Page 97 of Rescued Duty

THIRTY

Naya’s shoes hit the sidewalk pavement. Her lungs burned with exertion. Just one more circle, then she could take a leisurely stroll back to her house. She pumped her arms harder. Running was the only thing that cleared her head when she needed an escape. Thanks to her ankle and trying to survive all the attacks thrown her way, she hadn’t been able to decompress like usual.

Powells was dead. And she was to blame.

Naya scanned her surroundings, the pepper spray clipped to her belt loop bouncing in time to her steps. A car drove past her and around the corner. She passed a few kids playing basketball on their driveway. The earbuds she wore played no music and were merely a sign for anyone else out at the moment not to bother her.

Despite the sunny spring morning and the redbud trees in full bloom, her eyes were tired and heavy from the tears she had shed all night and the lack of sleep.

She should have listened to Zack. Stopped the hunt for the truth while they were all ahead.

Now Will and Powells were dead.

Who would be next?

Lord, I’m exhausted and I can’t see how this will get easier.

Naya rounded the cul-de-sac, then paused to catch her breath. She stopped at the curb and stretched out her right leg before moving to her left. Then she rolled each ankle in a slow circular motion to relieve the tension. At least her injured foot had healed enough that the weight on it today didn’t hurt.

A bruised reed I will not break. I will not snuff out a smoldering wick. In faithfulness I will bring forth justice.

The truth from Isaiah 42 was a balm that brought comfort to her heart.

Naya lifted her head toward the clouds.

Powells had warned them that whoever was behind the attacks would find out they were talking with him. He’d been reluctant to share information, and she’d pressed him for it.

And for what?

Had his life been worth the truth?

Naya wanted to scream, but the ache in her heart weighed down any opportunity to voice her anguish. She didn’t know what to do anymore. Someone was still one step ahead of them, and Naya wasn’t sure how to keep those she cared about safe.

Naya headed back toward her house, her shoes dragging against the pavement.

She clocked her workout on her watch and made a left down her neighborhood street. A notification told her she’d missed a call from Zack earlier.

He’d been the strong one yesterday, someone she’d been able to lean on. Who had tried to remind her that none of this was her fault. For that she’d been grateful. She wanted to tell him that.

When she got closer to her driveway, Zack’s car was parked along the curb.I guess I’ll get to do that now.Her heart skipped a beat, and her lips curved upward despite the grim reality of Powells’s death.

She slid her earbuds in her pocket and peered in the car window, but the interior was vacant.

She unlocked the front door and stepped into the foyer. “Grams?” Naya’s voice echoed down the hall. Ingram had come over to her house last night and hadn’t left.

“In here,” Ingram called out, and Naya walked into the kitchen.

Zack straddled a stool at the kitchen island. Two cups sat on the counter next to an empty vase. One she really needed to put to use with a bouquet of fresh flowers. It would make both her and Ingram feel better, even if only a little bit.

Ingram gave Naya a knowing look and pointed her thumb behind her before picking up her purse. “I’ll go run some errands. I’ll be back.” A few seconds later, the front door shut.

“I got a mango smoothie on my way over. Figured it might help.” Zack picked up the cup and handed it to her.

Naya took a sip. “Mmm. These never get old.” She loved the tropical fruit that was an ode to her native country. Her heart thudded at the realization of what Zack had done. The small gesture spoke volumes. “Thank you. For more than just this.” Naya closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around Zack’s torso.

Zack rested his hand on her head and tucked her into his embrace. She let her shoulders sag and closed her eyes. Being around Zack felt like home. A place of safety where she could be herself. No frills attached.

With a sigh, Naya pulled back, and cool air intercepted. If she didn’t create distance, her feelings would push her to do something she’d regret.

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