Free Abducted by Janice Cantore Page A

to think before she responded. She liked Alex, and if Nick were out of the picture, she’d say yes immediately. But in spite of the issues between them right now, Nick
was
in the picture. She took a bite, chewed, swallowed, then answered.
    “I’ll think about it. I do consider you a friend, so let’s finish dinner and then get back to the hospital. Joe is also a friend, and I’m worried about him.”
    Trejo nodded. Carly busied herself with her food, hoping the subject was closed. But Trejo didn’t let the silence last.
    “If you don’t mind my asking, why did you and Nick get divorced in the first place?”
    “Well—” Carly thought carefully about how she wanted to answer—“it’s a long story, so I’ll just hit the high points. Nick had a brief affair. But he’s apologized, and I’ve forgiven him. We have a lot to work out, but we’re both willing.”
    “Whoa! He cheated on you, and you want him back?” Trejo put his palms on the counter, sat up straight, and looked at Carly with an incredulous expression.
    Carly smiled. She was used to that kind of response, especially from people she worked with. Adultery was unpardonable to many on the police force. Law enforcement marriages suffered a high percentage of divorces due to infidelity, and forgiveness often seemed a scarce commodity. “Yeah, Alex, I forgave him. I really believe he’s sorry, that it was a huge mistake and he’s changed.”
    Trejo shook his head. “You’re more incredible than I first thought. Does he know how lucky he is?”
    “I try to remind him now and again.” I just doubt I’m getting through.
    “What did he do to convince you he’d changed?”
    “He became a Christian, started going to church, and I could see without a doubt that his lifestyle was different.” Carly realized she was telling someone other than close friends and family about Nick’s conversion for the first time. Her own had followed shortly thereafter, which was why she was able to forgive him. Finding Christ changed my life for the better four months ago. And it was Nick who led the way.
    “Do you really think if he’s a churchgoer he won’t cheat again?” Trejo asked the question in all seriousness. She saw no ridicule in his expression, and it made her bold.
    “He’s sincere about his commitment to God; I’m sure of that. And church isn’t what it’s all about. As Christians, we believe the focus is a relationship with God, not a building.” Carly looked down at her plate as her stomach lurched. She
was
sure about Nick’s commitment to God but totally unsure about his commitment to her. She felt like she was standing on the narrowest of limbs, over the deepest of gorges, and the limb was breaking. She focused on Trejo’s voice.
    “I just know that a lot of guys will tell their wives anything so they’ll take them back. I’ve heard the motto for cheating cops is ‘It’s cheaper to keep her,’” he was saying, “and then they go right back to cheating. My mom and dad went to church every Sunday. Mom said her rosary every night, and still my dad kept girlfriends. I remember in high school wanting to beat his head in because he made her cry. But she always took him back because of the church. I don’t know whether there is a God or not, but I do know people use him as an excuse for a lot of things, good and bad.”
    “I believe there is a God and he’s got Nick, so I trust Nick.” Carly found Trejo’s probing gaze beyond unsettling and reached for her shake.
    “I envy faith like that, Edwards. I hope Nick doesn’t let you down. Whatever happens, I’ll be here for you.” Their gazes locked. “And I mean that . . . even if we’re never more than just friends.”
    “Thanks, I appreciate that. Now let’s finish dinner and get back to the hospital.”
    He nodded and grabbed the ketchup bottle. “Your every wish is my command.”
    They finished up, and Trejo snatched the bill before the server could put it on the counter.