Killer Headline (14 page)

T
wo weeks later, Violet and Clay stood in the dining room of Bernice’s house. The endearing neighbor busied herself in the kitchen, while Violet arranged a bouquet of red roses Clay had given her in a crystal vase.

“They’re beautiful, Clay.”

“Not as beautiful as you.”

Violet smiled as she placed the arrangement in the center of the dining-room table. Grabbing a pitcher from the sideboard, she filled the water glasses at each of the six place settings.

“Are you sure we can’t help you?” Clay called to Bernice in the kitchen.

“Everything’s almost ready. You and Violet visit in the living room. Leonard should arrive in the next few minutes. Watch for him while I take off this apron and put on some lipstick.”

“Micah phoned. He picked Jade up from that librarian’s workshop she attended on campus today. They’ll be here soon. Thanks for including them tonight, Bernice.”

“The more the merrier.” She stepped into the hallway, heading for her bedroom.

“How’d the meeting go at Police Headquarters?” Violet asked Clay once the two of them were alone.

“I told Chief Howard I’d accept the position with the Missoula P.D., if and when the problem in Chicago is resolved.”

“You haven’t heard anything?”

“Not yet. I thought they’d make their announcement by now. But I do have news that will interest you.”

She slipped her hand into his, eager to hear what he had to say.

“Cameron has been talking to the FBI. Do you remember Lettie’s boyfriend?”

“Brad Meyers. Of course I do.”

“I asked Jackson if he could find out anything about him. Turns out the FBI pulled a guy off the street who knew Brad in Detroit. The guy said alcohol loosened Brad’s tongue one night, and he bragged about killing a high school student and a gal who had been in love with him.”

Tears sprung to Violet’s eyes.

“They haven’t found him yet, but I’m positive once they do, your father’s name will finally be cleared.”

“Thank you,” she whispered, dabbing her eyes and trying to control the overwhelming gratitude that flowed through her. Clay kissed her cheek, which caused her to smile. “What about Cameron? Did he provide anything that could be used against the Martino family?” she asked.

“Not per se, but he did expose the guy who runs most of the prostitution on the South side. It’s not the capo, but this guy’s big enough. Chicago law enforce
ment will be able to clean up at least part of the city. They’re trying to help the women who want a new start in life.”

“That’s good news,” Violet said. “Stu got a call from Jimmy today. He’s improving physically and agreed to long-term psychiatric care.”

Clay squeezed her hand. “I know you worry about him.”

“I feel responsible.”

“Honey, he was obsessed with you. That’s not your fault. It’ll take time, but hopefully, intensive therapy will straighten him out.”

Violet knew Clay was right, but she still worried about Jimmy. There was someone else she worried about, as well. “Did Micah mention Jen Davis?”

“Only that they located a woman who matches her description. She goes by the name of Hannah Shore. They’re keeping her under surveillance.”

“Olivia and Eloise?”

Clay shook his head. “No news yet.”

Before Clay could say anything else, his cell rang. He glanced at the caller’s name and smiled as he flipped it open.

“Hey, Jackson. How’s everything in Chicago?”

Clay’s face grew serious as they talked. Finally, he grinned. “Thanks. Yeah, she’s right here. I’ll put her on.”

Violet took the phone.

“Clay said you came to a decision about the Mafia story,” Jackson said.

“I decided to sit on it. I won’t print anything about the mob or the Martino family or the women who were killed until I hear from you.”

“Thanks, Violet. You’ll get an exclusive when it’s all over,” Jackson said. “I can promise you that.”

“But I would like to write a piece on Gwyn Duncan, if that’s okay. I’ll send you a copy of the story to get your approval before it goes to print.”

“No need to get my approval. I trust your good judgment. Enjoy your dinner tonight, and tell my brother and future sister-in-law I said hello.”

Violet handed the phone back to Clay. He looked like a helium balloon ready to explode.

“Do you have some news to share?” she asked once he had pocketed his cell phone.

“The inquiry voted in my favor. Chicago P.D. learned more from Cameron than they would have in the sting we had planned. Jackson said they found me completely in the clear.”

“Oh, Clay, that’s wonderful.”

“Better than that, it means I can accept the job here in Missoula. You’ll have me underfoot. Bernice will be happy.”

“Having you underfoot is exactly where I want you, too.” Violet laughed. He still had eyes a woman could get lost in, and his aftershave made her heart race. “I called my parents and told them there’s someone I want them to meet.”

