Page 36 of The Pilot & the Athlete

Sergeant Miller looked to be debating in his head, but then he shrugged. “You’re the expert. It’s worth a try.”

“Thank you,” Turner sobbed again. “Thank you.”

“You can thank us when your wife and daughter are safe,” Paul told him. He met Shay’s gaze. He seemed conflicted, and she completely understood. She hoped her gaze showed how grateful she was he was willing to step up and help find and rescue Turner’s family.

Chapter

Fifteen

Paul watchedShay as they waited in a large upstairs conference room of the courthouse. He didn’t like being on the waiting end of an op. He also didn’t like Shay not being certain about him. He couldn’t blame her. It had been years, and despite prayer and his pastor’s help, he hadn’t forgiven himself for his role in the tragedy. How could he expect her to forgive him overnight?

He found his mind wandering as he waited with Shay, Turner, Sergeant Miller, Aiden, and Autumn. Retired Lieutenant Nick Jacobs was heading up a rescue operation after Aiden’s tech people were able to locate Turner’s wife and daughter through a GPS bracelet that the baby girl was thankfully still wearing. Aiden’s closest team was near enough to strike quick, hopefully before Big T’s guys heard about the failed assassination.

He edged closer to where Shay stood. In an hour or so, thetrial would start. Aiden and Sergeant Miller sat at the table and were focused on laptop computers monitoring the mission. Autumn was on her phone. Turner leaned forward in his chair, his hands still cuffed behind his back. He seemed to be concentrating on not looking at anyone, or maybe he was praying.

Paul wanted to throw Turner out of a plane with no parachute for trying to kill Shay. What the man had done was unforgivable.

On the other hand, Paul was hoping for forgiveness from Shay and Darian and himself. He prayed to forgive Turner in his heart and thanked his Father above for preserving Shay. He also prayed for Turner’s wife and daughter and Agent Meacham to be returned home safe and all of his friends involved in the operation to be protected.

Reaching Shay, he met her teal gaze. “You okay?”

“No. I’m nauseous and want to hurl. You?”

“You’re incredible,” he told her. “May I?” He opened his arms and stepped forward.

She flung herself against his chest. Paul cuddled her close, savoring the feel of her in his arms, exactly where she should be, and praying he was offering her some kind of solace and strength. She clung to him, and for the moment, all was right in the world.

He didn’t care if anyone overheard as he whispered to her, “Do you want me to pray?” He needed prayer right now as well.

“Yes, please.” She glanced up at him, her eyes bright with unshed tears.

Paul felt the draw to kiss her so strong he had to close his eyes and tuck her head into his shoulder to refrain. Someday they might be together, but that wasn’t the focus today.

“Dear Father,” he prayed. “Please bless and protect Nick and all those involved in the rescue op. Thank you for their expertise and bravery. Please protect Jana and Alaina Porter and Agent Shane Meacham and bring them home safe. Please help us to find and imprison Benjamin Oliver. Please bless Agent Turner will find Your mercy as he faces justice. Please bless us all with the ability to forgive and be forgiven.” He swallowed and felt Shay shiver and cling tighter to him. A sweet peace filled him, working its way into his heart and settling his soul. “Please bless Shay through the trial, strengthen and lift her, and help all involved to bring Big T to justice. We thank You for all we have and are. In our Savior’s name. Amen.”

Shay echoed a soft amen and he heard other amens echoed around the room. Paul stayed holding her, hoping it was what she needed. Now that he’d had a taste of her in his life and his arms, he didn’t know how he’d stay away if she couldn’t forgive him. But he’d felt the sweet peace and reassurance of forgiveness as he’d prayed. He could forgive Turner for almost killing Shay and he could forgive himself for mistakes in his past.

He prayed Shay could forgive him and maybe someday Darian could forgive him too. He knew as surely as he held Shay in his arms that he had to visit Darian as soon as possible. He had to share the truth and ask the man’s forgiveness. Whether Darian granted it wasn’t in Paul’s control. It might be a huge wedge between him and Shay, but it was time to get it all out. He felt better than he had in years, even with all the uncertainty swirling around them currently.

Aiden’s phone rang and he swiped it on. “Nick.”

Paul ushered Shay around so they could stand side by side but still be connected with his arm around her.

Aiden pushed the speaker button. “Talk to me, Nick,” he commanded.

Everyone was leaning toward the phone.

“We have Jana and Alaina Porter and Agent Meacham safe and in our custody, sir,” Nick said.

“Oh, thank heavens,” Shay cried out.

Turner simply cried. He put his head down on the conference table and his shoulders shook with powerful sobs.

“Well done, Nick. Well done.” Aiden paused to give everyone a moment. “Any casualties?”

“Minor wounds on our side, sir. Two perps taken into custody, two dead. One already admitted they were working for Benjamin Oliver.”

“Truly?” Aiden straightened and looked at Paul.

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