Chapter 1

Prologue

Her heart pounded so fast she thought it was going to jump out of her chest like a lion taking down its helpless prey. At thirteen years old, she heard the police informing her dad that her mom was dead, potentially because of a drunk driver. She didn’t even know what drunk driving was. She stood next to her dad, wide-eyed and paralyzed, as he embraced her. She could smell the shoe polish and leather of his work shoes on his hands. Polishing his shoes was his nightly ritual after dinner. But tonight was different. Mom was late coming home. She was at a meeting, so he cooked dinner. The officer awkwardly handed her a teddy bear while the other updated her father on what had happened. Unforeseen tragedy had struck, defying all expectations. Particularly distressing was the fact that her dad was the police chief.

The sound of a cabinet drawer slamming brought Noble back to the present. Standing outside the door, Noble took a deep breath and another moment to gather herself. In any tragic event, she knew it was her job to make every victim know she was there for them, no matter their age. She didn’t want anyone to feel like she had that night many years ago. Her job was to help them overcome their trauma and offer any help they might need. Remember, Noble, help this young victim as that officer helped you back when you were thirteen. At the time, Noble knew they usually gave teddy bears to small children, but that they gave her one, was something she would never forget. Or the officer who gave it to her. She still had it in a box in her garage.

Before entering the quiet room, she knocked. The room earned its name because it was where they brought and interviewed young victims. It had stuffed animals, coloring books, dolls, and puzzles. These items assisted officers and detectives in helping young victims feel comfortable enough to talk about what had happened to them. Noble used her personal experience and the training she had received from the department to build a special bond with all the young victims she’d encountered throughout her career. She had the uncanny ability to connect with them—on their level and with their permission.

Noble made eye contact with the woman she assumed was the mother who stared back at her, eyes wide open, biting her lower lip as though it was her last grip on sanity. Noble glanced at the girl who was holding a pencil hard enough to turn the edges of her fingers white. She observed the girl slowly pick at the eraser, watching intently as each pink scrap fell to the floor around her feet. Noble sat carefully beside her. Her mother finally seemed to soften, giving her a slight smile.

“Hey,” she greeted. “My name is Noble Gentry.” The girl lifted her head, her tired, pale blue eyes finally meeting Noble’s. “Most people know me as Noble, or Gentry as my boss calls me. I’m the detective who got assigned to your case.”

The girl seemed to consider that momentarily, then kicked at a piece of eraser with her foot before she answered. “What kind of name is Noble?”

Noble kept her eyes on the girl sensing her mother stiffening behind her. Her voice was tight and low as she corrected her daughter.

“Jessie Alexandria Williams.”

The girl instantly lowered her eyes and nodded. “Sorry, I think it’s neat, but I’ve never heard it used for someone’s name.”

Noble smiled as the first hint of connection flashed between them. “That’s okay. I get that reaction a lot.”

“How did your parents come up with that name?” Jessie’s eyes locked onto Noble’s. “Is that what your friends call you?”

“That was my mom’s last name before she married my dad. He liked it because it represented someone honorable. Do you know what that means?”

“Yeah.” Jessie nodded as she slid the tattered pencil into her pocket. “Everybody does.”

“Well, since he was a police officer, my mom and dad thought it would fit me. And that’s how I got my name.” She paused, waiting until Jessie met her eyes again before Noble dropped her voice to a whisper. “My dad sometimes calls me by my entire name. But that’s only when I’m in trouble.”

Jessie chuckled for a moment before whispering back. “My mom still uses my entire name when I’m in trouble, too. I think it’s a parent thing. And I have one friend who calls me Jess.”

“So, our parents do the same thing when you and I get into trouble.”

“I didn’t want him to do those things to me.” Tears streamed down her face like water cascading over falls. Jessie stood, walked over to the corner of the room, placed her back against the wall, and slid to the ground.

“I know you didn’t. No one wants those things done to them without their permission,” Noble stated as she walked over to Jessie, grabbing a box of tissues from the table, and sat next to her.

“Why did he do this to me?” Tears pooled in her eyes again, then spilled over. “He’s supposed to be my music teacher.” Jessie sobbed, grabbing a tissue to dab the tears streaming down her cheeks.

