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Raelyn did her best to rein in her frustration. Maybe the pastor didn’t recognize the guy who’d attacked him, but it seemed as if he was determined to protect the people of this neighborhood more so than getting the assailant behind bars. “I need to take a formal statement.” She glanced at his car, then back at him. “Where were you tonight?”

Isaiah gestured to the house. “Please come inside where we can speak privately.”

“Fine.” She had to admit it was probably safer to have him off the street. She glanced around as she followed him up to the small porch. There was no sign of the perp, of course, but that didn’t mean others weren’t hiding nearby.

This was the second time in a matter of hours that someone had tried to kill him, and she wanted to know who they were and why they were targeting him.

“Would you like something to drink? Coffee? Water? Soft drink?”

“No thanks.” She was exhausted but didn’t think coffee this late was a good idea. She’d been back to the precinct to get her backup weapon. It was a replica of her regular service weapon, which was nice. She still had a third gun that she sometimes used off duty, but a small weapon tucked in an ankle holster wasn’t as convenient.

“Please excuse me while I grab an ice pack for my throat.” He disappeared into the kitchen where she could hear him rummaging in the freezer.

She was impressed at how neat and tidy the place was. The furniture was worn but sturdy. The carpet also showed signs of wear, but it had also been recently vacuumed, and there wasn’t any dust that she could see.

In truth, Pastor Washington was a better housekeeper than she was. Or maybe someone from the church cleaned for him. He was handsome enough that she imagined the single women in the area would be throwing themselves at him.

“Please sit down.” He gestured to the sofa and dropped into the overstuffed chair nearby. He pressed a bag of frozen corn to his throat. “I appreciate your help again, Officer Lewis. If you hadn’t been there...” He didn’t finish.

“Call me Raelyn. All this pastor and officer stuff is a bit much.”

“Of course. And please call me Isaiah.” He smiled again, despite the recent attack.

“I’m glad I was able to help.” She frowned at the frozen corn. “Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital to have your throat looked at?”

“I’m sure.” His blue gaze was calm, as if this wasn’t the first time he’d been attacked. And really, what did she know about him? There hadn’t been time to dig into Isaiah Washington’s past. She and Grayson had spent hours trying to find Pinky, to no avail. Then she had done another two hours of paperwork before she’d come back here.

Just in time to save Isaiah’s life.

“Your choice.” She couldn’t force him to get treatment. “But I still need to know where you were this evening.” It suddenly occurred to her that Isaiah may have been hiding Pinky here for the past few hours.

“I’m a rideshare driver.” Isaiah’s statement surprised her. Then, as if reading her mind, he added, “I can prove that by showing you my list of fares for the past four and a half hours if necessary.”

“Rideshare driver,” she repeated. “I thought you were the church pastor?”

“The two roles are not mutually exclusive.” He offered a lopsided smile. “My job as church pastor fulfills my heart and my sense of purpose. Being a rideshare driver fills my bank account and allows me to provide community meals after each Sunday service.”

“I see.” She sat back on the sofa, realizing she may have misjudged him. Although he was still protecting those kids. “Back to the attack, you’re sure you didn’t recognize that man? He must know you if he said you deserved it.”

“I didn’t get a close look at him.” Isaiah grimaced. “He caught me off guard, slamming me to the ground, then strangling me. It was dark because my porch light was out. Maybe he did that, I don’t know. Regardless, you probably got a better look at him than I did.”

“I wish I had, but I was in your backyard when I heard the scuffle. By the time I ran around the corner, all I could see was his back as he attempted to strangle you.” She sighed. “Then he took off. I never got a good look at his face.”

He shifted the cold back onto his throat. “You think he’s the same one who took a shot at me outside the church?”

“Yes, unless you have more than one person who wants you dead.” She leaned forward, propping her elbows on her knees. “You mentioned calling in the drug deal going down outside the church. You didn’t give your name, but I’m thinking whoever attacked you knew you made that anonymous call. And they’re striking back in revenge.”

He looked thoughtful for a moment. “That’s possible. But if that was the case, I would expect to be issued a warning rather than being killed outright.”

“A warning?” she scoffed. “In this neighborhood? Doubtful.”

He shrugged. “I just can’t imagine being killed for a call that I may or may not have made. The neighbors across the street could have just as easily contacted the police. Not everyone living here condones crime.”

She hated to admit that much was true. The police had gotten various stories from the few witnesses who had stayed indoors. But two people in those homes directly across from the three dead kids told the exact same story. They both described how two squads carrying four officers arrived to break up the gathering. The situation escalated, and one of the officers fired first, shooting and killing a teenager. That’s when several other kids pulled weapons and fired back.

