Into Darkness: The Zoey Jane Files

Prologue

He knelt beside the girl as she placed her elbows on the edge of her bed and folded her hands to pray.

Are you certain you want to do this? he queried gently.

The child stared into his eyes and nodded resolutely. Yes, Daddy, I’m sure.

A smile of pride tugged at the corners of his mouth. Then tell Him what is in your heart, Zo. He’s listening.

She bowed her head, auburn curls falling around her face, closed her emerald eyes and began to speak. Dear God, I know I’m a sinner. I know I’ve done wrong in your eyes. Please come into my heart and make me your child. Forgive me for my sins and help me to live for you. In Jesus name, amen.

He leaned over and gently kissed the top of her head. His dark green eyes glistened with tears of joy and pride.

She scrambled to her feet and clambered under the covers. Gently he drew the pixie-strewn comforter up around her chin. Again, he leaned down and kissed her, on the brow.

Good night, my love. Your mommy will be so proud to hear about this when she gets home, he said.

Good night, Daddy, she beamed. Fairies and angels.

Angels by your side and fairies ‘neath your pillow, he chuckled softly and turned off the light. He left the door open a crack, allowing light from the hallway to spill inside.

With that, he made his way down into his office. No sooner had he seated himself at his desk in front of his laptop, than his cell phone rang.

How did it go? asked a sweet feminine voice on the other end.

She did it, he replied, the smile evident in his tone, all by herself. I didn’t need to tell her what to say or anything.

That’s wonderful, dear, she stated. I should be home soon. I’m just getting off the exit now.

All right. I have some work to do before my meeting tomorrow. I’ll be in the office when you get home. I love you.

See you soon. Love you too.

He hung up the phone and set it on the desk beside his laptop. At that, he began reading through the files he had opened and typing up notes.

The screen began to blur. He knuckled his eyes, yawned and looked at the clock. Again, he rubbed his eyes and checked the clock on his laptop to be certain. 12:43am.

He reached for his cell phone. A knock sounded at the door. He could see colored lights through the windows.

Daddy . . . murmured his daughter’s voice from the bottom of the stairs.

She stood there in her dark purple nightgown knuckling her eyes. Her small hand grasped tightly to a large, floppy-eared, stuffed rabbit.

Stay there, Zo, he instructed firmly and hurried to answer the door. Yes, Officer, what is it?

As soon as he opened the door, he knew something was wrong. The look on the man’s face confirmed his suspicions.

I’m sorry, Mr. McGlynn, he began and caught sight of the girl. Could you step outside for a moment?

He glanced at his daughter. Stay here, Zo. I’ll be right back.

She nodded.

He took a step outside and closed the door. What is it?

I’m afraid there’s been an accident, he began. Your wife’s car was struck on the driver’s side as she was turning left at an intersection. A truck driver fell asleep at the wheel. I am so sorry. She was killed on impact.

Dear God, he thought. His head spun. His knees felt like rubber. For a moment, he braced himself against the doorway.

Here is my card, the officer continued, handing him a small business card. I’m going to need you to come down and identify her as soon as you are able.

His whole body felt numb as he nodded and took the card. Yes, of course. I will be by first thing in the morning. Thank you so much, Officer . . .

McKorrey, he replied. Aaron McKorrey. If you need to, we have a very helpful staff of grief counselors.

Thank you, that won’t be necessary, Officer McKorrey, he assured the man.

Aaron extended his hand. God be with you, sir.

He shook the hand offered and nodded. Thank you.

With that, the officer returned to his car, turned off the lights, backed out of the driveway and was gone. He could only stare after him in disbelief. Once the vehicle was out of sight, he opened the front door.

Daddy . . . ventured a little voice behind him. Where’s Mommy?

Oh, Zo, he sighed and swept the child into his arms. Mommy was in a car accident, baby girl. She will not be coming home. She’s in heaven, with Jesus, now.

He stepped inside and closed the door behind himself, locking it securely. His daughter stared intensely up at him as he seated himself on the bench beside the door.