“I wish I had an answer for you, Jessie. Let me assure you, I won’t lie. We may never truly know why your teacher did what he did. I can let you know I will be here for you each step through the investigation and court process to ensure he’s accountable for what he did to you. If you ever need anything, here is my business card. If you need to talk, call me. You’ve nothing to be ashamed of. Remember, no person can ever take away your pain, but please don’t let him or any other person take away your happiness.”

“Thank you for being honest with me. Most people treat me like I’m still five when I’m almost thirteen.”

“Sometimes people don’t know what to say or how to act. They don’t want to see you in any more pain, but they don’t know how to convey their feelings for fear of hurting you further. Are you okay with going over the incident with me again? If you’re not ready, we can try again tomorrow. I know this is hard, but I want to make sure your former music teacher is accountable for what he did to you.”

“We can do it today. Can my mom stay here with me? And if I need a break, can I have one?”

“Absolutely! I don’t want to put any undue strain on you. Why don’t you tell me again what happened, exactly how you remember it—not what you think I might want to hear, but the truth. I might ask additional questions, but we will take a break whenever you need it.” Noble put her hand out in front of Jessie.

“Deal.” She grasped Noble’s hand and completed the shake.

“You ready to get off the floor and go to work?”

“Yes. I’m ready. Thanks again for telling me how it is and not treating me like a baby,” Jessie replied, propelling herself up.

“How about if an officer takes you to the vending machine for a drink and a snack before we start? And Jessie, I’ll always level with you.” She opened the door and motioned the officer over. “This is Officer Whitmore, and she’ll be your escort. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

“Thank you for how you are with my daughter, Detective Gentry. The generosity you’ve shown her means the world to me,” Jessie’s mother responded as a host of emotions crisscrossed her face. “I’m ashamed that I allowed this to happen to my daughter. I feel like a failure as a parent. But I hope you can send that bastard away for a long time.”

“Mrs. Williams, most people don’t know what you or Jessie are going through. I’ll be here each step of the way. And that includes periodically checking in on you after Jessie’s case is over.” Noble placed her hand on Mrs. William’s shoulder, gently squeezing. “Know how deeply sorry I am that this terrible crime happened to her.”

“That means a lot, Detective Gentry. I’m at a loss on why he chose my daughter. He even professed his love for her, but never again will my naivety overshadow my gut instinct.”

“Mrs. Williams, you did nothing wrong. What he did to Jessie is not your fault.”

“Maybe I could have done something different, especially after calling the police. You know, he called me from jail and apologized for what he did to her. Sick bastard,” she uttered as the jetted air whizzed through the crack in her tight lips.

“You’re not to blame for his despicable actions. He crossed a line in what he did to Jessie and broke the law. No person deserves what he did to her. You might be unsure of the future, but please believe Jessie should be number one on your important list. He took away her worth, privacy, energy, time, intimacy, confidence, and even her own voice until today.” Noble’s eyes blazed with fury.

“Jessie is and will always be a priority in my life, Detective.”

“I never doubted you. Jessie’s found her voice, who she was, and no one can take that from her. She’s a survivor, and with your help, you both will hold your heads high.” Noble’s clenched jaw emphasized her point.

“I’m sorry for being short, Detective. Thank you for everything.”

The door suddenly opened, and in walked Jessie and Officer Whitmore—hands full of drinks and snacks.

“Officer Whitmore helped me get these for all of us.”

“Are you ready to begin, Jessie?” Noble asked.

“Yes, but first, can you tell me what your friends call you? You know, your nickname?” Jessie inquired.

“Okay, but besides those friends, you and your mom will be the only people who know. I have one friend who calls me Nag since my middle name starts with an A, and the other childhood friend calls me Aaron. And before you ask, I’m named after my dad’s best friend. It happens to be a man. That’s why it’s Aaron and not Erin, like most girls with that name.”

“That’s cool. As you heard from my mom earlier, my middle name starts with A, too. Thank you for telling me, Noble.”

