Glacier Highway

Chapter 2

Zack nodded at the barista as she brought him his coffee. His lips twisted into a slight smile as he thought of what his fellow Rangers would think if they saw him drinking this “girlie drink.” He would never live it down. The Coffee Hut had the best coffee he had ever had, and the mocha gave him his daily chocolate, so it was all good.

On shelves near the ceiling was an arrangement of coffee pots of every size and every kind. It was like getting a history lesson in coffee pots. The display cases were lined with tempting pastries and salads. Tables of various sizes were scattered about.

He stepped outside to where three small tables and chairs were arranged. It was too nice to sit inside even if it was a little chilly. He stretched out his legs and smelled the fresh air and coffee. He closed his eyes. His thoughts drifted to the day before and the smell of the woman in the park. Jen smelled like fresh air and cherry blossoms. When he saw the two men grab her, he wasn’t sure he would get to her in time. Her dog had flown out of the bushes at the one man, and it seemed like a movie. He had drawn his g*n and warned the men not to move. She seemed out of it, confused, and like she was not sure where she was. When he had first asked if she was OK, she seemed startled, and he had to ask several times before she appeared to hear him and answer.

They had talked on the way down the trail, but he had trouble concentrating. She was about 5’4” and had beautiful, curly, light brown hair. He had been surprised when he saw her eyes, not quite blue but not quite green; her driver’s license said hazel. She had been limping. He had wanted to ask about it, but her reserve put off the vibe that she did not want to talk about herself.

hazelWhen he opened his eyes, the woman of his thoughts was standing in front of him. She was dressed in a red top, a black jacket, and black pants that fit her very nicely. His eyes were drawn to the cross necklace she had on. He took a deep breath.

“Well, Agent Julion, fancy meeting you here.” The smile reached her eyes.

“Call me Zack,” he said. “Could I buy you some coffee?”

She nodded at her hand that held a coffee cup. “No, but thanks.”

“Have a seat?”

She nodded and sat down. “Sit,” she commanded her dog, and he immediately obeyed.

“I noticed you are wearing a necklace, a cross.”

She turned her surprised eyes on him. “Well, after yesterday, I was reminded how quickly things can happen, and God helped me through another dangerous time. I wanted to be reminded of it every time I look in the mirror or touch my neck—that God got me through it, and I am safe. Are you a believer, Agent Julion?”

He nodded. “Yes, and I am thankful every day for the gift of salvation I have been given.” She smiled. He noticed her smile reaching her eyes. Some people smiled but only with their lips; hers was with her whole face. CD stood up and seemed restless.

“Tell me about your dog, CD.”

“He is a retired military dog. We served together. We both got injured, so they retired us at the same time. His name is Charlie David, but CD is just easier.”

“How long ago did you get out?’

“I was injured about a year ago, and after six months in the hospital and rehab, I was discharged.”

“Was he your dog?”

She shook her head and looked sad. “His handler was my best friend, but I hung with Rog and CD all the time.” Then she seemed to withdraw and get a haunted look. “On our last mission, things went wrong. Rog got killed, and CD and I got injured.”

“I’m so sorry. It must be difficult. I was a Ranger. Just got out about a year ago and became a Homeland Security agent. Sometimes it’s difficult to adjust to civilian life.”

She nodded.

A scream pierced the air. CD raced toward the street and jumped on a man who held the arm of a young woman. The man knocked CD away. A car was idling next to him. He quickly got into the car, and it raced away.

Zack and Jen reached the woman at the same time. CD stood guard. The woman was crying and rubbing her arms.

Zack grabbed a chair from an outside table of the Coffee Hut and helped the woman sit down. Zack asked if she was OK and what happened.

The woman continued to cry. In between sobs, she explained that she had been kidn*pped several days ago, and two men were taking her somewhere; she did not know where. They were going through town and had slowed down so someone could walk across the street. She was able to get her door unlocked and jumped out. The man had bolted from the car and grabbed her, and that was when CD attacked him.

Zack told her that he was an agent for Homeland Security, and that he would like to take her in and get her statement. He would also help her get in touch with her family. He looked at Jen, nodded, and led the woman toward his car.

He was angry and focused. He could hardly believe this had happened today, but it might give him some leads to what he was there for. He said a quick prayer of thanksgiving for the rescue of the woman. He asked for guidance in the days ahead.