“We talked to those neighbors. They saw the police arrive on the scene and informed us they fired the first shot.” She hadn’t liked hearing that, but then again, so many of the kids were armed, so she couldn’t blame the officers for doing whatever was necessary to break things up. “But you didn’t see that, right?”

“Correct.” He frowned. “I wish I had. I feel responsible since I’m the one who made that phone call.”

“You did the right thing.” She softened her tone. Normally, she was easygoing, but there was something about Isaiah that riled her up. “Deaths from drug overdoses are on the rise. It’s not good that kids are dealing drugs.”

He winced and nodded. She eyed him curiously. She got the feeling he was holding back on her. Again.

“Have you seen Pinky since he left the church?” she asked.

“No. I haven’t seen anyone from the incident. As I already told you, I worked late, then headed out to do my rideshare hours.” He seemed annoyed now. “Is there anything else? I could use some sleep.”

She shrugged and rose to her feet. “That’s all for now. However, you really need to be careful. Whoever that guy was, he obviously knows where you live and where you work. I don’t think it’s a stretch to believe he’ll try again.”

If she thought Isaiah would look frightened by that prospect, she was wrong. He simply nodded, set the bag of corn aside, and stood. “I understand. I will make sure to lock up after you leave.”

She hesitated, wondering if leaving him here alone was the right thing to do. She didn’t want anything to happen to him, but it wasn’t as if the Milwaukee Police Department had the budget to pay for a cop to sit outside his house all night either.

Shaking off the thought, she strode to the front door. Then she abruptly turned and took a business card from her pocket. “This is my personal cell number. If someone shows up here, you need to call 911, but if you remember something or hear from Pinky, I respectfully ask you to call me.”

He took the card, looking down at it for a moment. “I will. Thanks again, Raelyn.”

Hearing her name in his low husky voice made her tummy do a little flip. She ignored it. “Be safe, Isaiah.” She walked out into the cool night, waiting for him to close and lock the door behind her.

She’d left her squad on the next block over. Technically, she was off duty and shouldn’t be dressed in her full uniform or driving the squad. But since she’d gotten here in time to interrupt the attack, she doubted Joe or Rhy would give her any grief over it.

After sliding in behind the wheel, she started the car and thought about the large Black man who’d tried to strangle Isaiah. The first attempt had been a long-distance shot, and this more recent attempt had been up close and personal.

Two different perps? Maybe.

Her intent had been to head to her small home, but instead, she found herself driving around the block and pulling up in front of Isaiah’s house. She sat for a moment, the engine idling, wondering if she should call Joe or Rhy to ask about offering the pastor protection.

As he wasn’t a material witness, she couldn’t imagine how they’d justify the expense. Then she thought about Isaiah taking rideshares to make ends meet. To offer meals for those who attended church.

With a resigned sigh, she shut down the engine and hunkered down in the front seat. She’d stick around for a while, just in case. Only because she didn’t want the pastor’s death on her conscience. She didn’t believe in God, but she’d seen enough to know there were plenty of devils walking among them.

Like Pinky’s father. And Kenny, her mother’s boyfriend who’d attempted to rape her when she was only thirteen.

Oh yeah. The devils walked among them often in plain sight. And her job was to protect and serve, keeping evil at bay.

Isaiah didn’t sleep well,partially because of the pain in his ribs and his sore throat, but mostly because of the events that had transpired during the day. He kept seeing Pinky’s panicked gaze in his mind, only he was cuffed and helpless to ease the child’s pain.

He dragged himself up at six o’clock the following morning, stumbling toward the kitchen. As he moved past the living room, the sight of a squad parked out front brought him up short.

What in the world?

Wide awake now, he detoured from his quest to get coffee and crossed the living room. Without hesitation, he yanked open the front door and headed outside.

To his surprise, Raelyn slid out from behind the wheel. He stopped abruptly, conscious of his flannel pants, T-shirt, and slippers. “Have you been out here all night?”

She yawned. “Yeah. I don’t suppose you have any coffee?”

“I was just going to make a pot.” He gestured for her to come inside. “I’ll cook breakfast too.”

She followed him into the house. Hard to imagine she’d gotten any rest dressed in uniform and sitting in a squad all night. He felt guilty even though he hadn’t asked her to do that. He quickly crossed to the counter to get the coffee going.

“You’ll be glad to know everything was quiet last night,” she said, dropping into a kitchen chair.

“No surprise, I’m sure your squad scared everyone off,” he said with a smile.

