Page 93 of Protect My Heart

Excitement jingled throughout Jim’s body. Doc’s hand clamped around his forearm. “Could it be?”

“Yeah, but I’m calling in backup before we go. Two of your father’s old army buddies already tried to kill you over this journal. I’m not taking any chances.”

Twenty minutes later, Jim, Doc, and her parents stood outside the old brick building he’d driven by a thousand times. Taking in a large breath, Jim pulled open the door for Doc. Inside, CJ and Officer Larson waited for them.

Larson tucked a slip of paper in her pocket. Jim raised a brow.

“It’s nothing.” At his continued stare she said, “They have an apartment for rent upstairs. I grabbed the contact info.”

He nodded. CJ motioned to the back office. “I’m told the owner is in.”

“Larson, you stay here with Doc and her parents.” Jim started for the back.

“No. It’s my father’s key. I’m coming.” She muscled by him.

CJ snickered. “She told you.”

His hand rested on his gun as he and CJ followed her. Her knock was soft but the man behind the desk lifted his head. If he hadn’t already known, Jim would have pegged him as ex-military by the greying high-and-tight buzz cut. “Yes.”

“Mister Hanlin, I’m Elizabeth Garcia.”

Jim shifted his stance to the ready as Doc closed the distance with the old man.

“You’re Patty’s girl. Dang, you look just like your mama.” His eyes brightened and he extended his hand. “Call me Butch.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Doc’s smile radiated sincerity.

“I’ve been trying to track you down. I bet you’re here for the package.”

She locked gazes with Jim for a moment and conveyed her joy before schooling her features. “Patty sent you a package?”

“Yes, with a note to find you. This came about a month ago.” He bent to retrieve something and all three officers tensed.

He handed the padded envelope to her. Doc’s fingers shook as she tried to tear it open. Butch reached in his pocket and pulled out a knife. Jim and CJ both drew their weapons.

“Easy, boys. The lady’s having trouble with the package.” He flipped the handle out and offered it to her.

CJ dropped his weapon first. “Sorry, two of Patty’s army buddies have already tried to kill her this week.”

Shock flashed on Butch’s face, quickly replaced with anger. “That’s just… I can’t believe...” He huffed. “I’m sorry to hear my brothers-in-arms would do such a thing.”

Doc nodded and took the knife. She slit the top of the envelope and tipped it upside down. Letters slid out. Dozens, all addressed to her. No journal.

She raised her eyes to Jim. He could see the mix of emotions on her face. She flipped through the bundle of envelopes. None of them had postage. He never sent them.

“In the letter that was attached to the top, he asked that I track you down and send these to you. Patty wrote you letters every month.”

“Thank you.” Her voice cracked as she slipped the letters back into the large package.

Jim pulled the key out of his pocket. “Butch, do you have lockers that would fit this key?”

The other man reached out and took it. “Yeah, I don’t use them anymore, but I still have a row of them in the back room.”

They all followed him to the locker room. Most of the lockers were new with padlocks on them. But on the back wall was a bank of ten old metal lockers with keyed locks. He brought the key up to read the worn numbers. He moved to the end one and slipped the key in the lock.

“I didn’t realize Patty still had this. I put the newer lockers in…” He scratched his jaw and stepped back. “It has to be fifteen years ago now.”

Jim stepped up behind Doc and rubbed her arms to stop her trembling. Leaning down, he whispered in her ear. “This is it. Open it, Doc.”