Noble knew she sounded like a broken record telling a victim she’d always level with them, but it was true. The best way to build a bond with a kid, much less a teenager, was to tell it like it was. If Noble held back anything and they found out, any trust she had gained would be gone.

“Okay, Jessie? Can you tell me about Monday, July 15, 2018? Start at the beginning, so when you first got up…”

Chapter One

Noble leaned against the door, turning the deadbolt with a sigh. She was exhausted from a grueling twelve-hour surveillance and needed sleep. Food had slipped her mind, so Noble made her way to the refrigerator, only to discover it nearly empty, except for pickles, a few cheese slices, and a half gallon carton of expired milk. “Fuck it,” she growled and grabbed a half full bottle of water.

After washing down a dose of sleep aids, Noble stripped and stumbled to her bed, foregoing sleep clothes and climbing beneath the covers. Her body relaxed into the soft mattress, but her mind remained restless, filled with images of the suspect they had been tirelessly pursuing for days. He was a repeat offender who would be facing a life sentence when convicted. Noble and her partner had built a solid case against him and all they lacked was apprehending him.

When her brain finally switched off an hour later, she drifted off to sleep. It wasn’t unusual for Noble to dream, but when her energy was depleted, a persistent nightmare always haunted her.

Noble was driving recklessly on her way to assist Diana on a call the night she was murdered. Her mind replayed different versions of that night, and this one was exceptionally brutal. Noble saw the cruel grin on the suspect’s face as he hotwired a vehicle. He could have easily turned left and escaped without a trace. Instead, she watched as he veered right, driving towards a figure who was searching through parked vehicles with a flashlight. She witnessed in horror as he approached, struck the woman, and fled the scene. Noble’s voice in the dream was always frozen preventing her from calling out a warning. When her ability to speak returned, she screamed out “Diana,” jolting herself awake, drenched in sweat and gasping for breath. No one knew the exact circumstances of Diana’s death, and Noble’s guilt and grief wreaked havoc in her dreams.

Noble looked at the alarm clock on the bedside table. It was five in the morning. Realizing there was no chance of falling back asleep, she got out of bed to shower, dress, and prepare for another shift.

†

Noble was the kind of detective who made it a point to keep track of previous victims, checking on their healing process, and offering her support. Jessie Williams was one of those previous cases that left an imprint on Noble. Finding time in her day for a visit, Noble knocked on the front door of the Williams’ house.

“Who is it?” a female voice asked behind the door.

“Detective Noble Gentry.” She lifted her badge to the peephole; she knew the routine after doing it many times over the last year.

The door slowly opened, the sun illuminating an outline of a woman’s body—not Jessie and not Mrs. Williams. The woman appeared to be in her thirties, with intense blue eyes seeming to penetrate her soul, leaving Noble unable to look away. They were beautiful sapphire-colored eyes that looked as precious as the stone itself.

“I’m here to see Jessie. May I come in and talk to her?” Not sure who this woman was, Noble put her head to one side in a questioning manner.

“Yes, please do. My name is Charlie Matthews, and I’m a friend of Jessie’s mom, Janet.”

Noble entered the entryway and checked her watch, pausing for a sign from this woman on where she should wait. Noble heard the door close and lock, and turned her attention back to the woman—blonde hair, about 5’7” or 5’8”, dressed casually in jeans and a T-shirt.

“Please, come in and have a seat. Can I get you some coffee or water?”

“No, thank you, I’m good.”

“How about a beer? You look like one might help you relax a little.” Charlie’s eyebrows collided in the center above her nose.

“Sorry, still on the clock, so I will pass on the beer.” Noble pinned her crossed arms over her chest as her eyes shot this woman a narrow look, her face rumpling with annoyance. “Although you’re right, it’s been a long day.”

“That’s good to know, that you take your job seriously. Even though it looks like you’re having a rough day.”

“What makes you think that?” Noble countered, her jaw slamming shut and hardening.

“Well, can I be frank?” Charlie asked.

“Doesn’t seem like I can stop you, so please be frank.”

“You look like you haven’t slept in a week and have been put through the wringer. Your top’s wrinkled, and your hair is everywhere.”