“I thought Pinky might show up or the big Black guy, but the streets were empty.” She yawned again, then scrubbed her hands over her face. “Do you mind if I borrow your bathroom?”

“Of course, first door on the right.”

“Thanks.” She headed that way.

He decided to take the opportunity to change into real clothes, choosing jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt. Feeling better, he returned to the kitchen to begin breakfast.

Feeding her seemed like the least he could do. He had just a few eggs left and some toast. Hopefully, that would be enough to pay her back for staying up all night to watch over him. Oh, he understood she’d only stayed to catch Pinky or his assailant, but he still appreciated her dedication to her job.

It is about the only thing we have in common, he thought with a wry smile.

When Raelyn returned a few minutes later, her hair was down, and she looked more relaxed. “That coffee smells good.”

“Have a seat.” He quickly set the nearly empty carton of eggs aside to reach for a mug. “Black? Or cream and sugar?”

“Black.” She frowned. “You don’t need to cook for me. I just wanted some coffee before heading home.”

“You don’t like eggs and toast?” He handed her the mug of coffee. “I have enough for both of us.”

She hesitated, cradling the mug, then nodded. “I like eggs and toast. If you’re sure it’s no trouble.”

“It’s not.” He quickly went to work, feeling somewhat nervous having her there. After living alone for so many years, he wasn’t accustomed to entertaining.

His short stint in jail had given him a deep appreciation for privacy. Having a place to stay and a job that helped put food on the table among other things was a gift. One he didn’t take for granted.

“I hope you don’t have to work today.” He glanced at her over his shoulder. “You need time to sleep.”

“I’m not scheduled to work until three p.m.” She yawned again, then took another sip of her coffee. “Plenty of time to get a few hours of rack time in.”

He didn’t like it. Shouldn’t cops be well rested before heading out to the street? But he kept his thoughts to himself, unwilling to upset the hint of camaraderie between them.

“Scrambled, sunny-side up, or over easy?” He held two eggs in his hand.

“Whatever you’re having is fine.” She shrugged. “Scrambled isn’t bad when they’re real eggs rather than the powdered stuff you get in the army.”

“Ah, that explains the phrase ‘rack time,’” he said. “How long did you serve in the military?”

“Four years.” She tilted her head to the side. “Long enough to grow up and decide it was better to risk my life keeping the peace here at home rather than in a foreign country halfway across the globe.”

He should have guessed she’d served time in the armed forces. Raelyn might look like a beauty queen, but she was tough as nails and not afraid to wade into danger. The way she’d tried to talk Pinky into giving up his weapon had been impressive.

“Over easy it is,” he said lightly. “But don’t yell at me if I break your yolks.”

“Yell about eggs?” She shook her head. “Not likely. Now if you were harboring Pinky in here, there might be something to yell about.”

“I’m not.” He supposed he couldn’t blame her for believing the worst.

“But you would if you could,” she said.

He put bread in the toaster, then turned to face her. “Pinky is barely fifteen. He’s young and needs support and guidance, not jail.” When she opened her mouth to argue, he lifted his hand. “I know he shot at you. I know he shouldn’t have a gun. I know he broke the law. But maybe he’s better off in a juvenile detention facility rather than jail.”

She eyed him over the rim of her mug. “You think juvie is that much better?”

“I don’t know, I never spent time there.” But he had spent time in jail and had to believe a juvenile facility was better for Pinky. “At least think about it.”

She didn’t respond for a long moment. “You sound as if you know what it’s like to be locked up.”

He was surprised she hadn’t looked up his criminal background already. Although she had been busy saving his life, searching for Pinky and the others, then saving his life again. “I do. Did a year and a half in the house of corrections when I was eighteen.”

“For what?” She didn’t look as if she were judging him, but that she was genuinely interested. Maybe she needed to hear his story. To know that where there was God, there was hope. Even for Pinky.

“Dealing drugs.” He lifted his hand to rub his chest. “Unfortunately, a guy who didn’t have enough cash on him for the deal decided to shoot me to get the dope.”

She sucked in a harsh breath, looking horrified. “You were shot? In the chest?”

“Yes.” He eyed the eggs in the pan, then turned to her. “That was ten years ago, and I admit I made bad choices that almost got me killed. My mom was sick and lost her job as a housekeeper at the hospital. Dealing drugs was easy money.” He shook his head and sighed. “Until it wasn’t.”

“I’m sorry, that sounds rough.” She propped her elbows on the table. “But you turned your life around. Made another choice to change your path.”

