s wrath because she’d lost her patience with him and hadn’t handled rejecting him in the best way, but June and Cal didn’t. They were both good people—fine, compassionate, and caring.
She loved June. And Cal?…The terrifying ache in her heart said she loved him, too. This brave man she’d sent into danger.
She bowed her head and prayed, begging God for His intervention for both of them.
The phone rang, and she jumped.
She reached for the cell, and the air seemed to disappear in the car, so she lowered her window and let the cool night air wash over her face.
“Yes,” she answered.
“I suppose you’re wondering where I need you to go,” Oren said.
The sound of his voice sent her stomach roiling, but she swallowed hard. “I am.”
“I’ll text directions to you, and I want you to keep this call connected with me for the rest of the drive so I can monitor your actions.”
“That’s not necessary,” she said. “You have the cameras. Besides, I care about June and won’t do anything foolish.” Unlike you. “I’m not going to go anywhere else or alert anyone and risk jeopardizing her life.”
“All the same, keep us connected.”
She didn’t offer an additional argument but waited for the directions to arrive. Time ticked slowly by. Panic raised its ugly head, but she breathed it out. In with good air. Out with the stress. Again and again.
She could do this. If she focused on one step at a time and if…if she didn’t look ahead to the danger she most certainly faced.
Chapter 29
Cal paced up and down the driveway outside June’s house. The bomb squad had arrived and cloaked her for safety. As long as she didn’t move and no one tried to disarm the bomb, June would be safe. But Tara was far from safe.
He kicked a rock, sending it skittering down the drive. Kicked another one and stormed ahead, his hands curled and vibrating with anger.
“Hey, man.” Rick came up behind him.
Cal turned and glared at him.