“You did?”

“I told them we make a good team.”

“Did you mention we finally learned how to work together?”

Hopefully, her smile didn’t reveal what she’d really told her parents—that she’d found Mr. Right, the man she wanted to team up with for the rest of her life.

A car door slammed, and Violet glanced out the window. Clay stood at her side, his arm around her shoulders. Together they watched Micah open the passenger door and help Jade Summers, a beautiful redhead, as she stepped on to the sidewalk.

Thanks to Bernice’s warm hospitality, Clay and Violet would get to know Jade over dinner tonight. The two couples would visit again tomorrow after church before Micah and Jade drove back to Billings.

As they walked toward the house, Violet turned to face Clay. His arms circled her waist.

“You were right, Clay.”

He raised his brow.

“About the Mafia,” she continued. “You warned me, but I was too…”

“Too Aunt Lettie?” he suggested.

Violet laughed. “My mother is going to love you.”

His mood sobered. “And what about you, Violet? Any chance you could fall in love with a cop from Chicago?”

As much as she enjoyed bantering with words, sometimes actions spoke louder. She wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him even closer.

Their lips met, and everything she’d ever wanted was wrapped in the magic of that moment. Violet didn’t need the big story or the killer headline, God had brought Clay into her life and nothing else mattered. Then just to be sure he got the message, she pulled back ever so slightly.

“Do I love you?” Violet whispered. “The answer is yes.”

Dear Reader,

Thanks for reading
Killer Headline,
the second book in the Protecting the Witnesses continuity series. The series features heroic men and memorable women whose lives are changed because of the Witness Protection Program. In six very special stories, good triumphs over evil, God’s transforming love brings forgiveness and healing and distant hearts are united forever.

In my story, newspaper reporter Violet Kramer learns self-reliance must be tempered with a willingness to accept the help of others. Most especially, she needs to accept God’s help. Officer Clay West sees firsthand how God can bring good from pain and suffering, but he must forgive those who have wronged him in the past before he can fully accept the love of the Lord. If you have trouble accepting help or if you’ve been hurt by others, turn to God, who is the source of all strength.

I’d love to hear from you. E-mail me at [email protected] or write to me c/o Steeple Hill, 233 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10279. To learn about my next Love Inspired Suspense, visit me online at www.DebbyGiusti.com.

May your life be enriched by the books you read.

Wishing you abundant blessings,

1. Violet knows her strength is writing hard-hitting stories, but she’s impetuous and pushes too hard. How does the editor teach Violet patience?
   
2. What is the real reason Violet didn’t land a permanent position on the
   Chicago Gazette?
   What could she have done differently?
   
3. The seeds of faith Eloise planted in Clay so long ago eventually bear fruit. Have you been discouraged when those you love closed their hearts to the Lord? If the seeds you planted seemed to fall on rocky or sandy soil, did you lose heart? What do you need to remember about God’s love and mercy?
   
4. What caused the fight between Clay and Cameron? What did Clay learn about himself? How did the fight affect him?
   
5. Why did Violet go into journalism? What does she hope to accomplish? What does she learn over the course of this story?
   
6. Bernice showers Clay with affirmation and praise. How does he respond? hat can you learn from Bernice’s example?
   
7. Self-reliance is admirable to a certain point. Explain why Violet needs to sometimes accept help from others.
   
8. Was Violet wrong to call in the false fire alarm? Does the end ever justify the means?
   
9. After reading about the father who forgave his daughter’s murderer, Clay reflected on his own life. What conclusions did he come to and whom does he need to forgive?
   
10. How did the pain in Clay’s past affect his life? Do you know someone who has been wounded? How can you reach out to them with love?
    
11. Growing up in Granite Pass, Violet was a loner and felt isolated from her peers. Was it their rejection or the wall she built around herself that closed Violet out?
    
12. Violet has been unsuccessful in finding information about Aunt Lettie’s murder. What does she finally do? Will Violet be able to forgive the killer when he is brought to justice?
    
13. Clay had listened to Eloise in the foster home when she talked about the Lord. What events caused him to turn away from God? Would his life have been different if he had drawn closer to God instead? What had to happen before he could accept the Lord into his life again?
    
14. Does Violet have a close relationship with her father? What brought you to that conclusion?
    
15. The book about the father’s forgiveness touched Clay. Which books have impacted your life? Can God use the written word—even fictional tales—to teach His people? What criteria do you use in choosing a good book to read?