“Great observation skills. I’ve been awake all night on surveillance, so yes, tired is correct. As for my top having wrinkles, I wore my bulletproof vest over it. So far, you’re right on two of the three,” Noble answered. “And for the last, my hair might be all over the place, but since you’re the only one here who can see it, I’ll have to take you at your word.” Noble closed her eyes and quietly counted to ten.

“Good to know you’re diligent in your job and wear your vest. Now for your hair. Let me help you fix it before Jessie and her mom arrive.” Charlie stepped over and slowly raised her hand to fix the hair sticking out.

But before her hand connected with the stubborn hair, Noble stepped back and said, “If you’ll excuse me.” She marched to the restroom. “I’ll see what I can do myself. Be right back.”

†

Charlie laughed as she watched Noble retreat to the bathroom. I wonder if she knows how cute she is when she’s nervous. She doesn’t like people in her space and is unsure how to deal with “frank” women.

“Okay, it’s fixed as well as it can be in the circumstances. Did they say about what time they’d be home?” Noble asked as she sauntered back into the room.

“Jessie and her mom should be back here in about fifteen minutes. Jessie had her therapy session today, and the doctor was running a little behind. So, is Noble your actual name? It’s different. Did you get teased much about being a Noble Knight growing up?”

“Well, good to know. They’ll be here shortly. Yes, Noble is my actual name. And yes, it’s different. No one teased me because of my first name.”

“Do you come and check on all your victims from your cases? If not, why are you checking in on Jessie?”

“Checking in on people I’ve had cases with helps me gauge if they’re living their lives as intended before a horrific incident derailed them. What better way to make sure they haven’t lost their way through no fault of their own than to check on them, whether it’s a phone call or an in-person visit?”

“Above and beyond the call of duty, but I can surely respect that.”

“That’s me, always going the extra mile. And I have no problem with a friend of the family being protective, even if it’s with a cop. It’s always great when you’ve got people in your life that will be there for you, regardless.”

†

Man, I hope Jessie gets here soon, or I will get up and leave. The sound of the deadbolt turning and the creaking of the door opening brought Noble to her feet. Thank god they’re here. Now, I know how an insect under a microscope in science class feels. Who the hell is this chick, and why all the questions? She was talking about my appearance and trying to get into my space. Pretty bold after only meeting me today. I’ll give her that.

“I’m so sorry we were late, Nag…I mean Detective Gentry,” Jessie yelled from the doorway, forgetting the joke that was between just the two of them.

Before Noble could answer, Jessie appeared in the living room.

“I assume you want to check on me and my life.” Jessie sat on the couch next to Noble, who was standing.

“If you’ll excuse me, you two can get on with your conversation. Unless you want your mom or me in here with you, Jessie.”

“No, we’re fine, just the two of us. Detective Gentry and I go back since the beginning of my case.”

“Have a nice evening, Detective. Take care of yourself and get some sleep.”

“Thank you, Ms. Matthews. You do as well. And I will take your critique under advisement.”

“Charlie, my mom is in the kitchen. She said to go in there so you two can catch up.”

†

Charlie waited around the corner and listened to Jessie and Noble’s conversation. That detective was a tough nut to crack, but she was good to look at. Her face was kind but had a tired look with the all too familiar bags and dark circles forming. Her eyes still reminded Charlie of green pine needles poking her for attention as they swayed in the wind. She was trying to figure out if she had made Noble angry with her frankness.

†

“Where were we? Yes, on an update, what did we agree on? You wouldn’t be calling me Detective Gentry? Remember, we’ve worked together on your case for the last year, so please call me Noble, or Nag if no one else is around.”

“Sorry, I keep forgetting. We did role-play during our therapy session today with some other survivors from the group. It felt good to scream and say that the damage he inflicted on me was done. No one could undo it. All of us in the group have a choice from now on. We can let this ruin us, or we can face it directly, in our own way, and move on. None of us will ever forget these traumatic events in our lives, but we won’t let them define us,” Jessie declared, her shoulders back, chest out, and chin high.