She’s not coming back here, again, ever? she asked quietly.

No, baby, he murmured. She’s not coming home again.

But . . . I thought you said she was in heaven, she persisted.

A faint smile tugged at his lips. You’re right, baby. He held her tight, long after she fell asleep.

*

He watched the polished walnut coffin sink into the ground. Unintentionally, he startled as the first round of the twenty-one gun salute echoed through the cemetery. His gaze fell on his daughter. She stared blankly ahead, her gaze fixed on a point in the distance. She didn’t even flinch at the gunshots.

His sister had flown in from Ohio the day before. She had braided the girl’s hair down her back in a thick, auburn cable. She wore a simple, sleeveless black dress that fell to her knees, black socks and polished black shoes that buckled on the side.

A tiny hand reached up and grasped his. He gave a reassuring squeeze, feeling a slight tremble even through his gloves. He wore a tasteful black suit, a white dress shirt, crimson silk necktie and white gloves. His shoes were polished to a shine the way his daughter’s shone.

He felt the rigid handle of the shovel pressed into his hand. Numbly he dropped the first spade-full onto the lid of her coffin. It fell with the deafening thud of finality. With that, he handed it back to the groundskeeper. He took hold of his daughter’s hand and led her to their car.

She rested her head silently on his shoulder as they rode back to the church. His sister drove, glancing at them frequently.

I’ll stay in town for another week, Sloan, she said at length. I’ll help out with Zoey and settling the rest of your business regarding Megan. James can handle the boys while I’m gone.

He nodded. Thank you, Erica, he said softly. I’m sure Zo will love to have her aunt around. It’s been a while since you were out.

Zoey stared out the window watching the scenery whiz by. Moments later, they turned into the church parking lot and pulled into a space. Erica parked the car and turned off the engine. Sloan reached over and opened the door. Zoey slid out and stepped aside to allow her father to exit. She followed him down into the fellowship hall of the church.

Repeatedly people approached the trio. They extended their deepest condolences. They embraced the three. They offered their services in caring for Zoey once Erica had departed.

Her father accepted their words with a polite smile and sad eyes. He nodded, thanked everyone and shook many hands. During the luncheon, he ate little. Zoey could not help but notice him shoving his food about the plate with his fork as he spoke with the pastor and his sister in quiet voices.

Daddy, may I be excused? she asked softly.

Of course, baby, he replied. Just, stay in the church.

She nodded, took her plate to the garbage and then headed out of the hall. Wordlessly she made her way up the stairs to the church library in the room at the back of the sanctuary. After several minutes, she found what she was looking for. She took the Bible from the shelf and headed upstairs into the teens’ Sunday school room. Quietly she curled up in a corner and opened the Bible.

*

Have you, Zoey Jane McGlynn, accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? her pastor inquired.

Yes, I have, she replied.

Then I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, he stated and submerged her in the tank for a minute.

She opened her eyes as he raised her from the water. Her gaze fixed on a smiling figure standing at the edge of the baptismal tank. The figure was brilliant as the sun, but seemed to be unseen by everyone else in the congregation. As she rubbed the water from her eyes, the figure vanished and she was ushered out of the tank and down the back stairs.

Wrapped in her towel, Zoey shed her wet clothing and changed into clean, dry undergarments in the ladies’ room. She pulled a dark blue sundress over her head and adjusted it about her waist. Lastly, she slipped on her sandals. As she headed out of the ladies’ room, she braided her hair over her shoulder.

Her father met her at the top of the stairs. He wrapped her in his strong embrace.

I’m so proud of you, Zo. Your mother would be too, he praised.

She is, she murmured.

He glanced down at her. A hint of surprise flashed across his features. He gave her a slight nod and they made their way into the sanctuary. They listened to the remainder of the pastor’s sermon.

*

Get her! shouted the three boys and rushed after the auburn-haired girl.