“Yes. Because I saw the light.” The toast popped, and he quickly buttered the bread, then flipped the eggs. A minute later, he brought their plates to the table. “I would like to say grace.”

“Ah, sure.” She bowed her head, holding her hands in her lap.

“Dear Lord, we thank You for this food we are blessed to eat. We ask that You continue to keep all Your children safe in Your care. Amen.”

“Amen,” she added, after a slight hesitation. Then she reached for her fork. “Thanks. This looks delicious.”

“You’re welcome.” He took a bite of his toast, trying to think of something to say that would help her accept God’s presence. He’d had the benefit of almost dying to learn about God, but obviously he didn’t want Raelyn to go through something like that.

For a pastor, he wasn’t very good at this.

“You said it’s been ten years since you were a drug dealer,” she said, interrupting his thoughts. “You must have known the players back then.”

“I only knew the handful I dealt with,” he said. “It’s not as if those on the lower levels of the drug-running organization knows who’s at the top of the chain.”

She narrowed her gaze. “There you go again, protecting criminals.”

“I’m not.” He sighed, then added, “I highly doubt the same players are hanging around all this time later.” He thought for a minute about Donte Wicks. He’d been tall, but not heavy like his assailant. Donte had been a hundred and fifty pounds soaking wet. Besides, the last time he’d checked, and that was only a few weeks ago, Donte was still in jail.

But that made him wonder how Donte had gotten arrested. Had he been caught? Despite nearly dying, he’d never told the police about Donte Wicks. First because he’d been on a bunch of meds after having surgery and later because they hadn’t asked.

“Maybe not, but I think it’s second nature for you to protect those living in your neighborhood,” she said. “You can’t save them all, Isaiah. The man who assaulted you is still out there.”

“I know.” Of course, he couldn’t save them all. But he could save one or two at a time. And that was worth it.

They ate in silence for a few minutes. When they were finished, he carried their empty plates to the sink. “More coffee?”

“No thanks. I need to get home.” She stood and stretched. “Where are you headed this morning?”

“I need to go back to the church.” He hesitated, then added, “I would like the names of those who were killed yesterday so I can visit their families.”

She frowned. “That sounds dangerous.”

“It’s not.” He couldn’t allow the two attempts on his life to prevent him from doing his duty. Maybe David and Goliath should be his theme for next Sunday. Bravery in the face of danger.

“I’ll give you a ride.”

“No need. It’s only five blocks away.” Her offer was nice, but he suspected she’d only made it because she thought Pinky might be at the church waiting for him.

“Humor me. After sitting outside all night, I’d feel better knowing you reached the church safely.”

The stubborn tilt to her chin made him sigh. “Fine. Give me a few minutes and I’ll be ready to go.”

“Not a problem.” She carried her empty mug to the kitchen counter and poured another half a cup of coffee. “No need to rush on my account.”

Taking her at her word, he indulged in a quick shower, then donned what he thought of as his pastor uniform, black dress slacks and black shirt along with the white collar. He needed to be ready if victims’ families decided to seek him out.

When he joined Raelyn, she was working her phone. “Any updates?”

“Not yet.” She slipped the phone into her pocket. “Ready?”

“Yes.” He led the way through the living room to the front door. He waited for her to step through, then locked the door behind him. When she headed for her squad, he hung back, struck by a sense of trepidation.

Maybe riding to church in a squad wasn’t the smartest move.

“Something wrong?” Raelyn arched a brow. “What’s the matter? You don’t want any of your parishioners to see you hobnobbing with the police?”

“We’re not hobnobbing.” He squelched the urge to chuckle. “I’m more worried about your safety.”

“We’ll be fine.” She waved off his concern. “Get in.”

He opened the passenger-side door and slid in. He told himself it was foolish to worry. One thing about the neighborhood, things were generally quiet early in the morning. Those who worked the streets at night slept in.

“Are you planning to do more rideshare driving tonight?” Raelyn asked as she pulled away from the curb, then drove around the block toward the New Hope Church.

“Depends.” That was the other nice thing about being a rideshare driver. He could pick and choose his hours. “I want to be available at the church if anyone needs me.”

That made her frown. “You need to be careful, Isaiah.”

Her concern was heartwarming. The last person who’d warned him to be careful was his mother. And that was before he’d nearly died on the street.

“I will.” The words no sooner left his mouth when there was a crack of gunfire followed by the shattering of the windshield.

“Down!” Raelyn hit the brake, then ducked her head. He could hear her giving their location to a dispatcher, requesting backup for an officer taking fire.

She was right about the danger. And this time, the shooter hadn’t cared that he might kill Raelyn too.