Debby Giusti - MIA - Missing In Atlanta

“Yo, Brian, my man. What’s up?” The big guy high-fived the cop.

“Another john. Claims he was merely talking.”

The newcomer eyed Jude. “What are you doing, boy? I told you we work outta the van. Last thing you want is to scare off the ladies.”

Jude gave the guy a long, hard look. Who was he?

The officer cocked his brow. “This dude one of yours?”

“A little too zealous, but his heart’s in the right place.”

“He gave money to a young girl,” the cop explained. “She ran off before I could talk to her.”

The black man chuckled. “Now, Jude, how many times I tell you get ’em off the street before you go giving them handouts.”

Okay. Jude shrugged. He’d play along. The last thing he needed was a solicitation charge on his military record. “I was trying to help.”

“I hear ya. But right now, we need you back at the house.” The newcomer looked at the cop. “You mind undoing the cuffs?”

He hesitated.

“Come on, Brian,” said the big man. “My brother always said you were a good man.”

“Not as good as he was.” The officer sighed, then slapped Jude’s shoulder. “Sorry, buddy. Guess I jumped to the wrong conclusion.”

“No harm done.” Jude rubbed his wrists, at last free of the metal restraints. Close call, to say the least.

“Let’s go.” The big guy motioned him toward the van.

On the opposite side of the street, Jude stopped short. “Look, I appreciate your help, but—”

His rescuer eyed the cop, who had paused before getting into his squad car.

“Best get in the van or Brian’ll think I’m a lying skunk. I can drop you at the next corner, if you like.”

Jude glanced across the street. The police officer stared back at him.

Didn’t take long to weigh his options. Jude stepped toward the van. Sliding open the side-panel door, he stared into the same green eyes he’d met earlier today.

“Sarah?”

“Get in,” she said between clenched teeth.

Jude hoisted himself onto the rear bench, surprise written on his face.

She scooted over, giving him more room. “Don’t hand money to anyone on the street.”

His eyes narrowed. “Thanks for the advice. Like I told the cop, I was just trying to help.”

“Which you weren’t. That isn’t what the girl needs. Every guy who wants her for an hour gives her money that ends up in the hands of her pimp. You’ve got to convince her to get off the street. Next time try a little Christian compassion.”

Jude shook his head. “That’s not my area of expertise.”

Sarah’s heart softened. “Look at it this way, Jude, there are rules out here on the street, just like in the military. You could get a girl killed by interfering.”

“What about you?” he shot back.

“I get them off the street. Away from this area, the rules change. They’re safe at the shelter.”

“Until they run back again.”

“You got that right.” The driver turned and extended his hand to Jude. “Name’s Benjamin Ulysses Lejeune. Folks call me Bull.”

“Right time, right place. Thanks.”

“Brian’s a good cop. Just a little quick with the cuffs. Best way to stay out of trouble is to try not to attract attention.”

“I’ll remember that.”

Bull shifted his focus back to the street and turned the key in the ignition. “Where’d you park your car?”

“Next to an all-night doughnut shop, five blocks west of here.”

Bull eased the van into the flow of traffic. Picking up his cell off the console, he punched in a number.

“Antwahn, my man. How goes it?” Bull chuckled. “I hear ya. Listen, I need a favor.” He paused. “Friend of mine left his wheels in the parking lot across from your place.”

Bull glanced back at Jude. “Make? Model?”

“Red Toyota Tundra.”

Bull relayed the information. “Got that, Antwahn? My friend would appreciate no misfortune befalling his vehicle until we get over there.” Bull chuckled again, this time a low rumble that carried more threat than humor before he slapped the cell shut.

Sarah adjusted her seat belt and glanced out the front window, still mad at herself for sending Jude on a wild-goose chase that could have gotten him in serious trouble.

The captain might be able to handle himself in combat, but life on the street was a different matter. Besides, she’d bet his commanding officer wouldn’t have appreciated a call from Atlanta Vice.

Neon lights advertising forbidden pleasure flashed in the night. Sarah blinked at their perverse glare. Up ahead something caught her eye. She crooked her neck as a familiar face came into focus.

Tapping Bull’s shoulder, she said, “Isn’t that Keesha’s friend?”

“Velvet jacket and leather miniskirt? Yeah, that’s her.”

“Pull over.” Sarah slid the panel door open as the van stopped.

The girl on the street turned wary eyes toward Sarah.

“Brittany, you must be hungry, working this late in the cold. We’ve got food back at Hope House.”

The girl shook her head. “Don’t you ask me to come back to the house with you, Ms. Sarah.”

“I bet you haven’t eaten all day.”

“Damian’s gonna take me out for a steak dinner once I finish up tonight.”

“Uh-huh.” Sarah stepped onto the sidewalk and walked slowly toward the girl. “Keesha said she misses you.”

The girl’s face clouded. “Keesha still with you?”

“She’s taking classes at Georgia State and earning money by helping out around the house.”

“Don’t tell her you saw me.”

“One night, Brittany. A hot shower. A good meal. A bed of your own. Then you can decide what you want.”

The girl’s bottom lip quivered. “Damian said he’d kill me next time I go with you.”

Sarah pointed to the van. “You know Bull won’t let Damian hurt you.”

The girl peered around Sarah’s shoulder. “Who’s the other guy? A cop?”

Sarah turned. “He’s a new volunteer.”

“Don’t look like he belong around here.”

Sarah studied Jude for a long moment. “Maybe not. But he’s trying.”

Jude started to say something. Sarah flashed him a look she hoped he understood. Keep your mouth shut.

Wrapping her arm around the girl, Sarah gently ushered her toward the van. “Jude, you move up with Bull.”

Without a word of protest, he hopped out of the van.

“Good to see you again, Brittany,” Bull said as she and Brittany climbed into the rear.

Jude tugged the panel door shut, then slid into the front passenger seat.

At the next intersection, Bull made a U-turn. “Hope you don’t mind, Jude, my man, but I’m gonna take the ladies back to the house. Once Brittany’s settled in, I’ll drive you to your vehicle.”

In the rear, Sarah patted Brittany’s arm. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

Hopefully, her words would prove true.

Sarah sighed, tired of the pain she saw in the eyes of the kids she pulled off the street. She knew all too well the heavy baggage some children had to carry. Brittany had more than her fair share.

Sarah thought of her own life. A mother who ran through men like water through a sieve. Always searching for love.

Somehow Sarah had never filled those holes, no matter how hard she’d tried. Eventually, she’d realized her mother didn’t need her or want her. A hard reality for a child to accept.

And what about the guy sitting in front of her? He’d be on his way soon enough. Having him underfoot reminded her of a promise she’d made to herself.

Never get involved with men.

When the van pulled to a stop behind the three-story brick house on Rosemont Avenue, Jude hopped out and opened the side panel for the women. Sarah held Brittany’s arm and ushered her toward the back door, the porch light shining a circle of welcome in the otherwise desolate night.