Two were identical twins with short brown hair, bright blue eyes and freckles sprinkled across their cheeks and noses. The taller boy had more red to his brown hair, with dark brown eyes fixed on his target.

She’s the only one left on their team, crowed one of the twins.

Look! She cut Jo loose, the other twin exclaimed.

"We’ll get Z first, and then go after Jo, their older brother instructed. Eugene, Evan, hide over there behind those bushes. I’ll chase her over to you."

All right, Neil, the two answered in unison and hurried to hide.

She dropped from the tree branch nearby and slunk in the direction the twins had run. No sooner had she reached the bushes than Neil tapped her on the shoulder.

With a mischievous smile, she put her hands behind her head interlacing her fingers. Neil searched her and pulled a pocketknife from her left boot, and back right pocket.

"You’re not going to win this time, Z, Eugene gloated. Jo is the easiest person to find."

One of these days you’ll learn, she grinned, as they zip-tied her to the pole to which Killian was bound.

At that, the trio rushed off. She dipped her head down and pulled a switchblade from her bra strap. She turned her head and dropped it over her shoulder.

What are you doing, Z? Killian asked.

I’ve got their flag hidden in a slick in old Mrs. Nelson’s oak tree, she instructed. I’ll keep them busy while you get it and bring it back here.

I don’t know how you do it, Z, he murmured.

She gave a soft chuckle. "We’ve been doing this for the last three summers, now. You still haven’t gotten it. I’m free."

Oh, no, he responded. I got it two summers ago when you and the squirrels went to war. I just . . . never mind.

His bonds came loose with little effort. At that, the pair ran in separate directions. Zoey sprinted past the three brothers. She whooped her challenge and ran faster. With a shout of frustration and dismay, the boys pursued her.

She led them on a chase through the neighborhood. As she passed by their base, she caught sight of Killian waving their flag. Zoey skidded to a stop as she saw Josephine trotting toward him.

Eugene, Evan and Neil ran into her. The four collapsed into a heap. Zoey’s victorious laughter could be heard from beneath the three boys.

Killian hurried over. He took firm hold of her free hand and pulled her to her feet. He lifted her up and swung her around. As he set her down, he enfolded her in his strong embrace. Already six inches taller, his dark brown eyes smiled down at her from behind shaggy brown bangs in need of a trim.

Masterful planning, as always, he praised.

Feeling color rise in her cheeks, Zoey stepped back and smiled. Masterful teamwork, as always.

Josephine rushed in and flung her arms around the pair. Of course, you couldn’t have done it without me, she chirped.

Of course, Zoey laughed and turned to the trio. I believe you owe us a trip to the Tast-E Freeze?

*

I’m serious, Daddy, she said firmly.

But, Zo . . . he began to protest.

No, she interrupted. Absolutely not. This is my Senior Prom. It’s Killian Murphy. I have known him most of my life. He knows better than to try anything stupid. Besides, I can handle myself better than most of your operations officers. You have been training me to handle myself since Mom passed away. If there’s anyone you should worry about, it’s Killian.

He chuckled softly. You’re right, Zo. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean I’m not going to worry about you. I’m your father, after all.

Look at it this way, Daddy: after tonight, we’ll know for certain whether he was telling the truth, or not, she offered.

He gave her a look of bewilderment. What . . .

"If he tries anything hinkey, we’ll know he isn’t sincere about his intentions and you don’t have to worry about him asking for my hand someday, she grinned. And I have my pepper spray in my clutch as well as my taser."

I really have trained you well, he quipped.

I don’t want to see any ear-pieces either, Daddy, she stated. I mean it.

He opened his mouth to protest. Her expression silenced him. He held up his hands in surrender and chuckled heartily.

I’m leaving for basic training in one month, Daddy. You don’t really want me practicing on your newest officers . . . do you? she persisted.