“The therapist believes we’re all moving in the right direction and might not need therapy for much longer. Although, she says, we can continue the group therapy for as long as we want. She feels that we’re all just about healing at the same pace and can continue to maintain our friendships outside of therapy,” Jessie finished, looking Noble directly in the eyes.

“That’s understandable and great news. Sometimes, people don’t know the level of their actions until they’re held accountable for them. Tell me what you’ve been doing these last couple of months. Are you returning to the same school for summer school, or will you take a summer off?”

“It might be best to take a break and start back in the fall. That way, I can have more time with my mom and work my way back to being comfortable outside my house alone without her.” Jessie smiled when Noble’s hands covered hers.

“Okay, that’s great. I’ll check back with you before school starts to make sure you’re still doing okay. You remind me of myself when I was younger. Tough on the outside but sensitive on the inside. Don’t be afraid to let anyone see your sensitive side. Those who matter will love you, regardless. Never forget you’re strong and brave; only you can dictate your story. Some people might try to take the lead, but you control you.” Noble squeezed Jessie’s hands one more time before releasing them and standing.

“Noble, you’ve shown me that pain and strength can go hand in hand, as well as being fierce and fragile. Thank you so much for investing in me and my case. Because of you, I want to be a voice for survivors. Maybe being a counselor will help me give back as much as you helped me. And I think being like you, well, it’s awesome. I only hope I can live up to it and you.”

“Jessie, please remember that although we met under the most terrible circumstances, I hope you or your mom will not hesitate to contact me if you need anything. I know you can do anything you set your mind to. Can you please get your mom so I can tell her goodbye?”

“I’ll be right back. And thank you for being you, Noble. You’ve never treated me like a child and always told me the truth, even if I didn’t want to hear it.” She smiled as she left the room in search of her mom.

†

“Yep, I’m going to refer to you as Noble Knight from now on,” Charlie voiced as she entered the room, propping her shoulder on the doorframe.

“Okay.” Noble looked at Charlie through her narrowed eyes. And here I am, hoping to leave without having to talk with her again. No luck on my side today.

“Listening to you and Jessie talk has made me realize that we’re glad you were the detective on her case. You connected with her, and for that, you deserve a huge thank you from me,” Charlie stated. “I know teenagers and those types of cases are the hardest, but it helps the victim when they have a detective who can show empathy during their case. That would be why I’ve given you the name Noble Knight.”

“Thank you, I think. Jessie is a bright young lady with her entire future ahead of her. She has my support whether I’m on duty or off,” Noble answered in a steady, confident voice.

“She’s like family, and you’re always welcome here, Noble,” Mrs. Williams proclaimed as she walked into the room.

“Same with you and Jessie. You’re a great addition to my family,” Noble replied.

“Thank you so much for helping my daughter. You’ve helped Jessie and me in ways you don’t know. Being a mom is hard, and when something like this happens to your child, you feel you’ve failed them,” she said, her eyes filling with tears. “You’ve genuinely helped me as well, and for that, I’m not sure I could ever repay you except with my deepest gratitude.” Mrs. Williams walked over to Noble and hugged her.

“You’re welcome, Mrs. Williams. Working this case for Jessie reminds me that there’s still good in this world, and you must continually fight evil to bring the good to light. Jessie knows, but if you need anything yourself, contact me. Day or night,” Noble answered as she put her arms around Mrs. Williams and embraced her briefly before taking a step back.

“Well, Janet, you’re so right about everything regarding Detective Gentry. Honestly, it makes me want to hug her as well.” Charlie stepped in front of Noble, and as she put her arms around Noble’s neck, an electrical shock caused both to jump a foot apart.

“Wow! Must be that electrifying personality of yours, Ms. Matthews,” Noble said.

“Woo hoo, that was an enormous shock.” Jessie laughed as she walked toward the front door. “Come on, Noble, you need to leave before Charlie sends you into cardiac arrest.”

“Ladies, you have a wonderful rest of your day, and you’ll hear from me.” Noble walked out the front door, hearing the click of the deadbolt when she reached her car. “Today has been quite unusual. I hope Jessie doesn’t have to encounter someone as intrusive as Ms. Matthews on a regular basis,” she said aloud.