A knock sounded at the door. With a silent sigh of relief, he hurried to answer it. The young man stood head and shoulders taller than Zoey with close-cropped brown hair, freckles and smiling dark brown eyes. He wore a black tuxedo with a sapphire cumber bun and matching bowtie. It complimented Zoey’s sheath dress and heels perfectly. In a slightly trembling hand, he held a wrist corsage composed of a single crimson rose and sprig of baby’s breath. Carefully, he slid it onto her right wrist and offered her his arm.

Wait, Sloan announced and retrieved his camera. I want a few pictures. Smile nicely, please.

He placed a hand around her waist, holding her close. She smiled at her father. Sloan snapped several photographs.

Perfect. Thank you, he beamed. Now off you go. Have a good time.

Zoey stopped in the doorway and turned back to her father. I’m serious about this, Daddy. You don’t really want to see if I can handle myself in formal attire.

He chuckled and waved. She closed the door behind them and allowed Killian to lead her down the sidewalk to his car.

Killian opened the door to his fire engine red 1969 Dodge Challenger. She nodded her gratitude and slid into the seat. She fastened her seatbelt as he closed the door and hurried around to the driver’s seat. He put the vehicle into gear and roared off down the street.

*

Don’t worry, Daddy, she murmured. I’ll be back before you know it.

He held her close in a strong embrace. I know. But, that doesn’t stop me from worrying about you. This is the real thing, now, after all.

She took a step back and studied him carefully. Daddy . . . you said so yourself: I’m already better trained than most of the officers there.

He gave her a stern look. That doesn’t mean you should flaunt it. I taught you humility too remember. You would do well to keep that in the forefront of your thoughts.

Zoey sighed softly. Yes, sir, I know. I’ll do my best to be respectful and remember everything you taught me.

With that, she turned and made her way to the boarding gate. One last wave goodbye and she disappeared down the corridor to the plane.

Chapter One

This is ridiculous and you know it, she exclaimed. I lost two good men out there because I wasn’t there with them."

You know exactly why you were put in charge, he retorted.

She gave her head a furious shake. No! This isn’t right.

Whether it is or not, it’s the decision that was made, he persisted.

It’s not the first time, either, she added, and I have a feeling it won’t be the last. So . . . consider this my official resignation.

She dropped the file into his hands and spun on her heels. Everyone who had been watching from nearby offices and down the hall scattered and rushed to go about their business. Wordlessly, she entered the elevator and punched the button for the lobby. The doors slid silently shut and she collapsed against the back wall. She covered her face with her hands and wept. As she neared her destination, she wiped her face with her jacket sleeve. She rolled her shoulders back and stood tall. She strode from the elevator and through the front door. Once in her vehicle she wept aloud.

What do I do now, God? she exclaimed, tears streaming down her cheeks. They were my men, my friends. What do I tell their families?

For several minutes, she sat with her head against the steering wheel, poured out her heart to God and sobbed. At last, a peace washed over her. She gave a soft sigh, adjusted herself, wiped off her cheeks and turned over the engine of her dark blue 1969 Ford Mustang. With that, she drove out of the parking garage and headed down the street.

Andrew’s sister lives right near the strip, she told herself. That is closer than Taylor’s house. Besides, I am going to need extra time with Melissa.

Resolving herself to the task ahead, she drove down the street. Sooner than she expected, she reached the apartment building. She rode the elevator, praying all the way to the sixth floor. Her gentle knock brought a perky blonde to answer.

Can I help you? the young woman inquired.

Are you Kimberly Muck? she replied.

Yes . . .

May I come in? I need to speak with you about your brother, Andrew, she began.

The young woman turned ashen and collapsed to her knees where she stood. Oh, God, no, she managed.

I’m so sorry, Zoey offered, and helped her to the sofa. He was breeching the front entrance to the home of a very dangerous criminal when he tripped a wire trap. He and another of my men were killed instantly.

"So you are Agent Zoey McGlynn," she managed through her tears.

Yes, I am. I was your brother’s training officer, Zoey replied.

Kimberly threw her arms around Zoey’s neck and sobbed into her shoulder. Thank you, so much.

Bewildered, she could do little more than console the younger woman. She prayed silently for God to give her answers to any questions Kimberly might have. Questions for which she would be able to give answers.

He spoke of you often, Kimberly explained at length. He had the utmost respect for you.

Zoey felt color rise in her cheeks. He was a good kid. A fast learner.

You will be attending his funeral, won’t you? Kimberly persisted.

Zoey nodded. Of course I will. I am here to help in any way I can. His body will be stateside tomorrow afternoon.

Kimberly nodded and sat back against the sofa. I wish all his training officers had been as kind and understanding as you are.

Ah, well, I’m not always this kind or understanding, she murmured. I do what must be done to accomplish the mission. But, when I’m off the clock, I’m just a regular woman like every other.

Except for the fact that you could probably kill anyone who bothered you fifteen different ways without thinking about it, Kimberly giggled.

Her color deepened. It comes with the territory.

The younger woman rose to her feet. Would you like some coffee or tea?

Zoey rose as well. Thank you, but I’m afraid I can’t stay much longer. I still have one more home to which I must deliver bad news.

Kimberly nodded. I understand.

She reached into her back pocket and took out her wallet. She withdrew a business card and handed it to the younger woman.

This is my cell number. You can reach me anytime, day or night, for any reason whatsoever, Zoey explained. And, I am truly sorry for your loss.

She nodded and followed Zoey to the door. It clicked closed softly behind her.

Zoey made her way back to the elevator and hit the button for the lobby. Thank you, God, she breathed.

As she climbed back into her car, she resolved herself for the more daunting task that lay ahead. She had known Taylor and Melissa Getty for nearly three years. They had just gotten pregnant. Now Melissa would have to raise her child without a father.

Her stomach knotted as she drove down the street. It tightened as she drew ever closer to the little gray house in the suburbs. She whispered one last prayer as she raised her hand to ring the doorbell. The light blue door swung open as her hand fell to her side.

The petite brunette’s face dropped as her gaze fell on Zoey. Her eyes grew bright with tears. She motioned Zoey inside and closed the door behind her. The floodgates opened. Melissa sobbed uncontrollably as she flung her arms around the smaller woman’s neck.

I am so sorry, Melissa, she managed. This is all my fault. If I had been there with the kid he would never have tripped the wire and Taylor would be standing here instead.

Melissa stopped crying and looked down into Zoey’s emerald eyes. Were your orders to be there?

Zoey shook her head. No. I was ordered to run the operation.

Then it wasn’t your fault, she said firmly. Taylor and I knew what he was getting into when he took this job. This was supposed to be his last operation. He was being transferred to the offices when he got back. The only person responsible is the monster who set the trap in the first place.

For a moment, Zoey was dumbfounded at the older woman’s response. She had not expected this reaction.

You shouldn’t be so surprised, Z, Melissa chided gently and guided her into the dining room. We’ve known you for a few years now. We know who the higher-ups are, in this branch. Taylor and I never held anything against you. Both of you were following orders, trying to make our world a safer place. Do not beat yourself up over it. He died a hero.

A single tear slid past Zoey’s defenses and trickled down her cheek. She accepted a cup of coffee with a grateful nod.

Did you catch him? Melissa inquired.

Zoey nodded. Yeah, we got him. All . . . got him. Taylor’s body will be coming home tomorrow. I’ll be there with you and Kimberly. I’ll help in any way I’m able.

Melissa placed a gentle hand atop hers. You’ve always been such a good friend to us. I’ll make sure to call you if I need anything.

I quit, Melissa, Zoey blurted out and set her cup on its saucer on the coffee table. I left the Agency.

What?! Disbelief was evident in her tone.

I can’t do this anymore, Zoey stated. I can’t let my men die because my father is afraid to see me get hurt. It doesn’t matter that I’m better-trained and more suited for fieldwork. They’ve had me running these operations for nearly six months and I’ve lost four good men as a result.

But . . . what will you do now? Melissa queried. "How will you